| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09471213B2 |
Chaining applications
Method, system, and computer program product to enforce application dependencies, by building a data model based on inputs specifying relationships between a plurality of applications, generating, based on the data model, a list of candidate executions for a first application having a specified relationship with a second application, and outputting a visual representation of the data model, the visual representation comprising a plurality of objects representing the plurality of applications and arranged to represent the relationships between the applications, the list of candidate executions, and one or more user interface elements allowing user navigation between the first application and the second application, of the list of candidate executions. |
| US09471209B2 |
Layout editing device, layout editing method and recording medium
Provided is a layout editing device, a layout editing method, and a recording medium. The layout editing device includes a layout editing unit editing a layout, which is displayed on an editing screen of a screen display unit, based on the instruction of a user, an image analysis unit performing image analysis of each of a plurality of images, a preference estimation unit estimating the preference of the user based on the layout editing result and the image analysis result, an image evaluation unit calculating the evaluation value of each of the plurality of images based on the preference of the user and the image analysis result, and an edit assisting unit displaying assist information, which is for assisting the editing work of the layout by the user, on the editing screen of the screen display unit based on the evaluation value of each of the plurality of images. |
| US09471207B2 |
Pushing a user interface to a remote device that controls multiple displays
An electronic device can be coupled to an accessory that controls multiple displays. The device can receive accessory configuration information describing a configuration of the multiple displays. The device can generate one or more user interfaces for display by the multiple displays and transmit the one or more user interfaces to the accessory for display by the multiple displays. The device can receive information indicating user interaction with a user interface. In response to receiving the information, the device can generate an updated user interface and transmit the updated user interface to the accessory. |
| US09471202B2 |
Building control system user interface with pinned display feature
Building control systems that include a user interface that is configured to help manage relatively large amounts of building control data in an efficient and intuitive manner. In some cases, subsets of building control information can be associated with display elements such as windows or tabs, which can then be pinned to provide a convenient way to selectively display only certain building control information. In some cases, a pinned display element may display one or more building control parameters, which in some cases, can be user selectable and/or updated over time. |
| US09471201B1 |
Laptop-to-tablet mode adaptation
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure a computer-implemented method for automatically transitioning a user interface in a personal computing device between a laptop mode and a tablet mode is provided. The method includes detecting a hardware configuration change in the personal computing device. When the hardware configuration changes to a tablet mode, the method includes maximizing an active window in a display of the personal computing device and maximizing a second, inactive window, underneath the active window. And when the hardware configuration changes to a laptop mode, the method includes configuring the user interface to a windows icons menus and pointers (WIMP) mode. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a personal computing device having a base portion coupled to a display portion is provided. The personal computing device is configured to perform a computer-implemented method as described above. |
| US09471199B2 |
Method and apparatus for modifying notification settings on a mobile electronic device
A method and apparatus for modifying notification settings on a mobile electronic device is provided, the mobile electronic device comprising a processing unit, a display, a memory, an input device, and at least one notification device. It is determined that the at least one notification device has been activated using a given notification setting. A menu list is responsively changed to include a notification setting change option, the menu list associated with the input device and stored in the memory, such that when the input device is activated, the display is controlled by the processing unit to provide a representation of the menu list such that the notification setting option can be selected and the given notification setting changed. |
| US09471198B2 |
Flip-through presentation of a list
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for presenting list information. One method includes providing a series of controls for presentation representing a complete set of the elements, including first and last elements that are accessible without paging or scrolling to another screen. User input is received representing a traversal of the controls, including an uninterrupted selection of the controls. During the traversal and depending on a current position of the user input in relation to the controls, a position marker is displayed and continuously updated that identifies at least one element associated with a control at the current position. User input is received during the traversal indicating a selection of a particular control based on a termination of user input. The selection is based on a position relative to the series of controls. At least one particular element associated with the selected particular control is identified. |
| US09471196B2 |
Remote device pairing setup
A communication device having a display and instructions for displaying a short range wireless function. The instructions can cause the display of a Toolkit homepage in response to a Toolkit application being selected in a homepage of the communication device. In response to the short range wireless function being selected in the Toolkit homepage, status of the short range wireless function on the communication device can be displayed. In response to the short range wireless function being turned on, a short range wireless function menu can be displayed. In response to a pairing option being selected from the displayed short range wireless function menu, menu options for pairing a short range wireless device with the communication device can be displayed. |
| US09471195B2 |
Three dimensional navigation of listing information
Computerized methods and systems for three-dimensional (3-D) displaying and navigating of search results are provided. In embodiments, a criterion may be received from a user of a publication system. A database associated with the publication system may be searched based on the criterion. Search results retrieved from the database may be displayed on at least one side of a 3-D interface object. At least one control may be displayed proximate to the three 3-D interface object. The control may be used to navigate the 3-D interface object. |
| US09471194B2 |
Rendering windows having transparent properties from a remote desktop environment
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a remote desktop system which allows an application that executes on a remote computing device to be presented to a remote terminal as if the application is executing on the remote terminal. This system determines which of the remote computing device's application windows are top-level windows, and creates a rendering target for each top-level window. The rendering target is a graphics surface that is marshaled to the remote terminal. A PDU (Protocol Data Channel) is produced over this first graphics surface that includes a mapping of the location of the top-level window. A second graphics surface containing transparency information is created for a top-level window that contains a transparency characteristic. This second graphics surface is encoded and marshaled to the remote terminal separately from the first graphics surface. The client computing device receives and merges the two graphics surfaces, and renders a window with the expected transparency. |
| US09471190B2 |
Touch panel module
A touch panel module including a touch panel area and a non-touch panel area is provided. The touch panel module includes a touch panel. The touch panel is located in the touch panel area. The touch panel senses a touch gesture by using a plurality of first and second sensing electrodes. At least one part of the first sensing electrodes is located in the non-touch panel area. Another one part of the first sensing electrodes and a whole of the second sensing electrodes are located in the touch panel area. The touch gesture touches the touch panel module to generate a touch area. A touch position corresponding to the touch gesture on the touch panel is determined based on a ratio of an area of the first sensing electrodes touched by the touch gesture and the touch area. |
| US09471187B2 |
Input device and portable terminal therewith
An input device and a portable terminal. The input device includes a tactile member which varies at positions of input keys, and a contact sensing layer which is disposed under the tactile member so as to detect an input operation through the tactile member. Further, the portable terminal includes a body which has an input/output unit, an input device which is detachably connected to the body so as to implement an input to the body, and a controller which controls an operation of the input/output unit and the input device, wherein the input device further includes a tactile member which varies at a position of a contacted input key, and a contact sensing layer which is disposed under the tactile member so as to detect an input operation through the tactile member. |
| US09471184B2 |
Inputting fingertip sleeve
An inputting fingertip includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The inputting end is located on the sleeve. The inputting end includes a supporter and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is located on a surface of the supporter. The conductive layer includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure is a substantially pure structure of carbon nanotubes and comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes. |
| US09471175B2 |
Touch sensing panel and touch sensing control unit thereof
A touch sensing panel including a substrate, an electrode array, and a plurality of third electrodes is provided. The substrate has an active area and a peripheral area. The electrode array is located at the active area and includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, wherein the second electrodes and the first electrodes are electrically insulated to each other and intersected with each other. The third electrodes area located at different sides of the peripheral area, respectively, and electrically insulated to the electrode array. A touch sensing control unit applied to the touch sensing panel is also provided. |
| US09471174B2 |
Control apparatus and method of addressing two-dimensional signal
Provided is a control apparatus which may apply an electric signal to a specific point or area selected from a plane or may receive the signal from the specific point or area. The control apparatus includes an upper electrode and a lower electrode. When it is intended that an electric field is applied to a point in which the upper electrode and the lower electrode come in contact with each other, an electrical bias is applied to the lower electrode, and the upper electrode is maintained in a non-connected state. When it is intended that the bias is selectively applied, the upper electrode is maintained in a grounded state. Therefore, transferring of the field from the lower electrode to a ground electrode disposed at a bottom is shielded, and thus transferring of the electric signal is also blocked. |
| US09471173B2 |
Capacitive input sensing in the presence of a uniform conductor
In an example, a processing system for a capacitive input device includes: a sensor module including sensor circuitry, the sensor module configured to: operate a plurality of sensor electrodes to determine input in a sensing region of the input device; a determination module configured to: determine that an input surface of the input device is at least partially interfacing a uniform conductor; and determine a displacement of at least part of the uniform conductor from a region of the input surface by an input object based at least in part on a change in capacitance measured on a subset of the plurality of sensor electrodes; determine at least one of a presence or position of the at least one input object on the input surface based on the determined displacement. |
| US09471172B2 |
Display for mobile device with abrasion resistant siloxane coating
An abrasion resistant coating (206) is applied to a display (202) of a mobile device (200). In an embodiment, the coating (140) includes a first layer (106B) including siloxane; a second layer (106A) including siloxane, wherein the second layer has opposing sides and a hardness greater than the first layer; and a third layer (104) including an amorphous carbon selected from a diamond-like carbon and a diamond-like nano-composite. The first layer (106B) and third layer (104) are positioned on opposing sides of the second layer (106A). The third layer (104) has a hardness greater than the second layer (106A). |
| US09471171B2 |
Image processing device and method
An image processing device includes a processor a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute: detecting a first candidate group and a second candidate group contained in the image, the first candidate group being one or more candidates for a first part of a user, the second candidate group being one or more candidates for a second part of the user; and selecting at least one of the first part in the first candidate group and the second part in the second candidate group, on the basis of a human-body's positional relationship of the first part and the second part. |
| US09471168B2 |
Touch screen, touch sensing device and a method of driving the same
A touch sensing device includes a first conductive layer that acts as a common voltage layer in a display mode; and a second conductive layer electrically isolated from the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer having source lines that transfer data to be displayed in the display mode and act as transmitting (TX) electrode lines in a touch sensing mode. The first conductive layer includes RX electrode lines and blocks that are disposed among and separated by the RX electrode lines. The RX electrode lines and the blocks are electrically connected to a common voltage in the display mode. |
| US09471167B2 |
Organic light-emitting diode touch display panel
An OLED touch display panel includes a pixel layer having red subpixels, green subpixels, and blue subpixels. The red subpixels, the green subpixels, and the blue subpixels are arranged in a repeated manner. An encapsulation glass is mounted on the pixel layer. A touch sensor pattern layer is formed on the encapsulation glass and is aligned with gaps between the red subpixels, the green subpixels, and the blue subpixels. In another aspect, an OLED touch display panel includes a pixel layer having subpixels of different colors. An encapsulation glass is mounted on the pixel layer in a first direction. A polarizer is mounted on the encapsulation glass in the first direction. A touch sensor pattern layer is mounted between the encapsulation glass and the polarizer. At least a portion of spacing sections between the subpixels overlaps a pattern of the touch sensor pattern layer in the first direction. |
| US09471166B2 |
Touch panel and liquid crystal display device having the touch panel
A touch panel includes plural scanning electrodes, plural detection electrodes that are formed to intersect with the plural scanning electrodes, one or a plurality of layers being disposed between the plural detection electrodes and the plural scanning electrodes, plural holes that are arrayed apart from each other on each of the plural detection electrodes, and shaped into polygons each shaped to have five or more corners in a plan view, and plural dummy electrodes that are formed between the respective adjacent detection electrodes, made of the same material as that of the detection electrode, and electrically isolated from each other, in which the plural dummy electrodes are shaped into the polygons in a plan view. |
| US09471164B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a touch panel located on a liquid crystal display screen. The touch panel includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first transparent conductive layer located on the first surface of the substrate and comprising a plurality of first conductive bands having a highest electrical conductivity in a first direction, and a second transparent conductive layer located on the second surface of the substrate and comprising a plurality of second conductive bands having a highest electrical conductivity in a second direction. The substrate and the first transparent conductive layer are common substrate and transparent conductive layer of the liquid crystal display screen. |
| US09471159B2 |
Interactive stylus with discrete circuit multiplexing system
A discrete circuit multiplexing system in an interactive stylus is provided. The discrete circuit multiplexing system includes a first electrode and second electrode positioned in a stylus body, with a shared transmitting sub-system coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The circuit further includes a microcontroller configured to cause selective transmission of waveforms from the shared transmitting sub-system to the first electrode and the second electrode to selectively stimulate either the first electrode or the second electrode. |
| US09471155B2 |
3-dimensional human interface device
In general, in one aspect, a laptop computer includes two planes of orthogonal proximity sensors that are utilized to create a three dimensional user interface. The planes of proximity sensors are provided in the display and the keyboard. The intersections of the proximity sensors along three axis defines a plurality of coverage areas. An object (e.g., users finger, pointer) is determined to be within a coverage area if the corresponding intersecting proximity sensors indicate presence of the object. A user may identify an item on the display for selection by placing an object within an appropriate coverage area and select the item by moving the object toward the display. A user may identify an action to be taken on the display by moving an object through one or more of the coverage areas. A 3D image of an object may be generated based on the coverage areas indicating the object is located therein. The 3D image may utilized to authenticate a user. |
| US09471154B1 |
Determining which hand is holding a device
A computing device can obtain information about how the device is held, moved, and/or used by a hand of a user holding the device. The information can be obtained utilizing one or more sensors of the device independently or working in conjunction. For example, an orientation sensor can determine whether a left hand or a right hand is likely rotating, tilting, and/or moving, and thus holding, the device. In another example, a camera and/or a hover sensor can obtain information about a finger position of the user's hand to determine whether the hand is likely a left hand or a right hand. In a further example, a touch sensor can determine a shape of an imprint of a portion of the user's hand to determine which hand is likely holding the device. Based on which hand is holding the device, the device can improve one or more computing tasks. |
| US09471151B2 |
Display and method capable of moving image
A display capable of moving an image determines whether an input signal is coordinate information according to a gesture of a hand or an external input signal. The display calculates, if the input signal is coordinate information, the coordinate that is moved according to the gesture of the hand. After determining whether the hand gesture is a lateral movement, the display generates, if the hand gesture is a lateral movement, a control signal to move a second image mover to the left or right side. A rotator that is included in the display moves the second image mover according to the control signal and displays the image at a moved position through the moved second image mover. |
| US09471150B1 |
Optimized gestures for zoom functionality on touch-based device
A first directional touch gesture on a display area and a second directional touch gesture on the display area are received simultaneously, wherein: the first directional touch gesture is on a left side of the display area; the second directional touch gesture is on a right side of the display area; and a first direction associated with the first directional touch gesture is identical to a second direction associated with the second directional touch gesture. Content is scaled within the display area based at least in part on the identical direction associated with the simultaneous directional touch gestures. |
| US09471147B2 |
Control system for navigating a principal dimension of a data space
Systems and methods are described for navigating through a data space. The navigating comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The navigating comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and navigating through the data space in response to the gesture signal. The data space is a data-representational space comprising a dataset represented in the physical space. |
| US09471141B1 |
Context-aware notifications
Systems and approaches are provided for presenting incoming notifications to a computing device based on a determined context of the computing device. Various sensors of the device can be used to determine the context of the device with respect to a user, the state of the device itself, or the context of the device with respect to the environment in which the device is situated. The user can then be informed of received notifications in a manner likely to get the user's attention while not being overly obtrusive to the user or others within the vicinity of the user. |
| US09471138B2 |
Switched mode power supply, a controller therefor, a lighting circuit and a control method
A switched mode power supply for converting an input voltage and comprising: a series arrangement of an inductor, a power switch and a control switch for controlling the power switch; a controller configured to control the control switch and having a supply terminal and a ground terminal; a capacitor coupled between the controller ground terminal and supply terminal and for providing power to the controller; a first current path arranged to provide charge to the capacitor only when the control switch is open and the power switch is closed; a connectable second current path arranged to draw current from the control terminal of the power switch thereby opening the power switch, and a connection switch configured to connect the second current path in response to a voltage across the capacitor exceeding a threshold voltage. A controller, lighting circuit and corresponding method are also disclosed. |
| US09471136B2 |
Predictively turning off a charge pump supplying voltage for overdriving gates of the power switch header in a microprocessor with power gating
A mechanism is provided for an integrated circuit with power gating. A power header switch is configured to connect and disconnect a circuit to a common voltage source. The circuit is powered off circuit when disconnected. A multiplexer selectably connects a charge pump or common voltage source to a gate terminal of the power header switch. The charge pump provides a higher voltage to the gate terminal than the common voltage source. A controller is configured to control a selection of the multiplexer to the charge pump and the common voltage source. The controller is configured to disconnect the charge pump from the gate terminal and connect the common voltage source to the gate terminal of the power header switch in response to conditions: a prediction of a demand core power-up request, an increase in a gate leakage current, and/or a reduction in temperature of the powered off circuit. |
| US09471133B2 |
Service processor patch mechanism
A microprocessor includes a plurality of processing cores, a service processing unit and a memory accessible by both the service processing unit and the plurality of processing cores. At least one of the plurality of processing cores is configured to write a patch to the memory. The patch comprises one or more instructions to be fetched from the memory and executed by the service processing unit after written to the memory by the at least one of the plurality of processing cores. |
| US09471128B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying, in a user interface, an energy utilization metric, a wake count, and a total amount of time that a CPU is awake
User interfaces are provided that display application energy usage information to a user. Application energy usage information may be displayed as an energy meter user interface that provides derived information (e.g., power and time used to determine energy usage) that is not available through a traditional activity monitor. For example, energy usage information is provided for an application running in isolation, taking into account energy usage based on what the application is doing and not what the rest of the system is doing (e.g., shows CPU wakes in isolation of any other processes). Each of a series of energy bars is presented as an energy utilization metric that includes at least one of a utilization portion and a wake tax portion, combined to represent to represent total energy utilization. |
| US09471126B2 |
Power management for PCIE switches and devices in a multi-root input-output virtualization blade chassis
A method for managing the power of a chassis includes receiving a plurality of modular information handling systems into the chassis, receiving a plurality of information handling resources into the chassis, virtualizing access of one of the modular information handling resources to two or more of the plurality of modular information handling systems, the modular information handling systems sharing the modular information handling resource, and, upon initialization of one of the information handling systems, determining power requirements of the shared information handling resource, receiving power requirements from the information handling systems, determining whether the power requirements from the information handling system includes power requirements of the shared information handling resource, subtracting the power requirements of the shared information handling resource from the power requirements of the information handling system to determine resultant power requirements, comparing the resultant power requirements with available power, and allowing operation of the information handling system. |
| US09471122B2 |
Power supply circuit for operating a first and second power circuits for supplying power to a CPU when the computer is turned on and does not operate the second power circuit when the computer is in a standby mode
A power supply circuit for supplying power to a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller, a control circuit, a switch circuit, a first current protection circuit, a second current protection circuit, a first power circuit, and a second power circuit. When the computer is turned on, a first current protection threshold is set by the PWM controller through the first current protection circuit. When the computer is in a standby mode, a second current protection threshold is set by the PWM controller through the second current protection circuit. |
| US09471121B2 |
Microprocessor based power management system architecture
An electronic system is disposed on a single integrated circuit including a plurality of power domains and a power control manager. Each power domain may be independently powered. The power control manager includes a set of control registers storing individual control bits, a power switch for each power domain and a programmable microprocessor. The programmable microprocessor controls the digital state of individual bits within the control registers thereby controlling the ON and OFF state of the corresponding power domain. |
| US09471120B1 |
Power management controller for integrated circuit
A power management controller (PMC) for resetting various voltage domains of an integrated circuit (IC) generates and transmits first and second voltage domain input signals to first and second voltage domains, respectively, and generates corresponding reset signals for resetting the first and second voltage domains. The PMC generates a first master reset signal indicative of resetting the first and second voltage domains when the first and second voltage domains are booting. The PMC generates a second master reset signal indicative of resetting the first and second voltage domains when the IC is in a functional mode. The PMC determines whether the first and second voltage domains are non-functional and if at least one is non-functional, then the PMC masks a respective one of the first and second reset signals. |
| US09471119B2 |
Detection of deleted records in a secure record management environment
An automated secure record management system and method that receives a plurality of digitally signed records subsequent to a resetting of a running counter. In response to each received digitally signed record, the automated secure record management system and method increments the running counter. Further, upon receiving an accumulation record, automated secure record management system and method compares a value of the running counter and a signature record number of the accumulation record, such that a notification is generated whenever the comparison detects that the value of the running counter is not equal to the signature record number. |
| US09471115B2 |
Processor card housing with fan
A device can include a housing, a fan, and a heat sink. The heat sink can dissipate heat from a processor card. The device can be installed into a chassis of a computer. |
| US09471114B2 |
Cooling of a volatile memory device to preserve data during power loss
A system for providing cooling of a memory device comprises a cooling system arranged to store a coolant, a valve system connected to the output of the cooling system, and a control system connected to the valve system and arranged to open the valve system when power is lost to the control system. The system further comprises a delivery system connected to the output of the valve system and arranged to deliver the coolant to the memory device and the cooling system comprises a canister of low boiling point fluid. |
| US09471104B2 |
Reader apparatus
A reader apparatus, comprising: a circuit board, including a plurality of lower touching pads, located on a lower surface of the circuit board; an insulative body, including a front supporting element and a rear supporting element extending from the front supporting element, wherein a plurality of planar conductive terminals disposed on an upper surface of the front supporting element, the rear supporting element located under the circuit board, the plural planar conductive terminals extends backward and sandwiched between a lower surface of the circuit board and a upper surface of the rear supporting element, and the planar conducting terminals sandwiched between the lower surface of the circuit board and the upper surface of the rear supporting element electrically connects to a plurality of a lower touching pads; and a casing surrounding the circuit board and the insulative body. |
| US09471103B2 |
Cradle
A cradle connects with an information terminal device that displays information. The cradle includes a first case including a first claw portion and a curved surface portion, a second case including a second claw portion, and a shaft portion holding the first case and the second case. At least one of the first case and the second case rotationally moves with the shaft portion as a reference to thereby increase a distance between the first claw portion and the second claw portion. |
| US09471100B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a device body, a cover that is attached to the device body so as to face the device body, a contact portion that is formed with a side of the cover and is arranged at one end side in an orthogonal direction which is orthogonal to a direction in which the cover faces the device body, and a suppression portion that is formed with one end side in the orthogonal direction of the device body, suppresses release of the cover by contacting the contact portion when the cover is moved in a separation direction in which the one end side of the cover becomes separated from the device body, and allows release of the cover when the cover is rotated with the one end side as a supporting point so that the other end side in the orthogonal direction becomes separated from the device body. |
| US09471097B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel including a display area configured to display an image and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a front panel that is substantially transparent and on a front surface of the display panel; and a blind between the display panel and the front panel at a portion of the non-display area, wherein the blind includes a plurality of strips spaced apart from each other and adjacent ones of the strips are at least partially overlapped with each other when viewed in at least one direction. |
| US09471091B2 |
Periodic synchronizer using a reduced timing margin to generate a speculative synchronized output signal that is either validated or recalled
A method and a system are provided for speculative periodic synchronization. A phase value representing a measured phase of the second clock signal relative to the first clock signal measured at least one cycle earlier is received. A period value representing a period of the second clock signal relative to the first clock signal measured at least one cycle earlier is also received. A reduced timing margin is determined based on the phase value and the period value. A speculatively synchronized output signal is generated based on the reduced timing margin. |
| US09471087B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for providing clock signals
Apparatuses and methods for providing clock signals are described herein. An example apparatus may include a clock generator circuit. The clock generator circuit may be configured to selectively provide first and second intermediate signals to a multiplexer in a clock path to provide an output clock signal with a first frequency when operating in a first mode and to selectively provide the first and second intermediate clock signals to the multiplexer in the clock path to provide the output clock signal with a second frequency when operating in a second mode. |
| US09471086B1 |
Safety features for switch handle for piggable pipeline connector
A switch arm assembly for a piggable pipeline connector, the assembly comprising a switch arm and a handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises shaft connecting a handle with the switch arm and a stop to prevent the shaft from moving substantially away from the switch arm should the shaft become disconnected from the switch arm. The stop may comprise a shoulder in the shaft to prevent the shaft from exiting a housing, a bonnet over the top of the handle, or both. |
| US09471085B2 |
Pedal system for the generation of a force path having hysteresis
A pedal system for the generation of a force path having hysteresis when a pedal is actuated. The system includes a pedal that is supported such that it can pivot between at least a first position and a second position. The pedal has a sliding element having a sliding surface, as well as a bearing device having at least one friction surface for supporting the sliding surface of the sliding element. The bearing device is supported such that it can pivot about a bearing axle. The friction surface and the sliding surface are in contact with one another in a first contact section when the pedal is in the first position, and are in contact with one another in a second contact section when the pedal is in the second position. The first contact section and the second contact section have different lever arms to the bearing axle. |
| US09471084B2 |
Apparatus and method for a modified brokaw bandgap reference circuit for improved low voltage power supply
An apparatus and method for a bandgap voltage reference circuit with improved operation for a low voltage power supply. A bandgap voltage reference circuit which is operable at low power supply voltage for power supplies of 1.3V comprising of a first npn bipolar transistor, a second npn bipolar transistor, a third npn bipolar transistor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a fourth resistor, and a first, second and third p-channel MOSFET. The matched second resistor and third resistor, and the first and third npn bipolar transistor pair establishes a ΔVbe dependent current (a PTAT current), and the fourth resistor established a ΔVbe to establish a bandgap voltage of approximately 1.2V. |
| US09471081B2 |
Dynamic power distribution system
A dynamic power distribution system includes a dynamic powering system that provides dynamic power, an external device, and a powered system that is coupled to the external device and engaging the dynamic powering system. The powered system determines a power budget using the dynamic power received from the dynamic powering system. The powered system also determines a powered system component load for a plurality of powered system components, receives a power request from the external device, and retrieves at least one power distribution rule. Using the powered system component load, the power request, and the at least one power distribution rule, and powered system allocates and distributes a first portion the power budget to the external device, and may also allocate and distribute a second portion the power budget to at least one of the plurality of powered system components. The dynamic powering system may be a wireless powering system. |
| US09471079B2 |
Method with function parameter setting and integrated circuit using the same
A method with function parameter setting and an integrated circuit using the same are provided. The integrated circuit includes a function pin coupled to an external setting unit, a switch unit, and first and second function adjustment circuits. The first function adjustment circuit includes first and second current sources. The second function adjustment circuit detects a percentage of a divided voltage at the function pin, to provide a reference value and to set a second function parameter. The first function adjustment circuit uses the first current source to detect a first voltage detecting value at the function pin, and compares the first voltage detecting value with a default value. The switch unit switches the first and second current sources according to a compare result. The present invention adopts an integrated circuit for switching a plurality of current sources and detections, and may determine more resistance value setting intervals. |
| US09471077B2 |
Method to pre-set a compensation capacitor voltage
Compensation capacitor voltages of DC-to-DC converters are pre-set without switching to enable smooth transition from sleep mode to active mode. Appropriate compensation capacitor voltages are set regardless of the length of no-switching sleep period or input voltage change. Therefore the converter can always start with appropriate error amplifier and duty conditions, and avoid output voltage disturbance when the PWM control loop takes over in active mode the control of buck converter. The appropriate capacitor voltages are enabled by creating a local PWM feedback loop of a PWM control loop without enabling the output stage. This local PWM feedback loop works intermittently and always sets the appropriate voltage for the error amplifier and compensation capacitor. |
| US09471076B2 |
High bandwidth PSRR power supply regulator
A voltage regulator includes a power device formed by an NMOS transistor having a drain terminal coupled to an input voltage, a source terminal providing an output voltage and a gate terminal receiving a gate drive signal; and an integrated AC/DC control loop configured to access the output voltage and to generate the gate drive signal based on a value of the output voltage in relation to a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage. The AC control portion generates a gate drive control signal which is AC coupled to the gate terminal of the power device as an AC component of the gate drive signal. The DC control portion controls a DC voltage level of the gate drive signal. The AC control portion is powered by the input voltage while the DC control portion is powered by a high supply voltage greater than the input voltage. |
| US09471075B2 |
Compensation module and voltage regulator
A compensation module for a voltage regulation device having a gain stage, an output stage and a miller compensation module includes a low-output-impedance non-inverting amplifier unit coupled to a gain output of the gain stage and an output-stage input of the output stage. |
| US09471070B2 |
Environmental control system including distributed control elements
An apparatus may include at least one sensor and a transmitter coupled to the at least one sensor and configured send data to a gateway through a wireless communication link. The apparatus may further include a solar cell configured to provide power to the at least one sensor and the transmitter. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an adhesive backing configured to secure the apparatus to a structure. |
| US09471069B2 |
Configurable thermostat for controlling HVAC system
A thermostat including a controller operates to provide a guided programming sequence of two or more screens to a display. The guided sequence of screens prompts the user to provide system configuration information for updating the system configuration and providing a system summary screen. |
| US09471064B1 |
System and method to operate a drone
A method for controlling a drone includes receiving a natural language request for information about a spatial location, parsing the natural language request into data requests, configuring a flight plan and controlling one or more drones to fly over the spatial location to obtain data types based on the data requests, and extracting and analyzing data to answer the request. The method can include extracting data points from the data types, obtaining labels from a user for one or more of the data points, predicting labels for unlabeled data points from a learning algorithm using the labels obtained from the user, determining the predicted labels are true labels for the unlabeled data points and combining the extracted data, the user labeled data points and the true labeled data points to answer the request for information. The learning algorithm may be active learning using a support vector machine. |
