| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09448841B2 |
Decommissioning physical host machines after relocating unproductive virtual machines therefrom
A resource management node includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes computer readable program code that when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform operations. The operations can include identifying an unproductive group of guest virtual machines (VMs) that satisfy a defined rule for being unproductive on an first group of physical host machines based on infrastructure of a distributed computing system used by the first group of the physical host machines to host the guest VMs. A relocation scenario is generated for relocating the unproductive group of the guest VMs from the first group of the physical host machines to a second group of the physical host machines. An effect of the relocation scenario on infrastructure usage of the distributed computing system is estimated. The unproductive group of the guest VMs is relocated from the first group of the physical host machines to the second group of the physical host machines based on the relocation scenario. |
| US09448833B1 |
Profiling multiple virtual machines in a distributed system
A task comprising at least a first subtask on a computer system is analyzed. As part of the analysis, a profiler controller transmits a first profile instruction to a first profiler instance. The profiler controller transmits a second profile instruction to a second profiler instance. In response to the first profile instruction, the first profiler instances embeds a first task identifier into a first subtask request sent by a first virtual machine. In response to the second profile instruction, the second profiler instance captures the first task identifier from the first subtask request received by a second process virtual machine. The profiler controller identifies an execution instance of the task of the computer system based on the first copy and the second copy of the first task identifier received from the first profiler instance and the second profiler instance, respectively. |
| US09448826B2 |
Enforcing policy-based compliance of virtual machine image configurations
Techniques are disclosed for data risk management in accessing an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud network. More specifically, embodiments of the invention evaluate virtual machine images launched in cloud-based environments for compliance with a policy. After intercepting a virtual machine image launch request, an intermediary policy management engine determines whether the request conforms to a policy defined by a policy manager, e.g., an enterprise's information security officer. The policy may be based on user identities, virtual machine image attributes, data classifications, or other criteria. Upon determining whether the request conforms to policy, the policy management engine allows the request, blocks the request, or triggers a management approval workflow. |
| US09448823B2 |
Provision of a download script
Disclosed are machine processors and methods performed thereby. The processor has access to processing units for performing data processing and to libraries. Functions in the libraries are implementable to perform parallel processing and graphics processing. The processor may be configured to acquire (e.g., to download from a web server) a download script, possibly with extensions specifying bindings to library functions. Running the script may cause the processor to create, for each processing unit, contexts in which functions may be run, and to run, on the processing units and within a respective context, a portion of the download script. Running the script may also cause the processor to create, for a processing unit, a memory object, transfer data into that memory object, and transfer data back to the processor in such a way that a memory address of the data in the memory object is not returned to the processor. |
| US09448822B2 |
System and method for managing a virtual machine environment
A system and method for providing an abstraction of the VM environment for management and control of one or more VMs without being tied to a particular hardware platform or construct. |
| US09448821B2 |
Method and system for realizing virtual machine mobility
The present document discloses a method and system for realizing virtual machine mobility, comprising: in a process of establishing communication with a second virtual machine, a first virtual machine subscribing to a media access control (MAC) address change notification of the second virtual machine from an address resolution server (ARS) through a first virtual switch in a physical server where the first virtual machine is located; after the second virtual machine migrates, a second virtual switch in a physical server, to which the second virtual machine migrates, registering a corresponding relationship between an IP address of the second virtual machine and a MAC address of the second virtual switch itself to the ARS; and the ARS updating the MAC address corresponding to the IP address of the second virtual machine, and notifying the first virtual machine of the updated MAC address according to the subscription of the first virtual machine. |
| US09448819B1 |
User-influenced placement of virtual machines
When launching a virtual machine on a network of server computers, a user has little ability to influence which server computer is used. The embodiments described herein allow a user to specify a parameter that can influence placement on a particular server meeting user-specified criteria. For example, the user can influence placement based on price, a manufacturer, a year that the infrastructure platform was manufactured, a chipset, a hardware card, a processor type, etc. An example API call can allow users to provide guidance on placement preference policy for selecting different generations and/or editions. |
| US09448818B2 |
Defining classes as singleton classes or non-singleton classes
One or more of the classes is defined using an attribute or keyword that indicates that the one or more classes may be defined as singleton classes or non-singleton classes (a class that may be instantiated more than once). A compiler system converts the class to a singleton class when the compiler system receives a command or request indicating that the class is to be defined as a singleton class. Various optimizations may be performed when one or more of the classes in the source code are defined as singleton classes. The compiler system may not convert the class to a singleton class when the compiler system receives a command or request indicating that the class is to be defined as a non-singleton class. |
| US09448811B2 |
Microprocessor device, and method of managing reset events therefor
A microprocessor device comprises at least one reset management module. The at least one reset management module is arranged to detect a reset event comprising a first reset level, determine if at least one reset condition has been met upon detection of the reset event comprising the first reset level, and cause a reset of a second reset level upon determining that the at least one reset condition has been met. |
| US09448808B2 |
BIOS update with service processor without serial peripheral interface (SPI) access
Certain aspects direct to BIOS update with a service processor (SP) without access through a serial peripheral interface (SPI). In certain embodiments, the system includes a SP, which includes a processor, a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory and a system interface. The SP receives a BIOS image from a remote management computer, and stores the BIOS image in the volatile memory. When the SP receives, from a BIOS executed at a central processing unit (CPU) of a host computer through the system interface, a request for the BIOS image, the SP sends a copy of the BIOS image in response to the request for the BIOS image to the host computer through the system interface such that the BIOS executed at the CPU of the host computer replaces a current BIOS image stored in a BIOS chip with the copy of the BIOS image. |
| US09448805B2 |
Software controlled data prefetch buffering
The invention relates to the method of prefetching data in micro-processor buffer under software controls. |
| US09448802B2 |
Instruction and logic for processing text strings
Method, apparatus, and machine-readable medium for performing a string comparison operation. An apparatus includes execution resources to execute a first instruction. In response to the first instruction, the execution resources store a result of a comparison between each data element of a first and second operands corresponding to a first and second text strings, respectively. |
| US09448798B1 |
Silent store detection and recording in memory storage
An aspect includes receiving a write request that includes a memory address and write data. Stored data is read from a memory location at the memory address. Based on determining that the memory location was not previously modified, the stored data is compared to the write data. Based on the stored data matching the write data, the write request is completed without writing the write data to the memory and a corresponding silent store bit, in a silent store bitmap is set. Based on the stored data not matching the write data, the write data is written to the memory location, the silent store bit is reset and a corresponding modified bit is set. At least one of an application and an operating system is provided access to the silent store bitmap. |
| US09448792B2 |
Automatic risk analysis of software
Techniques are described herein that are capable of performing automatic risk analysis of software. An automatic risk analyzer may determine correlations between binaries of the software and source files of the software, between the source files and functions (i.e., sub-routines) of the software, between changes to source code of the software and defects, new features, and/or feature enhancements in the software, between attributes of the software (e.g., attributes associated with the changes to the source code), etc. at various time instances. The automatic risk analyzer may compare the correlations corresponding to a first time instance and the correlations corresponding to a second time instance to determine any of a variety of temporal relationships regarding underlying factors, including but not limited to new feature(s), feature enhancement(s), defect(s), churn rate, code coverage, code complexity, etc. The automatic risk analyzer may determine risk(s) for the software based on the temporal relationships. |
| US09448785B1 |
System and method updating full disk encryption software
Disclosed are systems and method or updating full disk encryption (FDE) software on a computer. An example method comprises: blocking operations of the FDE software on a boot drive of the computer; installing one or more components of the updated FDE software; deploying an updated pre-boot compatibility verification component of updated FDE software; rebooting the computer and executing, before booting of an operating system, the updated pre-boot compatibility verification component; determining, by the updated pre-boot compatibility verification component, a compatibility of the boot disk with the updated FDE software without decrypting and encrypting the boot disk of the computer by the updated FDE software; if the boot disk is determined to be compatible with the updated FDE software, authenticating a computer user and booting the operating system of the computer; and unblocking one or more operations of the updated FDE software on the boot drive. |
| US09448782B1 |
Reducing a size of an application package
Some examples include techniques for efficiently handling an application package. For instance, a native code library used by an application may be identified. A wrapper library that enables the application to access the native code library may be created. The wrapper library may be stored in a first area of the application package. The native code library may be stored in a second area of the application package. If the application package includes more than one native code library, the application package may include a loading order specifying an order in which the native code libraries are to be loaded into a memory of a computing device. |
| US09448779B2 |
Execution of retargetted graphics processor accelerated code by a general purpose processor
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for translating application programs written using a parallel programming model for execution on multi-core graphics processing unit (GPU) for execution by general purpose central processing unit (CPU). Portions of the application program that rely on specific features of the multi-core GPU are converted by a translator for execution by a general purpose CPU. The application program is partitioned into regions of synchronization independent instructions. The instructions are classified as convergent or divergent and divergent memory references that are shared between regions are replicated. Thread loops are inserted to ensure correct sharing of memory between various threads during execution by the general purpose CPU. |
| US09448778B2 |
Optimizing compiler performance by object collocation
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for performing object collocation on a computer system are provided. The method includes analyzing a sequence of computer instructions for object allocations and uses of the allocated objects. The method further includes creating an allocation interference graph of object allocation nodes with edges indicating pairs of allocations to be omitted from collocation. The method also includes coloring the allocation interference graph such that adjacent nodes are assigned different colors, and creating an object allocation at a program point prior to allocations of a selected color from the allocation interference graph. The method additionally includes storing an address associated with the created object allocation in a collocation pointer, and replacing a use of each allocation of the selected color with a use of the collocation pointer to collocate multiple objects. |
| US09448774B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method
A data processing and displaying apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus and method may visualize and display interactive contents to be easily recognized where a number of nodes is large or branches are complex for visualized graph-typed input data. The data processing apparatus and method may also selectively display a portion of nodes or conditions desired by a user based on a particular user input. |
| US09448771B2 |
System, computer program product, and method for generating a lightweight source code for implementing an image processing pipeline
A system, method, and computer program product for generating a lightweight source code for implementing an image processing pipeline is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a specification for an image processing pipeline based on configuration settings associated with a user interface of a viewer application, generating a graphics language (GL) representation of the image processing pipeline based on the specification, and code for causing the GL representation to be compiled via a compile service to generate a binary executable instantiation of the image processing pipeline for execution on one or more graphics processing unit (GPU) cores. |
| US09448762B2 |
Precognitive interactive music system
The subject disclosure is directed towards a pre-cognitive interactive music system that dynamically generates and adjusts music based on a user's interactions with a videogame or other interactive system. When a user is predicted as getting close to an upcoming event, audio clips are dynamically selected (e.g., via metric modulation) based upon an estimated time to reach the event. The audio clips are stitched together and played as prelap music as the user approaches the event, and the clips may be varied if the estimated time changes due to user interaction. Drawdown music is similarly selected as the user completes or moves away from an event. Also described is the changing of the playing rate to adjust the music, and the use of harmonic modulation to change the music's key over time to increase or lower perceived suspense as the user approaches the event or moves away from it, respectively. |
| US09448758B2 |
Projecting airplane location specific maintenance history using optical reference points
A method for displaying location specific maintenance history for an object is implemented by operating a camera to locate at least one marker tag with fiducial marker-based tracking functionality on the object to provide a reference to a coordinate system associated with the object. An area of the object surrounding the coordinates defined by marker tag is determined from the coordinate system. A repair history for the determined area is then projected onto the object with the projection referenced to the coordinate system associated with the object. |
| US09448755B2 |
Wearable electronic device having heterogeneous display screens
Particular embodiments described herein provide for a wearable electronic device, such as a bracelet, watch, wristband or armband. One particular example implementation of a wearable electronic device may include a first display screen, a second display screen, and logic. At least a portion of the logic is implemented in hardware. The logic is configured to receive a communication over a wireless network, and to display, in the first display screen, a communication alert. The communication alert can be a graphic design. The logic is also configured to receive input data indicative of a screen transition input to view information associated with the communication, and to display, in the second display screen, the information associated with the communication. In further embodiments, the graphic design includes a notification pattern indicating one or more attributes of the communication. In further embodiments, the first and second display screens form a single display screen. |
| US09448754B2 |
Resolving label collisions on a digital map
A technique for displaying labels on a digital map comprise displaying the digital map via a user interface at a first zoom level, including displaying non-overlapping labels. The method also comprises receiving, via the user interface, a request to zoom out from the digital map to a second zoom level, where the second zoom level corresponds to smaller magnification than the first zoom level, and where the plurality of labels have the same size at the first zoom level and the second zoom level. Still further, the method includes resolving collisions among the plurality of labels at the second zoom level in response to receiving the request and prior to zooming out from the first zoom level, and zooming out from the digital map at the first zoom level to the second zoom level via at least one intermediate zoom level. |
| US09448753B2 |
Communicating apparatus, communication method, and storage medium storing program
A communicating apparatus receives a request command which requires a response, and determines whether the communication mode of a partner apparatus corresponding to the request command matches a communication mode executed by the self communicating apparatus. If it is determined that the communication mode of the partner apparatus matches the communication mode executed by the self communicating apparatus, the communicating apparatus transmits a response command to the request command. If it is determined that the communication mode of the partner apparatus does not match the communication mode executed by the self communicating apparatus, the communicating apparatus transmits no response command to the request command. |
| US09448752B2 |
Print service identifier
A system for identifying a print service provider including an input module to receive a requested print product intent and an identification module. The identification module collects production job data regarding a plurality of successfully produced print jobs and compares the collected production job data to the requested print product intent to identify matching print jobs and its associated print service provider. A reporting module reports the matching print jobs. |
| US09448749B1 |
Determining multifunction printer location based on user location and common location
A method for determining imaging device locations within an organization includes determining a plurality of recent users of an imaging device based upon a user log thereof; identifying an assigned location of each of the plurality of recent users in the organization via communication with a user location directory; and associating a location of the imaging device to an area in the organization that is common among the assigned locations of the recent users. |
| US09448747B2 |
Power supply control technique for an image forming apparatus, management apparatus, and method for controlling the same
In an image forming apparatus, a shutdown request unit controls the image forming apparatus to perform shutdown at shutdown execution date and time included in schedule information, which is set beforehand and managed by a schedule management unit. A function restriction management unit restricts at least part of a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus stepwise at timing earlier than the shutdown execution date and time, and a message management unit notifies a user of a message whose content is differentiated in each of steps. |
| US09448743B2 |
Mass storage controller volatile memory containing metadata related to flash memory storage
A storage controller is provided that contains multiple processors. In some embodiments, the storage controller is coupled to a flash memory module having multiple flash memory groups, each flash memory group corresponding to a distinct flash port in the storage controller, each flash port comprising an associated processor. Each processor handles a portion of one or more host commands, including reads and writes, allowing multiple parallel pipelines to handle one or more host commands simultaneously. |
| US09448742B2 |
Communication between a host and a secondary storage device
Communication between a host and a data storage device (DSD) including a first media for storing data and a second media for storing data. In one embodiment, a first controller of the DSD is configured to control operation of the first media and a second controller of the DSD is configured to control operation of the second media. The first controller receives a key data block of a monitoring system from the host with the key data block including a task file. The key data block is evaluated to determine if the key data block is directed to the second media, and if it is determined that the key data block is directed to the second media, the task file of the key data block is sent from the first controller to the second controller. |
| US09448740B2 |
Storage apparatus and hierarchy control method
Proposed are a storage apparatus and a hierarchy control method capable of reducing the workload of system operation and the workload of performance investigation.An access frequency of each of a plurality of measurement cycles for each unit area in a virtual volume is measured in a storage apparatus loaded with a hierarchy control function, the storage hierarchy which is proper as a placement destination of data written in each of the unit areas of the virtual volume is determined based on a measurement result, and the data written in a necessary unit area in the virtual volume is relocated to the storage area to which belongs the storage hierarchy that was determined as being proper based on a determination result. |
| US09448739B1 |
Efficient tape backup using deduplicated data
Various systems and methods can be used to perform backup to tape. For example, one method involves detecting an amount of storage in a tape drive that is available for concurrent access. The method then compares the size of a plurality of backup images to the amount of storage prior to initiating an archive operation. The method then involves adding information identifying a backup image to a list of backup images to be included in an archive operation and performing the archive operation, which involves writing the backup images to tape drive. |
| US09448731B2 |
Unified snapshot storage management
An illustrative approach to managing snapshots streamlines how and when snapshots are generated in a storage management system, such that fewer snapshots may be generated without diminishing the scope of data protection. A novel unified-snapshot storage policy may govern snapshots for any number of subclients. A unified-snapshot job based on the unified-snapshot storage policy enables the illustrative storage management system to automatically discover relevant components and generate at most one snapshot per target logical unit number (“LUN”) in a storage array. Each snapshot may comprise the data of any number of subclients and/or clients in the storage management system. Accordingly, one unified-snapshot job may yield a minimum but sufficient number of snapshots comprising data of all subclients associated with the governing unified-snapshot storage policy. An enhanced storage manager may manage the unified-snapshot jobs. One or more enhanced media agents and/or data agents may participate in the unified-snapshot jobs and in subsequent cataloguing of the snapshots. |
| US09448721B2 |
Electronic device including touch-sensitive input device and method of determining selection
A method of determining user-selections from at least one touch at a touch-sensitive input surface of an electronic device includes determining a first user-selection based on touch attributes, detecting changes in the touch attributes including a change in size and a change in the location, and determining a second user-selection based on a direction of the change in location. |
| US09448719B2 |
Touch sensitive device with pinch-based expand/collapse function
Techniques are disclosed for expanding and collapsing content in electronic touch sensitive devices. The expand/collapse function can be used to navigate through content that may be displayed on a screen. The user can engage the function with a pinch-based gesture. In some cases, the UI feature includes a reading pane that displays a sample of the previously hidden detailed data relating to the content currently displayed on the screen. Background content outside the reading pane can be faded or otherwise softened. In some cases, the UI feature also includes, or alternatively includes, tap-expand feature that allows the user to select one or more items that are intended to be expanded or collapsed. Such a feature can include an initial single contact, followed by an inward or outward pinch with at least one additional contact point, in some example case. |
| US09448710B2 |
Tracking user interactions with a mobile UI to facilitate UI optimizations
The disclosed embodiments relate to an apparatus or system for tracking and analyzing user interactions with a mobile user interface (UI). During operation, the apparatus collects data while a user interacts with the mobile UI through a touchscreen, wherein the data includes tap-attempt data that specifies coordinates for touchscreen locations that the user has tapped while interacting with the mobile UI. Next, the apparatus compares the tap-attempt data with locations of tappable elements in the mobile UI, wherein each tappable element has an associated tap target size. For each tappable element, the apparatus uses results of the comparison to determine a percentage of tap attempts that have succeeded or failed for the associated tap target size. Finally, the apparatus makes the percentage information available to a UI designer to enable the UI designer to adjust tap target sizes for the mobile UI. |
| US09448708B1 |
Theming for virtual collaboration
Aspects of the disclosure provide techniques that enable a communication server hosting a virtual communication session to receive theme parameters from a remote server to control the look and feel of the virtual communication session. In one example, a method includes sending a plurality of video feeds for display at a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of client devices coupled to a communication session. The communication session enables communication among a plurality of users of the client devices. The method also includes receiving a set of parameters of a theme to modify one or more visual properties of the GUIs. The method also includes sending the set of parameters to the client devices connected to the communication session to modify visual properties of the GUIs displaying the plurality of video feeds at the plurality of client devices based on the parameters of the theme. |
| US09448706B2 |
Loop removal in electronic design automation
Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates graphical object creation in an electronic design automation (EDA) application. During operation, the system uses a cursor to obtain a sequence of points from a user for creating a graphical object in a layout. Next, the system detects a loop in the graphical object based at least on the sequence of points and a current position of the cursor. Finally, the system modifies the sequence of points to remove the loop from the graphical object. |
| US09448697B2 |
Method and apparatus for information exchange over a web based environment
Exchange information through the World Wide Web is a way of life in modern society. The innovated dynamic workspace technology of this invention that implemented through operations of posting and un-posting, for various resources of message, files, and folder, networks and storages distributed among devices, has greatly improved the efficiency and flexibility for users in different environments to exchange information across a global network. |
| US09448694B2 |
Graphical user interface for navigating applications
Technologies are provided in embodiments to provide a graphical user interface to navigate applications on a mobile device. At least one embodiment is configured to receive a request to display a rotatable menu of applications on a computing device and to generate the rotatable menu comprising a first set of one or more content cards, where at least one of the content cards of the first set represents at least one application in the computing device. The embodiment is also configured to provide the rotatable menu in a first orientation for display on the computing device. Embodiments may be configured to receive an indication of input to rotate the rotatable menu, rotate the rotatable menu to a second orientation, and cause, at least in part, actions that result in display of the rotatable menu in the second orientation. |
| US09448689B2 |
Wearable user device enhanced display system
Systems and methods for displaying information on a wearable user device include determining calibration information based on user actions and information from images captured by a camera on a wearable user device. A field of view calibration may then be performed on a display engine in the wearable user device using the calibration information. Graphical information may then be displayed on a display device on the wearable user device according to a user field of view using the display engine in the wearable user. Field of view calibrations may be performed using calibration information that is based on: a user's head range of motion such that displayed graphical information conforms to that head range of motion, calibration objects by themselves that indicate a user's perspective in a user field of view, and calibration objects that allow the size of a user's hands to be determined and used to measure objects. |
| US09448684B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for setting a digital-marking-device characteristic
Aspects of the present invention are related to systems, methods and apparatus for setting a drawing characteristic of a digital marking device. According to a first aspect of the present invention, detection of a touch gesture simultaneous to engagement of a digital marking device with a digital mark surface may effectuate a drawing-context interpretation of the touch gesture. A characteristic of the digital marking device may be set according to the drawing-context interpretation of the touch gesture. |
| US09448683B2 |
Network media device
A network media device is described that pulls multimedia data from one or more sources (e.g., a multimedia website or a multimedia server computer) at a first time, stores it to long-term storage within the device and transmits the stored multimedia data to one or more designated multimedia playback devices at a second time. |
| US09448682B2 |
Selectively displaying content to a user of a social network
A computer-implemented method for selectively displaying a content to a user of a social network, including maintaining in a computer system for each user of the social network a profile including data on individual preferences and/or interests of the user and the significance of each preference and/or interest for the user; providing input data including content; receiving a request of the user for displaying content; and selectively displaying filtered content to the user in response to the request, in which the filtered content is displayed in accordance with the profile of the user. |
| US09448681B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling use and operation of a family of different treatment devices
A system for controlling a treatment device generates a graphical interface that visually prompts a user in a step-wise fashion to use the treatment device to perform a process of forming a pattern of lesions that extends both circumferentially and axially in different levels in a body region. The graphical interface displays for the user a visual record of the progress of the process from start to finish and guides the user so that so that individual lesions desired within a given level are all formed, and that a given level of lesions is not skipped. |
| US09448677B2 |
Operating device
An operating device has an input element with haptic feedback and with a rigid printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a stationary first printed circuit board region and a second printed circuit board region adjacent to the first printed circuit board region and deflectable relative to the second circuit board region. The first printed circuit board region has a first electrode of a capacitor and the second printed circuit board region has a second electrode of the capacitor, and the input element is operatively connected to the second printed circuit board region such that an actuation of the input element deflects the second printed circuit board region relative to the first printed circuit board region so as to vary the distance of the first electrode from the second electrode. |
| US09448669B2 |
System and method for communication through touch screens
The invention discloses a system and method for communication through touch screens that uses a first touch screen and a second touch screen for communication to form a communication system. The first and the second touch screens have a detecting mode for detecting an approach or touch of an external conductive object. In addition, the first and the second touch screens have a communication mode in which capacitively coupled communications between the first and the second touch screens are performed in order to exchange or communicate a message. |
| US09448668B2 |
Touch panel and manufacturing method thereof
A touch panel comprises of a plurality of first strip sensing electrodes and a plurality of second strip sensing electrodes. The first strip sensing electrodes are respectively disposed in a plurality of strip sensing regions with fixed lengths, and each of the second strip sensing electrodes is disposed corresponding to each of the first strip sensing electrodes in each of the strip sensing regions. Each second strip sensing electrode and corresponding first strip sensing electrode are electrically disconnected from each other. Length of each second strip sensing electrode and length of the corresponding first strip sensing electrode are complementary to each other. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing the touch panel is also disclosed. |
| US09448667B2 |
Coordinate detecting device
A coordinate detecting device includes a plurality of first and second electrodes, a detecting unit for scanning the first and second electrodes to detect sensor output values of the first and second electrodes, and an arithmetic processing unit for performing an arithmetic process on the basis of the detected sensor output values. When there are a plurality of peak regions in which the sensor output values of both the first and second electrodes are equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the detecting unit detects the sensor output values at intersection points between the first and second electrodes in the peak regions. The arithmetic processing unit calculates the coordinates of a detection target on the basis of the sensor output values at the intersection points between the first and second electrodes in the peak regions and the coordinates of the first and second electrodes in the peak regions. |
| US09448664B2 |
Touch detection method and touch detection apparatus having built up linearity
A touch detection apparatus includes a sensor pad to output a signal based on a touch state in response to an alternating voltage in a floating state after being charged, an operational amplifier including a first input connected to an output of the sensor pad and a second input to receive the alternating voltage, a level shift detection unit to detect a touch signal based on a difference between a voltage variation at an output end of the operational amplifier caused by the alternating voltage and a voltage variation at the output end of the operational amplifier caused by occurrence of a touch, and a switching unit including a first switch to control an electric potential between a first input and the output end of the operational amplifier and a second switch to connect or not the sensor pad and the first input of the operational amplifier. |
| US09448662B2 |
Touch panel capable of forming desired shape at desired position on detection screen, electronic device including same, and method for driiving same
The present invention provides a touch panel module capable of forming a desired shape in a desired position on a detection screen.An applied voltage controlling section causes deformation of the detection screen 11, by applying a voltage to at least a part of a region between a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 34 so as to deform a portion of a deformable member 20 which portion corresponds to the part of the region to which part the voltage is applied. |
| US09448661B2 |
Electronic device and method for controlling the same
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a display device having a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a matrix form, second electrodes including a plurality of electrode patterns extending in a first direction and aligned in a second direction to cross the first direction, and third electrodes including a plurality of electrode patterns extending in the second direction and aligned in the first direction, a display driver configured to apply a sensor drive signal to the second electrodes, a detection circuit configured to transmit a detection data group including physical quantity data detected in one detection period from the plurality of electrode patterns of the third electrodes at each time when the sensor drive signal is applied to the second electrodes, and an application processor configured to process the detection data group received from the detection circuit. |
| US09448658B2 |
Resting contacts
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device. |
| US09448654B2 |
Touch screen and display device
The embodiment provides a touch screen and a display device. The touch screen has: a first substrate and a second substrate arranged in opposite to each other, and a touch-driving electrode and a touch-sensing electrode arranged in a crossing manner on the first substrate and the second substrate, a non-flat region is provided at a region of the first substrate on which the touch-sensing electrode is to be formed, and the touch-sensing electrode is arranged on the first substrate in accordance with a shape of the first substrate so as to be formed with a non-flat region; and/or a non-flat region is provided at a region of the second substrate on which the touch-driving electrode is to be formed, and the touch-driving electrode is arranged on the second substrate in accordance with a shape of the second substrate so as to be formed with a non-flat region. |
| US09448650B2 |
Display device for punching or pressing machines
A display device for punching and/or pressing machines. The display device can be constructed to be modular and of compact size so as to be positioned as desired on new and existing machine designs. The display device is formed with displays, which are configurable to provide a plurality of qualitative and quantitative information. The display device can be configured to be function with consoles of punching and pressing machines so as to be one or more of a supplemental device, an interfacing device, and an interactive device. |
| US09448649B2 |
Input apparatus
An input apparatus has a display unit for displaying an input object, an input unit for receiving a pressure input to the input object, a load detection unit for detecting a pressure load on the input unit, and a control unit for controlling to receive the pressure input if the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a load standard. The control unit controls such that a load standard for receiving the pressure input to the input object is different from a load standard for receiving a pressure input to another input object adjacent to the input object. |
| US09448645B2 |
Digitizer using multiple stylus sensing techniques
A digitizer system utilizing two location measurement techniques that operate in cooperation to improve the operation of the digitizer. The first location measurement technique provides an X-Y coordinate stylus location. The second location measurement technique provides a Z coordinate stylus location. |
| US09448644B2 |
Touch control system
A touch control system is provided and connected to a display surface, including a stylus and at least two sensing devices. The stylus includes a housing, a first opening, a second opening, a contacting member, and a reflecting member. The housing has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first opening is formed at the first end. The second opening is formed between the first end and the second end. The contacting member protrudes from the first opening. The reflecting member is disposed in the housing, situated between the first opening and the second opening, and connected to the contacting member. When the contacting member contacts the display surface and moves along a direction from the first opening toward the second opening, the reflecting member is exposed to the second opening and reflects a light signal emitted from the sensing devices. |
| US09448640B2 |
Surface determination via bone conduction
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for surface determination via bone conduction. According to one aspect, a user device can identify a surface via bone conduction. The user device can identify one or more controllable devices to control using the surface. The user device can detect a user interaction, such as a gesture, performed by a user on the surface. The user device can provide an instruction to the controllable device(s) to cause the controllable device(s) to perform one or more operations in response to the user interaction with the surface. |
| US09448639B2 |
Controller
An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a highly reliable controller in which shapes that are not susceptible to false recognition are set as cue signs. The controller includes a control circuit which is implemented by a microcomputer or the like, an image sensor unit, and a memory. The control circuit is connected to a lighting controlling device of lighting equipment, a shade controlling device of a shade, and an air conditioning control device of an air conditioner through a communication link. A user can operate these pieces of equipment with a predetermined cue sign or an action with a predetermined cue sign. |
| US09448637B2 |
Detection of and response to extra-device touch events
Technologies for detection of and response to extra-device touch events may include mobile device sensors, such as accelerometers, that detect that a touch event has taken place by detecting device movement in response to the touch event. In some embodiments, a touch event feature vector is generated from sensor readings and passed to a classifier that determines the touch event location. Other touch event information, such as timing, intensity and a profile of the object that caused the touch event can also be determined. The detecting and locating of touch events allows the interaction area of a mobile device to be extended beyond the physical bounds of the device, and allows multiple users to simultaneously use a mobile device in a more convenient manner. Applications executing on a mobile device or the device's operating system can take various actions based on the touch event's location. |
| US09448634B1 |
System and method for providing rewards to a user in a virtual space based on user performance of gestures
