| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09465178B2 |
Optical transceiver adapted to angled polish connector and a method to assemble the same
An optical transceiver adapted to an optical connector having an angled physical contact (APC) is disclosed. The optical transceiver installs an optical sub-assembly to receive an external connector. The optical sub-assembly provides an index surface that indexes the inclined direction of the end of the stub abutting against the end surface of the external connector of the type of the APC. The housing provides a saddle with a flat surface on which the index surface of the optical sub-assembly is set. |
| US09465177B2 |
Optical bench apparatus having integrated monitor photodetectors and method for monitoring optical power using same
Optical bench structure provides a platform for integrating optical transmitters, particularly Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), with monitor photodetectors. A substrate with photodetectors on the front side is aligned with flip-chip bonding bumps so the emission of the transmitters is aligned with the monitor photodetectors and passes through the monitor photodetectors with a portion of the transmitted light absorbed by the monitor photodetectors. The photodetectors have a thin absorption region so the percentage of light absorbed may be relatively small, providing sufficient photocurrent to monitor the transmitted power having a minimal effect on the transmitted power. Microlenses are integrated on the backside of the substrate focus, steer and/or collimate the emitted optical beams from the transmitters. The structure enables photodetectors to be integrated on the optical bench allowing the received optical power to be monitored. The receiver photodetectors are integrated on the optical bench alone and/or in combination with the transmitters. |
| US09465176B2 |
Small form factor transceiver compatible with solder processing
A fiber optic transceiver that is compatible with packaging into standard semiconductor packages and for SMT packaging, using materials and fabrication procedures that withstand solder assembly processes. The SMT package can have electrical contacts on the exterior of the package for creating electrical conduits to a substrate, such as a PCB, interposer, or circuit card within a larger assembly. The fiber optic transceiver can be of a non-SMT package configuration, being formed with electrical connection technology that allows direct connection to a substrate with electrical wiring, such as a PCB, interposer, or circuit card within a larger assembly. The fiber optic transceiver may have solderballs, metal posts or other electrical conduit technology that allows direct electrical connection to the substrate. |
| US09465170B1 |
Unitary multi-fiber optical ferrule with integrated lenses
A unitary multi-fiber ferrule has micro-holes for optical fibers, and a plurality of lenses disposed adjacent the front end, each of the plurality of lenses optically aligned with one of the micro-holes and exposed to air. Multiple rows of optical fibers and lenses may also be used in the unitary multi-fiber ferrule. The lenses have a divergence half angle of between about 2 and 20 degrees and may also have protrusions on them acting as an antireflective coating. |
| US09465169B2 |
Single shot correction of resonant optical components
An optical device is described. This optical device includes optical components having resonance wavelengths that match target values with a predefined accuracy (such as 0.1 nm) and with a predefined time stability (such as permanent or an infinite time stability) without thermal tuning and/or electronic tuning. The stable, accurate resonance wavelengths may be achieved using a wafer-scale, single (sub-second) shot trimming technique that permanently corrects the phase errors induced by material variations and fabrication inaccuracies in the optical components (and, more generally, resonant silicon-photonic optical components). In particular, the trimming technique may use photolithographic exposure of the optical components on the wafer in parallel, with time-modulation for each individual optical component based on active-element control. Note that the physical mechanism in the trimming technique may involve superficial room-temperature oxidation of the silicon surface, which is induced by deep-ultraviolet radiation in the presence of oxygen. |
| US09465164B2 |
Electronic apparatus, method for manufacturing electronic apparatus, and electronic device
Disclosed is an electronic apparatus including a circuit element including a first main surface, a first electrode provided in the first main surface, an optical element including a second main surface and being configured to either transmit or receive an optical signal, a second electrode provided in the second main surface, a window which is provided in the second main surface and through which the optical signal passes, a wiring layer provided on the first main surface and the second main surface, the wiring layer electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode, and an optical waveguide, which is provided on the second main surface and optically connected to the window, the optical signal passing through the optical waveguide. |
| US09465163B2 |
High-order-mode filter for semiconductor waveguides
A high-order-mode (HOM) filter for thick silicon waveguides has a shoulder slab, a waveguide ridge, a first filter ridge, and a second filter ridge. The first filter ridge and the second filter ridge help attenuate higher-order modes from the waveguide ridge while the waveguide ridge guides a fundamental mode. |
| US09465162B2 |
Packaging an arcuate planar lightwave circuit
A package for an arcuate planar lightwave circuit (PLC) chip includes a heater plate coupled to a base by a thick and soft support layer. The arcuate PLC is attached to the heater plate by soft adhesive. A hard adhesive is applied to a multi-waveguide end of the arcuate PLC, to additionally strengthen the attachment of the arcuate PLC to the heater plate. The structure allows the mechanical stress due to fiber pull/shock/vibration to be dissipated in the support layer without introducing large wavelength shifts in the arcuate PLC. The support layer also serves as a heat insulator, facilitating uniform heating of the arcuate PLC. |
| US09465160B2 |
Plasmonic interface and method of manufacturing thereof
A method of manufacturing a layered material stack that includes a plasmonic interface between a plasmonic material and optical waveguide material is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate layer, disposing a layer of plasmonic material on the substrate layer, depositing a metal constituent of an optical waveguide material directly onto the layer of plasmonic material, and anodizing the metal constituent of the optical waveguide material to form an optically transparent oxide of the metal constituent configured to couple light into the layer of plasmonic material, with the optically transparent oxide of the metal constituent forming an optical waveguide structure. |
| US09465143B2 |
Lens optical element and display apparatus
A lens optical element including an on-chip lens with a convex surface formed at a top part of a column-shaped portion; and a light emitting surface disposed in a state where the light emitting surface is covered by a bottom portion of the column-shaped portion of the on-chip lens. The relationship between a lens height, which is defined as a height from the light emitting surface to a peak of the convex surface, a thickness of the column-shaped portion, and a refractive index of a structural material of the on-chip lens is set so that when the light emitting surface emits light, a state is produced where the convex surface of the on-chip lens appears to have uniform brightness. |
| US09465137B2 |
Optical couplers used in a downhole splitter assembly
Techniques and apparatus are provided for downhole sensing using optical couplers in a downhole splitter assembly to split interrogating light signals into multiple optical sensing branches. Each optical branch may then be coupled to an optical sensor (e.g., a pass-through or an optical single-ended transducer (OSET)) or to another optical coupler for additional branching. The sensors may be pressure/temperature (P/T) type transducers. Some systems may exclusively use OSETs as the optical sensors. In this manner, if one of the OSETs is damaged, it does not affect light traveling to any of the other sensors, and sensing information from remaining sensors is still returned. |
| US09465135B2 |
High energy X-ray inspection system using a fan-shaped beam and collimated backscatter detectors
This invention provides a scanning system for scanning an object in a scanning zone. The scanning system includes both a radiation source arranged to irradiate the object with radiation having a peak energy of at least 900 keV and a scatter detector arranged to detect radiation scattered from the object wherein the radiation source is arranged to irradiate the object over a plurality of regions to be scanned within a single irradiation event. The scatter detector includes a plurality of detection elements, each detection element being arranged to detect scattered radiation from a predefined part of the scanning zone and a signal processor arranged to calculate scatter intensity across the plurality of detector elements. |
| US09465134B2 |
Geomagnetic sensor
A geomagnetic sensor includes: a core that constitutes a closed magnetic circuit; a pair of coils that are wound around the core in positions facing each other and are connected in series to generate magnetic flux in the same circumferential direction in the core; an excitation power supply that applies an alternating current with a superimposed direct current to the pair of coils; and a detection circuit that is connected to a connection point of the pair of coils. Unlike a conventional flux gate type geomagnetic sensor, it is not required to excite the core until the core is magnetically saturated, and it is therefore possible to reduce power consumption. |
| US09465126B2 |
Seismic geophysical surveying
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in geophysical surveying. Geophysical surveying typically involves stimulating an area of interest with a seismic source (204) and detecting the response in a sensor array. The application describes a fiber optic distributed sensing apparatus having a source (112) of electromagnetic radiation for repeatedly launching interrogating electromagnetic radiation into an optic fiber (104) deployed in said of area interest, a sampling detector (116) for sampling radiation back-scattered from the fiber; and a processor (108) arranged to process the back-scattered radiation to provide, for each of a plurality of longitudinal sensing portions of optic fiber, an indication of any incident acoustic signals affecting that sensing portion. The sampling detector is arranged to acquire a plurality of diversity samples for each said longitudinal sensing portion. The processor is configured process the diversity samples in diversity channels to determine a measurement signal indicative of any acoustic disturbance; correlate the measurement signal from each channel with a signal indicative of the seismic stimulus applied; and combine the correlated measurement signals to provide an overall measurement signal for the longitudinal sensing portion. The processor may apply a quality metric to the correlated data before performing the combination based on the quality metric. By correlating the individual diversity channels with the stimulus signal prior to performing the analysis of the measurement signal for a particular longitudinal section of optic fiber, the signal to noise ratio can be improved. |
| US09465123B2 |
Identifying orientation clusters from microseismic data
Systems, methods and software can be used for analyzing microseismic data from a subterranean zone. In some aspects, a plurality of basic planes are each defined from a subset of the microseismic data and each have an orientation relative to a common axis. Clusters of orientations of the basic planes are identified adaptively based on the extent of variation in the orientations. The number of orientations associated with each of the clusters is then identified. |
| US09465119B2 |
Gamma-ray spectrometer
An apparatus is described. The apparatus comprising a gamma-ray spectrometer arranged to receive gamma-rays from a calibration source, the gamma-ray spectrometer comprising: a scintillator material optically coupled to two or more photomultipliers, the two or more photomultipliers being arranged to detect photons generated in the scintillator material associated with gamma-ray interactions between the scintillator material and gamma-rays received from the calibration source, wherein the two or more photomultipliers are operable to output respective detection signals associated with the gamma-ray interactions; the apparatus further comprising: a switch coupled to receive the respective detection signals from the two or more photomultipliers and operable to select detection signals from one of the two or more photomultipliers; and a stabilization circuit coupled to the switch and operable to receive the selected detection signal of the respective photomultiplier and to stabilize the gain of the photomultiplier that output the selected detection signal based on the detection signals. |
| US09465118B2 |
Radiation detection system and method of analyzing an electrical pulse output by a radiation detector
A radiation detection system can include a photosensor to receive light from a scintillator via an input and to send an electrical pulse at an output in response to receiving the light. The radiation detection system can also include a pulse analyzer that can determine whether the electrical pulse corresponds to a neutron-induced pulse, based on a ratio of an integral of a particular portion of the electrical pulse to an integral of a combination of a decay portion and a rise portion of the electrical pulse. Each of the integrals can be integrated over time. In a particular embodiment, the pulse analyzer can be configured to compare the ratio with a predetermined value and to identify the electrical pulse as a neutron-induced pulse when the ratio is at least the predetermined value. |
| US09465114B2 |
Timed-based ephemeris identity in assistance data and assistance data request messages
A module (software or ASIC) for use in a serving mobile Location Center (SMLC) or a mobile station having a GPS receiver (or an A-GPS receiver) for determining an ITOW for a CNAV-1 signal. Also provided is a module for a mobile with GPS (or A-GPS receiver) so that the mobile can use the ITOW (either the ITOW provided with the CNAV-2, or that calculated for the CNAV-1) to uniquely identify ephemeris information in a request for assistance message. Also provided is a module for a SMLC by which the SMLC can use the IOD fields in the assistance data messages in a way that uniquely identifies the associated ephemeris information. |
| US09465112B2 |
Automatic range corrected flash ladar camera
A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera. |
| US09465111B2 |
Time-of-flight camera with signal path monitoring
A time-of-flight camera, having a time-of-flight sensor, which has at least one receiving pixel and is configured as a photomixing detector, having an illumination means, and having a modulator, which is connected to the time-of-flight sensor and to the illumination means, wherein a control sensor is arranged in the region of the illumination means such that at least some of the radiation emitted by the illumination means can be received by the control sensor is provided. |
| US09465107B2 |
Sonic-assisted localization of wireless devices
Wireless location identification systems, methods, and devices include a wireless device configured to transmit at least one sonic signal operating on at least one acoustic frequency and to receive at least one echo signal indicative of the at least one sonic signal being reflected by objects in a current location, an audio module configured to measure the received at least one echo signal and process the at least one echo signal to extract attributes of the echo signal and generate at least one echo profile characteristic; and logic configured to compare the at least one profile characteristic with previously-stored sonic characteristics that are correlated with pre-identified locations. The current location is then identified as a pre-identified location correlated to the previously-stored sonic characteristics that match the at least one profile characteristic. |
| US09465101B2 |
Aberration correction with broad transmit beams in medical ultrasound
Aberration estimation uses cross correlation of receive-focused transmit element data. A set of sequentially fired broad transmit beams insonify an object from different steering angles. Each transmit beam emanates from an actual or a virtual transmit element. For every firing, a receive beamformer forms a transmit element image of the insonified region by focusing the received signals. An estimator estimates aberration by cross correlating or comparing the transmit element images. Where a virtual transmit element is used, the virtual transmit element images are back propagated to an actual transmit element position before aberration estimation. The estimations are used to form corrected transmit element images which are then summed pre-detection to form a high-resolution synthetic transmit aperture. Alternatively, the estimations are used to improve conventional focused-transmit imaging. |
| US09465100B2 |
System and method for a directable countermeasure with divergent laser
A system includes a threat warning system and an countermeasure system. The threat warning system generates threat data that includes at least a threat coordinate value. The countermeasure system includes a wide-angle laser beam director and the infrared counter measure system receives the threat data including the threat coordinate value from the threat warning system and causes the beam director to direct a divergent laser beam based on the threat coordinate value. |
| US09465095B2 |
Robust location estimation
A method of collecting information for supplementing a trusted estimate of position. The method comprises: receiving first information sufficient to derive a trusted estimate of a first position; receiving an indication that a supplementary estimate of a second position in the vicinity of the first position may be required; in response to the indication, sensing information comprising the identity of at least one terrestrial wireless source observable in the vicinity of the first position; and storing the sensed information in association with the first position. The method enables the trusted estimate of the first position to subsequently be used to estimate any said second position from which the at least one wireless source is observable. |
| US09465090B2 |
Method of magnetic resonance-based temperature mapping
An MRI method (10) to map the temperature of a bodily tissue using measurements of the tissue density. |
| US09465088B2 |
Polarity insensitive hall effect sensor
Non-contact positions sensors are desirable because they have lower failure rates than traditional potentiometers. However, using a Hall Effect sensor as a non-contact position sensor requires a particular input polarity. In an embodiment, a polarity insensitive Hall Effect sensor includes conversion sensors configured to produce outputs responsive to an input. The sensor also includes a semiconductor rectifier arranged to power a first conversion sensor and a second conversion sensor with a given polarity regardless of whether the input has a positive or negative polarity. The sensor also includes a semiconductor multiplexer circuit arranged to direct the first output to a common output port if the input has a positive polarity and direct the second output to the common output port if the input has a negative polarity. The polarity insensitive Hall Effect sensor provides an output representing a position without requiring a input polarity. |
| US09465087B2 |
Hall effect sensor
The invention relates to a Hall effect sensor for recording the direction of a magnetic field, comprising a plurality of Hall effect sensor elements (10a, 10b) arranged in pairs, wherein each pair comprises a first Hall effect sensor element (10a) and a second Hall effect sensor element (10b) which are arranged parallel to one another. The Hall effect sensor has a first switch (34) for disconnecting the first Hall effect sensor element (10a) from a power supply (24). |
| US09465086B2 |
On-chip test technique for low drop-out regulators
A circuit and method is described for automatically testing multiple LDO regulator circuits on an integrated circuit chip independent of an ATE. Each LDO regulator is tested for voltage at a specified current output capability, wherein the output driver transistor is formed by at least two pass transistors, which are each tested for voltage output at a particular current capability. The test results are delivered back to the ATE and for a failed test, the gate voltage of the pass device can be observed through an analog multiplexer to enable debug. |
| US09465085B2 |
Test system and method for testing high-voltage technology
The present invention relates to a test system for high-voltage technology devices, in particular shunt reactors, as defined in the preamble of independent patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a method which can be carried out with this test system and is intended to test high-voltage technology devices according to coordinate patent claim 5. The general idea of the test system according to the invention is to provide a continuously adjustable inductance and a capacitance, which can be adjusted in discrete steps, on the secondary side of the test transformer in such a manner that said components form a series resonant circuit together with the test object in the form of an inductance. In the method which can be carried out with the test system according to the invention, a rough adjustment of the test system is carried out using the discretely adjustable capacitances of the capacitor bank by connecting individual capacitances of the capacitor bank via an iterative process if an undercapacitance is measured in the test system by means of a measuring device or by disconnecting individual capacitances if an overcapacitance is measured by means of the measuring device until a predefined threshold value of an overcapacitance prevails, with the result that fine tuning of the test system is then carried out by means of the continuously adjustable inductance in such a manner that said components form, together with the test object in the form of an inductance, a series resonant circuit which can be tuned to the point of resonance thereof. |
| US09465083B2 |
Voltage detecting device for assembled battery
In a voltage detecting device, a control unit turns on first switches and fifth switches corresponding to a plurality of unit batteries of an assembled battery to charge electric charge to first capacitors. The control unit simultaneously turns off at least one of the first switches or the fifth switches to hold the electric charge in the first capacitors. While selecting one of the unit batteries in a predetermined order as a target unit battery for voltage detection, the control unit temporarily turns off a fourth switch to reset electric charge of a second capacitor, and then turns of second switches and third switches in a state where one of the first switches and one of the fifth switches corresponding to the target unit battery are kept in an off state, thereby to detect a voltage of the target unit battery. |
| US09465074B2 |
System and method for measuring switching loss associated with semiconductor switching devices
A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle using switching loss information of a semiconductor switching device, the switching loss information derived from a conduction loss and a combined conduction and switching loss. |
| US09465067B2 |
Efficient method based on the electromagnetic time reversal to locate faults in power network
A time reversal process for determining a fault location in an electrical power network comprising multi-conductor lines, comprises measuring at an observation point located anywhere along one of the multi-conductor lines, for each of the conductors of the multi-conductor line, respectively a fault-originated electromagnetic transient signal; defining a set of guessed fault locations each having a different determined location in the electrical power network, and each of the guessed fault locations is attributed a same arbitrary fault impedance; defining a network model for the electrical power network, based on its topology and multi-conductor lines electrical parameters capable of reproducing in the network model the electromagnetic traveling waves; and computing for each conductor a time inversion of the measured fault-originated electromagnetic transients signal. The time reversal process method further comprises, as detailed herein, back-injecting a computed time inversion; calculating fault current signal energy; and identifying the fault location. |
| US09465065B2 |
Leakage current calculation device and method for calculating leakage current
Provided is a leakage current calculation device capable of calculating an accurate leakage current value in which the effect of noise has been suppressed. The configuration comprises: a to-ground voltage measurement means for measuring, over a predetermined interval, to-ground voltages inputted in each phase of a three-phase motor; a zero-phase current measurement means for measuring, over a predetermined interval, a zero-phase current, which is the to-ground leakage current that flows through the three-phase motor; a basic AC voltage waveform extraction means for extracting, from the to-ground voltage, a basic AC voltage waveform having a frequency in the same phase as the to-ground voltage of each phase; a frequency component extraction means for extracting, in the frequency band containing the frequency of the basic AC voltage waveform, a zero-phase current component of said frequency band; and a leakage current value calculation means for calculating the leakage current value I0 cos θ flowing through the to-ground resistance component, excluding the to-ground capacitance component of the three-phase motor, among the to-ground leakage currents by integrating the zero-phase current components of the frequency band in an interval corresponding to gap between zero-crossings of the basic AC voltage waveform. |
| US09465060B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring temperature and electrical resistivity of a movable object
An apparatus for connecting an electrical measurement system, which includes at least a first and a second conductor, to a movable object to measure at least one of a temperature and an electrical resistivity of the movable object includes a first and a second connector, and a first and a second contact wire. The first and the second contact wires are electrically communicable with the first and the second conductors, respectively, and are wound around at least a portion of the first and the second connectors, respectively, such that the first and the second contact wires are engageable with the movable object at a first and a second contact point, respectively. The first and the second contact wires each has a polarity. The first and the second connectors are made of a material having a higher electrical and thermal resistivity than the first and the second contact wires. |
| US09465056B2 |
Current sensor with temperature-compensated magnetic tunnel junction bridge
A current sensor comprises a sensor bridge, with magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) elements, a MTJ temperature compensation resistor, and a current lead integrated onto a chip. The current lead is positioned close to the sensor bridge, and it is used to carry the test current. A permanent magnet is arranged at the periphery of the MTJ temperature compensation resistor. The permanent magnet rigidly aligns the magnetization direction of the free layer of the MTJ temperature compensation resistor anti-parallel to the magnetization direction of a pinning layer. The sensor bridge is connected in series with the MTJ temperature compensation resistor to temperature compensate the sensor bridge. A magnetic field generated by the test current produces an output voltage at the output of the temperature compensated sensor bridge that is proportional to the test current value. |
| US09465052B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring fiber optic current sensing systems
A system is provided. The system includes a fiber optic current sensor, and a fiber optic current transducer optically coupled to the fiber optic current sensor and configured to receive polarized light from the fiber optic current sensor, generate an electrical signal from the polarized light, and isolate a direct current (DC) component of the electrical signal. The system further includes a monitoring circuit communicatively coupled to the fiber optic current transducer and configured to receive the DC component from the fiber optic current transducer, and generate an output signal based on the DC component, wherein the output signal is indicative of an operational state of the fiber optic current sensor and the fiber optic current transducer. |
| US09465050B2 |
Assembling method and maintaining method for vertical probe device
An assembling method for a vertical probe device includes steps of disposing a lower die on a jig by inserting supporting columns through jig holes of the lower die, fastening a positioning film on the supporting columns, installing probe needles and an upper die in a way that the positioning film is located between the upper and lower dies without contacting the upper die, unfastening the positioning film, and removing the jig so that the upper and lower dies, positioning film and probe needles constitute the device. A maintaining method for the device includes steps of inserting the supporting columns through the jig holes, fastening the positioning film to the jig, and removing the upper die. The probe needles and upper die are easily removed and installed and the probe needles are reliable. The vertical probe device is applicable for accommodating electronic components on the top thereof. |
| US09465049B2 |
Apparatus and method for electronic sample preparation
A method and apparatus for preparing electronic samples for a subsequent treatment, e.g., application of a failure analysis treatment. In one embodiment, an electronic device is mounted on a thermally controlled plate and a select temperature is applied thereto. While maintaining the select temperature applied to the thermally controlled plate, a sample preparation process is performed on the electronic device, such as, e.g., performing polishing, thinning, milling, lapping or extracting one or more semiconductor dies that form the electronic device. |
| US09465044B2 |
Angular velocity estimation using a magnetometer and accelerometer
A system and method for estimating angular velocity are provided. The system and method use an accelerometer and magnetometer to estimate an angular velocity in place of a gyroscope in 9-axis sensor fusion to estimate angular orientation. The final angular velocity estimate is constructed from two partially independent angular velocity estimates, one using only magnetometer measurements and the other using only accelerometer measurements. The unobservable portion of each partial angular velocity estimate is provided by a projection from a third complete estimate that uses both accelerometer and magnetometer data. |
| US09465043B2 |
Method for monitoring operation of a vehicle and graphically conveying G-force to a driver
A method for monitoring operation of a vehicle. The method includes the following: setting a gravitational force (g-force) threshold for operation of the vehicle; measuring a g-force onboard the vehicle; and conveying to an operator of the vehicle that operation of the vehicle has resulted in the measured g-force exceeding the g-force threshold. |
| US09465040B2 |
Method for profiling phytohormone levels in plant tissue
The present invention provides a method for profiling phytohormone levels in plant tissue or tissue of other plastid containing organisms, i.e. a method for the simultaneous determination of a multitude of phytohormone levels in plant tissue or tissue of other plastid containing organisms. |
| US09465035B2 |
Nanodiamond particle and method of manufacturing the same, and fluorescent molecular probe and method of analyzing structure of protein
A nanodiamond particle including an NV center having ODMR intensity enhanced, of which surface is modified with a functional group containing a heteroatom, is provided. This nanodiamond particle as being chemically modified can serve for a fluorescent molecular probe which can be made use of in a biological system. By tracking a rotational motion of the NV center included in this fluorescent molecular probe, structural change of a protein can be analyzed in real time. The functional group containing a heteroatom can be at least any functional group of a hydroxyl group and a hydroxyalkyl group, or a carboxyl group. |
| US09465033B2 |
Latex particles for agglutination assay
A latex particle for high-sensitive agglutination assay and a reagent for agglutination assay including the particle are provided. The latex particle barely initiates non-specific reactions and can readily prepare diagnostic agents. A latex particle for agglutination assay including a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group, a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a salt of sulfonic acid, and a polymerizable monomer represented by Formula (1): CH2═CR1—COO(CH2CH2O)n—R2 (1) where R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and n is 1≦n<20, wherein the density of functional groups derived from the polymerizable monomer represented by Formula (1) on the surface of the particle is 0.05 to 0.5 μmol/m2. |
| US09465032B2 |
Method of using antibody-liposome complexes for selecting a pool of molecules
The present disclosure relates to a method for selecting a pool of molecules comprising detecting if the pool of molecules has binding specificity to an agent. A method for selecting a pool of biological markers in or on a cell, a composition comprising a pool of molecules, a method for delivering a therapeutic agent, and a method for diagnosing a condition in a subject are also provided. |
| US09465030B2 |
Kit for diagnosing malignant melanoma
Provided is a kit for diagnosing at a high reproducibility, said kit being produced by preparing a monoclonal antibody against GPC3 and a monoclonal antibody against SPARC that are superior in quality stability to commercially available and commonly employed antibodies, and using these antibodies. |
| US09465027B2 |
Assays for detecting neutralizing autoantibodies to biologic therapy
The present invention provides assays for detecting and measuring the presence or level of neutralizing and non-neutralizing autoantibodies to biologics such as anti-TNFα drug therapeutics in a sample. The present invention is useful for monitoring the formation of neutralizing and/or non-neutralizing anti-drug antibodies over time while a subject is on biologic therapy. The present invention is also useful for predicting and/or determining the cross-reactivity of neutralizing anti-drug antibodies in a subject's sample with alternative biologic therapies. As such, the present invention provides information for guiding treatment decisions for those subjects receiving therapy with a biologic agent and improves the accuracy of optimizing therapy, reducing toxicity, and/or monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic treatment to biologic therapy. |
| US09465025B2 |
Stable neural stem cell lines
A systematic and efficient method for establishing stable neural stem cell lines and neuronal progenitor lines is described. The resulting cell lines provide robust, simple, and reproducible cultures of human and other mammalian neurons in commercially useful mass quantities while maintaining normal karyotypes and normal neuronal phenotypes. |
| US09465024B2 |
Measurement of biologically labile hydrogen sulfide pools
A method to measure all relevant biologic hydrogen sulfide pools, namely free hydrogen sulfide, acid-labile sulfide, and bound sulfane sulfur, has been developed. This new method involves selective liberation, trapping and derivatization of labile hydrogen sulfide. The total labile sulfide, including the contribution of the bound sulfane sulfur pool, the acid-labile pool, and free H2S, was measured by incubating the sample with a reducing agent, TCEP (Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride), to reduce disulfide bonds in an acid solution. This method was used to measure the three sulfide pools in blood samples from mice and from humans. This method can be used for research, environmental, and clinical diagnostic purposes in determining hydrogen sulfide bioavailability in biological or other samples. |
| US09465020B2 |
Methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow structure and stability
The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a temperature of a layer of snow as the sensing unit is being driven into the layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including resistance to penetration, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer temperature according to depth based on the sensed temperature. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location. |
| US09465017B2 |
Method and device for preparing substances for qualitative and quantitative analyses
A method and a device for preparing a qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples are presented. The device affords the possibility of delimiting and isolating a specific region of a solid or liquid sample. A liquid, e.g. a solvent or extracting agent, is added in the delimited and isolated region. Thereafter the created mixture of substance and liquid is, in a plug-shaped fashion, pressed out of the closed region by means of a neutral liquid or the same liquid, and supplied to the measuring instrument in the form of a highly concentrated solution. |
| US09465016B2 |
Chromatographic system and method of isolating compound in sample using chromatographic system
A method is provided for isolating a compound in a sample by chromatography. The method includes determining an analytical gradient of an analytical system; performing an analytical run using the analytical gradient; identifying a target compound in the sample and determining an analytical retention time of the target compound using chromatographic results of the analytical run; determining an elution point of the target compound using the analytical retention time, the analytical gradient and characteristics of the analytical system; determining automatically a focusing gradient of a preparative system, including a slope segment; and performing a preparative run using the focusing gradient to separate the target compound from the sample. The slope segment includes a slope determining a concentration of solvent in a solvent mixture, which linearly increases from a first offset below the elution point of the target compound to a second offset above the elution point of the target compound. |
| US09465014B2 |
High sensitivity electrospray interface
The invention provides a sheath-flow interface for producing electrospray from a capillary. The electrospray generated by the interface can be used as the source of ions for mass spectrometry. Electrokinetic flow in the interface can move a sheath liquid past the end of a capillary so as to mix with an analyte effluent discharged from the capillary. The sheath liquid and analyte mixture can be directed to an electrospray emitter to generate an electrospray. |
| US09465013B2 |
Methods of detecting and identifying munitions compounds
HPLC methods for detecting, identifying and quantifying munitions compounds or munitions materials are disclosed. Insensitive munitions explosives (IMX) can be detected along with conventional munitions compounds such as 2,4,6-trinitrotolene (TNT) in a single column analysis. The methods are also useful to provide analytical evaluation of soil samples, aqueous samples such as ground water samples and tissue samples containing insensitive munitions explosives (IMX). |
| US09465010B2 |
Methods and systems to identify and manage recyclable materials
A method to identify and manage recyclable materials provides a recyclable material with a quartz crystal identification element configured to oscillate at a predetermined frequency associated with the recyclable material. A mobile device detects the oscillation frequency of the quartz crystal, identifies the recyclable material based on the detected oscillation frequency, and sends that information to a controller. |
| US09465009B2 |
Ultrasonic measuring device, ultrasonic image device, and method for processing ultrasonic image
An ultrasonic measuring device including: an ultrasonic transducer device; an emission unit for emitting an ultrasonic beam; a reception unit for receiving an ultrasonic echo reflected by a test subject; and a processing unit for processing reception, wherein the processing unit identifies a transfer function with respect to the ultrasonic transducer device and the test subject based on a first reception signal corresponding to an ultrasonic beam radiated to a first area in the test subject, a second reception signal corresponding to an ultrasonic beam radiated to a second area in the test subject, and a third reception signal corresponding to an ultrasonic beam radiated to a third area located between the first area and the second area in the test subject, and performs ultrasonic image generation processing including filter processing using a deconvolution filter including the transfer function performed on the reception signals. |
| US09465007B2 |
Nanosensor and method of manufacturing same
A nanosensor may include a substrate that has a hole formed therein, a first insulating layer that is disposed on the substrate and has a nanopore formed therein, first and second electrodes that are disposed on the first insulating layer and are spaced apart from each other, first and second electrode pads that are disposed on the first and second electrodes, respectively, and a protective layer disposed on the first and second electrode pads. A method of manufacturing a nanosensor may include forming a first insulating layer, graphene, and a metal layer on a substrate, patterning the metal layer and the graphene, forming a protective layer on a portion of the graphene and the metal layer, exposing a portion of the graphene by removing a portion of the protective layer, forming a hole in the substrate, and forming a nanopore in the first insulating layer and the graphene to be connected to the hole. |
| US09465006B2 |
Modulator monitoring during measuring electromobility
An apparatus for measuring information indicative of electromobility in a sample includes a light source for generating coherent light, a modulator that modulates the optical path length, particularly a reciprocatable modulator arranged for modulating a first part of the generated light, a sample cell for accommodating the measured sample for applying an electric field to the sample and for receiving a second part of the generated light for interaction with the sample in the electric field, a modulator monitor for monitoring the modulator by detecting interference between a first part of the light coming from the modulator and an unmodulated third part of the generated light, and a light detector arranged separately from the modulator monitor for detecting interference between a second part of light coming from the modulator and light received from the sample cell. The detected signal includes the information indicative of electromobility in the sample. |