| US09471063B2 |
Robotic lawn mower with network sensors
The smart robotic lawn mowing system utilizes the ultrasonic and RF devices placed on the robotic lawn mower and boundary stands to define the mowing area, to track the position of the robotic lawn mower, and to control and monitor the mowing routes. The installed devices form a network sensor for the mowing system to determine the relative distances in between boundary stands and robotic lawn mower. The couplings of robotic lawn mower and boundary stands may further define the mowing sequences of areas, the size of areas, and the mowing routes inside each area. The control of the robotic lawn mower may be wireless and users are able to monitor and modify the settings with a computer, a cell phone, and a tablet through a wireless network, a WIFI, or an internet. |
| US09471054B2 |
Analogue measurement probe for a machine tool apparatus
An analog probe for a machine tool apparatus, including a probe body and a stylus member movably secured to the probe body in a suspended rest position via a suspension mechanism. A sensor is provided for measuring the extent of displacement of the stylus member relative to the probe body from a rest position. The analog probe further includes a first compliant sealing member extending between the probe body and stylus member such that the sensor is contained within a chamber sealed from external contaminants. The analog probe also has for a suppressor for suppressing movement of the stylus member away from its suspended rest position induced by changes in the chamber's internal pressure and/or changes in the analog probe's operating environment. |
| US09471053B2 |
Notification method, notification device, notification system, storage medium, information exchange networking service providing server, and mobile terminal
A notification method includes the steps of: (a) receiving an operation signal for operating an electrical appliance; (b) determining whether or not to deny an operation indicated by the operation signal; and (c) when the step (b) determines to deny the operation, causing an electronic message board to display thereon an object indicating that the operation is denied. |
| US09471049B2 |
System and method for configuring a field device of a control system
A system and method for configuring a field device of a control system is provided. The system includes a mobile computing device for communicating with a wireless adapter coupled to the field device. The mobile computing device receives an application module via a wireless network communication module. The application module, when executed by a processor, configures the field device via a wireless direct communication module. The mobile computing device includes a user-friendly graphic display to provide and receive information associated with the configuration of the field device. |
| US09471045B2 |
Controlling building systems
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for measuring the supply of a consumable product to a facility over time and analyzing the measurements to determine the consumption or supply of the product by one or more loads and/or sources in the facility, and to determine induced and residual heat flow through the facility's envelope. Various aspects compare the measured supply of the consumable product to a database of consumption signatures. Operating conditions and facility characteristics may be further considered in determining a particular user's access of the consumable product. Thermal resistance factors of the building may be determined, which are based on the induced and residual heat flow through the facility. Finally, one or more signatures of a building system are analyzed to determine a building's overall efficiency, including determining a controllable load of a building and/or determining an efficient start time for one or more building systems. |
| US09471044B2 |
Method for debugging of process or manufacturing plant solutions comprising multiple sub-systems
An exemplary method and a system for debugging a control system of an industrial plant where the system includes at least two different control sub-systems, of the same or different control equipment type, on plant or sub-system level, and has specific programmable controller units in devices like PLCs, DCSs, robots, drives, instruments and/or other process specific components whereas all specified parameters and signals of the control system across its sub-systems, devices, and technologies are extracted and visualized on a single sight and are utilized for the definition of system wide breakpoints, utilizing a subset of those signals or parameters, and related conditions, e.g. logical combinations of the signals or parameters. |
| US09471043B2 |
Smart watch
A smart watch is disclosed in which a part of the wrist of a user connected to the palm when the smart watch is worn by the user is constructed to be thin. According to an embodiment, the smart watch includes a display part configured to display digital content, a first connection part connected to one side of the display part, the first connection part including a camera unit, a second connection part connected to the other side of the display part, the second connection part including a battery unit, and a comfort part configured to connect the first connection part and the second connection part, wherein thickness of the comfort part is thinner than thickness of the display part, the first connection part, and the second connection part. |
| US09471040B2 |
Rigid decorative member
Provided is a rigid decorative member that has high film hardness, is excellent in scratch resistance performance and abrasion resistance performance, and has excellent color brightness and color saturation. The rigid decorative member of the present invention is a rigid decorative member wherein a reaction compound film of an alloy of Cr and a metal selected from one or two or more of Mo, W, Nb, Ta, Ti, Hf, Zr, and V, and of a non-metallic element selected from one or two or more of nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen is formed on a substrate. There is provided the rigid decorative member significantly improved in scratch resistance and abrasion resistance and having a color tone with a high quality feel; and there is further supplied a product of which the color tones of brightness and color saturation can be freely controlled. The rigid decorative member of the present invention includes the reaction compound film of the alloy of Cr, which is a metal having high adhesion to a metal and high brightness but having low hardness, and a metal having high film hardness and high corrosion resistance but having low brightness and low adhesion (Mo, W, Nb, Ta, Ti, Hf, Zr, V), and of the non-metallic element such as nitrogen, carbon, or oxygen. |
| US09471039B2 |
Watch having gears for observation
A watch having gears for observation, including: a watch body; a hand assembly having a second hand, a minute hand or an hour hand to be rotated at a surface of the watch body so as to display a time; gears for observation independently and rotatably provided at one end of the had assembly and to be rotated in a rotation process of the hand assembly; and a driving gear assembly provided at one side of the outside or the inside of the watch body and engaged with the gears for observation. The present invention can utilize the watch as a studying material through the gears for observation which are independently rotated according to the rotation of the hand assembly such as the second hand and the like. |
| US09471027B2 |
Positional control features between replaceable units of an electrophotographic image forming device
A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit. |
| US09471026B2 |
Image forming apparatus and light guide member
A light guide member has a transmitting/reflecting portion transmitting and reflecting light that is emitted from a light source, to enter one end of the light guide member in a longitudinal direction, and be guided to the other end of the light guide member so that the light is applied to: a position between the developing roller and the transfer roller on the image carrier on a downstream side in the traveling direction of the transfer target member; and a position between the transfer roller and the cleaning portion on the image carrier on an upstream side in the traveling direction of the transfer target member. Furthermore, the light guide member has a convex portion having an arc-shaped cross section and being formed outward at a position opposing the transmitting/reflecting portion in a part of a predetermined specific region at one end or both ends in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09471023B2 |
Image forming device, image forming method, and image forming program
An image forming device includes an image forming unit configured to continuously form images on continuous paper, a conveying unit configured to convey the continuous paper, and a control unit configured to start an image quality adjusting operation for adjusting image quality of a subsequent image to be formed by the image forming unit after formation of a last image by the image forming unit is completed while the conveying unit conveys the continuous paper until the last image arrives at a predetermined position. |
| US09471022B2 |
Print control apparatus, print control method, image forming system, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A print control apparatus includes a generation unit, a storage unit, a transfer unit, a memory, and a controller. The generation unit generates image data by performing a rendering process in accordance with a print instruction. The storage unit stores the image data. The transfer unit reads the stored image data and transfers the read image data to a printer that performs printing on a sheet of paper. The memory stores, for each page in the print instruction, a processing time in association with the print instruction. In response to acceptance of an instruction for reprinting the print instruction, the controller controls whether to store the generated image data in the storage unit or to transmit the generated image data to the transfer unit, based on the processing time for each page stored in the memory in association with the print instruction. |
| US09471019B2 |
Polymer-based long life fusers
Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for polymer-based fixing members that have a textured surface with reduced surface energy and increased surface hydrophobicity. |
| US09471018B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a cap member, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member. The cap member is attached to an end portion of the fixing belt. The first elastic member is mounted in the cap member so as to be opposite to an outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt. The first elastic member is ring-shaped. The second elastic member is mounted in the cap member so as to be opposite to an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt. The second elastic member is ring-shaped. The first elastic member is in pressed contact with the cap member and with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt. The second elastic member is disposed with a space from the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt and thermally expands toward the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt. |
| US09471017B2 |
Image forming apparatus for automatically releasing pressure applied to a fixing nip portion
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention can switch a fixing nip portion between a pressurized state and a pressure released state by rotating a cam via a first engagement portion provided in a fixing unit, and a second engagement portion provided in a main body of the image forming apparatus, in which a difference between a phase of the cam in the pressurized state and a phase of the cam in the pressure released state is 180°, and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other when the fixing unit is mounted on the main body regardless of whether the fixing nip portion is in the pressurized state or the pressure released state. |
| US09471013B2 |
Image forming apparatus having heat generating member into which an alternating-current waveform corresponding to the supplied power flows
Depending on an output impedance of a commercial AC power supply calculated by an output impedance calculating unit, a control unit controls the supply of power so that the current of a first waveform pattern, capable of supplying an amount of power to be supplied to a heat generating member determined based on temperature information and capable of supplying power such that a harmonic current value is suppressed to be smaller than a predetermined value, flows into the heat generating member, or the control unit controls the supply of power so that the current of a second waveform pattern, capable of supplying an amount of power to be supplied to the heat generating member based on the temperature information and capable of supplying power such that the value of a flicker Pst is suppressed to be smaller than a predetermined value, flows into the heat generating member. |
| US09471007B2 |
Developer supply cartridge shutter opening projection that moves in two directions
A developer container includes an accommodating portion accommodating developer and is provided with an opening, a shutter member for opening and closing the opening, a projection for moving the shutter member, and a guiding portion for guiding the projection. When the projection is pushed in a pushing direction, the projection is moved in a direction different from the pushing direction by being guided by the guiding portion in contact with the guiding portion and thereafter is moved in the pushing direction, thereby to move the shutter member to open the opening. |
| US09471006B2 |
Developer accommodating unit, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A developer accommodating unit includes: a container, provided with an opening for permitting discharge of a developer, for accommodating the developer; a sealing member for sealing the opening by being mounted on the container and for being peeled from the container to expose the opening; and an unsealing member for unsealing the opening by moving the sealing member to peel the sealing member from the container. The sealing member includes a sealing portion defined in an end side thereof to seal the opening, a holding portion defined in another end side thereof to be held by the unsealing member, and a developer passing portion formed between the sealing portion and the holding portion to permit passing of the developer therethrough. |
| US09471005B2 |
Developing cartridge positioning portions for relative positioning of developing roller, supply roller and housing
In a developing device, a developing agent member has a first rotational shaft extending in a first direction. A supply member has a second rotational shaft extending in the first direction. A housing includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall is formed with first and second openings. The second wall is formed with third and fourth openings. The first bridge portion separates the first opening and the second opening in the first wall. A second bridge portion separates the third opening and the fourth opening in the second wall. When projected in the first direction, the first rotational shaft is disposed in the first opening and the second rotational shaft is disposed in the second opening. When projected in the first direction, the first rotational shaft is disposed in the third opening and the second rotational shaft is disposed in the fourth opening. |
| US09471004B1 |
Toner supply container and applications of same
A releasing mechanism usable for a toner supply container includes a groove fixable to the toner supply container, a releasing portion slidably fixable to the toner supply container, and a hook member. The releasing portion has an opening for releasing toner, and a fixing structure disposed over the groove. The hook member is disposed between the groove and the fixing structure, and has a first hook received in the groove, and a fixing portion fixable to the fixing structure. By operations of first and second forces pushing the releasing portion toward or away from the toner supply container, the first hook is slidable along the groove and is stoppable at first and second positions of the groove that are close to or away from the toner supply container, such that the releasing portion is movable relative to the toner supply container to provide or stop providing the toner. |
| US09471003B2 |
Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
The image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a drum drive input member; a developing cartridge configured to be movably mounted to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge comprising a developing roller disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum and a developing drive input member; a drum drive transmission member configured to engage with the drum drive input member and configured to transmit drum driving force to the drum drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the drum drive input member within a predetermined range; and a developing drive transmission member configured to engage with the developing drive input member and configured to transmit developing driving force to the developing drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the developing drive input member within a predetermined range. |
| US09471002B2 |
Power supply unit for applying a voltage to a developer carrier, image forming apparatus, and method for applying voltage
Provided is a power supply unit that quickly stabilizes a voltage to be applied to a developer carrier. The power supply unit, which applies a voltage to a developer carrier, includes a DC power supply portion, an AC power supply portion, a current detecting portion for detecting current input to the developer carrier, a voltage correcting portion for decreasing at least one of voltage levels of the DC voltage and the AC voltage more as the current detected by the current detecting portion becomes larger, and a development control portion for starting application of one of the DC voltage and the AC voltage as a first voltage at a first time point, and starting application of the other of the DC voltage and the AC voltage as a second voltage at a second time point that is a predetermined time after the first time point. |
| US09470998B2 |
Electroconductive roller, and image forming apparatus
An electroconductive roller is provided, which is imparted with lower resistance than a prior-art electroconductive roller without addition of an expensive salt and an electron conductive agent liable to cause various problems or by adding the electron conductive agent in a smaller proportion that hardly causes the problems, and an image forming apparatus employing the electroconductive roller is also provided. The electroconductive roller (1) includes a tubular base layer (4) made of an ion-conductive elastic material, and a surface layer (6) provided on an outer peripheral surface (5) of the base layer (4). The roller resistance R1 (Ω) of the base layer and the surface resistance R2 (Ω) of an outer peripheral surface (7) of the surface layer satisfy all the following expressions (1) to (3): log R1−log R2≧2.5 (1) log R1≦7.0 (2) log R2≦4.0 (3) The image forming apparatus incorporates the electroconductive roller as a charging roller. |
| US09470990B2 |
Storage for storing dispersion liquid, and toner producing apparatus using the storage
A storage to store a dispersion liquid in which particles including a resin are dispersed in a solvent is provided. The storage includes a storage tank to store the dispersion liquid, which is arranged on a passage leading from a dispersion liquid producing device to produce the dispersion liquid to a solvent removing device to remove the solvent from the dispersion liquid; and a pressure adjuster to adjust the pressure of the dispersion liquid in the storage tank to a pressure between the pressure of the dispersion liquid in the dispersion liquid producing device and the pressure of the dispersion liquid in the solvent removing device. |
| US09470989B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
A conductive layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a first metal oxide particle, a second metal oxide particle, and a binder material. The first metal oxide particle is a zinc oxide particle or tin oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with phosphorus, tungsten, fluorine, niobium, or tantalum, and the second metal oxide particle is a tin oxide particle doped with an element selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, tungsten, fluorine, niobium, and tantalum, the element being the same as the element with which the tin oxide of the first metal oxide particle is doped. The conductive layer satisfies formulae (1) and (2) 2≦{(V2/VT)/(V1/VT)}×100≦25 formulae (1): 15≦{(V1/VT)+(V2/VT)}×100≦45 formulae (2). |
| US09470986B2 |
Inspection methods, inspection apparatuses, and lithographic apparatuses
A method for determining overlay error includes measuring asymmetry of radiation reflected from each of a plurality of targets on a substrate. The plurality of targets include a predetermined overlay offset. The method also includes comparing the measured asymmetry of the radiation reflected from each of the plurality of targets to the corresponding predetermined overlay offset of the respective target. Additionally, the method includes determining the overlay error of a point on the substrate as a function of measured asymmetry reflected from the point. The function is determined by fitting a polynomial or a Fourier series to a comparison of the measured asymmetry of the radiation reflected from each of the plurality of targets to the corresponding predetermined overlay offset of the respective target. The function limits an effect of linearity error. |
| US09470985B2 |
Lithographic apparatus, sensor and method
A lithographic apparatus comprises an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam, a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and a sensor. The sensor (S) comprises a photodiode (2) provided on a face (8) of a semiconductor substrate (4) towards which the radiation beam is directed during operation of the lithographic apparatus, a first radiation blocking material (10) being provided around the photodiode on the face of the semiconductor substrate, and a second radiation blocking material (12) is provided on a side (14) of the semiconductor substrate upon which the radiation beam is incident during operation of the lithographic apparatus. |
| US09470981B2 |
Microlithographic projection exposure apparatus illumination optics
Optics, such as, for example, microlithographic projection exposure apparatus illumination optics, as well as related systems, methods, components and devices are disclosed. |
| US09470977B2 |
Composition for lithographic printing plate and lithographic printing plate precursor
The present invention has an objective of providing a composition for a lithographic printing plate, which provides an image-forming layer exhibiting superior ink receptivity and uniformity, and in which a coating solution containing the composition possesses a good defoaming property and can effectively form an image-forming layer at high speed. In addition, the present invention has another objective of providing a lithographic printing plate precursor or a dummy plate which can be produced at high speed with superior production efficacy. The present invention provides a composition for a lithographic printing plate containing a fluoroaliphatic group-containing copolymer having a specific chemical structure, the lithographic printing plate precursor or a dummy plate containing a layer having the aforementioned composition. |
| US09470969B2 |
Support, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A support for an object, e.g., a semiconductor substrate, includes a main body having a surface configured and arranged to have a plurality of projections. Each of the projections has an associated electrostatic actuator for displacing a free end of the associated projection relative to the main body at least in a direction in a plane parallel to a main surface of the object. |
| US09470961B2 |
Projection apparatus and light source module having fixing wire
A light source module and a projection apparatus including the light source module, a light valve, and a lens are provided. The light source module includes a cover, a light emitting device, a lead wire, a trigger wire, and at least one fixing wire. The light emitting device is partially disposed in the cover and includes a light source and a first pillar, wherein the light source is connected to the first pillar and provides an illumination beam. The lead wire is connected to the light source and is position-limited between the cover and the first pillar. The trigger wire is disposed on the first pillar and is electrically connected to the lead wire. The fixing wire is position-limited between the cover and the first pillar. One end of the fixing wire is connected to the first pillar, and another end of the fixing wire is position-limited to the cover. |
| US09470960B2 |
Projector
A projector includes a light source apparatus, a light modulator that modulates a light flux outputted from the light source apparatus in accordance with image information, a projection lens that projects the light flux modulated by the light modulator, an exterior enclosure that accommodates the light source apparatus, the light modulator, and the projection lens, an exhaust fan (first exhaust fan) that exhausts air inside the exterior enclosure out thereof through an exhaust port (first light source exhaust port) provided in the exterior enclosure, and a functional device (wireless device) that provides a predetermined function and is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the exhaust air from the first exhaust fan. The wireless device is disposed in a position downstream of the first exhaust fan, and part of the exhaust air discharged from the first exhaust fan flows to the wireless device. |
| US09470957B2 |
Optical device
The invention is directed to the provision of an optical device in which provisions are made to form a gap between an optical waveguide and a substrate without having to form a groove or the like in the substrate and to prevent any stress from being applied to an optical element even when it is heated by a heater for temperature adjustment. More specifically, the invention provides an optical device includes a substrate, an optical element with an optical waveguide formed in a surface thereof that faces the substrate, bonding portions formed on the substrate at positions that oppose each other across the optical waveguide, a heater, formed on at least one of the optical element and the substrate, for heating the optical waveguide, and a micro bump structure formed from a metallic material, wherein the optical element is bonded to the bonding portions via the micro bump structure in such a manner that a gap is formed between the optical waveguide and the substrate. |
| US09470954B2 |
Crystal-pair counter-rotator with translation capability
In an optical parametric frequency conversion arrangement first and second optically nonlinear crystals (18, 20) mounted on respectively first and second drive-shafts (26, 30). The drive shafts (26, 30) are counter-rotatably driven by a single stepper-motor (50) via a gear-train. The first drive-shaft (26) includes a lead screw. When the first drive-shaft (26) is rotated, the first crystal (18) is rotated and simultaneously translated, while the second crystal (20) is simultaneously counter-rotated but is not translated. |
| US09470949B2 |
Electrophoretic display device and method for manufacturing the same
Embodiments of the present invention relates to an electrophoretic display (EPD) device and a method for manufacturing the EPD device. The EPD device includes an electrophoretic substrate and a drive substrate arranged opposite to each other and a plurality of microcups disposed between the electrophoretic substrate and the drive substrate, each microcup includes a cup body for defining an accommodating space; a thickness of the cup body on one side of the microcup closer to the electrophoretic substrate is less than a thickness of the cup body on one side of the microcup closer to the drive substrate; and a cup surface of the microcup is a cambered surface which is away from a vertical central axis of the microcup and concave towards the cup body. |
| US09470948B2 |
Electrophoretic display base having porous lid
An electrophoretic display base includes a base; a partition which is disposed on one surface of the base and in which the opposite side of the one surface is open; an electrophoretic dispersion liquid which contains a dispersion medium and charged particles filled in a cell on the base which is defined by the partition; and a lid which is disposed to block an opening of the partition, and has a porosity capable of passing the electrophoretic dispersion liquid therethrough. |
| US09470947B2 |
Distributed device network-based control system with decoupled intelligence for smart windows
A distributed device control system is provided. The system includes a plurality of windows, each window of the plurality of windows having at least one electrochromic window, a voltage or current driver for the at least one electrochromic window, and a first control system local to the window. The system includes a plurality of window controllers, each window controller configured to couple to one or more of the plurality of windows and having a second control system, for the one or more of the plurality of windows, local to the window controller. The system includes a command and communication device configured to couple to each of the plurality of window controllers, configured to couple to a network, and having a third control system, for the plurality of windows, wherein control of the plurality of windows is distributed across the plurality of windows, the plurality of window controllers, the command and communication device, and a portion of the network. |
| US09470944B2 |
Liquid crystal display having common voltage compensator
An embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display including a liquid crystal panel having a display area and a non-display area; left and right common voltage lines connected to common voltage lines formed in the display area and located in the non-display area on the left and right sides of the display area; and a common voltage compensator that receives feedback common voltages from the left and right common voltage lines and outputs compensated common voltages based on the feedback common voltages, wherein the common voltage compensator divides the display area into a first display area and a second display area with respect to the center of the liquid crystal panel and performs different compensation to the first display area and the second display area. |
| US09470940B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer disposed over a substrate, a first insulating layer disposed over the first electrode layer, and a reflective electrode layer disposed on the first insulating layer and electrically connected to the first electrode layer, wherein the second electrode layer is exposed externally, and a thickness of the second electrode layer is greater than a thickness of the reflective electrode layer. |
| US09470936B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a first shield electrode and a second shield electrode are arranged on a first substrate. A first source line and a second source line are arranged facing the first and second shield electrodes through an insulating layer, respectively. A first main common electrode and a second main common electrode are formed facing the first and second source lines through an insulating layer, respectively. A main pixel electrode is formed so as to locate between the first and second main common electrodes. A second substrate includes a third main common electrode and a fourth main common electrode facing the first and second main common electrodes, respectively. A liquid crystal layer is held between the first and second substrates. The first, second, third and fourth main common electrodes are set to the same electric potential. |
| US09470935B2 |
Display device with pixel electrode having a slit disposed at an angle with respect to branch electrode
A display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates; and a pixel electrode disposed on the first substrate and including a plurality of sub-pixel electrodes, wherein the sub-pixel electrode may include an outer electrode, a stem electrode extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer electrode, and a plurality of branch electrodes extending in a predetermined direction from the outer electrode or the stem electrode, and wherein the sub-pixel electrode may be partitioned into first and second areas by the outer and stem electrodes and may include at least one slit disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the branch electrode in the first area or the second area. |
| US09470933B2 |
Display device, liquid crystal display device, electronic apparatus, and display device manufacturing method
To provide a low-cost display device which can accurately detect a position touched by a finger. A display device displays an image by having display elements capable of performing electro-optic responses formed between conductible first and second substrates, and detects a contact position touched by a contact body by having a conductive impedance surface formed on the second substrate side. The display device includes: linearization pattern sections formed on the first substrate, which include a plurality of electrodes capable of detecting electric currents on a conductive impedance surface; and a conductive member which electrically connects the linearization pattern sections with the conductive impedance surface on the second substrate. |
| US09470930B2 |
Orientation film materials and liquid crystal display device using it
Various layer separation states are generated by the combination of a polyamide acid ester and a polyamide acid and a long residual image characteristic cannot be further improved merely by combining them. A liquid crystal display device comprises a substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and an orientation film placed between the substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The orientation film comprises a polyimide precursor having two or more components. In the polyimide precursor, an octanol-water partition coefficient is defined as log P and the difference in log P (Δ log P) between the two components having most distant log Ps is set so as to fall within a prescribed range. |
| US09470929B2 |
Liquid crystal display unit and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device with which response characteristics are able to be easily improved without using major equipment is provided. The method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device includes steps of forming a first alignment film including a polymer compound having a crosslinkable functional group as a side chain on one substrate of a pair of substrates; forming a second alignment film on the other substrate of the pair of substrates; arranging the pair of substrates so that the first alignment film and the second alignment film are opposed to each other, and sealing a liquid crystal layer containing a liquid crystal molecule having negative dielectric constant anisotropy between the first alignment film and the second alignment film; and bridging the polymer compound to give pre-tilt to the liquid crystal molecule 41 after sealing the liquid crystal layer. |
| US09470928B2 |
Homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film without alignment layer and method for preparing the same
Disclosed is a homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film without an alignment layer and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film without using a separate alignment layer to induce a homeotropic alignment of the liquid crystal in which a liquid crystal layer has a homeotropic alignment property by coating a polymerizable and reactive liquid crystalline mixture solution including a predetermined surfactant on a plastic substrate whose surface are hydrophilic-treated, and drying and UV irradiating the mixture solution; a method for preparing the same. The homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film prepared according to the present invention may be very useful as a major component of a viewing-angle compensation film and a retardation film, etc. in LCD, and has advantages of simplicity of the manufacturing process, its shortened manufacturing time, its mass production, etc. |
| US09470927B2 |
Pre-formed polymer matrix disc to maintain uniform cell spacing
An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including a first electrically conductive material associated therewith. A second substantially transparent substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate to define a cavity and includes a second electrically conductive material associated therewith. One or more spacing members are positioned within the cavity and include one or more polymer matrix discs configured to maintain a cell spacing between the first and second substrates. An electro-optic medium is disposed within the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, and includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. A substantially transparent light emitting display is operably coupled to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light. |
| US09470920B2 |
Mold frame for curved displaying and curved liquid crystal display device using same
The present invention provides a mold frame for curved displaying and a curved liquid crystal display device using the mold frame. The mold frame for curved displaying includes two opposite first side frame members (11) and two opposite second side frame members (13) respectively mounted to two ends of the two first side frame members (11). Each of the first side frame members (11) includes a plurality of first engagement slots (115) and open notches (117) between two adjacent ones of the first engagement slots (115) formed therein. The first engagement slots (115) receive and are coupled to the first projection blocks (211) of the curved backplane the first side plates (21). The first side frame members (11) are made of an elastic plastic material. The first side frame members (11) show a flat and straight configuration before being assembled to a curved backplane and show a curved configuration after being assembled to the curved backplane. The mold frame for curved displaying has a simple structure is easy to design, manufacture, and inspect so as to help improve product yield rate and reduce manufacture costs. |
| US09470918B2 |
Liquid crystal display unit and projection-type display
There is provided a liquid crystal display unit including a liquid crystal panel for modulating light; a light shielding plate for controlling light not to be incident on areas other than an effective pixel area of the liquid crystal panel; an optical compensation element arranged at sides on which the light is incident in the liquid crystal panel and the light shielding plate; and an optical compensation element holder for holding the optical compensation element to be spaced from the light shielding plate and not to contact other members. |
| US09470917B2 |
Display device with watermark area and non-watermark area
The present invention is directed to display devices comprising a watermark area and a non-watermark area. The display cells in the watermark area have widths of the partition walls, heights of the partition walls, or top opening shapes, which are different from those of the display cells in the non-watermark area. The watermark aims to protect against counterfeiting or to be used for decoration purposes. The watermark is visible at certain viewing angles and/or under certain lighting conditions and it does not interfere with displaying of the regular images. |
| US09470913B2 |
Integrated photonic frequency converter and mixer
A system and methods for electro-optical modulation are presented. A first optical signal and a second optical signal are optically coupled to produce a local oscillator signal propagated in two signal paths. The local oscillator signal in the first signal path and the second signal path is electro-optically phase modulated with a radio frequency electrical signal to produce a first phase modulated optical signal and a second phase modulated optical signal respectively. The first phase modulated optical signal and the second phase modulated optical signal are optically coupled to produce an intensity modulated signal comprising an RF frequency of the radio frequency electrical signal frequency mixed by a local oscillator frequency of the local oscillator signal. |
| US09470911B2 |
Method and system to create products
Systems and methods for creating fully custom products from scratch without exclusive use of off-the-shelf or pre-specified components. A system for creating custom products includes an image capture device for capturing image data and/or measurement data of a user. A computer is communicatively coupled with the image capture device and configured to construct an anatomic model of the user based on the captured image data and/or measurement data. The computer provides a configurable product model and enables preview and automatic or user-guided customization of the product model. A display is communicatively coupled with the computer and displays the custom product model superimposed on the anatomic model or image data of the user. The computer is further configured to provide the customized product model to a manufacturer for manufacturing eyewear for the user in accordance with the customized product model. The manufacturing system is configured to interpret the product model and prepare instructions and control equipment for the manufacturing of the customized product. |
| US09470908B1 |
Adaptable loupe supporting eyewear
Eyewear comprising a pair of lenses assembled to a frame. Each lens comprises an integral tubular loupe mounting bracket extending forward of the lens exterior surface. The tubular mounting bracket defines an interior surface. The interior surface provides a loupe coupling receptacle for receiving and temporarily retaining a loupe assembly therein, enabling replacement of each loupe for repair, change in magnification, reduction in overall costs, reduced delivery time, etc. The loupe assembly is temporarily fixed within the loupe coupling receptacle by a loupe retention element feature. The lenses can be manufactured of a generally planar or curved shaped clear, translucent, or opaque material. The lenses can be adjustably assembled to the frame, enabling adjustable positioning of each loupe. Accessories, such as a camera, lighting, a secondary lens frame (such as prescription lenses), etc. can be integrated or removably attached to the eyewear frame. |