A system and method for providing rewards to a user in a virtual space based on the user performance of gestures is disclosed. Gesture parameters may be obtained for physical actions performed by virtual space users in the real world. Gestures and corresponding gesture commands in the virtual space may be identified based on the gesture parameters. User performance of an identified gesture may be qualified by one or more gesture metrics. The gesture metrics may be determined based on the obtained gesture parameters. Access to reward content may be provided to the user based on user performance of the identified gestures as qualified by the determined gesture metrics. |
| US09448629B2 |
Multi-mode tactile sensation providing device
Provided are a touch sensor (11), a pressure detection unit (12) that detects pressure on a touch face, a tactile sensation providing unit (13) that vibrates the touch face, a battery information acquisition unit (17) that acquires information on a battery, and a control unit (15) that switches between a first input mode, in which the control unit (15), upon the touch sensor (11) detecting contact, executes predetermined processing, and a second input mode, in which the control unit (15), upon data based on pressure detected by the pressure detection unit (12) satisfying a predetermined standard while the touch sensor (11) is detecting contact, controls the tactile sensation providing unit (13) to provide a tactile sensation and executes predetermined processing. The control unit (15) switches between the first input mode and the second input mode based on the information on the battery acquired by the battery information acquisition unit (17). |
| US09448625B2 |
Head-mounted display device, control method for head-mounted display device, and image display system
A head-mounted display device of a transmission type includes an operation unit, a control unit configured to transmit image data, and an image display unit configured to cause a user to visually recognize a generated image generated on the basis of the transmitted image data from the control unit. The control unit has, as an operation mode of the image display unit, a first mode for causing the user to visually recognize a plurality of selectable images in positions other than the center in an image generable region, which is a region where the image display unit can generate the generated image, and a second mode for causing, when a singularity of the selectable image is selected out of the plurality of selectable images, the user to visually recognize an associated image associated with the one selectable image as an image larger than the one selectable image in the first mode. |
| US09448624B2 |
Apparatus and method of providing user interface on head mounted display and head mounted display thereof
An apparatus and method of providing a user interface (UI) on head mounted display and the head mounted display (HMD) thereof are discussed. The apparatus comprises a sensor unit detecting whether an object exists in the proximity of the HMD and if the object is detected, the sensor unit senses a distance between the object and the HMD. The apparatus further comprises a processor controlling a User Interface (UI) of the HMD based on a result of the sensor unit. A physical User Interface (UI) mode is applied if the detected object is within a predetermined distance from the HMD and a non-physical User Interface (UI) mode is applied if the object is not detected or is not within the predetermined distance from the HMD. |
| US09448623B2 |
Presenting an augmented view in response to acquisition of data inferring user activity
Computationally implemented methods and systems include obtaining visual data of an actual view of a scene from a real environment, determining whether activity-inferring data that infers at least initial occurrence of one or more user activities associated with the scene from the real environment have at least been acquired, and presenting, in response at least in part to determining that the activity-inferring data have at least been acquired, an augmented view of the scene from the real environment, the augmented view including one or more augmentations that have been included into the augmented view based, at least in part, on the activity-inferring data. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. |
| US09448622B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program for generating feedback to an operator regarding positional relationship of other users near a display
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a positional relationship acquiring unit configured to acquire information of a positional relationship of users near a display with respect to the display, and a feedback generation unit configured to generate feedback information for a first user on a basis of the information of the positional relationship, the first user being a user among the users and operating or owning content displayed on the display. |
| US09448621B2 |
Causation of display of information on a see through display
A method comprising receiving visual identification information from a separate apparatus, identifying the separate apparatus based, at least in part, on camera visual information and the visual identification information, determining that the separate apparatus is perceivable through a see through display, and causing display of program interaction information on the see through display such that the program interaction information corresponds with at least part of the separate apparatus viewable through the see through display based, at least in part, on the identification of the separate apparatus is disclosed. |
| US09448617B2 |
Systems and methods for messaging-based fine granularity system-on-a-chip power gating
System and method embodiments are provided for messaging-based System-on-a-chip (SoC) power gating. The embodiments enable fine granularity SoC power gating without introducing significant latency and substantially maximizes SoC power reduction. In an embodiment, a method in a first SoC resource for messaging-based power gating includes receiving at the first SoC resource a wakeup notification message (WNM) from a second SoC resource, wherein the WNM comprises a time at which a result message from the second SoC resource is expected to arrive at the first SoC resource; determining with the first SoC resource a wake-up time according to the time at which the result message from the second SoC resource is expected to arrive at the first SoC resource; setting a wake-up time timer to expire at the wake-up time; and waking up the first SoC resource when the wake-up time timer expires when the first SoC resource is asleep. |
| US09448612B2 |
Management to reduce power consumption in virtual memory provided by plurality of different types of memory devices
Reduction of memory power consumption in virtual memory systems that have a combination of different types of physical memory devices working together in a system's primary memory to achieve performance with optimum reductions in power consumption by storing in the virtual memory in the kernel, topology data for each of the different memory devices used. |
| US09448611B2 |
Interface expending method and device for tablet computer
Provided are an interface expanding method and device. It is detected whether there is a voltage input at a power supply pin of the interface, an impedance between a signal indication pin of the interface and a ground pin of the interface is detected when no voltage input is detected, and a type of a cable inserted into the interface is determined according to the detected impedance; it is detected whether there is a short circuit or an open circuit between a data signal positive pin of the interface and a data signal minus pin of the interface when the voltage input is detected, and the type of the cable inserted into the interface is determined according to the detected result; and a relevant component in the tablet computer is controlled, according to the determined type of the calle inserted into the interface, to operate correspondingly. |
| US09448606B2 |
Adaptive power configuration for a MHL and HDMI combination multimedia device
A streaming apparatus includes circuitry accommodated in a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connectable device to detect a connection state of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) supply to the streaming apparatus; set an operational mode to a HDMI mode or a Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) mode based on the connection state of the USB supply to the streaming apparatus. The apparatus selects a supply power from the USB power supply or the MHL power supply based on the connection state of the USB supply to the apparatus. |
| US09448604B2 |
Powered device
A powered device is electronically connected to power sourcing equipment (PSE), to receive voltage signals from the PSE. The powered device comprises a rectifier unit, a recognition unit, a control unit, a converter and a powered circuit. The recognition unit identifies that the PSE is an Ethernet PSE or a DC PSE. The control unit controls whether the control unit output a negative voltage signal output by the rectifier unit, according to a positive voltage signal output by the rectifier unit and a identified result output by the recognition unit. The converter converts the negative voltage signal and the positive voltage signal to a working voltage of the powered circuit, to drive the powered circuit. To feed power by a single interface and identify that the PSE is the Ethernet PSE or the DC PSE, according to a simple circuit architecture. |
| US09448599B2 |
High-density storage server chassis
Technology is provided for a high-density storage server chassis. The storage server chassis comprises a frame and an opposed pair of support ledges disposed in the frame and positioned to support a storage device therebetween. The support ledges are disposed on corresponding partitions mounted in the frame. The support ledges include at least one protrusion positioned to space the storage device away from the support ledge thereby defining an air flow region between the storage device and the support ledge. The storage server chassis further comprises a retainer moveably attached to a corresponding partition and operative to retain a corresponding storage device in the frame, wherein the retainer is movable between an open position and a closed position. |
| US09448594B2 |
Electronic device having waterproof structure
An electronic device includes an enclosure, a display module, a key part, and a water proof structure. The water proof structure seals a first gap between the display module and enclosure and a second gap between the display module and the key part and drains water which flows into the enclosure to the outside of the enclosure. |
| US09448593B2 |
Electronic device sound reproduction system
A deformable electronic device comprises a housing deformable by a user, at least one deformable speaker and a processing unit for selecting a sound reproduction method using the at least one speaker in response to deformation of the electronic device. |
| US09448592B2 |
Flexible display panel and display apparatus including the flexible display panel
A flexible display panel including: a flexible substrate including a first region, second regions that extend from the first region and that have a curved surface, and a third region folded towards the second regions; a first display region in the first region of the flexible substrate; a second display region in the second regions of the flexible substrate; a plurality of non-display regions outside the first display region or the second display regions, wherein at least one of the plurality of non-display regions is in the third region of the flexible substrate; and an encapsulation member for encapsulating the first display region and the second display regions. |
| US09448587B2 |
Digital device for recognizing double-sided touch and method for controlling the same
A digital device for recognizing a double-sided touch and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The digital device for recognizing a double-sided touch includes a front display unit, a sensor unit configured to detect a touch input and transmit an input signal based on the detected touch input to a processor, and the processor configured to control the front display unit and the sensor unit. The processor is configured to identify an input pattern to the digital device using a first input signal, determine whether to activate touch sensing on a rear surface of the digital device according to the identified input pattern, provide a touch sensing area on the rear surface of the digital device, when touch sensing on the rear surface of the digital device is activated. |
| US09448585B2 |
Clamping structure, electronic device and clamping component
A clamping structure includes an object, a clamping component and an elastic component. The object has a hole and a containing space, wherein the containing space is connected to the hole. The clamping component includes a pillar, a bump and a head portion, wherein the bump and the head portion are connected to the pillar, and the pillar is adapted to be inserted into the hole and rotated such that the bump moves to the containing space. When the bump is located in the containing space, the elastic component is compressed between the object and the head portion, and the bump is positioned at the containing space by elastic force of the elastic component, such that the clamping component is fastened to the object. |
| US09448584B2 |
Mounting apparatus for display
A mounting apparatus for securing a display includes a base; a clipping device attached to the base, a first positioning device attached to the base, and a second positioning device attached to the base. The clipping device includes a first securing member and a second securing member. The clipping device is moveable relative to the base between a locked position and an unlock position. When the clipping device is located on the locked position, the first securing member and the second securing member are configured to secure to a display. When the clipping device is located on the unlock position, the first securing member is engaged with the first positioning device, the second securing member is engaged with the second positioning device, thereby the first securing member and the second securing member are configured to remove from the display. |
| US09448580B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating clock signals based on duty code and period code
A clock signal generating method includes receiving a duty code that represents a duty of a clock signal, and a period code that represents a period of a clock signal, and normalizing the duty code to the period code to output a normalized duty code. The clock signal generating method further includes controlling a rising timing of a clock signal in response to the period code, and controlling a falling timing of the clock signal in response to the normalized duty code to generate a timing-controlled clock signal. |
| US09448571B2 |
Voltage converting circuit having voltage feedback terminal
A voltage converting circuit includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a main circuit a feedback terminal, a testing unit, and a detection unit. The main circuit is coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal to convert a first voltage input from the input terminal into a second voltage and output the second voltage via the output terminal. The feedback terminal is coupled to the output terminal and the testing unit is coupled to the feedback terminal to output a testing current to the feedback terminal to change a third voltage of the feedback terminal. The detection unit is coupled between the feedback terminal and the main circuit. The detection unit detects a change to the third voltage feedback from the feedback terminal to enable or disable the main circuit according to the change to the third voltage. |
| US09448570B2 |
Voltage fluctuation suppressing apparatus
According to an embodiment, a voltage fluctuation suppressing apparatus is provided with a power storage device connected to an electric power system, a basic control unit to control an output of the power storage device, a voltage detector to measure a voltage of a connection point to the electric power system, and an output control unit to divide a control amount to be outputted to the basic control unit into a reactive power command value and an active power command value and to output them. The output control unit is provided with a reactive power upper limit value calculation unit, a reactive power calculation/output unit, and an active power calculation/output unit. |
| US09448567B2 |
Power management in single circuit HVAC systems and in multiple circuit HVAC systems
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 operative 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 thermostat includes circuitry and methods for maximizing efficiency of energy harvested from the HVAC system connected to the thermostat, and depending on which system is connected to the thermostat, different power schemes can be implemented in order to obtain power from the HVAC system. |
| US09448566B2 |
Fluid pressure regulating system
A fluid pressure regulating system includes an auxiliary fluid circuit having a high pressure region and a low pressure region, a pump connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit and configured to discharge fluid into the high pressure region of the auxiliary fluid circuit, and a check valve connecting the high pressure region of the auxiliary fluid circuit to a main fluid interface line. The fluid pressure regulating system also includes a pressure regulating valve connecting the high pressure region of the auxiliary fluid circuit and the low pressure region of the auxiliary fluid circuit. The pressure regulating valve includes an aperture defining a fluid path from the high pressure region of the auxiliary fluid circuit to the low pressure region of the auxiliary fluid circuit. The aperture has a variable area as a function of fluid pressure within the main fluid interface line. |
| US09448560B2 |
System and method for coordinating movement of mobile drive units
A method for moving one or more mobile drive units within a workspace includes receiving, from a first mobile drive unit, a reservation request requesting use of a first path segment to move in a first direction. The method further includes determining that a second mobile drive unit is currently located on the first path segment and determining whether the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is denied, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is not moving in the first direction. The method also includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is granted, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction. |
| US09448555B2 |
Systems, assemblies, and methods for programming robotic systems
In one embodiment, a training assembly for programming a media application system can include a self aligning chuck, and an elongate tactile member. The self aligning chuck can include an alignment orifice formed therein. The alignment orifice can receive a spray nozzle of a media applicator. The self aligning chuck can be held at a fixed position relative to the spray nozzle of the media applicator. The elongate tactile member can be engaged with the self aligning chuck. The elongate tactile member can include a proximal end that is proximal to the media applicator and a distal end that is a desired distance away from the spray nozzle of the media applicator. |
| US09448553B2 |
Cam integrated CNC control of machines
Systems and Methods for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) devices comprising a CNC integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) controller configured to input a CAD file and output a CAM file and a CAM integrated CNC controller configured to input the CAM file and output at least one command for at least one servo controller of a set of one or more servo controllers. |
| US09448552B2 |
Numerically-controlled machine tool and spindle error compensating method thereof
A spindle error measurement jig is attached to a spindle of a numerically-controlled machine tool. A probe capable of measurement in a moving axis direction of each axis of the machine tool is installed on a table. By means of driving-control of a linear shaft driving the table and a linear shaft elevating a spindle head, spindle error measurement is made by measuring a spindle center position measurement hole and a spindle angular deviation measurement end-face so as to make spindle error calculation. On the basis of the calculation result, an angular deviation and a spindle error compensation amount are acquired, and they are used as parameters for compensating relative movement amounts of the table and the spindle so as to correct the spindle error. |
| US09448542B2 |
Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece includes a reception device that receives a satellite signal, a reception control section that activates the reception device to carry out a reception process, a chronograph section that measures time, an input device, and an action control section when detecting time measurement input operation performed on the input device for activating the chronograph section during the reception process carried out by the reception control section, terminates the action of the reception control section, and activates the chronograph section. |
| US09448540B2 |
Satellite signal receiving device, electronic timepiece, and satellite signal receiving method
A satellite signal receiving device including: a reception unit is configured to searche for positioning information satellites including a GNSS satellite used in a global navigation satellite system and an RNSS satellite used in a regional navigation satellite system, and receive satellite signal transmitted from a satellite locked onto by the search; a reception control unit is configured to control the reception unit; and a region determination unit is configured to determine whether or not the current location is in a region where satellite signal transmitted from the RNSS satellite can be received; the reception control unit prioritizing searching for an RNSS satellite when the region determination unit determines the current location is in a region where satellite signal transmitted from the RNSS satellite can be received. |
| US09448539B2 |
Electronic timepiece and reception control method of an electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece has a receiver device that receives at least a first satellite signal containing a first leap second value and a second satellite signal containing a second leap second value; a timekeeping device that keeps time according to the current leap second; an evaluation condition setting unit that sets an evaluation condition of the correctness of the first leap second value and the second leap second value based on the timing of first satellite signal and second satellite signal reception; and a leap second correction unit that corrects the current leap second based on the first leap second value or the second leap second value when the first leap second value and the second leap second value satisfy the set evaluation condition. |
| US09448538B2 |
Electronic timepiece and time adjustment method
An electronic timepiece efficiently receives satellite signals, reduces power consumption, and displays the correct time. A GPS wristwatch 1 has a satellite signal reception unit 10A that receives satellite signals and acquires time information contained in the satellite signals; a time information adjustment unit 25 that keeps times and adjusts the kept time based on the time information acquired by the automatic receiving unit 24; a reception result memory unit 313 that stores the reception result of the reception process performed by the automatic receiving unit 24; and a reception time setting unit 21 that sets the reception start time at which the reception process starts based on the reception result stored in the reception result memory unit 313. The automatic receiving unit 24 executes the reception process when the kept time reaches the reception start time set by the reception time setting unit 21. |
| US09448537B2 |
Reversible coin holder
A reversible object holder. More specifically, the invention relates to a reversible coin holder for securely clamping various sizes of coins. |
| US09448536B1 |
Self-winding mechanical watch with activity tracking
An exemplary mechanical watch has a face including an indicator of current time and one or more indicators of physical activity of a wearer of the mechanical watch. The watch further includes a mainspring to store energy and transfer the energy to a balance wheel and gear train to measure the passage of time, a rotor to rotate about a pivot point in response to movements of a wrist of the wearer of the mechanical watch, a rotor gear coupled to the rotor, and an activity-tracking wheel coupled to one of the one or more indicators of physical activity. Movement of the rotor causes the rotor gear to translate the movement of the rotor into winding of the mainspring and into an indication of physical activity of a wearer of the mechanical watch by causing or controlling rotation of the activity-tracking wheel. |
| US09448535B2 |
Rigid decorative member having white rigid coating layer, and method for producing the same
A rigid decorative member of the present invention is a rigid decorative member comprising a base and a rigid coating layer laminated on or above the base, wherein the rigid coating layer comprises a reaction compound of raw metal, in which a metal M1 and a metal M2, and in addition, selectively a metal M3 are combined, and of a non-metallic element selected from one or two or more of nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen, or comprises an alloy in which a metal M1 and a metal M2, and in addition, selectively a metal M3 are combined; the metal M1 is selected from one or two of Mo and W; the metal M2 is selected from one or two or more of Nb, Ta, and V; and the metal M3 is selected from one or two or more of Cr, Ti, Hf, and Zr. |
| US09448531B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an image carrier unit (15) and a positioning member (30) configured to position the image carrier unit (15) to the apparatus main body (2). The image carrier unit (15) has a concentric circumference part (51L), (51R) formed on a concentric circle with a rotating shaft (9a) of the image carrier (9) and the apparatus main body (2) has an edge part (42L), (42R) facing the concentric circumference part (51L), (51R) at the attachment position. The positioning member (30) has an intervening part (37) formed with an edge side abutment face (37a) facing the edge part (42L), (42R) of the apparatus main body (2) and a unit side abutment face (37b) facing the concentric circumference part (51L), (51R) of the image carrier unit (15). |
| US09448528B2 |
Image-forming apparatus having structure for stably supporting belt unit
An image-forming apparatus includes a main body, a belt unit detachably attachable to the main body, a coupling and a first restricting part. The belt unit includes: a first roller defining an axis extending in an axial direction, a second roller opposing the first roller in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a belt looped over the first roller and the second roller. The coupling is configured to move in the axial direction to come into engagement with the first roller for inputting a drive force into the first roller. The first restricting part is provided on the main body and is configured to restrict the first roller from moving in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the first direction when the belt unit is attached to the main body. |
| US09448524B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Provided is an image forming apparatus, including first and second drive portions respectively transmitting a drive force to first and second photosensitive drums, the first and second drive portions each including: a transmission gear rotated by the drive force; an idler gear rotated in mesh with the transmission gear; and a drive gear rotated in mesh with the idler gear. When a meshing angle of the idler gear is an angle from a meshing position between the idler gear and the transmission gear to a meshing position between the idler gear and the drive gear with respect to a rotation center of the idler gear, the meshing angles of the idler gears of the first and second drive portions are substantially equal to each other, and rotational phases of the idler gears of the first and second drive portions match with each other. |
| US09448522B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus with a duplex printing function may include a closeable and openable portion. In one example, the portion may correspond to a cover of the image forming apparatus. The cover may include guiding portions configured to define a return path for duplex printing. In another example, the portion may correspond to a document reading unit including an outer casing. A portion of the outer casing may be configured to guide a recording sheet that is conveyed out of a housing of the image forming apparatus by a switchback roller. In one example, the switchback roller may convey a recording sheet to a position above an upper surface of the outer casing. |
| US09448520B2 |
Apparatus and measurement method based on incident positions of emitted light
There is provided with an apparatus. A measurement unit emits light to an image carrier conveying a toner image and measures an incident position of the light in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the image carrier by observing the emitted light. The measurement unit has an irradiation unit configured to emit the first light and the second light and an observation unit configured to observe the first light and the second light. The irradiation unit emits the first light and the second light at positions separate from each other in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the toner image, with irradiation directions of the first light and the second light being substantially orthogonal to the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the toner image. |
| US09448517B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part to form an image on a recording medium, an apparatus body, a sheet container detachably attachable to the apparatus body and accommodating the recording medium, a sheet conveying path through which the recording medium is conveyed toward the image forming part, a sheet reentry path disposed above the sheet container and through which the recording medium having the image thereon is conveyed again to the sheet conveying path, a swing unit to swingably move a bottom plate of the sheet reentry path between a first position and a second position, a lock releasing unit to lock and release the bottom plate with respect to the first position of the swing unit, and a release operating unit to cause the lock releasing unit to release the bottom plate from the first position of the swing unit. |
| US09448516B2 |
Fixing device temperature control method, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A fixing device temperature control method is performed by a fixing device including a heat conductor contacting and heating an unfixed toner image formed on a recording medium, a heater disposed opposite and heating the heat conductor, and a pressing roller pressed against the heat conductor to form a fixing nip between the heat conductor and the pressing roller through which the recording medium is conveyed. The method includes detecting a temperature of the pressing roller and controlling an input voltage to the heater based on the detected temperature of the pressing roller to maintain a temperature of the recording medium discharged from the fixing nip at a target temperature. |
| US09448513B2 |
Image forming apparatus executing a start-up process of a fixing portion, when a detecting portion detects the existence of an operator before receipt of an image formation instruction
An image forming apparatus includes: a recording material accommodating portion configured to accommodate a recording material; an image forming portion configured to form a toner image on the recording material fed from the recording material accommodating portion; a fixing portion configured to heat-fix the toner image formed on the recording material by the image forming portion; a storing portion configured to store information corresponding to the type of the recording material accommodated in the recording material accommodating portion; a detecting portion configured to detect that an operator exists in a predetermined zone in a neighborhood of the image forming apparatus; and an executing portion configured to execute a start-up process of the fixing portion, when the detecting portion detects the existence of the operator before the image forming apparatus receives an image formation instruction, over a time depending on the information stored in the storing portion. |
| US09448511B2 |
Intermediate transfer member
There is disclosed an intermediate transfer member comprising a belt comprising conductive particles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyester, polyphenylsulfide and polyamide. The belt has a welded seam. There is an overcoat disposed over the welded seam comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone and polyethersulfone. A method of manufacturing the intermediate transfer member is provided. |
| US09448509B2 |
Developing device
A developing device and image forming apparatus are provided. The developing device includes a chassis; a developer carrying member; a thickness regulating member; a supply member; and a conveying member. In a state in which the developing device is attached to a main body an opening of the chassis faces upward; the thickness regulating member pressure-contacts the developer carrying member from below the developer carrying member; the conveying member is disposed below the developer carrying member; the supply member overlaps a portion of the conveying member in a horizontal direction; and a portion of the conveying member is disposed within a vertical projection plane between a pressure-contact position of the thickness regulating member to the developer carrying member, and a contact position of the supply member to the developer carrying member. The image forming apparatus includes a main body; a plurality of photosensitive members; and a plurality of developing devices. |
| US09448503B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus, including: n laser elements arranged in the sub-scanning direction and configured to simultaneously scan an image; a pixel selection unit configured to execute a thinning process in which the pixels are thinned by selecting m pixels among n pixels arranged in the sub-scanning direction, and to output selected pixel information for specifying the selected pixels; a pulse width modulation processing unit configured to sequentially convert image data corresponding to the m pixels into m pulse width modulation signals; a transmission unit configured to transmit the m pulse width modulation signals in parallel; an assignment unit configured to assign the m pulse width modulation signals to m laser elements in accordance with the selected pixel information; and a driving unit configured to drive the laser elements in accordance with the assigned pulse width modulation signals. |
| US09448486B2 |
Photoresist pattern trimming compositions and methods
Provided are compositions and methods for trimming a photoresist pattern. The photoresist pattern trimming composition comprises: a matrix polymer comprising a unit formed from a monomer of the following general formula (I): wherein: R1 is chosen from hydrogen, fluorine, C1-C3 alkyl and C1-C3 fluoroalkyl; R2 is chosen from C1-C15 alkylene; and R3 is chosen from C1-C3 fluoroalkyl; an aromatic acid that is free of fluorine; and a solvent. The compositions and methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. |
| US09448480B2 |
Resist underlayer film formation composition and method for forming resist pattern using the same
The present invention provides a novel resist underlayer film formation composition for lithography. A resist underlayer film formation composition for lithography comprising: a polymer having a structure of Formula (1) at a terminal of a polymer chain; a cross-linking agent; a compound promoting a cross-linking reaction; and an organic solvent; (where R1, R2, and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched C1-13 alkyl group, a halogeno group, or a hydroxy group; at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is the alkyl group; Ar is a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, or an anthracene ring; two carbonyl groups are bonded to respective two adjacent carbon atoms of Ar; and X is a linear or branched C1-6 alkyl group optionally having a C1-3 alkoxy group as a substituent). |
| US09448474B2 |
Positive photosensitive resin composition and pattern forming method
A positive photosensitive resin composition, a pattern forming method, a thin film transistor array substrate, and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The positive photosensitive resin includes a novolac resin (A), an alkali-soluble resin (B), an ester (C) of an o-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonic acid, and a solvent (D). The alkali-soluble resin (B) includes a first alkali-soluble resin (B-1) produced by polymerizing a mixture. The mixture includes an epoxy compound (i) and a compound (ii), wherein the epoxy compound (i) has at least two epoxy groups, and the compound (ii) has at least one carboxylic acid group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group. |
| US09448471B2 |
Photo-mask and method of manufacturing semiconductor structures by using the same
The present invention provides a photo-mask for manufacturing structures on a semiconductor substrate, which comprises a photo-mask substrate, a first pattern, a second pattern and a forbidden pattern. A first active region, a second active region are defined on the photo-mask substrate, and a region other than the first active region and the second active region are defined as a forbidden region. The first pattern is disposed in the first active region and corresponds to a first structure on the semiconductor substrate. The second pattern is disposed in the second active region and corresponds to a second structure on the semiconductor substrate. The forbidden pattern is disposed in the forbidden region, wherein the forbidden pattern has a dimension beyond resolution capability of photolithography and is not used to form any corresponding structure on the semiconductor substrate. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing semiconductor structures. |
| US09448469B2 |
Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, or reflective layer-coated substrate for EUV lithography, and process for its production
To provide a process for producing an EUV mask blank, whereby mixing at each interface between layers constituting a Mo/Si multilayer reflective film during a step involving heating, is suppressed, and a process for producing a reflective layer-coated substrate to be used for the production of the EUV mask blank. A process for producing a reflective layer-coated substrate for EUV lithography (EUVL), which has a step of forming a Mo/Si multilayer reflective film by alternately forming a molybdenum (Mo) layer and a silicon (Si) layer on a film-forming surface of a substrate, wherein after forming each Si layer except for a Si layer as the uppermost layer among Si layers constituting the Mo/Si multilayer reflective film, the surface of such each Si layer is exposed to a nitrogen-containing atmosphere held in a plasma state without being exposed to the air atmosphere, and then, a Mo layer is formed. |
| US09448466B2 |
Display device and drive method for display device
A display device having a simple circuit configuration and capable of lowering power consumption, and a drive method for the display device are provided. Rectangular wave voltage which changes between positive voltage V11 and 0 volt in cycle which is two times of cycle during which an optical state of an optical layer is changed is applied to an opposite electrode of a screen in a reverse mode. Pulse voltage which becomes a potential difference between electrodes of which optical state is changed when the optical state of the optical layer is changed is applied to a control electrode in a superimposed manner on rectangular wave voltage which changes between positive voltage V12 and 0 volt, which has the same cycle and the same phase as the rectangular wave voltage applied to the opposite electrode and which has the same value as V11. |
| US09448465B2 |
Projection screen with gold coated projection receiving surface
A projection screen has a gold coated projection receiving surface that reflects light. The projection screen includes a support structure and an adhesive layer on top of the support structure. A fiber support is adhered to the support structure using the adhesive layer. A chalk and adhesive layer is applied on to the fiber support and a clay and adhesive layer is applied on to chalk and adhesive layer. A gold layer is applied to the clay and adhesive layer. A light or a portion thereof passes through each of the multiple ordered layers, including the gold layer, the clay and adhesive layer, the chalk and adhesive layer and reflects back a lustrous, iridescent image that has motion and depth qualities with transmuted color characteristics. |
| US09448464B2 |
Projector and projecting lens of the projector
A projector includes an image beam generator and a projecting lens. The projecting lens includes a relay system and a projection system. The relay system has a focusing set and a converging set, and the projection system has a projection lens group and a reflector. The image beam generator generates an image beam, and emits it to the projecting lens, and the image beam emits through the focusing set, the converging set, and the projection lens group in sequence, and then is reflected by the reflector to enter the projection lens group again. After leaving the projection lens group the image beam emits through a lens of the converging set, and then is projected onto a screen. |
| US09448461B2 |
Light conversion member and display device having the same
Disclosed are a light conversion member and a display device having the same. The display device includes a light source, and a light conversion member adjacent to the light source. The light conversion member includes a plurality of light conversion particles to convert a wavelength of a light emitted from the light source, and a sealing member to receive the light conversion particles. The sealing member includes an incident part facing an exit surface of the light source, an exit part facing the incident part while the light conversion particles are interposed between the exit part and the incident part, and a reflection part connected to the incident part and the exit part. |
| US09448459B2 |
Multiview display device
An autostereoscopic display device includes an adjuster for adjusting a direction of a light beam. The adjuster has an off-state and on-state, and includes a stack of layers. The stack includes first and second solid material layers having first and second optic axes, respectively, and a switchable birefringent material. Further, the stack includes a first interface between the first solid material layer and the birefringent material, and a second interface between the second solid material layer and the birefringent material. In the off-state, the birefringent material at the first and second interfaces are configured to have optic axes parallel to the first and second optic axes, respectively. In the on-state, the birefringent material at the first and second interfaces are configured to have optic axes perpendicular to the first and second optic axes, respectively. |
| US09448457B2 |
Optical modulator
An optical modulator according to the present invention includes an optical branching section having at least one beam splitter and a mirror and configured to branch input light, a lens configured to converge the respective lights branched in the optical branching section, a plurality of phase modulation sections each configured to perform phase modulation of each light which is input thereto through the lens, and an optical combining section configured to combine a plurality of phase-modulated lights which are output from the plurality of phase modulation sections, and output modulated signal light. |
| US09448453B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes upper and lower pixels; gate lines in electrical connection with the adjacent pixels and extending in a row direction, and data lines which cross the gate lines; and a reference voltage line including a vertical portion which passes through the adjacent pixels, and horizontal portions which alternately extend from the vertical portion. Each of the adjacent pixels includes first and second thin film transistors (TFTs) each in electrical connection with a gate line and a data line which correspond to a respective pixel; and a pixel electrode including a first subpixel electrode in connection with an output terminal of the first TFT, and a second subpixel electrode in connection with an output terminal of the second TFT. The horizontal portions of the reference voltage line are in electrical connection with the second subpixel electrodes of the adjacent pixels. |
| US09448452B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with double rate driving structure with increased aperture ratio