| US09465004B2 |
Sensor device for sensing a gas, method for operating a sensor device for sensing a gas and production method for a sensor device for sensing a gas
A sensor device for sensing a gas includes a sensing region, and a readout region that is electrically and mechanically connected to the sensing region by way of a connecting web. The readout region, the sensing region, and the connecting web are formed from a substrate, and are isolated from the substrate by a clearance cutout. The sensing region has an ion-conducting region configured to provide a measuring signal dependent on the gas. The readout region (is configured to read out the measuring signal. |
| US09465003B2 |
Membrane phase electrode using printing and bio-molecule detection using same
A membrane electrode includes a novel sensor combining a filtering function of a membrane and a signal measuring ability of an electrode. A target material may be measured by filtration through the membrane. A small amount of target materials may be detected with high sensitivity using an amplified electrical signal by increasing electrical conductivity by reducing metal ions on the membrane, and thus the target material may be subject to quantitative analysis. In addition, only a target material selectively binding to a receptor may be filtrated by passing a sample through the membrane after a receptor material is fixed to the electrode, and thus may be used to detect an electrical signal. In addition, the sensor may measure a signal in various methods such as electrical conductivity, impedance, etc. |
| US09465000B1 |
System and method for electronically determining fluid parameters
A system and method for measuring at least one property of a fluid includes a housing for receiving the fluid, a first and second spaced electrodes positioned in the housing, and an impedance modifier positioned between the first and second electrodes that changes an electrical impedance of the fluid between the electrodes. Electronic circuitry generates different waveform voltages across the electrodes and the fluid, monitors an output thereof to thereby obtain data related to impedance of the fluid for each waveform voltage; and combines data related to the outputs to create a unique identification signature for the fluid. Once signatures for known fluids have been created, they can be compared to a generated signature of an unknown fluid to identify the unknown fluid. |
| US09464997B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for measuring effective atomic number of an object
Methods and apparatuses for measuring an effective atomic number of an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a ray source configured to product a first X-ray beam having a first energy and a second X-ray beam having a second energy; a Cherenkov detector configured to receive the first X-ray beam and the second X-ray beam that pass through an object under detection, and to generate a first detection value and a second detection value; and a data processing device configured to obtain an effective atomic number of the object based on the first detection value and the second detection value. The Cherenkov detector can eliminate disturbance of X-rays below certain energy threshold with respect to the object identification, and thus accuracy can be improved for object identification. |
| US09464995B2 |
FIB-SEM array tomography
Methods and devices for magnified imaging of three-dimensional samples are disclosed. The methods include imaging sample sections of a sample section series using a first particle-optical device. Coordinates of the imaged sample point are acquired and stored in such a way that the coordinates of the imaged sample point can be associated with the respective image of this sample point. The method also includes selecting a volume of interest (VOI), and transmitting the coordinates of the selected VOI to a second particle-optical device. In addition, the method includes imaging the selected VOI by means of the second particle-optical device. A plurality of planes of a sample section are imaged in order to obtain a 3D image of the selected VOI. |
| US09464992B2 |
Automated wafer defect inspection system and a process of performing such inspection
An automated defect inspection system has been invented and is used on patterned wafers, whole wafers, broken wafers, partial wafers, sawn wafers such as on film frames, JEDEC trays, Auer boats, die in gel or waffle packs, MCMs, etc., and is specifically intended and designed for second optical wafer inspection for such defects as metalization defects (such as scratches, voids, corrosion, and bridging), diffusion defects, passivation layer defects, scribing defects, glassivation defects, chips and cracks from sawing, solder bump defects, and bond pad area defects. |
| US09464991B2 |
Method for inspecting polysilicon layer
A method for inspecting a polysilicon layer includes: radiating excitation light to the polysilicon layer; and detecting a photoluminescence signal generated by the excitation light, wherein average power of the excitation light has a range of 1 W/cm2 to 10 W/cm2, and peak power of the excitation light has a range of 100 W/cm2 to 1000 W/cm2. |
| US09464990B2 |
Centimeter-scale high resolution metrology of entire CVD grown graphene sheets
A method for quick and easy identification of layer thickness and uniformity of entire large-area graphene samples on arbitrary substrates utilizing fluorescence quenching microscopy in which a polymer mixed with fluorescent dye is applied onto the graphene, then viewing the sample under a fluorescence microscope. A large-scale, high-resolution montage image of the sample is obtained for histogram-based segmentation based on contrast relative to the substrates. |
| US09464989B2 |
Stack gas measurement device and method thereof
A gas sampling device includes an analysis block defining a first portion of a chamber and a dilution block defining a second portion of the chamber. The sampling device includes an exhaust gas orifice at the first portion for withdrawing gas from the chamber in response to an applied suction, a sample gas orifice at the second portion to modify passage of a sample gas entering the chamber in response to the suction, and a dilution gas orifice at the second portion to modify passage of a dilution gas entering the chamber in response to the suction. |
| US09464988B2 |
Surface plasmon resonance fluorescence measurement device and surface plasmon resonance fluorescence measurement method
A surface plasmon resonance fluorescence analysis device emits a light beam to a prism in which a metal film is formed on a prescribed surface while changing an angle of incidence relative to the metal film in a state in which the light beam is totally reflected, measures light generated on a surface of the metal film, determines an angle at which the light beam enters the metal film based on a change in intensity of the measured light, adjusts the emitting direction of the light beam so that the light beam enters the metal film at the determined angle of incidence, and measures fluorescence generated on the surface of the metal film in a state in which the light beam is emitted the adjusted direction. |
| US09464987B2 |
Device and system for monitoring the sludge level in a septic tank system
A device and system for monitoring the sludge level in a septic system tank, wherein a plurality of monitoring devices are positioned within a septic tank being monitored. Each monitoring device preferably includes a base unit, and a probe arm extending down from the base unit into the septic tank, wherein each probe arm includes a light emitting diode arm and a dark sensor photocell arm. |
| US09464980B2 |
Turf testing apparatus and methods
Improved apparatuses and methods for testing turf or other surfaces, in one embodiment, a turf testing apparatus includes two actuators for moving a shoe relative to a turf surface. The first actuator moves the shoe along a substantially horizontal axis and the second actuator moves the shoe along a substantially vertical axis. |
| US09464974B2 |
In situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method
An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. |
| US09464972B2 |
Apparatus and procedure for in vitro measurement of a substance, nicotine, released from a smokeless tobacco product
An apparatus (100) and method for measuring an extract (1000) released from a product sample (330) in vitro. The apparatus (100) comprising an in vitro environment which simulates an in vivo environment. The apparatus (100) contains a product sample (330) with the product sample (330) exposed to the in vitro environment. An extract (1000) is produced from the product sample (330) when the product sample (330) is subjected to the in vitro environment. The extract (1000) is analyzed to determine the amount of at least one element in the extract and the rate of release of at least one element in the product sample (330). The product sample is a smokeless tobacco product. An element analyzed for is nicotine. |
| US09464971B2 |
Clearing agent and mounting medium for microscopy
A clearing agent and mounting solution for microscopy is disclosed comprising (a) trichloroethanol, (b) optionally, trichloroacetic acid, (c) optionally, glycerol and (d) optionally, water, where the refractive index of the solution is greater than or equal to about 1.3810. The solution can further comprise a C1-C6 alcohol, other acids, and/or a stain. The solution can also comprise derivatives and/or analogs of 2,2,2-trichloroethanol and/or trichloroacetic acid. Also disclosed is a method of preparing specimens for microscopy comprising (a) applying a specimen to a microscope slide or a cuvette, (b) applying a quantity of the above solution sufficient to mount the specimen, and (c) optionally applying a cover slip. The solution can be used effectively with stains or dyes, and with fresh, partially dry or dried materials, and for temporary or semi-permanent to permanent mounting. The solution can be used with specimens or tissues/cells/parts originating from animals, poultry, livestock, humans, higher plants, yeasts, molds, microorganisms, insects, mites, or reptiles. |
| US09464970B2 |
Method for staining a histological sample, and automated stainer
The invention relates inter alia to an automated stainer for staining, in particular for hemalum-eosin (HE) staining, of a histological sample, the automated stainer exposing the sample to the action of at least one stain using at least one staining parameter. The automated stainer is notable for the fact that the automated stainer comprises an input means with which a staining parameter is definable, in particular is inputtable or is selectable from a plurality of possible staining parameters; and that a control apparatus is present which, upon application of the defined staining parameter, ascertains the prospectively expectable outcome of an action and displays it to the user with a display apparatus, before the automated stainer actually stains the sample. |
| US09464967B2 |
Microtomic system and process utilizing electrostatic force to handle sample sections
Provided is a microtomic system and process for the preparation of sections for microscope examination. A cutting edge in the system can cut through a sample block and produce a section one end of which remains attached to the cutting edge. A voltage generator can generate a voltage and apply the voltage between the cutting edge and a section receiver such as a semiconductor chip grid. Through electrostatic force caused by the voltage, another end of the section can anchor to the section receiver. The section is then spread on the receiver. The system is automatable, highly efficient, and does not need liquid to float sample sections, and can therefore maintain the integration of the sample sections. |
| US09464965B2 |
Method for creating non-inserted artificial disbonds or delaminations for nondestructive inspection test standards
A method for creation of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) standard employs a coupon of bonded layers or a composite structure having a predetermined thickness. A predetermined pulse width is defined. The coupon and a laser source are positioned with respect to one another and the laser source is used to create a laser pulse having the predetermined pulse width to create a disbond or delamination in the bond layer at a predetermined location. The coupon may then be used as a standard for calibration of NDI inspection tools by scanning the coupon with the tool to provide an inspection output. The output is then examined to confirm that the disbond or delamination in the coupon is properly identified in the output. |
| US09464963B2 |
Impact detection device on a fork of a vehicle
A method for positioning an impact detection device on a fork of a vehicle supporting a wheel of the vehicle, in which the fork has a right-hand rod-shaped member and a left-hand rod-shaped member is described. The impact detection device has at least one first sensor unit associated with the right-hand rod-shaped member and a second sensor unit associated with the left-hand rod-shaped member. The second sensor unit is mounted inverted or rotated by an angle of 180 degrees around a steering axis of the wheel. |
| US09464961B2 |
Inspection probe, vibration state inspection system, and method of inspecting vibration state
An inspection probe includes a vibration transmission portion transmitting an ultrasonic vibration along a longitudinal axis, and a vibration damping portion continuous with a distal direction side of the vibration transmission portion. the vibration damping portion damps the ultrasonic vibration by causing vibration energy of the ultrasonic vibration to be lost and converting the lost vibration energy to heat energy in a state that the vibration damping portion vibrates in a manner to follow the vibration transmission portion. An index section of the inspection probe serves as an index indicating a conversion amount to the heat energy in the vibration damping portion. |
| US09464958B2 |
Dynamic center of gravity determination
A computer-implemented method for determining center of gravity of a tiltrotor aircraft includes storing a multi-dimensional matrix mapping multiple tiltrotor aircraft parameters to a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) centers of gravity of the tiltrotor aircraft, where each 3D center of gravity includes a respective longitudinal center of gravity, lateral center of gravity, and vertical center of gravity. The method includes receiving input signals from corresponding on-board sensors, where the input signals represent characteristics of the tiltrotor aircraft, determining tiltrotor aircraft parameters from the input signals, identifying, from the multi-dimensional matrix mapping, a longitudinal center of gravity, a lateral center of gravity, and a vertical center of gravity that corresponds to the determined tiltrotor aircraft parameters, and providing the identified longitudinal center of gravity, the identified lateral center of gravity, and the identified vertical center of gravity in response to receiving the input signals. |
| US09464956B2 |
Internal combustion engine and straddle-type vehicle equipped with the engine
In a single-cylinder internal combustion engine fitted with a knock sensor, a temperature increase of the knock sensor is suppressed and prevented, and the reliability of the knock sensor is improved. The engine includes a crankcase, a cylinder block connected to the crankcase, a cylinder head connected to the cylinder block, a sensor mounting boss provided on the cylinder block, and a knock sensor mounted to the boss. Fins are provided on the cylinder block and the cylinder head. A heat insulation member is provided between the boss and the knock sensor. |
| US09464954B2 |
Torque sensor
Provided is a torque sensor. The torque sensor comprises a rotor section; and a stator section comprising a stator holder, wherein the stator holder comprises a plurality of coupling pieces protruding in an axial direction, and a hog ring coupled to pass through the plurality of coupling pieces, wherein the plurality of coupling pieces have through-holes formed in a circumferential direction and an inner wall of the through-hole is adhered to the hog ring. |
| US09464951B2 |
Method and apparatus for electrical gap setting for a piezoelectric pressure sensor
A method for electrically setting a gap for a piezoelectric pressure sensor. The method includes positioning a piezoelectric flex element on a tray; attaching a voltage source to the piezoelectric flex element of a piezoelectric pressure sensor; applying a voltage from the voltage source to the piezoelectric flex element; curing an adhesive between the piezoelectric flex element and the tray while the piezoelectric flex element is deflected by the voltage; and stopping the voltage from the voltage source to the piezoelectric flex element when the adhesive has been cured. |
| US09464950B2 |
Capacitive pressure sensors for high temperature applications
A capacitive pressure sensor includes a substrate wafer and a diaphragm wafer. The substrate wafer defines a substrate recess with a first recess. The diaphragm wafer defines a diaphragm recess with a second recess. The diaphragm wafer is bonded to the substrate wafer such that the substrate and diaphragm recesses form a height differentiated pressure chamber. |
| US09464947B2 |
Cryogenic temperature measuring resistor element
Provided is a cryogenic temperature measuring resistor element including a metallic temperature measuring resistor wire, an electric insulator made of a polycrystalline ceramic material, and a filler filled between the electric insulator and the temperature measuring resistor wire. The filler includes polycrystalline inorganic electric insulating powder, particles of the insulating powder being connected by glass. The glass has a lower softening point than respective melting points of the inorganic electric insulating powder, the temperature measuring resistor wire, and the electric insulator. |
| US09464946B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus to prevent arc faults in electrical conduits
A method, apparatus, and system for protection from fires and electrical shock of components used in construction of electrical conduits is disclosed using non-electrical means to disrupt flow of electricity before an arc fault, with the purpose to disrupt flow of current before risk of arcing. The purpose of this invention is to remove the hazard before an electrical arc occurs. |
| US09464945B2 |
Probe sensor capable of measurement for temperature with stimulus
A probe sensor has a probe structure having a probe body inserted into an experiment subject, a block body disposed on the probe body to transmit or reflect an incident light, and a light irradiation body for inputting a first incident light to the block body; a first light source for generating the first incident light and transmitting to the light irradiation body; and a light analyzer for analyzing a first reflection light which is a reflection light of the first incident light reflected by the block body, wherein the length of the block body changes according to a temperature change, and wherein the light analyzer measures a temperature change of the experiment subject by detecting a wavelength change of the first reflection light according to the length change of the block body. |
| US09464944B2 |
Temperature range compliance indicator
An indicator or display that may be in the form of a label that can instantaneously provide confirmation that a product is in a good preservation state by making a simple visual check, and particularly to detect if the product temporarily went outside a determined temperature range and to memorize this event. Strict monitoring of a temperature range is essential to be able to guarantee quality of many products. The indicator or display may be applicable to any product or device for which the temperature has to be monitored between two thresholds. |
| US09464940B2 |
Body temperature measuring device
A body temperature measuring device includes a main body, a probe, and a control mechanism. The main body includes a holding part, and an abutting surface arranged at a side of the holding part. The probe is affixed to the main body in a movable manner The probe includes a probe main body, and a fixing structure arranged on the probe main body for fixing a probe cover. The probe cover has a bottom edge. The control mechanism is coupled to the probe for controlling the probe moving between a first position and a second position. Wherein when the probe is at the first position, the probe cover is able to be fixed on the probe; and when the probe moves away from the first position, the abutting surface presses the bottom edge of the probe cover for detaching the probe cover from the probe. |
| US09464937B2 |
Method and device for differential optical phase modulation in quantum key distribution system
A transmitting apparatus in a quantum key distribution system, includes: an optical interferometer to receive a single-photon pulse inputted from a light source and to provide two optical paths with a predetermined path difference, the two optical paths used for the single-photon pulse to pass through the optical interferometer; and an optical phase modulator to perform a temporal differential phase modulation of the single-photon pulse which has passed through the optical interferometer, wherein the single-photon pulse, after passing through the optical interferometer, has a probability distribution divided into two separate regions in time domain. |
| US09464936B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus and analyzing apparatus
An etching apparatus calculates an emission intensity in the vicinity of each of a plurality of wavelengths, at which a specified element should emit light, from information indicating light emission measured by an optical emission spectroscope during etching processing and, if it is determined that the calculated emission intensity information and emission intensity information stored in a storage unit are similar, extracts a wavelength, corresponding to the calculated emission intensity, with the wavelength associated with the element. |
| US09464934B2 |
System and method for correcting spectral response using a radiometric correction filter
The present disclosure provides for a correction filter that may be configured to comprise a predetermined arrangement of thin film layers. This arrangement of thin film layers may be such that it effectively enables a correction filter to generate a predetermined spectral response, wherein said predetermined spectral response is substantially the same as a determined instrument response correction associated with an instrument. The invention of the present disclosure therefore provides for effectively compensating for transmission inefficiencies associated with an instrument without the need for separate reference measurements to determine and correct for instrument response. |
| US09464933B1 |
Near-field terahertz imager
The present disclosure concerns a high frequency imager including a pixel matrix, each pixel including a high frequency oscillator, a transmission line positioned at a distance from an active surface of the imager smaller than the operating wavelength of the oscillator, a first end of the line being coupled to the oscillator, and a read circuit coupled to a second end of the line. |
| US09464929B2 |
Liquid level transducer with pivoting and linear motion
A liquid level transducer includes a mounting head for connection to the wall of a tank and a housing extending into the tank from the mounting head. A float rod is pivotally connected to the housing and a float is connected to the float rod for pivotal movement upon a change of liquid level in the tank. A proximal end of the float rod is connected to an actuator portion and constrained for pivotal movement about two parallel axes so that the actuator portion moves in a linear direction with respect to the housing. The interior of the housing includes a sensor assembly responsive to the linear movement of the actuator portion to thereby determine the level of liquid within the tank. |
| US09464927B2 |
Magnetic flowmeter flowtube with process fluid venting assembly
A magnetic flowmeter flowtube assembly includes a conduit having an inside diameter, a fluoropolymer liner disposed within and extending through the conduit, and a pair of electrodes mounted relative to the liner to measure a voltage induced within a process fluid flowing through the liner. A venting assembly provides a process fluid vent path from the inside diameter of the conduit to an exterior of the flowtube assembly. |
| US09464926B2 |
Magnetic flowmeter flowtube assembly with spring-energized seal rings
A magnetic flowmeter flowtube assembly includes a conduit with a first end and a second end. A first neck flange is coupled to the first end of the conduit and has an inside diameter with a first notch extending radially outwardly therefrom. A second neck flange is coupled to the second end and has an inside diameter with a second notch extending radially outwardly therefrom. A fluoropolymer liner is disposed within and extends through the first neck flange, the conduit and the second neck flange. A pair of electrodes is mounted relative to the liner to measure a voltage induced within a process fluid flowing through the liner. A first spring-energized seal ring is disposed in the first notch and a second spring-energized seal ring disposed in the second notch. A method of sealing a magnetic flowmeter having a fluoropolymer liner is also provided. |
| US09464924B2 |
Scale, displacement detection apparatus, lens apparatus, image pickup system, and assembling apparatus
A scale is used in a displacement detection apparatus (100) which detects a position of an object, the scale includes a pattern periodically formed in a measurement direction (an X direction), and the pattern is configured so as to change a physical property in a direction (a Y direction) perpendicular to the measurement direction without changing phase information in the measurement direction when a detector reading the pattern moves relative to the pattern in the direction perpendicular to the measurement direction. |
| US09464923B2 |
Encoder sensor mounting body, drum disk encoder, and motor with encoder using same
In order to make it possible to be readily attachable and detachable with respect to a motor and capable of realizing a lead-free encoder sensor mounting body, an encoder sensor is detachably or fixedly attached on a base, the base being pressedly in contact with an electrode terminal of the motor and including a pressing contact part that is electrically connected to a power line, and thus the base is detachably fixed to an end surface of the motor by a pressing force of the pressing contact part. |
| US09464920B2 |
Sensing apparatus for measuring position of touch object by electromagnetic induction and method for controlling the same
An electromagnetic sensing apparatus for measuring the position of a touch object by electromagnetic induction and a method for controlling the same are provided. The apparatus includes a loop unit including first and second sub-loop units for alternately receiving current and sensing an electromagnetic change; and a controller for controlling the first sub-loop unit to alternate between receiving the current and sensing the electromagnetic change in every one of a predetermined time period and controlling the second sub-loop unit to alternate between receiving the current and sensing the electromagnetic change in every predetermined time period, alternately with the first sub-loop unit. |
| US09464919B2 |
Magnetic position detecting apparatus
With magnetic poles of a magnetic scale each having a length in the moving direction of T, a magnetic field sensing part has m element lines (m≧2) each including n magnetic sensors (n≧2) as the magnetic sensors corresponding to one of the magnetic poles. The n magnetic sensors included in one of the element lines are arranged at a constant pitch of λ(λ=T/n). Each of the magnetic sensors included in the second or further element line is placed shifted by λ/m in the moving direction of the opposite magnetic pole from each of the magnetic sensors included in the previous element line. |
| US09464917B2 |
Method and system of reading utility meter data over a network
A utility meter may be read by sending a request to read the meter from a meter reading application, which may be located on a utility server or on an access point to a network, to a communications module associated with the utility meter. The communications module initiates a session with the utility meter, makes requests for data from the associated utility meter, receives the responses to requests for data from the utility meter, and terminates the session after receiving all the requested data from the meter. It then formats the responses with the data received from the utility meter, and transmits the formatted response to the meter reading application. |
| US09464916B2 |
Method of calibrating an inertial assembly comprising a dynamic phase between two static phases
A method of calibrating an inertial unit is provided. During a first static stage, in which the inertial unit is in a first orientation, measurements are taken by means of the accelerometers and the inertial rotation sensors. During a dynamic stage, the orientation of the inertial unit is changed, at least in part in azimuth, from the first orientation towards a second orientation, while taking measurements by means of the inertial rotation sensors. During a second static stage, in which the inertial unit is in the second position, measurements are taken by means of the accelerometers and of the inertial rotation sensors. For each static stage, a direction, an amplitude, and a mean speed of rotation for apparent gravity in an inertial frame of reference is estimated, variation is calculated in orientation between the static stages, and the accelerometer biases is deduced therefrom. |
| US09464915B1 |
Route stabilization scrolling mode
An approach for a route stabilization scrolling mode is provided. The approach displays a map window, wherein the map window includes a visible region of a map, the map including a plotted route originating at a source location and ending at a destination location. The approach receives one or more swipe gestures within the map window. The approach determines whether the one or more swipe gestures exceeds an escape velocity threshold. Responsive to a determination that the one or more swipe gestures exceeds the level of intensity to progress the map window into an area of the map away from the plotted route, the approach generates one or more custom pegs, wherein the one or more custom pegs is a compressed snapshot of a last position on the plotted route prior to exceeding the escape velocity threshold. |
| US09464913B2 |
Assistive vehicular guidance system and method
An assistive vehicular guidance system for locating a spotter vehicle in a target location near a target machine. The guidance system has a positioning system including global positioning sensors on the spotter vehicle and target machine, and user interfaces providing visual and/or auditory cues. An assist module includes long-range and short-range network radios and an analyzer. The analyzer interfaces with the global positioning sensors, the long-range and short-range network radios, and the user interfaces, planning a path for the spotter vehicle and providing cues in guiding the spotter vehicle along the path to the target location. A communications system includes short-range and long-range networks, the short-range network connecting the short-range network radios of the spotter vehicle and the target machine. The long-range network includes a VPN and server, connecting the long-range radios of the spotter vehicle and target machine with the server via the VPN. |
| US09464912B1 |
Binaural navigation cues
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing binaural navigational cures. In one aspect, a method includes presenting audio media in a non-directional playback state that presents the audible media in an original format, iteratively determining a navigational heading relative to a current navigational course, the navigational heading indicative of a direction to face to proceed along a navigational route, and for each iteration, determining whether a change is required to the current navigational course based on the navigational heading. For each determination that a change is not required to the current navigational course, presenting the audio media in the non-directional playback state, and for each determination that a change is required to the current navigational course, changing the non-directional playback state to a directional playback state that presents the audible media in a modified format that is directional from the navigational heading. |
| US09464911B2 |
Vehicle and method of controlling the same
A vehicle is provided in which, when an estimated driving time for a destination set by a user exceeds a predetermined time, a stop at which the user can take a break when the predetermined time elapses after driving starts is searched for, and information on the stop is provided so that the user may be prompted to take a break during long-term driving. The vehicle includes an input unit for receiving information on destination setting from a user, a controller for generating a driving path from a departure position to the set destination and search for a stop candidate that is located on the driving path or a location adjacent to the driving path when an estimated driving time for the driving path is a predetermined first reference time or more, and a display unit configured to display a guide popup related to the searched stop candidate. |
| US09464910B2 |
Navigation system with web interface
A user can selectively download complete databases of selected favorite chains (or other selected destinations or collections of destinations) from a server and store them on a portable media device. The user can also create his own address book with locations that he selects. The user can also create trip plans, containing locations selected by the user that are associated with specific trips. The address books and trip plans can also be stored on the portable media device. The user can then access the portable media device with the navigation system to select destinations stored there. The destinations are both more efficiently accessible by the user and more up to date, since the information on the server can be updated more frequently. |
| US09464909B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for clustering points of interest in a navigation system
A navigation system, apparatus and method utilizing a processor and a sensor, operatively coupled to the processor to determine a location of the navigation system. A navigation input module is configured to receive destination data specifying a destination and a plurality of point-of-interest (POI) data from a user, where the navigation input module is further configured to receive a POI search area value defining an area of search for the POI data from potential route segments. The processor may utilize the POI search area value to search a plurality of areas along the potential route segments to identify at least some of the plurality of POI data that are in closest proximity to the destination, and wherein the processor may be further configured to cluster the identified POI data for simultaneous presentation on a navigational map. |
| US09464907B1 |
Dynamically establishing a temporary safe route via a network of unmanned vehicles
Dynamically establishing a temporary safe evacuation route away from an unsafe situation using unmanned vehicles. The temporary safe evacuation route is determined based on real-time information regarding the unsafe situation. A network of unmanned vehicles are deployed and positioned at determined points along the safe evacuation route. Guidance is provided to the network of unmanned vehicles for display along the safe evacuation route by the unmanned vehicle to aid people in evacuating from the unsafe situation. Information in real time regarding the unsafe situation may be received from the unmanned vehicles. Based on the information received, the safe evacuation route may be adjusted. |
| US09464890B2 |
Dynamic data acquisition, and apparatus and methods therefor
A dynamic data acquisition system is disclosed for continuously recording, measuring and analyzing test cycle data of dimensional changes of a work piece before, during and after climatic changes. An optional climate chamber with an environmentally encapsulated camera system may be used to control the climate during the test cycle. A method of operating the dynamic data acquisition system is disclosed, as well as a business method for the new business model created by utilizing the system. |
| US09464887B2 |
Illuminated hitch angle detection component
A lighting system for a trailer assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a hitch angle detection component having a predefined pattern thereon. A light source is disposed within the hitch angle detection component. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the light source. The photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light output from at least a portion of the light source. |
| US09464886B2 |
Luminescent hitch angle detection component
A lighting system for a trailer is provided herein. The lighting system may include a hitch angle detection component disposed on the trailer. A light source is disposed on the vehicle. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the hitch angle detection component and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. The hitch angle detection component may further include a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on the top surface thereof for capture by an imaging device and recognition by an image processing unit. |
| US09464885B2 |
System and method for package dimensioning
A system and method for package dimensioning is provided. The package-dimensioning system includes an image capturing subsystem for acquiring information about an object within the image-capturing subsystem's field of view. A features-computation module analyzes object information and compiles a feature set describing the object's surface features. A classification module analyzes the feature set and categorizes the object's shape. A shape-estimation module estimates the dimensions of the object. |
| US09464882B2 |
Interferometer with continuously varying path length measured in wavelengths to the reference mirror
An interferometer in which the path length of the reference beam, measured in wavelengths, is continuously changing in sinusoidal fashion and the interference signal created by combining the measurement beam and the reference beam is processed in real time to obtain the physical distance along the measurement beam between the measured surface and a spatial reference frame such as the beam splitter. The processing involves analyzing the Fourier series of the intensity signal at one or more optical detectors in real time and using the time-domain multi-frequency harmonic signals to extract the phase information independently at each pixel position of one or more optical detectors and converting the phase information to distance information. |
| US09464878B1 |
Three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine
A three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine includes a base, a moving mechanism provided on the base, and a probe moved by the moving mechanism, the three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine measures coordinates of a surface position of an object to be measured by using the probe, the moving mechanism includes: a linear guide using a mechanical bearing; and an air bearing mechanism provided in parallel to the linear guide, one of ends of the moving part is attached to a linear moving unit that moves by the linear guide and the other is attached to the air moving part so that the other end can swing with respect to the air moving part, and the air bearing mechanism absorbs a difference in the height change between the linear guide and the air bearing mechanism by the air bearing. |
| US09464876B2 |
Trajectory modification of a spinning projectile by controlling the roll orientation of a decoupled portion of the projectile that has actuated aerodynamic surfaces
An apparatus and system for controlling the trajectory of a projectile having two rotationally decoupled sections, wherein the first section is rotationally decoupled from the second section. The first section of the projectile contains a navigation system. The first section also contains an actuator by which aero-control surfaces on the second section are actuated. The second section may have external aero-spin surfaces which provide a torque counter to the rotation of the base projectile. The apparatus and system also includes embodiments having applications for nose sections of projectiles. |
| US09464875B2 |
Double safety firing system for initiators
A double safety firing system comprises: a firing line, wherein an end of the firing line is directly or operatively connected to an electrically-activated initiator; a first safety sub-assembly, wherein the first safety sub-assembly is connected to the firing line and comprises: a first shunting line; and a first shunt disabler, wherein the first shunt disabler disables the first shunting line when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the first shunt disabler; and a second safety sub-assembly, wherein the second safety sub-assembly is connected to the firing line and comprises: a second shunting line; and a second shunt disabler, wherein the second shunt disabler disables the second shunting line when a predetermined amount of electric current is applied to the second shunt disabler, wherein after the first and second shunting lines are disabled, electric current flows through the firing line and activates the initiator. |
| US09464874B1 |
Layered energetic material having multiple ignition points
An energetic material having thin, alternating layers of metal oxide and reducing metal is provided. The energetic material may be provided in the form of a sheet, foil, cylinder, or other convenient structure. A method of making the energetic material resists the formation of oxide on the surface of the reducing metal, allowing the use of multiple thin layers of metal oxide and reducing metal for maximum contact between the reactants, without significant lost volume due to oxide formation. An ignition system for the energetic material includes multiple ignition points, as well as a means for controlling the timing and sequence of activation of the individual ignition points. The combination of the energetic material and ignition system provides a means of charge and blast shaping, ignition timing, pressure curve control and maximization, and safe neutralization of the energetic material. |
| US09464872B2 |
Protective material
According to the invention there is provided a protective material for dissipating the kinetic energy of a moving object including a plurality of layers of fibrous armor material in which at least some adjacent layers of fibrous armor material are separated by one or more separator layers for reducing inter-layer friction. |
| US09464870B2 |
Firearm sight adjustment and installation tool