| US09470902B2 |
Light source module using lasers as light source
A light source module includes a double refraction prism, an optical plate, a first laser source, a second laser source, and a third laser source. A first laser beam emitted from the first laser source and a second laser beam emitted from the second laser source are mixed by the double refraction prism and these are mixed together with a third laser beam emitted from the third laser source by the optical plate. |
| US09470897B2 |
Fiber array light source
A system and method for providing a fiber array light source with individually controlled multiple-wavelength outputs are disclosed. A single spatial light modulator (SLM) outputs an image light of a first wavelength and an image light of a second wavelength. An overlap image is produced based on the image light of the first and second wavelengths. A fiber array receives light associated with the overlap image so that each individual optical fiber in the fiber array corresponds to multiple pixels on the SLM. |
| US09470895B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes a light-emitting portion that emits fluorescence in response to excitation light incident on a surface of the light-emitting portion, and a reflector that defines a light-emitting region on the surface of the light-emitting portion, the fluorescence being emitted from the light-emitting region. The excitation light has a top-hat energy intensity distribution on the surface of the light-emitting portion. |
| US09470894B2 |
Head mounted display and method of controlling the same
Disclosed is a head mounted display (HMD) that provide contents to a user in a state of being worn on a user's head. The HMD includes a display unit configured to include a first region, which displays first contents, and a second region which is disposed next to both sides of the first region and display second contents associated with the first contents, a sensing unit configured to sense a motion of a head of a user wearing the HMD in a state where the HMD is worn on the head of the user, and a controller configured to, based on the sensing result, when a state in which a movement of the HMD is limited is sensed, determine a direction in which the movement of the HMD is limited, and change a display position of at least one portion of second contents which are displayed in a region corresponding to the determined direction in the second region which is disposed next to both sides of the first region. |
| US09470889B2 |
Laser scanning device
A laser scanning device includes: a plurality of laser light sources, each of the plurality of laser light sources emitting a laser light having a light intensity distribution having an elliptical shape; an aperture through which the laser lights emitted from the plurality of laser light sources pass; and a scanning mirror for reflecting the laser lights from the aperture to a scan position. A position of the aperture is adjustable in a first adjustment direction. The plurality of laser light sources are oriented so that long axis directions of the light intensity distributions of the laser lights emitted by the plurality of laser light sources are parallel to the first adjustment direction at positions at which the laser lights emitted by the plurality of laser light sources enter the aperture. |
| US09470884B2 |
Image projection apparatus and illumination optical system
An image projection apparatus includes: an illumination optical system; a projection optical system assembled integrally with the illumination optical system; and a frame fixed to only one system, that has a larger weight, of the illumination optical system and the projection optical system. |
| US09470883B2 |
High-resolution scanning microscopy
A microscope for high resolution scanning microscopy of a sample, having:an illumination device for the purpose of illuminating the sample, an imaging device for the purpose of scanning at least one point or linear spot over the sample and of imaging the point or linear spot into a diffraction-limited, static single image below am imaging scale in a detection plane. A detector device for detecting the single image in the detection plane for various scan positions, with a spatial resolution which, taking into account the imaging scale in at least one dimension/measurement, is at least twice as high as a full width at half maximum of the diffraction-limited single image. The amplitude and/or phase of a wavefront influenced by the sample is detected with spatial resolution by means for wavefront detection, and wherein the influence of the sample on the phase is determined by means of a wavefront sensor. |
| US09470882B2 |
Optical arrangement for a solid-state lamp
An optical arrangement for a solid-state lamp is disclosed. A highly reflective secondary reflector is located adjacent to but not in contact with an optical element. In some embodiments, the reflector presents a white, diffuse reflective surface. A secondary reflector with a specular reflective surface can also be used. The secondary reflector can be made of various commercially available materials; for example, MCPET or polycarbide resin, and the arrangement can be used with an LED light source. In some example embodiments, the optical element and the highly reflective secondary reflector each have a plurality of lobes and the arrangement is suitable for an MR16 halogen lamp replacement. In other example embodiments, the highly reflective secondary reflector includes a plurality of recesses corresponding to a plurality of optical elements, and the arrangement is suitable for a PAR incandescent bulb replacement. |
| US09470881B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging device using zoom lens
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image surface side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a negative refractive power, and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, the second lens group and the third lens group are moved such that the second lens group is located on a most object side at a wide-angle end and the third lens group is located on a most image surface side at a telephoto end during zooming. |
| US09470875B2 |
Image pickup device
An image pickup device includes a photographing optical system having a central optical system disposed at a central region and a circular optical system disposed at an outer portion of the central optical system which are arranged along the same optical axis, a directional sensor having plural pixels including two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements, the directional sensor including plural pixels for selectively receiving light beams of light fluxes which are incident via the central optical system and the circular optical system by applying pupil division, an image readout device that acquires from the directional sensor each of an image signal representing a first image received via the central optical system and an image signal representing a second image received via the circular optical system. |
| US09470871B2 |
Lens barrel
A lens barrel has a telescopic structure in which an inner barrel and an outer barrel move relative to each other. A plurality of ring retainers (201 and 202) are disposed at different positions with respect to the optical axis direction between an inner barrel (11) and an outer barrel (12) to support a number of bearing balls (30) so that the bearing balls (30) roll in contact with the inner barrel (11) and the outer barrel (12). The retainers (201 and 202) are supported floatingly in a direction parallel to the optical axis in accordance with the rolling movement of the bearing balls (30). The inner barrel (11) and the outer barrel (12), which move relative to each other, are supported by the ball bearings. |
| US09470867B1 |
Retaining enclosure for above-ground fiber optic/cable network terminal
The unit for retaining/securing a fiber optic cable comprises an enclosure including a tray having a back base plate, a top and a bottom sides and a unit for retaining/securing a fiber optic cable, disposed in an interior of the enclosure. The bottom side is provided with a pair of identical apertures. Each aperture resembles to a flat shovel having an upper rectangular shape continued by a circular sector; the aperture is so profiled as to engage alternatively a biting-retaining fixture for inserting a cable or an exit grommet for a leaving cable; the former is made of a rigid plastic, while the second—of a soft, elastic polymer. The unit for retaining/securing a fiber optic cable is actuated by a shifting lever, having a shape of an angled, cantilevered part with a longitudinal axis of symmetry bent generally at 90 degrees. |
| US09470864B1 |
Photoelectric conversion module
A photoelectric conversion module includes a circuit board, a flexible substrate configured on the circuit board, with a concave structure having a first optical micro-reflection surface and a second optical micro-reflection surface formed opposite to the first optical micro-reflection surface, an optical component configured on the flexible substrate, an IC chip mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the optical component via a wire and a conductive trace on the flexible substrate, and an optical waveguide member connected to the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate and the optical waveguide member are packaged by a carrier or an optical connector. |
| US09470863B2 |
Optical module assembly, optical wiring board, and information processing device using them
The present invention achieves a way of mounting plural optical modules onto a wiring board more simply and more densely. There is provided an optical module assembly for mounting plural optical modules onto a wiring board. The optical module assembly includes the optical modules to which optical wiring has been connected and a module case to accommodate the optical modules. The optical modules and the module case are unified. The module case is provided with a floating mechanism for making the optical modules floating, when accommodated therein. The floating mechanism is comprised of plate springs or the like. |
| US09470862B2 |
Optical transmission device and manufacturing method thereof
An optical transmission device includes: a first cage and a second cage provided in parallel on a top surface of a substrate, into which modules connectable to an optical transmission path are inserted, respectively; a first heat sink including: a first main body arranged along surfaces of the first cage and the second cage at the opposite side to the substrate, and a first plate member rising from a bottom surface of the first main body which faces the substrate, and arranged between the first cage and the second cage. |
| US09470859B2 |
Optical transceiver module having an early-disengage delatching mechanism
An optical transceiver module is provided with a delatching mechanism that allows module mounting density to be increased while also providing an ergonomic solution that allows the modules to be easily delatched and extracted from their cages. The delatching mechanism is configured to perform early disengagement of the module housing from the cage by delatching the module housing from the cage after the bail has been rotated to an angle that is less than 90°. Because delatching occurs when the bail has been rotated to a delatching angle that is less than 90°, the modules can be more densely stored with less space between modules that are mounted one above the other than with existing solutions. |
| US09470857B2 |
Optical module with beam splitter on reflecting surface
An optical module providing laser diodes (LD) and monitor PDs is disclosed. The LDs and monitor PDs are mounted on a module substrate that also mounts a resin body. The resin body includes a mirror surface which causes a total inner reflection for the optical beams coming from the LDs toward the inner fibers set in one side of the resin body. The mirror surface further provides a blip to refract portions of the optical beams toward the monitor PDs. |
| US09470852B2 |
Optical fiber connector and ferrule
Multi-fiber ferrules may be produced with tapered bodies and guide pin holes that have fluted internal surfaces with projections for engaging the guide pins, and channels for capturing any foreign material that may accumulate on or around the guide pins, thereby providing improved consistency in fiber connections during mating of the ferrules. |
| US09470850B2 |
Fiber optic connector, fiber optic connector and cable assembly, and methods for manufacturing
A fiber optic cable and connector assembly including a fiber optic connector mounted at the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly including a stub fiber supported within a ferrule. The stub fiber is fusion spliced to an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable at a location within the fiber optic connector. |
| US09470845B2 |
Optical connection component manufacturing apparatus and method of manufacturing optical connection component
Disclosed is an optical connection component manufacturing apparatus that manufactures an optical connection component in which a refractive index matching body is attached to a front end face of an optical fiber. A movement mechanism, an X-axis motor, and a movement stage that move the optical fiber set a first interval at which a refractive index matching liquid held on a holding face is adsorbed, by a Coulomb force according to the charging, onto a front end face of the optical fiber charged by a static electricity generating device and then enlarge the interval. The static electricity generating device applies electric charge to the optical fiber in the state of the first interval and continuously applies electric charge to the optical fiber even after the interval starts to be enlarged. |
| US09470842B2 |
Laser processing apparatus capable of switching fiber core
A laser processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser light source which generates laser light, a transmission part which transmits laser light generated by the laser light source, and a processing head which condenses laser light transmitted by the second transmission part to irradiate a workpiece. The transmission part has a plurality of fiber cores and uses any one of the fiber cores to transmit laser light to the processing head. Each fiber core has an emission end which faces the processing head and is fixedly arranged with respect to the processing head. The laser processing apparatus further comprises a switching part which switches the fiber core which actually transmits laser light to the processing head among the plurality of fiber cores. |
| US09470836B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel, a backlight module and a reel. The backlight module faces the display panel and includes a light transmissive region, a light emitting region and a peripheral region, in which the peripheral region is disposed between the light transmissive region and the light emitting region. The light transmissive region includes a first edge extending along a first direction and a second edge extending along a second direction. The backlight module includes a first brightness enhancing film including first microstructures arranged along the first direction. The first microstructures that pass through the peripheral region without connecting to the first edge have less light gathering efficiency than the first microstructures that only pass through the light emitting region. The reel faces the light transmissive region, and the display panel and the reel are respectively located on opposing sides of the backlight module. |
| US09470834B2 |
Light guide plate and manufacturing method thereof
A light guide plate includes a light incident surface formed on a lateral side, a reflection surface formed on a bottom, and a light exit surface formed on a top. The light guide plate includes a plurality of voids formed therein at one side close to the reflection surface. Each of the voids contains therein a plurality of high reflectivity particles. The light guide plate has a reflection surface that is a planar surface to help achieve total reflection and includes a plurality of voids that contain air and high reflectivity particles sealed therein arranged at the side adjacent to the reflection surface so that a portion of the light entering the light guide plate through a light incident surface and irradiating the voids is reflected by the voids to project out through a light exit surface. |
| US09470831B2 |
Light pipe LED illuminator for illuminating an image bearing surface
An illumination apparatus for illuminating an image bearing surface, comprising including an end-coupled illuminator comprising a light pipe having a first end face, a lateral surface and an illuminator longitudinal axis, a first light source (e.g., an LED) arranged to emit first light into the light pipe through the first end face, and a plurality of extractors disposed at selected locations along the illuminator longitudinal axis each adapted to deflect a corresponding portion of the first light from the light pipe though the lateral surface. The apparatus also includes a diffuser positioned to receive the portions of the first light and diffuse the portions of the first light in the direction of the illuminator longitudinal axis. The illumination apparatus may be included in a copier or a printer. |
| US09470829B2 |
Polarizing plate, TFT substrate including the polarizing plate, and method of manufacturing the polarizing plate
A polarizing plate includes a substrate and a conductive pattern layer including a first pattern and a second pattern. The first pattern includes line-shaped structures disposed at intervals with a period shorter than a wavelength of incident light to be isolated from one another, the first pattern configured to transmit first polarized light of the incident light therethrough and reflect second polarized light of the incident light that is perpendicular to the first polarized light. The second pattern is disposed on an outer boundary of the first pattern, the second pattern isolated and insulated from the first pattern, the second pattern including a stem and at least one branch protruding from the stem toward the first pattern. |
| US09470827B2 |
Near-infrared reflective film, method for producing same, and near-infrared reflector provided with near-infrared reflective film
The near-infrared reflective film is a lamination unit including: a high refractive layer containing a first metal oxide particle and a first water-soluble polymer, a low refractive layer containing a second metal oxide particle and a second water-soluble polymer, and a mixed layer that is located between the high refractive layer and the low refractive layer and contains the first metal oxide particle, the second metal oxide particle, and a third water-soluble polymer. The refractive index of the low refractive layer is smaller than the refractive index of the high refractive layer by 0.1 or more. The first metal oxide particle and the second metal oxide particle are different metal oxides. |
| US09470824B2 |
Manufacture method for blazed concave grating
A manufacture method for a blazed concave grating is provided, including: replicating a blazed concave grating by means of a replication process, after the replication is completed, conducting heat preservation and cooling, then separating two gratings (G1, G2) by using different pulling manners respectively, and finally splicing the replicated and separated concave grating blanks, to obtain a required blazed concave grating. This manufacture method can solve the problem of a big error in an existing replication method for a blazed concave grating. |
| US09470823B2 |
Phase gratings with odd symmetry for optical sensing
A sensing device with an odd-symmetry grating projects near-field spatial modulations onto a closely spaced photodetector array. Due to physical properties of the grating, the spatial modulations are in focus for a range of wavelengths and spacings. The spatial modulations are captured by the array, and photographs and other image information can be extracted from the resultant data. Used in conjunction with a converging optical element, versions of these gratings provide depth information about objects in an imaged scene. This depth information can be computationally extracted to obtain a depth map of the scene. |
| US09470821B2 |
Reflector element and method and system for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a reflective element for solar fields, having a sandwich-type structure, comprising a reflective sheet (1), a reinforcement sheet (2) and a layer of foam (3) arranged between the reflective sheet (1) and the reinforcement sheet (2). The method of manufacturing the reflective element is performed in a press with first and second approximation means, with the following steps: heating the first approximation means to a temperature T1, arranging a reflective sheet on the first approximation means and acquiring the temperature T1, arranging separating means in the periphery of the reflective sheet, arranging a reinforcement sheet in contact with said separating means, heating the second approximation means to a temperature T2 different from T1, moving the approximation means closer to one another, the second approximation means contacting with the reinforcement sheet and acquiring the temperature T2, and providing a foamable material filling the gap between both sheets, subjecting them to pressure, and the foamable material acquiring its final consistency in the form of a substantially rigid layer of foam (3) adhered to both sheets. |
| US09470819B2 |
Light emitting device and display device using the same
The disclosure relates to a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes an insulative transparent substrate, a light emitting material layer, and a metal metamaterial layer. The metal metamaterial layer is located between the insulative transparent substrate and the light emitting material layer. The metal metamaterial layer includes a number of periodically aligned metamaterial units. Because the plasmon of the metamaterial can control electromagnetic properties in nanoscale, light from the light emitting device can be polarized in nanoscale. Thus, the light emitting device can emit polarized light. The display device using the light emitting device is also provided. |
| US09470818B2 |
Sand and dust storm detection method
The sand and dust storm detection method utilizes a hybrid design of a sand and dust storm detection system (SDSDS) having a wireless sensor network (WSN) and a satellite imaging system that detects sand and dust storm events of all types. A layered architecture of context-aware middleware is used. While the WSN provides real time data from the area of interest, near-real time METEOSAT MSG images are obtained from the METEOSAT web site. |
| US09470816B2 |
Human visible and X-ray visible markings for security screenings
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to x-ray screening accessories and methods of facilitating x-ray screening. |
| US09470812B2 |
Method and device for measuring source signature
Source signature of a source array is measured using an autonomous underwater vehicle which is not physically connected to surface equipment and uses acoustic signals for communication and/or location. Such measurements may be performed while the source array is towed, the AUV then moving in tandem with the source array. |
| US09470806B2 |
Piezoelectric accelerometer
An accelerometer. At least some of the example embodiments include an accelerometer having a first piezoelectric element having a first polarization, the first piezoelectric element defining an upper surface and a second piezoelectric element having a second polarization, the second piezoelectric element defines a lower surface parallel to the upper surface of the first piezoelectric element; the first polarization being aligned with the second polarization. The accelerometer further includes a first mounting plate that defines a first aperture, the first and second piezoelectric elements extending through the first aperture such that the first mounting plate transects the first and second piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric elements define a first cantilever portion on a first side of the first mounting plate, and the piezoelectric elements define a second cantilever portion on a second side of the first mounting plate opposite the first side. |
| US09470802B2 |
Radiographic image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
A radiographic image capturing apparatus, comprising a plurality of sensors arrayed on a substrate, a driving unit, a detection unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a first control controlling the driving unit so as to repeatedly initialize the plurality of sensors on a row-by-row basis before a start of emission of radiation, and a second control controlling the driving unit so as to interrupt the initialization in response to a detection signal from the detection unit and cause the plurality of sensors to output signals, and the apparatus further comprises a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the detection signal is a signal which was output in response to the start of emission of radiation. |
| US09470798B2 |
GNSS rover having subscribed precision
This application discloses a GNSS rover having a data receiver, a position processor and a vector error reverser. The data receiver receives GNSS position-determination reference data based on a reference erroneous position having one or more keyed intentional errors made confidential with confidential error keys. The position processor uses the GNSS position-determination reference data to determine a rover erroneous position corresponding to the reference erroneous position. The vector error reverser uses confidential access to at least one confidential error key to reverse the corresponding confidential keyed intentional error in the rover erroneous position to determine a subscribed rover position. |
| US09470796B2 |
Techniques for securing live positioning signals
A pay television satellite broadcast includes validation data that can be used to validate authenticity of live global positioning system (GPS) data. The validation data may be included within entitlement messages and encrypted for security and selective reception by authorized receivers. A navigation system may compute checksums of received live GPS data and compare with the validation data for a match. A decision about whether or not to use the live GPS data may be taken based on whether or not the computed checksums match the validation data received via the pay television satellite broadcast signals. |
| US09470795B2 |
Time to first fix optimization in a satellite navigation receiver
A method and a system for reducing time to first fix (TTFF) in a satellite navigation receiver (SNR) includes constructing an integrated satellite constellation system (ISCS) for transmitting navigation signals over a combination of a first carrier frequency, a second carrier frequency, and a third carrier frequency. The ISCS includes a predetermined number of geosynchronous satellites positioned at first predetermined geographic coordinates in a geosynchronous orbit and a predetermined number of geostationary satellites positioned at second predetermined geographic coordinates in a geostationary orbit. The ISCS transmits navigation data to the SNR over the combination of the first carrier frequency, the second carrier frequency, and the third carrier frequency in reduced time, thereby reducing the TTFF in the SNR. The method and the system also reduce TTFF in a hot start mode and a snap start mode of the SNR by utilizing the third carrier frequency as a data channel. |
| US09470792B2 |
Method and handheld distance measuring device for creating a spatial model
Some embodiment include a handheld distance measuring device having a laser distance meter for measuring distances to target points in an environment and an image acquisition unit for acquiring images of the environment, characterized by a control unit having program code for controlling a spatial modeling functionality having a measurement sequence, in the scope of which images of a region of the environment are acquired from different positions of the distance measuring device, these images having a shared image region, wherein the image acquisition unit assumes different, which represent the respective position and alignment of the distance measuring device, during the acquisition of the first image and the second image. |
| US09470791B2 |
Light guide member having a curvatured detection face, object detection apparatus, and vehicle
A light guide member for an object detection apparatus is devised. The object detection apparatus includes a light source unit, and a detection unit for detecting an object adhered on a surface of a light translucent member based on change of light quantity of reflection light received from the light translucent member. The light guide member includes an incident face where the light exiting from the light source unit enters; a detection face where the exiting light exits to a rear face of the light translucent member and the reflection light reflected from the light translucent member enters; an exiting face where the reflection light exits to the detection unit; and a light guiding portion through which the exiting light and the reflection light proceed. The detection face has curvature corresponding to curvature of the light translucent member. |
| US09470788B2 |
Lane recognition method and system
Disclosed herein is a method of recognizing the location of a current lane in which a vehicle is traveling, using a radar and an imaging device. The method includes: detecting the locations of the fixed objects using an object detector; capturing a photograph of the road surface ahead using an imaging device; calculating, by a controller, the entire width of a traveling road based on the locations of the fixed objects at the left side and the right side; calculating, by the controller the width of a traveling lane from the photograph of the road surface; and calculating, by the controller, the lane in which the vehicle is traveling based on the calculated width of the traveling lane and the entire width of the traveling road. |
| US09470785B2 |
Method of detecting oil spill at the sea by means of an oil spill radar, and such an oil spill radar
A method for detecting oil at the sea by means of a coherent oil spill radar with a transmitter and a receiver antenna includes the transmitter and receiver antenna being directed towards a sea surface in the near area out to a given distance of 1000-4000 m under a grazing angle of between 0.5 and 30 degrees, the transmitter antenna transmits at a frequency between 2 GHz and 18 GHz, and frequency modulated with an adjustable bandwidth and with a given transmitted effect less than 10 W. The transmitter antenna has a horizontal antenna lobe smaller than its vertical antenna lob. The transmitter and receiver antenna are controlled electronically to transmit and detect vertical polarization and horizontal polarization, with an adjustable modulation time of less than 4 ms between the polarizations. |
| US09470783B2 |
Apparatus and method for obtaining radar signal
Provided is an apparatus and method for obtaining a radar signal, the apparatus including a radar transmitter to radiate a plurality of split band penetration signals toward a target object, and a radar receiver to receive a plurality of signals reflected from the target object, and to obtain a wideband response signal using the plurality of reflected signals. |
| US09470771B2 |
NMR measurements of NMR biomarker GlycA
Biomarkers and/or risk assessments identify patients having an increased risk of certain clinical disease states including, for example, CHD, type 2 diabetes, dementia, or all-cause death (ACD) using NMR signal to measure a level of “GlycA” in arbitrary units or in defined units (e.g., μmol/L) that can be determined using a defined single peak region of proton NMR spectra. The GlycA measurement can be used as an inflammation biomarker for clinical disease states. The NMR signal for GlycA can include a fitting region of signal between about 2.080 ppm and 1.845 ppm of the proton NMR spectra. |
| US09470766B2 |
Magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor for discriminating between high and low coercivity magnets is disclosed. The sensor comprises a first magnetic field operable to orient high and low coercivity magnets in a first magnetic orientation. The sensor also comprises a second magnetic field, lower in strength than the first magnetic field, and operable to orient only the low coercivity magnets in a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation. The sensor further comprises a sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets and thereby identifying if a magnet is a high coercivity magnet or a low coercivity magnet. |
| US09470763B2 |
Systems and methods for sensing balanced-action for improving mammal work-track efficiency
An example system includes one or more sleeves, each configured for attachment to a leg and comprising a pressure sensor, an accelerometer and a magnetometer. A processor processes sensor signals from the pressure sensor, the accelerometer and the magnetometer to estimate action (A) and work (W) using event detections of peak stance and valley swing events associated with leg movement, for optimizing energy efficiency for maintaining a balance of the body leaning forward in a gravity pull-down force, with the periodic upward force of the sequential foot-thrusts with the toes. |
| US09470760B2 |
Functional ASIC verification using initialization microcode sequence
A method of wafer-level testing of a register programmable integrated circuit may be provided. The method may comprise transforming a microcode instruction and related data from an initializing processor format into tester format data, and applying the tester format data to the integrated circuit on a wafer. |
| US09470759B2 |
Test instrument having a configurable interface
In general, a test instrument includes a processing system programmed to control operation of the test instrument, including communication with a control system, and programmed to run one or more test programs to test a device interfaced to the test instrument, the processing system including multiple processing devices, and a configurable interface, through which communications are exchanged with the device interfaced to the test instrument, the configurable interface including physical ports, to which different configurations are assignable. |
| US09470757B2 |
Channel control circuit and semiconductor device having the same
A channel control circuit having a plurality of channels according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a channel control signal generating block configured to generate a channel control signal capable of selectively controlling an activated state of a channel in response to a combination of a first test mode signal and a second test mode signal; a scan buffer control signal generating block configured to generate a scan buffer control signal in response to the first test mode signal and a scan signal; a clock buffer control signal generating block configured to generate a clock buffer control signal in response to the channel control signal and the scan buffer control signal; and a clock input buffer configured to generate a clock output signal, which is used as an internal clock of a semiconductor device, in response to the clock buffer control signal. |
| US09470756B1 |
Method for using sequential decompression logic for VLSI test in a physically efficient construction
Methods, systems, and integrated circuits for decompressing a set of scan input data in a Design for Test (DFT) application, in which implementation may include determining a number of scan inputs to applied circuit from automated test equipment (ATE). Based on the number of scan inputs, another aspect of implementation may involve generating a 2-dimensional grid on the integrated circuit (IC). Another implementation aspect may involve decompressing the scan inputs from the ATE according to decompression logic that is sequentially distributed such that the grid can locally apply the last stage of the decompression logic. In accordance with aspects of the method, the physical structure of an IC decompression logic is more accessible to individual scan chains and reduces congestion on board the IC. |
| US09470755B1 |
Method for dividing testable logic into a two-dimensional grid for physically efficient scan
Methods and computer-readable media for effecting physically efficient scans of integrated circuit designs may include selecting a two-dimensional grid size for exposure to the method, the two-dimensional grid having a size that includes a first side length, a second side length, and a number of flops. The method is performed to select a two-dimensional grid size that maximizes compression efficiency and limit wiring congestion on the IC. In one aspect, the method may be performed on each region of the grid that maintains one of a respective first side length and a respective second side length greater than one, including selecting a larger side, determining if the larger side is odd or even, and dividing the grid along the larger side into two regions each having a proportion of the flops. The scans of the resulting regions are efficient, and consequently facilitate integrated circuit design and subsequent manufacture. |
| US09470753B2 |
Systems and methods for testing electronic devices that include low power output drivers
Systems and methods for testing a device under test (DUT) that includes a low power output driver. The methods include providing an input signal to the DUT. The low power output driver is configured to generate a data signal responsive to receipt of the input signal by the DUT and provide the data signal to a signal analyzer via a data signal transmission line. The methods further include determining an expected data signal to be received from the low power output driver and charging at least a portion of the data signal transmission line with a co-drive output signal that is based, at least in part, on the expected data signal. The methods further include receiving a composite data signal with the signal analyzer. The systems include probe heads with a plurality of data signal transmission lines and a plurality of co-drive conductors. |
| US09470751B2 |
Detecting open and short of conductors
A system and a method for evaluating a conductor, the method may include: illuminating a first area of a conductor by a first electron beam thereby charging the first area; illuminating by a second electron beam a second area of the conductor; and wherein an aggregate size of the first and second areas is a fraction of an overall size of the conductor; detecting, by a detector, detected emitted electrons that were emitted substantially from the second area and generating detection signals indicative of the detected emitted electrons; and processing, by a processor, the detection signals to provide information about a conductivity of the conductor. |
| US09470750B2 |
Alignment adjusting mechanism for probe card, position adjusting module using the same and modularized probing device
An alignment adjusting mechanism for a probe card includes a frame, a substrate and positioning screws. The frame has an opening, an inner periphery wall surrounding around the opening, and an outer periphery wall corresponding to the inner periphery wall. The substrate is disposed in the opening and supported by a support flange extending from the inner periphery wall toward a center of the opening. The frame is provided with a plurality of positioning threaded holes each extending from the outer periphery wall to the inner periphery wall in communication with the opening. Each positioning screw is threaded into one of the positioning threaded holes and has an end stopped at a lateral side of the substrate. By turning the positioning screws, the planimetric position of the substrate on an imaginary plane is adjustable. |
| US09470748B2 |
Fault detection in electric power delivery systems using underreach, directional, and traveling wave elements
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for detecting faults in an electric power delivery system. In one embodiment, a system may include a data acquisition subsystem configured to receive a plurality of representations of electrical conditions. The system may also include a traveling wave differential subsystem configured to determine an operating quantity based on the plurality of representations of electrical conditions. The traveling wave differential subsystem may also determine a restraint quantity based on the plurality of representations of electrical conditions. The traveling wave differential subsystem may detect a traveling wave generated by the fault based on the plurality of representations. A fault detector subsystem may be configured to declare a fault based on a comparison of the operating quantity and the restraint quantity. A protective action subsystem may implement a protective action based on the declaration of the fault. |
| US09470746B2 |
Environmental sensor
A device for monitoring a working environment in which electronic circuit boards are present includes: a) test circuit boards with pairs of traces and circuitry for determining the electrical resistance between the traces, the test boards being positioned in a pathway effective for directing air across the test traces; b) control elements for controlling the flow of air through the pathway and for controlling power applied to the test board traces; c) data storage for storing data relating to acceptable electrical resistance between test traces; d) circuitry for comparing measured electrical resistance between two test traces to a stored value for the acceptable electrical resistance between two test traces; and e) an output for communicating the results of the comparison between the measured electrical resistance between two test traces and the stored value for the acceptable electrical resistance between two test traces. |
| US09470737B2 |
Method for monitoring insulation faults in an electric network and vehicle comprising an insulation fault monitor
A method for monitoring an insulation fault in an electric network with at least one electric power system supplying electric power to one or more electric loads, and at least one insulation resistance monitor is provided, wherein the at least one electric power system includes at least one electrical power source, and wherein the at least one insulation resistance monitor monitors an insulation resistance between terminal leads of the at least one electric power source and at least one reference potential. The steps are performed of disconnecting the at least one electric power source from the one or more loads by opening each terminal lead; measuring the insulation resistance between the electric circuit of at least one electrical power source and the reference potential; measuring the insulation resistance for the total electric network; closing the second terminal lead with the first terminal lead open; and measuring the insulation resistance for the total electric network. |
| US09470733B2 |
Sensor incorporating multiferroic materials for detecting both electric and magnetic fields