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The LCD device include first and second gate lines, data lines, a common electrode line formed between adjacent data lines and configured to perpendicularly cross the plurality of first and second gate lines and divide the plurality of pixel areas into first and second areas, first and second thin film transistors (TFTs) formed between a corresponding first gate line and a second gate line adjacent to the corresponding first gate line, a protective layer configured to include a first contact hole and a second contact hole, a common electrode formed on the protective layer and coupled to the common electrode line through the first contact hole, an insulation layer formed on the protective layer to cover the common electrode and a pixel electrode formed on the insulation layer. |
| US09448444B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a first insulation substrate; an insulating layer disposed on the first insulation substrate; a pixel electrode including a first subpixel electrode including a first subregion electrode disposed on the insulating layer and a second subregion electrode disposed below the insulating layer, and a second subpixel electrode disposed on the insulating layer, wherein a first voltage is applied to the first subpixel electrode and a second voltage is applied to the second subpixel; a second insulation substrate facing the first insulation substrate; and a common electrode disposed on the second insulation substrate and configured to receive a common voltage, wherein the second subregion electrode overlaps a portion of the second subpixel electrode. |
| US09448439B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
In a method of forming a liquid crystal display device, a black matrix is disposed on a substrate including a switching element formed thereon, a color filter is disposed on the switching element, a pixel electrode is electrically connected to the switching element, and a first alignment layer is disposed on the pixel electrode, to form a first substrate. A second substrate including a second alignment layer is formed. At least one of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer includes a reactive mesogen. A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A light is irradiated onto the second substrate to provide pretilt angles of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer. |
| US09448431B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes a display panel that displays an image and a window layer disposed on the display panel and including a display area transmitting the image and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The window layer includes a window cover disposed to face the display panel, a decorated printed layer disposed on a lower surface of the window cover in the non-display area, and a polarization layer disposed on the lower surface of the window cover in the display area and disposed in the non-display area to cover the decorated printed layer. An inner side surface of the decorated printed layer makes contact with a side surface of the polarization layer at a boundary surface between the display area and the non-display area. |
| US09448429B2 |
Method of fabricating lightweight and thin liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a method for fabricating a lightweight and thin liquid crystal display (LCD) device, using a supplementary substrate for processing of a thin glass substrate. Inactive gas is sprayed onto the surface of the substrate to thus remove OH groups from the surface, before the thin glass substrate and the supplementary substrate are attached to each other. Under such configuration, the supplementary substrate can be easily separated from a completed liquid crystal panel which is in an attached cell state, without any damages. |
| US09448427B1 |
Transparent display using a polarizing beam splitter
A transparent display apparatus. The apparatus includes a transparent display and a prism. The prism includes a polarizing beam splitter for splitting a received light into a first polarized light component and a second polarized light component. The prism transmits the first light component and reflects the second light component into the prism. In addition, the prism includes an optical rotator for converting the second light component to a first light component. The converted first light component is transmitted through the prism and displayed through the transparent display. In one embodiment, one or more custom prisms are used. In another embodiment, one or more cube prisms are used. |
| US09448425B2 |
Optical waveguide element and optical modulator
An optical waveguide element includes: a rib waveguide and a pair of slab portions including a first slab portion and a second slab portion connected to both sides of the rib portion so as to sandwich the rib portion. The rib portion has a cross-sectional dimension which allows the propagation of a fundamental mode and a higher order mode in a predetermined single polarization state, and has a first P-type semiconductor and a first N-type semiconductor forming a PN junction, the first slab portion has a second P-type semiconductor and a P-type conductor connected to each other, the second P-type semiconductor is connected to the first P-type semiconductor of the rib portion, the second slab portion has a second N-type semiconductor and an N-type conductor connected to each other, and the second N-type semiconductor is connected to the first N-type semiconductor of the rib portion. |
| US09448419B2 |
Process of manufacturing of coated spectacle frames, and coated spectacle frames so obtained
The process of manufacturing of a coated spectacle frames is characterized by the following three main manufacturing processes: A—Bonding of at least one outer layer of coating material (A, C) on at least an inner layer of material having a structural function (B). The result is a coated panel (D); B—Cutting of the spectacle frame (E) from that covered panel (D); C—Bending and shaping of the previously cut spectacle (F). The layers that form the particular coated panel (D) may origin from different combinations of different materials, as indicated in the description and claims. |
| US09448415B2 |
Spatially interleaved polarization converter for LCOS display
An image projector includes a spatially-interleaved polarization converter having an input and output lenslet array, and may transmit light thereon as converted linearly-polarized light. The image projector also includes a lens unit and a projector assembly having a pixel array and being capable of reflecting the converted light. The output lenslet array, the lens unit, and the projector assembly form an imaging system that images the input lenslet array to a top surface of the pixel array. A method for converting light to an output light beam having a single common polarization state includes transmitting the light as a plurality of beamlets each having an s-polarized component and a p-polarized component, splitting each beamlet into a transmitted p-polarized beamlet and a reflected s-polarized beamlet, converting each p-polarized beamlet to a first s-polarized output beamlet, and spatially interleaving the s-polarized beamlets with the first s-polarized output beamlets. |
| US09448413B2 |
Wearable stereoscopic viewer
A wearable stereoscopic viewer having a frame with slots to position laterally movable left and right viewpoint optics to enable independent adjustment of the optics to the user's visual requirements, each optic having a lens and an occluding element, the left occluder configured to prevent the right image from being seen with the left lens, the right occluder configured to prevent the left image from being seen with the right lens, so that the left eye of the user sees only the left image, and the right eye of the user sees only the right image, respectively; the optics being secured into the slots with a nosepiece configured to be attachable to and releasable from the frame, to permit the optics to be removable and replaceable with optional types of optics. |
| US09448409B2 |
See-through computer display systems
Aspects of the present invention relate to providing see-through computer display optics. |
| US09448402B2 |
Optical deflection device and image forming apparatus
An optical deflection device includes a mirror having a reflection face for deflecting light that enters the reflection face; and a support member to support the mirror including a torsion bar having one end being continuously connected to the mirror; a beam being continuously connected to another end of the torsion bar; and a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed on the beam including a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element. |
| US09448401B2 |
Via structure and method thereof
A layered micro-electronic and/or micro-mechanic structure comprises at least three alternating electrically conductive layers with insulating layers between the conductive layers. There is also provided a via in a first outer layer, said via comprising an insulated conductive connection made of wafer native material through the layer, an electrically conductive plug extending through the other layers and into said via in the first outer layer in order to provide conductivity through the layers, and an insulating enclosure surrounding said conductive plug in at least one selected layer of said other layers for insulating said plug from the material in said selected layer. It also relates to micro-electronic and/or micro-mechanic device comprising a movable member provided above a cavity such that it is movable in at least one direction. The device has a layered structure according to the invention. Methods of making such a layered MEMS structure is also provided. |
| US09448400B2 |
Display device
An embodiment of the disclosed technology provides a display device comprising an electrophoresis solution tank containing electrophoresis solution and at least a rolling ball used for display colors, the rolling ball being immerged into the electrophoresis solution; and a shelter layer disposed above and covering the electrophoresis solution tank, the shelter layer being made up of an opaque material. A light transmitting hole is formed in the shelter layer and above the core of the rolling ball, so that the light of the color to be currently displayed on the rolling ball passes through the light transmitting hole for display, while the light of the colors not intended to be displayed is blocked by the shelter layer. |
| US09448398B2 |
Etalon and etalon device
An etalon has a pair of transparent components; a ring-shaped piezoelectric member which is provided between the pair of transparent components, which is bonded to the pair of transparent components, and which is provided with metal films on the surfaces which face the transparent component sides; and the external connecting terminals which are provided on the transparent components and which are connected to the metal films. |
| US09448396B2 |
Color degradation compensation method
A color degradation compensation method includes the steps as follows. Two images are captured by an image capturing device, wherein the two images have an overlapped area. A semi-Gaussian model is constructed. At least one position in the overlapped area is selected and color values of a plurality of points in the position on each of the two images are read, wherein the points of each image are corresponded to the same position in the overlapped area. A degradation standard deviation of the two color values is calculated by the semi-Gaussian model. The color values of the two images are calibrated to compensated color values through the semi-Gaussian model again in accordance with the degradation standard deviation. |
| US09448393B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated scanning probe microscopy
This invention concerns scanning probe microscopes and related instruments (“SPMs”) when used to investigate or measure large samples whose size is a multiple of the typical operational scanning area of an SPM, say 150 μm×150 μm at most. To avoid frequent readjustments or other time-consuming human interaction and errors when focusing the SPM, a multi-step, automated method for the SPM-scanning of large samples is disclosed, comprising a “coarse”, i.e. low resolution, non-SPM scanning or mapping step adapted to scan a large sample and providing an integral map of the sample, followed by a preferably mathematical evaluation step identifying areas of interest of the sample, which areas are then subjected to a focused “fine” raster scanning step by the SPM with high resolution. The associated apparatus provides the means to execute this novel three-step process. |
| US09448391B2 |
Variofocusing monitoring shot and monitoring device
A zoom lens assembly for monitor and a monitoring device are provided. The lens assembly comprises a first to a thirteenth lenses (L1-L13) arranged successively coaxially along the transmission direction of an incident light beam. The first, the eighth, the tenth and the twelfth lenses (L1, L8, L10 and L12) are biconvex positive lenses; the second, the ninth and the eleventh lenses (L2, L9 and L11) are falcate negative lenses; the third, the fourth, the sixth and the thirteenth lenses (L3, L4, L6 and L13) are falcate positive lenses; the fifth lens (L5) is a biconcave negative lens; and the seventh lens (L7) is a plano-concave negative lens. The second and the third lenses (L2 and L3) are closely adhered to each other, and the sixth and the seventh lenses (L6 and L7) are closely adhered to each other. The intermediate parts of the second, the third, the fourth and the thirteenth lenses (L2, L3, L4 and L13) are all convex toward a direction reverse to the transmission direction an incident light beam; the intermediate parts of the sixth, the ninth and the eleventh lenses (L6, L9 and L11) are all convex toward the transmission direction of the incident light beam; and the fifth, the sixth and the seventh lenses (L5, L6 and L7) can move synchronously along a light axis direction. The shot can realize all-weather, wide-range and variofocusing monitoring. The shot has a high imaging sharpness and a simple structure; and the cost of the material is low, thus controlling the manufacturing cost effectively. |
| US09448384B2 |
Arrangement for mounting an optical element
The invention relates to an arrangement for mounting an optical element, in particular in an EUV projection exposure apparatus, comprising a weight force compensation device for exerting a compensation force on the optical element, wherein the compensation force at least partly compensates for the weight force acting on the optical element, wherein the weight force compensation device has a passive magnetic circuit for generating a force component of the compensation force acting on the optical element, and wherein at least one adjustment element is provided via which the force component generated by the passive magnetic circuit is continuously adjustable. |
| US09448382B2 |
Electromagnetic actuators for digital cameras
Electro-magnetic actuators used to provide a displacement of an optical element such as a lens carrier comprise at least one ferromagnetic frame associated with a large air gap and at least one ferromagnetic member parallel to and separated from an elongated section of a frame by a small air gap. Actuation causes a magnetic circuit that appears in the at least one frame, the at least one member and small air gaps and by-passes or bridges the large air gap. In some embodiments, the resultant magnetic force moves the at least one member and leads to the displacement of an optical element attached thereto. In some embodiments, at least one frame and at least one member are arranged to provide a center hole and are dimensioned to enable insertion of a lens carrier in the hole. In some embodiments, the displacement is for auto-focus. In other embodiments, the displacement is for optical image stabilization. |
| US09448379B2 |
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. |
| US09448375B2 |
Data collector with expanded functionality
Embodiments of the present invention recite a data collector with expanded functionality and a method of enhancing revenue generation using a data collector with expanded functionality. In one embodiment, a central unit of a data collector is configured to receive a replaceable unit such that any one of a variety of replaceable units can be configure to be attached to said central unit. |
| US09448374B2 |
Optical communication apparatus having coupler and supporting member connected together
Optical communication apparatus includes a PCB, a photoelectric unit electrically connected to the PCB, a supporting member positioned on the PCB, a coupler supported on the supporting member, and an optical fiber unit. The coupler optically couples the photoelectric unit to the optical fiber unit. The supporting member defines a through stepped hole having a larger first hole and a smaller second hole. The supporting member includes a step portion between the first hole and the second hole. The second hole is closer to the PCB than the first hole. One of the supporting member and the coupler defines a plurality of wedged positioning holes, the other of the supporting member and the coupler comprises a plurality of wedged positioning poles corresponding to positioning holes, and the coupler is connected to the supporting member by inserting the positioning poles into the corresponding positioning holes. |
| US09448373B2 |
Opto-electronic micro-module and method for forming the same
An opto-electronic micro-module includes a monocrystalline substrate having a first surface and a second surface parallel to said first surface, wherein a through hole passes from said first surface through said monocrystalline substrate to said second surface; and an optical substrate having a first portion in said through hole and a second portion protruding from said through hole. |
| US09448367B2 |
Multi-channel optical transceiver module including dual fiber type direct link adapter for optically coupling optical subassemblies in the transceiver module
A multi-channel optical transceiver includes a multi-channel transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA), a multi-channel receiver optical subassembly (ROSA), and a dual fiber type direct link adapter directly linked to the multi-channel TOSA and the multi-channel ROSA with optical fibers. The dual fiber type direct link adapter is also configured to receive pluggable optical connectors, such as LC connectors, mounted at the end of fiber-optic cables including optical fibers for carrying optical signals to and from the transceiver. The dual fiber type direct link adapter thus provides the optical input and output to the transceiver for the optical signals received by the ROSA and transmitted by the TOSA. The multi-channel optical transceiver may be used in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical system, for example, in an optical line terminal (OLT) in a WDM passive optical network (PON). |
| US09448365B2 |
Trunk gland adapters and related trunk gland units and methods of connecting trunk cables to fiber optic enclosures
Trunk gland adapters include an adapter body having an internal bore that is sized to receive a trunk cable gland so that a front end of the trunk cable gland extends through a front opening of the internal bore and a plurality of attachment clips that are configured to releasably attach the adapter body to a mounting aperture in a wall of a fiber optic enclosure. Related trunk gland units and methods of routing a trunk cable into an enclosure are also disclosed. |
| US09448364B2 |
Optical waveguide lens and optical coupling module incorporating the same
An optical waveguide lens includes a substrate, and a planar waveguide and a media grating formed on the substrate in sequence. The media grating includes a first group of gratings located adjacent to the light source and a second group of gratings away from the light source. The first group of gratings and the second group of gratings each include a plurality of strip-shaped films arranged in parallel. The first group of gratings and the planar waveguide under the first group of gratings cooperatively define a first waveguide section. The second group of gratings and the planar waveguide under the second group of gratings cooperatively define a second waveguide section. Light radiated from a light source passes through the optical waveguide lens and is successively converged by the first waveguide section and the second waveguide section. An optical coupling module incorporating the optical waveguide lens is also provided. |
| US09448362B2 |
Optical-fiber-spliced portion reinforcing heating device
An optical-fiber-spliced portion reinforcing heating device of the invention includes: clamps, a fifth force-applying member that sandwiches an optical fiber and applies a pressing force thereto; a first cam mechanism; a mechanism in which displacement of first cam mechanism controls to grasp the optical fiber by the clamps; heaters; a second force-applying member that sandwiches the sleeve and applies a pressing force thereto; a third cam mechanism; and a mechanism in which displacement of the third cam mechanism control to press the sleeve by the heaters. The same motor controls a force of each force-applying member of the clamps and the heaters by the first and third cam mechanism. |
| US09448361B2 |
Photoelectric wiring module
Disclosed is a photoelectric wiring module which includes: a substrate; a frame mounted on the substrate; an optical device package configured to perform photoelectric conversion or electro-optic conversion of a signal; an optical control device configured to control an operation of the optical device package; and an optical transmission line configured to transmit an optical signal that is emitted from the optical device package or incident on the optical device package. Electrical terminals are disposed on the frame, the optical device package is mounted on the frame, and the optical control device is disposed within the frame and mounted on the substrate. |
| US09448360B2 |
Optical element
Provided is an optical element having an optical waveguide region that can propagate azimuthally polarized light or radially polarized light while maintaining the direction of polarization. The optical element has a resin layer and an optical waveguide region that is formed in the resin layer and guides light in the lengthwise direction of the resin layer. Liquid crystal molecules are oriented in an approximately radiating shape in a cross section perpendicular to the lengthwise direction in the optical waveguide region, and the refractive index of the optical waveguide region is greater than that of the resin layer. |
| US09448358B2 |
Multicore optical fiber and multicore optical fiber cable
Provided is a multi-core optical fiber which is capable of achieving the same level of light receiving capacity as that of a single-core plastic optical fiber, while being reduced in bending loss. A multi-core optical fiber according to the present invention has a plurality of cores and sea portions that are formed around each core. This multi-core optical fiber satisfies at least condition (1) or condition (2) below: (Condition 1): The occupancy rate of the total cross-sectional area of cores is 80˜95% of the outer region in the cross section of a multicore optical fiber. (Condition 2): The occupancy rate of the total cross-sectional area of cores is 82˜93% of the cross section of a multicore optical fiber. |
| US09448356B2 |
Light-emitting diode (LED) package including multiple LEDs per housing and display device having the same as light source
A light-emitting diode (LED) package and a display device having the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a display panel and a backlight assembly including a light-emitting diode (LED) package configured to output light via an opening and a light guide plate configured to guide the emitted light to the display panel. The LED package includes a housing having a light reflecting property and including a bottom portion, a sidewall portion connected to the bottom portion, and a cover portion connected to the sidewall portion, wherein the opening is defined in the sidewall portion and faces the light guide plate. The LED package also includes a plurality of LEDs accommodated in the housing, and wherein the LEDs are arranged in a first direction extending from the light guide plate to the opening. |
| US09448354B1 |
Glass-based light emitting panel
A glass-based light emitting panel (LEP) includes a glass layer that has a light receiving edge. The glass-based LEP also includes a silicone layer attached to the glass layer. The silicone layer includes an optic control pattern. The glass-based LEP is designed to receive light through the light receiving edge of the glass. The glass-based LEP is also designed to emit a portion of the light through the silicone layer. |
| US09448353B2 |
Illumination device having a tapered light guide
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for illumination devices. In one aspect, an illumination device having a longitudinal axis includes a light source and a light guide. The light guide has a peripheral edge, a transmissive illumination surface, a center portion, and an upper surface. The transmissive illumination surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and disposed between the center portion and the peripheral edge. The upper surface is oriented relative to the illumination surface to define an angle α therebetween. In some implementations, the angle α can be greater than 15 degrees, for example. |
| US09448350B2 |
Backlight unit and display device including the same
A backlight unit includes a light guide plate; a light emitting unit configured to irradiate light toward a side portion of the light guide plate, the side portion comprising an upper side part and a lower side part; and a light controller of which at least a portion is in at least one from among the upper and the lower side parts of the side portion of the light guide plate. The light controller includes a first region overlapping the light guide plate and a second region not overlapping the light guide plate, and a reflectivity of the first region is different from a reflectivity of the second region. |
| US09448347B2 |
Polarizing plate
The present disclosure relates to a polarizing plate including: a polarizer; an acrylic film attached to at least one surface of the polarizer via an adhesive layer; and a primer layer formed on at least one surface of the acrylic film, wherein the primer layer is formed of a primer composition including a water dispersible resin containing a sulfonic acid group, water dispersible particles, and water, and a weight ratio of the water dispersible resin to the water dispersible particles is in a range of 1:0.01 to 5:1. |
| US09448346B2 |
Sensor device including one or more metal-dielectric optical filters
A sensor device including one or more sensor elements and one or more optical filters is provided. The one or more optical filters each include a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of metal layers stacked in alternation. The metal layers are intrinsically protected by the dielectric layers. In particular, the metal layers have tapered edges that are protectively covered by one or more of the dielectric layers. |
| US09448343B2 |
Segmented mirror apparatus for imaging and method of using the same
An apparatus for inspecting a photomask, comprising an illumination source for generating a light which illuminates a target substrate, objective optics for receiving and projecting the light which is reflected from the target substrate, the objective optics includes a first mirror arranged to receive and reflect the light which is reflected from the target substrate, a second mirror which is arranged to receive and reflect the light which is reflected by the first mirror, a third mirror which is arranged to receive and reflect the light which is reflected by the second mirror, and a segmented mirror which is arranged to receive and reflect the light which is reflected by the third mirror. The segmented mirror includes at least two mirror segments. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor for detecting the light which is projected by the objective optics. |
| US09448339B2 |
Substrate for an organic electronic element and a production method therefor
The present invention relates to a substrate for an organic electronic element that enables surface resistance to be reduced and light-extraction efficiency improved, the substrate including: a base substrate; a scattering layer which is formed on the base substrate and includes an conductive pattern for reducing the surface resistance of an electrode, scattering particles for scattering light and a binder, and which forms an uneven structure in the surface opposite the base substrate; and a planarizing layer which is formed on the scattering layer and flattens the surface undulations caused by the uneven structure of the scattering layer, wherein the refractive index (Na) of the scattering particles and the refractive index (Nb) of the planarizing layer satisfy the relationship in formula 1 below. [Formula 1] |Na—Nb|≧0.3. In the formula as used herein, Na signifies the refractive index of the scattering particles and Nb signifies the refractive index of the planarizing layer. |
| US09448335B2 |
Composition for polarizing film, polarizing film, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display provided with the polarizing film
A composition for a polarization film including a polyolefin component including polypropylene and a polyethylene-polypropylene copolymer; and a dichroic dye. |
| US09448334B2 |
Optical waveguide and dry film for optical waveguide production
The present invention provides an optical waveguide excellent in all of transparency, a bending property and heat resistance and a dry film for manufacturing an optical waveguide. A clad layer of the optical waveguide according to the present invention is formed by using a dry film containing a polymer comprising at least a (meth)acrylate monomer with an epoxy group and a (meth)acrylate monomer without an epoxy group; and cationic or anionic curing initiator. |
| US09448331B2 |
Dispersions of blends of silicon nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles
Polymer-inorganic particle blends are incorporated into structures generally involving interfaces with additional materials that can be used advantageously for forming desirable devices. In some embodiments, the structures are optical structures, and the interfaces are optical interfaces. The different materials at the interface can have differences in index-of-refraction to yield desired optical properties at the interface. In some embodiments, structures are formed with periodic variations in index-of-refraction. In particular, photonic crystals can be formed. Suitable methods can be used to form the desired structures. |
| US09448330B2 |
Fluorite
A fluorite having all the more excellent laser durability compared to a conventional fluorite is provided. A fluorite is proposed, in which the standard deviation of the surface areas of the Voronoi regions in a diagram from a Voronoi decomposition of the distribution of etch-pits in the (111) plane is 6,000 μm2 or less, or, in which the standard deviation of the distances of the Delaunay edges in a diagram from a Delaunay decomposition of the distribution of etch-pits of the (111) plane is 80 μm or less. |
| US09448326B2 |
Detection and/or classification of materials
A method processing an image dataset of radiation emergent from a test object after its irradiation by a suitable radiation source is described which comprises the steps of: generating an image dataset comprising a spatially resolved map of items of intensity data from the radiation emergent from the test object; further, resolving the intensity data items spectroscopically between at least two energy bands across the spectrum of the source; numerically processing the spectroscopically resolved intensity data items to determine a further spatially resolved dataset of data items representative of one or more orders of Compound Proton Number and/or effective mass thickness and/or a density; generating a segmented image dataset using the said dataset of data items representative of one or more orders of Compound Proton Number and/or effective mass thickness and/or a density. The method applied as part of a method for the radiological examination of an object and an apparatus for the same are also described. |
| US09448325B2 |
Apparatus and method for ray scanning imaging
The present invention discloses apparatus and method for ray scanning imaging. The apparatus comprises a plurality of ray generators and a ray detection device. The plurality of ray generators are arranged uniformly along a circular arc and emit ray beams in sequence or simultaneously to an object to be inspected within a single scanning period. The ray detection device may be either in a multi-segmental semi-closed configuration composed of a plurality of linear arrays of ray detectors or in a circular arc configuration where a plurality of ray detectors arranged uniformly along a circular arc. During the inspection, the apparatus is advantageous in obtaining the complete ray projection values without rotation thereof, so as to effectively shorten the inspection time. |
| US09448324B2 |
Gain compensated directional propagation measurements
A method for obtaining gain compensated electromagnetic logging while drilling propagation measurements includes rotating an electromagnetic logging while drilling tool having first and second transverse transmitter antennas whose moments are orthogonal to one another and first and second transverse receiver antennas whose moments are orthogonal to one another in a subterranean wellbore. Electromagnetic voltage measurements are acquired from the first and second transverse receiver antennas while rotating. The acquired voltage measurements are processed to compute harmonic voltage coefficients. Ratios of selected ones of the harmonic voltage coefficients are in turn processed to compute a gain compensated quantity including a transverse term. |
| US09448322B2 |
System and method to determine volumetric fraction of unconventional reservoir liquid
A system determines a volumetric fraction of oil in a formation penetrated by a borehole, the formation comprising an unconventional reservoir. The system includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole and a geochemical tool disposed at the carrier and configured to determine a mineral makeup of the formation and excess carbon not apportioned to any mineral of the mineral makeup, the excess carbon being associated with kerogen and oil in the formation. An NMR tool disposed at the carrier determines porosity of fluid in the formation, the fluid excluding the kerogen in the formation. A density tool disposed at the carrier determines bulk density of the formation, and a processor determines the volumetric fraction of oil in the formation based on the excess carbon, the porosity of the fluid in the formation, and the bulk density of formation. |
| US09448320B2 |
Acoustic isolater for a downhole tool
A downhole tool for acoustically imaging a subterranean formation having a transmitter and receiver and which includes an acoustic isolator between the transmitter and receiver. The acoustic isolator includes attenuation elements with rounded ends and that are connected in series by compression fittings. The compression fittings include sleeves that threadingly engage lock nuts and compressively engage the rounded ends. The contact interfaces between the compression fittings extend along a curved path thereby limiting acoustic transmission along the series of attenuation elements. |
| US09448316B2 |
Seismic data processing including predicting multiples using a reverse time demigration
Methods and systems for generating a stable reverse time demigration (RTDM) equation for predicting wave phenomena such as reflections, refractions and multiples are described. A coupling term is added to an RTDM equation and reflectivity associated with the coupling term is replaced with a pseudo-density function derived from a nonlinear equation. The resultant coupled and stabilized RTDM equation is then used to predict the desired wave phenomena based on the applied seismic image. |
| US09448315B2 |
Device and method for denoising ocean bottom data
Computing device, computer instructions and method for denoising marine seismic data recorded with first and second seismic sensors. The method includes receiving first seismic data recorded with the first sensor in a time-space domain; receiving second seismic data recorded with the second sensor in the time-space domain, wherein the first and second seismic data are recorded at the same locations underwater; calculating with a processor models of the first and second seismic data in a transform domain that is different from the time-space domain; performing a wavefield separation using the first and second datasets in the transform domain; determining a noise in the transform domain corresponding to the second seismic data based on the wavefield separation; reverse transforming the noise from the transform domain into the time-space domain; and denoising the second seismic data by subtracting the noise in the time-space domain from the second seismic data. |
| US09448313B2 |
Integrated passive and active seismic surveying using multiple arrays
Microseismic mapping using buried arrays with the integration of passive and active seismic surveys provides enhanced microseismic mapping results. The system is initially set up by recording seismic data with the buried array installation while shooting a significant portion of the 3D surface seismic survey. The 3D surface seismic survey provides the following data: shallow 3D VSP data from the buried arrays; P-wave and converted wave data for the area covered by the buried array that benefits from the planned data integration processing effort; and microseismic data and associated analysis. |
| US09448312B1 |
Downhole fiber optic sensors with downhole optical interrogator
An apparatus for sensing a parameter beneath a surface of the earth includes an optical fiber disposed beneath a surface of the earth and comprising at least one fiber Bragg grating sensor configured to sense the parameter and a wide-band light source disposed beneath the surface of the earth and configured to emit light in a wide band of wavelengths to illuminate the at least one fiber Bragg grating. An optical interrogator is disposed beneath the surface of the earth and configured to receive light reflected by the at least one fiber Bragg grating sensor and to transform a shift in wavelength of the reflected light into a variation of light intensity. A photo-sensor is configured to measure intensity of light received from the optical interrogator. Electronics are coupled to the photo-sensor and configured to measure a voltage representing the light intensity at the photo-sensor to sense the parameter. |
| US09448307B2 |
Methods, devices, and uses for calculating a position using a global navigation satellite system
The invention, in some embodiments, relates to the field of global navigation satellite systems, and more particularly to the field of methods and devices for improving accuracy of position determination by receivers of global navigation satellite systems. Some embodiments of the invention relate to methods for generating a three-dimensional (3-D) representation of an urban area by a receiver of a global navigation satellite system using blocked lines of sight to satellites of the system. Additional embodiments of the invention relate to methods for transmitting a three-dimensional (3-D) representation of an urban area by a receiver of a global navigation satellite system for improving calculation of location by the global navigation satellite system receiver. |
| US09448303B2 |
Radar device
A first radar transmitter and a second radar transmitter transmit a first modulation signal and a second modulation signal which are generated by repeating a predetermined time of code sequences, each of which has a predetermined code length, using a first code width and a second code width, respectively. An A/D converter converts the modulation signal into a discrete signal in a sampling cycle shorter than a difference between the first code width and the second code width. A positioning section separates a plurality of reception signals using a first correlation value based on outputs from the A/D converter and a first delay section corresponding to the first code width and a second correlation value based on outputs from the A/D converter and a second delay section corresponding to the second code width. |
| US09448301B2 |
Calibrated radar apparatus and associated methods
A radar apparatus measures at least one characteristic of at least one object even in a near field. A sweep generator generates a sweep signal to modulate an oscillator to generate a varying frequency signal. A transmitter transmits the varying frequency signal as a radar signal. A receiver receives a reflected radar signal to produce a received signal using the varying frequency signal. A compensation signal memory holds a previously stored compensation signal. A compensation circuit compensates the received signal based on the previously stored compensation signal to produce a compensated received signal. A frequency transformation circuit transforms the compensated received signal to produce a frequency spectrum signal. A peak detector measures the characteristic of the object based on a peak of the frequency spectrum signal. When operating in a calibration mode and the reflected radar signal is quieted, the received signal is written into the compensation signal memory. |
| US09448297B2 |
Mode splitter/combiner for noise figure minimization and control of power in RF coil arrays
A magnetic resonance (MR) system (10) minimizes noise for modes of an array of coils (261, 262, . . . , 26n). The system (10) includes an array of coils (261, 262, . . . , 26n) in which the coils of the array (261, 262, . . . 26n) share impedances. A splitter/combiner (30) receives a plurality of signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) from each of the coils (261, 262, . . . , 26n) and converts the plurality of signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) to a plurality of signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) which are compensated for the shared impedance. The splitter/combiner (30) splits the received signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) into components and combines components of like frequency and/or phase to create the impedance compensated signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn). Each impedance compensated signal is amplified by a corresponding preamplifier (381, 382, . . . , 38n). |
| US09448296B2 |
Motion-sensitized driven equilibrium blood-suppression sequence for vessel wall imaging
An improved motion-sensitization driven equilibrium (iMSDE) sequence based upon an MLEV-4 sequence is used for black-blood vessel wall imaging. The MSDE pulse pattern that is used us a preparation sequence for other procedures employed to acquire images has been modified to produce the iMSDE sequence by the addition of a second 180 degree refocusing pulse and two motion sensitization gradients. The iMSDE sequence thus includes a group of four radio frequency (RF) pulses, as well as additional magnetic gradient pulses that are not included in the conventional MSDE sequence. Computer simulations indicate that this new pulse sequence is substantially more immune to local B1 inhomogeneity than conventional sequences. In vivo experiments have demonstrated significant signal improvement at high first-order moments (m1) conditions compared to the traditional MSDE sequence. |
| US09448287B2 |
Battery monitoring device
A battery monitoring device for real-time measurement and monitoring of a battery module driving an actual load and having a plurality battery cells connected together in series, has a plurality of power and impedance calculators provided for the respective battery cells, and configured to receive voltage signals and current signals from the battery cells, respectively and to measure instantaneous power values and internal impedance characteristics of the battery cells, respectively, and a battery module state manager configured to receive output data of the power and impedance calculators via an internal bus. |
| US09448286B2 |
Preventive diagnostic system for GIS based on IEC 61850
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a preventive diagnostic system for a GIS that includes a plurality of data acquisition systems (DAS's), a central communication unit (CCU), and a local server. The DAS generates an ICD file representing a content of the configuration of the DAS using a logical node designed for the preventive diagnostic system for a GIS and delivers the ICD file to the CCU, and the CCU performs a network connection so as to communicate with the DAS in compliance with IEC 61850 based on a content of the ICD file delivered from the DAS. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by applying IEC 61850 to the preventive diagnostic system for a GIS, smooth integration with a substation automation system and an efficient operation can be achieved. |
| US09448281B2 |
In situ on the fly on-chip variation measurement