A firearm sight adjustment and installation tool is described. The tool serves to facilitate and expedite the accurate adjustment and/or installation of sights on the slides of a firearm, whenever the sights allow this adjustment. The tool includes a plate, a plate with nuts, tightening screws, a spacer block, at least one adapter, a drift screw, an interchangeable pushing element and quick reference featured on one of the plates. With the tool and little expertise, an individual may manually adjust both the front and rear sights of a firearm to increase the accuracy of the firearm without additional tools. |
| US09464868B2 |
Shooting aid
There is provided a shooting training aid for a gun including a sight channel, a wing and connection member for connecting the shooting aid to the gun. The sight channel has a central vertical axis that extends substantially perpendicularly to an upper plane of the wing. There is also provided a gun mount training and gun-fit assessment methods using the shooting aid of the present invention. |
| US09464864B2 |
Rifle internal accessory mounting apparatus, system, and method
Fore-end half stock (hand guard) internal rail mounts for a rifle allows rifle accessories to be internally attached to the hand guard. Internal rails are positioned about the axis of the rifle barrel to align the rifle accessory. |
| US09464863B2 |
Adjustable buttstock for firearm
A buttstock includes a mounting extension member attachable to a firearm receiver, an adjustable butt pad for varying the length of the stock, and an adjustable cheek rest for adjusting the height of the stock. The butt pad assembly is attached to the extension member by a laterally compressible clamping member operated by a double-acting cam lever having two locking surfaces and a non-locking release surface. At least one adjustment rail extends forward from the butt pad through opposing movable jaws of the clamping member. The rail can slide forward/rearward to adjust the stock length which is lockable via the cam lever locking surfaces. The cheek rest includes compressible opposing adjustment legs operated by a similarly configured cam lever in one embodiment. The height of the cheek rest may be adjusted and locked in position in a similar manner. |
| US09464862B2 |
Paintball loader drive system
The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism and associated method for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member which in turn causes the feeder to rotate. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the position of the feeder relative to the drive member and actuates a motor when necessary. |
| US09464860B2 |
Shotgun simulator
A shotgun sound simulator comprises an elongated enclosed tube defining a combustion chamber into which an ignitable mixture can be combusted. The tube also includes at least one baffle and an open end having a smaller diameter than the tube. The open end permits ignited gases to escape. By controlling the ratios of the tube diameter (TI), the outlet port diameter (OP), baffle opening diameter (BH), combustion chamber length (CC); and the distance from the combustion chamber to the outlet port (RC), a simulated shotgun sound can be produced upon combustion of a gas in the combustion chamber. Conveniently, the outlet port can be made to receive a training bumper that is launched when the gas is ignited. |
| US09464855B2 |
Countermass container for use in a recoilless weapon and a recoilless weapon comprising such a countermass container
A countermass container for use in a recoilless weapon. The countermass container includes an envelope encloses a countermass. A recoilless weapon includes a barrel accommodating an ammunition unit, a propellant charge and a countermass container. The countermass container includes an envelope enclosing a countermass. The barrel includes a front end opening for firing the ammunition unit out of the barrel and a rear end opening for ejecting the envelope and countermass of the counter mass container. The envelope is divided into a front section and a rear section. The rear section of the envelope has a weaker construction than the front section of the envelope to more easily crack than the front section of the envelope. Splines are provided at the front section to create ducts. |
| US09464851B2 |
Heat exchanger
A flooded heat exchanger of is described. The flooded heat exchanger has a primary tube bundle inside which a first operating fluid flows, a skirt surrounding the primary tube bundle and receiving a second operating fluid which flows over the primary tube bundle, and one or more extractable units, each in turn having a secondary tube bundle which receives an auxiliary operating fluid, and a secondary tube plate for performing a removable connection to the flooded heat exchanger. |
| US09464850B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger includes a single refrigerant pipe (44) for introducing a refrigerant into a receiver tank (14) from a condenser header part (20, 26), and a mounting member (40) for mounting the receiver tank to a core (10). The mounting member has a refrigerant inlet passage (56) connecting the refrigerant pipe to the interior of the receiver tank, and a refrigerant outlet passage (58) connecting the interior of the receiver tank to a sub-cooler header part (22, 28). |
| US09464847B2 |
Shell-and-tube heat exchangers with foam heat transfer units
Shell-and-tube heat exchangers that utilize one or more foam heat transfer units engaged with the tubes to enhance the heat transfer between first and second fluids. The foam of the heat transfer units can be any thermally conductive foam material that enhances heat transfer, for example graphite foam. These shell-and-tube heat exchangers are highly efficient, inexpensive to build, and corrosion resistant. The described heat exchangers can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to, low thermal driving force applications, power generation applications, and non-power generation applications such as refrigeration and cryogenics. The foam heat transfer units can be made from any thermally conductive foam material including, but not limited to, graphite foam or metal foam. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger utilizes tubes that are twisted around a central foam heat transfer unit. |
| US09464846B2 |
Refractory delta cooling system
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a refractory delta made from a refractory material having a cold-face side and a hot-face side. One or more electrode apertures are located in the refractory delta for receiving one or more electrodes. One or more cooling apertures extend from the cold-face side of the refractory material to adjacent the hot-face side of the refractory material. The one or more cooling apertures may further comprise a copper tube. A cooling system delivers a cooling liquid to the one or more cooling apertures, and the cooling liquid draws heat from the adjacent refractory material, including the hot-face side, and evaporates to allow replacement cooling liquid to further draw heat from the adjacent refractory material. |
| US09464845B2 |
Combined furnace system for fire refining red impure copper
A combined furnace system for fire refining red impure copper, comprising in order: a shaft furnace (2) for smelting red impure copper raw material into red impure copper liquid; a red impure copper liquid groove (4); at least one rotary furnace (5) for refining and producing refined copper liquid by means of oxidation reduction; a refined copper liquid groove (6). The combined furnace system is characterized in that the system comprises a tilting furnace (3) between the shaft furnace (2) and the red impure copper liquid groove (4) for removing slag from red impure copper liquid having slag. The invention thereby provides a combined furnace system that easily removes slag, has a smooth, unobstructed red impure copper liquid groove, and smelts and refines with stable production efficiency. |
| US09464843B2 |
Shoe dryer
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a shoe drier, comprising: a structure (16) having an enclosed space into which shoes (28) are placed for drying; a heating system (detailed in FIG. 4 and the description thereof), for heating air inside said structure, thereby drying said shoes; a first rack (36), disposed inside said enclosed space, onto which said shoes are placed for drying; a mechanism for lifting said first rack as a result of opening the top of said structure, and placing down said first rack as a result of closing the top of said structure (detailed in FIG. 3 and the description thereof); thereby facilitating the use thereof for a disabled user. |
| US09464839B2 |
Semi-electric mobile refrigerated system
A power supply system for a transport refrigeration system includes an engine coupled to a compressor of a refrigeration unit for direct drive powering the compressor and a generator arranged to also be direct driven by the engine for generating electric power. The generator and the compressor are mounted to a common drive shaft driven by the engine, and the generator may be integrated with the compressor. The power supply system may further include an alternator arranged to be belt driven by the engine for generating DC electric power. A battery pack may be provided for storing and supplying additional DC power. During peak load demand on the refrigeration unit, the engine may be operated with the generator switched off to directly drive the compressor and direct current may be drawn from the battery pack to drive the condenser/gas cooler and evaporator fans. |
| US09464829B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus including: a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a refrigerant flow switching valve, a heat exchanger related to the heat transfer medium, an expansion valve, a heat source-side heat exchanger which is connected by a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigeration cycle, a heat transfer medium circuit having the heat exchanger related to the heat transfer medium, a pump, a plurality of use-side heat exchangers which are connected by a heat transfer medium pipe, and an opening and closing valve provided to the heat transfer medium supply pipe. |
| US09464828B2 |
Natural coolant refrigerating plant
A natural coolant refrigerating plant includes a motor-driven compressor with two compression stages, at least one jacket for heating and/or cooling a product being processed, an intercooler located upstream of the second compression stage and a gas-cooler located downstream of an outlet from a second compression stage. A first branch connects an outlet of the gas-cooler with an inlet of the first stage of the motor-driven compressor for recovering a predetermined quantity of coolant. |
| US09464827B2 |
Transport refrigeration system controller to engine control unit interface
Embodiments of a TRS Controller to ECU interface are provided. The interface includes a TRS Controller connected to an ECU that is part of an engine. The interface includes a keyswitch connection that is configured to send a keyswitch message from the TRS Controller to the ECU, a run signal connection that is configured to send a run message from the TRS Controller to the ECU, and a CAN communication connection that is configured to provide two-way communication between the TRS Controller and the ECU. |
| US09464822B2 |
Electrochemical heat transfer system
A heat transfer system includes a working fluid and an electrochemical compressor. The working fluid is made up of a polar solvent that primarily acts as a condensable refrigerant and hydrogen that primarily acts as an electrochemically-active component. The electrochemical compressor includes an inlet fluidly coupled to an evaporator to receive the working fluid; an outlet fluidly coupled to a condenser; and one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply. Each electrochemical cell includes a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass the working fluid. |
| US09464821B2 |
Solar furnace
This invention relates to a solar furnace. In particular, this invention relates to a solar furnace which is capable of raising the temperature of transfer medium. In use, the heated transfer medium can be used to generate electricity or put to other work, such as, for example, air conditioning, pasteurisation or desalination. In fact, for any situation that requires a source to generate work or power. The present invention describes a solar furnace for raising the temperature of a heat transfer medium, comprising a lens array for admitting incident thermal and solar energy onto a reflector portion and a pressure vessel. The reflector portion being generally shaped so as to concentrate said solar energy onto said pressure vessel. The pressure vessel having an inlet through which said heat transfer medium is injected and a central core which defines a continuous heat transfer path for said heat transfer medium to contact the surface of said pressure vessel and exit said pressure vessel at an outlet. The solar furnace described herein is totally self-contained, requiring no additional power and can be used at the most remote locations requiring very little maintenance. |
| US09464820B2 |
Surface mounted heater with universal seal fitting
A surface mounted heater includes a universal seal fitting. A first aperture in the substrate secures the substrate to an inlet gas valve of the component. The first aperture has a scalloped radii with a first radii and a second radii. The first radii corresponds to a first type of component seal and the second radii corresponding to a second type of component seal. |
| US09464816B1 |
Attic ventilation system
A housing has a base and upstanding interior and exterior side walls and end walls. A plurality of apertures are in the interior wall. The side walls are formed with outwardly facing flanges positionable upon a roof. A plurality of fans are coupled to the interior side wall in alignment with associated apertures. A power assembly includes cables coupling the fans to a source of potential whereby the fans when activated cause a flow of warm air from the attic and through the housing and through the fan and into the ridge vent and through the holes of the intermediate section and to atmosphere. |
| US09464815B2 |
HVAC systems and methods with improved humidity regulation
Systems, devices, and methods are presented for using a liquid desiccant to regulate a moisture content of air conditioned by a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The liquid desiccant is disposed within a processing volume, which is substantially-enclosed and substantially segregates the liquid desiccant from the conditioned air. A pair of vapor-permeable membranes define opposite surfaces of the processing volume. Water vapor diffuses through the vapor-permeable membranes, thereby enabling an exchange of moisture between the liquid desiccant and the conditioned air. The refrigerant circuit itself is used to cool desiccant in the absorber and heat desiccant in the desorber. Other systems, devices, and methods are presented. |
| US09464806B2 |
Bolt cleaning and fire starting survival tool
Improvements in a multi-functional gun bolt cleaning and fire starting survival tool. The tool is specifically designed for owners and operators of semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms that utilize a rotating breech bolt (for example, the M-4 carbine, M16 and AR-15 type rifles). The tool has a steel tool designed to scrape carbon buildup off on critical surfaces so the firearm may function. The tool incorporates a flint rod for use with the steel tool, creating sparks for starting fires. The housing of the device keeps the other parts away from elements and acts as a handle for the flint rod when trying to start fires. The entire device is designed to fit within compartments found in common firearms accessories. |
| US09464799B2 |
Air cooling of electronic driver in a lighting device
A lighting device including one or more solid state light sources providing air cooling of the electronic driver is disclosed. The driver receives power and provides it to the light source(s). The device also includes a first and a second housing. The first housing contains, at least in part, the driver, and includes a support having an exterior and an interior, that provides mechanical support to the second housing connected thereto. The interior includes a first opening. The second housing is a heat sink for the device. The second housing has an interior portion, with a second opening corresponding to the first opening, and an exterior portion, having a plurality of external openings. Air entering an external opening is able to mix with air in the first housing by flowing through the first opening and the corresponding second opening, which cools the electronic driver. |
| US09464795B2 |
Receptacle cover
A cover for an electrical receptacle including a faceplate. The cover also includes a first transmission tab configured to be electrically connected to a first power line of the electrical receptacle and a second transmission tab configured to be electrically connected to a second power line of the electrical receptacle. Additionally, the cover includes a device (such as a light source, circuit, port, or sensor) in communication with the first transmission tab and the second transmission tab. |
| US09464789B2 |
Modular LED explosion-proof lamp
A modular LED explosion-proof lamp usable in any environment includes a body, a wiring box assembly, an illumination unit and a positioning assembly. The body includes a first coupling port, a second coupling port and a third coupling port. The wiring box assembly is connected to the first coupling port, or the second coupling port or the third coupling port. The illumination unit is connected to the first coupling port, or the second coupling port or the third coupling port. The positioning assembly is connected to the first coupling port, or the second coupling port or the third coupling port. Hence the wiring box assembly, the illumination unit or the positioning assembly can be selectively connected to the first coupling port, or the second coupling port or the third coupling port. Thus the modular LED explosion-proof lamp can be assembled in a plurality of implementation fashions. |
| US09464785B2 |
Vehicular light guides and assemblies with uniform illumination
A light guide is provided that includes a light chamber defined by isotropically luminant top, bottom, and back surfaces, and a front surface having a translucent lens. The light guide also includes a reflective diaphragm within the chamber that defines a top gap between the diaphragm and the top surface, and a bottom gap between the diaphragm and the bottom surface. The light guide further includes an LED light source located between the diaphragm and the back surface of the chamber. The light guide may also be configured with a front surface having a partially transmissive lens and no reflective diaphragm. A vehicle lighting assembly is also provided that includes a plurality of interconnected light chamber sections comprising light guides. |
| US09464782B2 |
Light panel, optical assembly with improved interface and light panel with improved manufacturing tolerances
Light panels, and methods of providing the light panels, are described. The described light panels are substantially transparent and can operate as an illumination device or as a solar panel. An example light panel includes a first optic layer for transmitting light; a second optic layer with a reflective surface configured for one of directing light from the first optic layer and directing light to the first optic layer; and a receiving assembly disposed between the first optic layer and the second optic layer. The receiving assembly includes a first receiving layer adjacent to the first optic layer; a second receiving layer adjacent to the second optic layer and separated from the first receiving layer; and a light device coupled to the first receiving layer. The light device can be configured to receive light from the reflective surface or to provide light to the reflective surface. |
| US09464778B2 |
Lighting device utilizing a double fresnel lens
According to one aspect, an optical lens includes a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The optical lens includes a first pattern of Fresnel features having a first focal length disposed on the first side and a second pattern of Fresnel features having a second focal length disposed on the second side. The first pattern of Fresnel features is disposed perpendicular to the second pattern of Fresnel features, and the first focal length is different from the second focal length. |
| US09464774B1 |
Vehicles lamp
The vehicular lamp comprises: an outer housing made of a heat dissipating material, opened at a front thereof, and having a circuit board received therein, the outer housing including a plurality of heat-dissipating fins formed on an outer surface thereof and including an engaging groove depressed rearwardly along an opened front edge thereof; a reflective housing including a reflective surface formed on a front side thereof and having a rearwardly recessed shape, with the reflective housing received in the opened front portion of the outer housing; an LED fixing member inserted into an inner lower portion of the outer housing through the reflective housing, and having an upwardly bently extending part and including an LED light module mounted at a rear surface thereof so as to be electrically connected to the circuit board; and a transparent cover including an engaging protrusion rearwardly protrudingly formed at a rear edge. |
| US09464770B2 |
LED lighting strip
An electric lighting arrangement including a plurality of lighting units each containing a plurality of LED lights, to form a strip of lights. The units are adapted to be joined together by means of a ball joint arrangement, which comprises two conjoined balls, each ball being adapted to be mounted in a retaining bail cup in a lighting unit, ball cups being provided on opposed ends of the units to enable the units to be pivotable one relative to the other in all planes. Each lighting unit includes a main body incorporating a heat sink in the form of head conducting fins. |
| US09464765B2 |
LED lighting apparatus
The light emitting diode lighting apparatus includes: a tubular cover; a cap portion which is coupled to an end of a longitudinal direction of the cover; and a light emitting diode module which is coupled to the cap portion and is disposed within the cover. The cap portion includes: a cap which is coupled with the cover and is provided with a coupling portion therein; and a contact terminal which is coupled to the coupling portion to directly contact the light emitting diode module and elastically supports the light emitting diode module. |
| US09464763B2 |
Safety valve for cryogenic insulated gas cylinder
The invention relates to a safety valve for a cryogenic insulated gas cylinder, which comprises a valve body, and the valve body further comprises a gas inlet flow channel, a valve seat, a slide way, a valve core and a spring, a gas inlet connecting thread and an adjusting nut. An adjusting nut exhaust hole set on said adjusting nut, a spring set between the said adjusting nut and a spring bracket with an exhaust hole. A valve assembly further comprises the valve core, a plurality of guide rings, a positioning steel ball and a valve flap, a valve core exhaust hole is provided in the valve core. The safety valve has high stability in discharge pressure and return pressure, high repeatability and good sealing performance, and is firm in structure, difficult to be damaged and high in safety. |
| US09464761B2 |
Gas supply method and gas supply apparatus
A gas-filling device (1) in which the design pressure of a pressure accumulator can be reduced while downsizing a compressor includes a compressor (4) and a pressure accumulator (5). In advance, a relationship between a filling pressure and a target flow rate is determined in accordance with the volume of a tank (3), the filling pressure is detected, and the target flow rate is determined. A flow rate of a gas to be supplied into the tank (3) is controlled according to the target flow rate. In a case where the target flow rate is equal to or less than a maximum discharge flow rate of the compressor (4), the gas is supplied to the tank (3) only from the compressor (4). In a case where the target flow rate is greater than the maximum discharge flow rate, the gas is supplied to the tank (3) from the compressor (4) and the pressure accumulator (5). |
| US09464758B2 |
Pressure vessel and production method thereof
A second protective member (62) is provided to cover a thin wall portion and its periphery of a second tank head section (92), so as to protect the thin wall portion. The thin wall portion is a region of the second tank head section (92) in which a reinforcing layer (20) has a smaller wall thickness. The second protective member (62) has a double layer structure including an inner layer made of polyurethane and an outer layer made of a material mixture of polyurethane and expanded graphite. This structure suppresses the mass and the volume of a pressure vessel from being increased by the presence of a protective layer. |
| US09464756B2 |
Earphone assembly and head strap thereof
A head strap includes a head band and a pair of holders. The pair of holders are connected to two ends of the head band. Each of the pair of holders includes a receiving portion. The receiving portion defines a receiving cavity with a cutout. The disclosure also provides an earphone assembly. |
| US09464754B1 |
Automated mobile boom system for crawling robots
A system comprising a multi-functional boom subsystem integrated with a holonomic-motion boom base platform. The boom base platform may comprise: Mecanum wheels with independently controlled motors; a pair of sub-platforms coupled by a roll-axis pivot to maintain four-wheel contact with the ground surface; and twist reduction mechanisms to minimize any yaw-axis twisting torque exerted on the roll-axis pivot. A computer with motion control software may be embedded on the boom base platform. The motion control function can be integrated with a real-time tracking system. The motion control computer may have multiple platform motion control modes: (1) a path following mode in which the boom base platform matches the motion path of the surface crawler (i.e., integration with crawler control); (2) a reactive mode in which the boom base platform moves based on the pan and tilt angles of the boom arm; and (3) a collision avoidance mode using sensors distributed around the perimeter of the boom base platform to detect obstacles. |
| US09464753B2 |
Tripod bowl clamp device
A camera support bowl clamp device comprises a bowl member of a pan tilt head suitable for supporting a broadcast or motion picture camera arranged within a recessed member of a camera support, whereby said bowl member is attached at one end of a shaft and a clamping cup arranged at an opposite end of said shaft, whereby said opposite end extends through said recessed member of a camera support; wherein said clamping cup located at a first limit position applies a clamping force to a surface of said recessed member of a camera support which subsequently pulls said bowl member, via said shaft, down into said recess and applies a second clamping force from a surface of said bowl to a cooperating surface of said recessed member, and at a second limit position releases said clamping force to said recessed member which subsequently releases said second clamping force by separating said surface of said bowl from said cooperating surface of said recessed member; characterized in that said clamping cup further comprises a clamp adjustment member, a resilient member, and a lever pivotally attached to said clamp adjustment member whereby the movement of said lever to a first position compresses said resilient member to locate said clamping cup at said second limit position, and at a second position said lever allows the resilient member to decompress to locate said clamping cup at said first position. |
| US09464744B2 |
Leakage-proof pipe fitting of quick connection for reverse osmosis membrane (RO) water treatment unit of household
A leakage-proof pipe fitting of quick connection for a Reverse Osmosis Membrane (RO) household water treatment unit comprises a pipe fitting, a sealing O-ring, an annular cooperative bushing collar, an accessory latching clip and an adapted cylindrical elastic sleeving collet with an elongated annular delimiting flange, whose longitudinal thickness is lengthened into at least a double length for the original longitudinal thickness of the conventional annular delimiting flange to extend the embracing distance from the top surface of the adapted cylindrical elastic sleeving collet to the bottom surface of a cylindrical retainer in the pipe fitting so that the curvature for the bent water pipe/tube covered by the embracing distance is reduced. |
| US09464743B2 |
Bias release cartridge
An apparatus for unsealing a pipe in a pipe assembly is disclosed. The apparatus has a seal for minimizing leakage from the pipe and a spring attaching to both the seal and the pipe assembly. If the seal is to be removed, a spring force of the spring acts against and moves the seal for removal of the seal. |
| US09464742B2 |
Socket and pipe fitting including same
In a socket of the present invention, an incorporated plug part is disposed in a third base part. The socket is in an inserted state when an engaging portion of this incorporated plug part is engaged with a first engaged portion of an engaged part. In this state, an engaging portion of a plug is engaged with steel balls disposed in the incorporated plug part, thereby allowing the plug and the socket to be fitted to each other, so that an airtight condition is established in a pipe fitting. |
| US09464740B2 |
Snap-in oriented fitting
A connector system includes a plug portion and a receiving portion. The plug portion includes a resilient retention portion at the forward end of the plug portion, a sealing member distal from the retention portion, an orientation plate rigidly connected to the plug portion, wherein the orientation plate has a frontal profile including one or more straight edges. The receiving portion includes, a hole through the receiving portion, wherein the hole has a diameter smaller than a largest diameter of the resilient retention portion, a shoulder on one side of the receiving portion that cooperates with the retention portion to fix the axial position of the plug portion in the receiving portion, a recess on the opposite side of the receiving portion, wherein the recess has a frontal shape similar to the frontal profile of the orientation plate, wherein the orientation plate fits within the recess to fix the rotational orientation of the plug portion with respect to the receiving portion. |
| US09464739B2 |
Guiding device for guiding a despenser to draw solution from at least one well on a microplate
The present invention discloses a guiding device for guiding a dispenser to draw solution from at least one well on a microplate. The guiding device includes a column body whereon a first opening and a second opening are formed on opposite sides, and a slotting structure passing through the column body and communicating with the first opening and the second opening. A pipe of the dispenser passes through the first opening, the slotting structure and the second opening to reach inside the at least one well on the microplate for drawing the solution contained in the at least one well. |
| US09464733B2 |
Gravity driven pile tower based device for pipeline lifting and support and method of use
A system and method for securely cradling a subsea pipeline is claimed that lands on one side of the pipeline, is embedded into the sea floor, reaches under the pipeline, positions the cradling structure, and then lifts the pipeline. The system typically comprises a gravity driven pile based device, comprising a pile tower, a roller carriage assembly, and a jacking assembly that engages the roller carriage assembly and pile tower rails. |
| US09464730B2 |
Exhaust valve spindle for an exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine
An exhaust valve spindle for an exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine has a shaft and a valve disc at the lower end of the shaft, which valve disc at its upper surface has a seat area. The seat area is of a seat material comprising at least from 34.0 to 44.0% Cr, an aggregate amount of Nb and Ta in the range from at least 2.8 to 6.1%, from 0.3 to 2.0% Ti, at the most 0.2% Al, at the most 0.04% B, at the most 0.8% Fe, at the most 0.04% C, at the most 0.4% Si, and a balance of Ni, where the amount of Ti+Nb+0.5×Ta is in the range from 3.4 to 6.6%, and where the amount of Nb+0.5×Ta is less than 3.0% if the amount of Ti is larger than 1.5%. |
| US09464729B2 |
Pressure balanced valve
The disclosed embodiments include a pressure balance valve that solves one or more problems associated with existing designs. For example, in one embodiment, a pressure balancing valve assembly is disclosed that provides a low cost frictionless assembly that is constructed to not seal the leak path between an inlet port and an outlet port. Instead, this leak path is minimized with small angle tapered plunger and a precision bored annulus to provide a defined area for the pressure drop to occur and to limit the flow from the inlet to the outlet. |
| US09464728B2 |
Solenoid valve
The invention relates to a solenoid valve (100), which has a valve rod (141), an electromagnetic actuation device (131, 135, 139) for deflecting the valve rod (141) starting from a first switching position into a second switching position, and a support device (110, 210, 310, 410) for supporting the valve rod (141). The support device (110, 210, 310, 410) has a different form depending upon the deflection of the valve rod (141). The solenoid valve (100) further comprises a locking device (121, 122, 123, 125), which is designed to move a moveable holding element (121) into a locking position upon activation of the electromagnetic actuation device (131, 135, 139) in order to deflect the valve rod (141) into the second switching position, in which locking position the holding element (121) lies against the support device (110, 210, 310, 410), and is designed to move the holding element (121) away from the locking position upon deactivation of the electromagnetic actuation device (131, 135, 139). |
| US09464727B2 |
Fluid control valve assembly
Provided is a fluid control valve assembly which reduces pressure loss as much as possible in a fluid passage line including a fluid control valve, thereby mini-minimizing the pressure for a fluid to pass therethrough and thus ensuring a required amount of flow without upsizing the overall assembly. The fluid control valve assembly is adapted such that an upstream pipe (17) forming an upstream fluid passageway and tilted at a predetermined angle relative to a valve axis (L) is provided to face an upstream chamber (11). The upstream chamber is formed upstream of a valve portion (12) which has a valve seat (13) and a valve body (14) in a valve housing (10) and which can open and close the fluid passageway. The wall surface of the upstream chamber is integrated with a swelling (20), which is projected in the chamber to thereby rectify and guide the fluid flowing therein through the upstream pipe so that the fluid smoothly flows to the valve portion. |
| US09464721B2 |
Gate valve with secure sealing mechanism
A gate valve with secure sealing mechanism includes a main body having a valve opening, a driver disposed on the main body, a sliding seat slidingly disposed in the main body, a swing arm, and a valve member. Therein, two ends of the swing arm are connected to the driver and the sliding seat, respectively, whereby the driver drives the swing arm to move circularly between a first and second position, thereby triggering the sliding seat to slide. When the swing arm is at the first or second position, the swing arm is biased against the route direction of the sliding seat. The valve member is disposed on the sliding seat for moving in parallel or vertical to the valve opening, thereby preventing the sliding seat from swaying when the swing arm is at the first or second locking position. |
| US09464719B2 |
Seal assembly for use in harsh environments
A sealing assembly, for example a piston ring, for use in harsh environments, e.g., high radiation levels. The piston ring has an annular sealing surface which together with a member forming a radially outer annular cylinder surface, e.g., a cylinder, forms a seal pocket. Received in the seal pocket is an annular seal comprised of a plurality of wraps of at least one strand of a substantially incompressible and inelastic material such as graphite fiber. The assembly further includes a compression ring and compression assembly which compresses the seal body between the support surface and the compression ring to displace the seal body into sealing engagement with the radially inner and outer sealing surfaces. |
| US09464717B2 |
Piston ring
Provided is a piston ring such that it is possible to sufficiently inhibit adhesive wear when the piston ring is mounted to a piston for a diesel engine in which at least the piston ring groove in the piston is formed from steel or cast iron. Disclosed is a piston ring mounted to a piston for a diesel engine, wherein the load length ratio (Rmr2) (in accordance with JIS B0601:2001) of the top surface and bottom surface of the piston ring satisfies each of the following conditions: Rmr2 (0.5%, 0.3[mu]m)=20% and Rmr2 (0.5%, 0.4[mu]m)=40%. |
| US09464716B2 |
Cylinder assembly
A cylinder assembly may include a cylinder end having a cylinder end opening, a cylinder barrel, a piston, a rod, and a shaft. An opening through the piston forms a sleeve passing through a portion of the piston. The rod extends out of the cylinder barrel and is configured to rotate with respect to the cylinder barrel and the cylinder end. An opening in the rod further forms the sleeve passing through an interior portion of the rod. A protruding end of the shaft passes through the cylinder end opening. A portion of the shaft has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-section of the sleeve. The protruding end of the shaft is free to rotate within the cylinder end opening in response to a rotation of the rod. The shaft is free to slide within the sleeve in response to an extension or retraction of the rod. |
| US09464714B2 |
Gear shifting system and gear shifting element for a gear shifting system
A gear shifting device includes a shifting element that is axially shiftable into a shift position through the interaction of a shift pin with an associated groove-like shift gate that changes course in an axial direction. The shift element features, on an inner or outer diameter the shift gate, while the respective shift pin is arranged in a radially displaceable manner opposite the shift gate on a transmission component adjacent to the shift element. |
| US09464711B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission for vehicle
A hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle which generates a low hydraulic pressure and a high hydraulic pressure using oil stored in an oil pan and supplies the low hydraulic pressure and the high hydraulic pressure respectively to a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion may include a low-pressure hydraulic pump, a first switch valve, a low-pressure regulator valve, a high-pressure hydraulic pump, a second switch valve and a high-pressure regulator valve. |
| US09464709B2 |
Transmission
A transmission includes a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a planetary gear mechanism and a fixing element. A ring gear is provided with a first gear meshing with an output gear on an output member and a second gear meshing with a plurality of pinion gears. The output gear and the first gear include helical gears meshing with each other. The second gear and the plurality of pinion gears include helical gears meshing with each other. Helix angles of the output gear and the first gear and helix angles of the second gear and the plurality of pinion gears are set so that a thrust force generated in a case where the output gear and the first gear rotate and a thrust force generated in a case where the second gear and the plurality of pinion gears rotate are directed towards each other. |
| US09464708B2 |
Gear carrier flex mount lubrication
An exemplary method of lubricating a turbomachine interface includes, among other things, securing a carrier relative to a torque frame using a flexure pin, and lubricating an interface of the flexure pin using a lubricant that has moved through a lubricant passage in the carrier and a lubricant passage in the flexure pin. |
| US09464707B2 |
Overrunning isolating decoupler pulleys
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved overrunning pulleys that overcome one or more of the deficiencies in the prior art as discussed herein. Embodiments of the present invention provide pulleys that are “springy” in the torque direction, yet have a lower effective spring constant (e.g., are less stiff) over a greater angular range. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys use a low cost and simple torque transfer geometry. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys afford significant overrun. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are radially small in an overall envelope, for example, in order to allow an alternator to reach its highest possible rotational speed, and thus output, during engine idle. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are more durable, as they offer the aforementioned dynamics in both directions (torque and counter-torque). |
| US09464706B2 |
Shaft with a gear cast on its front side and method for producing such a shaft
The present invention is directed to a shaft with two front sides and an axis of rotation, whereby the shaft comprises at least one gear with the same axis of rotation, which gear borders at least a first one of the front sides in an axial area. Viewed from radially inside toward radially outside, the gear comprises a connection part with a central receptacle for the shaft, and an outer part with teeth. The connection part is cast directly between the shaft and the outer part. The connection part extends over the shaft in axial direction and covers the first front side. |
| US09464704B2 |
Actuator
An actuator is composed of a frame having a guide rail thereon and a slider movable relative to the frame by means of a ball lead screw. Lubrication of the ball lead screw is carried out by a lubricating member installed in the slider. A first lubricating member has an applicator nose which comes into sliding contact with a helical groove around the ball lead screw and a second lubricating member makes close contact with the first lubricating member to supply lubricant to the first lubricating member. The first and second lubricating members fit together in a recess made at one end of the slider major body. Both the first and second lubricating members have C-shaped contour. The first and second lubricating members lying in close engagement with each other are received in a recess in the end of the slider major body and held there with a presser plate which is secured using fastening screws. |
| US09464703B2 |
Ball screw capable of sensing preload
A ball screw capable of sensing a preload is formed of a nut having an internal thread surrounding an imaginary central axis, a screw inserted into the nut and having an external thread surrounding the imaginary central axis, and a plurality of balls are mounted between the internal and external threads in a way that the balls roll therebetween. A mounting hole having a mounting surface therein is formed in the nut. The mounting surface corresponds to the internal thread in a way that it is substantially perpendicular to the imaginary central axis. A force sensor is mounted to the mounting surface. The force sensor can directly sense the preload in real time, so it is uneasily adversely affected by any environmental factor to have more accurate sensing result relatively. |