A sensor for detecting both magnetic fields and electric fields can include at least one Sawyer-Tower (ST) circuit that can incorporate a multiferroic capacitor. An odd number of ST circuits coupled together in a ring configuration, so that for each ST circuit, the output of one ST circuit is an input to another of the ST circuits. The multiferroic capacitors can include a multiferroic layer that can be deposed on a substrate. For each multiferroic capacitor, the deposition process can cause an inherent amount of impurities in the multiferroic layer. The number of said odd number of ST circuits to be coupled together is chosen according to the amount of impurities, to “forgive” the impurities. The higher the level of impurities in the multiferroic layers, that more ST circuits that are required in the ring to achieve the same sensor sensitivity. BDFO can be chosen for the multiferroic material. |
| US09470727B2 |
Detection of magnetic fields using leading power factor
An electricity meter includes a sensor circuit, a measurement circuit, a leading PF detection circuit and a control circuit. The sensor circuit is operably connected to detect voltage and current provided to a load, and generates corresponding voltage and current measurement signals. The measurement circuit is configured to generate energy consumption information based on the voltage and current measurement signals. The leading PF detection circuit is configured to generate a first value representative of a phase difference of the current measurement signal with respect to the voltage measurement signal, and to generate a leading PF detection signal responsive to determining that the first value corresponds to a leading power factor that leads unity power factor by more than a predetermined threshold. The control circuit stores an indication in memory responsive at least in part to the leading PF detection signal. |
| US09470724B2 |
Attachment of leads having low thermoelectric errors
A method and a system are shown for attachment of leads for the electrical sensing of the voltage on conductive structures; connections attached per this invention have the valuable property of very low thermoelectric errors (due to Seebeck effect), among several other beneficial properties. The described method can be applied in the factory setting as well as in the field. This system is especially suitable for applications with high-precision resistive shunts utilized in the measurements of the electric current. |
| US09470723B2 |
PLC analog output module
As a configuration for detecting an occurrence of abnormalities such as a disconnection of output wiring or an overcurrent of a PLC analog output module that controls a load by an analog current signal, the PLC analog output module includes a current output circuit that outputs the analog current signal, a current sensing resistor provided at a current output terminal of the current output circuit for directly detecting an analog current output to the load, a monitoring circuit that monitors voltages at both ends of the current sensing resistor, and an abnormality detection circuit that discriminates whether there is an occurrence of a disconnection or an overcurrent based on a monitoring result of the monitoring circuit. |
| US09470722B2 |
Method for measuring electric potential difference
A method for measuring electric potential difference comprises following steps. A carbon nanotube composite layer is located on an object and electrically connected to a first region and a second region spaced from each other in the object, wherein an unknown electric potential difference U exists between the first region and the second region. Characteristic band frequency value Y* of Raman-spectra of the carbon nanotube composite layer under the unknown electric potential difference U is measured. A relationship between the characteristic band frequency value Y of Raman-spectra and the electric potential difference ΔU of the carbon nanotube composite layer is obtained. Value of unknown electric potential difference U is obtained through the relationship between the characteristic band frequency value Y of Raman-spectra and the electric potential difference ΔU. |
| US09470721B1 |
Systems and methods for current sensing elements for use in applications associated with different peak current levels
A system for combining current from solar power arrays comprises a combiner element and a plurality of solar power arrays, including at least a first solar power array and a second solar power array. The combiner element is configured to receive and combine current from the solar power arrays thereby providing a combined current signal that is based on current from each of the solar power arrays. The combiner element has a current sensing element coupled to one of the solar power arrays and is configured to receive current from the one solar power array. The current sensing element also has a sensor configured to sense a magnetic flux induced by the current from the one solar power array, and the sensor is configured to transmit data indicative of the sensed magnetic flux. The current sensing element further has a magnetic core and a conductive coil for carrying the current from the one solar power array. The magnetic core has a plurality of segments, and the conductive coil passes around at least one of the segments. In addition, the sensor is positioned within a gap between at least two of the segments. |
| US09470719B2 |
Testing semiconductor devices
An apparatus includes a plurality of semiconductor devices and an electrical input device for applying voltage to the plurality of semiconductor devices. There is a switching array configured to sequentially interconnect the electrical input device to each of the semiconductor devices and disconnect the other semiconductor devices from the electrical input device. The semiconductor device connected to the electrical input device is a device under test that produces a test current and the other semiconductor devices are devices not under test that produce, in the aggregate, a leakage current. There is an output node interconnected to the switching array for enabling the measurement of the test current at the output node. There is also a leakage current compensator connected to the output node and the switching array that is configured to divert the leakage current away from the output node. |
| US09470718B2 |
Probe card
A probe card, includes, a wiring substrate having an opening portion and including a first connection pad and a second connection pad, the first connection pad being arranged at a periphery of the opening portion, the second connection pad being arranged to be adjacent to the first connection pad, a resin portion formed inside the opening portion of the wiring substrate, a first wire buried in the resin portion and having one end connected to the first connection pad and the other end constituting a first contact terminal protruding from a lower face of the resin portion, and a second wire buried in the resin portion and having one end connected to the second connection pad and the other end constituting a second contact terminal protruding from a lower face of the resin portion. |
| US09470716B2 |
Probe module
A probe module including a housing, a PCB, three probes, a resonating member, and a signal connector. The housing has a room therein, a first opening, and a second opening at opposite ends thereof. The PCB is received in the room of the housing, and has a substrate, on which a circuit and two groundings are provided. The probes are electrical connected to the circuit and the groundings of the PCB respectively, and then extend out of the housing via the first opening. The resonating member has a chamber, and is attached to the PCB. The signal connector is connected to the PCB, and extends out of the housing via the second opening. The signal connector has a signal transmission portion electrically connected to the circuit of the PCB, and a grounding portion electrically connected to the at least one grounding of the PCB. |
| US09470710B2 |
Capacitive MEMS sensor devices
A packaged capacitive MEMS sensor device includes at least one capacitive MEMS sensor element with at least one capacitive MEMS sensor cell including a first substrate having a thick and a thin dielectric region. A second substrate with a membrane layer is bonded to the thick dielectric region and over the thin dielectric region to provide a MEMS cavity. The membrane layer provides a fixed electrode and a released MEMS electrode over the MEMS cavity. A first through-substrate via (TSV) extends through a top side of the MEMS electrode and a second TSV through a top side of the fixed electrode. A metal cap is on top of the first TSV and second TSV. A third substrate including an inner cavity and outer protruding portions framing the inner cavity is bonded to the thick dielectric regions. The third substrate together with the first substrate seals the MEMS electrode. |
| US09470703B2 |
Physical quantity sensor and electronic apparatus
A physical quantity sensor includes: a substrate; a movable body including, with a first axis as a boundary, a first movable electrode portion disposed in a first region, a second movable electrode portion disposed in a second region, and a damping adjusting portion disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region; beam portions supporting the movable body; a first fixed electrode portion; and a second fixed electrode portion. A first through-hole is disposed in the damping adjusting portion. Second through-holes are disposed in the movable electrode portions. The area of a region where the first movable electrode portion overlaps with the first fixed electrode portion is the same as the area of a region where the second movable electrode portion overlaps with the second fixed electrode portion. The width of the first through-hole is greater than the widths of the second through-holes. |
| US09470697B2 |
Methods for detecting risk of fatal prostate cancer using serum calcium
A method of screening for increased risk of fatal prostate cancer in a subject comprises providing a blood sample collected from the subject, and then detecting the presence or absence of an increased level of serum calcium in the sample. An increased level of serum calcium indicates the subject is at increased risk of fatal prostate cancer. |
| US09470689B2 |
N-cadherin: target for cancer diagnosis and therapy
The present invention provides methods of diagnosis, providing a prognosis and a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers that express N-cadherin, including prostrate and bladder cancers. |
| US09470688B2 |
Identification of cancer protein biomarkers using proteomic techniques
The claimed invention describes methods to diagnose or aid in the diagnosis of cancer. The claimed methods are based on the identification of biomarkers which are particularly well suited to discriminate between cancer subjects and healthy subjects. These biomarkers were identified using a unique and novel screening method described herein. The biomarkers identified herein can also be used in the prognosis and monitoring of cancer. The invention comprises the use of leptin, prolactin, OPN and IGF-II for diagnosing, prognosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer. |
| US09470687B2 |
SRM/MRM assay for subtyping lung histology
The current disclosure provides for specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of the peptides, from the KRT5, KRT7, NapsinA, TTF1, TP63, and/or MUC1 proteins that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the KRT5, KRT7, NapsinA, TTF1, TP63, and/or MUC1 proteins directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed wherein said biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded. A protein sample is prepared from said biological sample using the Liquid Tissue™ reagents and protocol and the KRT5, KRT7, NapsinA, TTF1, TP63, and/or MUC1 proteins are quantitated in the Liquid Tissue™ sample by the method of SRM/MRM mass spectrometry by quantitating in the protein sample at least one or more of the peptides described. These peptides can be quantitated if they reside in a modified or an unmodified form. An example of a modified form of a KRT5, KRT7, NapsinA, TTF1, TP63, and MUC1 fragment peptide is phosphorylation of a tyrosine, threonine, serine, and/or other amino acid residues within the peptide sequence. |
| US09470686B2 |
Combination hepatitis C virus antigen and antibody detection method
An in vitro method that allows detection of hepatitis C by detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and antibodies to HCV core protein (anti-core antibodies) in a single assay is provided. Cross-reactivity is eliminated in the method preferably by utilizing short peptides, each of which has an amino acid sequence that corresponds to an immunodominant region of the native core protein but which does not wholly encompass the epitope bound by the antibodies utilized in the method. The method can be used to detect the presence of HCV in a subject, and/or to determine the suitability of donor blood or blood products for transfusion purposes. Also provided are diagnostic kits for carrying out the method and a process for selecting suitable capture peptides and monoclonal antibodies for use in the combination method. |
| US09470685B2 |
Method of distinguishing mesenchymal stem cells
A method of distinguishing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a primary culture of cells derived from a placenta-related tissue is provided. Also provided is a method of increasing the purity of MSC population in a primary culture of cells derived from a placenta-related tissue. Further provided is a method of isolating a MSC population which is more responsive in an inflammatory environment. Said methods each comprise a step of sorting the cells by a marker of EphA2. |
| US09470683B2 |
Method for determination of aggregates
A method of determining aggregates of a macromolecule monomer in a fluid containing the macromolecule, comprises the steps of: contacting a sample of the fluid with a sensing surface of an interaction analysis sensor, wherein the sensing surface is capable of specific binding interaction with the macromolecule, determining at least one kinetic parameter for the interaction of the fluid sample with the sensing surface, comparing the determined kinetic parameter or parameters with that or those determined for at least one fluid sample having a known fraction or fractions of aggregates of the macromolecule, and determining therefrom the fraction of macromolecule in the sample that is in the form of aggregate or aggregates. |
| US09470681B2 |
Apparatuses for determining whether a substance is carried in a fluid
Apparatuses for determining whether a substance is carried in a fluid are disclosed. One such apparatus includes a body having: a plurality of spaced-apart capture surfaces configured to contact the fluid and capture the substance from the fluid; and a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces spaced apart by a predetermined distance from respective at least portions of respective ones of the plurality of capture surfaces. Another such apparatus includes: a fluid conduit to direct flow of the fluid; and at least one element removably positioned in the fluid conduit and having at least one capture surface configured to contact the fluid and capture the substance from the fluid. |
| US09470679B2 |
Systems and methods for focusing particles
Provided is a method of focusing particles. The method includes: providing a suspension of the particles in a suspending medium; and flowing the suspension along a channel, such that the flowing suspension occupies a certain volume that has at least one cross-sectional dimension smaller than 100 μm. The suspending medium has such viscoelastic properties, that flowing the suspension in the channel directs at least some of the particles towards a focus region, enclosed in said certain volume. |
| US09470677B2 |
Cell with surface coated with ANXA1 and use thereof
A cell having a surface coated with Annexin A1 (ANXA1), a method of detecting a substance binding to ANXA1 using the cell, and a method of preparing the cell are provided. |
| US09470672B2 |
Method for testing self drying effect of cement-based material
Disclosed is a method for testing the self-drying effect of a cement-based material, capable of testing the change in humidity of the cement-based material after the final setting until the Id stage of adding water, so as to reflect the water consumption therein and the self-drying course. In the time period after the final setting of the cement-based material until the 1 d stage of adding water and forming, the dew-point temperature inside the cement-based material is tested, and then the relative humidity inside the cement-based material is calculated using a formula. The present invention can test the change in humidity of the cement-based material after the final setting until the Id stage of adding water, so as to reflect the internal water consumption therein and the self-drying course. Further provided is a multi-stage test method for the whole course, capable of testing the whole course of continuous reduction in relative humidity from an initial 100%, in sealed conditions, starting with adding water and formation of the cement-based material, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for the quantitative calculation of the self-drying and shrinking thereof. |
| US09470669B2 |
System and method for flexible fuel ethanol concentration and hardware malfunction detection
A system and method for flexible fuel ethanol concentration and hardware malfunction detection compares a current hardware reference value learned based on an air-fuel ratio detected during a pre-fuel mix period with a previous hardware reference value from a previous vehicle driving cycle, and detects a hardware malfunction when a difference between current and previous hardware reference values exceeds a predetermined threshold. The system and method also monitors the air-fuel ratio during a post-fuel mix period, and detects a hardware malfunction when the air-fuel ratio changes by more than a predetermined threshold during the post-fuel mix period. The system and method also compares an observed slope of the air-fuel ratio detected during a fuel mixing period over an amount of fuel consumed with an expected slope when a cold-start is detected, and detects a hardware malfunction when a difference between observed and expected slopes exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US09470664B2 |
Chromatographic interface
A chromatographic interface for sample handling and manipulation between separations or analyses is provided. The interface has an interfacing unit, a sample acquisition unit, and a sample trapping unit. The sample acquisition unit includes an inflow selector valve, an outflow selector valve, and one or more collection loops. The sample trapping unit includes a trap in fluid communication with the loop and having a stationary phase. The stationary phase can trap an analyte of interest from a fraction of the chromatographic sample separation flow. The tapping unit also has a scavenging gas source and a vacuum source; both can be used to substantially dry the stationary phase. |
| US09470663B2 |
Method of calibrating ultrasound velocity
A method of calibrating ultrasound velocity is provided, including receiving an ultrasound non-delayed data set; performing a beam-forming process on the ultrasound non-delayed data set with a plurality of velocities to generate a plurality of aperture images; performing a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) process to obtain a velocity and two sub-aperture images corresponding to an MAPE value located within an MAPE range; finding a first sub-aperture and a second sub-aperture corresponding to the two sub-aperture images, generating a first aperture image and a second aperture image with corresponding velocity; performing the MAPE process on the first aperture image and the second aperture image to generate an image error corresponding figure having an error curve; finding a trend curve according to the error curve; and finding a lowest point of MAPE value on the trend curve and finding a velocity correspondingly to obtain the calibrated ultrasound velocity. |
| US09470661B2 |
Method and system for structural integrity assessment
The method includes dispensing an object at a portion of concrete, determining an impact time of the object on the portion of concrete, detecting at least one acoustic wave reflected from the portion of concrete, filtering the at least one acoustic wave, and identifying a defect in the portion of concrete based on the filtering. |
| US09470659B2 |
Device and method for detecting an impact on a composite material structure
A device for detecting an impact on a composite material structure. This detection device comprises at least two acoustic modules intended to be secured to the composite material structure and a processing unit able to communicate remotely with each of the acoustic modules. Each acoustic module is electrically autonomous and comprises its own means for recording the sound waves sensed by its acoustic sensor. An aircraft structure is also provided comprising a composite material structural element equipped with the impact detection device. A method is also provided for detecting an impact on a composite material aircraft structural element equipped with an impact detection device. |
| US09470653B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing disconnection of oxygen sensor
A method for diagnosing disconnection of an oxygen sensor includes measuring, by a controller, a voltage supplied to an oxygen sensor through a voltage divider; measuring a voltage of a reference cell of the oxygen sensor; determining whether the voltage supplied to the oxygen sensor and the voltage of the reference cell fall within a reference range from preset reference values, respectively; and determining that a ground wire of the oxygen sensor is disconnected, when the voltage of the oxygen sensor or the voltage of the reference cell deviates from the reference range. |
| US09470644B2 |
Devices and methods for facilitating USB charger detection
Electronic devices are adapted to facilitate detection of a type of USB charger to which an electronic device is connected. According to one example, an electronic device can apply a current source to a data line of a USB plug coupled to a USB port. A determination can be made whether the data line has gone to a LOW state or remained at a HIGH state after a predetermined period of time. If the data line has gone to a LOW state, the USB port may be identified as a downstream port, such as a standard downstream port (SDP) or a charging downstream port (CDP). If the data line has remained at the HIGH state, the USB port may be identified as a dedicated charging port (DCP), no matter if it is compliant or non-compliant with the BC 1.2 spec. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included. |
| US09470642B2 |
Crystal analysis apparatus, composite charged particle beam device, and crystal analysis method
A crystal analysis apparatus includes: a measurement data storage configured to store electron back-scattering pattern (EBSP) data measured at electron beam irradiation points on a plurality of cross-sections of a sample formed substantially in parallel at prescribed intervals; a crystal orientation database configured to accumulate therein information of crystal orientations corresponding to EBSPs; and a map constructing unit that constructs a three-dimensional crystal orientation map based on distribution of crystal orientations in normal directions of a plurality of faces of a polyhedral image having the cross-sections arranged at the prescribed intervals by reading out the crystal orientations in the normal directions of the faces from the crystal orientation database on the basis of the EBSP data stored in the measurement data storage. |
| US09470638B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting leakage from a composition-containing pouch
An apparatus and a method for detecting leakage from a composition-containing pouch during the high-speed manufacturing process. The apparatus comprises: a platen comprising a pouch cavity and a plurality of platen edges adjacent to the cavity; an image capturing unit; an image processing unit; and ultraviolet-light emitting source. The composition itself comprises a fluorescent whitening compound. The ultra-violet emitting light source is arranged to illuminate the cavity and plurality of platen edges. The image capturing unit is arranged to capture an image of the illuminated cavity and plurality of platen edges. The image capturing unit is communicably attached to the image processing unit. |
| US09470636B2 |
Device and method for detecting liquid crystal display panel
A device and method for detecting a liquid crystal display panel (100) can perform loaded electrical signal detection on an FFS-type liquid crystal display panel (100), thereby increasing the yield of products. The device comprises a transparent bearing platform (101), a first polarizer (102), a second polarizer (103) and a backlight source (104), and also comprises a first transparent electrode layer (105) which is located above the transparent bearing platform (101); a second transparent electrode layer (106) which is located beneath the transparent bearing platform (101); a signal loading unit (109) which is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode layer (105) and the second transparent electrode layer (106) and used for loading electrical signals to the first transparent electrode layer (105) and the second transparent electrode layer (106), to enable an electric field making liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal panel (100) to be detected on the transparent bearing platform (101) deflect to be formed between the first transparent electrode layer (105) and the second transparent electrode layer (106). |
| US09470635B2 |
System of measuring warpage and method of measuring warpage
Disclosed herein are a system of measuring a warpage and a method of measuring a warpage. The system of measuring a warpage of a sample by analyzing an image photographed by the camera using light that is diffused from a light source and reflected on a surface of a sample and is arrived at the camera through a reference grating part, the system includes: an intake part that removes a fume generated from the sample. By this configuration, it is possible to measure the warpage while effectively removing the fume generated from the sample according to the increase in the temperature of the sample at the time of measuring the warpage, thereby improving the accuracy of the warpage measurement. |
| US09470633B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for transmittance measurement
An apparatus for testing transmittance includes a sample unit to position a material under test. The material under test is disposed between respective flat surfaces of a first mount and a second mount, which are positioned in the sample unit for a test round. The sample unit defines a first volume and a second volume, wherein arc shapes, variously formed by respective surfaces of the first and second volume, conform to an imaginary circle. During the test round, a rotation unit successively changes an angular position of the MUT relative to a light source. A light detector receives light from the light source which has been transmitted through the first volume, the MUT and the second volume. Based on the received light, a transmittance signature of the MUT is determined for a range of incidence angles. |
| US09470625B1 |
Method of examining purity of dendrimers
A method of examining the purity of dendrimers is revealed. It comprises steps of measuring a light scattering intensity of a set of pure standards having a specific molecular weight with a static laser light scattering detector by use of flow injection polymer analysis; establishing a scaling relation by doing a regression of a ratio of the light scattering intensity per concentration (I/c) against molecular weight (M.W.); measuring the light scattering intensity of a dendrimer to be tested having the same unit and surface-modified functional group as the set of pure standards, and examining the purity of the dendrimer to be tested according to the scaling relation. |
| US09470624B2 |
Image capture and lighting apparatus
An apparatus for use in analysing microbial growth on a solid culture medium in a culture plate, the apparatus including an image capture device, a support for supporting the culture plate for the image capture device to capture an image of the solid culture medium and any microbial growth, a ring light between the image capture device and the support, for diffusely illuminating one side of the culture plate, and a frame for positioning the image capture device, support and ring light relative to each other. |
| US09470621B2 |
Modified measuring cuvette
A measuring cuvette (1), for the spectroscopic analysis of a gas sample in a ray path between a radiation source and a detector, preferably suitable for use in a gas-measuring device (19), has a vessel wall (2) that at least partially encloses a sample space (3) for receiving a process gas. At least one window element (4), through which electromagnetic radiation can be coupled into the sample space (3) from the outside, is indirectly or directly connected with the vessel wall (2). An inlet as well as an outlet (5) are included, through which the process gas can be introduced into the sample space (3) and can be removed from the sample space (3). At least one fastening element (6) makes possible both secure fastening of the window element (4) on the vessel wall (2) and separation of the window element (4) from the vessel wall (2) without destruction. |
| US09470612B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample using filters and microstructured surfaces
Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The system can include a first container comprising a filter portion. The filter portion can include a filter comprising a filtrand of the sample on a first side of the filter. The system can further include a second container comprising the filter portion coupled to a detection portion comprising a microstructured surface. The method can include providing the first container, coupling the filter portion to the detection portion to form the second container where the first side of the filter faces the microstructured surface, and centrifuging the second container toward the microstructured surface. The method can further include inverting the second container after centrifuging to decant the supernatant from the detection portion, such that a concentrate comprising a sediment of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface, which can be interrogated for an analyte of interest. |
| US09470608B2 |
Sample processing system
This invention provides a sample processing system in which only one sample container is rested in one holder, the system being contemplated to prevent a mix-up of samples from occurring.A barcode labeler module 13 includes an identifier-reading device R1 that reads an identifier of a holder holding a primary-sample container, a printer 13B that prints a label based on information from a control PC unit 21 as well as on the identifier of the primary-sample container holder that has been read by the identifier-reading device R1, and affixes the label to a secondary-sample container, and a second identifier-reading device R2 that reads an identifier of the holder having the secondary-sample container mounted therein. A aliquoter module 14 includes an identifier-reading device R3 that reads the identifier of the holder conveyed from the barcode labeler module 13 and having the primary-sample container mounted therein, an identifier-reading device R4 that reads the identifier of the holder having the secondary-sample container mounted therein, and a aliquoter unit 14A that dispenses a sample from the primary-sample container into the secondary-sample container. |
| US09470607B2 |
Method for producing standard seawater solution for nutrient salt measurement
A method of producing a standard seawater solution for nutrient salt measurement includes at least: an impurity removal treatment step (S2) of removing an impurity from a seawater sample containing a nutrient salt; a main sterilization treatment step (S4) of killing a microorganism in the seawater sample; a bottling step (S6) including pouring the treated seawater sample into a resin bottle (3) and hermetically sealing the resin bottle; and a metal sealing step (S7) including covering an outer surface of the resin bottle (3) after the hermetic sealing with a film-like material (5) including a metal film (or a metal foil) (5a) and sealing the resin bottle therein by reduced pressure suction. |
| US09470601B1 |
Leak localization in pipeline network
A method and system to localize a leak in a pipeline network include identifying a respective measured time at which an effect of a leak exhibits in a time-varying data signal measured by each of a plurality of sensors distributed along the pipeline network, each pair of the plurality of sensors defining a respective pipe segment therebetween. Estimating a time of occurrence of the leak based on the measured time associated with two or more of the plurality of sensors; and estimating a relative distance of a leak location from one or more of the plurality of sensors. Determining the leak location is based on the relative distance. |
| US09470597B2 |
Wireless interface for a plurality of transducers
A wireless interface system that interfaces with any one of a plurality of transducers of different types, such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and current probes. The transducers employ identical connectors with a common connecting scheme. In this manner, any transducer can be connected to a wireless interface which has the same input connection scheme. When the wireless interface is connected to the transducer, a rechargeable battery, which is associated with the wireless interface, is activated. The wireless interface then determines the type of transducer being utilized and provides sufficient circuitry as well as determining the requirements of the connected transducer. In this manner, the wireless interface, besides recognizing and determining the type of transducer, can determine the range of the sensor and can provide specific circuitry to be activated to supply power and to read data from the sensor via common output pins. |
| US09470596B2 |
Tunable pressure transducer assembly
A tunable pressure transducer assembly that comprises a sensing element disposed within a housing, wherein the sensing element is adapted to output a signal substantially indicative of an applied pressure, and a filter assembly also disposed within the housing. In one example embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a filter assembly having a tube, a cap and a cavity defined by a housing, a pressure, wherein the cap is positioned to set a predetermined volume of the cavity and the tube is associated with an application of the pressure to the cavity, wherein the pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the tube and the cavity, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the pressure to obtain a filtered pressure; outputting, from the filter assembly, the filtered pressure; and wherein the filtered pressure is used to determine the static pressure component of the pressure. |
| US09470591B2 |
GIS enabled pipeline upgrading system
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for evaluating pipeline using GIS data. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for evaluating pipeline using geographical information system (GIS) data. The method can include receiving component information from a GIS database for one or more components in a pipeline; determining a modified maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOPm) for the one or more components; determining an uprating pressure (MAOPm*) that the one or more components can withstand; and outputting a upgrade recommendation or an uprate recommendation based at least in part on the MAOPm and the MAOPm*. |
| US09470589B2 |
Device for detecting the state of a machine element
A device for detecting a mechanical state of a machine element rotates about an axis, such as a shaft is formed with an actuator disposed on the machine element so as to be axially movable, an arrangement for converting a torsion of the machine element into an axial displacement of the actuator and a sensor disposed so as to be stationary relative to the machine element for detecting the axial displacement of the actuator. A mark is assigned to the actuator for detection by the sensor in order to detect the axial displacement of the actuator. A speed (n) of the machine element can be determined from the number of marks that are detected per unit of time. |
| US09470588B2 |
Optical sensor having fiduciary marks detected by Rayleigh scattered light
An optical fiber having at least one fiduciary mark is provided. The at least one fiduciary mark is located at one or more axial positions along the optical fiber. The at least one fiduciary mark is configured to produce at least one change in a Rayleigh backscattering signal in the optical fiber. The at least one change in a Rayleigh backscattering signal may be an abrupt change in the Rayleigh backscattering signal. The abrupt change in the Rayleigh backscattering signal occurs over a length of the optical fiber that is of the order of or less than a spatial resolution of an interrogation system employed to detect the Rayleigh backscattering signal. |
| US09470587B1 |
Solid thermal simulator sensing device
A solid thermal simulator sensing device, the device can simulate and sense the thermal characteristics of a perishable element and is easily calibrated to a verifiable standard. The device is fabricated from a single piece of solid material sized to have a thermal mass substantially equal to that of said perishable element. A sensing channel is located within the single piece of solid material. The sensing channel extends from one end towards the center. A temperature sensor is mounted within the sensing channel. The thermal response time of the device is slowed by the single piece of solid material to mimic the thermal properties of the perishable element. A calibration channel is extends from the outer surface of the device to a point adjacent the temperature sensor. A calibration probe may be inserted into the calibration channel to quickly verify the accuracy of the device. |
| US09470581B2 |
Apparatus and method of detecting temperature and apparatus for processing substrate
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of detecting a temperature through a pyrometer in a non-contact manner, and an apparatus for processing a substrate using the apparatus, and more particularly, an apparatus and method of detecting a temperature, which precisely measures a temperature without any effect by humidity, and an apparatus for processing a substrate using the same. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a temperature includes a humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity value, a temperature compensation database configured to store a temperature compensation value for each humidity value, and a pyrometer providing a non-contact temperature calculated by adding a temperature compensation value corresponding to a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor to a temperature to be compensated, which is obtained by converting a measured a wavelength intensity of a radiation radiated from an object in a wavelength band to be compensated. |
| US09470580B2 |
Infrared sensor
An infrared sensor includes a thermopile connected in series with an ambient temperature compensation resistance temperature detector (RTD) and four electrical leads. The thermopile produces a voltage as a function of temperature of a point of interest, while the RTD varies in resistance as a function of ambient temperature. Two of the leads deliver current to energize the RTD. The other two leads are used for sensing voltages produced by the thermopile and the RTD. |
| US09470578B2 |
Optical transmission module
An optical transmission module includes a first member having a bottom portion, sidewalls and an opening, a second member joined to a sidewall end surface of the first member and sealing the opening, a light-emitting element mounted on an inner surface of the second member, an interconnection formed on the inner surface of the second member and extending inside and outside the first member across the sidewalls of the first member, and electrodes formed on outer surfaces of the sidewalls of the first member. The second member transmits therethrough light outputted from the light-emitting element. One end portion of the electrode is electrically connected to one end portion of the interconnection extending outside the first member. The other end of the electrode is soldered to an interconnection formed on a substrate surface on which the optical transmission module is mounted. |
| US09470577B2 |
UV dosimetry system for optimal UV balance
A UV exposure dosimetry system includes at least one UV sensor that accurately measures the UV irradiance intensity. The UV dosimetry system integrates the measured UV irradiance intensity over time to calculate the real-time UV dosage and the vitamin D production by taking into account factors comprising UV sensor location, body surface area, clothing coverage, and sunscreen usage. Based on the measurement, the system can predict the time remaining to skin burn and the time remaining to reach daily goal of vitamin D production. The system can also provide feedback to the user of the device based on a composite metric assessing the degree of balance between the risk of UV exposure and the benefit of UV exposure. The UV dosimetry system supports multi-user control through an advanced and user friendly input and output interface. |
| US09470573B2 |
Leak sensor for a prover
A leak sensor for sensing fluid flow through the bearings and seals about a shaft extending from a prover. Any leakage of fluid through the bearings and seals will migrate into the annular cavity within a housing and surrounding the shaft. A conduit or passageway in fluid communication with the annular cavity conveys the leaking fluid into a collection chamber. A float within the collection chamber will trigger an electrical or mechanical signal when the float rises a preset distance. If electrical, the signal is transmitted to an alarm unit to trigger a warning indicative of the amount of fluid in the collection chamber. |
| US09470572B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring liquid level of cell culture solution
A method of measuring a liquid level of a cell culture solution stored in a cell vessel, includes: irradiating the cell culture solution with at least two kinds of light beams including a first light beam having a first wavelength and a second light beam having a second wavelength; measuring a first absorbance of the cell culture solution with respect to the first light beam, and a second absorbance of the cell culture solution with respect to the second light beam; and determining a liquid level of the cell culture solution based on the first absorbance and the second absorbance. |
| US09470568B2 |