A methodology and circuits for integrated circuit design are provided. A first electronic design file for an integrated circuit is provided. The first electronic design file for the integrated circuit has a timing measurement circuit thereon. Based on the first electronic design file, a number of integrated circuits are manufactured. These manufactured integrated circuits have respective timing measurement circuits arranged at predetermined locations thereon. The timing measurement circuits are used to measure a number of respective timing delay values, which are subject to manufacturing variation, on the integrated circuits. The measured timing delay values are used to set how an auto-place and route tool arranges blocks in a second electronic design file, which is routed after the timing delay values are measured, to account for any measured manufacturing variation. |
| US09448277B2 |
Integrated time dependent dielectric breakdown reliability testing
Systems for reliability testing include a picometer configured to measure a leakage current across a device under test (DUT); a camera configured to measure optical emissions from the DUT based on a timing of the measurement of the leakage current; and a test system configured to apply a stress voltage to the DUT and to correlate the leakage current with the optical emissions using a processor to determine a time and location of a defect occurrence within the DUT by locating instances of increased noise in the leakage current that correspond in time with instances of increased optical emissions. |
| US09448275B2 |
Fault detection of four wire variable differential transformer sensors
Apparatus and methods of detecting failures in systems having a four-wire variable differential transformer sensor. In one embodiment, a method of detecting failures includes monitoring a source frequency of an Alternating Current (AC) voltage applied to an input of a four-wire variable differential transformer sensor, and monitoring an output frequency for an output of the sensor. The method further includes comparing the output frequency with the source frequency, and detecting a failure if the output frequency is different than the source frequency. |
| US09448271B2 |
Diagnostics for systems including variable frequency motor drives
One embodiment is a diagnostic method for a system including setting a first diagnostic code based upon a condition of a DC bus of a variable frequency drive during a first drive state, setting at least one additional diagnostic code based upon a condition of at least one motor phase current during a second drive state, outputting first diagnostic information indicating a malfunction of the variable frequency drive if the first diagnostic code indicates a first error, and outputting second diagnostic information indicating a malfunction of a motor or a connector coupling the motor and the drive if the at least one additional diagnostic code indicates a second error. |
| US09448268B2 |
Inductive sensor actuator with reciprocating contact post
A sensor assembly comprises a housing, a bushing, a contact post, and a sensor. The housing has a hollow interior and the bushing is disposed within the hollow interior of the housing at a distal end of the housing. The bushing has a hollow interior, and the contact post is configured to slide within the hollow interior of the bushing as a tip of the contact post comes into contact with a surface. The contact post has a partial bore and the sensor is configured to slide into the partial bore if necessary. The sensor is also configured to measure a distance between the bottom of the contact post and a tip of the sensor. The sensor may communicate the measurement to a data processor. |
| US09448265B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting output phase deficiency in inverter
An apparatus and a method for detecting phase deficiency in an inverter is provided, the method including deciding whether a sector of the output current is a sector where current detection is possible based on switching operation status of the switching element in the inverter, maintaining a phase deficiency variable when deciding the current detection in the sector of the output current to be impossible, adding a count to a phase deficiency variable to accumulate when deciding the current detection in the sector of the output current to be possible and deciding the output current to be within a phase deficiency band, and determining as phase deficiency when the phase deficiency variable is greater than a prescribed detection level. |
| US09448263B2 |
Power quality monitoring apparatus for railway power system
A power quality monitoring apparatus is developed for a railway power system. The apparatus is calculating the energy flow and the power consumption and recording the by using the voltage and current sensors at AC and DC power source in the various industrial fields. The voltage and current phases are detected for the AC power. The direction of current is detected to calculate the power consumption for the DC power. Then, the detected data is analyzed. It is possible to monitor the variation of the voltages and current values of the railway vehicle in real time. It is possible to display the variations of the vehicle loads, the AC power output, the voltage and current value fluctuations, the power consumption and power flows in a form of the graphic or text format. Thereby, it is possible to easily understand the overall status of the overhead line's environment. |
| US09448258B2 |
Current sensor based on a Rogowski coil
A current sensor based on a Rogowski coil includes a polygonal cross-section tube obtained from of one or more parts of rigid PCB. The windings that form the Rogowski coil are located on the portions of rigid PCB which form the flat faces of the polygonal cross-section tube. One or more parts of rigid PCB are joined together using flexible zones which can bend in the form of an l. The polygonal cross-section tube is designed so that, during its use, the conductor whose current is required to be measured is situated along the tube's longitudinal axis. |
| US09448251B2 |
Integrated inertial sensor and pressure sensor, and forming method therefor
An integrated inertial sensor and pressure sensor may include a first substrate including a first surface and a second surface; at least one or more conductive layers, formed on the first surface of the first substrate; a movable sensitive element, formed by using a first region of the first substrate; a second substrate and a third substrate, the second substrate being coupled to a surface of the conductive layer, the third substrate being coupled to the second surface of the first substrate in which the movable sensitive element of the inertial sensor is formed, and the third substrate and the second substrate are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the movable sensitive element; and a sensitive film of the pressure sensor, including at least a second region of the first substrate, or including at least one of the conductive layers on the second region of the first substrate. |
| US09448250B2 |
Detecting mount angle of mobile device in vehicle using motion sensors
Motion sensors of a mobile device mounted to a vehicle are used to detect a mount angle of the mobile device. The motion sensors are used to determine whether the vehicle is accelerating or de-accelerating, whether the vehicle is turning and whether the mount angle of the mobile device is rotating. The mount angle of the mobile device is obtained from data output from the motion sensors and can be used to correct a compass heading. Data from the motion sensors that are obtained while the vehicle is turning or the mobile device is rotating are not used to obtain the mount angle. |
| US09448249B2 |
Dispensing apparatus
A dispensing apparatus includes: a dish mounting portion having a mounting surface configured to be mounted with a dish having a bottom surface and a side surface surrounding the bottom surface; a syringe, arranged above the dish mounting portion, having a nozzle configured to discharge liquid toward an interior of the dish; and a first driving portion configured to rotate an inner bottom surface of the dish mounted on the dish mounting portion with respect to a first axis as a center of rotation, wherein the first axis is parallel to the mounting surface of the dish mounting portion. |
| US09448243B2 |
Weak affinity chromatography
The present invention provides methods for analyzing a target compound from a biological sample. In one aspect, a method for analyzing a target compound in a biological sample can comprise delivering a biological sample through an affinity column, the affinity column having a binding ligand coupled to a stationary structural support, wherein the affinity column has a high density of the binding ligand per the stationary structural support and wherein the binding ligand has been preselected to cause weak affinity separation zonal retardation of the target compound from the biological sample forming a target compound fraction and a biological sample fraction and detecting the target compound by mass spectrometry. |
| US09448240B2 |
Hydrophilic thiol probe
A thiol probe for a protein, which promotes ionization in proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry and can be used even for a protein that has a high degree of hydrophobicity and quickly turns over, and is represented by the following formula (I): In formula (I), R1 represents a linker group, and R2 represents a substituted ammonium group or a substituted amino group. A mass spectrometry method for a protein, includes the steps of obtaining a modified protein by reacting the thiol probe with a protein to be subjected to mass spectrometry and subjecting the modified protein to mass spectrometry. |
| US09448238B2 |
Monoclonal antibody for detecting exosomes
A monoclonal antibody for detecting or capturing an exosome, selected from the group consisting of a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 113 to 195 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 104 to 202 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 36 to 54 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, and a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 113 to 201 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, each capable of detecting or capturing an exosome. The monoclonal antibody for detecting an exosome of the present invention is capable of detecting CD9, CD63 or CD81 on the exosome in a living body with an excellent sensitivity and specificity. |
| US09448235B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improved luminescence assays using microparticles
A method and apparatus for performing electrochemiluminescence assays are presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an apparatus comprises an ECL-inactive electrode surface having a first assay-ligand immobilized thereon and an ECL-active microparticle having a second assay ligand immobilized thereon. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a method comprises (a) forming a mixture comprising an electrochemiluminescent label and a microparticle having a first assay-ligand immobilized thereon, (b) applying electrochemical energy to an electrode surface in the presence of said mixture, and (c) measuring emitted electrochemiluminescence, where the microparticle is ECL-active and where the electrode surface is ECL-inactive when electrochemical energy is applied to it in the presence of said mixture. |
| US09448233B2 |
Method and system for detection of natural high intensity sweeteners that contain hydroxyl groups
The present invention provides a hapten derivative and conjugate of a natural high intensity sweetener containing hydroxyl groups. The conjugate can be used to produce antibodies specific against the natural high intensity sweetener. The present invention further provides a kit and method for detecting and quantifying the natural high intensity sweetener in a sample. |
| US09448232B2 |
Methods and materials for detecting C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion positive frontotemporal lobar degeneration or C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion positive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
This document provides methods and materials for detecting C9ORF72 hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) (SEQ ID NO: 3) repeat expansion positive (C9+) frontotemporal lobar degeneration or C9+ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For example, methods and materials related to using anti-(GP)8 (SEQ ID NO: 2) antibodies to identify mammals (e.g., humans) having C9+ FTLD or C9+ ALS are provided. |
| US09448230B2 |
Method of hemoglobin-F determination
The Inventors disclosed an inexpensive method of determining fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells of individuals with sickle cell anemia undergoing hydroxyurea treatment. The method is based on the specific elution and measurement of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) from red blood cells, wherein the amount of HbF may be determined according to the formula: HbF=Total hemoglobin−HbS. The method may also be used to determine the amount of HbF in individuals without sickle cell anemia by the specific elution of adult or normal hemoglobin (HbA) from red blood cells whereby the amount HbF may be determined according to the formula: HbF=Total hemoglobin−HbA. The method will also determine levels of HbS or HbA in individuals with sickle cell and without sickle cell respectively. The methods have the advantage of being easy to practice in underdeveloped countries. |
| US09448229B2 |
Kit for monitoring immune status after transplant and method for monitoring immune status using same
The present invention relates to a method and a kit for monitoring an immune status after transplant. The kit for monitoring an immune status after transplant and the method for monitoring an immune status of an individual after transplant as provided in the present invention make it easy and accurate to determine an immune status in the individual after transplant and thus have an effect of reducing overuse of an immunosuppressive agent prescribed after transplant and also have an effect of conveniently managing an immune status of each patient. |
| US09448223B2 |
Impedance-based sensing of adherent cells on a digital microfluidic device
Devices and methods are provided for measuring, on a digital microfluidic platform, electrical signals associated with the impedance of adherent cells. In one embodiment, a sub-droplet of cell culture media containing adherent cells is passively dispensed at a pre-selected electrode location where a local hydrophilic surface region is provided, and adherent cells are attached to the local hydrophilic surface region. The cell culture media sub-droplet is replaced with a sub-droplet of a low-conductivity medium in a passive dispensing step, retaining the attached adherent cells. An AC voltage with a suitable frequency is applied between electrodes of the device and a signal associated with the impedance of the adherent cells is obtained. One of the electrodes to which the AC voltage is applied may be a dedicated sensing electrode. The local thickness of a dielectric layer coating the pre-selected electrode may be reduced to increase the detection sensitivity of the device. |
| US09448221B2 |
Method, solvent formulation and apparatus for the measurement of the salt content in petroleum fluids
A method and apparatus for determining the salt concentration of crude oil using a single solvent that allows for improved safety and accuracy. The apparatus can include a pair of electrodes, a solvent storage container, a power source, a temperature sensor, a computer, and a display device. The method includes introducing a volume of the crude oil and a solvent to a mixing zone and mixing them together to form a homogenized mixture. The temperature and conductivity of the homogenized mixture are measured in order to determine the salt concentration of the homogenized mixture, and subsequently, the salt concentration of the crude oil. |
| US09448218B2 |
Method for detecting fishy water odor from air conditioner, reproducing fishy water odor and preparing corresponding fishy water odor composition
A method is provided that identifies the compounds contributing to fishy water odor from an air conditioner, reproduces the fishy water odor, and prepares a corresponding fishy water odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the fishy water odor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The fishy water odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced fishy water odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor. |
| US09448217B2 |
Gas sensing system
A gas sensing system includes an air intake hole which comprises a plurality of micro-flow channels, a replaceable sensor for receiving an air from the air intake hole and detecting the received air, and a processing unit coupled to the replaceable sensor and doing determination for the component of the air according to a detection result of the replaceable sensor. Wherein, the replaceable sensor includes a plurality of sensing chips arranged in an array and each sensing chip is coated with a sensing thin film separately to detect a different gas. |
| US09448216B2 |
Gas sensor device with frame passageways and related methods
A gas sensor device may include a gas sensor integrated circuit (IC) having a gas sensing surface, and bond pads adjacent to the gas sensing surface, and a frame having gas passageways extending therethrough adjacent the gas sensing surface. The gas sensor device may include leads, each having a proximal end spaced from the frame and bonded to a respective bond pad, and a distal end extending downwardly from the proximal end, and encapsulation material filling the space between the proximal ends of the leads and the frame. |
| US09448215B2 |
Optical gas analyzer device having means for calibrating the frequency spectrum
Exemplary embodiments relate to an optical gas analyzer device that includes at least one measuring chamber in the form of a tubular measuring cuvette through which measuring gas flows. The measuring chamber is illuminated longitudinally by a radiation source that is arranged at an input end thereof and the light beam of which weakened by absorption losses is detected for gas concentration analysis by at least one detector arranged at an output end. The measuring process is calibrated using a reference spectrum. A special optical filter can be inserted into the measuring process in place of the measuring cuvette. The filter material of the filter generates a plurality of strong absorptions across the entire wavelength range of the measuring spectrum in order to cause attenuations that in the particular spectral position correspond to those of the gaseous measuring medium in greater concentration. |
| US09448214B2 |
Network for measuring greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for measuring greenhouse gas. A calibration device receives a first sample of atmospheric gas from a first port exposed to the earth's atmosphere. The calibration device receives a second sample of atmospheric gas from a second port exposed to the earth's atmosphere. The calibration device routes the first sample and the second sample to a measurement device for greenhouse gas analysis. The measurement device determines a characteristic of a greenhouse gas present in at least one of the first sample and the second sample. The measurement device transmits data associated with the determined characteristic of the greenhouse gas to a computing device for determining sinks and sources of the gas. |
| US09448212B2 |
Method for the detection of sulphur containing phosphorylating agents
A method is provided for detecting sulphur-containing species (such as thiophosphorous esters, in particular phosphorylating agents), in which a suspected sulphur-containing species is brought into contact with a tetrazolium compound in the presence of base, typically at a pH of at least 8. A device, kit and tetrazolium compounds for use in such a method are also disclosed. |
| US09448211B2 |
Analysis of exhaust gas
A method and system of measuring non-methane hydrocarbons in exhaust gas. The method includes sampling exhaust gas, wherein the exhaust gas includes native carbon dioxide, non-methane hydrocarbons and methane. The native carbon dioxide present in the exhaust gas is removed followed by oxidation of the non-methane hydrocarbons to produce carbon dioxide. The concentration of carbon dioxide is then measured and provides a direct indication of the non-methane hydrocarbon concentration. |
| US09448208B2 |
System and apparatus for dual transducer ultrasonic testing of package seals
An airborne ultrasonic testing system includes two sets of ultrasound transmitters and receivers, an ultrasound frequency generator, a computer analyzer, and a controller. The ultrasound transmitters and opposing receivers are fixedly mounted at oblique angles from a support. A seal-receiving slot is defined between the transmitters and receivers, and is sized to receive a sealed edge portion of a container to be tested. The ultrasound transmitters preferably emit respective ultrasound streams that encounter a top surface of a sealed edge portion of the container at an angle between approximately 0-45 degrees, and most preferably, approximately 45 degrees. The angle of ultrasound emission of the first transmitter may be inverse of the angle of emission of the second transmitter. The signal response of each pair of receivers can be processed individually or combined to produce a summary test result of the two measurements that eliminates systematic variation associated with material variation. |
| US09448207B2 |
Quality evaluation apparatus, quality evaluation method, and evaluation substrate
In a quality evaluation method, an evaluation substrate that includes a mounting region, in which a multilayer capacitor is to be mounted, in a center portion of the evaluation substrate is fixed in place using a plurality of fixed portions at corner portions of the evaluation substrate, each of which is a same distance from the mounting region. A voltage is applied to the multilayer capacitor mounted on the mounting region of the evaluation substrate. Sound is collected using a microphone that is near the multilayer capacitor mounted on the evaluation substrate. |
| US09448204B2 |
Magnetic immunoassay using AC susceptibility measurement
In a magnetic immunoassay using AC magnetic susceptibility measurement, a signal from non-coupled magnetic particles is prevented to mix with a desired measurement signal from magnetic particles coupled with an object to be measured. A sample vessel in which a mixed solution of an inspection objective sample and the magnetic particles are included is carried by a sample support, such that a precipitation of the magnetic particle coupled with the object to be measured dispersed in the solution by a magnetic field from a dissociating coil is promoted. Next, the sample vessel is carried to the magnetizing coil and the magnetic signal from the non-coupled magnetic particle remaining in a supernatant in the vessel is peculiarly measured by an MR sensor to perform AC magnetic susceptibility measurement with high precision. |
| US09448202B2 |
Electrophoresis buffer for extending the useful electrophoresis life of an electrophoresis gel
There is provided an electrolyte solution for extending useful electrophoresis life of an electrophoresis gel containing Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), at least one zwitterion, and water. The electrolyte solution may be used in buffer systems for gel electrophoresis, such as SDS-PAGE. |
| US09448196B2 |
Electronically conductive fluid detector
A sensor detects the presence of an electrically conductive liquid such as water or the material at the bottom of a reservoir such as an oil pan or crank case. The water or other material will enter a gap between two contacts that are connected to a power source and a signal device such as an LED. The power source may be a battery positioned within the sensor or may be external. |
| US09448195B2 |
Electrophysiological recording system and methods of using same
Electrophysiological recording systems for analysis of cultured cells include an recording device and a housing for supporting the electrophysiological recording device. The device has a porous membrane with top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of pores extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The porous membrane defines a first cell culture region disposed on the top surface and an opposed second cell culture region disposed on the bottom surface. The electrophysiological recording device has a plurality of electrodes positioned on the porous membrane in between a first insulation layer and a second insulation layer. The plurality of electrodes extend to the first cell culture region of the porous membrane. Recording ends of the electrodes measure electrical properties of cells cultured within the first and second cell culture regions, while the contact ends of the electrodes are positioned in electrical communication with data acquisition equipment. |
| US09448194B2 |
Apparatus and method of determining failure in thermostat
An apparatus for determining a failure in a thermostat for controlling the flow of a coolant into a radiator in response to an actual water temperature of the coolant for an engine in a vehicle includes: a water temperature detector that detects the actual water temperature; a water temperature estimator that calculates an estimated water temperature of the coolant; and a failure determining unit that compares the actual water temperature detected by the water temperature detector with the estimated water temperature calculated by the water temperature estimator under cold start of the engine and determines whether the thermostat is valve-open failure. In an engine nonoperating mode including at least automatic stop of the engine, the water temperature estimator applies a behavior of the actual water temperature to an estimated water temperature calculated immediately before automatic stop of the engine to calculate an estimated water temperature in the engine nonoperating mode. |
| US09448189B2 |
Apparatus and method for fluid phase fraction determination using X-rays
An apparatus for determining fluid phase fraction of a multiphase fluid mixture (13) comprises: —a x-ray generator (20) arranged to emit a x-ray radiation spectrum comprising a low energy region and a high energy region, the high energy region including a Bremsstrahlung spectrum; —a pipe section (27) through which the multiphase fluid mixture (13) flows comprising a measurement section (28), said measurement section (28) being coupled to said x-ray generator (20); —a detector (30) coupled to said measurement section (28) and arranged to detect x-ray radiation that has passed through said multiphase fluid mixture (13), the detector (30) being coupled to a multichannel analyzer (32) producing a measurement output comprising a low energy (LE) and high energy (HE) measurement counts; wherein the measurement output further comprises a low energy (LV) and high energy (HV) control counts, in a low energy and high energy control windows located on an edge of the Bremsstrahlung spectrum, respectively; and wherein the apparatus further comprises an electrical parameter control arrangement (33) coupled to the x-ray generator (20) and the detector (30), the electrical parameter control arrangement (33) being arranged to calculate a first ratio of the high energy control count relative to the low energy control count (RV=HV/LV) and a second ratio of the high energy measurement count relative to the low energy measurement count (RE=HE/LE), and to adjust the electrical operation of the x-ray generator (20) based on an electrical parameter control function (FC(V)) of said ratios that minimize a dependence of the electrical operation of the x-ray generator on the fluid phase fraction of the multiphase fluid mixture (13) flowing in the measurement section (28). |
| US09448188B2 |
Vehicular radiation inspection system
The present invention discloses a vehicular radiation inspection system comprising a mobile vehicle body, a detection arm, a radiation source and a detector. The vehicular radiation inspection system further comprises a following mechanism separated from the detection arm. The following mechanism contains radiation protection material, and the following mechanism follows the detection arm to move in a non-contact manner during inspection of the inspected object, so as to prevent radiation leakage. In the present invention, it does not need to infuse radiation protection material having a high density, such as lead, into the detection arm. Therefore, it can effectively decrease the weight of the detection arm, and it does not need to provide a balance counterweight on the mobile vehicle body on which the detection arm is carried, thereby effectively solving the problem that the vehicular radiation inspection system has an excessively large mass. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the moving process of the following mechanism is accurately controlled, so as to prevent the following mechanism from hitting the detection arm. |
| US09448184B1 |
Method and system for determining one or more optical characteristics of structure of a semiconductor wafer
Determination of one or more optical characteristics of a structure of a semiconductor wafer includes measuring one or more optical signals from one or more structures of a sample, determining a background optical field associated with a reference structure having a selected set of nominal characteristics based on the one or more structures, determining a correction optical field suitable for at least partially correcting the background field, wherein a difference between the measured one or more optical signals and a signal associated with a sum of the correction optical field and the background optical field is below a selected tolerance level, and extracting one or more characteristics associated with the one or more structures utilizing the correction optical field. |
| US09448182B2 |
Time-temperature indicating device
The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicating device and methods of manufacturing and reading this device. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator (TTI) device comprises at least one active reactant being at least a part of a component that is configured to be either an electrical component or transformable into an electrical component, said at least one active reactant being selected to be affectable by a chemical and/or physical reaction effecting a change in at least an electrical property of said electrical component at a rate that is time-temperature dependent. |
| US09448180B2 |
Multi-analyte detection system and method
The invention provides for a multiple analyte detector that is capable of detecting and identifying explosive, chemical or biological substances having multiple analytes with a single system having multiple reporters. The reporters include fluorescent polymers, conducting polymers, metal oxide elements electrochemical cells, etc. The reporters may be combinations of other reporters that are optimized for broadband detection. |
| US09448178B2 |
Integrated microfluidic radioassay and imaging platform for small sample analysis
An immunocapture-based in vitro kinase assay on an integrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidics platform that can reproducibly measure kinase activity from as few as 3,000 cells is described. For this platform, the standard radiometric 32P-ATP labeled phosphate transfer assay was adopted. Implementation on a microfluidic device required the development of methods for repeated trapping and mixing of solid-phase affinity micro beads. A solid state beta-particle camera imbedded directly below the microfluidic device was used to provide real-time quantitative detection of the signal from this and other microfluidic radio bioassays. The integrated device can measure ABL protein kinase activity from BCR-ABL positive leukemia patient samples, and can measure the small molecule phosphorylation such as phosphorylation of the deoxycytidine analog 18F-FAC by deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) isolated from cell lysates. |
| US09448177B2 |
Flame photometric detector
A flame photometric detector (FPD) for use in a gas chromatography (GC) apparatus is described. The FPD has an emission block that is maintained in a first temperature range, and a transfer line that is maintained in a second temperature range that is greater than the first temperature range. The FPD is coupled to a light detector, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). |
| US09448175B2 |
Method for compensating for the aging of a reagent during fluorescence measurements carried out on particles, and biological analysis device implementing the method
The present invention relates to a method for compensating for the breakdown of a reagent stored in an aqueous phase comprising at least one fluorescent compound and enabling the identification of particles, including the steps of: (i) measuring the fluorescence level FLUOm(t) of particles marked with said reagent; (ii) measuring the absorbance at at least one wavelength of a solution of said reagent, at a time t close to the time of said fluorescence level FLUOm(t) measurements, so as to determine at least one current optical density DO(t) of the reagent; and (iii) calculating a correction of the fluorescent level measurements using said at least one current optical density DO(t) and at least one initial optical density DO(0) of the reagent that has not been broken down. The invention also relates to a biological analysis device implementing the method. |
| US09448173B2 |
Dye-conjugated dendrimers
The invention provides dendrimers, conjugates thereof, and methods of using dendrimer conjugates. In one embodiment, the invention provides novel polymeric dendrimers as a new class of fluorescent labels. The labels can include multiple fluorescent dye molecules conjugated to a single polymeric backbone or core, such as a dendrimer. The dendrimers can have regular or irregular branched polymeric network structures that allow for the chemical attachment of multiple dye molecules, multiple color dyes, and/or multiple functional groups, in a combinatorial fashion. The fluorescent dendritic nanoprobes (FDNs) thus provide a new class of fluorescent reporters for fluorescence microscopy and imaging. |
| US09448170B2 |
Harmful substance evaluating method and harmful substance evaluation kit
A biological growth inhibition factor assay method includes: a first step of mixing a photosynthetic sample, with an aqueous solution sample to prepare a test measurement solution, letting the test measurement solution stand, and then after illuminating light onto the test measurement solution for a predetermined illumination time, measuring the light amount of the delayed fluorescence that is emitted; a second step of mixing the photosynthetic sample with a standard sample, in which biological growth inhibition factors are not present, to prepare a standard measurement solution, letting the standard measurement solution stand, and then after illuminating light onto the standard measurement solution for a predetermined illumination time, measuring the light amount of the delayed fluorescence that is emitted; and a third step of computing assay values based on the light amounts of delayed fluorescence, respectively measured in the first step and the second step, and determining a comparison value of the assay values to assay biological growth inhibition factors. A biological growth inhibition factor assay method that enables analysis of a wide range of inhibition factors in a short time is thereby realized. |
| US09448169B2 |
Light measuring apparatus, light measuring method, filter member, and method of making filter member
A light measuring arrangement maintains the initial filtering function of an optical filter having a dye dispersed therein. The light measuring arrangement includes a measuring unit configured to measure an intensity of light emitted from a measurement target at a predetermined wavelength. The light measuring arrangement also includes the optical filter unit having the dye. The light measuring arrangement also includes a dye diffusion restricting unit configured to restrict diffusion of the dye from the optical filter unit. The optical filter unit constitutes part of an optical path for the light traveling from the measurement target to the light measuring unit. |
| US09448167B2 |
Measurement device and method for detection of airborne particles
A measurement device and method for the detection of airborne particles. The device includes a nozzle designed to produce a laminar flow of air with a flow path beyond the nozzle, a first laser and a second laser being positioned for emitting time-amplitude modulated laser light with intersecting laser beams with a laser beam intersection region in a region of the air flow path, and two photodetectors positioned for the detection of laser light scattered in the laser beam intersection region by airborne particles contained in the laminar air flow. The lasers are designed for emission of time-amplitude modulated laser light of identical laser emission wavelength, and the photodetectors are positioned and designed each for the detection of scattered laser light from both lasers. |
| US09448164B2 |
Systems and methods for noninvasive blood glucose and other analyte detection and measurement using collision computing
In a noninvasive system for detection/measurement of glucose and other analytes in a medium such as tissue, spectra from the medium are deconstructed into features. Conditioned features, which contain frequency components specific to glucose or the other analytes, are derived from one or more features by modulating a carrier kernel with the feature. The conditioned features are computationally collided with one or more Zyotons that are co-dependent with the conditioned features. One or more collisions amplify a property of the analyte e.g., energy absorbed by glucose in tissue from radiation directed to the skin. A gradient of several values of the amplified property, each value corresponding to a particular radiation pattern according to a spectroscopic tomographic sequence, is used to select a suitable projector curve, with which a representative amplified value is projected to an accurate estimate of the concentration of glucose or the other analytes, without needing personalized calibration. |
| US09448159B2 |
Epoxy molded gas cell for optical measurement and method of forming
The present invention relates to a gas cell (1) for optical measurements of gas content and/or concentration comprising a cavity (1a), at least one aperture (11) for gas exchange, at least one first socket (12) for light emitting means (2) and at least one second socket (13) for light detecting means (3). The length of an optical measuring path (A) through the cavity (1a) is defined by a direct or indirect distance between a light emitting means (2) in the first socket (12) and a light detecting means (3) in the second socket (13). The present invention teaches that an epoxy mold compound is used to form at least the parts of the gas cell (1) that define the optical measuring path (A). |
| US09448156B2 |
Optical particle analysis
A system and method for determining particle size, shape, and/or quantity. The particle can alter the polarization state of two oppositely-polarized light beams, thus allowing the light beams to interfere with each other. An interference pattern from interference of the two light beams can be captured by a CCD. The interference pattern can be analyzed to determine size, shape, and/or quantity. |
| US09448155B2 |
System for sampling and/or analysis of particles in a gaseous environment
A system for trapping particles in a gas comprising a chamber; an intake for intake of a gas containing at least one particle to be trapped and released, and an outlet for exit of the gas out of the chamber containing at least one particle; a first passage operatively connected to the intake operating to create a flow of a gas containing at least one particle into the chamber, a second passage operatively connected to the outlet for flow of the gas; a third passage operatively connected to a gaseous flow for creating a flow of fluid in a direction substantially opposite to the transfer of gas from the first passage so as to counteract the flow of gas from the first passage; an image sensor for recording an image; and a laser for generating a light beam for forming a photophoretic trap between the first and third passages. |
| US09448149B2 |
Method for ultrasonic fatigue testing at high temperature, and testing device
Disclosed are a method for ultrasonic fatigue testing at high temperature and a testing device without needing preliminary Young's modulus measurement, and a method for ultrasonic fatigue testing at high temperature and a testing device capable of securing heat insulation for protecting a vibrator without water cooling of a horn, measuring end surface displacement of a test specimen in a noncontact manner, and solving problems of a noncontact temperature measurement of a test specimen and temperature control. Young's modulus is calculated by inverse calculation, a rod and a horn having heat resistance, heat insulation, and temperature symmetry of a test specimen are used, laser light is irradiated and received from an oblique direction to measure end surface displacement, and a noncontact temperature measurement of a test specimen by a black-body coating and a two-color radiation thermometer and temperature control by a high-frequency coil having a special shape are performed. |
| US09448146B2 |
Method for automated specimen transfer
An automated sample processing system includes a sample input adapted to receive at least one sample container holder manually provided by a user, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more unused consumable supplies manually provided by a user, a waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, an automated processing apparatus, and a sample output, wherein the automated processing apparatus includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from the at least one sample container, at least one agitator adapted to agitate and thereby homogenize the contents of the at least one sample container, a sample collector adapted to remove fluid specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to at least one output carrier, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container. |
| US09448145B2 |
Device and method for non-invasive collection of colorectal mucocellular layer and disease detection
The present invention relates to a device and a method for collecting a sample of colorectal mucocellular layer excreted immediately following the natural act of defaecation from the surface of the anal area of a human subject, and preservation and analysis of the collected sample for detecting diagnostically informative disease biomarkers. |
| US09448142B2 |
Milk sampling
A milk sampling system for use with an automatic milking machine includes a metering pump (2) having an inlet (9) connected to a induction system (3) and an outlet (10) connected to a discharge system (5). The induction system includes a manifold block (4) with passages forming supply paths (12, 13, 15) for connecting the pump inlet to a milk source, a washing fluid source, and a source of pressurized air, and solenoid valves (21, 22, 25) to selectively open and close the supply paths. The discharge systems includes a manifold block (6) with passages forming a plurality discharge paths (27, 29, 31, 33) for successively delivering discrete milk samples for analysis, and solenoid valves (35, 36, 37, 38) to selectively open and close the discharge paths. |
| US09448135B2 |
Torque error detection and torque estimation system
A vehicle may include a powertrain having an engine and a generator coupled to a driveshaft, an inverter configured to provide phase currents to the generator, and a controller programmed to output a fault condition based on first and second generator torques, the first generator torque being based on an engine torque and the second generator torque being based on no more than two phase currents of the generator. |
| US09448133B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for testing a turbocharger
A testing apparatus for a turbocharger is provided. In one example, the testing apparatus comprises a regulatable air input source configured to fluidically couple to one of an oil inlet or an oil outlet of an oil structure cavity of the turbocharger, an air flow measurement device including a flow restrictor which is configured to be coupled to the regulatable air input source, and media embodying instructions for correlating an amount of measured air flow measured by the air flow measurement device to a degree, rate, and/or amount of leakage past a turbocharger bearing component configured to restrict flow to or from the oil structure cavity. |
| US09448130B2 |
Sensor arrangement
A sensor arrangement for sensing an environmental property of an environment of the sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement comprising: a carrier; an active sensor component arranged at the carrier and configured for providing a sensor signal being indicative of the environmental property; a molding structure encapsulating at least a part of an exterior surface of the carrier and comprising an access recess exposing the active sensor component with regard to the environment; wherein the access recess is arranged asymmetrically with regard to the carrier. |
| US09448125B2 |
Determining on-chip voltage and temperature
A method, in one embodiment, can include modeling and calibrating two types of sensors that are part of a semiconductor device. In addition, the method can include determining a temperature and voltage based on data received from the two sensors. |
| US09448123B2 |
Temperature sensor