| US09464700B2 |
Idler or roller device
A tension roller or reel device for a torque transmission element. The device comprises at least one bearing having one inner race, one outer race and at least one row of rolling elements between the inner race and the outer race, a pulley on top of the outer race, and a retaining screw inserted into a central bore of the inner race. The bore of the inner race is provided with a circumferential cavity in which an elastic ring is fitted non-securely and integrally, the cavity having an axial length strictly greater than the axial dimension of the elastic ring. |
| US09464696B2 |
Continuous variable transmission system and use thereof
The invention provides a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system comprising a transmission means, connected to an input shaft and comprising at least a driving gear capable of rotating around its center, said center capable of rotating around a center of a virtual trajectory; a gear ring, engaged with said driving gear, capable of eccentrically rotating around said center of said virtual trajectory; a blocking means, engaged with said gear ring, comprising a set of blocking elements adopted to block the rotation of said gear ring and which elements are suitable to move; and an output shaft, connected with said driving gear. The invention further provides the use of such a CVT system in large vehicles and windmills. |
| US09464691B2 |
Electromechanical device
An electromechanical device comprises a mechanical interface structure (101) for connecting to an external rotating element, for example a wind turbine. The device comprises an electrical machine (102-104), and one or more gear stages (105-112) on a power transmission path between the mechanical interface structure and a rotor of the electrical machine. The device further comprises mechanical structures (113-115) constituting a common lubricant oil room for both the gear stages and the electrical machine. The electromechanical device comprises oil channels (116a) for directing lubricant oil circulated in the device to flow via the gear stages and via bearings (118, 119) of the electrical machine. Therefore, a common lubricating system can be used for both the gear stages and the electrical machine. |
| US09464690B2 |
Chain link and method for forming chain link
Chain links and methods for forming chain links are provided. A method may include inserting a pin into a pin hole defined in a boss insert, and introducing the boss insert to a mold cavity defined in a mold plate of a mold assembly. The method further includes flowing chain link substrate to the mold cavity, and cooling the chain link substrate such that a chain link is formed. The chain link includes a base portion, a platform extending from the base portion, and a rib assembly extending from the platform and including a plurality of ribs and defining a central pocket. The boss insert is disposed in the pocket, and the pin is disposed in the pin hole of the boss insert. |
| US09464689B2 |
Energy chain, particularly for clean room applications
This invention relates to an energy chain (100; 200 . . . 700) having a number of mutually articulated chain links (212; 312 . . . 812), at least some chain links present a housing (216; 316 . . . 816) for the feed-through of cables and hoses. Adjacent chain links are pivotable against each there by way of hinged connections in such a manner that between a fixed connector (105) and movable connector (107) of said energy chain a movable deflection zone (104) with a predetermined curvature is formed. The invention provides that a bendable tubular envelope (110; 210 . . . 810), in particular a corrugated hose or corrugated tube, surrounds the chain links in the circumferential direction and between said two connectors (105, 107) in a continuous manner. The envelope is supported and entrained by at least some chain links (212; 312 . . . 812) and is sufficiently flexible for absorbing the predetermined curvature of the deflection zone (104) and for following the reciprocating movement thereof. |
| US09464688B2 |
Chain for continuously variable transmission
Three links within one width-direction unit are included in respectively different link units. The links in the first row and the sixth row from the right end and the left end of a chain are included in the same link unit. The links in the second row and the fifth row are included in the same link unit. The links in the ninth row and the tenth row are included in the same link unit other than the link unit in which the links in the second row and the fifth row are included. With the above structure, the stress amplitude of the links forming a chain for a chain-type continuously variable transmission can be reduced. |
| US09464685B2 |
Composite dome connectors for flywheel rim to shaft attachment
A dome connector for a flywheel rim to shaft attachment is provided. The dome connector includes a helically wound composite band that extends from a first port to a second port. The helically wound composite band has a helical angle in relation to a line perpendicular to a center of axis of the dome connector. The helical angle is selected to at least in part achieve a desired stiffness in the dome connector. |
| US09464684B2 |
Vibration control system with virtual end stops
A component vibration control system is disclosed. The vibration control system includes a first physical end stop, a second physical end stop, a damper assembly, a position sensor configured to determine a component position, and a processor in communication with the position sensor and the damper assembly. The processor is configured to set a first virtual end stop position, regulate a damping force of the damper assembly as the component moves toward the first virtual end stop position, and determine a second virtual end stop position based on a first distance of the component from a set position. |
| US09464683B2 |
Non-asbestos friction-material composition, and friction material and friction member using same
A non-asbestos frictional material composition is provided, which is capable of provide a frictional material with excellent shear strength, anti-crack properties, and abrasion resistance, even with the reduced content of copper. Furthermore, a frictional material and a friction member formed by using this non-asbestos frictional material composition are provided. The non-asbestos frictional material composition containing a binder, an organic filler, an inorganic filler, and a fiber base material includes: copper in a content of 0.5 mass % or less as a copper element; a metal other than copper and copper alloy in a content of 0.5 mass % or less; an acrylic elastomer-dispersed phenol resin as the binder in a content of 7-15 mass %; and Ca(OH)2 and/or CaO as the inorganic filler in a content of 1-5 mass %. |
| US09464680B2 |
Brake discs with bell
Discs for disc brakes arranged around a rotational axis, comprising: a braking band and a drum, said drum comprising an edge arranged radially outside a portion for connecting the drum to a hub, said drum further comprising a drum body connecting said edge to the braking band and being suitable to create an interspace between the drum and the hub accommodated therein, said edge delimiting at least one opening with communicates the interspace present between the drum body and the hub with the external of the drum, said opening being arranged radially outside said housing for the hub, and said openings delimited by walls having at least one section inclined with respect to the axial direction are provided. |
| US09464676B2 |
Torque-actuated clutch
The present invention relates to a clutch actuated by torque capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107). |
| US09464674B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity universal joint
In a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, track grooves of an outer joint member include first track groove portions positioned on an interior side and second track groove portions positioned on an opening side. The first track groove portions each have an arc-shaped ball raceway center line having a curvature center that is prevented from being offset in an axial direction of the outer joint member with respect to a joint center. Planes each including at least the ball raceway center line and the joint center are inclined with respect to a joint axial line with their inclination directions alternately opposite to each other in the first track groove portions that are adjacent to each other in a peripheral direction of the outer joint member. |
| US09464673B2 |
Punching sheet-type flange
A sheet-type flange for transmitting power is formed by a substrate and a multiple of flange sheets. The substrate has a central axle hole with a square key slot and a multiple of fixed holes distributed around the axle hole. The multiple of flange sheets are annular and have connection slots arranged on a periphery of the flange sheets, as well as the multiple of flange sheets are arranged on both sides of the substrate respectively. The substrate and the multiple of flange sheets are fixed together by rivets. |
| US09464668B2 |
Bearing system
A bearing system having a bearing pair made up of at least one bearing and at least one running partner, wherein a coating which is made up of a layer of which the main constituent is amorphous SiO2 is applied to at least one running surface of the bearing pair. |
| US09464666B2 |
Bushing and transmission arrangement with the bushing
A bushing for the force-fitting connection to a force-fitting partner, with a hollow-cylindrical basic body, with the basic body defining a primary axis, with the basic body comprising at least one coupling section with at least one radially extending penetrating opening for a fluidic communication with a fluid section in the force-fitting partner, and with the wall thickness in the coupling section being greater than the wall thickness in the neighboring section of the basic body abutting the coupling section with the basic body showing a track section, extending in the circumferential direction, for supporting a radial guidance of a bearing partner, and a transmission arrangement comprising the bushing. |
| US09464665B2 |
Swivel attachment and branch line restraint
A swivel attachment and/or branch line restraint device with angular versatility and mobility for facilitating connection of installation components to support a pipe or other load relative to a support surface is provided. Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide a plurality of rotational or swivel degrees of freedom, which are substantially independently controllable, for its mating portions, which respectively engage corresponding mating portions of other installation components. The device embodiments can desirably be configured in male-female, male-male or female-female arrangements to enhance device utility and/or versatility, thereby advantageously allowing for use in a myriad of applications and installations, such as construction, utilities and the like, among others, to reliably support loads. |
| US09464662B2 |
Ball joint unit
A ball joint unit is provided and can include a ball member, a plurality of lubricant reception recesses formed on a surface of the ball member, each having a predetermined depth, a rod member connected to a first element to be integrally formed with the ball member, and a retainer connected to a second element and formed with a spherical ball member receptor corresponding in shape to the ball member, wherein the lubricant is accommodated and coated in an interior of the lubricant recesses and a surface of the ball member. |
| US09464658B2 |
Hybrid fastener
A hybrid fastener is provided in combination with a structural insert. The insert is disposed about a shank of the fastener at an unthreaded section. In another aspect, a sleeve surrounds the shank of the fastener and has apertures for receiving the insert therethrough. Methods of using the above-described hybrid fastener for securing workpieces are also disclosed. |
| US09464657B2 |
Retainer, retaining assembly, and retaining method
A retainer can couple at least two components together and includes a retainer body defining a body opening and at least one leg extending from the retainer body. The leg can bend relative to the retainer body between a first position and a second position upon application of an external force. The leg includes a connection portion coupled to the retainer body, a support portion coupled to the connection portion, and a bendable portion interconnecting the connection portion and the support portion. The bendable portion can bend such that the leg can move relative to the retainer body between the first and second positions. When the leg is in the first position, the support portion is obliquely angled relative to the retainer body. When the leg is in the second position, the support portion is substantially parallel to the retainer body. |
| US09464652B2 |
Fastening device for fastening a front panel on a drawer
A fastening device includes at least one furniture fitting which is pre-assembled on the front panel and has a first connecting element and a second connecting element for fastening the front panel on the drawer and least two intercepting devices, which are assigned to the drawer, wherein the intercepting devices retain the connecting elements automatically when the latter are pushed in. The one intercepting device has at least one movable intercepting element and the second intercepting device has at least one movable retaining Element. At least one locking device for the two intercepting devices prevents the furniture fitting from being released unintentionally from the intercepting devices. At least one unlocking device the two connecting elements of the furniture fitting to be released together from the intercepting devices. The retaining element can be moved independently of the intercepting element of the first intercepting device. |
| US09464651B2 |
Lower corner connector for modular sports goal
A lower corner connector for a modular sports goal comprises a first tube having a generally circular inner surface and a second tube extending substantially perpendicularly to the first tube. The first tube has an open end for receiving an upright and a base opposite the open end for resting on a surface. A retainer projects inwardly from the inner surface of the first tube for engaging and retaining the upright and permitting the upright to rock toward and away from the second tube within the first tube to assist in absorbing impact forces. |
| US09464644B2 |
Four-chamber cylinder for a hydraulic actuating device with emergency function and hydraulic actuating device having this
A four-chamber cylinder comprises a first piston device including a first piston and a first piston rod, the first piston delimiting a first chamber and a second chamber, a second piston device including a second piston and a second piston rod aligned with the first piston rod, the second piston delimiting a third chamber and a fourth chamber, and a compressive-elastic emergency element. The first piston, via the first chamber, and the second piston, via the fourth chamber, are configured to move towards each other and held with each other to tension the compressive-elastic emergency element. With the four-chamber cylinder according to the disclosure, an actuating movement is possible via the emergency spring even in the case of a supply failure, wherein the four-chamber cylinder can be installed and operated bi-directionally. |
| US09464643B2 |
Helical rotary actuator
This invention relates to a novel helical dual-center engagement converting mechanism and its applications in fluid-powered actuation system, more particularly to a highly reliable, simple, powerful and balanced and less expensive helical rotary actuator. This actuator comprises a self-balanced linear/rotary dual-center engagement converter, compact porting systems and easy manufacturing modules and various bodies and shaft interface with other components. This actuator also provides a rotary position control and backlash eliminating mechanism to meet various requirements with lighter weight, smaller size and higher accuracy of position and can be interfaced with different machines, such as subsea valves, earthmoving equipment, construction equipment, lifting equipment, landing gears, militarily equipment and medical devices, robotic and artificial leg and arm joints. |
| US09464639B2 |
Turbo charger having cooling structure
A turbocharger having a cooling structure may include a center housing on which a shaft is rotatably fitted, a turbine impeller disposed at one end of the shaft, a compressor impeller disposed at the other end of the shaft, a turbine housing fastened to the center housing and covering the turbine impeller such that an exhaust gas flows into the turbine impeller, a compressor housing fastened to the center housing and covering the compressor impeller such that an intake air flows into the compressor impeller, and a coil type heat exchanger formed in a rotational direction of the shaft and in a space between the center housing and the turbine impeller. |
| US09464638B2 |
Reverse brayton cycle with bladeless turbo compressor for automotive environmental cooling
An automotive cabin cooling system uses a bladeless turbocompressor driven by automobile engine exhaust to compress incoming ambient air. The compressed air is directed to an intercooler where it is cooled and then to another bladeless turbine used as an expander where the air cools as it expands and is directed to the cabin interior. Excess energy may be captured by an alternator couple to the expander turbine. The system employs no chemical refrigerant and may be further modified to include another intercooler on the output of the expander turbine to isolate the cooled cabin environment. |
| US09464637B2 |
Rolling bearing assembly of an exhaust gas turbocharger
A rolling bearing assembly for a rotor of a turbine includes a bearing housing and a bearing cartridge. The bearing cartridge may include an outer shell and an inner shell arranged concentrically thereto. The outer and inner shell may be rotatably mounted on one another about a concentric axis of rotation in two bearing sections axially spaced from one another via rolling bodies. The inner shell may be arranged on a rotor shaft and in the region of the bearing sections includes an inner press fit region. The outer shell may be arranged in the bearing housing and have axially spaced from the bearing sections at least one outer press fit region. In the respective bearing sections an oil damping ring channel may be radially formed between the bearing housing and the outer shell. The oil damping ring channel may extend coaxially to the axis of rotation. |
| US09464634B2 |
Air-moving assemblies with flywheels
Apparatuses and methods are provided for facilitating air-cooling of, for instance, one or more electronics racks within a data center. The apparatus includes an air-moving assembly and one or more flywheels. The air-moving assembly includes a shaft, one or more mechanical fans coupled to the shaft to rotate, at least in part, with the shaft, and a motor coupled to the shaft to rotatably drive the shaft. The flywheel(s) is sized and coupled to the shaft of the air-moving assembly to store rotational energy, and to facilitate, for a specified period of time, continued rotation of the shaft during interruption in power to the motor. In one implementation, the flywheel(s) is sized and coupled to the shaft to facilitate, for the specified time period, continued rotation of the shaft at a specified percentage, or greater, rotational speed of the shaft compared with shaft speed when rotatably driven by the motor. |
| US09464632B2 |
Double-helical gear rotary positive displacement pump
The invention relates to a double-helical gear rotary positive displacement pump including a pump housing rotatably supporting at least a driving shaft and at least a driven shaft, at least a first toothing and a second toothing being associated to the driving shaft and at least a third toothing and a fourth toothing being associated to the driven shaft. The toothings have individually a helical profile that allows their mutual herringbone meshing. Three of toothings are rigidly connected to their respective shafts. The fourth toothing, or other suitable one, is idle on the shaft and axially constrained. |
| US09464630B2 |
Low ice pneumatic motor exhaust muffler
A muffler for a positive displacement pneumatic motor includes a case, an inlet, a diffuser, a pathway, and sound absorbing material. The inlet and the diffuser are attached to the case. The pathway extends between the inlet and the diffuser and allows ice to travel through the muffler. The sound absorbing material is positioned in the pathway and includes more than one duct through which gas passes. |
| US09464621B2 |
Trillium wind turbine
A trillium wind turbine can have a plurality of blades. Together, the swept-back, complexly-curved blades can be attached to an electricity-generating nacelle. Each blade has a main blade, and a trailing edge blade, and can optionally have a diversion blade. Wind is directed down the length of the blade and exits the tip. The main blade resembles a portion of a cylinder in form, the cylinder being twisted to change the angle of attack, thereby adding more lift throughout the length of the blade. The trailing edge and diversion blades are pitched relative to the wind and produce lift. Additionally, wind hitting the diversion blade is diverted behind the blade. Because the surface area and volume of the blade are larger near the base and smaller at the tip, the air traveling along the blade increases in velocity producing more thrust/lift. The turbine also automatically faces into the wind without the need for sensors or positioning motors. |
| US09464620B2 |
Wave energy machine
This invention relates to a device and method for extracting energy from surface waves in a body of water, for example, the sea. A wave energy device (1) for extracting energy from surface waves in a body of water includes an elongate and flexible tubular body (2) having an outer wall (4) and within the outer wall a channel (6) that extends along the length of the tubular body (2). The device is positioned in a body of water so that, in use, the elongate body (2) extends along the water surface (15) in the direction of surface waves with water contained within the channel being driven to form a series of bulge waves that travel along the length of the channel as the tubular body flexibly follows the movement of the waves. The device harnesses energy from the bulge waves for providing useful power. |
| US09464613B2 |
Fuel injector equipped with a metering servovalve for an internal combustion engine
A fuel injector has an injector body and a control rod, which is movable in the injector body along an axis to control the opening/closing of a nozzle that injects fuel into a cylinder of the engine; the injector body houses a metering servovalve having a control chamber, which is axially delimited by the control rod and communicates with an inlet and with a discharge channel; the metering servovalve is provided with a shutter, which slides axially on an axial guide, from which the discharge channel exits, to open and close the discharge channel and, in consequence, vary the pressure in the control chamber; the discharge channel has three restrictions having calibrated passage sections and arranged in series with each other to divide the pressure drop along the discharge channel. |
| US09464608B2 |
Air cleaner for vehicles
A vehicular air cleaner may include: a body having an air inlet port; a cover coupled to a body and having an air outlet port; an element inserted into or drawn from the body and the cover through a access port formed in one side of the body and the cover; a positioning assembly rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the element and vertically moving the element by rotation; and an element cover coupled to the body and the cover to prevent the element from being separated from the access port, wherein the positioning assembly includes driving shafts each fitted with fixing brackets formed on a flange along a side direction of the element, and a driven shaft fitted with a fixing bracket formed on a flange along a front side of the element and having ends rotatably engaged with a pair of driving shafts. |
| US09464604B2 |
Intake system for internal combustion engine
An intake system includes an intake passage for leading intake air to an internal combustion engine; an air cleaner connected to the upstream side end portion of the intake passage. A pressure sensor measures pressure of intake air in the intake passage. An air cleaner case includes a case main body mounted to the upstream side end portion of the intake passage. A cover portion closes the case main body. The intake system includes a throttle body constituting part of the intake passage and having a throttle valve. The pressure sensor is mounted to a support portion extending outward from the case main body and is connected to the downstream side of the throttle valve. |
| US09464602B2 |
Exhaust flap device for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust flap device for an internal combustion engine includes a flap housing and an actuator. The flap housing comprises an exhaust gas duct arranged in the flap housing. The exhaust gas duct is configured to have an exhaust gas flow there-through. An exhaust flap is arranged in the exhaust gas duct and is mounted in the flap housing. The exhaust flap is configured to rotate. A coolant duct is arranged in the flap housing so as to at least partially surround the exhaust flap. The actuator comprises an electric motor and an actuator housing which comprises an actuator coolant duct. The actuator is configured to drive the exhaust flap. The coolant duct arranged in the flap housing is configured to be in a direct fluid communication with the actuator coolant duct. |
| US09464588B2 |
Systems and methods for electronically controlling fuel-to-air ratio for an internal combustion engine
Systems and methods for electronically controlling the fuel-to-air ratio of a fuel mixture supplied to an internal combustion engines are disclosed. In one aspect, electronic control systems and methods are provided that determine and automatically move a choke valve in accordance with a first ramp having a first characteristic that is dependent on engine temperature and ambient air temperature. In another aspect, an integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module is provided. In yet another aspect, electronic control systems and methods are provided that dynamically control a movement characteristic of a choke valve using a feedback loop. |
| US09464587B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine for favorable exhaust gas treatment
The invention discloses a method for operating a drive device (10), in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine (12) and at least one further drive assembly (28) which is not an internal combustion engine (12), wherein an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (12) is treated by means of an exhaust gas treatment system (16), and wherein it is checked whether the internal combustion engine (12) is in an operating point defined as favorable for the exhaust gas treatment, and wherein then if it is found that the internal combustion engine (12) is not in an operating point defined as favorable for the exhaust gas treatment, the operating point of the internal combustion engine (12) is brought using the further drive assembly (28) into a range defined as favorable for the exhaust gas treatment. |
| US09464583B2 |
Cylinder pressure based control of dual fuel engines
Systems and methods for controlling operation of dual fuel internal combustion engines in response to cylinder pressure based determinations are disclosed. The techniques control fuelling contributions from a first fuel source and a second fuel source to achieve desired operational outcomes in response to the cylinder pressure based determinations. |
| US09464579B2 |
Isothermal compression based combustion engine
Systems and methods are disclosed that include operating an isothermal compression based combustion (IsoC) engine by injecting isothermally compressed air into a combustion engine immediately prior to a combustion event in order to increase the efficiency of the engine, improve emissions, and substantially eliminate autoignition and associated design constraints. The IsoC engine utilizes an intercooled compressor to isothermally compress air that is stored in a plurality of capacitance tanks prior to delivery of the compressed air to the combustion engine. The IsoC engine allows combustion to be selectively terminated to increase fuel efficiency, thereby resulting in a hybrid compressed air-motor and internal combustion operated IsoC engine. |
| US09464576B2 |
System and method for operating a power plant
A system including a fuel-supply system including, an auxiliary-fuel-gas compressor configured to compress a fuel for use by a gas-turbine system, an expander configured to generate power by expanding an oxidant from the gas-turbine system, and a motor/generator configured to function in a motor mode and in a generator mode, wherein the motor/generator drives fuel compression with the auxiliary fuel-gas compressor in the motor mode, and the motor/generator generates power in the generator mode as the expander uses oxidant from the gas-turbine system to drive the motor/generator. |
| US09464573B2 |
Method for operating a gas turbine engine, power supplying device for conducting such method and aircraft using such method
A power supply device or system for aeronautics, having a hydrocarbon supply for supplying an engine with hydrocarbon fuel and a hydrogen supply having a fuel reformer for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuel from said hydrocarbon supply. The hydrogen supply is connected to a hydrogen-powered fuel cell for producing electric power and to a hydrogen injecting system for injection of hydrogen into a combustion chamber of the engine. Further, the invention relates to an aircraft having an engine that can be supplied by that power supplying device or system, and to a method for operating said engine. |
| US09464572B2 |
Oil tank and scavenge pipe assembly of a gas turbine engine and method of delivering an oil and air mixture to same
An oil tank and scavenge pipe assembly of a gas turbine engine comprises a tank, and a scavenge pipe having a discharge portion disposed inside the tank. The discharge portion comprises a first portion having first and second ends. The first end is adapted to connect to an oil return line for receiving a mixture of oil and air. A bend extends from the second end downstream thereof relative to a flow of the mixture of oil and air through the scavenge pipe. The bend is configured to cause stratification of the mixture of oil and air as the mixture of oil and air flows through it. An outlet downstream of the bend delivers the mixture of oil and air to the tank. A method of delivering an oil and air mixture to a rotating oil volume of a tank of a gas turbine engine is also presented. |
| US09464571B2 |
Fossil fuel-fired power station having a removal apparatus for carbon dioxide and process for separating carbon dioxide from an offgas from a fossil fuel-fired power station
A fossil fuel-fired power station having a removal apparatus for carbon dioxide which is located downstream of a combustion facility and through which an offgas containing carbon dioxide may flow is provided. The removal apparatus comprises an absorption unit and a desorption unit. The desorption unit is connected to a renewable energy source. |
| US09464569B2 |
Digital hydraulic opposed free piston engines and methods
Digital hydraulic opposed free piston internal combustion engines having a pair of free pistons in a pair of cylinders defining a combustion chamber above each free piston. The pair of free pistons is arranged to move within the pair of cylinders with parallel axes of free piston motion, and preferably co-linear axes of free piston motion. At least one hydraulic plunger is under each free piston with each hydraulic plunger in a respective hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinders are coupled to electronically controlled hydraulic cylinder valving. A controller controls the electronically controlled hydraulic cylinder valving to control the pair of free pistons to have substantially equal and opposite motions. |
| US09464564B2 |
System and method for estimating a turbine outlet temperature or a turbine inlet temperature based on a wastegate command
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a boost control module and a temperature estimation module. The boost control module generates a wastegate command signal to control a position of a wastegate and thereby adjust an amount of exhaust gas allowed to bypass a turbine of a turbocharger through the wastegate. The temperature estimation module estimates at least one of a first temperature downstream from the turbine and a second temperature upstream from the turbine based on the wastegate command signal. |
| US09464562B2 |
Variable valve system to reduce condensation in a charge air cooler
Methods and systems are provided for regulating air flow through a charge air cooler. In one example, an air flow regulating element may be positioned in a tank of the charge air cooler, the air flow regulating element including a cylindrical barrel valve rotatable about a rotational axis to adjust air flow through cooling tubes in the charge air cooler. A position of the barrel valve may be based on a mass air flow rate and/or a temperature at an outlet of the charge air cooler. |
| US09464557B2 |
Muffler shield and muffler assembly employing the same
In one or more embodiments, a muffler shield includes a shield body extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a middle portion positioned between first and second side portions along a transverse direction, a cross-section of the middle portion and at least one of the first and second side portions respectively defining a middle profile and a side profile shorter than the middle profile. |
| US09464556B2 |
High-temperature sensor for arrangement in a metal tube, especially inside the exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a high-temperature sensor comprising contact wires in a metal tube, preferably a bent metal tube for arrangement especially inside the exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, and spacer bodies distributed in rows along the contact wires so as to maintain the contact wires at a predetermined distance to the inner wall of the metal tube. According to the invention, every spacer body is approximately ovoid, the diameter of the center portion of the egg being not wider than the inside width of the as yet unbent metal tube. The spacer bodies are injection-molded polymer ceramic parts molded onto the contact wires. |
| US09464553B2 |
Power generation system
An internal combustion engine is powered on or using a mix of a liquid fuel and hydrogen, to produce energy that is converted into electricity using an alternator, which is subsequently used to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced through the use of hydrogen generating cells which breaks down water using electrolysis and outputs hydrogen. The cell uses anode rods inserted into a tank containing cathode tubes. Additionally, the tank itself also acts as the cathode as the tank is connected to the negative end of a circuit. A current passes from the anode rods to the cathode through water to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen is off gassed and stored in a reservoir to be used in an internal combustion engine as fuel. The energy needed to perform electrolysis is garnered from an alternator and a turbine that is part of the system. |
| US09464549B2 |
Electrically heated catalyst device and its manufacturing method
An electrically heated catalyst device includes a catalyst support, a surface electrode disposed on an outer surface of the catalyst support and extending in an axis direction of the catalyst support, a wiring line member including a root section extending in the axis direction of the catalyst support and comb teeth-like wiring lines extending from the root section in a circumference direction of the catalyst support and fixed to the surface electrode, an outer cylinder covering an outer surface of the catalyst support, and a holding member holding the catalyst support and packed between the catalyst support and the outer cylinder, in which the catalyst support is heated by feeding a current through the surface electrode and the wiring line member. A slit extending from an outer edge in the circumferential direction of the catalyst support is formed in the root section of the wiring line member. |
| US09464544B2 |
Variable valve lift apparatus of engine
A variable valve lift apparatus of an engine includes a first body rotated at within a preset angle range by rotating a high-speed cam coupled to a camshaft, a second body coupled to the first body or decoupled from the first body and rotated within a preset angle range by rotating a low-cam coupled to the camshaft when the second body is decoupled from the first body, a latching pin provided retractably forward of the first body such that the first body is coupled to or decoupled from the second body, and an actuating unit to retractably actuate the latching pin. The degree of the lift of the valve is variably controlled in two stages of high-speed and low-speed modes through the rotary motion of the high speed cam or low speed cam by coupling or decoupling the first and second bodies to or from each other. |
| US09464543B2 |
Valve opening/closing timing control device
In a valve opening/closing timing control device, a fluid pressure chamber formed by a drive-side rotating and a driven-side rotating body is divided into an advance chamber and a delay chamber. The valve opening/closing timing control device includes an intermediate lock mechanism; an electromagnetic valve; a phase detection sensor; and a control unit that issues a command to the electromagnetic valve to switch a working fluid supply destination to a working fluid supply destination at which the driven-side rotating body shifts to an intermediate lock phase, when a relative rotation phase at the startup of an engine is positioned toward a most delayed phase or a most advanced phase with respect to the intermediate lock phase in case of the electromagnetic valve that sets the working fluid supply destination to the delay chamber or the advance chamber when supply of electric power to the electromagnetic valve is stopped. |
| US09464542B2 |
Variable valve timing apparatus for internal combustion engine
A variable valve timing apparatus includes: a variable valve timing mechanism; an intermediate locking mechanism that locks the valve timing at an intermediate timing; and a hydraulic pressure supply device that hydraulically actuates these mechanisms. The hydraulic pressure supply device uses a single oil control valve to control a state where lubricating oil is supplied to or drained from each of an advance chamber, a retard chamber and an intermediate chamber of an intermediate locking mechanism. The oil control valve has first to fourth modes. The oil control valve advances the valve timing and actuates the intermediate locking mechanism in a projecting direction in the third mode, and, under a situation that the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the variable valve timing mechanism is smaller than that in the third mode, advances the valve timing and actuates the intermediate locking mechanism in a release direction in the fourth mode. |
| US09464541B2 |
Control device of internal combustion engine and variable valve device of internal combustion engine
A control device of an internal combustion engine includes: a variable valve device including: first and second rocker arms; a cam; a rocker shaft provided with a lubricating oil passage; a pin switching the first and second rocker arms between a coupling state and a non-coupling state; a biasing member biasing the pin; a switching oil passage capable of supplying oil pressure to the pin in a direction opposite to a biasing direction; a lash adjuster; and a supplying oil passage, capable of supplying oil pressure to the pin in the biasing direction of the biasing member and supplying oil pressure into the lash adjuster, a hydraulic pump; an oil pressure control valve; and a control unit controlling the oil pressure control valve to always supply the supplying oil passage with oil pressure higher than oil pressure within the lubricating oil passage, during driving of an internal combustion engine. |
| US09464540B2 |
Transfer assembly for a mechanically controllable valve train
A transfer assembly for a mechanically controllable valve train includes a transfer member in which a valve lift adjusting device is integrated. The transfer member is configured to be operatively connected to at least one gas exchange valve directly or indirectly via a coupling element, to be movably supported in a cylinder head via a bearing, and to be operatively connected to a camshaft and to the valve lift adjusting device so that different maximum lifts of the gas exchange valve can be set. |
| US09464531B2 |
Locking spacer assembly
Locking spacer assemblies, rotor assemblies and turbomachines are provided. In one embodiment, a locking spacer assembly includes a first end piece and a second end piece each configured to fit into a space between platforms of adjacent rotor blades, the first end piece and second end piece each comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface having a profile adapted to project into an attachment slot, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second end pieces generally face each other. The locking spacer assembly further includes an actuator movable between the inner surfaces, the actuator comprising a projection configured to engage the inner surface, the actuator further comprising a plurality of locating protrusions extending from the projection, the locating protrusions configured to fit within locating channels defined in the first end piece and the second end piece. |
| US09464530B2 |
Turbine bucket and method for balancing a tip shroud of a turbine bucket
The present application and the resultant patent provide a turbine bucket for a gas turbine engine. The turbine bucket may include an airfoil, a tip shroud positioned radially outward from the airfoil, and a seal rail positioned radially outward from the tip shroud and extending in a generally tangential direction from a first end to a second end of the tip shroud. The seal rail may include a maximum axial thickness at a location positioned between the first end and the second end and offset from the airfoil in the generally tangential direction. The present application and the resultant patent further provide a gas turbine engine and a method for balancing a tip shroud of a turbine bucket of a gas turbine engine. |
| US09464520B2 |
Method of incorporating remote communication with oilfield tubular handling apparatus
Apparatus and corresponding method for remotely communicating with a device in a wellbore, comprising: an oilfield tubular handling apparatus (200); partial toroidal coil sections (304) integrated with the oilfield tubular handling apparatus, wherein the partial toroidal coil sections form a toroidal coil upon a tubular member (102) with the handling apparatus; and a microcontroller for communicating with the device via at least one of signals transmitted or received through the tubular member using the toroidal coil. |
| US09464517B2 |