Density meter in electrical communication with a volumetric flow meter and both in electrical communication with a meter electronics that outputs a mass flow measurement
A mass flow rate sensor system (200) is provided. The mass flow rate sensor system (200) includes a density meter (202) including a sensor assembly (204a) and a density meter electronics (204b) configured to generate a density measurement of a process fluid. The mass flow rate sensor system (200) further includes a volumetric flow meter (203) including a sensor assembly (205a) and a volumetric meter electronics (205b) configured to generate a volumetric flow rate of the process fluid and in electrical communication with the density meter electronics (204b). A remote processing system (207) is provided that is in electrical communication with only one of the density meter electronics (204b) or the volumetric meter electronics (205b). The remote processing system (207) is configured to receive a mass flow rate measurement of the process fluid generated by the density meter electronics (204b) or the volumetric meter electronics (205b) based on the generated density measurement and the generated volumetric flow rate. |
| US09470561B2 |
Sensor arrangement for a hydraulic displacer unit
A sensor arrangement for a hydraulic displacer unit includes a plurality of sensors which, at least in some sections, are positioned jointly in a sensor housing. The sensors are configured to be contacted via a common plug. |
| US09470552B2 |
Axial and perpendicular angle sensor in single package
Embodiments relate to magnetic field angle sensors that utilize axial and perpendicular sensors collectively to infer a rotational angle. In embodiments, a sensor system comprises at least one axial sensor unit and at least one perpendicular sensor unit arranged in a single sensor package or on a single substrate. The axial and perpendicular sensor data both representative of the rotational position can be used to improve output angle accuracy by, e.g., calibrating the sensor system. |
| US09470547B2 |
Information processing device, mobile terminal, and non-transitory recording medium
An information processing device that receives and processes posting information and position information from a mobile terminal includes: a center processing device that processes the information received from the mobile terminal; and a posting database in which the information is stored. The position information includes first position information indicating a first position of the mobile terminal when a user enters an information posting intention into the mobile terminal, and second position information indicating a second position of the mobile terminal when the user enters an information posting instruction thereinto. The center processing device determines position information to be associated with the posting information, based on at least one of a difference between the first and second position and a difference between a first point-in-time at which the mobile terminal is positioned at the first position and a second point-in-time at which the mobile terminal is positioned at the second position. |
| US09470537B2 |
Accurate position determination near exit lanes
An in-vehicle system for determining whether a vehicle has moved off of a main roadway and into an exit lane. A navigation unit determines that an exit is approaching on a first side of the vehicle, and a camera obtains image data regarding lane markings and exit signs in response to a notification that the exit is approaching. An image processor identifies predetermined patterns among the lane markings, including V-shaped patterns or Y-shaped patterns. The system determines that the vehicle has moved into the exit lane in response to an identification of one of the predetermined patterns on a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side of the vehicle. The system may verify its determination based on recognition of an exit sign on the second side of the vehicle. |
| US09470534B2 |
Method and system for determining a deviation in the course of a navigable stretch
A method and system for identifying a lateral deviation in the course of a road segment is described. Positional data is collected from a plurality of vehicles travelling along a road stretch. A map matching error associated with the position data is used to determine an average map matching error and average absolute map matching error for travel along the road stretch. A lateral deviation in course is identified when the average map matching error measures are both above a given threshold, and where the detected deviation is of a given minimum length. Other indicators of deviation can be considered including a direction of the possible deviation, and impact on travel in the opposite driving direction. Data relating to the determined deviation is generated, including a speed of travel through the deviated region, and used to enhance traffic information. |
| US09470532B2 |
System for adjusting map navigation path in retail store and method of using same
A system and method includes selecting a product to be located in a retail store, obtaining a store map, the store map being indicative of a layout of the retail store, and presenting the store map overlaid with an icon and an initial navigation path on a graphical display of the mobile device, wherein the store map represents the retail store and the icon and the initial navigation path are positioned overlaid on the map to designate a physical location of the product, and suggesting at least one product on-route of the initial navigation path, adjusting the initial navigation path to include the at least one suggested product, and presenting the initial navigation path and the adjusted navigation path positioned overlaid on the store map to the mobile device for display. |
| US09470531B2 |
Vehicle positioning system
A vehicle positioning system (200) comprising a receiver (206) configured to receive information representative of signals (222) transmitted by one or more other vehicles (220), wherein each signal (222) comprises data relating to the position of the associated other vehicle (220); and a processor (207) configured to process the data relating to the position of each other vehicle to determine an estimate of the position of the vehicle positioning system. |
| US09470530B2 |
Electronic device comprising a moulded interconnect device
An electronic device comprises a circuit substrate (5), and a moulded interconnect device (4) incorporating integral legs (8) to mount the interconnect device upon the substrate, the legs spacing at least one of the legs carrying a conducting track (20, 21, 22) to provide an electrical interconnection between the interconnect device and the substrate. The substrate (5) may comprise another moulded interconnect device and may be mounted upon a processor (3) and may include an electromagnetic shield (30) on its lower surface. |
| US09470528B1 |
Aircraft synthetic vision systems utilizing data from local area augmentation systems, and methods for operating such aircraft synthetic vision systems
An aircraft synthetic vision display system (SVS) includes a topographical database including topographical information relating to an airport, a global positioning system receiver that receives a satellite signal from a global positioning satellite to determine a geographical position of the aircraft, and a ground-based augmentation system receiver that receives a ground-based signal from a ground-based transmitter associated with the airport, wherein the ground-based signal includes geographical information associated with the airport. The SVS further includes a computer processor that retrieves the topographical information from the topographical database based on the geographical position of the aircraft, that retrieves the geographical information associated with the airport, and that corrects the topographical information using the geographical information associated with the airport to generate corrected topographical information. Still further, the SVS includes a display device that renders three-dimensional synthetic imagery of environs of the aircraft based on the corrected topographical information. |
| US09470527B2 |
Accelerometers
The invention provides for an accelerometer comprising a proof mass within a fixed substrate wherein the proof mass is connected to the substrate by one or more v-beams. Acceleration is determined by measuring the deflection of the v-beam or beams. |
| US09470516B2 |
Unevenness detecting device
An unevenness detecting device includes: a pulsed illuminating light source emitting light having a predetermined wavelength range; a first condensing lens condensing return light reflected by a workpiece held on a chuck table and passed through a chromatic aberration lens and a half-silvered mirror; a mask disposed at the position of a focal point of the first condensing lens, the mask passing only the condensed return light; a diffraction grating performing light separation so as to correspond to the wavelengths of the return light; a second condensing lens condensing the return light resulting from the light separation by the diffraction grating; and an imaging element disposed at the position of a focal point of the second condensing lens. |
| US09470512B2 |
Pre-formed optical meander structures for use in an optical strain gauge system for measuing strain, and a method
An optical fiber strain sensor system and method are provided that use pre-formed optical structures instead of optical fibers for measuring the strain, or stress, placed on a subject object. The use of pre-formed optical structures in the optical strain gauge system eliminates many of the limitations associated with the use of optical fibers. Because the optical structures are pre-formed structures, they can be made with very tight tolerances to ensure high measurement accuracy and repeatability. The pre-formed structures can be made in low to high volume at low cost and can be made of a variety of materials to ensure that the structures are suitable for use with the material of which the subject object is made. Also, the pre-formed structures can be made very compact while achieving higher sensitivity and exhibiting less optical loss than fiber. |
| US09470508B2 |
Non-contact coordinate measuring system
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to non-contact coordinate measuring systems, apparatuses, and methods. An apparatus according to the present disclosure can include a laser assembly slidably coupled to a track and configured to emit a first laser beam onto an exterior surface of a component, wherein the track is coupled to a machine for manufacturing the component; a laser encoder configured to detect the first laser beam emitted from the laser assembly and reflected from the exterior surface of the component; and a computer system coupled to the laser encoder and configured to render a geometric profile of the exterior surface of the component based on the first laser beam detected with the laser encoder. |
| US09470505B2 |
Position sensing transducer
A number of position sensors inductively sense a target's position relative to a number of sensor coils. The target is magnetically coupled with first and second coils so that signals are generated that depend on the relative position of the target and the first and second coils. Substantially all of the target overlaps with loops of the first coil and so that when a first end of the target is adjacent a first loop of the first coil, a second end of the target is adjacent a second loop of the first coil that has an opposite winding direction to that of the first loop. The second coil is arranged relative to the target such that the magnetic coupling between the second coil and the first end of the target is opposite to the magnetic coupling between the second coil and the second end of the target. |
| US09470504B2 |
Film thickness sensor with porous blower
A sensor system for measuring the thickness of flat material that is moved relative to the sensor system has a first sensor device for measuring the thickness of the flat material and a device for generating an air cushion. The device is disposed in such a way that there is an air cushion between at least one side of the sensor device that faces the flat material, and the flat material, during operation. In the region of the air cushion, the first sensor device includes surface sections having porous material and/or material that is provided with micro-holes. |
| US09470502B2 |
Fluxgate with laminar damping of the pendulum and method of assembling a fluxgate
Flow valve including a casing containing an electromagnetic assembly for detecting a magnetic field. The electromagnetic assembly is fixed to a pendulum suspended by an articulation from a plate of the casing. The casing contains a liquid for damping the movements of the pendulum. The pendulum includes a surface opposite the articulation which has a spherical cap shape and which extends facing a wall of the casing of complementary shape, defining a space having dimensions suitable for producing a laminar rolling of the damping liquid between them when the pendulum is in motion. |
| US09470499B2 |
Explosive disruption container
The current invention concerns an apparatus that is an explosive disruption device and a method for its use. The apparatus includes an internal container which holds an explosive charge, an external container which holds the internal container and a screw lid which holds the internal container in place within the external container. |
| US09470497B2 |
Inertially operated piezoelectric energy harvesting electronic circuitry
An electrical energy harvesting device for harvesting electrical energy from a pulsed impact loading event. The device including: a piezoelectric element configured to be loaded and unloaded to a first load level by the pulsed impact loading event; and a first inductor coupled to the piezoelectric element configured to be loaded and unloaded to a second load level by the pulsed impact loading event, wherein the piezoelectric element and the first inductor together operate as a first inductor/capacitor (LC) resonant circuit having a first resonance frequency and wherein the loading of the first inductor lags in time the loading of the piezoelectric element. |
| US09470489B2 |
Airsoft marking round
A spherical pellet marking round for gas propelled guns, such as airsoft electric guns and gas blow back guns, allows a user or military/law enforcement trainees to actually when they hit their opponent. The marking round is heavier than conventional gas propelled gun rounds, allowing for more reliable breaking on target. The marking round has a hard, brittle shell and is sized for the gun or rifle type. The marking round can include colored marking material, ultraviolet, infrared, forward looking infrared (FLIR) and luminous “glow-in-the-dark” shells for tracer versions. An oversized wedge can be used in production that allows for heavier weighted fill material to be used. |
| US09470487B2 |
Ballistic arrow
A hunting arrow having an arrow shaft with a front end and a back end. The hunting arrow has at least one arrow blade attached to the arrow shaft, and has a closed position and at least one open position. The at least one arrow blade is substantially flush with the arrow shaft when in the closed position, and extends radially outward from the arrow shaft when in an open position. In addition, the hunting arrow has an arrow tip that is attached to the front end of the arrow shaft and is capable of moving longitudinally toward or away from the arrow shaft. The arrow tip is operatively engaged with the at least one arrow blade so that the arrow tip opens and closes the at least one arrow blade by moving relative to the arrow shaft. |
| US09470486B2 |
Nock device for bow
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a nock device that may be used on an arrow. A top portion a nock device can comprise one or more pairs of string guide impression on its top surface, where the respective one or more pairs of string guide impressions may be symmetrically arranged on the top surface, with respect to each other. A first pair of string guide impression can be disposed along a first bisecting line on the top surface, and, if present, a second pair of string guide impressions can be disposed along a second bisecting line on the top surface. The respective one or more pairs of string guide impression can be configured to receive a bowstring, where the first pair may receive the bowstring in a first orientation, and the second pair, if present, may receive the bowstring in a second orientation. |
| US09470481B2 |
Armor assembly
An armor system, comprising at least two elements, wherein the elements are arranged at an angle, characterized wherein the at least two elements include a plurality of perforations. |
| US09470480B2 |
Weapon accessory mount
A mounting apparatus for mounting an accessory to a weapon is disclosed. In some embodiments, the mounting apparatus includes a base plate having a side member parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base plate. The base plate is configured to be coupled to an under barrel of a firearm. The mounting apparatus further includes one or more opposing side elements. Each side element is detachably coupled to the respective side member of the base plate such that the side element is positioned adjacent to a movable slide mechanism of the firearm while the base plate is coupled to the under barrel. In some embodiments, the mounting apparatus includes an adapter bridge and/or a barrel weight, which, in combination with the side elements, straddles, and avoids interfering with, the movable slide mechanism while the assembly is mounted to the firearm. |
| US09470476B1 |
Mortar retention system for automated weapons
A retention system protects the round stored inside a rotating continuous belt-type magazine, and holds the round securely while allowing it to be readily and easily released prior to firing. The retention system permits all the retaining devices to be easily retracted so that a ramming mechanism of the weapon can push the round into the chamber without interference. The gun tube of the automated weapon houses the round and provides interfaces for all other components to attach. The tube length minimizes the axial movement of the round. The round is held within the tube by a front door assembly and a rear door assembly. The door assembly is made of a crescent-shaped door attached to a pivot shaft, in order to minimize the amount of rotational travel required to open the door for loading or firing the round. |
| US09470475B1 |
Concealed gun carry device
A carry device provides a concealed carry configuration supporting a handgun against at a waistband of an article of clothing by directing a tube into a barrel of the handgun from which a loop extends to loop around an article of clothing, such as a belt, and then provide a loop end which attaches to a rear portion of the handgun thereby providing it in a secure manner until a time to draw or remove the gun arises. |
| US09470473B2 |
Rail for inductively powering firearm accessories
A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories. |
| US09470470B2 |
Scope guard for scope and firearm
An apparatus is for a scope assembly having a front scope section and a back scope section, and a firearm including a mounting rail having a front rail section and a back rail section. The apparatus includes a front scope guard frame configured to guard, at least in part, the front scope section of the scope assembly. A back scope guard frame is configured to guard, at least in part, the back scope section of the scope assembly. The front scope guard frame and the back scope guard frame are selectively positionable and movable, independently of each other, relative to the mounting rail. The front scope guard frame and the back scope guard frame are configured to selectively affix, independently of each other, once the front scope guard frame and the back scope guard frame are positioned just so. |
| US09470468B2 |
Handguard with integrated pod and firearm
Firearms and handguards for firearms having three pivotably attached pods wherein a first pod is deployable as a monopod and second and third pods are deployable together as a bipod, or having at least one pivotable pod having at least one hinge pin, at least one locking pin, and at least one return spring that biases the at least one locking pin. In some embodiments, a return spring, a slide spindle, a locking spindle, or a combination thereof, push two locking pins, for example, into opposite detents when the pod is pivoted into a deployed position, and the pod can be released by moving a slide button and secured in a stowed position with a catch. In certain embodiments, the monopod is pivotably attached to the handguard aft of where the bipod is pivotably attached to the handguard. In particular embodiments, the firearm is an AR-15 or an M-16. |
| US09470463B2 |
Modular counterflow fill hanging system apparatus and method
A heat exchange fill apparatus for use with a cooling tower that employs a support frame assembly. The heat exchange fill apparatus has a media fill pack that includes a of fill pack media modules wherein a stake, prevents the modules from shifting with respect to one another. The modules are installed in a cooling tower of the like via a hanging fill support. |
| US09470458B1 |
Magnetic method for stimulating transport in fluids
A method for producing mass and heat transport in fluids, wherein the method does not rely on conventional convection, that is, it does not require gravity, a thermal gradient, or a magnetic field gradient. This method gives rise to a unique class of vigorous, field-controllable flow patterns termed advection lattices. The advection lattices can be used to transport heat and/or mass in any desired direction using only magnetic fields. |
| US09470451B2 |
Method for controlling operation of refrigerator
Provided is a method for controlling an operation of a refrigerator. Different operation modes are selected according to whether a refrigerator door is opened and closed, and according to an inner temperature and an ambient noise. Freezing capacity of a compressor, the number of rotations of an evaporator fan, and the number of rotations of a condenser fan are varied in conjunction with one another, to reduce a noise. |
| US09470448B2 |
Apparatus to warm plastic side of mold
An ice producing mold has a first mold portion having a top surface and a second mold portion having a bottom surface. When the mold is in a closed position, a bottom surface of the first mold portion abuts a top surface of the second mold portion and when the mold is in an open position, the bottom surface of the first mold portion is separated from the top surface of the second mold portion. Each mold portion also includes a concave depression such that when the mold is in the closed position, the concave depression on the bottom surface of the first mold portion and the concave depression on the top surface of the second mold portion form a cavity adapted to form an ice structure. The depression is warmed by flowing warm water into a cavity located adjacent to the concave depression and the ice is released. |
| US09470445B2 |
Head pressure control
A head pressure control system may control a high side operating condition of a vapor compression system. The head pressure control system includes a vapor compression system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The head pressure control system may also include a high side condition sensor, a low side condition sensor, a controller, and a control device. The low side condition sensor may measure and communicate a low side operating condition to the controller. The high side condition sensor may measure and communicate a high side operating condition to the controller. The controller may compare a theoretical high side operating condition to the high side operating condition, and determine a control output. The controller may communicate the control output to a control device, which may influence the high side operating condition based on the control output. |
| US09470444B1 |
Air conditioner
An indoor-unit transmission/reception unit and an outdoor-unit transmission/reception unit are connected via a first signal line, and another indoor-unit transmission/reception unit and another outdoor-unit transmission/reception unit are connected via a second signal line. A first return switch is connected between a first power supply line and the first signal line, and a second return switch is connected between the first power supply line and the second signal line. A first end of a second switch is connected to the first power supply line, and a second end of the second switch is connected to the cathodes of two diodes. The anodes of the first and the second diodes are connected to the first and the second signal lines, respectively. A common end of the second switch is connected to the first end or the second end thereof. An outdoor-power supply unit is fed with electric power from the common end of the second switch and the second power supply line. |
| US09470440B2 |
Thermo-electric heat pump systems
The invention is directed to an energy efficient thermoelectric heat pump assembly. The thermoelectric heat pump assembly preferably comprises two to nine thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present invention further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Preferably the transport or storage devices are configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band. |
| US09470437B2 |
Magnetothermal pump device and method of operation
Magnetothermal pump devices are provided. Such devices can operate on the principle of thermally induced switching between open and closed states of a magnetic switch to generate mechanical oscillations. Exemplary devices provided include a thermal gradient and a magnet with a Curie temperature at or within this gradient. When the soft magnet is below the Curie temperature, it has sufficient magnetic force to bind a hard magnet at the hot side of the gradient. Heating of the magnet at the hot side causes it to exceed its Curie temperature, resulting in loss of magnetic attraction. At this stage, a restorative force exceeds the magnetic force, causing the magnet to shift to the cold side of the gradient, which oscillations can be used to pump fluid. Any magnetic transition that results in a change in the vector nature of the magnetic moment of the soft magnetic material can be employed. |
| US09470436B2 |
Cryogenic refrigeration apparatus and method of controlling cryogenic refrigeration apparatus
A cryogenic refrigeration apparatus includes a compressor, a plurality of refrigerators, and a gas line configured to connect the plurality of refrigerators to the compressor in parallel so as to circulate a working gas between each of the plurality of refrigerators and the compressor. The gas line may include a flow rate control valve capable of individually controlling a pressure drop of a flow of working gas in a corresponding one of the plurality of refrigerators. The flow rate control valve may be provided in series with the corresponding refrigerator. |
| US09470434B2 |
Multiplex pipe and system for recovering steam from geothermal wells
Provided is a multiplex pipe and a system for recovering steam from a geothermal well, which are capable of solving all of the various problems with a neutralization pipe prepared by painting or the like of an alkali-resistant coating on the inner face of an acid-resistant single pipe. A multiplex pipe 10 that is configured to recover steam from a geothermal well GT, includes: a casing pipe 1 located outside; and a duplex pipe 4 that is slidable relative to the casing pipe 1 in the casing pipe 1, and has a first gap 5 with an inner face of the casing pipe 1, the duplex pipe including an outer pipe 2 having acid-resistance and an inner pipe 3 having alkali-resistance, the outer pipe 2 and the inner pipe 3 defining a second gap 6 therebetween. An alkali solution is injected to acid hot-water stored in an acid geothermal well GT via a hollow 7 of the inner pipe 3 to neutralize the acid hot-water, and the neutralized hot-water V is allowed to spout to the ground via the first gap 5, thus recovering flashing steam. |
| US09470433B2 |
Dual-ring and straight fin tube condensing
A heat exchanger for supplying heat includes a housing, a bundle of dual-ring, straight fin-coil tubes, and a flue channel. The housing includes a burner, a water inlet, a water outlet and a flue gas outlet. The burner is disposed on a top portion of the housing and connected to an air/gas mixture unit. The first group of fin tubes is disposed tightly, circularly, and coaxially around the burner. The flue channel is disposed below the burner and is formed by a second group of fin tubes. A flow of flue gas vents from the flue channel to the flue gas outlet. The water inlet is connected to the first group of fin tubes which forms the flue channel below the burner. The second group of fin tubes below the burner is connected to the first group of fin tubes. The first group of fin tubes is connected to the water outlet. |
| US09470431B2 |
Method for measuring HVAC efficiency
A method for measuring HVAC efficiency is disclosed which may be used to test various elements within the HVAC system to determine whether any element, such as a heating coil, is operating at an acceptable efficiency when compared to design specifications or previously established standards. The method may also be used to easily determine volumetric flow rate of air through the system at various points simply. |
| US09470429B2 |
Ventilation arrangement
A housing for a ventilation arrangement, with a profiled rod providing a radial extension in each corner, with a pivotted guide vane extending between the rod and the remainder of the housing. In normal wind conditions this radial extension guides air into or out of the housing. In very high wind conditions the guide vane can however pivot and/or flex to release any excessive pressure caused by the high wind. |
| US09470423B2 |
Cooktop power control system
A cooktop power control system for a cooktop that has a plurality of burners, where the cooktop power control system controls the power delivered from two or more separate active burners to separate cookware items each of which is associated with an active burner. There is a maximum limit of total power that is available for delivery from all of the burners together. There is a heating control user interface associated with each of the burners, each heating control user interface constructed and arranged to be set by a user to a particular heating control user interface setting. A desired cookware temperature is derived from the setting of each heating control user interface. The measured temperatures of the cookware items are available to the cooktop power control system. The system has a controller that, when a plurality of burners are in sum calling for more than the maximum limit of total available power, automatically alters the power delivered from at least one of the active burners in comparison to the power called for by such burner, the alteration based on both the measured cookware temperatures of the cookware items that are associated with the active burners and the desired cookware temperatures derived from the heating control user interfaces that are associated with the active burners. |
| US09470422B2 |
Gas turbine structural mounting arrangement between combustion gas duct annular chamber and turbine vane carrier
A gas turbine engine ducting arrangement (10), including: an annular chamber (14) configured to receive a plurality of discrete flows of combustion gases originating in respective can combustors and to deliver the discrete flows to a turbine inlet annulus, wherein the annular chamber includes an inner diameter (52) and an outer diameter (60); an outer diameter mounting arrangement (34) configured to permit relative radial movement and to prevent relative axial and circumferential movement between the outer diameter and a turbine vane carrier (20); and an inner diameter mounting arrangement (36) including a bracket (64) secured to the turbine vane carrier, wherein the bracket is configured to permit the inner diameter to move radially with the outer diameter and prevent axial deflection of the inner diameter with respect to the outer diameter. |
| US09470419B2 |
Combustion chamber
The invention relates to a combustion chamber for burning an air-fuel mixture, a gas mixture or a gas-liquid mixture, including an outer casing; a flame tube located inside the outer casing and provided with an inner space, whereby the outer casing and the flame tube form an annular channel therebetween, the flame tube including flow apertures which penetrate through its casing and interconnect the annular channel and the inner space of the flame tube; a cover part arranged in inlet ends of the outer casing and the flame tube and provided with flow apertures opening up into the annular channel; a combustion air inlet part which is arranged in an outer surface of the cover part and which is in connection with the flow apertures of the cover part; a fuel jet located in the cover part and extending inside the flame tube for feeding fuel into the flame tube. |
| US09470416B2 |
Method to enhance operation of circulating mass reactor and method to carry out such reactor
The object of the invention is a method for enhancing the operation of a circulating mass reactor (1), which circulating mass reactor (1) comprises a fluidized-bed chamber (8) provided with a fluidized bed (108), means for separating fluidized material (80) from the flue gases, and a return conduit system (15, 16, 19) including at least one cooled return conduit (15, 16). In the method, for the combustion of fuel taking place in the circulation mass reactor (1) is provided a lower combustion chamber (89), which comprises a fluidized-bed chamber (8), and an upper combustion chamber (11) and a flow conduit (10) connecting them. The flow conduit (10), the means for separating the fluidized material (80) from the fuel gases and the return conduit system (15, 16, 19) are arranged to be located essentially between the lower combustion chamber (89) and the upper combustion chamber (11). The lower combustion chamber (89) and the upper combustion chamber (11) are dimensioned in such a way that the combustion of the fuel can be essentially completed before the discharge of the flue gases from the combustion chamber (11), whereupon the average delay time of the flue gases in the upper combustion chamber is most preferably 0.3-3.0 seconds. The fluidized material (80) is separated from the flue gases after the upper combustion chamber (11) and guided back to the fluidized-bed chamber (8) through cooled return conduits (15, 16) and an uncooled return conduit system (19) in the desired ratio. |
| US09470415B2 |
Suspended combustion type power steam generator
There is provided a suspended combustion type power steam generator capable of rapid and high-temperature pyrolysis using FRDF for extending residence time of high-temperature gas, and particularly the present invention improves the heating conditions of fluid in an arch water pipe, a heating water pipe and a down pipe by extending the residence time of high-temperature gas inside a combustion chamber. The present invention is an improvement of a power steam generator using fine refuse derived fuel (FRDF) which is an alternative energy source, and a flameless combustion device using fossil fuel capable of structuring a new additional facility so as to address the possibility of irregular raw material supply in the ethyl alcohol fuel operation for new renewable energy, that is, FRDF. Therefore, fuel conversion operations can be carried out and a circulation path is partially restructured so as to prevent the interruption of the natural convection function of boiler water regardless of FRDF operation or fossil fuel operations. The existing power steam generator is commonly used in 0.5 tons class and has the problem of having a short residence time of high-temperature gas according to the heating conditions of fluid in a large capacity power steam generator of 5 tons or higher. The present invention extends the residence time of high-temperature gas in the combustion chamber by installing a baffle plate portion so as to sufficiently satisfy the heating condition of fluid as the result. |
| US09470410B2 |
Arrangement of a heat sink and heat-generating electronic components housed thereon
An arrangement of a heat sink and a heat-generating electronic component is provided. The heat sink has a main part and a moulding of plastic. The electronic component is mounted on a first surface of the main part with thermal contact to the main part. The moulding is mounted to a second surface of the main part, opposite the first surface, to provide structural strength to the arrangement. The moulding has a void provided through the moulding. As a result, once the moulding and the main part are mounted to each other, a portion of the second surface of the main part is exposed through the void. |
| US09470405B2 |
Surgical light with beam redirecting optics
A surgical light including a substrate having a substantially planar top surface with a plurality of light sources on the substantially planar top surface, with each of the light sources emitting light in a cone when activated. The cone has a first spread angle. An optical system having a first area such that the light emitted from the light sources has a second spread angle after passing through the first area and a second area focusing or redirecting the light passing through the first area at a location a desired distance from the optical system. The second spread angle is less than the first spread angle. |
| US09470402B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus
A light-emitting apparatus includes a substrate warped as a whole of which a central portion is most highly raised; a light-emitting device mounted on the central portion of the substrate; a support member disposed on the substrate so as to surround the light-emitting device; and a frame body disposed on the support member so as to surround the light-emitting device, the frame body including part connected to the support member and part not connected to the support member, the part not connected to the support member being left spaced from an upper surface of the substrate. Moreover, the light-emitting apparatus is constituted so that a level of a lower surface of the light-emitting device is higher than a level of a lower surface of the frame body. |
| US09470401B2 |
Lighting assembly
An elongate tubular lighting assembly having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The tubular lighting assembly has a source of illumination and first and second connectors respectively at the first and second body ends. The first connector has cooperating first and second parts having first and second surfaces. The first and second connector parts are configured so that the first and second surfaces are placed in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the first and second connector parts with the body in an operative state as an incident of the first connector part moving relative to the second connector part from a position fully separated from the second connector part in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. |
| US09470398B2 |
Compact light engine
A light engine comprises: a wavelength conversion device, receiving source light of a first wavelength range and a first polarisation, generating light of a second wavelength range from a portion of the received source light, at least a portion of the second wavelength range being non-overlapping with the first wavelength range, the wavelength conversion device reflects output light comprising the generated light and comprises a polarisation converter that sets at least some of the output light to a second polarisation, different from the first polarisation; and a dichroic element, that receives the reflected output light and directs light of the first polarisation differently from light of the second polarisation. |
| US09470394B2 |
LED light fixture including optical member with in-situ-formed gasket and method of manufacture
An LED light fixture including a mounting surface which supports a circuit board with at least one LED light source spaced thereon, and an optical member which has a back side having a groove facing the mounting surface and surrounding the circuit board. The groove is filled with a resilient in-situ-formed compressible gasket material sealingly engaged with the mounting surface to environmentally seal the circuit board. The mounting surface may be of a heat-sink structure. The in-situ-formed gasket has an inner edge and a plurality of inward projections spaced therealong. Each inward projection extends inwardly to a position facing the circuit board and presses the circuit board against the mounting surface, thereby facilitating heat transfer away from the circuit board. |
| US09470393B2 |
Optical plate and illuminating member using the same
Disclosed is an optical plate and an illuminating member, and particularly an optical plate for reducing UGR, which has a plurality of micro lens patterns formed on a base substrate, a fill factor of the micro lens patterns being in range of 0.5 to 1.0. |
| US09470388B2 |
Part installation structure for vehicle
A design part installation structure includes a lamp body exposed on a vehicle design surface, an outer panel having an installation section for installing the lamp body and defining the design surface, and a parting line, which includes a curved third parting line segment, is formed between the lamp body and the outer panel. The outer panel has an orthogonal flange portion and an inclined flange portion. The orthogonal flange portion is provided in a section corresponding to the third parting line segment, extends from the installation section toward a vehicle inside, and is orthogonal to a main body. The inclined flange portion is provided in a section corresponding to the third parting line segment, extends from an extending end of the orthogonal flange portion toward the vehicle cabin, and inclines toward the lamp body as a position thereon shifts in the direction from vehicle outside to vehicle inside. |
| US09470387B2 |
Vehicular headlamp
Provided is a vehicular headlamp including a lamp casing configured by a lamp housing having an opening at least at one side thereof and a cover that covers the opening of the lamp housing, and a lamp unit disposed within the lamp casing. The lamp unit includes: a light source unit having a light source; a movable shade configured to be rotatable and change the shielding quantity of light; a solenoid having an output shaft which moves in a left-and-right direction and configured to rotate the movable shade; a rotation shaft configured to function as a rotation fulcrum of the movable shade, the axial direction of the shaft corresponding to the left and right direction; and an orthogonal transformation mechanism configured to convert a movement action of the output shaft to a rotation movement of the movable shade. |
| US09470384B2 |
Lighted glass ball