Provided is a temperature sensor that includes a pair of lead frames, a sensor portion connected to the pair of lead frames, and an insulating holding portion which is fixed to the pair of lead frames and holds the lead frames. The sensor portion includes an insulating film having a strip shape, a thin film thermistor portion pattern-formed at the center portion of the surface of the insulating film, a pair of comb electrodes which have a plurality of comb portions and are pattern-formed on at least one of the top or the bottom of the thin film thermistor portion with facing each other and a pair of pattern electrodes, of which one end is connected to the pair of comb electrodes and the other end is connected to the pair of lead frames at both ends of the insulating film, pattern-formed on the surface of the insulating film. |
| US09448122B2 |
Multi-point temperature sensing method for integrated circuit chip and system of the same
A multi-point temperature sensing method for integrated circuit chips and a system of the same are revealed. The system includes at least one slave temperature sensor embedded at preset positions for measuring temperature of a block and a master temperature sensor embedded in an integrated circuit chip and electrically connected to each slave temperature sensor. Variations of the slave temperature sensor induced by variations of process, voltage and temperature are corrected by the master temperature sensor. Thus the area the temperature sensors required on the integrated circuit chip is dramatically reduced and the stability of the temperature control system is improved. The problem of conventional System-on-a-Chip that only a limited number of temperature sensors could be used due to the area they occupied can be solved. |
| US09448115B2 |
Apparatus and methods for extracting topographic information from inspected objects
Systems and methods for extracting topographic information from inspected objects to identify defects in the inspected objects. A part to be inspected is illuminated with at least two different colors emitted from an illuminator providing a gradient of light consisting of the at least two different colors. A single color image of the illuminated part to be inspected is acquired, providing a color-coded topographic mapping of the part to be inspected due, at least in part, to the gradient of light. Topographic monochrome views of the part to be inspected may be generated from the single color image. Each view of the topographic monochrome views may enhance a different type of feature or defect present in the part to be inspected which can be analyzed and detected. |
| US09448110B2 |
Three-dimensional hyperspectral imaging systems and methods using a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) focal plane array
A system for three-dimensional hyperspectral imaging includes an illumination source configured to illuminate a target object; a dispersive element configured to spectrally separate light received from the target object into different colors; and a light detection and ranging focal plane array (FPA) configured to receive the light from the dispersive element, configured to acquire spatial information regarding the target object in one dimension in the plane of the FPA, configured to acquire spectral information in a second dimension in the plane of the FPA, wherein the second dimension is perpendicular to the first dimension, and configured to obtain information regarding the distance from the FPA to the target object by obtaining times of flight of at least two wavelengths, thereby imaging the target object in three dimensions and acquiring spectral information on at least one 3D point. |
| US09448107B2 |
Panoramic laser warning receiver for determining angle of arrival of laser light based on intensity
A method and apparatus of detecting laser in a laser warning receiver is disclosed. A panoramic lens assembly utilized in cameras is combined with a laser detection focal plane. Incident laser light is refracted in the panoramic lens and made to illuminate a multiplicity of individual sensor elements. By determining the corresponding intensity of the laser light on the sensors, the angle of arrival resolutions superior to the element angular resolutions can be achieved. The combination of a panoramic lens with a laser detection focal plane provides a low cost laser warning for wrap around ground based situational awareness. |
| US09448103B2 |
Achromatic lens array
A luminescence detection system may include an excitation light source, a single element achromat, and a detector. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the excitation light from the light source and direct the regulated light to a target, and the detector may be configured to detect luminescence generated by the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to a detector, and the excitation light source may be configured to direct the excitation light to the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate both the excitation light from the light source and the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to, respectively, the target and a detector. |
| US09448102B2 |
Photoreception device with an insulating resin mass, and method for producing photoreception device
A photoreception device includes: a substrate; a photoreceptor element including a photoreceptor portion upon an upper surface thereof and a lower surface thereof is mounted upon the substrate; and an insulating resin mass that contains a flat upper surface and an opening that exposes the photoreceptor portion of the photoreceptor element, that is formed upon the substrate to be thicker than thickness of the photoreceptor element, and that adheres closely against side surfaces of the photoreceptor element, the side surfaces surrounding the photoreceptor element. The insulating resin mass contains a step portion that is provided to a height between the flat upper surface thereof and the upper surface of the photoreceptor portion; and the step portion extends parallel to at least one pair of mutually opposed side surfaces of the photoreceptor element, at a periphery of the opening. |
| US09448093B2 |
Measurement of properties of fluids using MRI
A method of determining rheological properties of a fluid. The method includes: providing an open-bore tube and defining within the bore a three dimensional grid (3DG) of voxels; defining at least an inlet cross section (ICS) and an outlet cross section (OCS); defining a volume of interest within the bore between the ICS and the OCS; obtaining rheological properties of the fluid; applying a pressure gradient to the bore between the ICS and the OCS; and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging the fluid within the volume of interest to determine various aspects of the fluid. |
| US09448088B2 |
Magnetic rotary encoder
A magnetic rotary encoder for the fine resolution of the rotational angle of a shaft (1) includes an exciter unit which images the rotation to be monitored and rotates about an axis of rotation (20), a stationary fine resolution sensor unit (2) for fine resolution of each revolution, and an electronic processing means. It is characterized in that the exciter unit includes two first permanent magnets (7, 7) which are disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation at a mutual spacing such that their magnetization vectors (21, 21) which extend through their respective center of gravity extend in the same direction in relation to the common field lines and form a central field space (9) which directly connects the permanent magnets, and at least the fine resolution sensor unit is so arranged that it can use the field (10) of the central field space for measurement. |
| US09448086B2 |
Method for analyzing the electricity consumption of a site provided with a plurality of electrical devices
The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the electricity consumption of a site provided with a plurality of electrical devices of different types, wherein the method comprises: periodically measuring the current and the voltage over at least one of the electrical phases upstream from the power supply network of the site; and processing a combination of digitized signals in order to determine the distribution of the consumption on the basis of at least some of the devices in accordance with a signature of each of the devices. The processing involves comparing the waveform of the measured current with a library of pre-saved signatures for each of the electrical devices. The signatures comprising at least one parameter based on the waveform of the supply voltage. The signature of each device is predetermined during a prior step that involves: applying, to each device, a predetermined series of power supply sequences with voltage signals, the waveform of which represents the waveforms observed on ordinary electrical facilities; and recording the current waveform resulting from the operation of said device. The invention also relates to a method for modeling a device for implementing the analysis method. |
| US09448081B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamically adaptive road network hierarchy and routing
A system and method for computing routing on a road network are described. One embodiment includes pre-processing routing data for one or more environmental profiles integrated into a hierarchy, dynamically adding links to the hierarchy in response to real-time data on traffic conditions, and cluster-routing to approximate routing travel costs based on realtime traffic data A further embodiment includes a) identifying one or more portions of a road network as being more preferable than normal based on real-time data, b) expressing the one or more portions of the road network as a sequence of locations comprising a uniquely identifiable path, c) using the sequence of locations comprising a uniquely identifiable path to add one or more links to an already constructed hierarchical network of roads, and d) enabling a pathfinding algorithm to adjust to the real-time data. |
| US09448078B2 |
Route search device and route search method
A center is provided with an information selecting section for selecting posted pieces of information including a prescribed term from among a plurality of pieces of information posted by users, and a route searching section for searching for a route for a mobile object based on the selected posted pieces of information. The center delivers pieces of information indicating the route searched for by the route search section to a navigation system that has made a request. |
| US09448075B2 |
Method and terminal for acquiring road condition information
A method and a terminal for acquiring road condition information are provided, wherein, the method includes: forming an Ad Hoc network with other terminals; acquiring own position information through positioning; exchanging position information with other terminals in a network through the Ad Hoc network; and acquiring the road condition information according to the exchanged position information. The present method realizes a technical effect of acquiring the road condition information without an operator. |
| US09448066B2 |
Methods and apparatus for jammable HCI interfaces
In exemplary implementations of this invention, a jammable structure functions as an HCI interface. A user provides input by changing the shape of a flexible layer of the jammable structure (e.g., by pressing against it or stretching, twisting or bending it) and receives haptic feedback (e.g., varying stiffness). Sensors are used to determine the shape of the flexible layer. The sensors output data that is indicative of electromagnetic waves that have traveled through the jammable media or of electrical or magnetic phenomena that are produced by the waves. For example, visible or infrared light may be shone through a transparent jammable media to the flexible layer and reflect back to a camera. The media may comprise granular particles (e.g., glass beads) and a liquid (e.g., oil) with matching indices of refraction. Or capacitive sensing may be used to detect the shape of the flexible layer. |
| US09448065B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes determining a position of a first semiconductor chip having a plurality of first electrodes, using one or more first alignment marks formed on the first semiconductor chip, determining a position of a second semiconductor chip having a plurality of second electrodes, using one or more second alignment marks formed on the second semiconductor chip, moving the second semiconductor chip relative to the first semiconductor chip, based on the determined positions of the first and second semiconductor chips, such that the second electrodes are aligned with the first electrodes, after said moving, stacking the second semiconductor chip on the first semiconductor chip, such that the first electrodes are electrically connected to the second electrodes, and calculating a misalignment amount between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip stacked thereon. |
| US09448063B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting position of substrate transfer device, and storage medium
In a method for detecting a position of a substrate transfer device including a substrate supporting unit, the light-transmitting optical sensor is moved with respect to a detection target provided at a predetermined relative position with respect to a position where a substrate is to be transferred by the substrate transfer device, and a vertical dimension of the detection target that blocks the optical axis is measured by setting the substrate supporting unit in a first orientation and relatively moving up or down the optical sensor with respect to the detection target. A vertical dimension of the detection target that blocks the optical axis is measured by setting the substrate supporting unit in a second orientation and relatively moving the optical sensor with respect to the detection target. Horizontal coordinates of a reference position of the detection target are obtained based on the measured vertical dimensions in the respective orientations. |
| US09448061B2 |
Selecting an earpiece based on dynamic data
The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain dynamic three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth. |
| US09448058B2 |
Associated interferometers using multi-fiber optic delay lines
An interferometer apparatus which include two or more coupled fiber optic Michelson interferometers using fiber optic stretches which stretch two or more optical fibers wound around the perimeter of the optical fiber stretchers by the same amount is disclosed. Preferably a pair of reference and sample fiber optic stretches are utilized which run in a push-pull mode of operation. When one of the interferometers is a coherent light interferometer it can be used as a reference distance scale for all of the remaining low coherence light interferometer. A method for measuring a physical property of a device under test is also disclosed using the apparatus of the present invention. |
| US09448056B2 |
System for fourier domain optical coherence tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method which can image with micrometer-scale resolution up to a few millimeters deep into, for example, living biological tissues and preserved tissue samples. An improved apparatus and image reconstruction algorithm for parallel Fourier Domain OCT which greatly eases requirements for interferometer stability and also allows for more efficient parallel image acquisition is provided. The apparatuses and algorithms reconstruct images from interfered, low-coherence, multiwave length signals having a .pi. radian phase difference relative to one another. Other numbers of signals and other phase differences may be alternatively used, with some combinations resulting in higher resolution and image stability. The apparatus also eliminates a need for bulk optics to modulate a phase delay in a reference arm of the optical path. Images may be reconstructed using two spectrometers, where each is coupled to a detector array such as a photodiode array. |
| US09448055B2 |
Electronic interface for LVDT-type pressure transducers using piezoresistive sensors
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method that includes receiving, at first and second input terminals, first and second input voltages and maintaining the direction of the first and second input voltages and doubling the first and second input voltages. The method also includes measuring, by a Wheatstone bridge, an applied physical parameter; outputting, to a capacitor, and to first and second operational amplifiers, first and second signals substantially indicative of the physical parameter; reducing, by the capacitor, a DC component of the first and second signals; amplifying, by the first and second operational amplifiers, the first and second signals; and adjusting, by a gain resistor, a differential output between first and second output voltages that correspond to the first and second signals output from the Wheatstone bridge. Finally, the method includes outputting, by first and second output terminals, the first and second output voltages. |
| US09448054B2 |
Throttle opening detection device
A throttle opening detection device includes a rotor which is rotated in an interlocking manner by manipulation of an acceleration grip which is mounted together with the rotor on a handlebar. First magnets are arranged near a peripheral portion of one side surface of the rotor along the circumferential direction of the rotor, while second magnets are respectively laminated to the first magnets, and have opposite polarities to the first magnets. The first magnets with the second magnets laminated thereto are disposed with a set spacing therebetween. A magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic force generated by all the magnets is arranged to oppose, with a clearance therebetween, the one side surface of the rotor in which the magnets are arranged, in an axial direction of the rotor. |
| US09448052B2 |
Shape measuring apparatus and control method of shape measuring apparatus
A control method of a shape measuring apparatus divides a curve indicating a movement path of a probe into a plurality of sections. A measurement target section is selected from the plurality of sections sequentially from a starting point side of the curve indicating the movement path of the probe. A first curvature radius is calculated from a curvature of the measurement target section. A second curvature radius is calculated according to an angle between a first straight line connecting a starting point to an ending point of the measurement target section and a second straight line connecting a starting point to an ending point of a section next to the measurement target section. A smaller value from among the first curvature radius and the second curvature radius is set as an effective radius. A maximum speed of probe movement increasing according to an increase in the effective radius is calculated for the measurement target section. |
| US09448050B1 |
Gun magazine assembly
An assembly for supporting gun magazines includes a plurality of pouches each adapted to receive and hold at least one gun magazine therein. At least one first pivot assembly portion and at least one second pivot assembly portion are mounted on each of the plurality of pouches. A first pivot assembly portion on one pouch is pivotally connectable to a second pivot assembly portion on an adjacent pouch. |
| US09448048B2 |
Shell with ejectable shell base
The present invention relates to a shell (1) comprising a shell casing (2), a detonator (3), a payload (4), a shell base (5) and a separation charge (6) intended for ejection of the payload (4) and the shell base (5) from the shell (1) over a target area. The invention is characterized in that the shell base (5), following separation from the shell (1), can be divided into smaller parts which are harmless for the environment. |
| US09448045B2 |
High straightness arrow and method of manufacture
The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique. |
| US09448041B2 |
Systems, devices, and/or methods for shielding
Certain exemplary embodiments provide a barrier comprising a shield unit that comprises of a bullet resistant material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic or a composite material. The shield unit can comprise one or more windows of a substantially transparent comprising a bullet resistant material, such as a bullet resistant plastic or glass. The shield unit can comprise an armaments port through which firearms can be shot. The shield unit can comprise two sets of wheels, one for transporting the shield unit with a motor vehicle to an active site, the second of which is used to move the shield unit after the shield unit is deployed at the active site. |
| US09448039B2 |
Thermal marking systems and methods of control
A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam and an optics assembly directing the thermal beam to impact a target, the target directing radiation to the optics assembly in response to the impact. The target marking system further includes a detector, and an optics assembly optically connected to the detector. |
| US09448038B2 |
Rubber band mounted reticle leveling device for use in leveling telescopic rifle sight
A device for aligning a telescopic sight includes two opposing reference cards connected to each other within a common plane by a connecting bar and a level indicator on a surface of at least one card. The alignment device is attached to the front or rear scope base of a firearm, so that the front surfaces of two opposing reference cards appear on either side of the reticle. Once the alignment device is secured to the scope base of the firearm, the reticle may be aligned with the bore axis by rotating the telescopic sight until the horizontal cross hair is parallel with any corresponding pair of reference lines of the reference cards. The alignment device can also include an adapter that allows the alignment device to be mounted to a firearm by coupling to a corresponding slot of a mounting platform. |
| US09448036B2 |
Low velocity projectile aiming device
Provided are devices for determining the correct aiming point of a low velocity projectile and methods and systems for using the devices. For example, the devices can be attached to a bow and used to improve accuracy for hunting game. |
| US09448035B2 |
Foldable firearm sight assembly including a leaf spring
A foldable firearm sight assembly including a leaf spring is disclosed. The disclosed assembly may include a base, a sight arm, and a leaf spring. The base of the sight assembly may be configured to attach to a firearm rail using, for example, a clamp bracket and a clamp bolt. The sight arm may be rotationally coupled to the base, and the leaf spring may be positioned between the base and the sight arm. When installed in the sight assembly, the leaf spring may be deflected and may apply a biasing force to the sight arm, causing the sight arm to favor either a deployed or stowed (undeployed) position. The sight arm may be lockable in stowed and/or deployed positions using a tooth and aperture configuration. In such lockable cases, the arm may be unlocked/released by manually depressing an end of leaf spring. |
| US09448030B2 |
Grip/cover for key lock system
Covers for key lock mounting systems on small arms such as the AR or M4 family of rifles and carbines can provide protection for the firearm, comfort for the operator, and electrical power to firearm accessories. The cover has keyhole grips that are pressed into the key lock mounting points in mounting system. The cover is held seated against the surface of the mounting system by the shape and resilience of keyhole grips. V-notch keyhole grips can attach to keyhole shaped mounting points and slot shaped mounting points. The covers have connectors and internal circuitry such that covers lined up edge to edge are electrically connected. Firearm accessories can be electrically powered the connectors. |
| US09448025B2 |
Firearm trigger block and tamper notification system
A trigger block and tamper notification system for use on a firearm includes a main enclosure assembly with an engagement element receivable through a trigger guard and a slide assembly having a complemental element releasably engaging the engagement element on an opposing side of the trigger guard. A magnetic reed switch is carried within the engagement element and a switch magnet is mounted in the slide assembly adjacent the complemental element so as to be in a position adjacent the magnetic reed switch when the slide assembly is engaged with the main enclosure assembly. A control module includes a signaling element activated when the switch magnet is moved from the position adjacent the reed switch. |
| US09448024B1 |
Firearm safety and chamber block indicator
This invention is directed to a firearm safety device that has a chamber block for being received in a chamber of a firearm. An internal area is defined in the chamber block and can receive a bullet so that the bullet biases the outer walls outward. A visual indicator is attached to a distal end of the chamber block and is received in the bore of the barrel and extending outward past the muzzle providing a visual indication that the firearm is in a safe condition. In one embodiment, the chamber block can be inserted into the muzzle and the visual indicator extends through the barrel and chamber and out of the ejection port of magazine well. The visual indicator can be modifiable in length to accommodate various lengths of barrels and can be flexible. |
| US09448022B2 |
Magazine floor plate
Magazine floor plates have a tubular body defining an elongated passage and having a lower end and an upper end, a floor plate element connected to the lower end, a follower movable within the elongated passage, a spring within the passage having a first end contacting the floor plate element, and having an opposed second end contacting and biasing the follower toward the upper end of the body. Downward force exerted by the spring on the floor plate element retains the floor plate element in an installed position relative to the lower end of the body. The floor plate element may have a width narrower than the elongated passage. The floor plate element may be connected to the lower end of the body by rails on the lower end of the body. The floor plate element may have an upward protrusion. |
| US09448016B2 |
Heat exchanger and baffle thereof
A baffle and a heat exchanger with the baffle are provided. The baffle is disposed inside a header pipe of the heat exchanger, and divides the header pipe into two sections along the axial direction. The baffle supports a refrigerant duct which is set inside the header pipe along the axial direction. The baffle is a split type, and includes a first baffle member and a second baffle member connected together via an engagement structure. The installation efficiency of the baffle and the installation quality of the refrigerant duct are enhanced, and the reliability of the heat exchanger is also improved. |
| US09448012B2 |
Making method for cooling body, cooling body and lighting device comprising the cooling body
A method for making a cooling body for a lighting device may include: a) Providing multiple aluminum nitride ceramic radiators; b) Putting the multiple aluminum nitride ceramic radiators into a mold; c) Closing the mold, and injecting a melting metal into the mold so that the metal encloses a portion of each of the aluminum nitride ceramic radiators, wherein the metal has a melting point lower than that of the aluminum nitride ceramic radiators; and d) Opening the mold, and obtaining the cooling body. |
| US09448011B2 |
Composite pipe heat exchanger for drainwater heat recovery
A low cost hybrid horizontal drainpipe heat exchanger using a mixture of plastic and copper to reduce cost, the heat exchanger including a conduit which has upper and lower tube segments sealed together along respective longitudinal edges so as to create a tube or a pipe wherein the lower segment is thermally conductive and the upper segment is thermally insulative, the arrangement being such that any drainwater flowing through the drainpipe will flow interiorly on the lower segment for heat exchange purposes. |
| US09448009B2 |
Flue gas recirculation method and system for combustion systems
A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions. |
| US09448006B2 |
Turbo-chill chamber using secondary coolant
An appliance system that includes an appliance and a turbo-chilling chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the turbo-chilling chamber for chilling a beverage within a beverage container or a foodstuff is operably engaged to an interior surface of the appliance and typically includes a rigid outer wall; a flexible inner wall defining a coolant chamber; and at least one coolant spaced between the rigid outer wall and flexible inner wall in the coolant chamber. The flexible inner wall defines a receiving space, accommodates various sized beverage containers or foodstuffs, and moves between a first position and a second position. The coolant within the coolant chamber is typically at higher than atmospheric pressure when the flexible inner wall is in the second position and a lesser pressure when the flexible inner wall is in the first position. The method of turbo-chilling a beverage container/beverage/foodstuff within the turbo-chilling chamber is also provided. |
| US09448005B2 |
Guard assembly and refrigerator including the same
Provided are a guard assembly that is rotatably installed at a rear side of a door of a refrigerator and the refrigerator including the same. The guard assembly in accordance with an embodiment, is installed at a rear side of a door of a refrigerator. The guard assembly includes a body portion which is placed at the rear side of the door and to which a supporting tray is coupled, and a rotation unit that causes the body portion to be rotatably coupled to the door. The rotation unit includes a guide member having a coupling hole and coupled to one side of the rear side of the door, and a hinge member having one side coupled to the body portion and another side rotatably coupled to the coupling hole. |
| US09448004B2 |
Refrigerator having double doors
A refrigerator is disclosed. The disclosed refrigerator includes a body having a storage chamber, a first door pivotably provided at a front side of the body, to open or close the storage chamber, the first door having an opening, and at least one door pocket provided at the opening, a second door pivotably provided at a front side of the first door, to open or close the opening, the second door pivoting in the same direction as the first door, a first upper hinge and a first lower hinge respectively coupled to upper and lower surfaces of the body, to pivotably support the first door, and a second upper hinge and a second lower hinge respectively coupled to upper and lower surfaces of the first door, to pivotably support the second door. |
| US09448003B2 |
Refrigerator having ice making compartment with refrigerant pipe support structure
A refrigerator including a refrigeration cycle including a refrigerant pipe to supply cooling energy to an ice making compartment, an ice making tray, on which at least a portion of the refrigerant pipe is seated, a drainage duct to collect condensed water falling from the ice making tray or from at least a portion of the refrigerant pipe, and to drain the collected water, and at least one fixer to fix at least a portion of the refrigerant pipe to the ice making tray. The fixer is protruded from the drainage duct. |
| US09448000B2 |
Thermally insulated receptacles
A thermally insulated receptacle includes a body, a cover, and a loudspeaker. The body defines a cavity. The cover is operatively coupled to the body and movable relative to the body to selectively cover the cavity. The loudspeaker is pivotably coupled to the body. The receptacle may include a spigot that is configured to be fluidly coupled to a bottle. |
| US09447995B2 |
Temperature-stabilized storage systems with integral regulated cooling
In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container. |
| US09447994B2 |
Temperature control systems with thermoelectric devices
Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source. |
| US09447991B2 |
Motorized rotational drive system for a solar collector tracker support system
Motorized rotational drive system (8) for rotating a framework about an axis of rotation, preferably a horizontal axis of rotation, for a solar collector tracker support system, said motorized system comprising: two ring gear sectors (80) extending in two planes orthogonal to the axis of rotation and provided with means of attachment to said framework; a transmission shaft (82) supporting two pinions (81) in mesh with the corresponding ring gear sectors (80) for synchronized rotation of said ring gear sectors (80); and a motorized drive means for driving the rotation of said transmission shaft (82). |
| US09447989B2 |
Cushion-shaped concentrator including a plurality of absorbers disposed in a single chamber with a gas therein at overpressure
A cushion-shaped concentrator for concentrating solar radiation in an absorber includes a transparent membrane that faces the incoming radiation and includes a reflector membrane which reflects the incident radiation in the direction of the absorber. The transparent membrane and the reflector membrane form an outer casing for a chamber filled with a gas at overpressure. Tension elements are arranged between the transparent membrane and the reflector membrane The tension elements produce constrictions on the reflector membrane that separate a plurality of distinct concavely curved sections of the reflector membrane. |
| US09447984B2 |
Air conditioning system and control parameters adjustment method
A control parameters adjustment method of an air conditioning system has the following steps: (a) building up a comparison table; (b) determining an objective output power; (c) determining whether there is only one preferred operation point by searching the comparison table; (d) when there is only one preferred operation point, adjusting the control parameters based on the preferred operation point; (e) when there are a plurality of preferred operation points, executing a retrieval procedure for selecting one of the preferred operation points, and adjusting the control parameters based on the selected preferred operation point. The method adjusts the control parameters according to the comparison table for ensuring that the air conditioning system can be operated with the minimum power consumption. |
| US09447981B2 |
Cooling fan having detachable heater
A combination cooling and heating device is provided with a cooling fan including an outlet including a mouth; and a heater including a mouth member complimentarily connected to the mouth of the outlet of the cooling fan, an indicator, a shell member including heating elements, a blade assembly, a micro switch, a spring biased trigger member, a front louver, and a frame secured to both the louver and the shell member. The trigger member is attached to the micro switch. The blade assembly is rotatably secured to the trigger member. In a heating operation, the fan activates to produce airflow which rotates the blade assembly, the blade assembly rotates to pull the trigger member, and the trigger member turns on the micro switch which activates the heating elements, thereby taking heat generated by the heating elements out of the louver. |
| US09447978B2 |
Range with suspended cooktop
A slide-in or drop-in cooking range includes an upper cooktop in the form of a module suspended above an oven cavity. For installation purposes, the upper cooktop can be vertically repositioned relative to the oven cavity to assure proper alignment with the countertop and avoid damage to the cooktop as a result of combined thermal and mechanical stresses over time. The disclosure is particularly applicable to ranges employing glass cooktops having a periphery designed to rest upon edge portions of a countertop and contemplates various mechanisms to perform the cooktop repositioning function, including select mechanisms for locking, ratcheting and biasing the cooktop to establish a desired vertical position for the cooktop. |
| US09447975B2 |
Variable volume combustor with aerodynamic fuel flanges for nozzle mounting
The present application provides a combustor for use with a gas turbine engine. The combustor may include a number of micro-mixer fuel nozzles and a fuel injection system for providing a flow of fuel to the micro-mixer fuel nozzles. The fuel injection system may include a number of support struts supporting the fuel nozzles and for providing the flow of fuel therethrough. The fuel injection system also may include a number of aerodynamic fuel flanges connecting the micro-mixer fuel nozzles and the support struts. |
| US09447974B2 |
Light weight swirler for gas turbine engine combustor and a method for lightening a swirler for a gas turbine engine
The disclosure is directed to a swirler body for a combustor of a gas turbine engine, where the swirler body includes an annular mount face which defines at least one pocket. The disclosure is directed to a swirler assembly for a combustor of a gas turbine engine, where the swirler assembly includes a swirler first body with an annular first mount face which defines at least one first pocket and a swirler second body with an annular second mount face which abuts said annular first mount face, where said second annular mount face defines at least one second pocket. The disclosure is directed to a method of lightening a swirl assembly for a combustor of a gas turbine engine, where the method includes defining at least one pocket within an annular mount face of a swirler body. |
| US09447972B2 |
Cooled combustor seal
A cooled combustor seal having a plurality of channels enabling cooling air to pass from outside of a combustion chamber to cool an area inside the combustion chamber around the seal is disclosed. The channels may be provided through a slider, a housing, and/or a washer of the combustor seal. One set of channels or multiple of sets of channels may be provided in the combustor seal. Each of these sets of channels may be in the slider, housing, or washer. The cooled combustor seal may be used in conjunction with an igniter to purge a cavity between the seal and the igniter. |
| US09447971B2 |
Acoustic resonator located at flow sleeve of gas turbine combustor
A system includes a compressor that compresses incoming airflow, and a combustor assembly mixing the compressed incoming airflow with fuel and combusting the air and fuel mixture in a combustion zone. The combustor assembly includes a hot side downstream of the combustion zone and a cold side upstream of the combustion zone. The system also includes a turbine receiving products of combustion from the combustor. The combustor assembly includes a resonator positioned in the cold side of the combustor assembly in an annular passage between a flow sleeve and a casing of the combustor assembly. |
| US09447970B2 |
Combustor casing for combustion dynamics mitigation
A dampener or resonator is provided within a combustor casing to mitigate combustion dynamics. The combustor casing head end volume is reduced by the resonator to mitigate combustion dynamics. The resonator is formed by a ring shaped plate that carries a continuous inwardly protruding wall or segmented inwardly protruding wall portions. The resonator can be a stand alone part that is inserted into the combustor casing or it can be integrally formed with the combustor casing. |
| US09447965B2 |
Burner with a perforated reaction holder and heating apparatus
A combustion system such as a furnace or boiler includes a perforated reaction holder configured to hold a combustion reaction that produces very low oxides of nitrogen (NOx). |
| US09447964B2 |
Membrane catalytic heater
A portable catalytic combustion heater, wherein fuel vapor (11) and air (10) are supplied to a catalyst (6) which promotes the flameless combustion of fuel and releases that. The fuel is supplied as a liquid, passes through a selectively permeable membrane (8) such that fuel vapor exits the membrane and is fed to the catalyst (6). Additional features include porous supports and means of enhancing and diminishing the catalytic rate of combustion and controlling the heat output. |
| US09447962B2 |
Reflective light-emitting board
The disclosure relates to a board on which a user rides and enjoys riding for exercise and leisure purposes and, more particularly, to a reflective light-emitting board which allows various decorations for enjoyment and safety at night. The disclosure includes a transparent plate (100) having a form of plate and including reflective holes (110) formed therein, and light-emitting elements (10) for irradiating the plate (100), wherein light emitted from the light-emitting elements (10) are reflected by the reflective holes (110) thus providing the board with a visually attractive appearance. |
| US09447961B1 |
Convertible magic lamp
An innovative, stylish, convertible freestanding floor lamp that features alternative globe and shade configurations, as well as a digital clock and thermometer, and a base that serves as a multiple-outlet power source and surge-protector. Aesthetically appealing, multifunctional, and designed to be affordable for virtually every consumer, the convertible magic lamp provides ample illumination, time and temperature information, and is a convenient source of electrical power—all inclusive in a single unit. |
| US09447960B2 |
Lighting fixture and positional information management system
A lighting fixture has a lighting fixture body in which a light device is mounted, the lighting fixture body including a positional information transmission part that transmits positional information of the lighting fixture to a wireless terminal; a terminal information reception part that receives identification information of the wireless information and the positional information from the wireless terminal that has received the positional information; a terminal information transmission part that transmits the identification information and the positional information to a management server which manages a position of the wireless terminal; and a voltage conversion part that converts a voltage supplied by an external power source and supplies the converted voltage to the positional information transmission part, the terminal information reception part and the terminal information transmission part. |
| US09447954B2 |
Light fixture having a central wire-way
The light fixture includes a frame, a substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame, power circuitry disposed within at least one of a number of channels within the frame, and a central wire-way. The frame includes a bottom assembly and a top assembly coupled to the bottom assembly. The bottom assembly and the top assembly cooperate to form the channels within the frame. The bottom assembly has a back surface. The power circuitry is configured to electrically couple the substantially flat LED panel to an external AC power supply. The central wire-way is disposed adjacent the back surface of the bottom assembly and configured to route wiring to or from the power circuitry disposed within at least one of the channels within the frame. |
| US09447953B2 |
Adjustable luminaire
Disclosed is a light fixture that includes a main body element that approximates a hollow spherical segment, a lamp assembly that includes a light source, an inner element, an outer element, wherein the light source, the inner element and the outer element are coupled together with the main body element positioned between the outer element and the inner element, and a central portion that extends through the main body element and couples the inner element to the outer element, wherein the lamp assembly is selectively movable relative to the main body element to alter a relative position and an angular orientation of the light source relative to the bottom opening without any portion of the lamp assembly extending blow the main body element. |
| US09447951B2 |
Portable lighting devices
A flashlight having a locking mechanism for securing a head skirt to a head assembly is disclosed. A circuit for temporarily remember the mode of operation of the flashlight is also disclosed. |
| US09447950B1 |
Multi-piece frames
A frame piece of a frame for a luminaire is disclosed. The frame piece can include an inner wall, a first frame coupling feature disposed at a first end of the frame piece, and a second frame coupling feature disposed at a second end of the frame piece. The first frame coupling feature can be configured to mechanically couple to the second frame coupling feature of a first adjacent frame piece. The second frame coupling feature can be configured to mechanically couple to the first frame coupling feature of a second adjacent frame piece. The inner wall can have a first shape and a first size that is substantially similar to a second shape and a second size of a portion of a housing of the luminaire. |
| US09447947B2 |
Illumination device having primary light unit and phosphor element
An illumination device includes a primary light unit for the emission of primary light, a phosphor element for the conversion of an excitation light part of the primary light and as a result the emission of conversion light, and a coupling element, to supply the excitation light part of the primary light to the phosphor element. The element has a first conversion region, which is configured to emit a first conversion light, and a second conversion region, which is configured to emit a second conversion light, which differs in its spectral properties from the first conversion light. The primary light unit, the element, and the coupling element are arranged such that in operation, the excitation light part is supplied to the phosphor element via the coupling element, wherein simultaneously a useful light part of the primary light is also supplied, guided via the coupling element, conversion-free to an illumination application. |