Real time well data alerts
An apparatus for remote monitoring of well operations. The apparatus may include an alerts module positioned proximate a well, at least one well parameter sensor in communication with the alerts module, and a well operation control module in communication with the alerts module. The apparatus may further include a remotely positioned well monitoring station in communication with the alerts module, and a plurality of user terminal in communication with the well monitoring station. |
| US09464515B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource heating system including RF antennas driven at different phases and related methods
A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having spaced-apart wellbores therein aligned in a plane may include radio frequency (RF) antennas to be positioned within respective ones of the spaced apart wellbores aligned in the plane. The system may also include a plurality of discrete RF sources each coupled to one of the RF antennas and configured so that the RF antennas are driven at a same frequency as each other RF antenna but at different phases. |
| US09464514B2 |
Methods and systems for enhanced delivery of thermal energy for horizontal wellbores
Systems and methods for delivery of thermal energy to horizontal wellbores are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises heating a heat transfer fluid; circulating the heat transfer fluid into a vertical bore to a heat exchanger; advancing feedwater into the vertical bore to the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the feedwater to generate steam; transmitting the steam from the heat exchanger into a horizontal wellbore to cause heating of a subterranean region; and returning the heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger to the surface. The method may further comprise collecting liquefied formation in a second horizontal wellbore; and transmitting the liquefied formation to the surface through a production line. |
| US09464512B2 |
Methods for fluid monitoring in a subterranean formation using one or more integrated computational elements
Methods for fluid monitoring in a subterranean formation can comprise: providing a diverting fluid comprising a diverting agent; introducing the diverting fluid into a subterranean formation comprising one or more subterranean zones; and monitoring a disposition of the diverting fluid within the subterranean formation using one or more integrated computational elements in optical communication with the subterranean formation. |
| US09464509B2 |
Dripping off mat
The invention relates to a drip mat for equipment such as drill rods, drill pipes, and accessories therefor. The drip mat comprises several components, such as a flat base plate, one or more bounding webs surrounding the base plate at the edges thereof, which bounding webs together with the base plate form a container that is open at the top, wherein the bounding webs are provided in some areas with slot-shaped recesses that are open at the top. |
| US09464508B2 |
Interactive and/or secure activation of a tool
A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled. |
| US09464506B2 |
Sliding sleeve valve and method for fluid treating a subterranean formation
A sliding sleeve valve for wellbore operations includes: a tubular body including a tubular wall including an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner bore; a fluid port extending through the tubular wall and providing fluidic communication between the outer surface and the inner bore; a sliding sleeve in the inner bore slidably moveable between a port closed position and a port open position, the sliding sleeve including a ball seat on which a plug is landed to move the sleeve from the port closed position to the port open position; an initial sleeve holding mechanism for holding the sliding sleeve in the port closed position, the initial sleeve holding mechanism selected to be overcome by landing a plug on the ball seat to move the sliding sleeve; and a second sleeve holding mechanism for holding the sliding sleeve in the port closed position after the sliding sleeve is reclosed from the port open position to the port closed position, the second sleeve holding mechanism selected to be overcome by landing a plug on the ball seat to move the sliding sleeve. |
| US09464502B2 |
Mill diverter having a swellable material for preventing fluid flow past the material
A method of preventing fluid flow past a tapered face of a mill diverter in a wellbore comprises: positioning the mill diverter in the wellbore, wherein the mill diverter comprises: a body; the tapered face, wherein the tapered face is located at one end of the body; and a swellable material, wherein the swellable material: is positioned circumferentially around the body of the mill diverter adjacent to the tapered face; swells in the presence of a swelling fluid; and prevents substantially all of a fluid from flowing past the swellable material after the swellable material has swelled; and causing or allowing the swellable material to swell. The swellable material can also prevent a loss of pressure in the wellbore above the swellable material or prevent a first fluid having a first density from mixing with a second fluid having a second density after the swellable material has swelled. |
| US09464501B2 |
Zonal isolation utilizing cup packers
Zone isolation is a leading concern for operators that wish to fluidly treat a well. Typically in an open hole packers hydraulically actuated solid body packers have been are deployed at particular intervals along the wellbore to provide zonal isolation of various formations or portions of a formation. By isolating the various zones valves may be selectively opened or closed to treat a particular zone independently of the remainder of the well. In an improvement over the past procedures a cup style packer that is particularly useful in open hole may now be used. |
| US09464493B2 |
Mobile coiled tubing reel unit, rig and arrangements thereof
A system is provided for injecting coiled tubing (CT) into and out of a wellbore. In embodiments, separate injector and reel units are provided releasing constraints on CT size and length. The injector unit is fit with an extendible mast for handling larger bottom hole assemblies and fit with a rotating gooseneck for accepting CT from alternate arrangements of the reel unit. The mast is reinforced to resist CT loading. The capacity of the reel is maximized for the reel unit transport envelope. The reel is rotated using an offset drive engaging a bounding reel flange, such as engaging drive and bull gears. A generally radial displacement of the drive from the reel permits replacement of the entire reel. |
| US09464492B2 |
Videometric systems and methods for offshore and oil-well drilling
A system is disclosed for determining the position of a downhole drill pipe relative to a pipe handling device. The system comprises: an imaging means arranged to capture an image of the drill pipe in a region of the pipe for engagement by the device; and a processor operable to analyze said captured image and to determine therefrom the position of the drill pipe relative to said device. |
| US09464488B2 |
Performing simultaneous operations on multiple wellbore locations using a single mobile drilling rig
A system includes a drilling rig having a substructure, the drilling rig being adapted to be positioned above a plurality of wellbore location such that each of the plurality of wellbore locations is simultaneously positioned below the substructure. Equipment movement means is included for moving pressure control equipment between positions proximate each of the plurality of wellbore locations, the equipment movement means being adapted to move the pressure control equipment between the positions while the drilling rig is performing a rig operation on at least a first one of the plurality of wellbore locations. Equipment positioning means is included for positioning pressure control equipment on one or more of the plurality of wellbore locations, the equipment positioning means being adapted to position the pressure control equipment on a second one of the plurality of wellbore locations while the rig operation is being performed on the first wellbore location. |
| US09464487B1 |
Drill bit and cylinder body device, assemblies, systems and methods
A drilling system includes a cylinder body and drill bit assembly. The drill bit includes a plurality of drill bit blades, each having at least one drill bit element. A cylinder body is connected to the drill bit. A plurality of transmitters are mounted on each drill bit element and transmit data characterizing a degree of wear of the drill bit to a data transmitter and receiver of the cylinder body that is in communication with the plurality of transmitters. |
| US09464480B2 |
Magnetostrictive motor for a borehole assembly
A motor includes: a rotor including an undulated surface; a rod disposed about the rotor; and a coil disposed about the rod to induce shape changes in the rod, which in turn impart forces to the undulated surface to rotate the rotor. |
| US09464478B2 |
Light blocking slatted blind
A slatted blind is configured such that the slats close create a light blocking blind. The slats may be supported by a tilt cord that comprises a low stretch strand or a low stretch cord may be attached to the tilt cord. The slats may be connected to the supporting tilt cord such that when the slat is rotated to a closed position the slat is suspended from the rung. The rung may have an effective diameter of less than approximately 14 mil. Recesses may be formed in the slat for receiving the rung when the slat is in a closed position. A bottom rail may have a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of the slats. A protrusion may be formed on the back of the slats such that the rung pushes on the protrusion to force the slat against an adjacent slat when the blind is closed. |
| US09464476B2 |
Wall entry tunnel for a pet door
A wall entry tunnel for use with a pet door. The wall entry tunnel extends through a structural feature and forms an enclosed passageway connecting the interior and exterior frames of a pet door. The length of the wall entry tunnel adjusts to fit walls of various thicknesses. The wall entry tunnel includes modular components that facilitate compact packaging and are readily assembled to construct the enclosed passageway with a perimeter sized to match the size of the pet door opening. |
| US09464475B2 |
Method of manufacturing a molded door skin from a flat wood composite, door skin produced therefrom, and door manufactured therewith
A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured. |
| US09464472B2 |
Blind hinge used for furniture
A blind hinge used for furniture, comprising a movable cup holder provided on the furniture door body, an adjusting base provided on the furniture body, a rotary arm connected between the movable cup holder and the adjusting base as well as an elastic element designed to generate opening/closing acting force on the movable cup holder. The adjusting base is designed as L-shape or bent shape to realize three-dimensional or two-dimensional adjustment to the hinge; a convex step used to support the elastic member is formed on the bottom base of the movable cup holder; the elastic member is a torsion spring, with its section on at least one of its end parts being square or circular; the connecting piece is provided with a boss and a convex part. |
| US09464470B2 |
Hinge module and electronic device using the same
A hinge module including a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a sleeve and at least a first ball is provided. The first shaft member is rotatably inserted in the second shaft member along an axis. The sleeve disposed between the first shaft member and the second shaft member along the axis, and the sleeve is connected to the second shaft member. The sleeve has at least one guide groove, which extends around the axis and has at least one gap along the axis. The first ball disposed on the first shaft member, and the first ball rotatably coupled to the guide groove. When the first shaft member is relatively rotated with the second shaft member around the axis, the first shaft member relatively moves the gap along the axis by rolling the first ball in the guide groove. An electronic device is also provided. |
| US09464465B2 |
Handle assembly
A handle assemble is provided that includes a pivotable handle on a first side of a housing that when moved to an extended position is operative to cause a lever arm to move on a second side of the housing in order to operate a latch mechanism. To move the lever arm, the assembly includes a lock slide that in a first pivot position is operative to slide longitudinal and urge the lever arm to pivot responsive to either the handle causing a trigger to urge a first end of the lock slide to slide or an inside release member urging a second end of the lock slide to slide. However, when the lock slide is in a second pivot position, the trigger and the inside release member are not operative to engage the respective first and second ends of the lock slide. |
| US09464464B2 |
Drive unit
A drive unit for automotive applications, specifically for application with or in combination with a motor vehicle door lock, a housing (5), a motor (1) as well as an associated motor shaft (2), and with at least one spring element (6) generating an axial force at one end of the motor shaft (2), with the spring element (6) being located in at least one receptacle (7, 8) in the housing (5). In a top view, the spring element (6) has essentially a T-shaped design with an end plate (6a) and cantilevers (6b) on both sides, with the end plate (6a) acting upon the motor shaft (2), and at least the cantilevers (6b) being arranged in the receptacle (7, 8). |
| US09464462B1 |
Padlock with non-conductive parts
A padlock includes a body having a first recess in the top thereof. A slide slot is defined in one side of the body and communicates with the first recess. A slide is located in the slide slot and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The slide protrudes beyond the body when the slide is located at the locked position, and is retracted into the body when the slide is located at the unlocked position. A housing is mounted to the body and has a first hole defined in the inside thereof. Two second holes are defined in the top of the housing. The slide is located in the first hole when the slide is located at the locked position. The slide can be moved and separated from the housing to replace the shackle and the cylinder when the padlock is unlocked. |
| US09464461B2 |
Lock device and method of use
The present invention, and inventive system, describes a locking system that reinforces an existing recessed cover or tubular. In many embodiments of the present invention, the present invention reinforces an existing recessed cover by preventing the recessed covers from being easily removed by unauthorized persons and prevents any unauthorized personnel from accessing a locked down tubular. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive system is designed to maximize the overall strength of the locking unit for recessed covers or tubulars by using applied force on both the recessed cover and the circumference, curves, or straight, edge of the recessed unit or tubular interior. |
| US09464457B2 |
Handle structure for bi-fold door
A handle structure is provided with handles and finger insertion recesses disposed on each of first and second doors. Each handle is provided with a finger-hook plate piece that extends vertically while protruding from the vicinity of one end faces on an outer surface, where first and second doors are bendably joined, toward other end faces. The finger insertion recesses are formed on the outer surfaces of the first and second doors in such a manner as to face the finger-hook plate pieces, and are formed in dimensions that enable fingers to be hooked on inner surfaces of the handles. The handles and the finger insertion recesses are formed in a bilaterally symmetrical shape with the end faces, which face each other, of the doors in the center. |
| US09464456B2 |
System for protecting stored goods
A system for protecting stored goods in a storage room, having one or more storage constructions formed by one or more pesticide treated nets (30, 31), capable of enclosing the stored goods, where the storage construction further includes a support frame, means for suspending the support frame, means for opening and closing at least one section of the storage construction while the support frame is in a suspended state, and means for avoiding an overall structural collapse if a net gets entangled. The system is particularly useful for the storage of tobacco, coffee, dried fruits, cocoa, nuts, tea, cereals and spices. |
| US09464454B2 |
Themed cemetery systems and methods
An improved cemetery experience whereby the cemetery and accompanying facilities may celebrate and demonstrate the passion and hobbies of the deceased individual, such as a love of sports. The contemplated themed cemetery may be a stand-alone cemetery that celebrates a common passion of a plurality of individuals, yet still maintains the traditional burial and memorialization process. The themed cemetery memorializes a specific event or a loved location and provides enjoyment to individuals having a common interest with an opportunity for burial and/or memorial with a common theme. The themed cemetery comprises a visual and physical replica of a venue, such as a sporting facility, e.g., the Los Angeles Sports Arena, the Los Angeles Coliseum, Angel Stadium, Wimbledon, and the like. The themed cemetery is configured to providing space for the deceased while also providing income and revenue by way of advertising for the cemetery operator. |
| US09464445B2 |
Composite structural element
A composite structural element is provided herein, which comprises a basal member having voids of a predefined shape that are open to a surface thereof; and filling elements designed to fit into the voids. The predefined shape of the voids and/or an interface between the filling elements and the voids are arranged to maintain the filling elements within the voids. |
| US09464444B2 |
Set of panels comprising retaining profiles with a separate clip and method for inserting the clip
The invention relates to a set of panels, preferably of floor panels, consisting of a first panel and at least a second panel with, in each case, a top side and an underside, wherein the first panel comprises at an edge a first retaining profile with a hook directed towards the top side, the second panel comprises at an edge a second retaining profile with a hook directed towards the underside, the first retaining profile and the second retaining profile can be connected by a relative movement directed perpendicular to a plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which comprises a clip head, a clip body and a clip base. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for inserting the clip into a retaining profile. |
| US09464443B2 |
Flooring material comprising flooring elements which are assembled by means of separate flooring elements
Flooring material comprising board shaped floor elements with a rectangular oblong shape, which are provided with edges, a lower side and a decorative upper surface. The flooring material further includes joining profiles separate from the basic material of the floor elements. The floor elements may become fixed adjacent to each other, wherein the fixation is effective both horizontally and vertically. The vertical fixation is obtained through at least one of the joining profiles, which is not involved in the horizontal fixation. |
| US09464441B2 |
Panel mounting apparatus and system
A mounting apparatus for mounting a panel to a structure. The mounting apparatus includes a panel extrusion that attaches to a back side of the panel such that the panel extrusion is obscured behind the panel in order to show a clean surface look. A connector extrusion secures the panel extrusion to the structure for simple construction. |
| US09464440B2 |
Integrated safety rail protection system
A safety rail system in some embodiments may include integrated ergonomic hand-grip projections, and structures for affixing the system for egress and ingress through an opening, such as roof or floor access holes. A self-closing gravity gate may be provided acting as additional hand-grip, support, and barrier. The safety rail system may be constructed and assembled using a unique continuous tubular structure of converging vertical and angular upright post with horizontal upper rail, forward protruding ergonomically effecting hand-grip and opposing directionally horizontal lower attachment support means reducing lateral motion and allows installation for new construction or retro fitting of existing openings. |
| US09464439B2 |
Roofing shingle system and shingles for use therein
A two-layer laminated roofing shingle is disclosed comprising a posterior layer having an upper portion and a buttlap including a plurality of simulated tabs extending from the posterior upper portion, each simulated tab is connected to at least one adjacent simulated tab by a connecting segment, and an anterior layer having a headlap and a buttlap including one or more anterior tabs extending from the anterior headlap. Also disclosed is a single layer roofing shingle comprising a headlap and a buttlap including a plurality of simulated tabs extending from said headlap, the simulated tabs spaced apart by a plurality of partial slots, and each simulated tab is connected to at least one adjacent simulated tab by a connecting segment. Also disclosed is a roofing system comprising a plurality of courses of the inventive shingles. |
| US09464436B2 |
Prefabricated panel for a building
A prefabricated building element is configured to be connected to a lateral side of a prefabricated building structure for forming a part of a building such that the building element forms a wall or a roof slab or a floor slab of a building. The building element includes a wooden core arranged adjacent to at least one insulating layer, and at least one engagement means for later engagement with the prefabricated building structure by means of a connecting device, wherein the building structure is a prefabricated module or another prefabricated building element. |
| US09464433B1 |
Self-tightening splice
A splice clip for a trim strip of the type having a receiving track with re-entrant flanges, the clip being formed as a single piece sheet metal body having an elongated configuration with parallel edges along opposed long sides lying in a flat plane, a locking tab on each longitudinal half of the body supported on an integral hinge, each locking tab having a locking edge eccentric of the respective hinge, each locking tab being pivotal on the respective hinge from an initial position with said locking edge in said plane to a locking position in which said locking edge is out of said plane whereby it is adapted to frictionally lock against a surface of the trim strip associated with the clip receiving track. |
| US09464430B2 |
Vacuum insulation material
A vacuum insulation includes a core material and a gas adsorption agent interposed between a first gas barrier material and a second gas barrier material, wherein the first and the second gas barrier materials sealingly enclose the core material and the gas adsorption agent, and wherein at least one of the first and the second gas barrier materials includes a laminate including a copper alloy foil and a polymeric material. |
| US09464429B2 |
Waterproofing system for wet areas
The present invention relates generally to a waterproofing assembly (10) for a wet area such as a shower recess (12). The waterproofing assembly (10) comprises an elongate spacer element (24) and a waterproofing membrane or coating (26). The spacer element (24) is adapted to secure to a wall structure (14) which is associated with a wall panel (28). The wall panel (28) rests upon the spacer element (24) to raise the panel (28) above the level of a floor (16) and substantially clear of the wet area (12). The wall panel (28) is otherwise conventionally fixed to the wall structure (14). |
| US09464428B2 |
Self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling
A self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling is provided. The self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling includes a lower section including a platform and a floor, said lower section forming a first portion of a foundation of said dwelling; an upper section including a ceiling and connected to the lower section to define a cavity, said upper section forming a first portion of a roof of said dwelling; a plurality of wall components attached to said lower section and said upper section within said cavity to form subcavities within said cavity; a plurality of panels attachable to said lower section and said upper section to enclose said cavity when the structure is configured as the shipping container and attachable to said upper section to form a second portion of said roof of said dwelling extending from said first portion of said roof to define an approximate area of said dwelling when the structure is configured as the dwelling; and a plurality of extension walls storable within said subcavities when the structure is configured as the shipping container and configurable to enclose said approximate area of said dwelling when the structure is configured as the dwelling. |
| US09464425B2 |
Portable personal hygiene device
A portable personal hygiene device is detachably secured to a toilet bowl rim via an integral mounting bracket. The hygiene device controllably directs liquid, water, or other solution to the posterior portions of a user's body through a nozzle assembly. The hygiene device includes a housing which encloses a power source, a motor and a pump. An adjustable brace is included to facilitate enhanced secured attachment of the hygiene device to the toilet rim. A replaceable, reusable reservoir provides the water supply for the pump. The nozzle assembly is movable between retracted and extended positions. |
| US09464424B1 |
Toilet tool cleaning system
A toilet tool cleansing system employs a mixing eductor that disperses a disinfectant solution into a water stream that is sprayed onto the tool and thereafter collected and discharged into a toilet via a drain eductor. The cleansing system includes plumbing and a valve adapted to be in fluid communication with an existing water supply source. A housing receives the toilet tool. The housing has at least one spray nozzle in fluid communication with the mixing eductor for dispensing the water and disinfectant on the tool. The drain eductor propels waste liquids from the system into a toilet bowl. |
| US09464423B2 |
Emergency flush apparatus and method
An emergency flush apparatus for a toilet includes a flush driver module, a battery, and a processing unit operatively connected to the battery and the flush driver module. The emergency flush apparatus further includes a flush switch operatively connected to the battery and the processing unit, and a primary power supply operatively connected to the flush driver module. When the flush switch is activated, the processing unit detects a state of the flush driver module. Power is then supplied to the flush driver module from one of either the primary power supply or the battery in response to the detected state. |
| US09464417B2 |
Ceramic valve with a middle section having a cold water supply function
A ceramic valve includes a casing, a drive seat, a coupling seat, a rotary block and a fixed block sequentially mounted into the casing, wherein a braking shaft is pivotally connected to the drive seat and extends through a top of the casing. A pedestal is sealingly secured on a bottom of the casing for positioning the drive seat, the coupling seat, the rotary block and the fixed block. The rotary block is moved relative to the fixed block to guide cold water into the ceramic valve when the ceramic valve is in a middle section and the braking rod is operated to an inclined status. |
| US09464416B1 |
Unibody thermostatic rim or deck mount faucet assembly
A deck or bath tub mounted unibody safety faucet comprising of a housing with a first chamber and a second chamber being at two ends of a longitudinal first water passageway, the chambers oriented perpendicular to the first water passageway; the first chamber receiving a thermostatic cartridge and the second chamber receiving a diverting flow cartridge; a first securing means to align and secure said thermostatic cartridge inside the first chamber; a second securing means to align and secure the flow diverting cartridge inside the second chamber; at least one hot water inlet and one cold water inlet being disposed on one side of said first chamber; said second chamber having at least a first and a second mixed water outlets; a second water passageway connecting the first mixed water outlet of the second chamber to a spout. |
| US09464415B2 |
Faucet
A faucet includes a spout base having a first end mounted to a mounting surface and a second end opposite the first end that includes an elbow, more than one water supply line within the spout base, and a hub containing a mixing valve. The hub includes an inlet end and an outlet end. The second end of the spout base and the inlet end of the hub connect together. The inlet end of the hub connects to the water supply lines. The mixing valve is approximately midway between the elbow and a dispensing end of the faucet. |
| US09464414B2 |
Household electronic mixing-valve device
A household electronic mixing-valve faucet for controlling a temperature of a mixed stream discharging from the faucet, including: (a) a faucet body; (b) a controller; (c) a first powered valve fluidly connected to the hot water flowpath; (d) a second powered valve fluidly connected to the cold water flowpath; (e) an arrangement adapted to determine extents of opening of the valves; (f) temperature sensors, operative to sense a temperature of fluids within the hot and cold water flowpaths; and pressure sensors; the controller adapted to maintain a difference between an actual temperature of the mixed stream and a setpoint temperature thereof within a particular range. |
| US09464411B2 |
Ground engaging tool
A ground engaging tool includes a ground engaging tool body, an excavating tooth, and an adapter. A fixed portion of the adapter is fixed to the ground engaging tool body, and an insertion portion of the adapter protrudes from the ground engaging tool body in a first direction. The excavating tooth has a tooth body, an insertion cavity and a supporting portion. The insertion cavity is formed in a base end face of the tooth body. The excavating tooth is attached to the adapter such that the insertion portion of the adapter is inserted into the insertion cavity of the excavating tooth. The supporting portion projects from an innermost part of the insertion cavity. The supporting portion of the excavating tooth opposes a front end of the insertion portion of the adapter such that a gap exists between the supporting portion and the front end of the insertion portion. |
| US09464403B2 |
Method and system for estimating payload weight with tilt position compensation
A system for estimating the weight of a payload in a bucket is provided. The system includes a pivotable lift linkage, a lift cylinder assembly, a pivotable tilt linkage and a tilt cylinder assembly. A payload measurement system receives pressure data relating to a pressure in the lift cylinder assembly and angular position data relating to an angular position of the bucket relative. The payload measurement system is configured to estimate weight of a payload in the bucket based on the pressure data, the angular position data and predetermined physical parameters relating to the tilt linkage and lift linkage that are useable to characterize an effect of a portion of the payload that is supported by the tilt cylinder assembly. |
| US09464400B2 |
Assembly for the detention or retention of water and other fluids
Modules for use in an assembly for managing the flow of water beneath a ground surface and assemblies of such modules are disclosed. The modules include supports and a deck portion and the supports are spaced apart and form channels with a main section of the deck portion. The deck portion also includes at least one section extending from a main section. |
| US09464399B2 |
Pile cutter
A remotely controlled pile cutter for insertion to a desired position within a tubular piling comprises an insertion cable attached to a lifting sub, radially extendable centralizer arms, an extendable rotatable cutter, a camera, and monitors and sensors in communication with a control panel and computer processor where information and control signals are received and generated. The radially extending centralizer arms hold the pile cutter in place at the internal piling wall. Radial extension of the rotatable cutter positions a fluid nozzle to direct high pressure cutting fluid against the internal piling wall as the cutter is rotated around the internal piling wall to sever the piling. The location and position of the rotatable cutter, the fluid steam, and the physical properties of the cutter environment may be continually and remotely monitored at the control panel. |
| US09464398B2 |
Pile-driving apparatus and method for driving a pile element into the ground
A pile-driving apparatus and a method for driving a pile element into the ground, wherein a head region of the pile element is arranged in a driving helmet on an underside of a driven hammer unit, which is moved by a main winch and a main rope along a mast and drives the pile element in a vertical driving position into the ground. The pile element is hoisted by an auxiliary winch with auxiliary rope from a lying position into the approximately vertical driving position, in which the head region of the pile element is received in the driving helmet of the hammer unit. |
| US09464395B1 |
Oil skimmer barge having an adjustable weir
An oil skimming water vessel having a hull and deck forming one or more interior compartments, wherein the hull comprising a bow or forward section, a mid-section, a stern or aft section, and an oil skimmer assembly, and wherein either or both of the bow or aft section constructed having a rake bottom shell. The oil skimmer assembly having first and second separated side walls (SKEG) extending vertically down from the rake bottom shell, a skimmer bottom plate extending between and affixed at the lower end sections of each of the side walls (SKEG) wherein the skimmer bottom plate having at least one discharge opening in its leading edge section, and an adjustable weir assembly. The rake bottom shell having at least one standpipe opening to which a standpipe attaches and extends vertically to a corresponding vessel deck opening. |
| US09464394B2 |
Adhesion control system and method
A method for detecting clogs in a tractive effort system of a rail vehicle or other vehicle includes the steps of determining a baseline air flow rate from an air compressor during steady state conditions, actuating the tractive effort system, determining a secondary air flow rate from the air compressor subsequent to actuation of the tractive effort system, and comparing the secondary air flow rate to the baseline air flow rate. |
| US09464393B2 |
Two stage snow thrower auger housing
A two stage snow thrower comprises an auger, and a snow discharge housing. The snow discharge housing comprises a one piece deep drawn auger housing. |
| US09464392B2 |
Battery operated parking barrier
A battery operated parking barrier which is directly driven by a motor between a blocking position and an open position, and a drive shaft which may be locked to resist external forces in the blocking position and in the open position. |
| US09464391B2 |
Cold planer having independently controlled conveyors
A conveyor system is disclosed for use with a cold planer having a milling drum. The conveyor system may have a primary conveyor configured to receive material from the milling drum, a first motor configured to drive the primary conveyor, a secondary conveyor configured to receive material from the primary conveyor, and a second motor configured to drive the primary conveyor. The conveyor system may also have a controller configured to selectively adjust a speed of the second motor independent of a speed of the first motor. |
| US09464390B2 |
Road construction machine
A self-propelled road construction machine, especially a road roller, comprising a service water tank with two tank bodies which are connected in parallel via a balancing line. The balancing line and the tank bodies are connected via a plug connection, in which the balancing line consists of a flexurally rigid connection pipe and the tank bodies respectively comprise sealed insertion openings for the pipe. |
| US09464388B1 |
Modular turf system and method of turf installation
The present subject matter relates to a method and system for synthetic turf and the installation thereof. Modular turf sections are formed by attaching a turf section to a corresponding base structure of any desired size and shape. The base section has smooth edges, and can be cut to any desired shape, angle or cutout. The modular turf sections are laid side by side to cover a surface having any size and shape. The modular turf sections are portable and can be individually lifted after having been installed, thereby allowing for cleaning, repair and/or access under one or more selected modular turf sections, or for the replacement of selected modular turf sections which become worn or damaged. |
| US09464387B2 |
Absorbent sanitary paper product
An absorbent sanitary paper product having a first network of fibers having a basis weight of less than about 95 g/m2, or a total dry tensile strength of less than about 8000 g/in, or a density of less than about 0.30 g/cm3 measured at a pressure trap point (PTP) of 100 g/in2 is disclosed. A bonding layer is applied to a surface thereof in a pattern, and a second network of fibers comprising individual fibers adhesively attached to the bonding layer and conforming with the pattern. |
| US09464386B2 |
Fixation of mineral oil in paper food packaging with laccase to prevent mineral oil migration into food
A method is provided for preventing, minimizing, and/or eliminating the migration of mineral oils from paper food packaging into packaged food. The method can include adding a copper-containing oxidase enzyme, such as a laccase enzyme, to a paper pulp from which the paper food packaging is to be formed. The migration of mineral oils originating from residual inks in recycled old corrugated containers and old newsprint, is particularly suppressed, including the migration of C10-C25 fractions of aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons and of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons. |
| US09464384B2 |
Water-resistant/oil-resistant agent for paper
A water-resistant/oil-resistant agent for paper containing (I) a fluorine-containing copolymer including repeating units derived from: (a) a fluorine-containing monomer that has a fluoroalkyl group and that is represented by general formula (1): CH2═C(—X)—C(═O)—Y—Z—Rf (where X is a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-21 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, or the like; Y is —O— or —NH—; Z is an aliphatic group having 1-10 carbon atoms, an aromatic group having 6-10 carbon atoms, a cycloaliphatic group, or the like; and Rf is a linear or branched fluoroalkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms), and (b) a (meth)acrylate monomer containing no fluorine atoms; and (II) a polypropylene glycol compound. Also disclosed is a method for treating paper, a treated paper and a composition for treating paper containing the water-resistant/oil resistant agent. |
| US09464383B2 |
Deacidification treatment of printed cellulosic materials
A deacidification composition for use in for treating printed cellulosic materials is provided. A method of making the composition and a method of preparing components of the composition also are provided. The composition includes a single metal alkoxide and a double metal alkoxide. |
| US09464376B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine including an attachment groove on or in a top portion or surface of a cabinet; a joint member coupled to the cabinet and in the attachment groove; a door configured to open and close an inlet of the cabinet, and a damper connected to the joint member and configured to adjust or control a rotational speed of the door. |
| US09464372B2 |
Sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a sewing machine head, a sewing machine bed, a catching member, a cutwork device including a cutting needle having a blade, a cutting needle up-down movement mechanism moving the cutting needle up and down, and a switching mechanism configured to switch the catching member between a working position where the catching member is disposed at the cutting position at the side of the upper surface of the workpiece cloth and a retreat position retreated upward from the working position. The cutwork device is configured to form a cut in the workpiece cloth by the cutting needle at a cutting position from below the workpiece cloth. The switching mechanism is configured to switch a position of the catching member by the movement of the presser bar by the presser mechanism. |
| US09464371B2 |
Fiber stacking device
A rotating drum (1) has a collecting/stacking recess (2) in the outer peripheral surface thereof, and includes: a drum body (3); and an air-permeable porous member (4) that forms the bottom surface (2A) of the collecting/stacking recess (2). The porous member (4) is sandwiched between: an outer shaping member (6) arranged so as to oppose the bottom surface (2A); and an inner shaping member (7) arranged between the porous member (4) and the drum body (3). Both the shaping members (6, 7) are arranged so as to overlap the porous member (4). Each shaping member (6, 7) has a recess-bottom-surface corresponding section (6A, 7A) that overlaps the bottom surface (2A) of the collecting/stacking recess (2) in a planar view thereof, and that is constituted by: a plurality of openings (65, 75) that penetrate the recess-bottom-surface corresponding section (6A, 7A) in the thickness direction; and an opening defining section (60, 70) that partitions and forms the openings (65, 75). The opening defining section (70) of the inner shaping member (7) corresponds to the opening defining section (60) of the outer shaping member (6). |
| US09464368B2 |
Methods of attaching a molecule-of-interest to a microtube
Provided is a method of attaching a molecule-of-interest to a microtube, by co-electrospinning two polymeric solutions through co-axial capillaries, wherein a first polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a shell of the microtube and a second polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a coat over an internal surface of the shell, the first polymeric solution is selected solidifying faster than the second polymeric solution and a solvent of the second polymeric solution is selected incapable of dissolving the first polymeric solution and wherein the second polymeric solution comprises the molecule-of-interest, thereby attaching the molecule-of-interest to the microtube. Also provided is an electrospun microtube comprising an electrospun shell, an electrospun coat over an internal surface of the shell and a molecule-of-interest attached to the microtube. |
| US09464366B2 |
Reduction of basal plane dislocations in epitaxial SiC