Provided is a luminous sphere comprising a ball with a circular opening and a plug insertable into the ball. A battery container receiving one or more batteries is attached to the plug. A light source in electronic communication with the one or more batteries is enclosed with the inserted plug inside the ball and powered by the batteries to emit light from the ball. The plug can have a switch for activating the light source. The plug can also have one or more circuit boards attached to the plug for controlling power and timing to the light source. The light source can be a string of a plurality of light emitting diodes in series along a wire. A detachable solar panel can be in electronic communication with the one or more batteries. A sensor that turns on the light source when the sensor senses motion can also be provided. |
| US09470379B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus having a display panel and a backlight to radiate light to the display panel is provided, The backlight includes a plurality of printed circuit boards disposed in an even manner and a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the plurality of printed circuit boards. Thus a backlight proper for a large display panel may be provided. |
| US09470377B1 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp A1 includes an LED unit 1 in the shape of a straight tube with a plurality of LED modules 12 fixed therein, and also includes a pair of bases 2 that receive electric power from outside and are attached to the ends of the LED unit 1 spaced in the longitudinal direction of the LED unit. The LED unit 1 and the bases 2 are rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. With this arrangement, the direction of light emission can be changed, with the LED lamp attached to a general-use fluorescent lighting fixture. |
| US09470371B2 |
Light unit with light output pattern synthesized from multiple light sources
The present disclosure provides an LED based light unit that produces an output lighting pattern that meets desired lighting characteristics using a reduced number of LED elements. The present disclosure provides a number of point sources that are directed into a desired direction such that, when combined with other point sources, a synthesized light output is provided that minimizes the LED headcount. |
| US09470370B2 |
Light emitting module and light emitting device having the same
Disclosed are a light emitting module and a light emitting device. The disclosed light emitting module includes a plurality of light emitting devices and a wire connecting the light emitting devices with each other and having at least a first end portion coupled with each light emitting device. The wire has a length longer than a distance between the light emitting devices, and is located higher than bottom surfaces of the light emitting devices. Each light emitting device includes a body including an insulating material, a first lead frame making contact with the body and having a first coupling part, a second lead frame making contact with the body and having a second coupling part, and a light emitting chip on at least one of the first and second lead frames. The first and second coupling parts are located higher than the bottom surfaces of the light emitting devices, and the wire is coupled with the first and second coupling parts of the light emitting devices. |
| US09470368B2 |
Adhesive buffer unit and associated fill systems and methods for storing and moving adhesive particulate
A buffer unit is configured to store and transfer adhesive particulate to at least one adhesive melter. The buffer unit includes a buffer bin defining an interior space configured to hold a bulk supply of adhesive particulate with an agitator plate positioned within the housing at a non-horizontal orientation. A vibration generating mechanism is coupled to the agitator plate so that vibration is transmitted into the adhesive particulate to form a flow of fluidized adhesive particulate which flows toward at least one pump inlet. The buffer unit breaks up clumps of coalesced adhesive particulate to avoid clogging the pump inlet, while also ensuring that all adhesive particulate in the buffer bin can be removed at the pump inlet. Additionally, makeup air used by pumps to generate vacuum at the pump inlet does not need to be drawn through the entire bulk supply of adhesive particulate. |
| US09470357B2 |
Display positioning apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included. |
| US09470344B2 |
Component for drilling and operating hydrocarbon wells
A component used for drilling and operating hydrocarbon wells which is substantially tubular in form, and including a first end configured to be connected to a second end of another component also used for drilling and operating hydrocarbon wells. The first end includes a terminal portion including a first abutment surface configured to cooperate by interference with a corresponding abutment surface on the second end, and including a sealing surface configured to cooperate by interference with a corresponding sealing surface on the second end, the terminal portion being preceded by a threaded zone configured to be made up into a corresponding threaded zone of the second end. A compressible volume is provided in the thickness of the first terminal portion and partially beneath the sealing surface, to reduce radial stiffness of the terminal portion by at least 20%, while conserving at least 60% of axial stiffness. |
| US09470342B2 |
Through-wall protection device
This disclosure relates to a through-wall protection device which provides a passageway through a structure and to an aperture in a housing. The through-wall protection device includes an elongated tube and a bushing with a proximal opening, a distal opening and a bore connecting the openings. The elongated tube and bushing may be locked together using complementary engaging structures which prevent the elongated tube from being removed from within the bore of the bushing. The present disclosure also relates to a method of defining a protected passageway through a structure using the through-wall protection device described herein. |
| US09470340B2 |
Device for handling a hose and a fuel dispensing unit having such a device
Embodiments of the invention are based on the idea of providing a device for handling a hose and a fuel dispensing unit having such a device. This is basically achieved by an elastic element that is adapted to extend within a frame element and to be guided by a guiding element, and by a hose guiding member which is movable away from said frame element allowing said hose to be pulled from an idle position to an operating position when said elastic element is extended. |
| US09470337B2 |
Flow path velocity modifier for a control valve
A flow path velocity modifier allows a control member of a control valve to operate very close to a seat ring while reducing or eliminating restricted flow areas, which results in greatly reduced flow velocity fluctuations, which results in smoother flow, between the sealing element and the seat ring. As a result, sealing elements made of relatively soft materials may be used without fear of damage from high flow velocities. |
| US09470334B2 |
Flow adjusting device with a button
A flow adjusting device includes a fixation unit with a waterway and a button; the fixation unit is disposed with a movable shaft, a pushing rod and a spring, the movable shaft and the pushing rod can move relatively to the fixation unit, the motion direction is parallel to the flowing direction of the water in the waterway, the discharge area of the waterway is changed by the relative motion of the movable shaft and the fixation unit to adjust the flow rate, thereinto, the fixation unit, the movable shaft, the pushing rod and the spring are cooperated to form an automatic ball-point pen like movable mechanism; the button is connected to the fixation unit in a sliding way, the sliding direction of the button is vertical to that of the movable shaft, the button and the end of the pushing rod are formed a linkage construction. |
| US09470330B2 |
Actuating device and method for displacing the actuating device
An actuating device or displacing a control device, such as a valve, gate valve or other control mechanism, in particular for use in oil or gas production systems, comprises a motor-gear unit (21) and a thread drive (22) which is operable by said motor-gear unit (21) and which comprises at least a threaded spindle (23) and a screw nut (24). The threaded spindle (23) is displaceable in an essentially axial direction so as to displace the control device (2) between a use position (7) and a non-use position (8, 9, 19, 20). To ensure a safe displacement into the non-use position in a simple way and independently of the pressure conditions prevailing between conveying medium and inner medium, the threaded spindle (23) is substantially axially displaceable beyond the use position (7) into a second non-use position (9). The invention also refers to a corresponding method for displacing the actuating device. |
| US09470328B2 |
Valve including multilayer wear plate
A valve is provided and includes a component including a surface and a wear plate including a surface disposed in sliding engagement with the surface of the component. The surface of the wear plate includes a corrosion resistant substrate, a secondary layer disposed on a surface of the corrosion resistant substrate, a noble metal layer disposed on a surface of the secondary layer and a tertiary layer disposed on a surface of the noble metal layer. |
| US09470322B2 |
Diaphragm valve
A diaphragm valve, in particular for fluid media, includes a valve body, a diaphragm, and a connecting piece which can be actuated by a drive unit to act on the diaphragm, wherein the valve body and the diaphragm are made of plastic. Two mutually independent seals are provided for sealing the fluid medium with respect to the outside, wherein the valve body and the diaphragm are welded to each other, and the diaphragm is mechanically sealed between the drive unit, or an intermediate piece, and the valve body. |
| US09470320B1 |
Ball valve assembly
Described herein is an improved ball valve assembly for use in a tank or a tank-like container. This improved ball valve assembly prevents leakage of a liquid with corrosive and abrasive contaminants within the tank or a tank like container. This improved ball valve assembly is especially useful in a railroad tank car that contains a liquid commodity in whenever a tank is mobile and subjected to wide temperature variations. The improved ball valve assembly contains a ball component made of a ceramic material. A ceramic wiper (i) mechanically seals against the ball component and (ii) prevents contaminants from embedding within, or otherwise abrading, top and bottom seats within the ball valve assembly. Also contained in the preferred embodiment of this invention is an improved drive coupling that (i) eliminates the previously existing need for custom square drive tool (ii) pre-attached to the ball valve assembly. The current invention also includes an improved stem packing assembly that reduces the number of annular components along the stem of the ball valve assembly. |
| US09470319B2 |
Gate valve with linkage structure
A gate valve with linkage structure includes at least a power cylinder, a valve body having a valve opening; a gate assembly in the valve body, having a main gate board and an air-tight gate board neighborly disposed, and connected with one end of the air-tight gate board by at least one parallel linkage; and at least a press bar, with one end pivotally connected to the air-tight gate board and the other end extending to form a press end. A linkage bar is pivotally connected to the press bar and also pivotally connected to the main gate board. Therefore, the gate assembly is driven to seal the valve opening; the air-tight gate board moves away from the main gate board with the linkage function; a sealing force is generated to keep the air-tightness between the air-tight gate board and the valve opening. |
| US09470318B2 |
Eccentric valve and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is an eccentric valve and a manufacturing method thereof. The eccentric valve has a tri-offset structure, and comprises: a valve body, a valve seat, a valve unit, a valve stem and a seal. The disc-shaped valve unit is disposed in a through hole centered in the valve body. The valve stem penetrates shaft holes on the valve unit and the valve body. Rotating the valve stem causes rotation of the valve unit for closing/opening the through hole. The valve seat is mounted on the inner surface of the through hole, and the seal is mounted on the outer surface of the valve unit. When the through hole is closed, the valve seat and the seal are mutually engaged. The inner surface of the valve seat is part of an oblique cone. The seal is a centrosymmetric ring, of which the outer surface is cambered. |
| US09470315B2 |
Modular seal support system
A seal support system, or a kit therefor, for use with a sealing device to seal a piece of industrial equipment, includes a stand with fixed support elements for accommodating selected functional components with different sizes of components being accommodated by differently sized pipework elements. The stand has one or more substantially fixed brackets with each bracket having a component securing device at predetermined longitudinal space intervals. |
| US09470314B2 |
Rubber gasket for fuel cell
A rubber gasket for a fuel cell is interposed between a first member and a second member stacked in the fuel cell. The fuel cell includes: a seat portion arranged on a surface of the first member; and a lip portion that includes a first hill portion projecting from the seat portion toward the second member and having a curved surface with a first curvature radius and a second hill portion projecting from the first hill portion toward the second member and having a curved surface with a second curvature radius smaller than the first curvature radius, and that makes elastic contact with the second member. The seat portion includes a planar inclined surface inclined with respect to the surface direction at a connecting portion leading to a bottom of the first hill portion. |
| US09470309B2 |
Vehicle transmission controller
The present invention executes a desired gear shift of an automatic transmission using gear shift modeling even when there are three control inputs to two target gear shift values. Setting torque share ratio as a constraint on the equation of motion for the automatic transmission is suitable for controlling the transfer of engaging unit torque, which is considered to be difficult in variable speed control, and allows solving of the equation of motion. Viewed from a different angle, because the torque share ratio, which represents the torque transfer, has been set as a constraint, any gear shift pattern can be handled with a single gear shift model. |
| US09470307B2 |
Method for operating a vehicle drive train
A method of operating a vehicle drive-train including a drive engine, a transmission device and a drive output. At least one shifting element is provided in the transmission, whose transmission capacity for obtaining an operating condition of the transmission device can at least, in part, be continuously varied. During overdrive operation of the drive-train, torque present at the output can be supported at least partially by the transmission device in the area of the drive engine. During overdrive operation, the transmission capacity of one of the transmission shifting elements, which to obtain the current operating condition of the transmission device is essentially at least approximately zero, is set to a value at which at least part of the torque present at the drive output can be supported in the area of the transmission device, and the rotational speed of the drive engine has a value below a predefined limit value. |
| US09470306B2 |
Rotation position detection mechanism for trunnion axis
The invention is provided with an operation lever one end side of which is supported by the trunnion axis so as to be incapable of relative rotation and which is configured to be capable of rotating the trunnion axis, a follower lever a middle portion of which is supported by the trunnion axis so as to be capable of free relative rotation, and a detection switch. For the operation lever, a link for operating the operating lever is connected to the middle portion thereof so that, when rotated by the link, the other side end portion of the operating lever comes into tactile contact with other side end portion of the follower lever so as to rotate the follower lever in order to on/off the detection switch. |
| US09470305B2 |
Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines
Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines, such as lawnmowers and similar powered machines, can include a control lever with a lever arm that is selectively pivotable with respect to a machine handle between a first angular position at which a grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle by a first angle and a second angular position at which the control lever is proximate to the handle to control the working machine to be in one of a range of operating states corresponding to the angular position of the control lever. A control lever adjustment system is configured to selectively adjust the first angle to adjust a total possible angular travel of the control lever between the first angular position and the second angular position. In this way, an operator can set a range of operating states of the working machine. |
| US09470300B2 |
Method and device at a vehicle differential brake
In a driveline in a front wheel drive vehicle the distribution of drive torque to the drive wheels (1) via a differential (6) is controlled by means of a differential brake with a hydraulically controlled limited slip clutch (7). A low preparatory hydraulic pressure is applied to the clutch at the occurrence of any one of certain predetermined driving situations for decreasing the response time for the clutch. |
| US09470298B2 |
Straight tracking control system for a machine with a dual path electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission
The straight tracking control system can use a control method to achieve a desired straight motion of a machine with a dual path electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission. In the control method, the first drive system, e.g., the left or right drive system, pump solenoid current can be modified based on first and second drive system velocity feedback when the machine is commanded to move in a straight line path in the forward or reverse direction. A memory latching concept is used to latch the straight tracking factor at the initiation of and during the turn so the same straight tracking factor is used throughout the turn. The straight tracking factor is unlatched at the completion of a turn after a specific time delay and a new straight tracking factor can be calculated. The straight tracking method also utilizes transmission fluid temperature and utilizes additional fluid reserve in order to maintain straight machine movement. |
| US09470297B2 |
Lower anterior resection 90 degree instrument
An articulating surgical instrument is disclosed, and includes an end effector and a drive assembly operably coupled with the end effector. The end effector includes a first drive shaft defining a first axis, and a second drive shaft operably engaged with and extending away from the first drive shaft. The second drive shaft is operably coupled with the end effector and defines a second axis, the second axis different from the first axis. The first drive shaft and the second drive shaft are pivotably arranged such that the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft are configured to transition between a first, substantially straight arrangement and a second, substantially perpendicular arrangement. |
| US09470294B2 |
Power transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle
A power transmission system of a hybrid vehicle includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a first rotational shaft, a second rotational shaft, a third rotational shaft, a fourth rotational shaft, a fifth rotational shaft, a sixth rotational shaft, a seventh rotational shaft, and three friction elements selectively connecting the rotational shafts to each other or selectively connecting the respective rotational shafts and the transmission housing such that the power transmission system can suppress conversion to an ENG mode by providing sufficient power performance upon wide open throttle (WOT) launching and maximally use power of an engine upon conversion to a first HEV mode and a third HEV mode. |
| US09470293B1 |
Multi-speed transmission
The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. |
| US09470291B2 |
Production feasible pendulum crankshaft
A pendulum absorber fixed to the crankshaft of an engine comprises a pendulum and a pendulum carrier attached to the pendulum carrier attachment boss of the crankshaft. Each pendulum carrier has a pair of parallel ears extending therefrom. The carrier is tightly attached to the attachment boss such that the attachment boss is captured between the ears of the carrier. Attachment of the pendulum carrier to the sides of the attachment boss allows for feasibility in production, unlike known arrangements which require attachment of the pendulum carrier to the top of the crankshaft web. The fastener may be a pair of pressed-in pins, a single shrink-fit pin, shoulder bolts, Z-Form™ fastener assemblies, or rivets. Regardless of the type of fastener used, the side attachment arrangement of the disclosed inventive concept is sufficient to carry the load in sheer and prevent the pendulum assemblies from moving relative to the crankshaft. |
| US09470290B2 |
Torque coupler
A torque coupler includes an input side and an output side, which are situated rotatably around an axis of rotation, and in addition an intermediate plate for coupling with the input side, an output flange for coupling with the output side, a spring damper for coupling the intermediate plate with the output flange, and a centrifugal force pendulum having a pendulum flange and a pendulum mass. Here the pendulum flange extends between a first area, in which the pendulum flange is attached to the intermediate plate, and a second area, in which the pendulum mass is attached to the pendulum flange. The output flange has a cutout, through which a section of the pendulum flange which connects the two areas runs. |
| US09470289B2 |
Vibration isolating device
A torque rod includes a rod main body, a first bushing and a second bushing. The rod main body is made of resin and provided integral with a first ring section and a second ring section on each end of an arm section. A first rib extends from the arm section to a front lateral surface of the second ring section. In a plan view, a second rib is provided to overlap with the first rib. The first rib projects forwardly of and in the left and right directions of the second rib. This projecting portion forms an enlarged diameter portion. Due to this enlarged diameter portion, an area of the first rib is made larger than an area of the second rib thereby to increase a rigidity of a forward side of the second ring. |
| US09470288B2 |
Vibration mitigation device
A vibration mitigation device configured to be fixedly coupled to a generally horizontally extending support member. The vibration mitigation device includes a generally vertically extending housing extending from the generally horizontally extending support member and a reciprocating assembly coupled with and fully enclosed inside of the generally vertically extending housing. |
| US09470282B2 |
Electro-mechanical brake
Provided is an electro-mechanical brake having a wear compensation function including a carrier fixed to a vehicle body, a brake disk rotatably installed in a wheel of a vehicle, a pad unit including an inner pad disposed on one side of the disk and an outer pad disposed on the other side of the disk, a moving unit configured to move the pad unit in a direction toward the disk, and a wear compensating unit installed between the carrier and the moving unit and moving the pad unit in the direction toward the disk through the moving unit when the pad unit wears in order to maintain the corresponding state, wherein a distance between the pad unit and the disk is maintained within a predetermined distance by the wear compensating unit. |
| US09470281B2 |
Assembly device for parking cable
An assembly device for a parking cable may include: a driving cable part having one end connected to a driving unit; a braking cable part having one end connected to a braking unit; a first coupling part coupled to the other end of the driving cable part; and a second coupling part coupled to the other end of the braking cable part and screw-coupled to the first coupling part. A distance between the other end of the driving cable part and the other end of the braking cable part may be adjusted according to the extent to which the first and second coupling parts are screwed coupled to each other. |
| US09470279B2 |
Dry clutch control method for vehicle
A dry clutch control apparatus may include a vibration component extractor configured to generate a virtual target input shaft speed from a wheel speed and detect a vibration component based on a difference between an actually measured input shaft speed and the virtual target input shaft speed; and a feedback controller configured to feedback-apply as an anti judder control input a clutch control torque corresponding to only an amplitude in any one direction from a center of an amplitude of the vibration component recognized in the vibration component extractor. |
| US09470276B2 |
Bi-directional actuator for a motor vehicle drive train
A bi-directional actuator for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The actuator includes a first axially stationary part; a second axially stationary part; an activation part between the first axially stationary part and the second axially stationary part, the activation part being axially movable to alternately contact the first axially stationary part and the second axially stationary part; and an actuation part engaging the first axially stationary part and the second axially stationary part, contact between the activation part and the first axially stationary part causing the first axially stationary part to force the actuation part in a first axial direction, contact between the activation part and the second axially stationary part causing the second axially stationary part to force the actuation part in a second axial direction. |
| US09470272B2 |
Torque limiter responsive to output torque
A torque limiter limits transmission of torque between an input shaft an output shaft. The torque limiter may be incorporated in a geared rotary actuator for actuating an aircraft control surface. The torque limiter is responsive to output torque associated with the output shaft instead of input torque associated with the input shaft. The torque limiter includes a structural ground and a gear assembly for transmitting rotational motion of the input shaft to the output shaft. The gear assembly includes a reference gear coupled to the structural ground such that movement of the reference gear relative to the structural ground is dependent upon an output torque at the output shaft. The reference gear is stationary relative to the structural ground when the output torque is below an output torque limit, and the reference gear moves relative the structural ground when the output torque exceeds the output torque limit. |
| US09470269B2 |
Hydraulic power unit
A hydraulic power unit comprising a rear face and a front face spaced from one another includes an air inlet configured to receive air into the unit, and an air outlet configured to expel the air received into the unit. The hydraulic power unit further includes controls configured to provide a user interface. The controls and the air inlet are located on the front face, and the air outlet is located on the rear face. A coupler for a hydraulic power unit, configured to couple a drive shaft of the unit to a pump shaft of a hydraulic pump, includes a first aperture configured to receive the drive shaft, a second aperture configured to receive the pump shaft, and a hub configured to be received in a fan. The hub is configured to fixedly couple to the fan so that the fan is driven by the drive shaft. |
| US09470268B2 |
Pivot assembly bearing device and magnetic head actuator using the same
A ball bearing (rolling bearing) containing lubricant sealed therein is provided between a shaft and a sleeve. A labyrinth seal (seal gap) is provided at an end portion of the shaft or the sleeve in the axial direction. A permanent magnet is disposed such that a magnetic pole is located in proximity to the labyrinth seal. A magnetic seal effect that utilizes diamagnetism acting on evaporating oil is provided at the labyrinth seal. |
| US09470267B2 |
Sliding component
A positive pressure generating mechanism comprising a positive pressure generating groove is provided to a high-pressure side of one of two sliding surfaces that slide relative to each other in a pair of sliding components, and a negative pressure generating mechanism comprising a negative pressure generating groove is provided to a low-pressure side. The positive pressure generating groove and negative pressure generating groove are communicated with a high-pressure fluid side and separated from a low-pressure fluid side by a seal surface. |
| US09470265B2 |
Slide bearing device
A slide bearing device, includes an inner ring-shaped internal element, an intermediate element that encloses the internal element in the radial direction of the slide bearing device and is at least approximately ring-shaped, and a ring-shaped external element that encloses the intermediate element in the radial direction. The internal element is rotatable relative to the external element, and the intermediate element is rotatable relative to the internal element and relative to the external element. In a default state of the slide bearing device, the internal element is arranged at a distance to the intermediate element in the radial direction of the slide bearing device, and the intermediate element is arranged at a distance to the external element. The internal element and the external element are made of a metallic material and the intermediate element with a non-metallic material. |
| US09470263B2 |
Squeeze film damper
A bearing for a gas turbine engine may comprise a squeeze film damper. A bearing housing may comprise a roughened surface. The roughened surface may increase friction between the bearing housing and the oil in the squeeze film damper. The increased friction may increase the damping force in the squeeze film damper. The increased damping force may prevent oil inertia, and prevent resonant vibrations. |
| US09470262B2 |
Bearing arrangement and method
A bearing arrangement comprises: first and second thrust bearings, each including an inner race which is disposed on a shaft and an outer race which is supported by at least one resilient element. Applying a shaft thrust load elastically deforms the resilient elements so as to axially displace the respective outer races in order that the thrust load is shared between the first and second thrust bearings. |
| US09470254B2 |
Combination having an anchor for panel-like components, and a fixing arrangement
The invention relates to the fixing of a natural ashlar panel to a substructure with an anchor having an internal thread. The invention proposes that the corresponding blind hole be drilled to residual wall thickness R and the anchor be set in a recessed position. The natural ashlar panels with the anchors can thus be transported to the building site in the form of a compact stack. At the building site, a bolt having a stop element is mounted, which stop element is supported on the anchor. At the opposite end the substructure is clamped against the stop element. In that way, the distance of the outer surface of the natural ashlar panel from the substructure is constant even in the event of varying thicknesses D of the natural ashlar panels. As a result, laborious adjustment work is avoided. |
| US09470253B2 |
Fitting for suction cup and suction cup
Push-on fitting (10) for a push-on suction cup (20) for a conveyor belt (30) for transporting or lifting goods, which push-on fitting (10) comprises a base disc (12) having a front side (11) and a rear side (13) and being adapted to be mounted in a hole (32) of the conveyor belt (30), said base disc (12) having a hole (15) for through airflow and being provided with a hollow push-on snap fitting pin (14) for through airflow, said pin (14) extending outwardly essentially perpendicular to the front side (11) and adapted to receive a push-on suction cup (20), wherein the snap fitting pin (14) comprises at least a pair of axial slots (16) adapted to provide at least a pair of flexible tongues (14a, 14b) formed in an end (17) of the pin (14) and in that the flexible tongues comprise a concentric snap fitting rim (18) having a variable diameter (D1), that can be varied by an end (19) part of the flexible tongues (14a, 14b) being acted upon, for receiving the push-on suction cup (20) provided with a washer (22) having a mounting hole (23) with a diameter (D2) smaller than a largest diameter (D1) of the rim (14c). |
| US09470252B2 |
Stackable fastener
A hybrid stackable fastener is provided for mounting to a substrate having a threaded hole. The hybrid stackable fastener is constructed to support stackable fasteners not having a threaded element. The hybrid stackable fastener has a body having a central bore defining a central axis. The central bore is tapered so as to have a diameter smaller at the bore's proximal end than toward its distal end. The hybrid stackable fastener further includes a bolt having a screw thread which extends distally from the body's central bore. Preferably, the fastener includes a plurality of spokes which radially project from the body so as to support a concentric ring. |
| US09470251B1 |
Water activation device
A chamber directs water over blades that create a vortex. The blades are encased in a copper cage. Water passes a gold plated baffle as the entrance of the cage and exits through a silver plated baffle. Ceramic balls are positioned between the cage and the walls of the chamber. Movement of fluid through the vortex and around the ceramic balls activates and structures the water. |
| US09470249B2 |
Cylinder
A cylinder includes a cylinder body assembly, a cylinder rod assembly, and a piston assembly. The cylinder body assembly includes a cylinder body. The cylinder body defines a receiving chamber. The cylinder rod assembly includes a rod fixed with the cylinder body. The rod includes an inclined resisting surface. The piston assembly includes a piston, a piston rod, and one or more resisting member. The piston is slidably received in the receiving chamber and sleeved on the rod. The piston rod protrudes from the piston and extending out from the receiving chamber. The piston rod is sleeved on the rod, and defines a through hole. The resisting member is movably mounted in the through hole. The piston and the piston rod slide relative to the rod, which enable the resisting surface to resist the resisting member to be partially exposed from the through hole. |
| US09470246B1 |
Hydraulic actuation system for work machine
A hydraulic system for a loader backhoe work machine in which a propulsion system has a limited output and the pressure relief for the hydraulic actuation system is at a first level for the loader function in which the machine is moved on the ground and a second higher pressure relief for when the backhoe function is being performed. |
| US09470243B2 |
Guide vane attachment structure and fan
A guide vane attachment structure including a first fitting portion formed in a vane joint surface of a guide vane, a support member whose constituent material is a metal is integrally connected to a fan frame, and a second fitting portion to be fitted to the first fitting portion formed in a support joint surface of the support member. |
| US09470238B2 |
Electric motor having segmented stator windings
A turbocompressor system including a high speed motor (10) including a rotor (12) mounted in a rotative manner relative to the stator, wherein on the rotor (12) one or more impellers (11) are directly fixed, the stator including active motor structures and a shell (7), including a ferromagnetic stator core (6) and a winding being constructed as toroidally wound coils (5), the shell (7) is constructed in such a manner as to create additional open space between the stator core (6) and the shell (7), constituting a cooling channel (15) through which process gas is passed axially for directly cooling the active motor structures and the rotor (12), prior to compression by the one or more impellers (11). |
| US09470235B2 |
Vacuum pump
A vacuum pump comprises an exhaust portion having a plurality of rotating blade portions arranged in multiple stages, each of the rotating blade portions having a plurality of rotor blades, and a plurality of stationary blade portions arranged between the rotating blade portions, in which outer circumferential rims are supported via spacers, each of the stationary blade portions having a plurality of stator blades. In at least one stationary blade portion among the plurality of stationary blade portions, a blade height on the inner circumferential side of the plurality of stator blades provided in the stationary blade portion is set to be smaller than a blade height on the outer circumferential side, and the stationary blade portion is supported by the spacers in such a manner that the inner circumferential side of the stationary blade portion is floated up toward an intake port side. |
| US09470234B2 |
Compressor housing bearing and seal
A compressor housing for an air cycle machine includes an inlet and an outlet. The compressor housing additionally includes a plurality of ribs that extend generally perpendicularly from a surface of the compressor housing. Formed within an internal region of the compressor housing is a bearing support structure. The bearing support structure receives and limits the axial movement of a bearing, seal and at least one O-ring. |
| US09470230B2 |
Refrigerant compressor and refrigeration cycle apparatus using the same
A refrigerant compressor includes a sealed case, which contains a compression mechanism, a motor part, and an oil reservoir formed in a lower portion. An oil supply pipe links the oil reservoir and a suction side of the compression mechanism and introduces oil in the oil reservoir to the suction side. The amount of oil supply provided to the suction side is adjusted by detecting the rotational speed of the motor part, such that the amount of oil supply provided to the suction side of the oil supply pipe decreases as the rotational speed of the motor part increases. |
| US09470228B2 |
Multiple segment lobe pump
Designs for multiple segment lobe pumps are shown. The designs include pumps using rotors having two lobes to a plurality of lobes and segments that include two segments to a plurality of segments. Designs for both vertical or straight walled conventional lobed rotors as well as helical lobe rotors are shown. The designs are applicable to a variety of rotors and number of segments. In one particular case the designs enable a three lobe helical pump. |
| US09470227B2 |
Internal gear pump including a separating piece
An internal gear pump for a slip-controlled hydraulic vehicle braking system has a pinion, an internal gear and a separating piece which is arranged between the pinion and the internal gear. The internal gear pump also has an inner part and an outer part, and separates a suction chamber from a pressure chamber. The separating piece is configured to protrude counter to a rotational direction of the internal gear pump beyond a sealing point of the inner part on the outer part such that the inner part and the outer part bear in front of the sealing point against at least one tooth tip of a tooth of the pinion and of the internal gear of the internal gear pump. As a result, tilting of the inner part and of the outer part away from the pinion and from the internal gear about the sealing point is avoided. |
| US09470226B2 |
Multi-part valve assembly
The present invention discloses a multi-component valve system for use in pumps such as fracking pumps for use in subterranean resource production. The assembly includes a retaining pin, a guide on the retaining pin, a valve on the retaining pin, an insert on the retaining pin, a retainer above the insert on the retaining pin, and a retainer cap inertia welded to the end of the retaining pin. In a particular embodiment, the guide component is stamped and folded to create the desired shape. |
| US09470223B2 |
Method for monitoring a linear compressor
A method for monitoring a linear compressor is provided. The method includes determining a velocity dependent induced voltage in a driving coil of the linear compressor, extracting a higher order harmonic from the velocity dependent induced voltage, and establishing that a piston of the linear compressor is crashing if the higher order harmonic is greater than a reference value. |
| US09470222B2 |
Peristaltic pump and an adjustment mechanism
This invention concerns peristaltic pumps and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a compression force imposed on a hose. The adjustment mechanism includes at least a gear unit and a counterpart for the gear unit. The counterpart is operatively coupled to a rotor, wherein the gear unit in cooperation with the counterpart are configured to adjust a gap between the rotor outer surface and the pump cavity inner perimeter. |
| US09470221B2 |
Peristaltic hose pump
A method for generating a flow by a peristaltic hose pump, a generated fluid pressure being limited to 500 mbar and being achieved and maintained without a pressure measurement during operation of the pump. A length of a flexible and elastic pump segment of a hose is adjusted such that, while a roller wheel is stationary, and while the segment is guided under tension around the roller wheel, and when applying a fluid pressure in the range from 10 to 400 mbar to one end of the pump segment, a backflow leakage in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the roller wheel is created, and a flow of the fluid of at least 0.01 l/min through the pump segment is obtained, taking into account the backflow leakage. The distance of fixing points of each end of the pump segment to the roller wheel rotation axis is fixed. |
| US09470216B2 |
Method for reducing permeability of downhole motor protector bags
A method for applying a metalized polymer film to a seal bag for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes the steps of applying a metal layer to a polymer layer, applying an adhesive layer to the polymer layer, and rolling the adhesive layer onto a substrate of the seal bag. The method may also include the steps of rotating a first roller, which is located above the polymer layer of the metalized polymer film, and rotating a second roller, which is located on an interior surface of the substrate of the seal bag, in the opposite direction of the first roller. Also disclosed is a downhole pumping system that incorporates a seal bag manufactured from these techniques. |
| US09470211B2 |
Power control system and method of controlling the same