| US09447939B2 |
Headlight lens
A method for producing a vehicle headlamp lens having at least one light entry surface and at least one optically effective light exit surface wherein glass, (for example, in gob and/or liquid form) is blank-pressed between a first mold and at least one second mold to form a one-piece member comprising a first partial light conducting part and a light tunnel, which transitions into the first partial light conducting part by means of a bend. The glass is, for example, drawn into the second mold by means of an under pressure and the first partial light conducting part is at least partially over molded with transparent plastic to form a second partial light conducting part so that the first partial light conducting part and the second partial light conducting part form and/or shape a light conducting part for imaging the bend as a light-shadow line. |
| US09447935B2 |
Recessed can downlight retrofit illumination device
In various embodiments, an illumination device includes driver and LED lighting modules collectively sized to fit within a recessed-can lighting fixture constructed for use with incandescent or halogen bulbs, thereby facilitating LED changeover without removal and replacement of the fixture. |
| US09447934B2 |
Outdoor camping lamp with socket assembly having battery installing bracket
An outdoor camping lamp, which comprises a handle, a top cover, a shade, a lamp socket assembly and a plurality of batteries, the lamp socket assembly includes a lamp socket, a housing, a battery installing bracket and a bottom support, the upper end of the lamp socket is connected with the lower end of the shade, the lower end of the lamp socket is connected with the upper end of the housing, the upper end of the battery installing bracket is connected to the lower end surface of the lamp socket, and the lower end of the battery installing bracket is connected to the upper end surface of the bottom support; both the battery installing bracket and the bottom support are arranged in the housing. With this structure, it is more convenient for replacing the batteries, and parts loss can be avoided, thereby ensuring normal working. |
| US09447932B2 |
Light-emitting diode package and method of manufacturing the same
A light-emitting diode (LED) package and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The LED package includes a package mold, an LED chip located on a surface of the package mold, and a wavelength converter located on the surface of the package mold and separated from the LED chip. The wavelength converter includes a first barrier layer located on the surface of the package mold, a wavelength conversion layer located on the first barrier layer, and a second barrier layer located on the wavelength conversion layer. |
| US09447931B2 |
LED-based lighting unit with optical component for mixing light output from a plurality of LEDs
Methods and apparatus related to an LED-based lighting unit (10, 110) having an optical component for mixing light output from a plurality of LEDs (34, 134). In some embodiments the optical component may include at least one reflective surface interiorly thereof and the LEDs (34, 134) may be vertically arranged about the reflective surface. At least some of the LEDs (34, 34) may generate a light output generally directed toward the reflective surface. The reflective surface may be configured to direct at least some of the light output directly incident thereon through a light output opening (25, 125) of the optical component. |
| US09447930B1 |
Multi function LED light bulb and lumenairs with interchangeable optical components
Multi function LED light bulbs and luminairs includes interchangeable optical components. |
| US09447929B2 |
LED tube lamp
An LED tube lamp including a glass lamp tube, an LED light strip disposed inside the glass lamp tube, and an end cap attached over an end of glass lamp tube is disclosed. The glass lamp tube is covered by a heat shrink sleeve. The inner surface of the glass lamp tube is formed with a rough surface or a light scattering region. The glass lamp tube includes a main body region, a rear end region, and a two-arc-shaped transition region connecting the main body region and the rear end region. The LED light strip includes a bendable circuit sheet being longer than the glass lamp tube to form a freely extending end portion. |
| US09447925B2 |
Extraction of restrained liquid from wells
The present invention provides methods, systems, assemblies, and articles for extracting restrained liquid (e.g., surface tension-restrained liquid) from open wells in a chip, where the restrained liquid does not flow out of the wells due to gravity when the wells are held upside down. For example, the present invention provides extraction fixtures that may be attached to, and/or held adjacent to, a chip such that any restrained liquid that is forced out of the open wells is collected by, or flows through, the extraction fixtures. Also for example, the present invention provides assemblies composed of a extraction fixture attached to, and/or held adjacent to, a chip, and methods of subjecting such assemblies to a force such that at least a portion of the restrained liquid in the open wells is forced out and collected by, or flows through, the extraction fixture. |
| US09447920B2 |
Helicopter drip pan
A drip pan apparatus for use in a helicopter includes a drip pan and a frame having a plurality of frame sides and a plurality of frame corners that define an inwardly-facing peripheral surface. A first frame angle is formed between a first inwardly-facing surface and a second inwardly-facing surface. The first frame angle is an acute angle. The drip pan has an outwardly-facing peripheral surface. The outwardly-facing peripheral surface defines a plurality of sides, including a first side and a second side, to cooperate with the inwardly-facing peripheral surface of the frame. A first angle is formed between the first side and the second side. The first angle is an acute angle. A method of installing a drip pan includes modifying at least a portion of a skirt on the helicopter and then securing the frame to one or both of the modified skirt and the helicopter structure. |
| US09447919B2 |
Oil slinger mounting arrangement
An oil slinger for a blower is provided. The oil slinger provides many unique features including, but not limited to, being removably mounted to a rotatably mounted shaft. Such removable mounting can be accomplished through use of an adapter sleeve mounted over a shaft, a slinger hub onto which is mounted an oil slinger, and a lock nut with retaining element. In one form the adapter sleeve includes a outer frustoconical surface which engages an inner frustoconical surface of the slinger hub. |
| US09447914B2 |
Hanger for hanging object from support rod including hooks
A hanger for hanging an object from a generally vertical support rod includes a hanger body, a first set of one or more hooks on the hanger body defining a first hook-defined recess, and a second set of one or more hooks on the hanger body defining a second hook-defined recess. The first and second hook-defined recesses have different transverse dimensions for receiving support rods having respective first and second different diameters. |
| US09447909B2 |
Connector assembly usable as a closure and to establish a fluid connection
Connector assembly and methods usable to block fluid flow therethrough. The connector comprises a female hub having an axial bore, internal threads, and an internal shoulder. The hub is adapted to connect to a fluid container, valve, or conduit and to receive a male connector adapted to block fluid flow through the connector assembly. The male connector comprises external threads and a face comprising a front seal adapted to engage the shoulder. The face comprises a ring-shaped surface adapted to contact the shoulder and form a fluid seal. The face comprises an outer seal that is positioned outwards from the ring-shaped surface and adapted to engage a circumferential surface of the hub. Embodiments of the current invention relate to fluid connectors and methods usable to form a sealed fluid connection between a female connector and a male connector, wherein the male connector comprises an axial bore extending therethrough. |
| US09447907B1 |
Electrical conduit fitting installation system and method of use
An electrical conduit fitting installation system and method of use for replacement of conduit fittings in existing installations and for new building construction is disclosed. The present system includes a plurality of electrical conduit fittings and couplings which are manufactured in mating half-sections that can be assembled by use of fasteners, gaskets and associated hardware. The use of such replacement conduit bodies of the present system allows replacement of a damaged conduit body of conventional unitary construction using standard tools without the need for disconnection and withdrawal of wiring from the conduit required to replace a conventional conduit body. The present system includes conduit bodies, couplings and accessory conduit components which are available in various configurations and standard sizes used in the industry. The replacement conduit bodies of the present system are fabricated of materials such as engineered plastics, metals and explosion proof materials to provide an industry approved installation. |
| US09447905B2 |
Pipe connector
A pipe connector includes a connector body, a retainer having a pair of locking legs and a release operation portion, and a checker. The connector body has an insertion hole into which a pipe is insertable. The locking legs are deformable to be spread and closed and are moved into the insertion hole. The release operation portion being operable to displace the locking legs in a direction such that the pipe is releasable from a retained state. The checker is formed separately from the retainer and lockable to the connector body and releasable from a locked state to be movable to a detection position when the pipe is inserted into the insertion hole. The checker is formed with pressing pieces located rearward relative to the locking legs when the checker assumes the detection position, to thereby prevent the locking legs from being flexed rearward. |
| US09447898B1 |
Ultra-high temperature rigidity seal ball valve
An ultra-high temperature (UHT) rigidity seal ball valve that includes an upper cover, a valve cover, a valve body, a valve rod and a ball body. The valve seat is arranged in the valve body; the valve rod penetrates the upper cover and the valve cover sequentially and connects to the ball body; a sealing element is arranged between the upper cover and the valve rod and between the valve cover and the valve rod; the ball body includes a medium channel; a hermetically-sealed cooling cavity encircles the outside of the medium channel of the ball body; a through hole allowing cooling liquid to pass through to the cooling cavity is formed in the valve rod. An accommodating cavity is arranged in the ball body; the through communicates with the accommodating cavity, so that cooling liquid can be introduced to a product when the valve operates at an ultra-high temperature. |
| US09447895B2 |
Microfluidic pressure amplifier circuits and electrostatic gates for pneumatic microsystems
An electrostatic actuator is provide that can include a fluidic line, a first electrode, and a second electrode such that a gate chamber portion of the fluidic line is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrostatic actuator can also include a pressure-balancing channel in fluid communication with the gate chamber portion where the first electrode is sandwiched between the pressure-balancing channel and the gate chamber portion. A pneumatic valve system is provided which includes an electrostatic gate and a fluidic channel fluidly separate from a fluidic control line. A pneumatic valve portion of the fluidic control line can be positioned relative to a portion of the fluidic channel such that expansion of the pneumatic valve portion restricts fluid flow through the fluidic channel. Methods of using an electrostatic actuator and a pneumatic valve system are also provided. |
| US09447894B2 |
Flapper valve assembly and method of flowing air therethrough
A valve assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising two flappers movable independently from one another between an open position and a closed position; and a fairing disposed between the two flappers. The fairing has a portion extending downstream of the two flappers. The portion is a downstream portion of a substantially streamlined body. The two flappers are movable relative to the fairing, and when in the open position, the two flappers abut the fairing and form an upstream portion of the substantially streamlined body. A method of flowing air through a valve assembly for a gas turbine engine is also presented. |
| US09447891B2 |
Dual stage poppet
A valve includes an interior portion and a nozzle passage. The valve further includes a poppet having a first stage portion and a second stage portion. The poppet has a closed position in which the first stage portion and the second stage portion seal the interior portion of the valve from the nozzle passage. The poppet also has a partially open position, in which the first stage portion of the poppet is spaced from the second stage portion of the poppet, and defines a first fluid passage between the interior portion of the valve and the nozzle passage. Additionally, the poppet has a fully open position, in which the second stage portion of the poppet is spaced from the nozzle passage of the valve, and defines a second fluid passage between the interior portion of the valve and the nozzle passage. |
| US09447884B2 |
Sliding parts
A sliding part assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially separated sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks formed on a sealing face of either the stationary ring or the rotating ring so as to communicate with a sealed-fluid-accommodating space. Pumping areas for generating a pumping action due to the stationary and rotating ring sliding in relative rotation are formed on the bottom of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks. The pumping areas formed on the bottom of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks are provided with intake pumping areas operating in a direction so as to draw in the sealed fluid and outflow pumping areas operating in a direction so as to expel the sealed fluid. A seal dam area on the sealing face on which said sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks are formed is formed from a high-lubricity sliding material, the seal dam area being on the opposite side of the sealing face relative to the sealed-fluid side. |
| US09447883B2 |
Seal for sealing shafts
A seal for sealing around a shaft includes a radially outer clamp-in element to be clamped into a housing, an intermediate membrane part extending radially inwardly (toward the shaft) at an angle from the clamp-in element, and an angled base part at a radially inner end of the intermediate membrane part. A spring is received in a receiving groove that forms a spring pocket in the base part, and the spring exerts a contact pressure of a seal lip of the base part against the shaft. In a pressureless state without a pressure differential across the seal, the spring pocket has a width larger than the sectional diameter of the spring and thus forms a free play space for the spring in the pocket. |
| US09447882B2 |
Compression-limited gasket construction
Sealing gasket construction for providing a fluid seal intermediate a pair of opposed, mating parts or structures. The gasket includes a body formed of a resilient material, and one or more integral compression limiters each received in a corresponding aperture formed through the body. Each of the limiters is formed of a rigid material and extends through the body from a first flanged portion to a second flanged portion with the body being clamping therebetween. |
| US09447875B2 |
Oil pressure controlled vehicle transmission, power unit incorporating same, and method of using same
A transmission for a vehicle is provided which prevents generation of a speed change shock at the time of starting the vehicle from a neutral condition. In the transmission, hydraulic clutches are each put into a connected state according to an action of an oil pressure, and a plurality of selectively engageable speed-stage gear trains are provided so that a neutral condition can be obtained. At the time of shifting from the neutral condition, where the oil pressures in hydraulic clutches are in a lowered state, to a starting condition in which a starting gear train is engaged, pressure in the hydraulic clutch corresponding to the starting gear train is controlled by a control valve, so that the oil pressure in the hydraulic clutch is maintained in the lowered state during and immediately after a shifting operation, and is subsequently increased in response to complete engagement of the starting gear train. |
| US09447871B2 |
Multiple-ratio boost valve
Various devices and methods are provided for a multiple pressure ratio valve assembly that can be used in a plurality of systems requiring different operating pressures. In one embodiment, a multi-pressure ratio valve is provided, the valve having a fluid bypass portion and being configurable into a plurality of pressure ratio configurations by selectively blocking a portion of the fluid bypass such that the pressure ratio of the valve assembly may be varied. Embodiments of the invention may also include a valve sleeve configured for use in a plurality of transmissions, the multi-pressure ratio valve being configured to be slidably disposed within the sleeve. |
| US09447867B2 |
Shift lever assembly with park shift assist mechanism
A park shift assist mechanism of a shift lever assembly for a vehicle is provided. The park shift assist mechanism includes a pressing portion configured to apply a pressing force and a follower configured to cause rotation of a gear shift lever from a reverse position to a park position when the gear shift lever is positioned between the reverse position and the park position in response to the pressing force being applied to the follower. |
| US09447861B2 |
Component with an adaptive coating
A component includes a component body which has a toothed section. An adaptive coating is applied, at least in parts, to the toothed section, the coating having a thickness of at least 5 μm. The adaptive coating may have a hardness gradient that has an increasing hardness from an outer coating surface in the direction towards the component body. |
| US09447860B2 |
Component with an adaptive coating
A component includes a component body which has a toothed section. An adaptive coating is applied, at least in parts, to the toothed section, the coating having a thickness of a maximum 5 μm. The adaptive coating may have a hardness gradient that has an increasing hardness from an outer coating surface in the direction towards the component body. |
| US09447856B2 |
Planet for a planetary rolling-contact screw
A planet (11) for a planetary rolling contact gear, along whose planetary axis a middle section (12) having a larger diameter and, axially on both sides of the middle section (12), end sections (13) having a smaller diameter are formed, wherein a first engagement profile (14) is formed on the lateral surface of the planet (11) in the middle section (12) and a second engagement profile (15) is formed on the lateral surface of the planet (11) in the end sections (13), wherein the first engagement profile (14) has a plurality of first teeth (16) that are arranged in an annular manner around the planetary axis, wherein first grooves (17) arranged in an annular manner about the planet axis are formed between successive first teeth (16), wherein the two first edge teeth (23) located at the ends of the middle section (12) are formed within and at a distance from a tooth contour (18) of the first teeth (16) of the middle section (12). |
| US09447854B2 |
Force transfer mechanism
A force transfer mechanism includes cylindrical guide housing; a movable body which is slidably arranged in the guide housing so as to move in a linear direction by means of an externally applied force, and which includes a cutout groove having one or more inclined surfaces, and through-holes formed in a direction perpendicular to the linear motion direction in portions corresponding to the inclined surfaces; and a slave unit, one end of which is coupled to the movable body such that said end passes through the through-holes of the movable body and moves along the inclined surfaces of the cutout groove vertically relative to the movement direction of the movable body, and the other end of which is elastically supported. |
| US09447847B2 |
Automated manual transmission for vehicle
An automated manual transmission includes an input shaft for receiving a rotational force from a power source, a first output shaft and a second output shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft and draw out power, a first planetary gear device and a second planetary gear device arranged on the input shaft, a plurality of driving gears arranged on the input shaft to receive power through the first planetary gear device or the second planetary gear device, a plurality of driven gears arranged on the first output shaft or the second output shaft so as to form different shift stages, respectively, by meshing with the plurality of driving gears, a first brake provided for converting a state of coupling one rotational element of the first planetary gear device, and a second brake provided for converting a state of coupling one rotational element of the second planetary gear device. |
| US09447846B2 |
Suspended wheel reducer
The present invention provides a Suspended Wheel Reducer and a suspended wheel crossing-zero multilevel transmission, both of which comprise a front planetary gear train, a rear planetary gear train and a suspended wheel. With different design for the dimension of the gear wheels contained in the front planetary gear train, the rear planetary gear train and the suspended wheel, it's possible to achieve optional different reduction ratios. The Suspended Wheel Reducer and the suspended wheel crossing-zero multilevel transmission have simple configuration, higher reliability, thus overcoming the drawback in prior art, in which a transmission mechanism for multilevel gear shift mechanism is required to achieve greater reduction ratio, reducing its overall dimensions and cost. |
| US09447841B2 |
Pedestal and laundry processing apparatus having the same
A pedestal and a laundry processing apparatus having the same. The pedestal includes a frame portion on which a plurality of legs coupled to a bottom surface of a laundry processor are seated, a housing configured to surround the frame portion, and a plurality of seat portions recessively formed on an upper portion of the housing to form a plurality of leg seat points. |
| US09447840B2 |
Elastically deformable energy management assembly and method of managing energy absorption
An elastically deformable energy management assembly includes a first component. Also included is at least one protrusion extending from the first component, the at least one protrusion having an outer surface. Further included is a second component comprising at least one aperture defined by an aperture wall, the aperture wall in slideable engagement with the outer surface of the at least one protrusion, wherein at least one of the protrusion and the aperture wall comprises an elastically deformable material. |
| US09447833B2 |
Dynamic damper
Disclosed herein is a dynamic damper that can reduce vibrations with respect to not only the axial direction but also the radial direction of a connector connected to a vibration generating source. |
| US09447830B2 |
Electric brake actuator for vehicles
An electric brake actuator includes first and second electric motors and an actuator output, a first cycloidal speed reducer having a first reducer input rotatable about a first reducer axis and operatively connected to the first motor output gear to receive a first driving force, and a first reducer output rotatable about the first reducer axis and operatively connected to the actuator output to transfer the first driving force to the actuator output, and a second cycloidal speed reducer having a second reducer input rotatable about a second reducer axis and operatively connected to the second motor output gear to receive a second driving force and a second reducer output rotatable about the second reducer axis and operatively connected to the actuator output to transfer the second driving force to the actuator output. |
| US09447827B2 |
Clutch with built-in torsional vibration damper
A torsional vibration damper equipped clutch (20) for a combustion engine (E) includes a clutch drum (32), coupled with a cutter blade (3) through a drive shaft (6), a clutch shoe (34) connected with a crankshaft (16) of the combustion engine (E) and capable of being connected with the clutch drum (32) by the effect of a centrifugal force. The clutch (20) further includes a flywheel (18) fixed to the crankshaft (16) by means of a nut (19), and a holder (36) connected with the flywheel (18) for relative movement in a circumferential direction through a helical compression spring (50). The clutch shoe (34) is supported by the holder (36), and a stopper structure (56) is provided between the flywheel (18) and the holder (36) for transmitting a rotational force of the combustion engine (E) to the holder (36). |
| US09447826B2 |
Friction clutch for driven accessory
A fail-safe friction clutch assembly for a vehicle accessory, particularly to drive a vehicle cooling pump or cooling fan. The friction clutch assembly includes a friction plate member connected to a central rotatable shaft member used for operating the vehicle accessory. A pair of friction lining members arc positioned on opposite sides of the friction plate member. An armature member is spring biased to axially force the friction plate member and friction lining member against a housing or cover which is rotating at input speed. A solenoid assembly is used to overcome the spring bias and pull the armature and friction plate member away from the housing. |
| US09447825B2 |
Clutch device
A clutch device for arrangement in a drive train of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission is provided. The clutch device may include a multiple-disk clutch arrangement for selective torque transfer between the drive unit and the transmission. The multiple-disk clutch arrangement may be actuable via a force transfer element supported on a disk carrier of the multiple-disk clutch arrangement. |
| US09447822B2 |
Bug roller bearing outer race assembly
An outer bearing race for use in a generator housing includes a body having a radially inner surface for contacting bearings. The radially inner surface has a right side and a left side with a chamfer attaching to the right side of the radially inner surface for leading the bearings into contact with the radially inner surface. A right surface extends radially outwardly from the chamfer and a left surface extends radially outwardly from the left side. A ledge extends axially from the left surface and parallel and in register with the radially inner surface. A first angled surface extends radially outwardly from the right side surface and axially towards the left surface and a second angled surface extends radially outwardly from the ledge and axially towards the right side surface. A first extension extends radially outwardly from and attaches to the first angled surface and the second angled surface. |
| US09447821B2 |
Bearing outer race
A roller bearing assembly (10) having an annular outer race (22) with a raceway (24), a pair of opposed flanges (30), and a pair of shoulders (32), each shoulder (32) being disposed between a corresponding flange (30) and a corresponding edge of the raceway (24), a roller retainer (12) defining a plurality of roller pockets (16), and a plurality of rollers (14), each roller (14) being disposed in a corresponding roller pocket (16). Each shoulder (32) forms an annular ridge (32a) with the corresponding edge of the raceway (24). |
| US09447820B2 |
Spacer assembly for a bearing
A spacer assembly for a bearing of a wind turbine and/or a bearing assembly for a wind turbine is provided. The bearing assembly includes an outer race, an inner race rotatable relative to the outer race, a plurality of roller elements positioned between the inner and outer race, and a plurality of load-bearing spacers configured between the roller elements. Each of the spacers includes a spacer portion and an extension portion. Thus, each of the spacers is arranged to contact adjacent spacers within the bearing assembly via the extension portion such that the extension portions of the spacers are configured to transfer loads experienced by the bearing assembly rather than the loads passing through the roller elements. |
| US09447818B2 |
Fluid-leveled bearing plate
A linear bearing assembly including a linear bearing plate, a base plate to support the linear bearing plate within a machine, a sealing structure to seal a volume defined between the linear bearing plate and the base plate, and a fluid adapted to be injected into the volume via at least one injection port. The fluid is injected at a sufficient pressure so as to alter an orientation of the linear bearing plate or the base plate toward an initial geometric orientation. |
| US09447816B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly, including: a housing having a through hole; first and second bearings coaxially set in the through hole, the first bearing is located at one end and the second bearing is located at an other end of the through hole, and both the first and second bearings include inner and outer rings. A first shaft sleeve is set between the first and the second bearing along an axial direction. An end cap located at the other end of the through hole, is connected with the housing and adapted to rotate relatively to the housing. The first bearing is located between the end cap and the first shaft sleeve along the axial direction. Accordingly, the end cap can be connected with the housing for preventing the end cap from falling out of the housing, thus the bearing assembly is configured into an integrated piece for transportation and usage. |
| US09447812B2 |
Apparatus to assist mounting a bicycle component
A locking member has a first surface, a first mounting opening and a second mounting opening. Each first mounting opening and second mounting opening is dimensioned to receive the shank portion of a corresponding rotatable member therethrough so that a bottom surface of a head portion of the rotatable member faces toward the first surface of the locking member. A first extending member extends elastically relative to the first surface, wherein the first extending member is disposed in close proximity to the first mounting opening. When the rotatable member is in a mounting position in the first mounting opening, the first extending member contacts the head portion of the rotatable member to inhibit the rotatable member from rotating in a first direction, and the first extending member deflects elastically when the rotatable member rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US09447811B2 |
Fastener and retainer assembly
A fastener and retainer assembly includes a threaded fastener having a head and a retainer projecting laterally from the head to engage adjacent structure and retain the head against rotation during threading. The retainer includes, and preferably consists essentially of, a one-piece metal stamping having raised embossments and/or a raised edge flange to strengthen the retainer against bending during use. The retainer preferably has a generally planar body from which the embossments and/or the edge flange extends. |
| US09447810B2 |
Insulating washers
A washer comprises a ring and a composite structure attached to the ring. The composite structure has a slotted shape and a hole that is centrally located with respect to an axis passing through the ring. |
| US09447809B2 |
Metal fastener
The invention relates to a metal fastener that makes it possible to ensure an electrically conductive surface along the entire thickness of structural elements to be assembled. The fastener thereby comprises a head and a smooth shank extending along an axis of revolution, characterized in that the shank comprises at least one conductive portion and one lubricating portion disposed along the axis of revolution of the fastener along at least one length of the shank. The inventive fastener makes it possible to ensure a conductive surface in the entire thickness of the structure in which it is installed.The inventive fastener is particularly intended for aeronautical applications. |
| US09447803B1 |
AO quick connect interface
In one embodiment, a quick connect interface for a surgical instrument includes a body having an inner cavity that includes a flat. Two or more ball bearings are each disposed in a respective hole in the body. A sleeve is slideable along the body. The sleeve includes a camming ramp that urges the two one or more ball bearings to partially extend through the holes into the inner cavity when the sleeve is in a locked position. The two or more ball bearings are positioned to, when the shaft of the replaceable tool is disposed in the inner cavity, urge the shaft to a side of the inner cavity that includes the flat. The ball bearings may be positioned radially about a central axis of the body substantially 90 degrees apart. The camming ramp may include at least one plateau that prevents unintentional release of the shaft. |
| US09447801B2 |
Apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic array
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. |
| US09447800B2 |
Mounting apparatus
A mounting apparatus includes an enclosure for mounting a receiving member, a bracket, and a movable member mounted to the enclosure. The receiving member is configured to receive an electronic component. The bracket includes a bracket body movably mounted to the enclosure and an operating member mounted to the bracket body. The movable member includes a movable body and a movable block mounted to the movable body. The movable body is mounted to the bracket body. The operating member is pressed in a first direction toward the enclosure to drive the bracket body to rotate, the movable body moves a second direction away from the enclosure, thereby the movable block can move in a third direction away from the enclosure to push the electronic component and the electronic component can move in the second direction. The third direction is different from the first direction. |
| US09447799B2 |
Support assembly
An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets, whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along, and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels. Bracket assemblies and clamping assemblies are provided. |
| US09447789B2 |
Fan assembly
A fan assembly including a housing, a supporting member, a driving device and a passive impeller. The supporting member is disposed in the housing, and the driving device is disposed on the supporting member. The passive impeller includes a first hub and a plurality of first passive blades encircling the first hub. The active impeller includes a second hub and a plurality of active blades encircling the second hub and actuated to rotate by the driving device. In an axial direction, the first hub is disposed between the driving device and the second hub, and through rotation of the active impeller, airflow is produced which actuates the passive impeller to rotate. |
| US09447788B2 |
Linear pump and motor systems and methods
A linear pump and motor system includes a motor, rotary-to-linear mechanism, pressure compensation device (PCD), and gas mitigation assembly. The rotary-to-linear mechanism may translate rotation of a motor into linear motion to provide a pumping action. A PCD may minimize a pressure differential between lubrication fluids and external fluids. A gas mitigation assembly may provide a mechanism that mechanically opens a valve. In some embodiments, a PCD may be utilized separately from the linear pump. In some embodiments, a gas mitigation assembly may be utilized separately from the linear pump. |
| US09447787B2 |
Compressor with cyclone and internal oil reservoir
A rotary compressor including a housing that defines an inlet, a low pressure chamber, an outlet, and a high pressure chamber defining a high pressure lubricant sump. A drive shaft passes through the housing and a compression element is coupled to the drive shaft between the low pressure chamber and the high pressure chamber. A first path connects the high pressure lubricant sump to the low pressure chamber such that lubricant flows through the first path from the high pressure lubricant sump to the low pressure chamber. A low pressure lubricant sump is positioned within the low pressure chamber and includes a movable gate movable from a closed position to an open position in response to a hydrostatic pressure of the lubricant within the low pressure lubricant sump. A second path connects a lubricant separator and the low pressure lubricant sump. |
| US09447786B2 |
Compressor with trailing and leading edges of oil discharge passage displaced behind trailing and leading edges of oil supply hole
A compressor includes a compression mechanism and a drive shaft having an oil supply hole opened through an outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft to supply oil to a bearing surface of the drive shaft. An oil discharge passage communicating with the oil supply hole is formed by a flat surface or a recessed surface at a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft. A trailing edge of the oil discharge passage is displaced behind a trailing edge of the oil supply hole with respect to a rotation direction of the drive shaft. A leading edge of the oil discharge passage is displaced behind a leading edge of the oil supply hole with respect to the rotation direction of the drive shaft. The oil discharge passage has a width that is no larger than a diameter of the oil supply hole. |
| US09447783B2 |
Tube unit, control unit, and micropump
A micropump has a tube unit including a tube and a plurality of fingers, and a control unit including a cam. The tube unit is coupled to the control unit. The control unit encases the tube unit. |
| US09447780B2 |
Over-center linkage
A novel changeover mechanism for a compressed air driven double diaphragm pump comprises a shaft slidably mounted through aligned apertures in opposing surfaces of the twin diaphragm chambers. At the center of the shaft between the two diaphragm chambers is provided an annular notch in to which is located an arm extending from a U shaped frame. The U shaped frame is pivotally mounted atop a valve plate which includes multiple ports. |
| US09447776B2 |
Turning device to rotate the rotatable part of a wind turbine
A turning device to rotate the rotatable part of a wind turbine that comprises a stationary part and a rotatable part is described. The rotatable part is rotatable with respect to the stationary part of the wind turbine, and the stationary part is located within a nacelle, wherein the nacelle is at least partially enclosed by a housing.The turning device comprises a first lever and a second lever that is detachably attached to the rotatable part of the wind turbine.The first lever and the second lever reach from inside the housing of the nacelle through an opening to the outside of the nacelle, so that the drive is located outside of the housing of the nacelle, when the turning device is attached to the wind turbine. |
| US09447772B2 |
Systems and methods for increasing wind turbine power output
Systems and methods for increasing the power output of wind turbines in a wind farm are disclosed. In particular, a wind farm can include first and second doubly fed induction generator wind turbine systems. The rotational rotor speed of the first wind turbine system can be regulated at reduced wind speeds based at least in part on data indicative of rotor voltage to increase power output of a doubly fed induction generator. The rotor speed can be regulated such that the rotor voltage does not exceed a voltage threshold. The power output of the first wind turbine system can be further increased by reducing its reactive power output. The reduced reactive power output of the first wind turbine system can be compensated for by an increased reactive power output of the second wind turbine system. |
| US09447771B2 |
Piezoelectric-based wind turbine
A system and method for a piezoelectric-based vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) are disclosed. The piezoelectric-based VAWT may generate electricity in response to a deformation (e.g., a stretching or bending) of piezoelectric material. For example, the piezoelectric material may be included on or within a wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade may be struck by an object or may hit an object. Such an action may cause the wind turbine blade to vibrate and subsequently cause the piezoelectric material to deform and generate electricity. |
| US09447769B1 |
Motion device system
A motion device power generating system; a specially designed alternative energy source that, via a manually operated generator system, seeks to provide power free of fossil fuels and strain on the power grid. |
| US09447756B2 |
Method for operating a static gas turbine, and intake duct for intake air of a gas turbine
An ambient air intake duct of a static gas turbine is provided, having at least one filter, which is arranged in the intake duct, for cleaning the ambient air (A) that can flow through the intake duct. A method for operating a static gas turbine which is equipped with a filter for cleaning the ambient air (A) is also provided. To rapidly provide a higher level of gas turbine power to a generator, it is provided that, by means of a bypass or by means of flaps arranged downstream of the filter, partially to completely unfiltered ambient air (A) can temporarily flow into the compressor inlet. |
| US09447755B2 |
Method for operating a fuel system, and fuel system
In a method for operating a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, the fuel system has a fuel tank and a ventilation device, which has at least one vent valve, for ventilating the fuel tank. The magnitude of deformation caused by an internal pressure of the fuel tank of a deformation zone of the fuel tank is ascertained and the vent valve is opened when the magnitude of deformation exceeds a limit value. |
| US09447753B2 |
Blow-by gas ventilation device
A bypass passage connecting an upstream portion and a downstream portion of a compressor of a turbocharger is provided in an air intake passage of an internal combustion engine. An ejector, which utilizes the intake air flowing in the bypass passage as a drive gas and thereby venting the blow-by gas generated by the internal combustion engine, is installed in the bypass passage. When the internal combustion engine is at a low temperature at which the oil is easily degraded by the blow-by gas, the flow rate of the intake air flowing in the bypass passage, that is, the flow rate of the drive gas of the ejector, is increased. |
| US09447751B2 |
Hybrid fuel supply system and method for engine of vessel
A hybrid fuel supply system for an engine of a vessel is provided. The hybrid fuel supply system for the engine of the vessel includes: a compression device configured to compress boil-off gas (BOG) generated from liquefied natural gas (LNG) stored in an LNG cargo tank; a high pressure pump configured to compress LNG supplied from the LNG cargo tank; a vaporizer configured to vaporize the LNG compressed by the high pressure pump; and a dual fuel (DF) engine to which the BOG compressed through the compression device is supplied as fuel. The engine of the vessel uses high pressure gas compressed at 150 to 400 bar as fuel and is driven by at least one of the BOG compressed in the compression device and the LNG compressed in the high pressure pump. |
| US09447749B2 |
Pivoting blocker door for thrust reverser
A thrust reverser includes a translating sleeve and a blocking door assembly that includes two, three, or four blocker door segments. The translating sleeve is movable axially with respect to a fan case and a core cowl between a cruise position and a thrust reversal position. The blocker door segments are positioned adjacent an inner wall of the translating sleeve in the cruise position, and are pivotable to a position in which the blocker door segments substantially block the bypass duct in the thrust reversal position. Each blocker door segment is connected to the translating sleeve at transverse ends by a pair of support bearings that establish a pivot axis along an arc chord of the blocker door segment. |
| US09447748B2 |
Cylinder head with cooling channel
A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine, the cylinder head including a region for covering a combustion cylinder, the region including one or more ports for communicating with the cylinder, and the cylinder head including a coolant channel that embraces at least one of the ports for cooling the zone of the cylinder head adjacent the port. |
| US09447746B2 |
System and method for controlling engine