A method for reducing/eliminating basal plane dislocations from SiC epilayers is disclosed. An article having: an off-axis SiC substrate having an off-axis angle of no more than 6°; and a SiC epitaxial layer grown on the substrate. The epitaxial layer has no more than 2 basal plane dislocations per cm2 at the surface of the epitaxial layer. A method of growing an epitaxial SiC layer on an off-axis SiC substrate by: flowing a silicon source gas, a carbon source gas, and a carrier gas into a growth chamber under growth conditions to epitaxially grow SiC on the substrate in the growth chamber. The substrate has an off-axis angle of no more than 6°. The growth conditions include: a growth temperature of 1530-1650° C.; a pressure of 50-125 mbar; a C/H gas flow ratio of 9.38×10−5-1.5×10−3; a C/Si ratio of 0.5-3; a carbon source gas flow rate during ramp to growth temperature from 0 to 15 sccm; and an electron or hole concentration of 1013-1019/cm3. |
| US09464361B2 |
Control of electrolyte hydrodynamics for efficient mass transfer during electroplating
Described are apparatus and methods for electroplating one or more metals onto a substrate. Embodiments include electroplating apparatus configured for plating highly uniform metal layers. In specific embodiments, the apparatus includes a flow-shaping element made of an ionically resistive material and having a plurality of channels made through the flow shaping element. The channels allow for transport of the electrolyte through the flow shaping element during electroplating. The channel openings are arranged in a spiral-like pattern on the substrate-facing surface of the flow shaping element such that the center of the spiral-like pattern is offset from the center of the flow shaping element. |
| US09464356B2 |
High pressure gas system
Among other things, a device for use in electrolyzing water is described. The device comprises an electrolysis unit that includes a chamber, an ion exchange structure in the chamber, a cathode, an anode, a high pressure chamber, and a reservoir. The chamber is separated by the ion exchange structure into a first compartment and a second compartment. The cathode is in the first compartment and the anode in the second compartment. The reservoir is disposed in the high pressure chamber for storing water to be supplied to the chamber of the electrolysis unit. In some implementations, the ion exchange structure is a proton exchange membrane. |
| US09464355B2 |
Colored rigid decorative member
Provided is a colored rigid decorative member in which scratch resistance is improved, and deterioration of appearance quality due to a flaw, abrasion, or the like is suppressed, and which has various color variations with a high quality feel. An alloy adhesion layer having a high adhesion effect, an alloy gradient adhesion layer of which the content of a reactant gas is increased in a gradient manner, an abrasion-resistant layer having high hardness, an alloy recolored gradient layer of which the content of a reactant gas is decreased in a gradient manner, and a colored decorative layer having high decorativeness and color variations on the outermost layer are formed on a base using a film with an alloy of a metal having the high effect of adhering to a metal and high brightness (metal having poor corrosion resistance; Mo, W), a metal having high film hardness and high corrosion resistance (metal having poor adhesion; Nb, Ta), and a metal improving corrosion resistance performance (Cr, Ti, Hf, Zr). |
| US09464350B2 |
Deposition substrate temperature and monitoring
An apparatus for depositing a coating on one or more parts (21) has: a chamber (22); a part holder (64) for carrying the part(s); a bias voltage source (94) coupled to the part(s) to apply a bias voltage to the part(s); a source (34) of the coating material; a plurality of temperature sensors (76); and a plurality of leads (90) passing outputs of the temperature sensors out from the chamber. A temperature monitoring system (150) has a temperature data processor (300). At least one fiber optic link (223) couples the temperature data processor to the temperature sensors so as to electrically isolate the temperature data processor from the bias voltage. |
| US09464347B2 |
High performance tools exhibiting reduced crater wear in particular by dry machining operations
The present invention relates to a coating system comprising at least one multi-layered film formed of alternated A- and B-nanolayers deposited one on each other characterized in that the A-nanolayers contain essentially aluminum chromium boron nitride and the B-nanolayers contain essentially aluminum chromium nitride. |
| US09464342B2 |
Titanium, titanium alloy and NiTi foams with high ductility
A method for manufacturing a high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi-foam, meaning a compression strain higher than 10%, includes: preparing a powder suspension of a Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder, bringing the said powder suspension into a desired form by gelcasting to form a green artifact. The method also includes a calcination step wherein the green artifact is calcined, and sintering the artifact. The calcination step includes a slow heating step wherein said green artifact is heated at a rate lower or equal to 20° C./hour to a temperature between 400° C. and 600° C. and the Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder has a particle size less than 100 μm. A high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi foam, with a compression higher than 10%, with a theoretical density less than 30%, pore size (cell size) between 50 to 1000 μm can be obtained with such a method. |
| US09464337B2 |
High strength steel sheet having excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance
Disclosed is a high strength steel sheet having excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance. The steel sheet has a tensile strength of 1180 MPa or more, and satisfies the following conditions: with respect to an entire metallographic structure thereof, bainite, bainitic ferrite and tempered martensite account for 85 area % or more in total; retained austenite accounts for 1 area % or more; and fresh martensite accounts for 5 area % or less (including 0 area %). |
| US09464335B2 |
Method for improving fatigue strength of cast iron material
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for improving fatigue strength that is capable of improving the fatigue strength of cast iron, specifically spherical graphite cast iron, to the same level as that of carbon steel subjected 10 carburizing and quenching. To this end, this method contains a step for performing first, second and third shot peenings using shot of a prescribed diameter for each on spherical graphite cast iron on which a quenching and tempering heat treatment or austempering heat treatment has been performed and tensile strength made to be 1200 MPa or more, the spherical graphite cast iron containing the following elements in the following mass percentages: C=2.0-4.0%, Si=1.5-4.5%, Mn=2.0% or less, P=O.08% or less, 8=0.03% or less, Mg=0.02-0.1%, and Cu=1.8-4.0%. |
| US09464333B2 |
Intein-modified enzymes, their production and industrial applications
A method of predicting an intein insertion site in a protein that will lead to a switching phenotype is provided. The method includes identifying a plurality of C/T/S sites within the protein; selecting from the plurality of C/T/S/ sites those that are ranked 0.75 or higher by a support vector machine, within ten angstroms of the active site of the protein, and at or near a loop-β-sheet junction or a loop-α-helix junction. A method of controlling protein activity and hosts including proteins with controlled activity are also provided. Also, intein modified proteins and plants containing intein modified proteins are provided. |
| US09464332B2 |
HPV E6, E7 MRNA assay and methods of use thereof
Provided is an HPV E6, E7 mRNA assay, referenced herein as the “In Cell HPV Assay,” that is capable of sensitive and specific detection of normal cervical cells undergoing malignant transformation as well as abnormal cervical cells with pre-malignant or malignant lesions. The In Cell HPV Assay identifies HPV E6, E7 mRNA via in situ hybridization with oligonucleotides specific for HPV E6, E7 mRNA and quantitates the HPV E6, E7 mRNA via flow cytometry. The In Cell HPV Assay can be carried out in less than three hours directly from liquid-based cervical (“LBC”) cytology specimens. The In Cell HPV Assay provides an efficient and highly sensitive alternative to the Pap smear for determining abnormal cervical cytology. |
| US09464331B2 |
Direct amplification and detection of viral and bacterial pathogens
Provided are methods for identifying the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid from a microorganism using direct amplification without a step of extraction of the nucleic acids, but retaining substantially the same specificity and sensitivity of methods assaying extracted nucleic acids. Further provided are reagent mixtures that allow for direct amplification of a sample, without the step of nucleic acid extraction. |
| US09464330B2 |
Genetic loci associated with soybean cyst nematode resistance and methods of use
Various methods and compositions are provided for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with improved resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detecting at least one marker locus that is associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In other embodiments, the method further comprises detecting at least one marker profile or haplotype associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In further embodiments, the method comprises crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Further provided are markers, primers, probes and kits useful for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with improved resistance to soybean cyst nematode. |
| US09464329B2 |
Portable systems and methods for amplifying nucleotides and detecting nucleotide sequences
Portable systems and methods for amplifying nucleotides and for detecting nucleotide sequences in a sample are provided. The portable instruments and methods use RPA techniques for DNA amplification and detect sample fluorescence in response to amplification and/or to the presence of specific DNA sequences. |
| US09464328B2 |
Biomarkers and uses thereof in prognosis and treatment strategies for right-side colon cancer disease and left-side colon cancer disease
Genetic biomarkers for left side colon cancer (LCC) (such as expression levels of an RNA transcript or expression product of NOX4, MMP3, or a combination) and right side colon cancer (RCC) (such as expression levels of an RNA transcript or expression product of CDCX2, FAM69A, or a combination), are disclosed. Methods for using the biomarkers in providing a prognosis of relapse-free survival probability in patients having LCC or RCC are also presented. Prognostic panels using gene expression values of the biomarkers are also presented. Computer implemented methods employing the biomarkers, and as well as for determining relapse-free survival probability in a patient having RCC or LCC are provided. A genetic method for classifying a colon cancer tissue as a RCC or as a LCC is also disclosed. |
| US09464324B2 |
Methods of determining the prognosis of an adenocarcinoma
Methods are disclosed for determining the prognosis of a subject with an adenocarcinoma in an organ, such as the lung. The methods can include quantitating expression of a plurality of cytokines of interest, such as IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IFN-γ and TNF-a in the adenocarcinoma and in non-cancerous tissue in the organ. Altered expression of IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IFN-γ and TNF-a in the adenocarcinoma as compared to a control and in non-cancerous tissue in the organ as compared to a control determines the prognosis for the subject. Methods for determining if a therapeutic agent is effective as an anti-cancer agent are also disclosed. |
| US09464320B2 |
Methods for placing, accepting, and filling orders for products and services
Methods and systems for ordering assays which detect SNPs or gene expression are provided. The methods use PCR and RT-PCR procedures. Collections of stock assays are assembled using pre- and post-manufacturing quality control procedures and made available to consumers via the Internet. In addition, custom assays are prepared upon order from the consumer and these assays are also prepared using pre- and post-manufacturing quality control procedures. The assays are then delivered to the consumer. |
| US09464317B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and computer programs for verifying the integrity of a probe
The present invention provides methods, apparatuses and computer programs for verifying the integrity of a probe by comparing the fluorescence value of a probe to a threshold value. The invention also provides for methods, apparatuses and computer programs for normalizing the fluorescence value of a probe and detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample. |
| US09464316B2 |
Method for isolating nucleic acids comprising the use of ethylene glycol multimers
A method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample is provided that includes contacting a sample that includes nucleic acid with a solid support, wherein the surface of the solid support includes groups that can complex with the nucleic acid, in the presence of a solution that includes an oligoethylene glycol having 10 or fewer ethylene oxide-units and a salt comprising a monovalent or divalent metal ion, whereby soluble nucleic acid in said sample binds to the surface of the support; separating the solid support with bound nucleic acid from the sample; and eluting the bound nucleic acid from the solid support, thereby isolating nucleic acid from the sample. Also provided is a method of washing nucleic acids bound to a solid support that includes providing a solid support, wherein nucleic acid molecules are bound to the surface of the solid support; and washing the solid support with a solution that includes an oligoethylene glycol having 10 or fewer ethylene oxide units. |
| US09464313B2 |
Biosensor for detecting RAF/KSR family kinase dimerization and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are biosensors useful for detecting the dimerization of RAF and/or KSR polypeptides. These biosensors comprise fusion proteins comprising RAF and/or KSR proteins fused to bioluminescent or fluorescent proteins. Also disclosed are methods of using the biosensors to detect and measure the dimerization of RAF/RAF and RAF/KSR polypeptides by resonance energy transfer such as BRET or FRET, for example to screen for inhibitors of dimerization. |
| US09464308B2 |
Method for transcriptional amplification of nucleic acids combining steps of different temperatures
A method of transcriptional amplification includes: (a) obtaining a mixture by combining (i) a biological sample comprising nucleic acids, (ii) amplification primers, (iii) amplification reagents including enzymes required for amplification, and (iv) at least one polyol capable of stabilizing the enzymes required for amplification; (b) denaturing the nucleic acids by heating the mixture at a temperature above 41° C.; and (c) transcriptionally amplifying at least one target nucleic acid at a temperature above 41° C. when present in the mixture. |
| US09464302B2 |
Methods for sustaining the viability of acetogens during a decrease or cessation of syngas flow
The methods are disclosed for sustaining a population of microorganisms in an aqueous fermentation broth used in a process to convert syngas to alcohol when the supply of syngas is decreased or ceased. The methods involve supplying at least one reducible anion in a rate an amount sufficient to maintain the population of microorganisms. |
| US09464299B2 |
Kinase-start gene conferring resistance to plant disease and transgenic plants comprising it
An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide comprising both a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer (START) domain and a kinase domain is provided, as well as plant cells and transgenic plants comprising said nucleic acid molecule, said transgenic plants being resistant to plant diseases. |
| US09464298B2 |
Expression cassette encoding a 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) and herbicide-tolerant plants containing it
The present invention relates to a novel expression cassette comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an EPSPS. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel expression cassette comprising, in the direction of transcription, functionally linked to one another, a promoter regulatory sequence which is functional in plant cells or plants, a nucleic acid sequence encoding an EPSPS and a terminator sequence which is functional in plant cells or plants, characterized in that the promoter regulatory sequence is a nucleic acid sequence chosen from the promoter regulatory sequences of the CsVMV (Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus) plant virus. |
| US09464296B2 |
Methods of affecting nitrogen assimilation in plants
Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing transgenic plants. In specific embodiments, transgenic plants comprise a construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1, operably linked to a plant-specific promote, wherein the CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 is ectopically overexpressed in the transgenic plants, and wherein the promoter is optionally a constitutive or inducible promoter. In other embodiments, transgenic plants in which express a lower level of CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 are provided. Also provided herein are commercial products (e.g., pulp, paper, paper products, or lumber) derived from the transgenic plants (e.g., transgenic trees) produced using the methods provided herein. |
| US09464293B2 |
RNA aptamers for therapeutic and diagnostic delivery to pancreatic cancer cells
In some embodiments, aptamers that specifically bind pancreatic cancer cells are provided. Such aptamers may include an RNA molecule that specifically binds a pancreatic cancer cell surface protein. In certain embodiments, the RNA molecule that is used as an aptamer may include a nucleotide sequence of GAAUGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 8). In other embodiments, the RNA molecule may include a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, or SEQ ID NO:6. In certain embodiments, the aptamer may be conjugated to one or more therapeutic agents (e.g., an shRNA molecule, an siRNA molecule, an mRNA molecule, or an miRNA molecule), one or more diagnostic agents, or a combination thereof. The aptamers and their conjugates may be used to deliver therapeutic agents to a pancreatic cancer cell, and/or in methods for treating or diagnosing pancreatic cancer. |
| US09464290B2 |
RNA interference mediated inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of HBV gene expression and/or activity, and/or modulate a HBV gene expression pathway. Specifically, the invention relates to double-stranded nucleic acid molecules including small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules that are capable of mediating or that mediate RNA interference (RNAi) against HBV gene expression. |
| US09464287B2 |
Treatment of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to NRF2
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of NRF2. |
| US09464286B2 |
High throughput generation and affinity maturation of humanized antibody
Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for efficiently generating and screening humanized antibody with high affinity against a specific antigen. The library of humanized antibody is generated by mutagenizing a chimeric antibody template that combines human antibody framework and antigen binding sites of a non-human antibody. Alternatively, the library of humanized antibody is generated by grafting essential antigen-recognition segment(s) such as CDRs of the non-human antibody into the corresponding position(s) of each member of a human antibody library. This library of humanized antibody is then screened for high affinity binding toward a specific antigen in vivo in organism such as yeast or in vitro using techniques such as ribosome display or mRNA display. The overall process can be efficiently performed in a high throughput and automated manner, thus mimicking the natural process of antibody affinity maturation. |
| US09464284B2 |
Mirac proteins
This disclosure relates to a method of generating conditionally active biologic proteins from wild type proteins, in particular therapeutic proteins, which are reversibly or irreversibly inactivated at the wild type normal physiological conditions. For example, evolved proteins are virtually inactive at body temperature, but are active at lower temperatures. |
| US09464272B2 |
Cell-derived composition
The invention is directed to a cell-derived composition having bone growth, regeneration, and repair promoting properties. In particular, the invention is directed to a cell-derived composition having bone growth, regeneration, and repair promoting properties termed Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution-B (ACCS-B). The invention is further directed to the use of this composition to promote bone growth and/or regeneration and/or repair. |
| US09464266B2 |
Sensor unit and constant-temperature device
In order to enable the inside of a constant-temperature device to be sterilized using sterilization gas and prevent contamination during incubation, even when provided with an atmosphere measuring means having a CO2 sensor and an oxygen concentration sensor, a sensor unit (100) is arranged inside or close to an incubation chamber, and the internal atmosphere is measured by sucking-in the atmosphere of the incubation chamber (2) by means of an air-flow generation means (20). Furthermore, high-precision filters (23, 24) are arranged in the flow channel through which the atmosphere within the incubation chamber (2) is taken-in/discharged, preventing bacteria and/or cells from flowing in, and also preventing the diffusion of sterilization gas to the inside of a sensor unit (100) during sterilization. |
| US09464264B2 |
Method and apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet
A method and apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet. Preferably, the laundry detergent sheet is capable of dissolving in a laundry cycle of an automatic washing machine. The method comprises the steps of preparing a first shelf-stable solution, preparing a second non-shelf-stable solution comprising a portion of the first shelf-stable solution, applying the second non-shelf-stable solution onto a surface, and drying the second non-shelf-stable solution on the surface. |
| US09464261B2 |
Polymer-containing cleaning compositions and methods of production and use thereof
The present invention provides detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, containing one or more surfactants, one or more builders, one or more enzymes and one or more low MW (e.g., 0.8-25 kDa) polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers or salts thereof, and methods of producing such compositions. The compositions of the invention provide certain benefits in cleaning of textiles (particularly fabrics including clothing), hard surfaces and dishware and utensils, including enhanced removal of certain difficult-to-remove stains such as chocolate pudding and grass, as well as of polyphenolic stains such as cherry juice, blueberry juice, red wine, tea and coffee. The invention also provides methods of using these compositions in laundry, hard surface cleaning and dishwashing applications. |
| US09464256B2 |
Methods for producing oil formulations by means of certain carbodiimides
The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing stabilized oil formulations by means of certain carbodiimides. |
| US09464254B2 |
Marine engine lubrication
A two-stroke, cross-head, slow-speed, compression-ignited marine engine is operated by (i) fuelling it with a diesel fuel, as a pilot fuel, and with a low sulphur fuel, as a main fuel; and (ii) lubricating the engine cylinder(s) with a lubricant having a BN of 20 or less and having a detergent additive system comprising at least two different metal detergents each having one surfactant group selected from phenate, salicylate and sulphonate, or one or more complex metal detergents containing two or more different surfactant soap groups selected from phenate, salicylate and sulphonate. |
| US09464246B2 |
Method and system for purifying synthesis gas, in particular for ammonia synthesis
The invention relates to a method for purifying synthesis gas, in particular for ammonia synthesis, wherein a partial stream (26) of an H2-rich, CO-containing synthesis gas stream is burned, in particular to generate electrical energy, and wherein at least one component contained in the remaining H2-rich, CO-containing synthesis gas stream (26a), in particular in the form of carbon dioxide, methanol and/or water, is absorbed by an adsorber at low temperatures, after which said absorbed component is desorbed from the adsorber by flushing using nitrogen (33) at higher temperatures. According to the invention the H2-rich partial stream (26) is diluted using the nitrogen (35) used for the flushing before being burned. The invention further relates to a system (1) for purifying synthesis gas, in particular for ammonia synthesis. |
| US09464238B2 |
Production of olefinic diesel, lubricants, and propylene
Feeds containing triglycerides are processed to produce an olefinic diesel fuel product and propylene. The olefinic diesel can optionally be oligomerized to form a lubricant base oil product. The olefinic diesel and propylene are generated by deoxygenating the triglyceride-containing feed using processing conditions that enhance preservation of olefins that are present in the triglycerides. The triglyceride-containing feed is processed in the presence of a catalyst containing a Group VI metal or a Group VIII metal and optionally a physical promoter metal. |
| US09464237B2 |
Method for starting-up a gas to liquid process
The invention relates to a process for starting up a gas-to-liquid process including the production of synthesis gas and a downstream GTL process. The synthesis gas is produced by the use of autothermal reforming (ATR) or catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) and during the starting period the effluent gas from the ATR or CPO is significantly changed to form an off-gas recycle which is fed to the ATR or CPO. When the downstream GTL process is running, the recycle to ATR or CPO is shifted to its off-gas. |
| US09464236B2 |
Compositions and methods for recovering and/or removing reagents from porous media
A composition and method for displacing, dissolving, extracting, recovering, and/or removing solvent and/or any solvent-associated liquids from a solvent-treated material or penetrating through pores or the surface of a solvent-treated material using a solvent-extracting composition for contacting solvent-treated material and separating the solvent and any solvent-associated liquids from the solvent-treated material as well as the solvent-extracting composition. |
| US09464231B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
There is provided a liquid crystal display device which prevents a decrease in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of a liquid crystal layer and an increase in ion density (ID) therein and which overcomes problems of defective display such as voids, uneven alignment, and screen burn-in. The liquid crystal display device prevents a decrease in the voltage holding ratio (VHR) of a liquid crystal layer and an increase in ion density (ID) therein and reduces defective display such as screen burn-in; hence, such a liquid crystal display device is particularly useful as liquid crystal display devices of a VA mode and PSVA mode which involve active matrix driving and can be applied to the liquid crystal display devices of liquid crystal TV sets, monitors, mobile phones, and smartphones. |
| US09464228B2 |
Liquid crystal composition, method for manufacturing the same, and film
A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal composition, the method including concurrently obtaining a liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (I) and a liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (II), by allowing a compound represented by the formula (III) to react with a carboxylic acid represented by the formula (IV) and a carboxylic acid represented by the formula (V), wherein P1 represents a polymerizable group; Sp1 represents a C3-12 divalent aliphatic group, etc; T1 represents a 1,4-phenylene group; T2 represents a divalent group having a single bond or cyclic structure; A1 represents —COO—, etc; A2 and A3 represents —OCO—, etc; X represents a hydrogen atom, C1-12 alkyl group, etc; Y1 and Y2 represents O, NR1 or S; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or methyl group; Formula (I) P1-Sp1-T1-A1-B-A2-T1-Sp1-P1; Formula (II) P1-Sp1-T1-A1-B-A3-T2-X; Formula (III) being HY1—B—Y2H; Formula (IV) P1-Sp1-T1-COOH; Formula (V) X-T2-COOH. |
| US09464227B2 |
Moisturizing agents
A concentrated aqueous composition may be prepared by from a formulation including: a. from 10 to 30% by weight (% wt) of a depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 80,000 dalton (Da); b. from 15 to 50% of a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sodium xylene sulfonate; and c. from about 0.5 to about 20% by weight of a surfactant. The concentrated aqueous solution may be employed to prepare an aqueous solution which is useful for moisturizing soil. |
| US09464223B2 |
Methods and compositions for use in oil and/or gas wells
Methods and compositions comprising an emulsion or a microemulsion for use in various aspects of the life cycle of an oil and/or gas well are provided. In some embodiments, the emulsion or the microemulsion comprises water, a solvent, and a surfactant, and optionally, one or more additives. |
| US09464222B2 |
Well fluid and method of servicing a well
A well servicing fluid for reducing polymer degradation is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated with components comprising: at least one free radical scavenger, with the proviso that the free radical scavenger is not erythorbate, lignin or lignin derivatives; at least one polymer and an aqueous based solvent. Methods for servicing a well employing well servicing fluids of the present disclosure are also disclosed. |
| US09464217B2 |
Composite structures using interpenetrating polymer network adhesives
A composition is provided that consists essentially of a first polymer system and a second polymer system. The first polymer system has a first modulus of about 180 ksi to about 335 ksi. The first polymer system consists essentially of a thermosetting acrylate. The second polymer system consists essentially of a thermosetting epoxy system and an epoxy curing agent. The thermosetting epoxy system comprises a first epoxy. |
| US09464212B2 |
Adhesive composition and optical member using the same
An adhesive composition and an optical member using the same, the adhesive composition providing an adhesive having a storage modulus of about 8×105 to about 1×108 dyne/cm2 and a gel fraction of about 83% to about 95% as defined by Equation 1: Gel fraction (%)=(A/B)×100, [Equation 1] in Equation 1, A is a mass measured after dissolving the adhesive at 23° C. for 48 hours in a solvent and then drying for 24 hours, and B is an initial mass. |
| US09464210B2 |
Back sheet for solar cell, method for producing the same, and solar cell module
A back sheet for a solar cell to be disposed in contact with a sealing material of a cell-side substrate in which a solar cell device is sealed with the sealing material, the back sheet including: a polymer base material; and a polymer layer that is provided on the polymer base material and contains a composite polymer that contains, in a molecule, 15% by mass to 85% by mass of siloxane structural units represented by the following formula (1) and 85% by mass to 15% by mass of non-siloxane structural units: wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a monovalent organic group; R1 and R2 may be identical with or different from each other; and n is an integer of 1 or more. |
| US09464209B2 |
Container coating compositions
A coating composition for application to the surface of a container comprising: (a) a film-forming resinous material comprising a functional group-containing reaction product of: (i) a cyclic carbonate group-containing material, (ii) a polyamine; (b) a curing agent reactive with functional groups of (a); (c) a liquid diluent. |
| US09464208B2 |
Viscosity modifier for high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles and high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles which contains the same
This invention provides a viscosity modifier for high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles which can reduce, by giving excellent viscosity modifying function to a high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles (e.g., printing ink composition, functional paste composition or paint composition, of high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles), the occurrence of inconvenience in a printing step or coating step for the manufacture of components or substrates, and also provides a high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles which contains said viscosity modifier. This viscosity modifier comprises, as a main component, a reaction product having 2 to 20 phosphate groups or carboxyl groups in molecular structure, which reaction product is produced from a reaction between a polyol having two to six hydroxyl groups and a phosphate group-introducing material or a carboxyl group-introducing material at a molar ratio of hydroxyl group to phosphate group-introducing material or carboxyl group-introducing material of 3:1 to 1:1. |
| US09464207B2 |
Binders and materials made therewith
A curable aqueous composition is disclosed comprising a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and an amine base, wherein the curable aqueous composition has a pH adjusted by the amine base. Further disclosed is a method of forming a curable aqueous solution. |
| US09464206B2 |
Thermosetting powder coating material comprising powder particles having specific amount of divalent or polyvalent metal ions, and coated article
A thermosetting powder coating material includes powder particles that contain a core containing a thermosetting resin and a thermosetting agent, and a resin coating portion for coating a surface of the core, and of which a volume particle size distribution index GSDv is equal to or smaller than 1.50 and an average circularity is equal to or greater than 0.96. |
| US09464205B2 |
Pigmented coating composition with itaconic acid functionalized binder
The present invention is a composition comprising a) a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles functionalized with structural units of itaconic acid or a salt thereof and; b) a water-soluble polymer functionalized with structural units of a sulfonic acid monomer or a salt thereof as well as a method comprising mixing the stable aqueous dispersion of the itaconic acid functionalized polymer particles with the sulfonic acid functionalized polymer, and TiO2. The composition of the present invention is useful a coatings formulation that provides surprisingly good hiding. |
| US09464201B2 |
Non-aqueous ink jet ink composition, ink storage body, ink jet recording method, and ink jet recording device
A non-aqueous ink jet ink composition according to an embodiment is stored in an ink storage body, in which a solvent contained in an ink composition is configured with an organic solvent, and a dissolved oxygen concentration in the ink composition is in a range of 30% to 80% of a saturated dissolved oxygen concentration in room temperature. |
| US09464194B2 |
Method of preparing hard coating film
A method of preparing a hard coating film by applying a first hard coating composition onto one side of a supporting substrate, performing a first photocuring by irradiating one side of the supporting substrate, applying a second hard coating composition onto the other side of the supporting substrate, performing a second photocuring by irradiating the other side of the supporting substrate which the second coating composition applied on, with ultraviolet having a first wavelength and a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. |
| US09464193B2 |
Modified polyphenol binder compositions and methods for making and using same
Modified polyphenol binder compositions and methods for making and using same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the binder composition can include at least one unsaturated monomer and at least one polyphenolic compound. The polyphenolic compound can include a lignin, a tannin, a novolac resin, a modified phenol formaldehyde resin, bis-phenol A, humic acid, or any mixture thereof. |
| US09464191B2 |
Silicon-containing curing composition and cured product thereof
A silicon-containing curing composition including a specific amount of a silicon-containing polymer having an Mw of 300 to 100,000 obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of an organosilane mixture containing specific amounts of organosiloxanes of formulae (1-1) through (1-5); a specific amount of a prepolymer containing at least two Si—H groups per molecule obtained by hydrosilylation between a cyclic siloxane compound of formula (2) and a compound of formula (3-1), (3-2), or (3-3); a specific amount of a linear siloxane compound containing more than one carbon-carbon double bond reactive with Si—H or Si—CH3 per molecule; specific amounts of an organic peroxide and a metal catalyst; and a specific amount of a filler. The details for the formulae (1-1) to (1-5), (2), (3-1) to (3-3) are as described in the specification. |
| US09464188B2 |
Simultaneous plasticization and compatibilization process and compositions
A continuous process for manufacturing a blended polymer includes mixing a native starch, a polyolefin, and a compatibilizer; and forming the blended polymer from the resulting mixture using an extruder. The process can also include mixing the native starch, the polyolefin, and the compatibilizer in the extruder. The polyolefin can be a petroleum- or bio-based polyethylene, and the compatibilizer can be a maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin. The process can further include mixing a processing aid such as glycerin, and forming the blended polymer into a film. |
| US09464184B2 |
Container and composition for enhanced gas barrier properties
A container comprising a polyester composition with enhanced carbon dioxide and oxygen barrier properties and methods of improving the gas barrier properties of polyester containers are provided. The polyester composition comprises a polyester and a gas barrier enhancing additive. In a particular embodiment, the gas barrier enhancing additive comprises a compound having the chemical formula: X—(X1)s—COO—(X2)t—X3—(X4)u—OOC—(X5)v—X6 or X—(X1)s—OOC—(X2)t—X3—(X4)u—COO—(X5)v—X6. |
| US09464183B2 |
Rubber composition and pneumatic tire using the same
This invention provides a rubber composition comprising 1-10 parts by mass of sulfur and 0.1-10 parts by mass of a compound represented by the following general formula (1) or a composition containing the compound as a main component based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component as well as a pneumatic tire in which at least one of a carcass (4) and a belt (6) includes a layer composed of steel cords covered with a coating rubber, characterized in that the above rubber composition is used as the coating rubber covering the steel cords in at least one of the carcass (4) and the belt (6): (wherein R represents a divalent aliphatic group having a carbon number of 1-16 or a divalent aromatic group). |
| US09464182B2 |
Rubber composition and pneumatic tire
An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition which can further improve abrasion resistance without deterioration in energy efficiency, and a pneumatic tire using the rubber composition. The rubber composition comprises a polymer mixture obtained by modifying a polymer composed of at least one of a conjugated diene compound and an aromatic vinyl compound with a compound having at least one of an ester group and a carboxyl group; at least one of tetraamines; and silica, the polymer mixture having a weight-average molecular weight of 1.0×103 to 1.0×105, and the tetraamines being a compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein each of RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, RF, RG and RH independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and ALK represents a tetravalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group. |
| US09464180B2 |
Recycling of borehole solids in polymers
There is provided a method of fabricating a composite material, the method comprising providing borehole solids originating from a borehole in the earth and embedding the borehole solids in a base material thereby forming the composite material, wherein the base material comprises a polymer. According to an embodiment, the borehole solids contain oil, e.g. on a surface thereof. The oil containing borehole solids may be preprocessed before embedding or may be directly embedded in the base material without preprocessing. Such embodiments allow for a recycling of oil contaminated borehole solids while providing a resource for a filler for polymers. |
| US09464179B2 |
Process and apparatus for a nanovoided article
A process and apparatus for producing a nanovoided article, a nanovoided coating, and a low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent; at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution, wherein the insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution; and removing a major portion of the solvent from the second solution. An apparatus for the process is also described, and includes a webline, a coating section, a partial polymerization section, and a solvent removal section. |
| US09464177B2 |
Foam composition with olefin block copolymer gel particles
The present disclosure is directed to a composition and articles containing the composition. The composition comprises a foam and a plurality of gel particles dispersed in the foam. The gel particles comprise an olefin block copolymer and an oil. |
| US09464176B2 |
Process for producing fluorinated copolymer
To provide a process by which from a mixture containing a fluorinated copolymer, an unreacted monomer and a polymerization medium, the unreacted monomer and the polymerization medium can efficiently be recovered, and a lower polymer contained in the obtainable fluorinated copolymer can readily be reduced. A process for producing a fluorinated copolymer comprising (I) a step of polymerizing a fluorinated monomer having a carboxylic acid functional group or a sulfonic acid fanctional group and a fluorinated olefin in a polymerization medium to obtain a mixture containing a fluorinated copolymer, the unreacted monomer and the polymerization medium, (II) a step of continuously or intermittently transferring the mixture to an evaporation container equipped with a stirring machine and heating the mixture in the evaporation container with stirring to evaporate and recover the unreacted monomer and the polymerization medium and to obtain the fluorinated copolymer, and (III) a step of washing the fluorinated copolymer with a washing medium. |
| US09464172B2 |
Alkali-developable curable composition, insulating thin film using the same, and thin film transistor