A power control system provides an output power control for a generator. The power control system includes a power conversion unit, a sensing unit, a load-dumping unit, and a control unit. The power conversion unit receives and converts a current and a voltage, generated from the generator, to supply a load. The sensing unit receives the current and the voltage to produce a current signal and a voltage signal. The load-dumping unit is connected to the generator and the power conversion unit. The control units receives the current signal and the voltage signal, produces a current control signal to control the power conversion unit, and generates a voltage control signal to control the load-dumping so as to control the output power of the generator. |
| US09470208B2 |
Wind turbine and locking method
A method of locking a rotor of a wind turbine, the method including positioning of the rotor in a locking position; applying a rotor lock; forcing the rotor to turn in a first direction; and, applying a rotor brake. |
| US09470205B2 |
Wind turbine blades with layered, multi-component spars, and associated systems and methods
Wind turbine blades with layered, multi-component spars, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A wind turbine blade system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first blade segment having a first spar element that includes first planks having a first thickness and a first plank composition, and a second blade segment having a second spar element that includes second planks having a second thickness and a second plank composition different than the first plank composition. The second blade segment is joined to the first blade segment at a joint, and, in particular embodiments, an overall product of thickness and elastic modulus of the first planks is approximately equal to an overall product of thickness and elastic modulus for the second planks. |
| US09470202B2 |
Control apparatus of an ignition spark plug and engine electronic ignition system having open secondary protection
A control apparatus of an engine ignition spark plug includes a switch having a control terminal and an output terminal connected to an external transformer. The switch assumes a closed state for supplying energy to the transformer, and an open state for the transformer to supply energy to the spark plug. A measuring module measures a time duration where, in the open state, a voltage at the output terminal of the switch decreases from a first value to a second value. A detecting module detects an operating condition of the spark plug based on comparing the measured time duration to a time threshold, and to generate a detecting signal based on the comparing. |
| US09470201B2 |
Composite silicon or composite tin particles
The specification relates to a composite particle for storing lithium. The composite particle is used in an electrochemical cell. The composite particle includes a metal oxide on the surface of the composite particle, a major dimension that is approximately less than or equal to 40 microns and a formula of MM′Z, wherein M is from the group of Si and Sn, M′ is from a group of Mn, Mg, Al, Mo, Bronze, Be, Ti, Cu, Ce, Li, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Zr, K, and Na, and Z is from the group of O, Cl, P, C, S, H, and F. |
| US09470199B2 |
Multi-contactor device for controlling electric starter
A starter for an internal combustion engine, comprising: an electric motor; a drive assembly including a pinion movable between a free position and a meshed position, wherein the pinion is rotatably linked to the electric motor and the internal combustion engine; an electric switching device including a main actuator capable, when engaged, of moving and holding a plunger, in position, the plunger being linked with the movement of the pinion between the free position and the meshed position, by means of a lever; a means connected to the plunger, which is capable of establishing electrical power contact between the electric motor and a power source when the pinion is in the meshed position; and including an auxiliary actuator capable, when engaged, of opening the power contact and a means for separately controlling the main actuator and the auxiliary actuator. |
| US09470198B2 |
Valve for metering fluid
A valve for metering fluid having a valve assembly which meters the fluid, and a hydraulic coupler assigned to the valve assembly. The coupler has a housing cup having a cup bottom, cup wall and cup opening; a piston is guided inside the housing cup in axially displaceable manner and delimits a fluid-filled coupler gap in the direction of the cup bottom and delimits an annular gap in the direction of the cup wall; and a cap-shaped diaphragm having a cap bottom and cap shell, which covers the annular gap at the cup opening by the cap bottom and overlaps the cup wall of the housing cup by the cap shell, and is fixed in place at the piston and cup wall in fluid-tight manner. |
| US09470197B2 |
Fuel injector having turbulence-reducing sac
A nozzle for a fuel injector is disclosed. The nozzle may have an internal axial nozzle bore. The nozzle may also have at least one orifice passing from the nozzle bore radially outward through a wall of the nozzle at a tip end. Further, the nozzle may have a sac volume formed in the tip end and defined by a bore radius and a tip radius. The bore radius may be generally perpendicular to the central bore. The tip radius may be generally parallel to the central bore. The tip radius may be less than the bore radius. |
| US09470188B2 |
Failure detection device for exhaust recirculation apparatus of engine with supercharger
In an engine with a supercharger, a low pressure loop EGR apparatus includes a EGR passage to allow part of exhaust gas discharged from a combustion chamber of the engine to an exhaust passage to flow as EGR gas in an intake passage to return to the combustion chamber, and a EGR valve to regulate a flow of EGR gas in the EGR passage. The EGR passage has an inlet connected to the exhaust passage downstream of a turbine and an outlet connected to the intake passage upstream of a compressor. An ECU controls the EGR valve while the engine is in a predetermined operating condition, and determines whether or not the EGR valve is failed based on changes in intake amount in the intake passage during control of the EGR valve. |
| US09470185B2 |
Engine-off natural vacuum testing for variable displacement engine vehicles
A method, comprising: adjusting an evaporative emissions leak test parameter based on a ratio of cylinder run time of a deactivatable cylinder of an engine, to vehicle run time; and indicating degradation based on the adjusted parameter. The adjusted parameter may thus more accurately reflect the state of a vehicle configured to run with one or more cylinders deactivated. In this way, the evaporative emissions leak test may realize improved robustness and performance metrics, thus reducing warranty costs associated with poor test metrics. |
| US09470181B2 |
Sealed shunt wire for a fluid pump
A fluid pump includes a hollow housing, an electric motor having an armature with a commutator, a pump section rotationally coupled to the electric motor for receiving fuel at a relatively low pressure through a fuel inlet and pressurizing the fuel to a relatively high pressure, a motor brush is in electrical contact with the commutator and including a shunt wire extending therefrom, and an end cap that closes one end of the housing and defines a high pressure chamber with the housing. The end cap includes a hollow brush tower extending therefrom and defining a brush holder slidably receiving the motor brush therein such that the brush holder defines in part the high pressure chamber. The end cap also includes an aperture with the shunt wire extending therethrough such that the shunt wire is sealed with the aperture to prevent the fuel from passing therethrough. |
| US09470176B2 |
Bore bridge and cylinder cooling
An engine includes a cylinder block having first and second passages intersecting a block face on opposed sides of a bore bridge defining a bore bridge cooling passage. A cylinder head has third and fourth passages intersecting a head face. The first and fourth passages are opposed from one another. A gasket is placed between the block and the head. The gasket adapted to fluidly connect the first and fourth passages via the bore bridge cooling passage, and cover the second passage. |
| US09470172B2 |
Fuel injection apparatus
An individual difference index is obtained based on the slope of variation ratios between a plurality of actual injection quantity and a target injection quantity. The individual difference index is stored as a learning value. An individual difference correction of the fuel injector is conducted based on the individual difference index. By using the individual difference index, a shot-dispersion is removed and individual-difference correction of the fuel injector can be conducted. |
| US09470170B2 |
Fuel injection device for engine of motorcycle
A motorcycle engine having cylinders arranged in parallel in a vehicle width direction, an air cleaner, a fuel tank arranged above the engine to cover the air cleaner, and a fuel injection device. The fuel injection device includes an electronic control throttle body unit electrically controlling a throttle body of the engine; an intake passage of down draft intake structure connecting the air cleaner and a combustion chamber of the engine in each of the cylinders; fuel injectors provided at the intake passage including a first fuel injector located on an intake downstream side and a second fuel injector located on an intake upstream side; and a drive motor of the electronic control throttle body unit arranged between the intake passage and the fuel tank and arranged on a same side as the first fuel injector and the second fuel injector and between the first and second fuel injectors. |
| US09470168B2 |
Apparatus and method for diagnosing deterioration of oxygen sensor of vehicle
A method of diagnosing deterioration of an oxygen sensor of a vehicle may include detecting a first exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) amount by a mass air flow (MAF) sensor, detecting a second EGR amount by the oxygen sensor, comparing a first difference between the first EGR amount and the second EGR amount with a first predetermined value in a first predetermined operating region, and determining that the oxygen sensor may be in danger of the deterioration when the first difference between the first EGR amount and the second EGR amount may be greater than or equal to the first predetermined value in the first predetermined operating region. |
| US09470167B2 |
System and method for estimating high-pressure fuel leakage in a common rail fuel system
A system and method for measuring fuel pressure decreases in a fuel accumulator of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system includes the ability to stop a fuel flow to a fuel accumulator of the engine. Pressure signals are transmitted to a control system of the engine until the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator drops by a predetermined amount, at which time fuel flow is re-enabled. The pressure signals are then analyzed to determine the amount or quantity of fuel delivered by each fuel injector. The system and method maintain engine and emissions performance by limiting the amount of fuel pressure decrease in the fuel accumulator. |
| US09470166B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
EGR gas quantity information, which indicates a quantity of the EGR gas flowing into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, is obtained by an ECU. A combustion stop delay control operation, which delays execution of a combustion stop control operation, is executed by the ECU when the quantity of the EGR gas flowing into the cylinder is larger than a normal combustion determination threshold value. When the quantity of the EGR gas flowing into the cylinder becomes equal to or smaller than the normal combustion determination threshold value, the combustion stop control operation is enabled by the ECU. |
| US09470160B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
It is intended to suppress formation of any excessive rich air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture caused by adhered fuel on an inner wall surface of an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. A throttle valve driving unit is controlled so that if a variation amount of decrease in output of the internal combustion engine exceeds a predetermined variation amount when the output of the internal combustion engine is smaller than a predetermined output in a non-warm-up state in which the temperature of the internal combustion engine is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, then an opening degree of the throttle valve becomes a predetermined increased opening degree which is increased as compared with a standard opening degree as an opening degree of the throttle valve to be provided if the variation amount does not exceed the predetermined variation amount. Further, the electric power generated by a generator is stored in an electricity storage apparatus corresponding to increase in output of the internal combustion engine based on an amount of increase from the standard opening degree to the predetermined increased opening degree. |
| US09470159B2 |
Method for determining an amount of fresh air in a cylinder of an internal combustion ENGINE
A method for determining the proportion of gaseous working medium in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine includes opening an injector so as to feed fuel directly into the cylinder. The injector is connected to a fuel line in which a pressure sensor is arranged. The pressure in the fuel line is measured when the injector is open. The proportion of gaseous working medium in the cylinder is determined in conjunction with an association between the measured pressure in the fuel line when the injector is open and the proportion of gaseous working medium in the cylinder. |
| US09470152B2 |
Engine fuel control system
An engine fuel control system includes a metering valve to control fuel flow between the supply and delivery line with a pressure drop control regulating the pressure across the valve and maintain a substantially constant pressure across the valve. The fuel control system includes a backup system controllable by a pullback signal to operate the pressure control, thus increasing the pullback signal reducing the fuel flow between the supply and delivery line. The fuel control system detects a start of an engine overthrust event, and when the upward runaway is caused by the arrested overthrust event. The fuel control system's controller which (i) determines the overthrust detection, the pullback signal increase rate and the pullback signal offset, (ii) sends the pullback signal to the backup system at the rate of increase, and (iii), reduces the pullback signal to the backup system when the upward runaway is arrested by the offset. |
| US09470151B2 |
Alignment system and methodology to account for variation in a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a bushing that is non-round in cross-section, the bushing receivable within an aperture. A fastener passes through the bushing to retain a second component to a third component with respect to the first component. |
| US09470149B2 |
Turbine inlet air heat pump-type system
A heating and cooling system for inlet air of a turbine compressor. The heating and cooling system may include a thermal energy storage tank charging loop, a cooling loop in communication with the thermal energy storage charging loop, and a heating loop in communication with the cooling loop and the inlet air of the turbine compressor. |
| US09470148B2 |
Non-combustion energy source and configuration for brayton cycle heat engines
A Brayton cycle heat engine includes a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine. The Brayton cycle heat engine also includes a heat exchanger positioned at least partially within the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger is configured to deliver thermal energy to the combustion chamber from an external source, heating air entering the combustion chamber from the compressor, where the air exits the combustion chamber and drives the turbine. |
| US09470145B2 |
System and method for heating fuel in a combined cycle gas turbine
A system for heating fuel in a combined cycle gas turbine includes a fuel heat exchanger downstream from a turbine outlet, and the fuel heat exchanger has an exhaust gas inlet, an exhaust gas outlet, a fuel inlet, and a fuel outlet. A first exhaust gas plenum has a first exhaust gas inlet connection between the turbine outlet and a heat exchanger and a first exhaust gas outlet connection upstream from the exhaust gas inlet. A second exhaust gas plenum has a second exhaust gas inlet connection downstream from at least a portion of the heat exchanger and a second exhaust gas outlet connection upstream from the exhaust gas inlet. |
| US09470143B2 |
Work apparatus having a braking arrangement
A work apparatus has a work tool and a combustion engine for driving the work tool and further includes a start enrichment device for the combustion engine. The start enrichment device has a start position and is actuated via an operating mode selector. The work apparatus has a braking arrangement which brakes the work tool in the actuated position and releases the work tool in the unactuated position, and also an actuating device for the braking arrangement. To ensure that the start position can only be engaged when the braking arrangement is actuated, the work apparatus has a blocking device which prevents engagement of the start position in a blocking position. The braking arrangement is coupled to the blocking device such that the blocking device is in the blocking position with the braking arrangement in the unactuated position. |
| US09470140B2 |
Electric supercharger, assembling method of the same, and internal combustion engine
It is intended to implement an electric supercharger that has a simplified architecture, is easy to assemble, produces reduced vibration and noise, and has a motor inverter, making it possible to minimize losses in motor output and rotary-shaft output. The electric supercharger is provided with the following: an integrated housing with a built-in electric motor and motor inverter; and a ball bearing and damper-sleeve structure arranged on both sides of the electric motor. The damper-sleeve structure comprises a large-diameter sleeve, a spring guide, a coil spring, and a ball bearing. A gap is formed between the ball bearings and a sleeve and the large-diameter sleeve. The inner ring or outer ring of the ball bearings are supported by various support members disposed on both sides. An elastic O-ring that elastically supports the sleeve and large-diameter sleeve is provided on the outside of the sleeves. |
| US09470138B2 |
Coolant circulation system for engine
A coolant circulation system for an engine includes a cylinder block passage and a cylinder head passage, which are provided respectively in a cylinder block portion and a cylinder head portion of the engine. These two passages serve as passages through which a coolant flows to cool the cylinder block portion and the cylinder head portion. The cylinder block passage and the cylinder head passage are connected in parallel to each other. The coolant circulation system further includes a first heat exchanger connected to the cylinder block passage, a second heat exchanger connected to the cylinder head passage, a radiator connected to both the cylinder block passage and the cylinder head passage, and a control unit capable of controlling flow rates of the coolant flowing through the cylinder block passage and the cylinder head passage respectively. |
| US09470136B2 |
Piston cooling configurations utilizing lubricating oil from a bearing reservoir in an opposed-piston engine
Pressurized lubricating oil is accumulated in the bearings of opposed pistons and accumulated oil is dispensed therefrom for bearing lubrication and also for cooling the undercrowns of the pistons by jets of oil emitted from the bearings. |
| US09470135B2 |
Air management system for under-hood heat control
A system for removing heat from the engine compartment (9) of a heavy duty truck. A first ventilating system removes heat from the radiator. It is isolated from a second ventilating system that removes heat from the engine compartment. The first system takes heat from the radiator through a plenum by centrifugal squirrel cage blowers, and is directs it out to ambient by ductwork. The second system draws ambient air generally from back to front of the engine compartment, preferably by cowl induction, without the use of ram air from the vicinity of the radiator. The exits of the two systems are into a slip stream of the heavy duty truck, and the exit of the second ventilating system is into a slip stream of the first, to scavenge air out of the engine compartment. |
| US09470134B2 |
Muffler mount structure
An off road type vehicle exhaust system including a muffler, a mounting bracket and a vibration insulator. The vibration insulator connects the muffler to the vehicle. The mounting bracket connects the muffler to the vibration insulator and includes a rod attached to the muffler and configured to mate with the vibration insulator and a heat shield having a first end secured to the muffler and a second end engaging the vibration insulator. The rod has a first portion secured to an outer surface of the muffler, a first bend, a second portion extending away from the muffler, a second bend, and a third portion which is at least generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the muffler. The heat shield includes a muffler engaging section and a vibration insulator engaging section. The vibration insulator engaging section includes a first wall extending from the muffler engaging section, a bend, and a second wall opposed to the first wall. The second wall also includes an opening through which the rod passes. |
| US09470133B2 |
Engine having integrated exhaust manifold with combined ducts for inside cylinders and outside cylinders
An internal combustion engine has a cooling jacket at least partially integrated in the cylinder head. The engine has two groups of cylinders: inside cylinders and outside cylinders. Each cylinder has at least one exhaust port, each leading to an individual duct. Individual ducts of outside cylinders converge to form an outside combined duct. In a four-cylinder engine or cylinder head, individual ducts of inside cylinders converge to form an inside combined duct with the inside combined duct remaining separated from the outside combined duct by the cooling jacket. The inside combined duct is farther away from the mounting surface of the cylinder head to the cylinder block than the outside combined duct. The cooling jacket includes upper, middle, and lower cooling jackets and connectors between the upper and lower cooling jackets. |
| US09470127B2 |
Pollution control device structure with lower friction surface and underlying higher friction surface
A structure comprising at least one inorganic layer comprising inorganic materials suitable for use in a pollution control device. A friction-inducing material is disposed on at least one side of the inorganic layer. The deposited friction-inducing material defines a higher friction area exhibiting a static coefficient of friction higher than that of the inorganic materials. A lower friction layer is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the higher friction area and define an exposed surface area of the structure. The exposed surface area exhibits a lower static coefficient of friction than that of the higher friction area. The lower friction layer no longer covers a substantial portion of the higher friction area, after the pollution control device is assembled. |
| US09470126B2 |
Assembly and method for reducing ammonia in exhaust of internal combustion engines
A system for reducing ammonia in exhaust gas generated from a lean burn internal combustion engine includes an oxidation catalyst, a selective reduction catalyst (SCR), a cooling unit, and a three-way catalyst. Exhaust gas generated by the engine passes through the oxidation catalyst to oxidize carbon monoxide from the exhaust gas to form carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide (NOx) compounds in the exhaust gas are reduced in the SCR to form nitrogen and water. The exhaust gas is then cooled in a cooling unit and then passed over the three-way catalyst. The three-way catalyst causes ammonia in the cooled exhaust stream to react to form less harmful compounds, such as nitrogen and water. |
| US09470125B2 |
Gas-liquid separator for vehicle-mounted fuel cell
A gas-liquid separator separates water from exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell mounted in a vehicle after the fuel cell generates electricity. The gas-liquid separator includes a case that includes a water storage region. The water storage region is located at a lowermost part in the case. The exhaust gas is introduced into the case, where water is separated from the exhaust gas. After the separated water is stored in the water storage region, the water is drained to the outside from the case. The case has in it a barrier that is formed to protrude upward to restrict water from flowing out of the water storage region when the vehicle is inclined. The barrier restricts outflow of water to the outside of the water storage region when the vehicle is inclined. |
| US09470124B2 |
Sub-muffler and manufacturing method of sub-muffler
A manufacturing method of a sub-muffler includes a rectangular tubular body shaping step, a preliminary shaping step, and a diameter reduction shaping step. In the rectangular tubular body shaping step, a plate material is bent and a rectangular tubular body having a rectangular shape in cross section is thereby formed. In the preliminary shaping step, ends of the rectangular tubular body are preliminarily formed and the end parts of the tubular body are thereby formed so that its cross-sectional shape becomes a circular shape. In the diameter reduction shaping step, the diameters of the ends of the rectangular tubular body are reduced. |
| US09470123B2 |
Engine starting control strategy
An elapsed time from a time at which the engine last ceased running until a time of occurrence of an engine start command which causes the cranking motor and the lubrication pump to operate is measured. The onset of fueling of the engine cylinders is a function of the elapsed time measured. |
| US09470122B2 |
Oil pump control valve
An oil pump control valve assembly includes a control valve for controlling a flow of a fluid, and a solenoid for operating the control valve. The control valve includes a tube-like holder having a hollow internal space, configured to include an inflow port formed at one end thereof, a tube-like first valve sheet formed in the middle of the holder, a ball valve mounted in the first valve sheet, a second valve sheet coupled to a second end of the first valve sheet, and a load mounted in the second valve sheet, one end thereof being extended through the second valve sheet to come into contact with the ball valve, wherein, when the solenoid is operated, the ball valve is moved to open the inflow port. |
| US09470117B2 |
Trapped support pin for spiral spring retention in a camshaft phaser
A camshaft phaser, including: an axis of rotation; a drive sprocket arranged to receive torque; a stator non-rotatably connected to the drive sprocket; a rotor at least partially rotatable with respect to the stator, arranged to non-rotatably connect to a camshaft and including first and second radially disposed sides facing, respectively, in first and second opposite axial directions parallel to the axis of rotation, a through-bore connecting the first and second radially disposed sides, and a support pin including a first portion disposed in the through-bore and a second portion extending past the second radially disposed side in the second axial direction; and a positioning spring engaged with the second portion and the stator to urge the rotor in a circumferential direction, wherein a line parallel to the axis of rotation passes through the first portion and material forming the rotor. |
| US09470115B2 |
Split radiator design for heat rejection optimization for a waste heat recovery system
A cooling system provides improved heat recovery by providing a split core radiator for both engine cooling and condenser cooling for a Rankine cycle (RC). The cooling system includes a radiator having a first cooling core portion and a second cooling core portion. An engine cooling loop is fluidly connected the second cooling core portion. A condenser of an RC has a cooling loop fluidly connected to the first cooling core portion. A valve is provided between the engine cooling loop and the condenser cooling loop adjustably control the flow of coolant in the condenser cooling loop into the engine cooling loop. The cooling system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the valve and adapted to determine a load requirement for the internal combustion engine and adjust the valve in accordance with the engine load requirement. |
| US09470112B2 |
System and method for heat recovery and steam generation in combined cycle systems
A system includes a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) including a first pressure economizer, a first pressure evaporator that may receive a first portion of a feed water from the first pressure economizer at a first pressure, a re-heat section that may receive the first portion of the feed water from the first pressure economizer as a first steam flow, and a flash system including a first flash vessel that may receive a second portion of the feed water from the first pressure economizer and to generate a first flash steam flow. The system may combine the first flash steam flow with the first steam flow of the feed water at a second pressure less than the first pressure. |
| US09470111B2 |
Air independent propulsion and power generation system based on exothermic reaction sourced thermal cycle
An air independent propulsion and power generation system based on thermal cycle generated from continuous exothermic reaction cycle in a controlled volume space. An exothermic reactor utility for generating power by producing steam or overheating another heat transfer fluid in gas state for supplying a power turbine system in order to produce electrical energy or mechanical power. A controlled exothermic reaction is occurred by injecting exothermic agents into the reaction chambers of the invention in a controlled sequence and computed timing which gives out heat and enables the transfer of the exothermic reaction output heat to the fluid of the thermal cycle. The exothermic reaction cycle does not need atmospheric connection or air or oxygen. The invention provides option to use multiple chemical types independently at the same time in any of its reaction chambers. |
| US09470106B2 |
Turbo charger compressor with integrated back plate and bearing housing
A turbocharger includes a turbine housing defining a turbine chamber and a compressor housing defining a compressor chamber. A turbine wheel is disposed in the turbine chamber and a turbine shaft is connected to the turbine wheel. A compressor wheel is disposed in the compressor chamber and connected to the turbine shaft. A compressor back plate is adjacent to the compressor wheel and a bearing cartridge is sandwiched directly between the compressor back plate and the turbine housing and rotatably supporting the turbine shaft. |
| US09470103B2 |
Turbomachine
The turbomachine includes a mid turbine vane frame, with an annular compartment formed between the mid turbine vane frame and a low-pressure turbine casing being sealed by means of at least two ring seals, wherein one ring seal is in contact with the mid turbine vane frame and the other ring seal is in contact with the low-pressure turbine casing and a radial annular overlap is thereby created with the first-mentioned ring seal. |
| US09470101B2 |
Turbomachine
A turbo machine is provided. The turbo machine comprises a turbo stator having a shroud, a turbo rotor having an impeller within the shroud, a brush seal between the impeller and the shroud, and at least one vane extending from the shroud toward the impeller upstream of the brush seal. |
| US09470099B2 |
Securing device for axially securing a blade root of a turbomachine blade
A securing device (20) for axially securing a blade root (12) of a blade in a groove (11) of a turbine engine. The outer contour (24) of the securing device (20) that faces a groove wall, in particular a groove base (33), is curved at least in some regions, the outer contour (24) having three different radii (R1, R2, R3) in some regions. |
| US09470096B2 |
Turbine bucket with notched squealer tip
A turbine bucket having an airfoil is disclosed. The airfoil may include a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. In addition, the airfoil may include a tip. The tip may include a tip floor and a tip wall extending outwardly from the tip floor. The tip wall may include an inner surface defining an inner perimeter of the tip wall. Moreover, a plurality of notches may be defined by the inner surface around at least a portion of the inner perimeter. |
| US09470095B2 |
Airfoil having internal lattice network
An airfoil includes an airfoil body that defines a longitudinal axis. The airfoil body includes a leading edge and a trailing edge and a first side wall and a second side wall that is spaced apart from the first side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall join the leading edge and the trailing edge and at least partially define a cavity in the airfoil body. A lattice network connects the first side and the second side. The lattice network includes at least one enlarged node spaced apart from the first side wall and the second side wall and ribs that extend from the at least one enlarged node. Each of the ribs connects to one of the first side wall and the second side wall. |
| US09470093B2 |
Turbofan arrangement with blade channel variations
A fan section for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rotor hub defining an axis, and an array of airfoils circumferentially spaced about the rotor hub. Each of the airfoils include pressure and suction sides between a leading edge and a trailing edge and extending in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. Facing pressure and suction sides of adjacent airfoils define a channel in a chordwise direction having a width between the facing pressure and suction sides at a given span position of the adjacent airfoils. The width at each pressure side location along the channel is defined as a minimum distance to a location along the suction side. The width diverges without converging along the channel for at least some of the span positions. |
| US09470092B2 |
System and method for attaching a rotating blade in a turbine
A system for attaching a rotating blade in a turbine includes a bush having an axial slot and a radial slot that intersects with the axial slot. A radial retention member fits within the radial slot, and an axial retention member fits within the axial slot and engages with the radial retention member. A method for attaching a rotating blade in a turbine includes inserting a bush into an axial passage in a rotor wheel and inserting a radial retention member into a radial passage in the rotor wheel and through at least a portion of the bush. The method further includes inserting the rotating blade in a slot in the rotor wheel, inserting the radial retention member into a retention slot in the rotating blade, and inserting an axial retention member into the bush. |
| US09470091B2 |
Blade group arrangement as well as turbomachine
A blade group arrangement for a turbomachine in order to form a blade-row group, whereby a front blade and a rear blade each form an overlapping area that has a contraction ratio of at least 1.2, and it also relates to a turbomachine having such a contraction ratio between a front blade and a rear blade. |
| US09470090B2 |
Kinetic energy atom-powered engine
A device for converting the kinetic energy of molecules into useful work includes an actuator configured to move within a fluid or gas due to collisions with the molecules of the fluid or gas. The actuator has dimensions that subject it to the Brownian motion of the surrounding molecules. The actuator utilizes objects having multiple surfaces where the different surfaces result in differing coefficients of restitution. The Brownian motion of surrounding molecules produce molecular impacts with the surfaces. Each surface then experiences relative differences in transferred energy from the kinetic collisions. The sum effect of the collisions produces net velocity in a desired direction. The controlled motion can be utilized in a variety of manners to perform work, such as generating electricity or transporting materials. |
| US09470089B2 |
Face equipment comprising hose levels placed on the shield support frames of said face equipment
A face equipment for mechanical extraction in longwall mining, in particular in the underground hard coal mining industry, includes a face conveyor (21) arranged along the coal face, an extraction mechanism (22) that can be moved along the face conveyor (21), and shield support frames (10) fastened at an angle to the face conveyor (21). In order determine the shield height of the extended shield support frame (10) corresponding to the face opening height, a flexible hose level (17) with a liquid-filled hose (18) is installed between the roof canopy (13) and floor skid (11) of individual shield support frames (10), and a pressure sensor (19) is arranged on the skid-side end of the hose (18). An inclination measuring device (25) is arranged on the roof canopy (13), and the pressure sensor (19) and inclination measuring device (25) are connected to an analyzing and control unit. |
| US09470084B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring fluid process variable in a well
A sensor system for sensing a process variable of fluid at a first location including a variable resonator disposed at the first location having a resonant frequency which varies in response to the process variable of the fluid and responsively provides a resonant acoustic signal at the resonant frequency indicative of the process variable. An acoustic sensor disposed at a second location which is spaced apart from the variable resonator is configured to receive the resonant acoustic signal transmitted from the variable resonator. Measurement circuitry coupled to the acoustic sensor configured to provide a process variable output related to the process variable of the fluid in response to the received resonant acoustic signal. |
| US09470083B2 |
Method for monitoring physical parameters of well equipment
A method of monitoring deformation and other characteristics of a casing or other tubular or cylindrical well equipment in a well traversing an underground formation. The method includes providing a carrier rod having at least one recess extending along at least part of the length of the rod, in which recess an optical fiber assembly for monitoring strain, temperature and/or other physical parameters is arranged, which assembly is along at least part of the assembly's length bonded within the recess; lowering the carrier rod and well equipment simultaneously into the well such that the rod is arranged in an annular space between the well equipment and the wellbore; securing the rod at a plurality of locations distributed along the rod's length to the well equipment; and connecting the optical fiber assembly to an optical signal transmission and reception assembly for monitoring physical parameters of the well equipment. |
| US09470081B2 |
Method and device for monitoring down-the-hole percussion drilling
A method and device for monitoring down-the-hole percussion drilling. A down-the-hole hammer is supplied with percussion and flushing fluid flow. The down-the-hole hammer is subjected to rotational force and to feed force. Percussion frequency or a related frequency of the down-the-hole hammer is sensed. A representation of a spread thereof is created so as to produce a response to an adjustment of at least one drilling parameter as a change of width of the spread. |
| US09470079B1 |
High energy gas fracturing device
A low profile high energy gas fracturing device, comprising a closed steel tube having a uniform wall thickness, except for having thinned areas that are designed to rupture when subjected to pressure greater than a predetermined level. Propellant is packed into the said steel tube sufficient to create high pressure above said predetermined level, when ignited. Finally, an ignition mechanism passes through said tube, to ignite the propellant. |
| US09470078B2 |
Fluid diversion through selective fracture extension
A system and method that uses fluid diversion to selectively re-fracture a location of a multizone horizontal wellbore. A tubing string is extended from the surface to a location within the wellbore that is to be re-fractured. The annulus between the tubing string and the wellbore contains a first fluid and a second fluid is contained within the tubing string. The annulus may be sealed off at or near the surface and the second fluid is pumped out of the tubing string to initiate the re-fracture of the first location. The annulus seal may then be unset and the first fluid may be pumped down the annulus simultaneous to pumping a third fluid down the tubing string to re-fracture the first location. After re-fracturing the first location, the first location may be hydraulically isolated from the wellbore to permit a second location to be re-fractured. |
| US09470067B2 |
Casing joint assembly for producing an annulus gas cap
A casing joint assembly and methods for producing an annulus gas cap using the casing joint assembly. The casing joint assembly comprises a first valve and a second valve to control fluid pressure in the sealed annulus between the casing string and a wall of the well bore or another casing string. |
| US09470066B2 |
Scale prevention treatment method, system, and apparatus for wellbore stimulation
A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing apparatus into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing apparatus contains a plurality of mobilized template-assisted crystallization beads and contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with at least a portion of the template-assisted crystallization beads. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with a quantity of template-assisted crystallization beads in a vessel to form a treated fluid, wherein the template-assisted crystallization beds are mobile within the vessel and placing the treated fluid into a wellbore, a subterranean formation, or a combination thereof. |
| US09470061B2 |
High strength connection for sleeve and mandrel and related methods
Device, system, and method to adhesively bond a sleeve to a mandrel are disclosed. The sleeve and the mandrel may be used as part of frac plug or a bridge plug in oil and gas applications. The bonded adhesive connection with grooves is strengthened to reliably achieve higher levels of lap shear strengths than attainable by conventional means. |
| US09470057B2 |
Gate valve assembly