A control system of an engine is provided. The control system includes an inlet sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an engine inlet air temperature and an intake manifold sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an engine intake manifold air temperature. The control system includes a control module communicably coupled to the inlet sensor and the intake manifold sensor. The control module is configured to determine the engine inlet air temperature and the engine intake manifold air temperature. The control module is configured to determine an initial de-rate value based on a predetermined relationship between the engine inlet air temperature and the engine intake manifold air temperature. The control module is configured to determine a pre-stored de-rate modifier corresponding to an engine speed. The control module is configured to determine a final de-rate value based on the initial de-rate value and the pre-stored de-rate modifier. |
| US09447739B2 |
Variable compression ratio engine
A variable compression ratio engine includes a variable chamber housing in fluidic communication with a combustion chamber of the engine, a chamber plunger slidably disposed within the variable chamber housing and forming a variable chamber together with the variable chamber housing, a hydraulic pressure cylinder connected with the variable chamber housing, a hydraulic piston slidably disposed within the hydraulic pressure cylinder, having a slider protruded to form first and second operation chambers with the hydraulic pressure cylinder and connected with the chamber plunger, a control plunger connected with the hydraulic piston, a control cylinder for receiving the control plunger and slidable with respect to the control plunger, a compression ratio control portion selectively moving the control cylinder along the length direction, and hydraulic pressure lines supplying control hydraulic pressure to the first or second operation chamber or releasing the control hydraulic pressure from the first or second operation chamber according to relative positions of the control cylinder. |
| US09447737B2 |
Throttle cable retainer
In at least some implementations, an apparatus includes a throttle valve rotatable between an first position and a second position, a connection member coupled to the throttle valve and a wire retainer coupled to the connection member. The connection member is adapted to be coupled to a wire that controls rotation of the throttle valve, and the wire retainer is adapted to overlie the wire and inhibit unintended decoupling of the wire from the connection member. |
| US09447723B2 |
Multiple inlet exhaust gas turbocharged engine with an axially moveable and rotatable adjustment ring
In an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle having an exhaust gas turbo-charger comprising a compressor arranged in an intake tract of the internal combustion engine and a turbine arranged in an exhaust gas tract of the internal combustion engine, with a turbine wheel disposed the turbine housing, an adjustment device is provided by means of which a spiral inlet cross section of a spiral turbine inlet channel and a nozzle cross section of the spiral inlet channel to the turbine wheel are jointly adjustable by a common adjustment device. The invention further relates to an exhaust gas turbocharger, a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a method for operating an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbocharger. |
| US09447714B2 |
Systems and methods for coalescing internal combustion engine blow-by
A system includes at least one coalescer, a blow-by input module, and a boost air module. The at least one coalescer is configured to receive a blow-by mixture, to remove oil from the blow-by mixture to provide an oil drain supply, and to remove gas from the blow-by mixture to provide a gas vent supply. The coalescer is configured to receive an operational air supply. The blow-by input module is operably coupled to the at least one coalescer and configured to receive the blow-by mixture from a crankcase of an internal combustion engine and provide the blow-by mixture to the at least one coalescer. The boost air module is operably coupled to the at least one coalescer and configured to receive an air supply from an intake conduit of the internal combustion engine and to provide the air supply as the operational air supply to the at least one coalescer. |
| US09447713B2 |
Engine brake apparatus with rocker arm integrated actuator
An engine brake apparatus may include an exhaust rocker arm having a chamber in which an actuator is slidably inserted, an oil line coupling part which has a central portion extrapolated with an oil line, a communication line communicating with the oil line, a distribution line branched from the communication line and having one portion extending toward a check ball and another portion extending toward a relief valve, a supply line including one portion connected to the check ball and another portion connected to the chamber, and a discharge line including one portion connected to the relief valve and another portion connected to the chamber, wherein the check ball is elastically supported by a check spring in a direction in which the distribution line is closed, and wherein the relief valve is elastically supported by a relief spring in a direction in which the discharge line is opened. |
| US09447711B2 |
Method for production of valve head portion of hollow engine valve and hollow engine valve
Forming of a valve head portion (1) of a hollow engine valve (V) comprising a material particularly satisfactory in heat resistance is performed by cold forging. The material with excellent heat resistance is worked to form a valve head portion semifinished product (11) having a hollow hole (S11) whose inner diameter (φ11) is equal to the maximum inner diameter (φ11) of a hollow hole (S1) of a finished product of the valve head portion (1), and having a diameter-increased section (111) whose maximum outer diameter (φ12) is equal to the maximum outer diameter (φ12) of a diameter-increased section (1a) of the finished product. Parts of the valve head portion semifinished product other than a central part to a lower part of the diameter-increased section (111) are necked down by cold forging performed a plurality of times to obtain the finished product of the valve head portion (1). |
| US09447708B2 |
Electro-hydraulic valve train
An electro-hydraulic valve train is configured to change valve lift and valve opening/closing timing according to operation state of an engine. The electro-hydraulic valve train includes a valve stem having a valve head formed at a lower end thereof and a big-diameter stem formed at a middle portion thereof, the big-diameter stem having a larger diameter than the other portion, a swing arm having a roller contacting with a cam of a camshaft and an end connected to the valve stem, the one end being adapted to pivot with respect to the other end according to a rotation of the cam so as to move the valve stem upwardly or downwardly, a first brake unit enclosing the valve stem and adapted to perform brake operation in a case that the valve stem moves upwardly, and a second brake unit mounted at the other end of the swing arm and adapted to selectively move the other end of the swing arm upwardly or downwardly and to perform brake operation in a case that the other end of the swing arm moves downwardly. |
| US09447705B2 |
Method to maximize energy recovery in waste-to-energy process
In a fossil fuel waste incineration or plasma gasification process, waste heat generated by combustion of waste is captured by a heat transfer fluid and conveyed to an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for energy recovery. In the case of a fossil fuel-fired waste incineration system, the heat transfer fluid captures waste heat from a double-walled combustion chamber, a heat exchanger being used to cool the hot process exhaust (gas cooler). In the case of a plasma waste gasification system, the heat transfer fluid captures waste heat from a plasma torch, a gasification chamber and combustion chamber cooling jackets as well as any other high-temperature components requiring cooling, and then a heat exchanger used to cool the hot process exhaust (gas cooler). The heat exchanger may take on several configurations, including plate or shell and tube configurations. |
| US09447704B2 |
Heat recovery system for an internal combustion engine
A heat recovery system for an internal combustion engine may include a heat transfer device flowed through by a fluidic heat carrier for transferring the heat from a combustion exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine to the heat carrier, a heat power machine flowed through by the heat carrier for converting the heat transferred to the heat carrier into mechanical work, a substantially cyclically closed duct system for connecting the heat transfer device with the heat power machine, at least one displacement pump for conveying the heat carrier through the duct system in a predetermined flow direction, and a pump drive for driving the displacement pump. A reduced wear may result when the heat recovery system is supplemented by an impermeable separating membrane for the fluid-tight separation of the heat carrier from the pump drive. |
| US09447701B2 |
Device for generating electrical energy by means of an ORC-circular flow
The present invention relates to a device for performing an Organic Rankine Cycle-process (ORC-process), comprising a first circular flow in which a first process fluid is conducted, having an evaporator for evaporating the first process fluid, an expansion machine located downstream of the evaporator for expanding the evaporated first process fluid, wherein the expansion machine is connectable to a generator for generating electrical energy, a first condenser located downstream of the expansion machine for condensing the expanded first process fluid, and a first fluid energy machine located downstream of the first condenser for increasing the pressure of the condensed first process fluid and for transporting the first process fluid to the evaporator that is located downstream of the first fluid energy machine. The term fluid energy machine is to be understood to describe a machine that exchanges mechanical work with the process fluid. |
| US09447696B2 |
Blade outer air seal system for controlled tip clearance
A blade outer air seal system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of ring carriers made of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A plurality of seal segments are carried, respectively, on the plurality of ring carriers. A ring member is carried in the plurality of ring carriers. The ring member is made of a second material that is different from the first material in composition. The second material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion such that the first coefficient of thermal expansion is 75-175% of the second coefficient of thermal expansion. |
| US09447689B2 |
Method of repairing a turbine nozzle segment in a turbine engine
A method for repairing a turbine nozzle having at least one vane disposed between an inner and an outer band. Embodiments of the method can comprise separating the inner band from the outer band and securing a replacement part to the inner band. In one embodiment, the methods accommodate replacement parts that include vanes with a base feature that comprises a non-airfoil shape and that integrates cooling features useful for operation of the turbine nozzle. |
| US09447684B2 |
Mine stopping panel with end caps and louver connections
A mine stopping panel is disclosed. The panel includes first and second channel-shaped panel members having a telescoping sliding fit one inside the other. An end cap is fitted in the first panel member. One or more louver connections between the first panel member and the end cap hold the end cap against movement relative to the first panel member when an extending force is applied to the end cap tending to telescopically extend the first panel member relative to the second panel member. |
| US09447683B2 |
Coring apparatus and methods to use the same
A coring bit assembly for conveyance via wireline or drillstring in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The coring bit assembly includes a coring shaft and a thrust ring coupled to an end of the coring shaft. A static sleeve is disposed inside the coring shaft and having a flange coupled to the thrust ring to space the static sleeve from the coring shaft to form a drilling fluid passageway between the coring shaft and the static sleeve. An axial fluid pump is disposed on the coring shaft to engage with the static sleeve to drive drilling fluid through the drilling fluid passageway formation. |
| US09447678B2 |
Protection of electronic devices used with perforating guns
A sensing subassembly for use with a downhole tool comprises a housing, a cavity disposed within the housing, at least one electronic component disposed within the cavity, and at least one isolating member disposed within the cavity. The at least one isolating member is configured to attenuate at least a portion of frequency components of a mechanical wave above a threshold and transmit at least a portion of frequency components below the threshold to the at least one electronic device. |
| US09447666B2 |
Rod attached apparatus for connecting a rotating drive rod string to a downhole assembly
A system for disengaging a power supply at the surface of a well from a downhole assembly having a pump for pumping fluid in the well to the surface thereof. A captured spline assembly interposed in the rod string, selectively connected to the downhole assembly to provide torsional drive. |
| US09447658B2 |
Chemical injection mandrel pressure shut off device
A shut off system for a hydrocarbon recovery mandrel includes an inline valve assembly that contains a nipple that includes a chemical flow line. The chemical flow line is operative to transfer fluids from outside the wellbore to a mandrel channel; where the mandrel channel is disposed in the mandrel. A valve assembly includes a cylinder and a piston shaft; where the cylinder contacts the chemical flow line; where the piston shaft reciprocates in the cylinder in response to opposing applied pressures. The piston shaft contacts a sealing object that is operative to facilitate or to prevent fluid flow from the chemical flow line to the mandrel channel. The cylinder includes a port that provides fluid communication from the cylinder to the mandrel channel and an actuating assembly; where the actuating assembly is operative to displace the piston shaft in the cylinder to prevent fluid communication between the chemical flow line and the mandrel channel. |
| US09447657B2 |
System and method for scale inhibition
The present invention discloses methods for inhibiting scale formation or precipitate formation in oil field flow lines and processing equipment exposed to fluid containing components that form scale or precipitates on surfaces of oil field flow lines and processing equipment, especially in highly paraffinic crude oils, where the method and system include applying an electric field across the fluid flowing through a flow line, where the fluid includes a scale or precipitate inhibitor and where the fluid strength and the inhibitor concentration is sufficient to reduce or prevent scale or precipitant formation. |
| US09447651B2 |
Sealing system
The present invention relates to sealing method for sealing a zone of a casing in a well, the zone comprising several leaks, perforations and/or weakened casing parts, or other irregularities having a casing characteristic which, when measured, is found to be outside a predetermined interval. The sealing method comprises the steps of measuring the characteristics of the casing, determining a position of the zone, determining an extent of the zone in a longitudinal direction of the casing, determining a part of the zone and an extent of the part whose casing characteristic when measured is within the predetermined interval, the part extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing, positioning a first liner overlapping the first area of the part of the casing, positioning a second liner overlapping the second area of the part of the casing, expanding the first liner, and expanding the second liner. |
| US09447650B2 |
Systems and methods of supporting a multilateral window
A milling system includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a mill window defined through a portion of the body between the first and second ends. A mill is movably arranged within the body, and a whipstock assembly is arranged at least partially within the body and configured to guide the mill out of the body through the mill window in order to mill a casing exit. A torque sleeve is coupled to the body and extends over a portion of the body between the first and second ends so as to increase a torsional resistance of the body. |
| US09447648B2 |
High expansion or dual link gripper
A gripper mechanism for a downhole tool is disclosed that includes a linkage mechanism. In operation, an axial force generated by a power section of the gripper expands the linkage mechanism, which applies a radial force to the interior surface of a wellbore or passage. For certain expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted from a roller-ramp interface expanding the linkage. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily provided by expansion of the linkage, in which during a first stage the expansion force is primarily provided by a first link and during a second stage the expansion force is primarily provided by a second link. Thus, the gripper can provide a desired expansion force over a large range of expansion diameters. |
| US09447646B1 |
Combination unit for managing fluid
A combination unit for vacuuming, cleaning and conditioning fluids. The unit may comprise a vacuum pump circuit and tank, a mixing tank and a centrifuge system. The invention also includes a combination tank comprising a vacuum tank partially incorporated into a mixing tank. A mixing tank may comprise a system of mixing conduits and mixing apparatuses to shear drilling fluids and additives, the mixing tank including a rounded base and a drain to cycle the fluid back through to the mixing tank. |
| US09447645B2 |
Breakout wrench assemblies and methods
Break out wrench assemblies are provided that can include: a first subassembly, the first subassembly including a first pair of opposing arms linked by a first actuator configured to extend or compress a distance between the first pair of opposing arms; a second subassembly aligned with the first subassembly to receive a longitudinal member there between and rotate axially along the longitudinal member in relation to the first subassembly, the second subassembly including a second pair of opposing arms linked by a second actuator configured to extend or compress another distance between the second pair of opposing arms; at least one axial actuator coupled to the second subassembly and configured to rotate the second subassembly axially in relation to the first subassembly along the longitudinal member; and a controller coupled to the actuators and mechanically coupled to at least one of the subassemblies. Methods for separating linked longitudinal sections are also provided. |
| US09447640B2 |
Directional drilling tool with eccentric coupling
A directional drilling tool which comprises a pair of shafts with an eccentric bore to vary the radial position of a stabilizer, such tool including one or more eccentric couplings which are used to transmit torque between a pair of elements of the tool which are intended to be movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes. |
| US09447639B2 |
Ladder safety device, systems and methods of arresting falls from ladders
A ladder safety device, systems and methods of arresting falls from ladders are provided. The ladder safety device includes a safety guide that extends along the length of an extension ladder. The length of the guide along the length of the ladder extends and contracts in unison with the extension and retraction of the extension ladder, and a tension is maintained on the guide to maintain a load during use of the ladder for climbing. |
| US09447637B2 |
Automatic foldable ladder
A foldable ladder for providing access to an opening including: a first motorized drive mechanism for moving a cover for the opening between a closed position and an open position; a second motorized drive mechanism coupled to a plurality of foldable ladder portions for moving the ladder portions between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration; such that, in moving the cover between the closed and an open position, the first motorized drive mechanism triggers the second motorized drive mechanism to move the ladder portions between the folded configuration and unfolded configuration. |
| US09447634B2 |
Window treatment
A window covering is provided. The window covering may include a frame mountable within a window return. The frame includes up to four frame members. The four frame members include a first side member having a first light stop, a second side member having a second light stop, a top member having a top light stop, and a bottom member having a bottom light stop. The top member may be coupled between top ends of the first side member and the second side member and the bottom member may be coupled between bottom ends of the first side member and the second side member to form a rectilinear shaped frame. A window covering may be coupled within the frame, wherein the light stops reduce a light gap between the window covering and the frame. |
| US09447632B2 |
Window shade lifting apparatus
A window shade lifting apparatus that includes a tube disposed vertically on the window shade; a lifting cord disposed in the compression tube; a ladder structure including a vertical leg and a plurality of rungs, the ladder structure being connected to the tube; and connection rings, each connection ring connecting the ladder structure to the window shade. |
| US09447631B2 |
Pet door assembly
A pet door assembly that includes a support structure that defines an access opening through which a pet can pass. A connecting arrangement is positioned on the support structure to permit the support structure to be connected to at least one connector fastenable to an inwardly facing surface of a closure frame. A self-closing door is mounted on the support structure to be displaceable between a closed position in which the door closes the access opening and an open position. |
| US09447629B2 |
Strip gasket
Embodiments provide a strip gasket with one or more adhesive strips on the gasket. The strip gasket resists stretching because a non-stretchable carrier is located within an adhesive strip on the gasket which helps prevent the gasket from being stretched. The strip gasket is also able to create a tight seal when it is installed against a desired surface. This tight seal prevents water and other particulate matter from passing around the strip gasket. |
| US09447625B1 |
Door lock system
A door lock system includes a door having an inner edge, an outer edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. A frame includes a first vertical section and a second vertical section. The inner edge is hingedly coupled to the first vertical section. The door extends between the first and second vertical sections to define a closed position. A drive assembly is attached to the door and to the frame. The drive assembly is actuated in a first direction to move the door to the closed position and in a second direction to move the door to an open position. An outer switch mounted on an outside surface of the frame is engaged to actuate the drive assembly in the second direction. An inner switch mounted on an inside surface of the frame is engaged to actuate the drive assembly in the first direction. |
| US09447620B2 |
Hinge mechanism with multiple preset positions
A hinge mechanism with multiple preset positions is described. According to various embodiments, the hinge mechanism enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. In at least some embodiments, the hinge mechanism utilizes preset hinge positions that enable the support component to be placed at different preset positions. For instance, the hinge mechanism is configured such that an attached support component tends to “snap” into various preset positions. In at least some embodiments, the hinge mechanism includes an emergency escape position that enables the support component to be rotated beyond normal operating positions without damaging the support component. |
| US09447617B2 |
Sliding door panel hold open assembly
A sliding door panel and assembly is described, such that when in the door panel is in an open arrangement there is a functional cooperation or coupling between at least a first unit and a second unit of the assembly. The second unit is generally affixed to the sliding door and the first unit is fixedly mounted with a sliding door guide system or to a header/footer or frame. A third unit may be included with the assembly such that when the sliding door panel is positioned in the open arrangement, the third unit limits engagement between the first and second units. In addition, the third unit is positioned to limit linear movement of a slideable portion of the first unit thereby preventing damage. |
| US09447615B2 |
Vehicle door fixing apparatus and fastening member
A vehicle door fixing apparatus includes a door lock striker configured to be provided at one of a vehicle body panel and a door panel, a door lock assembly configured to be provided at the other one of the vehicle body panel and the door panel, a latch mechanism, a wedge member, and a fastening member including a fastening member head portion configured to protrude from a panel surface, the fastening member fastening the door lock assembly, the fastening member head portion including a contact portion which comes in contact with an inclined surface of the wedge member in response to a closing operation of the vehicle door, wherein a vehicle door is fixed in a closed state in a case where the door lock striker engages with the latch mechanism in response to the closing operation of the vehicle door. |
| US09447614B2 |
Lid lock apparatus
A lid lock apparatus having a housing to be fixed to a vehicle body with limited space. The lid lock apparatus includes a locking pin, a cable, a linking member, a housing, a mating and fixing part, and a coil spring. The housing includes a locking pin housing part, which houses the locking pin, and a link housing part, which houses the linking member. The housing further includes a space that is interposed between the locking pin housing part and the link housing part is formed, and when the housing is rotated and thereby fixed to a fixed target, the link housing part is, at a fixed ending period, moved into a position of the space which has been defined at a fixed starting period. |
| US09447613B2 |
Proximity switch based door latch release
A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors. |
| US09447612B2 |
Dual function power door
A system and method for controlling an automatic operation of a power door of a vehicle is presented. An actuation of an interior switch by a user is detected and, upon detecting the actuation of the interior switch, whether at least one door of the vehicle is locked is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked, whether a vehicle security is set is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked and the vehicle security is set, the automatic operation of the power door is prohibited. When the at least one door of the vehicle is not locked or the vehicle security is not set, the automatic operation of the power door is permitted. |
| US09447610B2 |
Lockset operable by pivoting actuator about a first axis or a second axis
A lockset is actuable by pivoting a handle about a longitudinal axis of the lockset by rotating the handle and by pivoting the handle about an axis transverse to the lockset axis, such as by pushing or pulling. The lockset includes an inside handle and an outside handle, each associated with an independent mechanism, each of which can independently actuate the lockset. A locking mechanism prevents actuation of a first one of the independent handle mechanisms without affecting operation of the other handle mechanism. Upon actuation of the other handle mechanism, a retractor engages a surface of the locking mechanism and removes it from engagement with the first locking mechanism. An adjustment ring has a first configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a first standard thickness and a second configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a second standard thickness. |
| US09447609B2 |
Mobile device that detects tappings/vibrations which are used to lock or unlock a door
An intelligent door lock system is configured to be in communication with a mobile device. The intelligent door lock system includes a drive shaft of a lock device for a door. A circuit is coupled to an engine with a memory. A device is provided that converts energy into mechanical energy and is coupled to the drive shaft. The intelligent door lock system is configured to be in communication with a mobile device that includes a vibration/tapping sensing device. The vibration/tapping sensing device is configured to lock or unlock the door in response to knocking or tapping at the mobile device. |
| US09447608B2 |
Locking cartridges
A locking cartridge including a housing, first and second plates rotatably mounted in the housing, a blocking member, and a movable member. The cartridge also includes a cam interface which urges the first plate toward the second plate when the plates are rotated. The blocking member is configured to move among a blocking position and an unblocking position in response to engagement with a first cut on a key. When in the blocking position, the blocking member blocks the first plate from moving toward the second plate. With the second plate blocked from moving toward the first plate, the cam interface prevents rotation of the first plate. The movable member is configured to move among a first position and a second position in response to engagement with a second cut on the key. In certain embodiments, the movable member may be a control pin or a second blocking member. |
| US09447605B1 |
Key and lock cylinder
A plug assembly for a lock includes a generally cylindrical plug body that defines a keyway and a generally cylindrical plug housing that rotatably receives the plug body. A plurality of blocking members are housed in the plug body and are movable into the keyway upon rotation of the plug body relative to the plug housing to obstruct the keyway. A key can be provided that is positionable into the keyway, and the blade of the key defines receptacles for receiving the blocking members when the plug body is rotated so that the lock can be unlocked. However, the blocking members prevent rotation of the plug body when a picking tool or unauthorized key is inserted in the keyway since either the blocking members cannot move into the keyway and remain engaged to the plug housing due to the object in the keyway, or obstruct the keyway and prevent insertion of the picking tool. |
| US09447604B2 |
Vehicle door handle with capacitive proximity sensor
A door handle for motor vehicles includes a handle body and a cover which cooperate to form a handle for a user. An accommodating space for electronic components is formed between the handle body and the cover. A capacitive proximity sensor is arranged in the space. The sensor has an active capacitive face directed towards the cover for detecting approaching movements. The capacitive face is coupled to an evaluation circuit which detects changes in the capacitance of the capacitive face. A sealing element composed of a closed-cell foam is located in the space. The sealing element has at least one continuous opening spaced from an edge. The opening is located above the active face of the proximity sensor and is compressed between the cover and the handle body with the result that at least one area above the active face of the sensor is free of foam. |
| US09447603B2 |
Universal bifurcated stanchion for handrail systems
A novel stanchion, for insertion into and support of a tubular post of a handrail system for installation on a horizontal surface, slope or staircase, is configured with a bottom flange attached to a tubular upright portion. The upright portion is bifurcated, forming a mirror-image pair of arcuate sidewalls separated at side edges by a pair of vertical slots extending upwardly from closed low ends near the flange to open ends at the top of the upright portion. The slots are sized in width to allow passage of a handrail system bottom safety member passing through a pair of drilled holes in the post at any desired spacing above the flange, with never any need for drilling the stanchion. If required to ensure against deformation of the upright portion from external forces impacting the handrail system, reinforcement can be selectably located and deployed in a manner that avoids interference with any desired location of the bottom safety member. |
| US09447600B2 |
Pole mounting system
A pole mounting system comprises a support mounting and a pole base. The support mounting has a receiving aperture that tapers conically inwardly from a receiving aperture, and at least one helical guide channel is formed in a wall of the receiving recess and extends axially away from the receiving aperture. Each guide channel has a terminal reverse bend. The pole base has an insertion end tapering conically inwardly toward a tip thereof and having guide post(s) extending laterally therefrom. The insertion end and the receiving recess are of complementary shape. The insertion end of the pole base is inserted into the receiving recess with each guide post aligned with the entrance of a corresponding guide channel and rotated in one direction and then the other to drive the guide post(s) along the guide channel(s) until the outer surface of the insertion end engages the wall of the receiving recess. |
| US09447599B1 |
Support pole with a prefabricated engaging thread and method of using the same
The present invention generally relates to a support pole having a spike unit with a prefabricated engaging thread and a method of using the same. The top of the spike unit is internally secured within a bottom opening of the support pole by an epoxy wherein the bottom of the support pole rests on a generally circular ridge of the spike unit. The support pole is especially suitable for use with mailbox posts, birdhouse posts, volleyball posts, fences, or the like. The support pole may be securely inserted or removed from the ground without the need for concrete, shovels and other numerous tools. The support pole has an opening on its exterior side for temporarily receiving a perpendicularly inserted rod which is inserted therein so as to provide leverage for driving the support pole into the ground by rotating the support pole clockwise or counter-clockwise. |
| US09447598B2 |
Rapid deploy guy system
A tension assembly indicates when a desired tension is achieved between two objects connected by the tension assembly. The tension assembly may be attached in series with a tension adjustor between a structure and an anchor, or any other two objects, and include a compressible component and an indication mechanism. As tension between the structure and anchor is adjusted using the tension adjustor, the compressible component adjusts in size, allowing the indicator to indicate whether the current tension is satisfactory. The compressible component includes a spring which, when compressed or expanded, allows the indicator to move toward or away from another indicator. When the indicators are aligned, the desired tension is achieved. |
| US09447596B2 |
Axially yielding elasto-plastic hysteresis brace and vibration-damping steel-frame structure
The present invention relates to an axially yielding elasto-plastic hysteresis brace including an H-section steel as a steel core, a buckling-restraining member covering an outer periphery of the H-section steel, an unbonded layer filled between the steel core and the buckling-restraining member, and a square steel pipe covering the outer periphery of the buckling-restraining member for reinforcement. For both ends of the H-section steel, one reinforcing plate is welded to each outer surface of each flange so as to be overlapped therewith. The buckling-restraining member is installed so that each reinforcing plate is inserted to the buckling-restraining member through an end thereof by a predetermined length L. And, where the width of the H-section steel as a steel core is given as B and the height thereof is given as H, an insertion length L of each reinforcing plate is set in a range of 2B≦L≦3B and also 2H≦L≦3H. |
| US09447595B1 |
Systems, methods and apparatuses for relieving excessive suction within swimming pool skimmers
A pool skimmer system includes a skimmer housing and a basket. The skimmer housing includes a deck throat opening, a pool throat opening, a lower skimmer rim, an upper skimmer rim, a pump inlet port, a pool return port, and a pump suction port. The basket is positioned within the housing and includes a lower basket rim engaged with the lower skimmer rim, an upper basket rim engaged with the upper skimmer rim, porous walls, and a pool inlet opening proximate the pool throat opening. A fluid path is formed within the skimmer housing and extends from the pump suction port to the area between the one porous sidewall of the upper skimmer housing and the skimmer interior wall to allow fluid communication between the one or more suction ports and the upper basket rim. |
| US09447587B2 |
Methods and arrangements relating to surface forming of building panels
Semi-floating floorboards/building panels having mechanical joint systems, a core with curved edge portions so the surface layer on top of the core will be located below the panel surface, and where the edges of the floorboard have a bevel such that in which the joint system, when two floorboards are joined and pressed towards each other, the surface layer 31 and a part of the core 30 of the joint edge portion 19 in the second joint edge 4b overlaps the surface layer 31 that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of the first joint edge 4a of the other floorboard. Further, floorboards/building panels are produced by machining the surface structure with a plurality of core grooves 20, 20′ and applying the surface layer 31 on the upper side of the core 30 to at least partly cover a floor element. A pressure is applied and the surface layer 31 forms around the core grooves 20, 20′. |
| US09447585B2 |
Support bracket apparatus
A support assembly is provided for supporting external veneer. It has a mounting bracket that is fixedly mounted to a load bearing wall support structure, and a shelf angle. The shelf angle includes a horizontal leg that defines a surface upon which to mount the external facing members. The mounting bracket may be a channel. The legs of the channel may each be formed to have a seat. The seat includes an outwardly protruding toe, an accommodation for the shelf angle, and an overhanging finger. The back of the shelf angle may have apertures to admit the toes of the mounting bracket, such that the vertical load is transferred from the web of the shelf bracket to the toes. The toes do not extend below the horizontal leg of the shelf angle, and do not protrude downwardly of it. The seat includes an oversized slot having a relief angle to permit the shelf angle web to be rotated angularly during assembly. The finger is also relieved, at an angle of relief greater than the slot. The shelf angle may be located substantially downwardly of the wall mounting fitting, and the depending web may be perforated to discourage heat transfer. |
| US09447582B2 |
Ice dam prevention shield
An ice dam prevention shield is a device that is installed onto a roof to prevent interior water damage due to the formation of an ice dam and to allow the user to easily remove the ice dam by striking an ice dam that has formed on top of the device with a striking tool. The device features a water-impermeable panel that is installed over the roof shingles and is secured to the roof via a set of roofing fasteners and a set of low head profile fasteners. A cushioning layer may be present in between the water-impermeable panel and the roof in order to allow the water-impermeable panel to flex when struck and facilitate the removal of the ice dam. A bottom anchoring strip is present in order to allow an ice dam to form on top of the water-impermeable panel rather than on top of the roof. |
| US09447581B2 |
Roofing material with locally applied fire resistant material
A roofing shingle having fire resistance material added to the shingle in a localized area includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion, a first asphalt-based coating impregnating the first portion, the first asphalt coating including a fire retardant material, and a second asphalt-based coating impregnating the second portion, the second asphalt coating containing less of the fire retardant material than the first asphalt coating. |
| US09447578B2 |
Modular block wall system
A modular masonry system includes a plurality of masonry modules each having inner and outer structural members. Top and bottom spanning members extend the length of the inner and outer structural members and are retained within respective upper and lower retaining grooves of the inner and outer structural members. The top spanning member includes a second retaining feature that cooperates with a first retaining feature of the bottom spanning member of an adjacent masonry module. An insulation member is disposed within an interior volume defined between the inner and outer structural members and the top and bottom spanning members. The first retaining feature of each bottom spanning member slidably engages the second retaining feature of at least one vertically adjacent top spanning member. The engagement of the first and second retaining features aligns and secures the engaged masonry modules without the use of mortar. |
| US09447576B2 |
Post bond perforation of a septum in an acoustic panel
Acoustic panels and methods for manufacturing acoustic panels are provided. In one such method, a core structure is provided between and bonded to a top skin and a septum. A plurality of perforations are formed in the top skin using an energy beam device. A plurality of perforations are formed in the septum through the top skin holes using the energy beam device. A plurality of cavities in the core structure fluidly couple at least some of the perforations in the top skin with at least some of the perforations in the septum. |
| US09447574B2 |
Concrete anchor
An anchor for attaching a structure to a concrete structure, comprises an anchor rod having a lower threaded portion for being embedded in a concrete structure and an upper portion for extending outside the concrete structure; an anchor body including a first threaded central opening for threadedly receiving one end portion of the lower threaded portion; and a support including a floor. The support includes a second central threaded opening through the floor portion for threadedly receiving another end portion of the lower portion. |
| US09447570B1 |
Dual flush handle control
Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle control. A rotary handle assembly for a dual flush toilet system includes a flush stop, a handle lever, a handle switch, and a restriction arm. The handle switch is configured to extend through a surface of the handle lever from an unextended position to an extended position. The restriction arm is configured to engage the handle switch at a proximal end and control engagement with the flush stop to restrict rotation of the handle lever based upon the position of the handle switch. |
| US09447569B2 |
Operating device for flush water tank assembly
The present invention relates to an operating device for a flush water tank assembly in a flush toilet as the user can operate operating part toward the one and opposite direction, the rotary direction changing mechanism can change the direction of rotation which is transmitted from the rotating shaft to a rotary wind-up mechanism so that the direction of rotation of the rotary wind-up mechanism can be maintain in a predetermined same direction of rotation. The operating device for the flush water tank assembly includes a drive unit including a rotary wind-up mechanism, a rotary direction changing mechanism for changing the direction of rotation transmitted from the rotating shaft to the rotational wind-up mechanism so that the transmitted direction of rotation can be maintain in accord with a predetermined and fixed direction of rotation, and a limiting mechanism for limiting an angle of rotation of the rotary wind-up mechanism. |
| US09447567B2 |
Flow adjustable bubble aerator
A flow adjustable bubble aerator is formed by a water tank, an outer casing, a rear tank, an adjustment assembly, a rear seat, a ball-shaped connector and a joint seat. The adjustment assembly includes an upper fixing plate, a lower plate base and an adjustment bolt. A bottom of the adjustment bolt is provided with a tool operation part, such that a tool can be used to adjust the discharge capacity outside the bubble aerator, thereby complying with the requirements of water saving and water usage. |
| US09447564B2 |
Wear member
A wear member including a body including a leg having an inner face and a first pocket formed in the inner face of the leg. A second pocket may be formed in the inner face of the leg and spaced apart from the first pocket by a passage extending between the first pocket and the second pocket in a direction parallel to a main axis of the body. The second pocket may include a curved abutment surface generally facing away from the first pocket. |
| US09447560B2 |