An object of the present invention is to provide a polysiloxane compound that can be developed in an aqueous alkali solution and can yield a cured product or thin film having superior heat-resistant transparency and insulating properties, a curable composition thereof, and a thin film transistor provided with a passivation layer or gate insulator using the same, and the present invention relates to a polysiloxane compound having at least one photopolymerizable functional group in a molecule thereof, and having at least one member selected from the group consisting of an isocyanuric acid backbone structure, a phenolic hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group within the same molecule, to a curable composition containing the polysiloxane compound, and to a cured product thereof. |
| US09464169B2 |
Polyurethanes, articles and coatings prepared therefrom and methods of making the same
The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (a) at least one isocyanate functional prepolymer including a reaction product of: (1) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; and (2) about 0.01 to about 0.5 equivalent of at least one polycarbonate polyol; and (b) about 0.01 to about 1 equivalent of at least one branched polyol having at least 3 hydroxyl groups; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same. |
| US09464167B2 |
Poly α-amino acid and ferroelectric memory element using same
Ferroelectric memory elements which contain a poly α-amino acid which is a copolymer containing a glutamic acid-γ-ester unit represented by the formula (I), defined herein, and a glutamic acid-γ-ester unit represented by the formula (II), defined herein, in a molar ratio of units of formula (I) to units of formula (II) of 10/90-90/10 are useful as recording elements such as RFID and the like. |
| US09464164B2 |
Method for the preparation of polyesters
Disclosed is a method for preparing polyesters, comprising reacting polyols with carboxylic acids and, optionally, a catalyst, wherein the polyols bear at least two hydroxyl groups, wherein, at least one of said hydroxyl group is bound to an aliphatic carbon atom and wherein the polyols comprise one or more compounds of the formula (I) or (II), where n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, m is 1, 2 or 3, p is 2, Q is sulphur or C1-C4-alkylene, and the radicals R1 are each, independently of any other radicals R1 present, C1-C8-alkyl or Ci-C8-alkoxy, where at least one ortho position of the two phenyl rings in the formula (II) or the phenyl ring in the formula (I) must be substituted by a secondary or tertiary radical. |
| US09464148B2 |
Vinyl terminated polyethylene with long chain branching
Vinyl terminated polyolefins with long chain branching produced with Salan catalysts having carbazole moieties. |
| US09464147B2 |
Process for preparing olefin polymer by slurry loop polymerization having high powder density
The instant invention pertains to a process for preparing an ethylene homo- or copolymer in the presence of a supported chromium catalyst by slurry loop polymerization or copolymerization, whereby the resulting polymer powder has an increased powder density, in which the supported chromium catalyst has a chromium content of from 0.01 to 5 wt.-%, based on the element in the finished catalyst, and shows a particle size distribution measured according to ISO 13320-2009 comprising two main fractions one of which having a d50 of from 15 to 40 μm and the other having a d50 of from 45 to 80 μm said catalyst being further characterized by the fact that less than 10% wt of its catalyst particles has diameter lower than 20 μm. |
| US09464145B2 |
Metallocenes and catalyst compositions derived therefrom
This invention relates to a novel group 4 transition metal metallocene catalyst compound that is asymmetric having two non-identical indenyl ligands with substitution at R2 having a branched C1-C20 alkyl group, R8 having a linear alkyl group and R4 and R10 having substituted phenyl groups, where at least one of R4 and R10 is a phenyl group substituted at the 3 and 5 position. |
| US09464141B2 |
Anti-ETBR antibodies and immunoconjugates
The invention provides anti-ETBR antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, an immunoconjugate comprising an antibody that binds ETBR covalently attached to a cytotoxic agent is provided, wherein the antibody binds an epitope within amino acids 64 to 101 of SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the cytotoxic agent is a pyrrolobenzodiazepine. |
| US09464129B2 |
Neuronal exocytosis inhibiting peptides
The invention relates to peptides of general formula (I): R1-AA-R2 (I) which can regulate neuronal exocytosis, their stereoisomers and racemic or non-racemic mixtures thereof, and the cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein AA is a sequence of 3 to 40 adjacent amino acids contained in the amino acid sequence of the SNAP-25 protein, R1 is selected from the group consisting of H or alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or acyl group; and R2 is selected from the group consisting of amino, hydroxyl or thiol, substituted or non-substituted with aliphatic or cyclic groups, with the condition that when R1 is H or acetyl, R2 is not non-substituted amino, hydroxyl or thiol. The invention also relates to a method of obtaining such peptides, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use to treat those conditions requiring neuronal exocytosis regulation, preferably for treating the skin. |
| US09464127B2 |
Fusion molecules and IL-15 variants
The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making the such proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention. |
| US09464125B2 |
Engineered potent cytotoxic stapled BH3 peptides
Compositions comprising peptide sequences with high cytotoxicity to cancer cell lines are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising peptide sequences with high cytotoxicity to cancer cell lines are provided. A method for treating cancer is provided. |
| US09464123B2 |
Peptides having activity of inhibiting infections of respiratory viruses and use of the same
Peptides having activity of inhibiting infections of respiratory viruses and use of the same are disclosed. The peptides can be synthesized by chemical or genetic engineering methods, and they have functional domain capable of binding to surface glycoprotein of respiratory viruses and activity of inhibiting infections of respiratory viruses. The peptides are useful for blocking infections of respiratory viruses in target cells, for prevention/treatment of said infections, and for development of new prophylactic/therapeutic medicaments against respiratory viruses. Also disclosed are a kit for screening peptide capable of inhibiting said infections and the screening method. The invention also discloses the mechanism of the peptides in inhibition of said infections, which provides theory support for developing new prophylactic/therapeutic agents with broad-spectrum antiviral activities. |
| US09464116B2 |
Glycoconjugates, glycoamino acids, intermediates thereto, and uses thereof
The present invention provides novel n-alkenyl glycosides and glycoconjugates, n-alkyl glycoamino acids, and methods for the synthesis thereof. In another aspect, the present invention provides novel clustered glycopeptides and methods for the synthesis thereof. In still another aspect, the present invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer, preferably for the prevention of recurrence of cancer, and methods for inducing antibodies in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need, an effective amount of any of the inventive glycoconjugates as disclosed herein. |
| US09464114B2 |
Peptides that block leukocyte recruitment and methods of use
Disclosed are novel peptides comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 and modifications thereof, which are effective in blocking leukocyte recruitment. The disclosed peptides are useful for treating diseases associated with leukocyte recruitment for example inhibiting metastasis of a solid tumor to the liver and lungs and for treating sepsis. Also disclosed are methods of screening for compounds having the ability to block leukocyte recruitment. |
| US09464111B2 |
Short peptides and a method of use as an antioxidant
A short chain polypeptide having antioxidant activity is provided. The short chain polypeptide has 2 to 4 amino acids bonded to form a polypeptide chain having an amine-terminal end and a carboxyl terminal end; wherein a net charge of the short chain polypeptide is positive, the amino terminal amino acid is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine and histidine, the polypeptide chain following from the amino terminus comprises a hydrophobic or neutral amino acid, and the polypeptide chain is free of an amino acid having a negatively charged side-chain group. A method to prepare a composition having antioxidant activity and a composition having antioxidant activity are also provided. |
| US09464107B2 |
Labeled nucleotide analogs
Labeled reactant compositions, and particularly labeled nucleic acid reaction compositions that include structural components including double-stranded nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the structural components maintain potentially damaging labeling components sufficiently distal from the reactant portion of the molecule such that damaging effects of the label group on other reaction components, such as enzymes, are reduced, minimized and/or eliminated. |
| US09464106B2 |
Oligonucleotides useful for detecting and analyzing nucleic acids of interest
The invention features improved nucleic acids and methods for expression profiling of mRNAs, identifying and profiling of particular mRNA splice variants, and detecting mutations, deletions, or duplications of particular exons or other splice variants, e.g., alterations associated with a disease such as cancer, in a nucleic acid sample, e.g., a biological sample or a patient sample. |
| US09464105B2 |
Hydroxylated KRN7000 analogue and use thereof
The invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; two R2 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; R3 is a hydrocarbon group having 8-14 carbon atoms, which optionally has substituent(s); and R4 is a hydrocarbon group having 18-24 carbon atoms, which optionally has substituent(s), or a salt thereof. The invention also provides a method of treating an autoimmune disease or suppressing immunity by administering the aforementioned compound or a salt thereof to a patient in need thereof. |
| US09464099B2 |
Method for producing hydrosilanes containing carbon
The present invention provides processes for preparing carbon-containing hydridosilanes, in which an optionally boron- or phosphorus-doped hydridosilane is reacted without catalyst and reducing agent with at least one carbon source selected from linear, branched or cyclic carbosilanes, halogenated hydrocarbons, carbenes, alkyl azides, diazomethane, dimethyl sulphate or alcohols, the carbon-containing hydridosilane oligomers obtainable by the process and the use thereof. |
| US09464098B2 |
Substituted triazole boronic acid compounds
The invention is concerned with the compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are LMP7 inhibitors and may be useful in treating associated inflammatory diseases and disorders such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and irritable bowel disease. |
| US09464096B2 |
Therapeutic compounds
The invention provides compounds of formula I: or a salt thereof as described herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I, processes for preparing compounds of formula I, intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula I and therapeutic methods for treating the proliferation of the HIV virus, treating AIDS or delaying the onset of AIDS or ARC symptoms in a mammal using compounds of formula I. |
| US09464094B2 |
Crystal of 6,7-unsaturated-7-carbamoyl morphinan derivative and method for producing the same
Stable crystalline forms of a compound represented by the formula (IA): an acid addition salt, and/or a solvate thereof are provided by the present invention. Said crystalline forms are extremely useful as materials for preparing medicines. Novel processes for preparing 6,7-unsaturated-7-carbamoyl morphinan derivatives are also provided by the present invention. |
| US09464093B2 |
Substituted imidazo[4',5':4,5]cyclopenta[1,2-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines and oxazolo[4',5':4,5]cyclopenta[1,2-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines for treating brain cancer
This document relates to compounds and compositions useful for treating cancers, such as brain and nervous system cancers. For example, such compounds include a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: |
| US09464090B2 |
Pyrazolo-quinazoline derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as kinase inhibitors
Pyrazolo-quinazoline derivatives of formula (Ia) or (Ib) as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; the compounds of the invention may be useful, in therapy, in the treatment of diseases associated with a disregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer. |
| US09464088B2 |
Piperidin-4-yl azetidine derivatives as JAK1 inhibitors
The present invention provides piperidin-4-yl azetidine derivatives, as well as their compositions and methods of use, that modulate the activity of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of JAK1 including, for example, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other diseases. |
| US09464087B2 |
Difluoromethylation of unsaturated compounds
A reagent for carrying out a difluoromethylation reaction of unsaturated compounds and ring-nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, a zinc difluoro-methanesulfinate, as well as a method for making the reagent and a method for its use are disclosed. |
| US09464086B2 |
Crystalline forms of N,N-dicyclopropyl-4-(1,5-dimethyl-1 H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)-6-ethyl-1-methyl-1,6-dihydroimidazo[4,5-D]pyrrolo[2,3-B]pyridine-7-carboxamide for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders
Crystalline form, Form N-2, of N,Ndicyclopropyl-4-(1,5-dimethyl-1Hpyrazol-3-ylamino)-6-ethyl-1-methyl-1,6-dihydroimidazo[4,5-d]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-7-carboxamide (Compound I) is provided. Also provided are a pharmaceutical composition and an oral dosage form comprising Form N-2 of Compound I as well as a method of using the Form N-2 of Compound I in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders, which include polycythaemia vera, thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis. |
| US09464085B2 |
Inhibitor compounds of phosphodiesterase type 10A
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I, the N-oxides, tautomers, the prodrugs and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. where in formula I the variables R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the claims and where X is C—R6 or N, Y is C—R7 or N, where R6 and R7 are, inter alia, hydrogen, halogen, alkoxy, haloalkoxy and the like. The compounds of the formula I, the N-oxides, tautomers, the prodrugs and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 10A and to their use for the manufacture of a medicament and which thus are suitable for treating or controlling of medical disorders selected from neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders, for ameliorating the symptoms associated with such disorders and for reducing the risk of such disorders. |
| US09464079B2 |
Treatment of proliferative disorders with a chemiluminescent agent
Methods employing chemiluminescent agents as therapeutically active agents in the treatment of proliferative disorders are disclosed. The chemiluminiscent agents are used in the disclosed method without a therapeutically effective amount of a photosensitizer. Novel chemiluminescent agents having the general formula: are also disclosed, wherein X, Y, Z, R3 and R5-R9 are as defined herein. |
| US09464077B2 |
Nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compound
Provided is a compound useful as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for bladder cancer.As a result of studies on compounds having FGFR inhibitory action, the present inventors have found that the nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds of the present invention have inhibitory action on FGFR1, FGFR2, and/or FGFR3, particularly, mutant FGFR3, and thus, the present invention has been accomplished. The nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compound of the present invention can be used as a therapeutic agent for various cancers related to FGFR1, FGFR2, and/or FGFR3, such as lung cancer and hormone therapy-resistant breast cancer, stomach cancer, triple negative breast cancer, endometrial cancer, bladder cancer, and glioblastoma, particularly as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for mutant FGFR3-positive bladder cancer. |
| US09464075B2 |
Influenza A virus inhibition
Provided are compounds that are capable of modulating the activity of the influenza A virus via interaction with the M2 transmembrane protein. Also provided are methods for treating an influenza A-affected disease state or infection comprising administering a composition comprising one or more compounds that have been identified as being capable of interaction with the M2 protein. |
| US09464074B2 |
Method for producing epoxy compound
There is provided a method for producing an epoxy compound having an epoxy ring bonded to a triazinetrione ring via a long chain alkylene group, an olefin compound having a specific structure is used to efficiently obtain an epoxy compound of which an olefin moiety is epoxidized in high yield. A method for producing an epoxy compound of Formula (2): including reacting a triolefin compound of the following Formula (1): (In the above-mentioned Formulae, R1 to R9 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and n1 to n3 are each independently an integer of 1 to 4) with hydrogen peroxide, a nitrile compound, and an alkaline substance in a solvent. The nitrile compound is an aliphatic nitrile compound or an aromatic nitrile compound. The alkaline substance is phosphate, carbonate, or an alkaline metal hydroxide. |
| US09464073B2 |
Pyrimidine hydroxy amide compounds as HDAC6 selective inhibitors
The present invention relates to pyrimidine hydroxy amide compounds, the use of such compounds in the inhibition of HDAC6, and the use of such compounds in the treatment of various diseases, disorders, or conditions related to HDAC6. |
| US09464061B2 |
N-hydroxylamino-barbituric acid derivatives
The present disclosure provides N-hydroxylamino-barbituric acid compounds of formulae (1)-(4), pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising them, and methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. The present disclosure provides methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions for treating heart failure. |
| US09464055B2 |
Quinoline derivatives useful as CB-1 inverse agonists
The present invention is directed to quinoline derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing said derivatives and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions mediated by the CB-1 receptor; more particularly, in the treatment of disorders and conditions responsive to inverse agonism of the CB-1 receptor. For example, the compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders. |
| US09464054B2 |
Polymorphic forms of the sodium salt of 4-tert-butyl-N-[4-CHLOR0-2-(1-oxy-pyridine-4-carbonyl)-phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide
Disclosed are novel polymorphic trihydrated forms of the sodium salt of 4-tert-butyl-N-[4-chloro-2-(1-oxy-pyridine-4-carbonyl)-phenyl]benzenesulfonamide. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a crystalline form of the sodium salt of 4-tert-butyl-N-[4-chloro-2-(1-oxy-pyridine-4-carbonyl)-25 phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide (hereinafter “Compound A_crystalline trihydrate form I”), wherein the crystalline form is characterized by an X-ray powder diffraction pattern comprising diffraction angles (°28), when measured using Cu Ka radiation, at about 4.5, 9.0, 13.6, 13.9, 15.8, 17.8, 18.2, 18.5, 19.1, 19.9, 20A, 21.2, 22.1, 22.7, 24.3, 25.0, 25.6, 26.2, 26.8, 27.3, 27.6, 28.0, 28.8, and 30.8. |
| US09464051B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of inflammation and pain
The invention relates to the compounds of formula V or its pharmaceutical acceptable polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula V and methods for the treatment of inflammation and pain may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, lozenge, spray, intravenous, oral solution, buccal mucosal layer tablet, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of pain, oral mucosal inflammatory or oral infectious diseases. |
| US09464038B2 |
Method for producing specific oximes and oximethers
Method for preparing certain oximes and oxime O-methyl ethers by reacting poorly water-soluble carbonyl compounds with salts of hydroxylamine or hydroxylamine O-methyl ether or the free base of hydroxylamine in the presence of certain phosphoric esters or salts thereof of the formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and X are defined as specified in the description. |
| US09464037B2 |
Styrenated phenol compound and method of preparing the same
Provided is a styrenated phenol compound represented by Formula 1 in which styrenated phenol and hydroxylamine bind to each other: In Formula 1, n is one of integers of 1 to 3, and R1 and R2 are each hydrogen or one of C1 to C4 alkyl groups. The styrenated phenol compound may maintain curing stimulation property and plasticity, and prevent discoloration when being mixed with a curing agent for an epoxy paint, thereby enhancing exterior quality and storage stability of a product. |
| US09464036B2 |
Thickening stabilizer, and thickening/stabilizing composition using the same
Provided is a compound which thickens or gels a fluid organic material to a desired viscosity, or which uniformly stabilizes the formulation of a composition containing the fluid organic material.The compound according to the present invention is represented by Formula (1): R1—(CONH—R2)n (1) where R1 represents an n-valent aromatic hydrocarbon group containing two or more benzene rings; R2 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing 6 or more carbon atoms; and n represents an integer of 4 or more. The group R1 is preferably a group corresponding to an aromatic hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of benzophenone, biphenyl, and naphthalene, except for removing hydrogen atoms in a number of n from the aromatic hydrocarbon. A thickening/stabilizing agent according to the present invention includes the compound. |
| US09464034B2 |
Carbon-based fluorescent tracers as oil reservoir nano-agents
Carbon-based fluorescent nano-agent tracers for analysis of oil reservoirs are provided. The carbon-based fluorescent nano-agents being inexpensive means of analyzing, among other properties, the porosity of a formation. The nanoagents are suitable for injection into a petroleum reservoir and can be subsequently recovered for determinations of flow rates and retention times. |
| US09464033B2 |
Alkynyl phenyl derivative compounds for treating ophthalmic diseases and disorders
Provided are alkynyl phenyl derivative compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of treating ophthalmic diseases and disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's Disease, using said compounds and compositions. |
| US09464032B2 |
Use of polyaminoisoprenyl derivatives in antibiotic or antiseptic treatment
The present invention relates to the use of polyaminoisoprenyl derivatives in antibiotic or antiseptic treatment of bacteria including those presenting multiple drug resistance (MDR), in particular as efflux pump inhibitors. It also relates to novel polyaminoisoprenyl derivatives, compositions comprising the same, process for preparing the same, and use thereof in antibiotic or antiseptic treatment. |
| US09464031B2 |
Dehydroxylation of aminoalcohols to alkyl amines
The present invention provides a process for producing alkyl amines by dehydroxylation of aminoalcohols. This provides an alternate reaction route for making alkyl amines, such as 2-methylpropane-2-amine and its derivatives. |
| US09464027B2 |
Production of diesters from dinitrile compounds
Diesters are prepared by first hydrolyzing dinitrile compounds into imide compounds and then reacting such imide compounds with at least one alcohol. |
| US09464026B2 |
Recovering and using carboxylic acids from a fermentation broth
A process for recovering and using an carboxylic acid derived from a fermentation broth by means of making an ester of the free carboxylic acid and alcohol in carbon dioxide (CO2) without the presence of any other acid catalyst at a reaction temperature and pressure that corresponds to supercritical, critical or near critical conditions for the alcohol and/or CO2 is described. The process can constitute part of a general process of refining carboxylic acids derived from a fermentation broth for use in the production of a variety of chemical compounds, such as C4 platform compounds, polymers, or fuels. |
| US09464023B2 |
Process for the preparation of formylvaleric acid and adipic acid
The invention relates to a process for the production of 5-formylvaleric acid and adipic acid or esters thereof from an isomeric mixture of pentenoic acid or esters thereof said mixture comprising at least 4-pentenoic acid or esters thereof, and further comprising 3-pentenoic acid and/or 2-pentenoic acid or esters thereof.The process allows for efficient production of two different intermediates for producing polyamide using a single process, with good selectivity, little waste, in an economically efficient fashion. The process is very suitable to use an isomeric pentenoic acid mixture obtained from valerolactone, and can be used to produce renewable polyamide intermediates using a single process. |
| US09464022B2 |
Method of transforming biomass into lactic acid with modified beta zeolites
A method of transforming biomass into lactic acid using modified beta zeolites is disclosed. The one-step preparation process of preparing catalyst in the invention is mild, economical and convenient. The biomass used as precursor is economic and easy to get. Meanwhile, the reaction process doesn't need to be protected by noble gases with high pressure. The catalyst can be reused and the yield of lactic acid is high. |
| US09464021B2 |
Method of preparation of stereospecific quinone derivatives
The description provides processes for the regio and stereospecific synthesis of polyprenylatedquinone derivatives, such as Vitamin K1, K2 and Ubiquinone, exploiting dithioacetals, especially 1,3-dithiane, mediated Umpolung chemistry which works along a new concept “Inhibiting resonance delocalization (IRD)” to overcome isomerization generated due to delocalization of allyliccarbanion on the π-electron cloud of an allylic systems by the conventional synthesis. |
| US09464014B2 |
Process for the preparation of methanol in parallel reactors
In a process for the preparation of methanolin parallel reactors, comprising the steps of (a) reacting carbon oxides and hydrogen in the presence of a methanol catalyst in a first methanol reactor to obtain a first methanol-containing effluent, (b) introducing and reacting unconverted synthesis gas in a second methanol reactor in the presence of a methanol catalyst to obtain a second methanol-containing effluent, the first methanol reactor and the second methanol reactor being connected in parallel, (c) combining the first and second effluent, and (d) cooling and separating the combined and cooled effluent into a methanol-containing liquid phase and unconverted synthesis gas, the methanol catalyst in the first methanol reactor is indirectly cooled by boiling water and the methanol catalyst in the second methanol reactor is either directly or indirectly cooled by the unconverted synthesis gas prior to conversion into the second effluent. |
| US09464009B2 |
Removal of urea and ammonia from exhaust gases
The invention relates to a method for recovery of urea dust and ammonia from a gas stream by contacting said gas stream with an aqueous sulphuric acid solution, thus forming an acid solution of ammonium sulphate and urea, characterized in that the acid solution is concentrated to a melt comprising less than 5 wt % of water, which melt is subsequently transferred into solid particles comprising urea and ammonium sulphate. |
| US09464006B2 |
Nanoporous coating synthesis and apparatus
An example of a nanoballoon thermal protection system includes a refractory ceramic foam having carbide balloons. The foam has a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the foam. Each of the carbide balloons is hollow and has a diameter greater than 0 nm and less than 900 nm. Each of the carbide balloons includes a refractory carbide. In addition, a vehicle with thermal shield includes a surface and a first and second nanoballoon closed cell foam coatings. Each of the foam coatings has a melting point temperature greater than 1000° C. and a density less than 85%. Each of the foam coatings has hollow balloons having a diameter less than 900 nm. Each of the foam coatings includes a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the respective coating. Methods for manufacturing a nanoballoon system and a nanoballoon thermal protection system are also disclosed. |
| US09464005B2 |
Dielectric ceramic composition comprising Bi2O3, ZnO, Nb2O5 and V2O5, dielectric ceramic, electronic device, and communication device
A dielectric ceramic composition is represented by a general formula “xBi2O3.yZnO.(z-a)Nb2O5.aV2O5”. The variables, “x”, “y”, “z” and “a” in the general formula respectively satisfy the following conditions: 2.90≦x≦3.10, 1.90≦y≦2.10, 1.90≦z≦2.10, and 0.0005≦a≦0.020. |
| US09464001B2 |
Engineered aggregates for metamaterials
Materials and methods for implementing engineered aggregates in metamaterials are provided. The engineered aggregates may be tuned to oscillate resonantly under the influence of an external force improving the dynamic performance of the metamaterial by impeding dynamic excitation. The engineered aggregate generally comprise a multilayer resonant structure having at least a relatively heavy inner core surrounded by at least a compliant coating layer. The geometry and stiffness of the relative layers can be tuned to engineer a desired resonant frequency response within the aggregate for a chosen frequency range. The engineered aggregates are disposed in a matrix material to form a metamaterial. The engineered aggregates may be disposed within a mortar matrix to form a concrete metamaterial suitable for use, for example, in structural applications, including bunkers, shelters, etc. |
| US09463997B2 |
Composite particle, method of producing same, resin composition containing the particle, reflector formed from the composition, and light-emitting semiconductor device using the reflector
A composite oxide particle prepared from raw materials comprising: (1) a finely powdered silica having a BET specific surface area of 50 m2/g or greater or an alkoxysilane, and (2) a liquid metal alkoxide other than an alkoxysilane or a nano order metal oxide powder other than finely powdered silica, one of components (1) and (2) being a solid oxide and the other being a liquid alkoxide, wherein the composite oxide particle is prepared by mixing or kneading the raw materials to obtain a sol or gel-like substance, sintering the sol or gel-like substance at a temperature of 300° C. or higher to form a glass-like substance, and then crushing the glass-like substance is provided. Also, a resin composition containing the composite oxide particle, and a reflector for a light-emitting semiconductor device formed using the resin composition are provided. The invention is able to provide a resin composition which is ideal as a reflector material for a light-emitting semiconductor device that exhibits high light reflectance and minimal light transmission, and a composite oxide particle that is added to the resin composition. |
| US09463995B2 |
Refractory alloy and mineral wool production method
The invention relates to an alloy having high temperature mechanical strength in an oxidizing medium and comprising a carbide-precipitation-strengthened matrix containing chromium. The invention is characterized in that the alloy comprises carbides of at least one metal (M) selected from among titanium, zirconium and hafnium, said carbides also optionally containing (M′) tantalum. The invention is suitable for articles that require high temperature mechanical strength, such as for hot glass processing or production. |
| US09463993B2 |
Glass ribbon engagement system which includes a robot tooling device and a guidance device
A glass ribbon engagement system is described herein that includes a robot tooling device with suction cups configured to engage a first side of a glass ribbon, and a guidance device with one or more devices (e.g., air nozzles, cylinder-wheel units) which are configured to apply one or more local forces to a second side of the glass ribbon to shift the glass ribbon towards the suction cups to assist the suction cups in engaging and securing the first side of the glass ribbon. |
| US09463988B2 |
Electrical purification apparatus having a blocking spacer
An electrical purification apparatus and methods of making same are disclosed. The electrical purification apparatus may provide for increases in operation efficiencies, for example, with respect to current efficiencies and membrane utilization. |
| US09463986B2 |
Hydrometallurgical method for recovery of zinc in sulphuric medium starting from sulphidic zinc concentrates with high iron content
This method is based in the recirculation of an iron free solution or a solution with low iron content in such a manner that the final acidity conditions obtained are ideal for iron to efficiently precipitate as jarosite. |
| US09463984B2 |
Cathode active material with whole particle concentration gradient for lithium secondary battery, method for preparing the same, and lithium secondary battery having the same
The present invention relates to an anode active material with whole particle concentration gradient for a lithium secondary battery, a method for preparing same, and a lithium secondary battery having same, and more specifically, to a composite anode active material, a method for manufacturing same, and a lithium secondary battery having same, the composite anode active material having excellent lifetime characteristics and charge/discharge characteristics through the stabilization of crystal structure as the concentration of a metal comprising the anode active material shows concentration gradient in the whole particle, and having thermostability even in high temperatures. |
| US09463981B2 |
Carbon nanotubes and production method thereof
The present invention relates to a method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising a catalyst particle forming step of heating and reducing a catalyst raw material to form catalyst particles and a carbon nanotube synthesizing step of flowing a raw material gas onto the heated catalyst particles to synthesize carbon nanotubes, wherein a carbon-containing compound gas without an unsaturated bond is flowed onto the catalyst raw material and/or the catalyst particles in at least one of the catalyst particle forming step and the carbon nanotube synthesizing step. |
| US09463980B2 |
Method for manufacturing coke
Coke is manufactured by blending two or more kinds of coal to form a coal blend and by carbonizing the coal blend. Interfacial tension among coal kinds is used as a control index for determining the blending ratio of each coal when forming the coal blend. It is possible to increase the strength of coke without increasing the material cost of a coal blend. |
| US09463978B2 |
Process for making trisilylamine
The method described herein provides a method for preparing trisilylamine. In one aspect, the method comprises: providing a reaction mixture of trisilylamine and monochlorosilane into a reactor wherein the reaction mixture is at a temperature and pressure sufficient to provide trisilylamine in a liquid phase wherein the reaction mixture is substantially free of an added solvent; contacting the reaction mixture with ammonia to provide a crude mixture comprising trisilylamine and an ammonium chloride solid wherein monochlorosilane is in stoichiometric excess in relation to ammonia; purifiying the crude mixture to provide trisilylamine wherein the trisilyamine is produced at purity level of 90% or greater; and optionally removing the ammonium chloride solid from the reactor. |
| US09463976B2 |
MEMS fabrication process with two cavities operating at different pressures
A method and apparatus are described for fabricating a high aspect ratio MEMS sensor device having multiple vertically-stacked inertial transducer elements (101B, 110D) formed in different layers of a multi-layer semiconductor structure (100) and one or more cap devices (200, 300) bonded to the multi-layer semiconductor structure (100) to protect any exposed inertial transducer element from ambient environmental conditions. |
| US09463974B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
The micro-electro-mechanical system is provided with at least two separate anchoring elements (F1, F2) designed to be bound to a support. A anchoring element (F1, F2) is solidly linked to at least one beam (P1, P2) that can be deformed in bending, and two beams (P1, P2) respectively linked to two distinct anchoring elements (F1, F2) have different directions. A beam has a length L, a thickness e, and a height h, such that the stiffnesses KL in the directions of the length and of the height Kh are large and the stiffness in the direction of the thickness Ke is small. |
| US09463973B2 |
Reducing MEMS stiction by introduction of a carbon barrier
A mechanism for reducing stiction in a MEMS device by decreasing an amount of carbon from TEOS-based silicon oxide films that can accumulate on polysilicon surfaces during fabrication is provided. A carbon barrier material film is deposited between one or more polysilicon layer in a MEMS device and the TEOS-based silicon oxide layer. This barrier material blocks diffusion of carbon into the polysilicon, thereby reducing accumulation of carbon on the polysilicon surfaces. By reducing the accumulation of carbon, the opportunity for stiction due to the presence of the carbon is similarly reduced. |
| US09463972B2 |
Docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir
A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes an inlet conduit that extends from a pressurized water source to a spout of the docking station. A removable water filter is coupled to the inlet conduit in order to filter the flow of water through the inlet conduit. |
| US09463971B2 |
Testable overfill prevention valve
An overfill prevention valve system including an overfill prevention valve having a blocking component. The blocking component is movable between a closed position, wherein the blocking component generally blocks fluid from flowing through the valve, and an open position, wherein the blocking component generally allows fluid to flow through the valve. The valve further including a float operatively coupled to the blocking component. The system additionally has an actuator that is operable to directly or indirectly move the blocking component to at least one of its open or closed positions to thereby enable testing of the overfill prevention valve. |
| US09463969B2 |
Rigid outer container for releasably accommodating a stand-up pouch
A refillable package combination includes a stand-up pouch accommodated within an outer container that includes a hollow shell with an open bottom. The stand-up pouch is inserted through the open bottom and a corner spout of the pouch is inserted through an opening in a slanted corner panel of the hollow shell. Frictional engagement between the corner spout and the opening secures the spout to the corner panel and pouch within the hollow shell. |
| US09463966B1 |
Scissor lift having side ramps with central lift platform
A movable scissor-lift device for lifting small wheeled vehicles, including, but not limited to, wheelchairs, mowers, ATVs, and the like. The scissor-lift provides a secure platform that can be raised to different heights. It can be easily moved and used to service, assemble, or build equipment in manufacturing plants, service centers, labs, hospitals, and the like. Various access openings on the lifting platform allow for easier servicing of equipment on the lift. Likewise, since the wheels of the vehicles hang free without being blocked by the body of the lift, it is easier to access and service the wheels. |
| US09463965B2 |
Pulling tool
A pulling tool is provided with a rotatable drum having a cable wound thereon. A motor is drivingly connected to the rotatable drum and the rotatable drum and motor are disposed within a unique housing structure. The rotatable drum is driven by a planetary gear system that is disposed within the rotatable drum to provide a compact assembly. A belt and pulley system is provided for delivering torque from the motor to the planetary gear system. The rotatable drum is provided with a two-piece stepped construction that allows the planetary gear system to be assembled within the drum and allows for the initial wraps of a cable around the smaller diameter portion of the stepped drum. |
| US09463961B2 |
Compensator system and method for moving construction form tables
A device for moving construction tables from under poured concrete is disclosed. A spreader bar is suspended from a crane and it incorporates two cables used to connect to the table to be moved at points between the center of the gravity of the table and it's captive end. A hoist is suspended from the spreader bar and it includes two additional cables or chains also used to connect to the table between the center of gravity and the free end of the table. The two sets of cables or cables and chains are kept separate from each other. |
| US09463955B2 |
Elevator operator interface with virtual activation
An elevator activation system provides virtual activation of one or more buttons by passengers. An optical sensor or time-of-flight camera is positioned near buttons of the elevator and projects an optical curtain over buttons of the elevator. Disturbances in the optical curtain are detected and an exact location of a disturbance in the optical curtain is communicated to a sensor controller which then virtually activates a button correlated to the particular location of the disturbance. The sensor controller communicates with an elevator controller such that the elevator is controlled based on the particular function activated in response to virtual activation of the button. The elevator activation system may further include a user feedback feature configured to signify to a passenger that a button has been virtually activated without physically contacting the button. |
| US09463953B2 |
Control system and method for elevator
A control system for elevators includes a capture apparatus, a processor and a storage apparatus. The capture apparatus captures images of each floor. The processor performs human detection on images of each floor to calculate the number of waiting passengers of each floor. The processor further calculates waiting time of each floor. The processor calculates weight of each floor based on the number of the waiting passengers and waiting time, and controls the elevator to the floor with maximum weight. |
| US09463951B1 |
Gas supply system
A gas supply system includes a housing with an aperture, a spool, a one-way bearing, an interval locking device, a main keyed shaft, a spring housing, a spring torque spool and a pair of spring grounding tabs, a main base that stabilizes the housing, a rotating shaft where the main base is disposed on the distal end of the rotating shaft, a rotational bearing that is disposed on the proximal end of the rotating shaft and connects the rotating shaft to the main base. There is also a base clamp that has a pair of corresponding apertures and secures the gas supply system to a tubular shaped object and an adjustable clamp screw that has a handle and a threaded bolt wherein the proximal end of the threaded bolt is attached to and perpendicularly extends from the handle and the adjustable clamp screw. |