Parallel linkage-type working apparatus for construction equipment
The present disclosure relates to a parallel linkage-type working apparatus for construction equipment in which a parallel lever and a parallel link operate to prevent a working tool from bending inward so that, even if the working tool is raised, a tilting phenomenon in which the working tool is inclined inward may be prevented, and an amount of change in posture of the working tool at each height may be reduced. Also, the parallel linkage-type working apparatus is capable of increasing excavation ability or power with a posture on the ground surface by supplying a larger amount of hydraulic fluid at one time when working hydraulic pressure is supplied to each cylinder head, in comparison with a case in which working hydraulic pressure is supplied to a cylinder rod. |
| US09447555B2 |
Geopolymerization method for soil stabilization application
A method of soil stabilization includes mixing a geopolymer material with an alkaline activator and adding 5 to 30 percent by weight of the mixture to a soil. |
| US09447553B2 |
Shear connector for corrugated sheet steel and concrete
A shear connector for corrugated sheet steel and concrete, comprises a flange plate welded at an upper end portion of the corrugated sheet steel, with more than one U-shaped steel channel welded in the longitudinal direction at an upper edge of the flange plate, the channel walls of each U-shaped steel channel being provided with two longitudinal sides, the left and right sides of the front and rear channel walls being respectively provided with corresponding holes or grooves, the left and right sides of the front and rear channel walls being respectively provided with corresponding holes or grooves, which penetrates and connects each of the steel channels; in the holes or grooves on the left and right sides of each U-shaped steel channel respectively, a vertically bent steel bar is provided, a bottom steel bar of each of the vertically bent steel bars penetrating the holes or grooves on the left or the right side in a longitudinal direction, both ends of the bottom steel bar being respectively bent upwards and extending to form a vertical steel bar. |
| US09447551B1 |
Laser guide apparatus, system and method for asphalt paving equipment
A new and improved apparatus, system and method for leveling asphalt in road construction that may include at least one laser pointer, at least one alignment target, and at least one visual reference guide attached to a paving machine screed where it is contemplated to project a beam generally parallel with the existing surface to be matched by the newly laid asphalt such that the screed may be adjusted by the beam hitting the screed and the screed moved up and or down accordingly to keep in line with the laser beam that is already positioned in a desired parallel manner. |
| US09447549B2 |
Subsoil temperature measurement by means of a road finishing machine
A road finishing machine, comprising a screed for laying a paving layer on a subsoil and at least one temperature sensor. According to the disclosure, the temperature sensor is fixed to the road finishing machine and directed to the subsoil such that it may detect a temperature at least of a region of the subsoil which is located in front of the screed, seen in the direction of travel. In accordance with the disclosure, the temperature data of the subsoil region may be georeferenced and sent to a following compacting vehicle for determining a rolling pattern, said vehicle determining or adapting its rolling pattern based on said data. |
| US09447547B2 |
Mat construction with environmentally resistant core
A mat having a non-wood core that provides strength and rigidity to the mat, and including a structure of a sheet, elongated members, a frame, compartments, or combinations thereof; and at least one outer layer associated with the core and made of a sheet, elongated members or combinations thereof, and typically wood. The core and outer layer(s) are integral or are joined together, and the structure of the core is made of one or more environmentally resistant materials to provide an extended service life when encountering rain, snow or other weather conditions that would eventually degrade wood. The mat has a load bearing capacity that is able to withstand a load of at least 500 to 800 psi or even 1000 psi without permanently deforming the core. Bumpers are preferably provided upon sides of the mat to protect them from damage due to transport or installation of the mat. |
| US09447536B2 |
Intelligent network for chemical dispensing system
System and method for dispensing product to a washing machine. A chemical dispensing system includes a system controller, machine interface, and pump controller that communicate through serial data buses. The system controller provides a user interface, retrieves washing machine status information from the machine interface, and issues product dispensing commands to the pump controller. The pump controller monitors pump status and dispenses product in response to commands from the system controller. The pump controller: (1) determines pump activation periods based on calibration data stored in a pump controller memory; (2) tracks pump usage and adjusts the activation period to compensate for pump wear as the pump ages; (3) disables the pump if conditions exists that preclude operating the pump; (4) monitors product levels, and (5) reports pump status to the system controller. Integral channels are included in the pump housing to provide stress relief to a squeeze tube. |
| US09447533B2 |
Efficient energy usage for a laundry appliance
A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load so that the total energy usage by the laundry treating appliance and a laundry drying appliance with which it is operably coupled may be minimized. |
| US09447530B2 |
Method for producing a component for connecting structures and device
The present invention pertains inter alia to a method for producing a component for connecting structures at crossing regions thereof, having the following steps: depositing first and second fibers on an underlay in such a way that a respective first fiber has an offset in the longitudinal direction of the first or second fiber with respect to a respective second fiber; connecting the first and second fiber along an overlap region, in which the first and second fibers overlap; and pivoting the first and second fibers with respect to one another to form the component. |
| US09447528B1 |
Cut-resistant hybrid woven article and method of making same
A hybrid cut-resistant fabric is a triple weave having non-metallic yarns on a top and bottom face and a metal wire that is integrally co-woven into a derivative weave structure. The top face and the bottom faces are secured to each other by top and bottom interface loops and the metal wire, that extends between the to and bottom faces, is secured to the top and bottom faces by top and bottom wire coupler loops. The metal wires extend in the warp and fill directions to create an integral wire grid that resists cut through. The hybrid cut-resistant fabric is flexible and cut resistant making it suitable for a variety of applications including luggage, apparel and sports equipment, for example. |
| US09447525B2 |
On-line detection of defects in fibrous members
An on-line defect detection system for detecting a defect in a fibrous member and related processes are provided. The defect detection system may include first and second fiber contacting members where at least one of the contacting members is shiftable relative to the other contacting member. The defect detection system may also include a defect detection zone defined between at least a portion of the first and second fiber contacting members. The defect detection zone may be configured to receive at least a portion of the fibrous member in a manner such that the fibrous member contacts the first and second fiber contacting members in the defect detection zone. Further, the defect detection zone may also include a sensor configured to sense movement of one of the first and second fiber contacting members and generate an electronic signal based on the sensed movement of the at least one fiber contacting member. |
| US09447511B2 |
Iron-based catalyst for selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 into CO
The present invention relates to catalysts for the production of CO gas through electrochemical CO2 reduction. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an iron porphyrin as the catalyst for the CO2 reduction into CO, a method of performing electrochemical reduction of CO2 using said electrochemical cell thereby producing CO gas, and a method of performing electrochemical reduction of CO2 using said iron porphyrin catalyst thereby producing CO gas. |
| US09447503B2 |
Closed pore ceramic composite article
A composite article includes a substrate and a thermal barrier secured to the substrate. The thermal barrier includes a plurality of closed pores within a ceramic matrix. For example, the closed pores comprise 20 vol % to 80 vol % of the thermal barrier. |
| US09447497B2 |
Processing chamber gas delivery system with hot-swappable ampoule
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for supplying a constant flow of precursor gas to a processing chamber. The apparatus described, and methods of use, allow a precursor ampoule to be removed from the gas delivery system without interrupting the process. |
| US09447490B2 |
Piston ring
In order to avoid burn traces on piston rings, it is proposed to provide the piston ring with a wear-protection coating which consists of a material with a thermal conductivity of at least 180 W/(m·K). At least 5% vol. of the wear-protection coating consists of aluminum nitride. |
| US09447484B2 |
Methods for forming oxide dispersion-strengthened alloys
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy metal includes the steps of providing, in a powdered form, an oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy composition that is capable of achieving a dispersion-strengthened microstructure, directing a low energy density energy beam at a portion of the alloy composition, withdrawing the energy beam from the portion of the powdered alloy composition, and cooling the portion of the powdered alloy composition at a rate greater than or equal to about 106° F. per second, thereby forming the oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy metal. |
| US09447475B2 |
Method for detecting and quantifying wheat endogenous gene
Provided is a method of detecting or quantifying a wheat species-specific DNA in a test sample by polymerase chain reaction. The method comprises a step of amplifying a nucleic acid molecule having at partial sequence of a nucleotide sequence identified as SEQ ID NO: 1 using a nucleic acid molecule in the test sample or a nucleic acid molecule extracted from the test sample as the template and using a primer pair capable of amplifying the partial sequence and a step of detecting or quantifying the amplified nucleic acid molecule. |
| US09447468B2 |
Compounds that modulate oxidative stress
The present invention provides methods of identifying compounds that selectively induce an oxidative stress response in a biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of treating a subject having a disease associated with oxidative stress using compounds that selectively induce an oxidative stress response in the subject. The invention further provides methods of selectively inducing an oxidative stress response in a cell. |
| US09447466B2 |
Method for determination or evaluation of test substance
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for determination or evaluation of an extract from inflamed tissues inoculated with vaccinia virus where the enhancement of activation of neurotrophic factor such as BDNF in cultured cells or the enhancement of activation of proteins participating therein is used as an indicator. The present invention relates to a novel method for determination or evaluation of an extract from inflamed tissues inoculated with vaccinia virus and relates to a method for determination or evaluation of the extract where the enhancement of production of neurotrophic factor such as BDNF in cultured cells or the enhancement of activation of various proteins in intracellular signaling pathway participating in production of BDNF, etc. is used as an indicator. |
| US09447465B2 |
Method of sequencing
The present invention provides a method of sequencing a single polynucleotide in which the nucleotide base and/or probe which is incorporated during sequencing is labelled with a bead which is detected to identity the base and/or probe which has bound to the single polynucleotide. Particularly, the detection of the bead may be carried out using an apparatus comprising a surface provided with a means for detecting a bead e.g. with one or more light sensitive elements. |
| US09447461B2 |
Analysis devices, kits, and related methods for digital quantification of nucleic acids and other analytes
Provided are devices and methods for effecting processing of samples, including essentially isothermal amplification of nucleic acids, at multiple reaction locations in a single device. In some embodiments, the disclosed devices and methods provide for effecting parallel sample processing in several hundred locations on a single device. |
| US09447458B2 |
Detection of neighboring variants
The present invention relates to methods, kits, probes, and systems for distinguishing between nucleotide variants that are close in proximity on a gene. The methods, kits, probes, and systems can include the use of a small amplicon assay in combination with two unlabeled probes in a high resolution thermal melting analysis of a biological sample containing a locus of interest in order to discern between disease-causing and benign variants that are close in proximity on a gene within the biological sample. The present invention also relates to method of detecting a disease in a patient based on the patient's genotype by determining whether the patient has a disease-causing variant at a locus of interest. The signature melt curves produced by the unlabeled probe tests can be analyzed using HRMA software to distinguish between disease-causing and benign variants that are close in proximity on a gene within the biological sample. |
| US09447456B2 |
Systems and methods for bead-free detection of nucleotides
Methods and systems of quantifying a target material in solution include detection of a size change of a hybridized nucleic acid complex, without the use of nanobeads. In particular, the examples include providing a plurality of nucleic acid fragments and a species-specific oligonucleotide tags, measuring the size of the nucleic acid fragments and/or oligonucleotides to predetermine a standard distribution of the solution(s), introducing the oligonucleotides in a solution containing nucleic acid target materials and/or non-target materials, and hybridizing the oligonucleotides with the species-specific target material if present in the solution. The size of the nucleic acid complexes in solution are then measured after hybridization, and the presence or non-presence of the species-specific target material is detected and/or quantified by comparing the measured size of the nucleic acid complexes after hybridization to the standard distribution. |
| US09447455B2 |
Methods and compositions for the target-localized anchoring of detectable label
Highly reactive functionalized substrates and linker molecules for use in the detection of molecular targets and other analytes of interest are provided as are kits, reaction mixtures and methods utilizing the same. |
| US09447451B2 |
Device and methods for epigenetic analysis
Provided herein are methods and devices for single object detection. The methods and devices can be used to identify a plurality epigenetic markers on a genetic material, or a chromatin, encompassing fragments thereof. The invention provides for the characterization of the genetic material flowing through a channel in a continuous body of fluid based on detection of one or more properties of the genetic material. The methods and systems provided herein allow genome-wide, high-throughput epigenetic analysis and overcome a variety of limitations common to bulk analysis techniques. |
| US09447449B2 |
Recombinant mycobacteriophages for delivery of nucleic acids of interest into mycobacteria
Methods are provided for detecting mycobacteria in a sample, including clinical samples. Methods are also provided for determining susceptibility of mycobacterial strains to known or potential antibiotic agents, as are kits therefor. Recombinant mycobacteriophages are also provided comprising heterologous nucleic acids of interest. |
| US09447448B1 |
Drone-based microbial analysis system
A drone-based microbial analysis system includes an electronic drone control facility including an electronic storage memory device. The storage memory device stores information including a location of at least one possible contaminated area previously determined to contain at least one positively-tested microbe. At least one drone vehicle is in signal communication with the drone control facility and autonomously navigates to the at least one possible contaminated area to collect a specimen. The drone control facility performs a microbial analysis based on the collected specimen and confirms the at least one possible contaminated area is a positively contaminated area that contains at least one microbe based on the microbial analysis. |
| US09447442B2 |
Production of biofuel from tissue culture sources
A method for the production of at least one fatty acid and/or oil from a plant cell suspension culture includes (i) maintaining a cell suspension culture of oil-producing plant cells under conditions such that the cultured cells synthesize and secrete at least one fatty acid and/or oil into the cell suspension culture medium; and (ii) extracting the thus secreted at least one fatty acid and/or oil from the cell suspension culture medium. |
| US09447437B2 |
Genetically engineered Torulopsis glabrata with enhanced extracellular secretion of pyruvic acid
The present invention provides a genetically engineered Torulopsis glabrata with enhanced extracellular secretion of pyruvic acid. T. glabrata strain was obtained from China Center for Type Culture Collection with CCTCC No: M202019 and over-expressed the optimized CutA (SEQ ID NO:2) encoding stress protein. Both of the temperature tolerance of T. glabrata and extracellular concentration of pyruvate were improved by overexpressing the optimized CutA. The optimum growth temperature of genetically engineered T. glabrata was increased too. The present invention can be widely used to increase extracellular levels of pyruvate during the fermentation process. |
| US09447436B2 |
Production of saturated fatty alcohols from engineered microorganisms
Recombinant bacterial microorganisms are provided which comprise heterologous fatty acyl reductases (“FAR”) polypeptides wherein said microorganisms have been engineered to produce increased amounts of saturated fatty alcohols and methods of making saturated fatty alcohols using the recombinant bacterial microorganisms. |
| US09447432B2 |
Method for producing induced pluripotent stem cells
An object of the present invention is to provide methods for producing iPS cells with low invasivity and high efficiency. The iPS cells can be produced with high efficiency using a method comprising the steps of culturing mononuclear cells derived from peripheral blood for 3 to 14 days in the presence of anti-CD3 antibody, and subjecting the cultured mononuclear cells to dedifferentiation. |
| US09447422B2 |
Autonomous replication sequences and episomal DNA molecules
The present invention provides autonomous replication sequences (ARSs) isolated from Nannochloropsis that support the replication of episomal DNA molecules (EDMs) in eukaryotic cells. The ARSs and EDMs provided herein can be used for expressing genes in organisms including algae and heterokonts. |
| US09447421B2 |
Methods for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sugar cane
The present invention provides methods for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) comprising introducing a nucleotide sequence of interest into a sugar cane callus tissue or cell thereof via Agrobacterium mediated delivery, wherein the sugar cane callus tissue is less than 28 days post-initiation. The invention further provides methods for transforming a sugar cane callus tissue or cell thereof comprising inoculating the sugar cane callus tissue that is less than 28 days post-initiation with an Agrobacterium comprising a nucleotide sequence of interest to produce an Agrobacterium-inoculated sugar cane tissue or cell thereof; and co-cultivating the Agrobacterium and the sugar cane callus tissue to produce a transformed sugar cane callus tissue or cell thereof. |
| US09447418B2 |
Pro- and anti-angiogenic treatments
The invention provides a method of selectively pro-oranti-angiogenic treatment of a mammalian subject, comprising site-specific control of alternative splicing during processing of VEGF pre-mRNA transcribed from the C terminal exon 8 of the VEGF gene using controlling agents for the splicing, wherein one or more controlling agent which favors proximal splice site (PSS) splicing in said processing is used in the pro-angiogenic treatment and one or more controlling agent which favors distal splice site (DSS) splicing in said processing is used in the anti-angiogenic treatment. |
| US09447413B2 |
Oligomeric compounds and compositions for use in modulation of small non-coding RNAs
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression and function of small non-coding RNAs. The compositions comprise oligomeric compounds, targeted to small non-coding RNAs. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of small non-coding RNAs as well as downstream targets of these RNAs and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with small non-coding RNAs are also provided. |
| US09447410B2 |
T cell receptor display
A proteinaceous particle, for example a bacteriophage, ribosome or cell, displaying on its surface a T-cell receptor (TCR). The displayed TCR is preferably a heterodimer having a non-native disulfide bond between constant domain residues. Such display particles may be used for the creation of diverse TCR libraries for the identification of high affinity TCRs. Several high affinities are disclosed. |
| US09447404B2 |
Method for the biocatalytic cyclization of terpenes and cyclase mutants employable therein
The present invention relates to novel mutants with cyclase activity and use thereof in a method for biocatalytic cyclization of terpenes, such as in particular for the production of isopulegol by cyclization of citronellal; a method for the preparation of menthol and methods for the biocatalytic conversion of further compounds with structural motifs similar to terpene. |
| US09447403B2 |
Enolase peptide conjugate vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus
The present invention relates to peptides of the enolase protein from Staphylococcus aureus as well as nucleic acid and nucleic acid sequence homologs encoding the peptides. The present invention also relates to a composition, particularly a S. aureus vaccine, comprising one or more of the enolase peptides described herein or a fragment, derivative or variant thereof capable of generating an immune response that induces a protective antibody response or opsonophagocytic activity of human neutrophils for S. aureus. The present invention also encompasses methods of treating and/or reducing the likelihood of a Staphylococcus infection by administering a composition of the invention. |
| US09447402B2 |
Method for producing recombinant prothrombin, vector DNA, and reagent kit
The present invention provides a method for producing recombinant prothrombin. The method comprises: providing a vector DNA into which a gene encoding a tag and a gene encoding prothrombin are incorporated, wherein the tag is selected from the group consisting of MBP, SUMO, and NusA; and expressing a tag fusion type prothrombin in a lepidopteran insect or cultured cells of the lepidopteran insect. |
| US09447401B2 |
PH20 polypeptide variants, formulations and uses thereof
Modified PH20 hyaluronidase polypeptides, including modified polypeptides that exhibit increased stability and/or increased activity, are provided. Also provided are compositions and formulations and uses thereof. |
| US09447399B2 |
Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09447398B2 |
Heterologous expression of fungal cellobiohydrolase 2 genes in yeast
The present invention provides for heterologous expression of polypeptides encoded by wild-type and codon-optimized cbh2 genes from the organisms Cochliobolus heterostrophus, Gibberella zeae, Irpex lacteus, Volvariella volvacea, and Piromyces sp. in host cells, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The expression in such host cells of the corresponding genes, and variants and combinations thereof, result in improved specific activity of the expressed cellobiohydrolases. Thus, such genes and expression systems are useful for efficient and cost-effective consolidated bioprocessing systems. |
| US09447396B2 |
Method for accumulating protein in plant cells
According to the present invention, a method for stably accumulating a target protein in plant cells or a plant body, and a transgenic plant in which protein has accumulated, are provided. The method of the present invention is a method for accumulating protein in plant cells, comprising accumulating a target protein or a protein deficient in an N-terminal region of the target protein in vacuoles of myrosin cells present in a multiple mutant, in which myrosin cells deficient in intravacuolar protein are also present in a plant body at locations other than around vascular bundles, by expressing a gene that encodes a target protein having an intracellular membrane system localization signal on the N-terminal and a vacuole localization signal on the C-terminal in the multiple mutant. |
| US09447388B2 |
DNA polymerases
Provided are various novel DNA polymerases. Provided is a DNA polymerase comprising an amino acid sequence modified from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 by inserting nine amino acids “-A737-A738-A739-A740-A741-A742-A743-A744-A745-” between the amino acid residue at position 736 and the amino acid residue at position 737,wherein: A737 is an amino acid residue having a non-polar aliphatic side chain; A738 is an amino acid residue having a non-polar aliphatic side chain; A739 is an amino acid residue having a positively charged side chain; A740 is an amino acid residue having a positively charged side chain; A741 is an amino acid residue having a non-polar aliphatic side chain; A742 is an amino acid residue having a non-polar aliphatic side chain; A743 is any given amino acid residue; A744 is an amino acid residue having a positively charged side chain; and A745 is an amino acid residue having a non-polar aliphatic side chain). |
| US09447377B2 |
Endodermal cells from pluripotent cells
The present inventions describes a method that, starting from pluripotent cells, leads to the obtainment, in a reproducible and efficient manner, of endodermal cells precursor. These cells reveal useful also for application in the regenerative therapy. |
| US09447376B2 |
Dried spore germinative compound mixtures
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a dried intimate mixture comprising a bacteria spore and a germinative compound, and methods for preparing the intimate mixture. In another aspect, this invention is directed to a composition comprising such an intimate mixture. The invention also relates to methods for increasing the germination, growth, metabolism, and/or enzyme activity of a bacteria spore comprising preparing an intimate mixture of a bacteria spore and a germinative compound. |
| US09447373B1 |
Methods for treating a culture of haematococcus pluvialis for contamination using salt and hydrogen peroxide
Methods of treating contamination, particularly fungal contamination, in cultures of Haematococcus pluvialis with hydrogen peroxide and salt are described herein. The method comprises dosing the culture comprising a concentration of salt with a concentration of hydrogen peroxide based on the stage of the cells in the culturing process and at a frequency to increase the likelihood of the cells surviving until the process of accumulating carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, is complete. |
| US09447372B2 |
Detector arrangement for blood culture bottles with colorimetric sensors
A detector arrangement is disclosed for a blood culture bottle incorporating a colorimetric sensor which is subject to change of color due to change in pH or CO2 of a sample medium within the blood culture bottle. The detector arrangement includes a sensor LED illuminating the colorimetric sensor, a reference LED illuminating the colorimetric sensor, a control circuit for selectively and alternately activating the sensor LED and the reference LED, and a photodetector. The photodetector measures reflectance from the colorimetric sensor during the selective and alternating illumination of the colorimetric sensor with the sensor LED and the reference LED and generates intensity signals. The reference LED is selected to have a peak wavelength of illumination such that the intensity signals of the photodetector from illumination by the reference LED are not substantially affected by changes in the color of the colorimetric sensor. |
| US09447370B2 |
Distilled liquors and spirits having the fresh and natural fragrance of shiso and processes for producing the same
Provided are liquors or spirits that compensate for the oily and grass-like smell of perillaldehyde, the primary aroma component of Perilla frutescens var. crispa (shiso), to ensure that the fresh and natural fragrance of shiso is developed in a balanced way. In the process of making distilled liquors or spirits, the temperature of the distillation feed charged into a distillation vessel is managed appropriately, whereby the aroma components of shiso used as part of the feed can be recovered in a balanced way to produce distilled liquors or spirits having the fresh and natural fragrance of shiso. According to the distillation method of the present invention, no extra equipment investment is required and distilled liquors or spirits of good quality can be obtained with a minimum production cost. |
| US09447364B2 |
Fragrance compounds
A method of providing a fragrant odor to an application, comprising the addition thereto of at least one compound of the formula I wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of —CR1R2R3, —NR4R5 and —OR6, wherein R1 to R5 are selected from H and essentially hydrocarbon moieties that optionally comprise at least one oxygen, nitrogen or silicon atom, and R6 is selected from essentially hydrocarbon moieties that optionally comprise at least one oxygen, nitrogen or silicon atom; and, A is an essentially hydrocarbon moiety that optionally comprises at least one oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen or silicon atom, with the proviso that the compound A-CHO is a fragrant aldehyde. The use of these compounds in laundry, household and personal care products confers a long-lasting freshness. |
| US09447362B2 |
Nitrile compound
Provided are a compound and a fragrance composition containing the same, wherein the compound has a spicy tone that is useful as a fragrance, particularly a cumin-like odor, it is stable in an aqueous vehicle, and it emphasizes spicy-, green-, floral-, woody-, and citrus-like various odors by being blended with other fragrances, which allows oil-, chemical-, and metallic-like undesirable odors to be suppressed. A nitrile compound represented by Formula (I-3), Formula (I-2), or Formula (I-1). |
| US09447360B2 |
Removal of undesired components from oil compositions
The present invention refers to a process for reducing the amount of undesired components in an oil composition, particularly in an oil composition comprising omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The process of the present invention provides efficient removal of undesired water-soluble (hydrophilic) components and undesired fat-soluble (lipophilic) components from an oil composition in order to obtain a purified concentrate, e.g. a highly purified concentrate enriched in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. |
| US09447356B2 |
Diesel fuel with improved ignition characteristics
Dihydrocarbyl diazene dicarboxamides (DHCDD) have been found to effectively reduce the ignition delay and/or as effective cetane number improvers in diesel fuels and is suitable for use in modern engines. |
| US09447354B2 |
Spent grain fuel product and process
A process of making a fuel product from spent grain from a beer brewing process. In the brewing process, the grain is pulverized to a particle size whose mean particle size is generally in the range of 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm with less than 1% greater than 2 mm. After the brewing sugars are extracted from the grain, the spent grain is pressed against a filter to reduce moisture below sixty-five percent (65%), and then the grain is dried to further reduce its moisture to less than ten percent (10%). The dried spent grain, after the aforementioned processing, is fed into a combustion chamber for a steam boiler that is used for beer brewing, and the spent grain is advanced downward through the combustion chamber with agitation to aid combustion. |
| US09447353B2 |
Pipeline arrangement for utilizing a gas comprising biomethane
Embodiments of the invention provide a process in which a gas comprising biomethane having a heating value of less than about 925 BTU/cubic foot is introduced to a pipeline system that is connected to at least one source of natural gas having a heating value of at least about 950 BTU/cubic foot. The gas comprising biomethane combines with natural gas in the pipeline system to produce a mixed gas having a heating value below about 925 BTU/cubic foot. An amount of natural gas at least equal to the amount of gas comprising biomethane is withdrawn from the pipeline system for use as a transportation fuel, a fuel intermediate or as a feedstock for producing a fuel. The process can enable fuel credit generation and/or reductions in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. |
| US09447341B2 |
Process and apparatus for recovering and blending hydroprocessed hydrocarbons and composition
A process and apparatus provides for blending a heavy naphtha stream with a diesel stream to increase the yield of diesel. The diesel stream is recovered separately from a kerosene stream to leave the kerosene stream undiminished. The blended diesel provides a valuable composition. |
| US09447340B2 |
Hexylene glycol fuel additive containing boric acid for inhibiting phase separation and corrosion in Ethanol Blended Fuels
The present invention relates to a fuel additive formulation that is designed to inhibit and/or reverse phase separation in Ethanol Blended Fuels (EBFs). The additive may further have the characteristics of reducing friction, corrosion, and wear in internal combustion engines that run on EBFs. The fuel additive in accordance with the present invention is a formulation of hexylene glycol and boric acid. Minimization of phase separation and reduction of engine wear and degradation due to friction and deposit formation is expected to result in increased engine efficiency, extension of engine life, and reduction in repair and maintenance costs. |
| US09447338B2 |
Production of renewable biofuels
Renewable fuels are produced in commercial quantities and with enhanced efficiency by integrating a bio-oil production system with a conventional petroleum refinery so that the bio-oil is co-processed with a petroleum-derived stream in the refinery. The techniques used to integrate the bio-oil production system and conventional petroleum refineries are selected based on the quality of the bio-oil and the desired product slate from the refinery. |
| US09447334B2 |
Process for converting feeds derived from renewable sources with pre-treatment of feeds by hot dephosphatation
The invention concerns a process for the pre-treatment of an unrefined vegetable or animal oil, consisting of passing said oil through a reactor comprising at least one fixed bed of at least one adsorbent comprising a porous refractory oxide which is free of catalytic metals, at a temperature in the range 130° C. to 320° C., at a pressure in the range 0.1 to 7 MPa and with a residence time for said oil on said fixed bed in the range 0.1 to 1 hour. The invention concerns a process for pre-treatment of a semi-refined vegetable or animal oil, integrated upstream of a hydrotreatment step for the production of green gas oil. |
| US09447333B2 |
Aviation fuel base oil and aviation fuel composition
The present invention provides an environment friendly aviation fuel base oil having combustibility, oxidation stability and excellent life cycle characteristics and contributing to diversification of primary energy, which is produced by hydrotreating a feedstock comprising a mixed oil of an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon compound originating from an animal or vegetable fat and a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon compound or a feedstock comprising said mixed oil and a petroleum base oil produced by refining crude oil and an aviation fuel composition comprising the aviation fuel base oil, and an aviation fuel composition containing such an aviation fuel base oil. |
| US09447332B2 |
Conversion of plastics to olefin and aromatic products using temperature control
A method of producing olefins and aromatic compounds from a feedstock includes introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock and a catalyst composition that is suitable for converting the feedstock to at least one of olefins and aromatic compounds within a reactor. The reactor has a reactor flow path having a length L between the inlet and outlet. The temperature in the reactor is monitored in at least one location that is at or adjacent to the inlet at a temperature-monitoring distance that is from 0.3 L or less from the inlet. In response to the monitored temperatures one or more parameters are modified. At least a portion of the feedstock is allowed to be converted to at least one of olefins and aromatic compounds within the reactor, which are removed as a product stream. |
| US09447331B2 |
Processing combustible material methods and systems
Methods, systems and units for liquefaction of combustible material are provided. After separating the combustible material from waste rock gravitationally in an aqueous salt solution selected to have a density which is intermediate between a density of the combustible material and a density of the waste rock and after heating and grinding the separated combustible material to yield a paste of purified combustible material, the paste is fluidizing and hydrogenated underground in a hydrogenation chamber including a Segner turbine. The described processes significantly reduce the energy consumption of the process, remove environmental hazards and result in more efficient liquefaction with respect to existing technologies. |
| US09447329B2 |
Analogue ionic liquids for the separation and recovery of hydrocarbons from particulate matter
Systems, methods and compositions for the separation and recovery of hydrocarbons from particulate matter are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes contacting particulate matter with at least one analogue ionic liquid. The particulate matter contains at least one hydrocarbon and at least one solid particulate. When the particulate matter is contacted with the analogue ionic liquid, the hydrocarbon dissociates from the solid particulate to form a multiphase system. |
| US09447328B2 |
Hydropyrolysis of biomass for producing high quality liquid fuels
A self-sustaining process for producing liquid fuels from biomass in which the biomass is hydropyrolyzed in a reactor vessel containing molecular hydrogen and a deoxygenating catalyst, producing a partially deoxygenated pyrolysis liquid, which is hydrogenated using a hydroconversion catalyst, producing a substantially fully deoxygenated pyrolysis liquid and a gaseous mixture comprising CO and light hydrocarbon gases (C1-C4). The gaseous mixture is reformed in a steam reformer, producing reformed molecular hydrogen, which is then introduced into the reactor vessel for hydropyrolizing the biomass. The deoxygenated liquid product is further processed to produce diesel fuel and gasoline. |
| US09447327B2 |
Asphalt oxidation process using liquid jet ejection
Provided is a process for increasing the softening temperature of asphalts by use of liquid jet ejector with a diptube connected to the discharge connection of the liquid jet ejector for ejecting an air/asphalt mixture below a liquid level in an oxidizer vessel. The liquid jet ejector is used as both an air compressor and an air/oil mixer. The liquid jet ejector motive fluid is hot asphalt and the entrained vapor is air. The combined liquid jet ejector with a diptube process provides for an improvement in asphalt air blowing efficiency by requiring less cumulative air to produce a given asphalt softening temperature. |
| US09447325B1 |
Pyrolysis oil composition derived from biomass and petroleum feedstock and related systems and methods
A pyrolysis oil composition that is soluble in hydrocarbon fuel, and related systems and methods for making the composition, are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a process for making a pyrolysis oil composition involves pyrolyzing biomass to generate biomass-derived pyrolysis vapor therefrom, vaporizing petroleum feedstock to generate petroleum feedstock-derived vapor therefrom, blending the biomass-derived pyrolysis vapor and petroleum feedstock-derived vapor together, condensing the blended biomass-derived pyrolysis vapor and petroleum feedstock-derived vapor simultaneously to form a condensate, and collecting the condensate. |
| US09447324B2 |
Hydrocarbon conversion process
The invention relates to a process for converting hydrocarbons into unsaturated products such as acetylene and/or ethylene. The invention also relates to converting acetylene to olefins such as ethylene and/or propylene, to polymerizing the olefins, and to equipment useful for these processes. |
| US09447322B2 |
Corrosion inhibitor compositions comprising tetrahydrobenzotriazoles solubilized in activating solvents and methods for using same
A composition with one or more tetrahydrobenzotriazoles and one or more one or more tetrahydrobenzotriazole activating solvents, wherein the tetrahydrobenzotriazoles are solubilized in the activating solvents in an amount effective to inhibit corrosion of a metal or metal alloy which is corrodible in the presence of copper or copper corroding agents. Also, a method of using this composition to inhibit corrosion of a metal component which has a metal or metal alloy which is corrodible in the presence of copper or copper corroding agents. |
| US09447321B2 |
Oxygen scavenging compositions for plastic containers
The present invention provides an oxygen scavenging composition for incorporation into a wall of a package. The composition comprises a polyester base polymer, at least one oligomeric, oxidizable poly(alkylene ether) glycol-α,ω-diester having the formula and at least one transition metal in a positive oxidation state. The compositions of the present invention do not exhibit an induction period prior to the onset of oxygen scavenging upon formation into a container. |
| US09447319B2 |
Yellow phosphor having an increased activator concentration and a method of making a yellow phosphor
A yellow phosphor having an increased activator concentration includes a host lattice comprising yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) and an activator comprising cerium in the host lattice, where the cerium is present at a concentration of at least about 5 wt. % Ce. A method of making a yellow phosphor includes forming a reaction mixture comprising: a first precursor comprising cerium and oxygen; a second precursor comprising cerium and fluorine; a third precursor comprising yttrium; and a fourth precursor comprising aluminum. The reaction mixture is heated in a reducing environment at a temperature sufficient to form a yellow phosphor including a host lattice comprising yttrium aluminum garnet and an activator comprising cerium (Ce) incorporated in the host lattice. |
| US09447316B2 |
Particle aggregate, manufacturing method for particle aggregate, fluorescence enhancing element, and device using photochemical reactions
Provided is a hollow particle aggregate formed by aggregating a plurality of self-organizable particles, wherein a metal core is modified by a surface modifier for a metal core comprising a first segment comprising an optionally branched fluorinated alkylene glycol group, an optionally branched fluorinated alkylene group, or an optionally branched fluorinated azaalkylene group; a second segment comprising at least one hydrophilic group and bonding to one of the ends of a main chain of the first segment; and a functional group that bonds directly or indirectly to the another end of the main chain of the first segment and is able to bond to the metal core. |
| US09447315B2 |
Electrophilic acid gas-reactive fluid, proppant, and process for enhanced fracturing and recovery of energy producing materials
An electrophilic acid gas-reactive fracturing and recovery fluid, proppant, and process are detailed. The fluid expands in volume to provide rapid and controlled increases in pressure that enhances fracturing in subterranean bedrock for recovery of energy-producing materials. Proppants stabilize openings in fractures and fissures following fracturing. |