| US09463949B2 |
Zero turn radius reel
An easy-to-maneuver reel for carrying wound product is provided. The reel comprises at least one flange that can rotate independently of the drum. |
| US09463948B2 |
Control methods for producing precision coils
A method for sensing a position of a lead wire during winding of a wire on a coil form to form a precision coil is provided. The method includes acquiring data representative of at least a portion of the precision coil, identifying portions of the acquired data that represent the wire in the precision coil, and determining a position of the lead wire on the coil form from the identified portions of the acquired data. |
| US09463945B2 |
Multi-stage collation system and method for high speed compiling sequentially ordered signage
According to exemplary systems and methods, signs are created using a document-processing device. The signs are removed from a processing path of the document-processing device using a transport device to move the signs to a compiler. Ordered stacks of the signs are compiled in the compiler. The signs are temporarily held in the compiler during a first operation of a collating system. Following actuation and reset of the collating system, the signs are moved to the collating system. The collating system includes a ramped collator that moves interim stacks of signs received from the compiler from the ramps of the ramped collator toward a final collated stack according to job-specific instructions. |
| US09463943B2 |
Transporting device and printing apparatus
A transporting device which transports a belt-shaped base material by considering a longitudinal direction of the base material as a transporting direction, includes a first driving roller which transports the base material in the transporting direction; a second driving roller which is disposed to be closer to a downstream side of the transporting direction than the first driving roller, and transports the base material in the transporting direction; an inter-roller transporting path which is provided between the first driving roller and the second driving roller, and through which the base material is transported in a state where the base material is suspended in a direction of gravity and bent; and a tension applying portion which suctions a bent part of the base material from a lower side in the direction of gravity, and applies tension to the base material on the inter-roller transporting path. |
| US09463942B2 |
Apparatus for positioning an advancing web
An apparatus may be used to control the cross-directional movement of a web advancing in a machine direction. The web defines a machine direction centerline. The apparatus may include a frame rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a guide member connected with the frame and configured to receive an advancing web. The apparatus may include a first rotation member connected with the frame and configured to rotate the frame by a first angle of rotation about the first axis of rotation to align a machine direction centerline of the advancing web with a target cross-directional position. The apparatus comprises a second rotation member connected with the frame and configured to rotate the frame about a second axis of rotation by a second angle of rotation to adjust the target cross-directional position, wherein the second angle of rotation is greater than the first angle of rotation. |
| US09463934B2 |
Conveyor carriage position monitoring
A carriage system including a carriage having a target; a winch; a position sensor configured to sense a position of the target; and a controller. The winch includes a cable, a motor, and a motor sensor. The cable couples the carriage to the winch. The motor sensor senses a motor characteristic. The controller is configured to receive the motor characteristic and the position of the target, calculate a characteristic of the system, and output the characteristic. |
| US09463931B2 |
Article diverting conveyor belt
An article-diverting modular conveyor belt employs a gear-driven article mover on a conveyor belt module for selectively moving a conveyed article towards a side of the module. The article mover may be a transversely-extending flexible band or helical blade for carrying articles across the belt towards a side of the module. A toothed wheel connected to the article mover is selectively driven by a gear to induce movement of the article mover. |
| US09463930B2 |
Tubular conveyor belt or pocket conveyor belt having a chevron profile arrangement on the carrying side thereof
A conveyor belt includes a carrying-side cover plate and a running-side cover plate. The cover plates conjointly define a belt body having a plurality of reinforcement elements embedded therein. The belt body has edge zones and is closable so as to cause the edge zones to overlap and be in mutual contact engagement to form a tube conveyor belt or a pocket conveyor belt. The carrying-side cover plate has a chevron profile arrangement which includes a plurality of diagonal elements extending in both a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the conveyor belt. Each two of the diagonal elements conjointly defines a pair with multiple pairs defining a V-formation having a tip aligned in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the belt. |
| US09463924B1 |
Unique biodegradable eight-stacked-reinforced-handle bag, having eight stacked-reinforced handles, multiple triple-locking latches, multiple triple-locking braces, multiple quadruple-locking walls, and multiple double-locking doors
A unique eight-stacked-reinforced-handle eight-stacked-and-reinforced-latch biodegradable bag comprises top sections, body sections attached to the top sections, and bottom sections attached to the body sections, respectively. The bottom sections are attached together. The unique eight-stacked-reinforced-handle eight-stacked-and-reinforced-latch biodegradable bag has a plurality of openings mechanically punched in the top sections, to form eight handles and two locking braces next to the openings, to form eight locking latches and two locking doors inside the openings, and to form eight locking walls around the openings, respectively. The top sections are folded to stack and reinforce the eight handles, the eight locking latches, the two locking doors, the two locking braces, and the eight locking walls, respectively. The eight locking latches are pushed through the openings to lock together the eight handles, the eight locking latches, the two locking doors, the two locking braces, and the eight locking walls, and to lock together the top sections, respectively, to seal the unique eight-stacked-reinforced-handle eight-stacked-and-reinforced-latch biodegradable bag, securely. |
| US09463917B2 |
Method to create vacuum insulated cabinets for refrigerators
A method of forming a vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet, the method comprising providing first and second sheets of material. The first sheet of material is thermoformed over a first forming tool forming a first intermediate structure. The first intermediate structure is then thermoformed over a second forming mold to create a second intermediate structure. The second sheet of material is then sealing connected with the second intermediate structure forming an annular space. A vacuum is created in the annular space creating a vacuum insulated cabinet. |
| US09463915B2 |
Compressible packaging assembly
A packaging container can be configured to include cushioning material and to be foldable between an expanded state in which the container can be used to ship an article and a compressed state in which the container occupies a smaller volumetric space without the article being contained therein. This can reduce shipping costs associated with transporting the empty container. |
| US09463910B2 |
Container closure device and container having such a closure device
A container closure device (20) for a container (10), in particular for a beverage can (10), comprises a lid (30) having an upper face (31), a lower face (32), and an opening (33). The container closure device (20) further comprises a closure (50) having a closure part (51) for opening and closing the opening (33) and an operating device (40) for actuating the closure part (51). The closure part (51) is arranged on the lower face (32) so as to be pivotable about a first axis (A) which extends substantially parallel to the lower face (32). The operating device (40) is arranged on the closure part (51) so as to be rotatable about a second axis (B) and be rotatable from a first position (S1) into a second position (S2). The opening (33) can be closed by rotating the operating device (40) into the first position (S1) and can be opened by rotating the operating device (40) into the second position (S2). |
| US09463908B2 |
Food pouch container
Disclosed herein are food pouch containers comprising a body having an interior cavity; a door; a hole; and a surface for contouring the bottom of the food pouch. Also disclosed are food pouch containers comprising a back portion having an interior cavity; a cover; a hole; means for contouring the food pouch from a bottom thereof; and means for contouring the food pouch from at least a side thereof. In some embodiments, a surface divides the interior cavity into an upper cavity and the lower cavity. |
| US09463907B2 |
Cream dispenser
The present invention is directed to a combination of a deformable package (20) containing a cream product; and a tool (10) for dispensing the cream product from the deformable package (20) comprising a first member (12) which supports the deformable package (20), and a second member (14) connected to the first member (12) by a hinge (40), wherein the tool (10) is arranged so that, in use, when a user pushes the first and second members (12), (14) towards one another, the deformable package (20) is squeezed between the first and second members (12), (14) to dispense the cream product from the package (20). |
| US09463903B2 |
Door mountable storage system
A door mountable storage system hingedly attaches to a door to provide storage space behind the door. The assembly includes a container having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The front and rear walls are coupled to and extend between the first and second lateral walls. A door is provided. The door has a door hinge attached to a first side edge of the door. A plurality of knuckles is coupled to the container and each is vertically aligned with respect to each other. Each of the knuckles is couplable to the door hinge for supporting the container on the door hinge. |
| US09463901B2 |
Auxiliary prescription label
An auxiliary prescription label is provided for print-impaired individuals, such as blind and vision-impaired individuals. The auxiliary label is affixed to a prescription receptacle and does not permanently obscure the primary prescription label. The auxiliary label includes a book attached to a clip. The book is formed by a strip of printed material. The strip is folded to form the book and at least one stack of apertures is provided therethrough. The clip includes a base having at least one ear extending therefrom. The ear(s) are bent relative to the base to pass the ear(s) through the aperture(s), and the ear(s) are thereafter secured to the base. An adhesive secures the auxiliary label to the prescription receptacle. |
| US09463898B2 |
Reusable container kit
Aspects of the invention include a reusable, collapsible container, which when in a disassembled state is completely contained in an area no larger than the base member thereof, is easy to assemble, and due to the interlocking features of a number of the component parts of the container, requires a minimal number of separate locking/fastening devices. |
| US09463896B2 |
Carton with opening feature
A package for holding an article, the package includes a liner and a construct attached to the liner. The liner includes an interior space for holding an article. The construct includes a plurality of panels that at least partially reinforce at a portion of the liner. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a bottom panel. The construct further includes a dispenser comprising dispensing features in at least one of the top panel and the bottom panel for allowing removal of the article from the package. The dispensing features include a dispenser panel at least partially defined by a tear line in the construct and for being at least partially removed to form a dispenser opening. |
| US09463893B2 |
Packaging laminate for a packaging container, as well as a packaging container produced from the packaging laminate
A packaging laminate for a packaging container, which includes a paper or paperboard layer and outer, liquid-tight, heat-resistant layers of plastic on both sides of the paper or paperboard layer. Between the paper or paperboard layer and the outer plastic layer, the packaging laminate has at least one additional layer of a material possessing tightness properties vis-à-vis gases. In order to improve the preconditions for being able to provide the packaging laminate with decorative artwork of printing ink with good print quality, the paper or paperboard layer has, on both sides, a coating of pigment, adhesive and a substance capable of modifying the rheological properties of the coatings. |
| US09463892B2 |
Labeling device with electronic distance monitoring
The invention relates to a labeling device and to a method for operating such a labeling device on a deep-drawing packaging machine. The labeling device includes two cross-web labelers, each displaced on one common guide system, and each having a drive and power supply. The labeling device further includes a safety controller configured to calculate a distance between the two cross-web labelers and interrupt the power supply of each drive of the cross-web labelers when the calculated distance is below an invariably predefined safety distance so as to ensure a reliable deactivation during the displacement of the cross-web labelers in the event of a fault. |
| US09463888B2 |
Packaging equipment for rolled paper products
An apparatus for laning rolled products is disclosed. The apparatus can include an infeed section having one or more adjacent infeed lanes. Each infeed lane can convey a plurality of rolled products in a first direction. The infeed section can feed rolled product to a transfer section, the transfer section receiving one or more of the plurality of rolled products from each lane of the infeed section. The transfer section can convey the one or more rolled products in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction to a discharge section. The discharge section can have one or more adjacent discharge lanes for receiving the one or more rolled products from the transfer section. The discharge section can convey the one or more rolled products in a third direction substantially parallel to the first direction. A displacement device can transfer rolled products from the transfer section onto the discharge section. In operation, the number of discharge lanes can be equal to, less than, or greater than the number of infeed lanes. |
| US09463880B2 |
Method and system of making composite structures having gap fillers with chopped fiber material
There is provided in an embodiment a method of making a composite structure. The method includes the step of applying chopped fiber material in varying thicknesses onto a first ply surface of a first composite charge to form a layered composite charge. The method further includes the step of folding the layered composite charge. The method further includes the step of assembling a second composite charge and the folded layered composite charge to form a composite structure. The chopped fiber material forms a gap filler in the composite structure. The gap filler conforms to a shape of the composite structure surrounding the gap filler. The method further includes processing the composite structure. |
| US09463879B2 |
Systems and methods for predicting and controlling ice formation
A system and method for operating an ice detection and deicing system are provided herein. The ice detection and deicing system may use changing magnetic properties of various components caused by temperature changes to detect conditions conducive to, or indicating, ice formation. The ice detection and deicing system may further use eddy currents induced in one or more layers of the system to increase the temperature of the one or more layers to reduce the amount of ice formation or reduce the probability of ice being formed. |
| US09463876B2 |
Propulsion devices with improved controls
A personal propulsion device adapted to achieve flight by discharging a fluid, including a passenger assembly adapted to support an individual person; at least one fluid discharge nozzle coupled to the passenger assembly, where the nozzle is movable with respect to the passenger assembly to define a range of motion, and where the nozzle is biased towards at least one position in the range of motion. |
| US09463872B2 |
Bi-stable clutch with permanent magnet array
A park brake actuator (“PBA”) may comprise a shaft having a friction hub disposed about the shaft, the friction hub fixed against rotation with respect to the shaft, a permanent magnet array (PMA) disposed circumferentially about the shaft, the PMA comprising a cylindrical structure comprising a Type A magnet adjacent a Type B magnet in an annular arrangement, and a coil disposed circumferentially about the PMA and configured to conduct at least one of a positive current pulse and a negative current pulse. |
| US09463870B2 |
Aerodynamic structure with series of shock bumps
An aerodynamic structure (1) comprising a series of shock bumps (3a, 3b, 3c) extending from its surface. The shock bumps are distributed along a line (7) with a smaller mean angle of sweep than an unperturbed shock (4) which would form adjacent to the surface during transonic movement of the structure in the absence of the shock bumps. Instead of being distributed along the line of the unperturbed shock, the shock bumps are distributed along a line which is less swept than the mean angle of sweep of the unperturbed shock. When the structure is moved at a transonic speed; a shock forms adjacent to its surface and the shock bumps perturb the shock (9) so as to reduce its angle of sweep. |
| US09463869B2 |
Slidable divergent trailing edge device
A wing includes a trailing edge, and a divergent trailing edge device slideable along an aft surface of the trailing edge between a stowed position and a fully deployed position. The trailing edge device is located entirely within the trailing edge when stowed, and it increases lift over drag of the wing when deployed. |
| US09463868B2 |
Systems and methods for aircraft control surface hardover and disconnect protection
Systems and methods are described for automatically counteracting undesirable aircraft movement caused by malfunctioning fly-by-wire aircraft control surfaces, hardover events, control surface disconnection, and other control surface failure events. The systems and methods include control law algorithms for reacting to such events to counteract the undesired aircraft movement. An expected roll rate is generated based on control input and compared to the actual roll rate of the aircraft. |
| US09463863B1 |
Superpressure balloon with ballonet cut from contiguous gores
A balloon including a balloon envelope formed with a plurality of adjacent envelope gores sealed together at respective edges of the envelope gores to form an envelope edge seam between each of the adjacent envelope gores, a ballonet positioned within the balloon envelope, the ballonet formed with a plurality of ballonet gores sealed together at their respective edges to form a ballonet edge seam between each of the adjacent ballonet gores, wherein each envelope gore is contiguous with a ballonet gore such that each envelope edge seam between adjacent envelope gores extends into a ballonet edge seam. |
| US09463859B1 |
Adapter plate, heat shield, and method for thermally isolating a mount coupled to an adapter plate
An outboard motor adapter plate couples a marine engine to a driveshaft housing, and includes an upper rim configured to be coupled to a lower surface of a cylinder block of the engine. A lower rim of the adapter plate is configured to be coupled to an upper surface of a sump located in the driveshaft housing. A wall defines a passageway having an inner perimetral surface, and the inner perimetral surface extends from the upper rim to the lower rim. A mounting area is configured for coupling a mount to the adapter plate. A shield covers at least a portion of the inner perimetral surface adjacent the mounting area, so as to at least partially thermally isolate the mount from heated fluid that drains from the cylinder block, through the passageway, and into the sump. A method and a shield for thermal isolation are also described. |
| US09463856B2 |
Ship of contrarotating propeller propulsion type
A ship includes a main propeller; a pod propulsion unit; and a rudder plate. The main propeller, the pod propulsion unit and the rudder plate are arranged on a hull centerline in this order. The pod propulsion unit includes a pod propeller; and a strut. The main propeller and the pod propeller configure a contrarotating propeller. When rudder angles of the pod propulsion unit and the rudder plate are zero, at least a part of a front end of the rudder plate is in front of a rear end of the casing. |
| US09463854B2 |
Jet propelled watercraft
A jet propelled watercraft includes a jet pump that jets water rearward from a jet port, a reverse gate, a reverse gate moving mechanism, and a withdrawal controller. The reverse gate is movable in an up/down direction between a reverse drive position at which an entirety of the jet port is covered and a forward drive position at which the entirety of the jet port is open. In a state of being positioned at the reverse drive position, the reverse gate guides forward the water that has been guided to the jet port. The reverse gate moving mechanism includes an electric motor that generates power to move the reverse gate between the reverse drive position and the forward drive position, and a transmitting mechanism that connects the electric motor and the reverse gate. The withdrawal controller monitors malfunctions of the reverse gate moving mechanism. |
| US09463853B2 |
Propeller propulsion system for floating structures
A floating structure has a hull and a propeller propulsion system having a gear arrangement that is connected via a first intermediate shaft to at least one electromotor, the electromotor being arranged onboard the floating structure, and via a second intermediate shaft to a propeller. The gear arrangement has an angular gear. The first intermediate shaft forms an angle relative to the second intermediate shaft. The gear arrangement is arranged as a separate unit in an appendage or addition to the hull of the floating structure. The appendage or addition is designed to allow an interior thereof to be accessed from within the vessel, whereby maintenance, replacement, or repairs of the gear arrangement can be carried out. The angular gear has at least one angled gearwheel set and one cylindrical gearwheel set. |
| US09463852B2 |
Apparatus and method for neutralizing underwater mines
A mine neutralizing device that includes a buoy. The buoy includes a mine neutralizing device capable of swimming to an undersea mine to neutralize it. A method for neutralizing undersea mines includes locating an undersea mine, placing a buoy containing a mine neutralizer near the mine, and swimming the mine neutralizer to the undersea mine. |
| US09463851B2 |
Drilling vessel and a method making use of said drilling vessel
The invention relates to a drilling vessel for drilling in the earth's surface, comprising a dual firing line and a suspension carriage to move strings of drilling tubulars between the two firing lines, wherein the suspension carriage is provided with a stationary first suspension device and a moveable second suspension device, so that the second suspension device only requires a relatively small sideways motion in order to pass a string of drilling tubulars present in a firing line and to allow the first suspension device to approach and engage said string of drilling tubulars. The invention further relates to a method for replacing a string of drilling tubulars for another string of drilling tubulars in which use is made of a drilling vessel according to the invention. |
| US09463843B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
Disclosed is a straddle-type vehicle including a seat cushion, a foot rest lever, and a vehicle shell. The vehicle shell includes a foot pedal and a back shell portion connected to each other. The back shell portion includes a central cover portion, a front side cover portion, a bearing cover portion, and a back side cover portion. The front side cover portion has an upper portion and a lower portion. A front end portion of the upper portion is located further forward than a back end portion of the lower portion. The bearing cover portion has a bearing face for bearing the foot rest lever. An imaginary extension line extending from the bearing face passes through the seat cushion. |
| US09463842B2 |
Bicycle wheel securing structure
A bicycle wheel securing structure is provided with a shaft member, a head member, a lever member, an adjustment member and a positioning mechanism. The shaft member has a first end portion, a second end portion and an engaging part. The head member is movably disposed on the first end portion. The lever member is movably provided on the head member around a pivot axis that intersects with an axial direction of the shaft member to move the shaft member in the axial direction with respect to the head member. The adjustment member is movably provided on the head member in the axial direction and that can adjust a final fixing position of the lever member. The positioning mechanism is provided between the head member and the adjustment member to selectively maintain a position of the adjustment member in a plurality of axially spaced apart locations. |
| US09463841B2 |
Bicycle brake and shift operating device
A bicycle brake and shift operating device is provided with a bicycle mounting bracket, a brake lever, a gear shifting mechanism, a first gear shift member and a connecting structure. The brake lever is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket about a first axis between a rest position and a brake operating position. The gear shifting mechanism is configured to operate a bicycle gear changing device to any one of a plurality of gear positions. The first gear shift member is pivotally mounted relative to the bicycle mounting bracket about a second axis. The first gear shift member is connected to the gear shifting mechanism to actuate the gear shifting mechanism. The connecting structure interconnects the brake lever and the first gear shift member together such that the first gear shift member pivots about the second axis in response to the brake lever being pivoted about the first axis. |
| US09463840B1 |
Bicycle component with reinforced structure and manufacturing method thereof
A bicycle component with reinforced structure and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The bicycle component includes a hollow main body and a foam material. The main body is manufactured by stacking plural carbon fiber prepreg layers and provided with a force bearing area. The foam material is disposed on the force bearing area and wrapped by the carbon fiber prepreg layers. Therefore, the present invention improves the structural strength of the bicycle component, lightens the weight of a bicycle made of the bicycle components, and provides a greater controllability of the bicycle. |
| US09463836B2 |
Mobile body
Provided is a mobile body configured to prevent a main body thereof from overturning in a case of being used in a state where an auxiliary wheel is not provided or the auxiliary wheel is not in contact with the ground. In a first control mode, by performing inverted pendulum control all the time, a posture of a main body portion (10) is maintained to be constant. For example, in the case where a user operates a changeover switch, a controller (21) shifts to a second control mode in which the rotation of main wheels (11) is driven and controlled so that an angle of the main body portion (10) with respect to the vertical direction becomes θ1′ which is greater than θ1. In the second control mode, the main wheels (11) and an auxiliary wheel (13) are in contact with the ground. |
| US09463834B2 |
Fastening device and aligning method for mounting parts of vehicles
A device for aligning mounting parts on a vehicle body having a mounting structure extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, having a holding unit fastened to the mounting structure, to which holding unit at least one mounting part can be attached via fastening means and can be aligned via aligning means relative to a further mounting part in an adjustment direction, wherein as alignment means a linear control element is provided which is connected to the mounting structure in an axially-secure manner and is adjustable in the adjustment direction relative to a holding body of the holding unit engaged with the linear control element, and that the fastening means is arranged at a location remote from the alignment means. |
| US09463832B2 |
Spoiler unit and manufacturing method thereof
A spoiler unit includes a movable spoiler for a vehicle, a frame fixing the movable spoiler to the vehicle, and a cover being mounted on the frame. |
| US09463830B2 |
Vehicle frame joint assembly and method of forming the same
In one or more embodiments, a vehicle frame joint assembly includes a first frame portion including an adaptor, a second frame portion defining a cavity to receive at least a portion of the adaptor, and a first adhesive layer positioned between the adaptor and the cavity when the first frame portion is connected to the second frame portion. |
| US09463826B2 |
Method for operating an electric steering support for a motor vehicle, and electric steering support and accordingly equipped motor vehicle
A system or method for steering support for a vehicle with a start-stop system is configured to temporarily switch off a running internal combustion engine at the beginning of a stop phase and to restart the internal combustion engine at the end of the stop phase. An electric motor of the steering support is operated with accumulated electric current during the stop phase. Consumption of the accumulated current is monitored from the beginning of the stop phase with future consumption of current by the electric motor estimated based on consumption during previous stop phases. The steering support is configured so that supply of the accumulated current to the electric motor during the stop phase can be regulated as required on the basis of the estimated future consumption of accumulated current by the electric motor. |
| US09463825B2 |
Gear rack steering gear having a progressive reduction
A motor vehicle steering gear with a gear rack and a drive pinion that meshes with it, which drive pinion comprises a rigidly attached drive projection in a rotational bearing that is on a front face and eccentric to the pinion teething for coupling a motor vehicle steering spindle, said rotational bearing being guided in a direction transverse and parallel to a diametrical plane formed by the pinion teething, such that when the pinion is rotating, compensation strokes for the rotational bearing are specified in a direction transverse to the gear rack, said compensation strokes being caused by the eccentric attachment of the drive projection, a retaining projection rigidly attached at a front face concentrically to the pinion teeth, the retaining projection being rotatably in engagement with the retaining piece that is guided within a gear housing parallel to the gear rack teeth, is and that during pinion rotation compensation strokes parallel with and at a constant distance to the gear rack teeth are specified, which compensation strokes are caused by the eccentric attachment of the driving projection. |
| US09463822B2 |
Stroller
A compact collapsible stroller includes a mobile base provided with front and rear wheels. A push handle is coupled to the mobile base. |
| US09463821B1 |
Carried away/princess carriage stroller attachment
A removable, collapsible, enclosure is shown that may be attached to a stroller at the wheels and handles. The removable enclosure may be detached from the stroller, cross-bracing collapsed, and folded into a small package. When expanded the enclosure can attach to the stroller and provide an enclosed carriage for the baby/child in the stroller. |
| US09463818B2 |
Systems for controlling a vehicle system factoring mass attributable to weather
A system includes a weight determination device and a trip control system. The weight determination device is configured to receive weather data of weather at least one of encountered or to be encountered by one or more vehicles in a vehicle system traveling on a trip along a route, and to determine a first estimated weight of the vehicle system based at least in part on the weather data. The first estimated weight accounts for mass attributable to the weather. The trip control system is configured to control the vehicle system for movement along the route based at least in part on the first estimated weight and/or display information of the first estimated weight on a display device for an operator to control the vehicle system for movement along the route based at least in part on the information of the first estimated weight that is displayed. |
| US09463815B2 |
Large-scale multi-detector predictive modeling
Predicting operational changes in a multi-detector environment includes generating, via a computer processing device, a factor matrix for each univariate time series data in a set of sparse time series data collected from data sources, identifying a subset of the time series data as a feature selection based on application of a loss function, and generating a predictive model from the subset of the time series data. |
| US09463804B2 |
Vehicle cornering modes
A curve length, a curve size, and a curve heading angle change of a roadway being traveled by a vehicle are determined. Each of the curve length, the curve size, and the curve heading angle are compared with one or more threshold values to obtain a driving mode request. |
| US09463803B2 |
Method and apparatus for uniform access of onboard devices
A method and an apparatus for an application uniformly accessing a plurality of onboard devices of a vehicle are provided. The method includes registering the plurality of devices by assigning each device a device ID; when an application sends a message in a uniform format to at least one device of the plurality of devices, determining an address of each of the at least one device, determining a format of each of the at least one device based on the device ID, translating the message into the format of each of the at least one device, and sending the translated message to the corresponding device of the at least one device. The present disclosure provides a solution which enables applications to access all kinds of onboard devices uniformly, even these devices are made by different manufacturers and each has its specific device driver. |
| US09463802B2 |
Control method for shifting in manual transmission vehicle
A control method for shifting in a manual transmission vehicle may include sensing tip-out while the vehicle travels; operating a tip-out torque filter when the tip-out is sensed; determining whether a switch of a clutch of the vehicle is turned on; stopping fuel injection by stopping the tip-out torque filter when the switch of the clutch is turned on, and reducing rotation speed of an engine by controlling a throttle flap of the vehicle. |
| US09463797B2 |
Method and vehicle with an advanced driver assistance system for risk-based traffic scene analysis
A method supports driving an ego-vehicle including a driver assistance system. A traffic participant or infrastructure element involved in the traffic situation is selected and taken into consideration for traffic scene analysis. A hypothetical future trajectory for the ego-vehicle is predicted by predicting the current state of the ego-vehicle and varied to generate a plurality of ego-trajectory alternatives including the calculated hypothetical future ego-trajectory. A hypothetical future trajectory from another traffic participant gained by predicting the current state of the traffic participant or calculating a hypothetical future state sequence of the infrastructure element is determined. Based upon at least one pair of ego-trajectory plus one other trajectory risk functions over time or along the calculated hypothetical future ego-trajectory alternatives are calculated. One risk function corresponds to one ego-trajectory alternative. The risk functions are combined into a risk map. From an analysis result a control signal is generated. |
| US09463796B2 |
Driving assistance apparatus
A driving assistance apparatus includes: a moving-body-information acquiring unit configured to acquire moving-body information including a position and a speed vector of a moving body existing laterally ahead of own vehicle; an assistance-target determining unit configured to determine an assistance target approaching from a lateral direction with respect to a travelling direction of the own vehicle; a movement-point predicting unit configured to use the speed vector of the moving body to predict a future movement point; a detection-range changing unit configured to change the detection range by adding a change region to include the movement point along a moving direction indicated by the speed vector at a time the movement point is out of the detection range; and an assistance performing unit configured to perform driving assistance on an assistance target including the moving body determined as the assistance target within a changed detection range. |
| US09463789B2 |
Control device for vehicle
A control device of a vehicle includes a first electric motor; a differential mechanism having a rotating element coupled to the first electric motor, a rotating element that is an output rotating member coupled to drive wheels in a power transmittable manner, and a rotating element coupled to a non-rotating member by actuation of a lock mechanism; and a second electric motor coupled to the drive wheels in a power transmittable manner. During motor running for running with output torques from the first electric motor and the second electric motor used together in an actuated state of the lock mechanism, a drive torque shared by the first electric motor is made smaller in a requested drive torque when a rotation speed of a pinion making up the differential mechanism is higher. |
| US09463788B2 |
Control device for hybrid vehicle
A control device for a hybrid vehicle, including a mode whereby the vehicle runs using a motor only, and a mode whereby the vehicle uses both the motor and an engine. When the motor temperature of an MG(2) exceeds a threshold temperature, an ECU moves from a running mode that uses the MG(2) only, to a running mode that limits the load on the MG(2). The ECU performs control in accordance with the charging state of the battery for running, such that the work rate of an electric pump for cooling the MG(2) is increased when the charging state is higher, and the running mode that uses the MG(2) only is maintained. |
| US09463785B2 |
Control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle drive system
A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle drive system, which uses electric energy stored in a battery and includes a drive mode switching portion configured to bring a clutch or a brake into an engaged state, for switching the drive system from an EV drive mode, in which a vehicle drive force is generated by at least one of first and second electric motors when a crankshaft of an engine is connected to a housing, to a constant-speed-ratio drive mode, in which the vehicle drive force is generated by at least one of the first and second electric motors when a ratio of an output speed of the drive system to a speed of a rotary motion received from the engine is constant, when an operating speed of the first or second electric motor is at or greater than a predetermined threshold value in the EV drive mode. |
| US09463781B2 |
Stop control system for vehicle
A stop control system for a vehicle, which is capable of positively preventing movement of a vehicle by positively increasing a braking force of the vehicle during an idle stop. In the stop control system for a vehicle of the present invention, the engine 3 is cranked by a starter motor 6 using power supplied from the battery 7 when restart conditions are satisfied during an idle stop (step 8 in FIG. 5). Further, the stop control system includes a hydraulic pump 55 driven by power supplied from the battery 7, for increasing the braking force of the vehicle V. During a stop of the vehicle V, when it is determined that the braking force of the vehicle V needs to be increased (F_BFREQ=1), the hydraulic pump 55 is activated. Further, if the restart conditions are satisfied during operation of the hydraulic pump 55, the cranking is inhibited to continue the operation of the hydraulic pump 55 (steps 6 to 9 in FIG. 5). |
| US09463780B2 |
Brake system and method of operating
A vehicle braking system includes a master cylinder coupled to a brake pedal and establishing fluid communication to wheel cylinder(s) of primary and secondary circuits via respective outputs. A pressure sensor detects actual, non-boosted demand pressure. Each circuit includes a motor-driven pump defining pressure and suction sides, inlet and outlet valves, a normally-open isolation valve, and a normally-closed apply pressure control valve. A pedal feel simulator receives hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder when the isolation valves are closed. A controller receives a signal from the pressure sensor and generates corresponding control signals for the motor-driven pump and the apply pressure control valve of each circuit to pressurize the pressure side of each circuit equal to the sensed demand pressure plus a predetermined boost factor, and the actual pressure at each wheel cylinder is configured for individual manipulation by selective opening and closing of the inlet and outlet valves. |
| US09463772B2 |
Tensioning drive for a safety belt device
A tensioning drive for a safely belt device. The tensioning drive includes a gas generator, a drive wheel and a supply pipe which connects the gas generator and the drive wheel. A plurality of pushing members is included in the supply pipe. The pushing members are accelerated after the gas generator has been activated. The pushing members drive the drive wheel, and at least one of the pushing members completely or at least partially seals the supply pipe. The sealing action of the at least one sealing pushing member is ended or reduced after a predetermined distance has been travelled. |
| US09463765B1 |
Secondary chamber combustion control
A gas generating system includes a first chamber activatable to provide a first quantity of gas and a second chamber activatable independently of the first chamber to provide a second quantity of gas. A single opening enables fluid communication between the second chamber and the first chamber. A barrier seals the opening to prevent fluid communication between the first and second chambers prior to activation of the second chamber. |