A gate valve assembly (100) for use in subsea workover systems is disclosed. In an embodiment, the gate valve assembly (100) includes a valve block (102). The valve block (102) includes a cutting gate (204) disposed in a valve cavity (206) such that the cutting gate (204) can engage in a reciprocating motion in the valve cavity (206) between an “open” position and a “closed” position. The reciprocating motion of the cutting gate (204) results in a cutting operation of a tubing conveyed string passing through the gate valve assembly (100). The gate valve assembly (100) further includes a slug pit (202) formed in the valve block (102) alongside the valve cavity (206). The slug pit (202) defines an opening which can contain one or more cuttings from tubing conveyed springs resulting from the cutting operation. The reciprocating motion of the cutting gate (204) transports one or more cuttings of the tubing conveyed string to the slug pit (202). |
| US09470056B2 |
Fibre composite rod fishing tool
A fibre composite rod fishing tool includes a ring base with an axis and provided with peripherally arranged, axially extending radially resilient arms with slips with a common axial bore being tapered-off towards a rod receiving aperture opposite of said ring base, said common axial bore provided with teeth of common radial cutting depth, said teeth's engaging edge having the tapering off of the common axial bore, so as for the outer set of teeth's engaging edge to be most blunt, and each consecutive set of teeth's engaging edge extending higher and being sharper inwards toward the common axis, as counted in the direction away from said rod receiving aperture. |
| US09470054B2 |
Petroleum well intervention winch system
A petroleum well intervention winch system includes a high pressure confining housing for a drum for a rope to a tool string. The pressure confining housing has a connector with an aperture for the rope to a top of a tool string gate chamber on vertical bore BOP valves on a wellhead on the petroleum well. The rope runs through the aperture via a capstan to the drum. The capstan is driven by a first motor through a first high pressure proof magnetic coupling across a wall of the housing. The drum is driven by a second motor through a second high pressure proof magnetic coupling across the wall of the housing. The capstan is subject to a load tension from the rope and is provided with a hold tension on the rope from the drum. The second motor exerts a constant hold tension on the rope via the drum. |
| US09470047B2 |
Centraliser
A centralizer includes a body having a bore with an axis, the bore being configured to receive a tubular to be centralized, the body having at least one resilient device configured to extend radially from the axis of the bore, wherein the body has at least one collar member extending radially inwards from the centralizer body adjacent to an end of the body. The collars are fixed co-axially in the bore to be resistant to axial movement of the collar member, and can be retained in the body by radially extending a lip formed by forcing material radially inwards into the bore to retain the collar. The body is adapted to receive within the bore an anchoring device for connection to the tubular. The anchoring device is configured to engage the collar member within the bore so that relative movement of the centralizer and the tubular is restricted. |
| US09470045B2 |
Method of using a rotating and reciprocating swivel
What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections with the mandrel of the swivel being comprised of double box end joints and using double pin end subs to connect a plurality of such mandrel joints together. |
| US09470044B1 |
Threaded connection having high galling resistance and method of making same
A process for treating a pin having an external threaded portion and a box having an internal threaded portion wherein the process provides a threadable joint having a high galling resistance. One embodiment of the present invention includes applying a lubricant on the threaded portion of at least one of the pin and box. The threadable joint is made up by threadably engaging the threaded portions of the pin and box to a recommended torque according to the American Petroleum Institute and then breaking out the threaded joint. The making up and breaking out step with lubricant applied on the threaded portion of at least one of the pin and box is performed a plurality of times. One of the threaded portions of the pin and box is then case hardened. The threadable joint made from this process is highly resistant to galling without the requirement of any lubricant. |
| US09470039B2 |
Architectural mesh framing system
A framed architectural mesh panel system including a mesh panel; a frame assembly; and a tensioning system; wherein the tensioning system is integrated within the frame assembly. |
| US09470038B2 |
Windbreak system
The invention relates to a windbreak system formed by: a set of independent panels that can be controlled individually, by moving the same longitudinally along an upper rail and a lower rail: and a folding door at one of the ends. Each panel and door comprises a rotation shaft and a folding shaft. The panels are moved manually, without bearing on rollers, and the entire weight of the panels rest on two strips of self-lubricating polymers that are inserted into two slots in the lower rail. The upper and lower rails are identical and have a rectangular cross-section and the panels are made from glass. |
| US09470027B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A vehicle control apparatus is housed within a housing. A cover covers an opening in the housing. Connecting members connect the cover and the housing. A shaft supporting section of each connecting member supports a shaft. A first extending section extends from a bearing in a direction orthogonal to the shaft. The first extending section and the bearing are rotatable with respect to the shaft supporting section. A stopper is not adjacent to the first extending section in the shaft direction when the first extending section is within a first angle range with respect to the shaft supporting section. The stopper is disposed at a position of sandwiching, with the shaft supporting section, the extending section in the shaft direction by being adjacent to the first extending section in the shaft direction, when the first extending section is within a second angle range with respect to the shaft supporting section. |
| US09470018B1 |
Intelligent door lock system with friction detection and deformed door mode operation
An intelligent door lock system includes a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine with a memory is coupled to the positioning sensing device. The engine in operation processes information regarding an amount of friction experienced by a door or lock device when being opened and/or closed. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source. A device converts energy into mechanical energy is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source. |
| US09470012B2 |
Canopy system
There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory. |
| US09470010B2 |
Combination tent
The present invention provides a combination tent comprising a tent gate with lock catches and lock rings, when placed adjacent to a second combination tent, the tent gate of the combination tent is fixedly connected to a tent gate of the second combination tent through the cooperation and connection of the lock catches and the lock rings. The present invention enables quick assembly and disassembly, so that the tent can be used independently or combined with other tents. This connection method is applicable in traditional tents, and rapid assembling tents. |
| US09470009B2 |
Attaching glass to stone
The present invention extends to methods for attaching a piece of glass to a piece of stone. In some aspects, specifically designed glass inlays are secured within a void in a piece of stone. The glass inlays can include colored glass letters, numbers, designs, etc. In some aspects, glass inlays and voids are specifically designed to match one another. Glass inlays can be affixed within the voids using an adhesive. Grout can be then be used to set the glass inlays in place. The result can be monument or marker that commemorates an event or person. |
| US09470006B2 |
Equipment and method for demolishing a building
An equipment (1) for demolishing a building (2), wherein said building (2) comprises a building base (3) placed in proximity of a ground (4), or placed on the ground (4), and an opposite building top (5) or temporary building top (5) arranged away from said building base (3), as well as building floors (6), comprises: —a platform (7) adapted to be positioned against the top of the building (5) avoiding ground support devices which from the platform (7) reach the base of the building (3) or the ground (4) surrounding the building; said platform (7) comprising at least one working scaffold (8) adapted to be arranged along the periphery (9) of said building (2) and to face at least one floor (6) of said building (2); —said at least one working scaffold (8) being supported, hanged, on said platform (7) so that it descends along the side wall (10) of the building (2) to border the works for demolishing the building (2). |
| US09470002B2 |
Tile leveller and spacing system
A tile leveller and spacer system that allows rapid and reliable spacing and levelling of tools is described. The tile spacer comprises a base for locating the spacer under the tiles, and a stem that includes an alignment cross which is used to correctly space the tiles. The stem tile spacer is placed over the stem and engages with teeth on the stem. The tile leveller is pushed down over the stem to level the tiles between the base and the bottom of the tile leveller. The stem further comprises a frangible portion located between the base and the tile alignment portion, and when the stem is pulled with sufficient force, the frangible portion breaks to allow removal of the stem. A hand tool may be used to assist in this process. The hand tool can have an adjustable stop which can be set to a first setting to level the tiles, and a second setting to cause the frangible portion to break, allowing removal of the stem and leveller. |
| US09470001B2 |
System and method for installing columns
A column includes a shaft, a capital assembly, and a base assembly. The capital assembly has an indexing member that attaches to an overhead support. The indexing member aligns the capital, which in turn, vertically aligns the shaft. The base assembly includes a retaining ring that attaches to an underlying support surface. The retaining ring has a plurality of notches arranged to form a cross-hair with an intersection located at the center of the retaining ring. The column also includes an alignment mechanism configured to be suspended from a center of the indexing member. When being aligned, the alignment mechanism is suspended below the indexing member substantially over the center of the retaining ring. |
| US09470000B1 |
Exterior structure
An exterior structure includes a front-side lateral joint portion and a back-side lateral joint portion disposed at horizontal edge portions of each facade board, a front-side vertical joint portion and a back-side vertical joint portion disposed at a lower edge portion and an upper edge portion of each facade board, a lateral joint formed between horizontally adjacent facade boards as a result of superposing the front-side lateral joint portion of one facade board and the back-side lateral joint portion of the other facade board one on the other, and a vertical joint formed between vertically adjacent facade boards as a result of superposing the front-side vertical joint portion of one facade board and the back-side vertical joint portion of the other facade board one on the other. In at least four horizontally and vertically adjacent facade boards, the lateral joints form a joint area substantially linearly continuous in the vertical direction. |
| US09469999B1 |
Exterior wall panneling system
A system for mounting a plurality of wall panels is disclosed which incorporates a plurality of horizontal wall runners that have a plurality of holes along the length thereof in order to urge rainwater downward and onto the ground and also to dry out any water or moisture that may remain therebetween. The holes are formed at the lowest most portion of the trough in order to further urge the rainwater downward. |
| US09469997B2 |
Lateral arm awning system and method of operation
A lateral arm assembly and method of operation includes first and second articulating arms comprising first and second ends, the first ends of the articulating arms are mounted upon assembly to a support surface at separate lateral locations. The first ends each comprise separate pivoting mounting structures for forming a first pivotal connection with the first and second articulating arms. The lateral arm assembly also comprises a roller tube having spaced lateral ends supporting respective end brackets that provide a second pivotal connection to the second ends of the articulating arms. The roller tube supports a canopy coupled to a roller shaft, wherein one of the end brackets further supports a device that drives the roller shaft for furling and unfurling the canopy. |
| US09469992B2 |
Electrical wiring systems for use in roofing applications
The present invention relates generally to electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical wiring systems suitable for use in roofing applications. One aspect of the invention is a wiring system on a roof comprising a roof deck having a slope and one or more roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, the wiring system including one or more wires extending along the roof on top of the roofing elements; and a wire covering disposed over the one or more wires. |
| US09469983B2 |
Beam cap system
A system for attachment to beams in which at least two U-shaped cleats are secured over a beam. A cap is attached to the cleats, the cap enclosing the U-shaped cleats, and preventing rain from entering the beam through fasteners used to secure the cleats. On the underside of the cap, stop tabs space the top of the cap from the beam. On the upperside of the cap, T-slots form channels with a gap opening. These channels may be used to attach equipment to the beam. |
| US09469982B2 |
Grate apparatus and method for covering and opening a channel in a vehicle wash
A grate apparatus for covering a pit defined in a floor of a vehicle wash facility includes a plurality of rigid rung pieces having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The rigid rung pieces are secured in generally parallel and spaced apart fashion by a plurality of flexible strap members. The flexible strap members are secured to each of the rung pieces by a plurality of fasteners. The grate apparatus is moveable between an unwound position where the first end of each of the plurality of rigid rung pieces rests on one of a pair of spaced apart rails located adjacent the pit and the second end of each of the plurality of rung pieces rests on the other of the pair of spaced apart rails and a wound position wherein the plurality of rung pieces and the plurality of flexible straps are oriented in generally coiled position around a centerline. |
| US09469977B2 |
Independently operable water storage and distribution system
A water storage system is provided that stores a quantity of fresh, potable water for residential or commercial use when municipal water or ground water is not available. The system comprises several embodiments, including a pressurized system and a non-pressurized system that stores water from a main water line in one or more storage tanks for subsequent use. A solar-powered pump is utilized to pump water from the storage tank or tanks when no electrical power is available, allowing water to be distributed into a dwelling or building to run facilities and to allow for undisturbed operation in the event of a catastrophe or emergency event. Water is continually or operably circulated through the tanks in order to maintain a fresh supply under normal conditions, while the tanks can be isolated from the main water supply in an emergency event. |
| US09469974B2 |
Excavator wear assembly
A wear assembly having an adaptor with a spigot portion is disclosed. The spigot portion has a transverse dimension. The wear assembly also has a wear member releasably mountable on the adaptor. The wear member has a body with a socket cavity and the socket cavity is adapted to receive the spigot portion of the adaptor. The wear member also has a pair of mounting ears extending from the body. Each of the mounting ears has a transverse dimension. The transverse dimension of each mounting ear is in the range 0.25 to 0.4 of the transverse dimension of the spigot portion. |
| US09469971B2 |
Hydraulic system for energy regeneration in a work machine such as a wheel loader
A hydraulic system is adapted to recover potential and kinetic energy of a work attachment of a work machine. A valve arrangement may configure the hydraulic system in various modes. The hydraulic system may provide suspension and/or actuation for the work attachment. The energy of the work attachment may move a rod of a first cylinder. The rod may pressurize fluid within the first cylinder. The pressurized fluid may flow from the first cylinder through a valve and into an accumulator. The first cylinder may amplify pressure of the fluid. The pressurized fluid in the accumulator may actuate the first cylinder. The movement of the rod of the first cylinder may cause simultaneous actuation of a second cylinder. A controller may monitor pressures and positions of components of the hydraulic system and control the valve arrangement. |
| US09469967B2 |
System and method for controlling the operation of a machine
A system for automated control of a machine includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a position of a work surface along a first slot and along a second slot. The work surface along the first slot and the second slot define at least a portion of a berm. The controller is further configured to determine a physical characteristic of the first slot and the second slot and generate a berm reduction command if the physical characteristic of the first slot and the second slot is less than the characteristic threshold of the first slot and the second slot. |
| US09469962B1 |
Prefab lift station
The prefab lift station has a well casing including mechanical equipment therein and a horizontal upper rim. A foundation slab is mounted to the horizontal upper rim and covers the well casing. A building is mounted to the foundation slab. The foundation slab and the building are mounted offset from a center of the horizontal upper rim, to accommodate a hatch through the foundation slab in front of the building giving unrestricted access inside the well casing. A portion of the slab and a portion of the building are overhanging outside the horizontal upper rim. The foundation slab has a weightless volume incorporated therein for shifting a center of gravity of the foundation slab and the building to a region inside the horizontal upper rim of the well casing. The foundation slab and the instrument building are self-balanced on the well casing. |
| US09469960B2 |
Method of and apparatus for installation of plate anchors
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for deploying one or more plate anchors on the seafloor prior to later installation (embedment) of the plate anchors using an installation tool such as a suction follower. The methods and apparatus may be used for batch-setting multiple plate anchors on the seafloor for a drilling vessel mooring in which the plate anchors and an installation tool are subsequently engaged for subsequent suction embedment of the plate anchors to design penetration depth. |
| US09469957B2 |
Pneumatic load-transfer system and method for mating an integrated deck with a pre-installed platform substructure
A new pneumatic load transfer and shock absorbing system is disclosed. The pneumatic system includes a layer of air-bags to perform two basic functions during a floatover installation operation: 1) lifting the platform deck from the support to create additional air gaps at the mating surfaces, and the heave motions of the lifted platform deck may be reduced; 2) performing as a shock absorbing device with variable vertical stiffness easily controlled by the air-bag internal air pressure during the mating operation and the separation operation. |
| US09469955B2 |
Reinforced gabion and process for its manufacture
A reinforced gabion comprising two adjacent walls with a common edge manufactured using a single sheet of double twisted metal mesh fabric formed from metal wires which have two different diameters respectively corresponding to the two walls. Preferably the metal mesh fabric has a mesh with at least one twisted side formed from at least two metal wires woven together in which each twisted side is aligned in the direction of the common edge between the two walls. |
| US09469952B2 |
Snow flipper
A snow flipper for clearing snow. The snow flipper includes a blade. The snow flipper also includes a handle attached the blade. The handle includes a first portion, a second portion attached to the second portion and a bend creating a vertical portion of the handle. The snow flipper further includes a handgrip. The handgrip is movably secured to the handle, telescopes relative to the handle and provides a gripping surface for the user. The snow flipper additionally includes a flat spring attached to the vertical portion of the handle. The flat spring includes a curved piece of rigid material configured to deform under a force, return to its initial shape upon removal of the force and cause downward motion of the handgrip to result in motion that is upward and away from the user. The snow flipper moreover includes a wheel attached near one end of the flat spring. |
| US09469950B1 |
Pet waste collector
A pet waste collector includes a bag body and a waste collecting apparatus. The bag body, which is made of flexible material, has a top opening and a waste collecting cavity. The waste collecting apparatus includes two elongated scraper arms spacedly affixed at the bag body to partition the bag body into a first bag portion and a second bag portion. When the bag body is reversibly flipped inside out from the top opening to form a temporary waste cavity within the first bag portion of the bag body, the scraper arms are moved toward each other for enclosing the temporary waste cavity within the first bag portion of the bag body and for scraping a pet waste within the temporary waste cavity. Therefore, the bag body is flipped back for automatically retaining the pet waste in the waste collecting cavity from the temporary waste cavity. |
| US09469948B2 |
Self righting marker posts
A hollow marker post and a resilient member located therein wherein the resilient member is statically dependent of the hollow marker post with the marker post and the resilient member dynamically dependent of each other to facilitate the return of the marker post to an upright condition when the marker post is impacted by an external force. |
| US09469946B2 |
Method for supporting cooling pipes and reinforcing bars in an ice rink by providing rink chair support sections having coupling means
A method for supporting cooling pipes and reinforcing bars in an ice rink is disclosed. The method provides rink chair support sections, each having a base structure with a first overlapping portion at one longitudinal end, a second overlapping portion at an opposite longitudinal end, and a middle portion intermediate the first and second overlapping portions. Each support section also has a support arrangement to support the pipes and bars, which is attached to the first overlapping and middle portions so as to stand upwardly therefrom. Further, the first overlapping portion has a hole that is arranged to receive a protruding element coupled to the second overlapping portion for longitudinally coupling support sections end-to-end. The method also involves arranging the support sections into a plurality of rows and coupling the support sections within each row so that each rink chair support of a support arrangement supports a different pipe. |
| US09469944B2 |
Method and composition for reinforcing asphalt cement concrete
Reinforcing fibers, such as aromatic polyamide (“aramid”) fibers, are treated by coating with or embedding in a binder such as a Fischer-Tropsch wax. The treated fibers are divided into suitably-sized units, which are added to bitumen, aggregate and other ingredients in an asphalt cement concrete mix. The units shed fibers into the mix during the manufacturing process so that the fibers are distributed fairly evenly throughout the asphalt mixture. The binder may also impart beneficial qualities to the finished asphalt concrete. |
| US09469939B2 |
Method to create an environmentally resistant soft armor composite
Fibrous substrates and articles that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The fibrous substrates are coated with a multilayer polymeric coating including at least two polymer layers wherein the first polymer and the second polymer forming said respective layers are the same and optionally comprise fluorine. |
| US09469938B2 |
Heating textile sheet using light
Disclosed herein is a textile using light. The textile unit comprises a heating unit having a shape of dot or stripe on a surface of a fabric and non-heating unit being not overlapped with the heating unit. The heating unit is formed by coating carbon nanotube (CNT) or group-4 metal carbide in a shape of dot or stripe. The heating textile sheet using light according to the present invention has excellent heat efficiency by converting light such as solar cell into thermal energy. |
| US09469936B2 |
Poly(meth)acrylic acid-based polymer composition
The present invention provides a polymer composition capable of providing fibers with an enough penetration speed and enough water retention, while maintaining a favorable hue of the fibers, when used as a fiber crosslinking agent. The present invention also provides a fiber crosslinking agent and crosslinked fibers using the polymer composition. The present invention further provides a polymer composition that enhances the absorption properties of fibers and is especially useful for applications which strongly require the absorption properties, and a fiber crosslinking agent and crosslinked fibers using the polymer composition. The present invention is a polymer composition containing a poly(meth)acrylic acid polymer; and a bisulfite (salt)-added (meth)acrylic acid (salt) or a hypophosphorous acid (salt). |
| US09469935B1 |
Enhancing flame retardant characteristics of high-loft fabric fire barriers
A high-loft fabric fire barrier is constructed with a substrate comprised of a blend of non-woven flame retardant cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic polymeric fibers, and a layer of nanoclay material extending along and integrated with at least one of opposite surfaces of the substrate, and preferably along both of the opposite surfaces. The fire barrier is incorporated into the construction of upholstered or cushioned items and, in particular, into a mattress. |
| US09469934B2 |
Automated clothing steamer
The automated clothing steamer has a base, a column extending vertically therefrom, and a horizontal arm translating up and down the column. A steam dispensing head translates horizontally along the arm. The head has a steam dispensing nozzle. An article of clothing or fabric is clipped within a frame, which is immovably affixed to a post extending from the top of the column. The steam head and nozzle travel horizontally and vertically adjacent to the clothing or fabric, dispensing steam to remove wrinkles from the fabric. The head further includes sensors to determine the lateral and vertical extent of the fabric, and the general type of fabric (e.g., coarse denim or wool, medium weight cotton, fine silk, etc.) in order to control the amount of steam dispensed, and a controller for automating the process. |
| US09469925B2 |
Stent designs and methods of manufacture
Embodiments disclosed include a woven stent and a method of manufacturing a woven stent that includes a plurality of first members and a plurality of second members forming a braided configuration; wherein each of the first members includes a first body portion, a first end unjoined portion, and a first end bent portion; wherein each of the second members includes a first end overlap portion extending alongside the first end unjoined portion. The woven stent may further includes a coating that encapsulates the first end unjoined portions and the first end overlap portions and/or the first end unjoined portions may be laser joined or ultrasonic joined to the first end overlap portions. |
| US09469924B1 |
Direct preparation process for jeans wear
The invention discloses a direct preparation process for jeans wear, which comprises the following steps: a, settling cotton yarns through a fascicular warping machine; b, feeding the cotton yarns into a dyeing machine to carry out indigo dyeing; c, feeding the cotton yarns into a leaser to divide the cotton yarns; d, feeding the divided cotton yarns into an axle cone maker to obtain yarn cones; and e, placing the prepared yarn cones into an automatic knitting machine, to obtain a jeans wear. By adopting the above processing steps, the automatic knitting machine is used for directly knitting the cotton yarns prepared as the yarn cones into a jeans wear without the processes of tailoring and sewing denim fabrics in the process of preparing the jeans wear, i.e. the production process of the jeans wear can be shortened effectively, and the material loss can be effectively reduced. |
| US09469923B2 |
Post-extruded polymeric man-made synthetic fiber with copper
A method of producing synthetic yarn having copper properties is described. The method providing: applying a copper additive to a partially oriented yarn (POY) during one or more finishing processes of the POY to produce a copper enhanced POY having copper on the surface of the fibers of the copper enhanced POY. |
| US09469917B2 |
Dopant feeder of ignot growing apparatus
Provided is an ingot growing apparatus, which includes a crucible containing a silicon melt, a pulling device pulling a silicon single crystal ingot grown from the silicon melt, and a dopant supply unit disposed adjacent to the pulling device and for supplying a dopant during growing of the ingot. The neck portion may be doped at a concentration higher than that of the ingot through the dopant supply unit. Therefore, dislocation propagation velocity may be decreased and a propagation length may be shortened. |
| US09469913B2 |
Closed loop electrolyte analyzer
A processing system for electroplating semiconductor wafers and similar substrates includes an electrolyte tank, at least one processing chamber connected to the electrolyte tank via fluid lines, and an electrolyte analyzer. The electrolyte analyzer may have a probe, such as a voltammetry probe, in the electrolyte tank, a pump, a reservoir and at least one valve, with these components connected via fluid lines to form a fluid loop. The valve may be switchable to provide a closed fluid loop where electrolyte circulates through the probe to analyze the electrolyte, and to provide an open fluid loop to removal of the used electrolyte and introduction of fresh electrolyte from the tank into the fluid loop. The used electrolyte may be moved to a facility drain and not returned to the electrolyte tank, to reduce risk of contamination. |
| US09469910B2 |
Production of hydrocarbons
This invention relates to a method for the production of hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water, using electrolysis and two separate reaction vessels. A first reaction vessel (14) contains a positive electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising water and ionized material. A second reaction vessel (12) contains a negative electrode and a liquid electrolytic medium comprising a mixture of water and carbon dioxide. The reaction vessels are connected with connection means which allow ions to pass between the electrolytic media of the first and second reaction vessels. A direct electrical current is applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode to produce hydrocarbons (typically methane); and oxygen. |
| US09469908B2 |
Synergistic oxygen evolving activity of non-stoichiometric surfaces
Provided are systems that comprises an oxygen-metal catalyst, which systems can be used to perform water-splitting or other reactions. The systems can be operated in a photochemical manner. |
| US09469906B2 |
Method for effecting a photocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic reaction
The invention provides a method for effecting a photocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic reaction of a reactant comprising contacting a metallic material having an electrical conductivity of 105 to 106 S/m with the reactant and exposing the metallic material and the reactant to visible light so as to catalyze the reaction of the reactant. |
| US09469902B2 |
Electroless deposition of continuous platinum layer
A method for providing an electroless plating of a platinum containing layer is provided. A Ti3+ stabilization solution is provided. A Pt4+ stabilization solution is provided. A flow from the Ti3+ stabilization solution is combined with a flow from the Pt4+ stabilization solution and water to provide a diluted mixture of the Ti3+ stabilization solution and the Pt4+ stabilization solution. A substrate is exposed to the diluted mixture of the Ti3+ stabilization solution and the Pt4+ stabilization solution. |
| US09469897B2 |
Thin film forming apparatus and thin film forming method
A thin film forming apparatus includes a substrate holding portion and a target portion. The target portion has a plurality of targets arranged at predetermined intervals and parallel to a substrate held by the substrate holding portion. The substrate holding portion is configured to move the substrate parallel to the target portion. A shield portion configured to block sputtered particles flying from the target portion is placed on the target portion side of the substrate so as to face a gap between adjoining ones of the targets. |
| US09469895B2 |
Spring steel and surface treatment method for steel material
A surface treatment method for a steel material includes carbonitriding, quenching, and tempering. The steel material consists of, by weight %, 0.27 to 0.48% of C, 0.01 to 2.2% of Si, 0.30 to 1.0% of Mn, not more than 0.035% of P, not more than 0.035% of S, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The carbonitriding step is performed by heating the steel at a temperature of not less than the A3 point and not more than 1100° C. and bringing the steel into contact with a mixed gas atmosphere so as to concentrate nitrogen and carbon at a surface layer of the steel. The quenching step is performed by cooling the steel to room temperature at a rate of not less than 20° C./second. The tempering step is performed by heating the steel at a temperature of 100 to 400° C. |
| US09469886B2 |
Hydrogen sensor with active layer and method of manufacturing hydrogen sensors
Hydrogen sensor including a substrate on which there is deposited an active layer of material comprising a first element selected from the rare earth family, a second element selected from the platinum group metals and a third element selected from the alkaline earth metal family. |
| US09469885B2 |
Method for recovering valuable metals from slag and apparatus for manufacturing multifunctional aggregate
An apparatus for recovering valuable metals and manufacturing multifunctional aggregate from slag. The apparatus includes a slag reforming processing pot 10 in which molten slag discharged from a converter or an electric furnace is stored, a reducing agent introducing part 20 which introduces a reducing agent into the slag reforming processing pot from above, the reducing agent recovering valuable metals from the molten slag, a reducing agent inflow part 25 which inputs a reducing agent into the slag reforming processing pot through a lower portion of a side of the slag reforming processing pot, the reducing agent recovering valuable metals from the molten slag, and cooling units 30 and 40 which create bubbles and perform controlled cooling in order to convert the molten slag, from which the valuable metals are recovered, into a light material having a porous structure. |
| US09469884B2 |
System and method for the calcination of minerals
A system and method for the calcination of minerals. The system comprises a vertically disposed reactor segment configured to impart horizontal forces on particles passing through the reactor segment in a vertical direction; an injector unit for receiving granular feedstock, the injector unit being disposed at a top portion of the reactor segment, whereby granules of the feedstock move through the reactor segment in a granular flow under at least one of a group consisting of a force of steam, gravitational force and a centrifugal force; a reactor heat exchange unit thermally coupled to a wall of the reactor segment for providing heat to the flowing granules inside the reactor segment through heat transfer through the wall of the reactor segment; one or more inlets formed in the reactor segment for introducing a superheated gas into the reactor segment to create conditions of a gas-solid multiphase system; and one or more exhaust openings formed in the retort segment such that gas products are at least partially flushed from the reactor segment under the flow of the superheated gas from the inlets to the exhaust openings. |
| US09469883B2 |
Carburized steel part having excellent low cycle bending fatigue strength
A carburized steel part having excellent low cycle bending fatigue strength which is comprised of a steel material which contains, by mass %, C: 0.1 to 0.6%, Si: 0.01 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.3 to 2.0, P: 0.02% or less, S: 0.001 to 0.15%, N: 0.001 to 0.03%, Al: 0.001 to 0.06%, and O: 0.005% or less and has a balance of substantially iron and unavoidable impurities and which is carburized and quenched, and then tempered, which steel part has a surface hardness of HV550 to HV800 and a core hardness of HV400 to HV500. |
| US09469879B2 |
Lymphoma prognostic methods and kits
A method for differentiating forms of lymphoma involves analyzing a tumor tissue sample from a subject for expression of CD28, ABCA5, CCDC3, and SMOC2. The CD28:ABCA5 expression ratio differentiates T-cell tumors from B-cell tumors. The CCDC3:SMOC2 expression ratio differentiates different T-cell tumors. The method can further include administering to the subject from whom the sample was obtained an appropriate treatment for the form lymphoma identified by performing the method. |
| US09469874B2 |
Long-range barcode labeling-sequencing
Methods for sequencing single large DNA molecules by clonal multiple displacement amplification using barcoded primers. Sequences are binned based on barcode sequences and sequenced using a microdroplet-based method for sequencing large polynucleotide templates to enable assembly of haplotype-resolved complex genomes and metagenomes. |
| US09469873B2 |
Compositions and methods for nucleotide sequencing
The invention provides nucleoside and nucleotide molecules containing cleavable linkers linking a label such as a dye. The invention also provides nucleosides and nucleotide molecules containing a blocking group, either removable or non-removable. The invention additionally provides methods of using the nucleoside and nucleotide molecules containing a cleavable linker and/or a blocking group. |
| US09469870B2 |
Reaction mixture for use in isothermal amplification
A method of monitoring amplification of a nucleic acid by providing a nucleic acid and an amplification mixture using the kit of isothermal reagents to a pH sensor or pH indicator, amplifying the nucleic acid using isothermal amplification, and detecting a change in pH due to the amplification using the pH sensor or pH indicator. The kit of reagents comprises a magnesium salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an alkali base. |
| US09469869B2 |
Solution microarrays and uses thereof
The present invention relates to solution microarrays. In particular, the present invention relates to an aqueous 2-phase system for solution microarrays and uses thereof. Additional embodiments are described herein. |
| US09469863B2 |
Aminoglycoside antibiotics, process for producing the same, and pharmaceutical use thereof
The present invention relates to novel aminoglycoside antibiotics, a process for producing the same, and pharmaceutical use thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I), a process for producing the same, and use of the same as antimicrobial agents. wherein R represents amino or hydroxyl. |
| US09469854B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for treating liver diseases
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating liver diseases, comprising a miRNA mimic containing a single strand RNA molecule of hsa-miR-21-3p (SEQ ID No: 35). The miRNA mimic of the present invention can be used to treat liver diseases through regulating the expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 2A and 2B (MAT2A and MAT2B), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 and 2 (ACACA and ACACB), diglyceride acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), and so on. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for reducing the expression of the above-mentioned enzymes. |
| US09469852B2 |
Methods and compositions using miR-3151 in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
Compositions comprising therapeutic oligonucleotide miR-3151 compounds that target the expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis or cell transformation are provided. |
| US09469850B2 |
Oligosaccharides comprising an aminooxy group and conjugates thereof
The invention provides methods for the synthesis of oligosaccharides comprising an aminooxy group. The invention further provides oligosaccharides comprising an aminooxy group, methods for coupling oligosaccharides comprising an aminooxy group to glycoproteins, and oligosaccharide-protein conjugates. Also provided are methods of treating a lysosomal storage disorder in a mammal by administration of an oligosaccharide-protein conjugate. |
| US09469849B2 |
Methods and systems for purifying non-complexed botulinum neurotoxin
Methods and systems for chromatographically purifying a botulinum neurotoxin are provided. These methods and systems allow for efficient purification of a non-complexed form of the botulinum neurotoxin in high purity and yield that can be used as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations. |
| US09469848B2 |
Variants of glucoamylase
The present invention relates to combinatorial variants of a parent glucoamylase that have altered properties for reducing the synthesis of condensation products during hydrolysis of starch. Accordingly, the variants of a parent glucoamylase are suitable such as for use within brewing and glucose syrup production. Also disclosed are DNA constructs encoding the variants and methods of producing the glucoamylase variants in host cells. |
| US09469842B2 |
Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus
The present invention relates to a Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and a vaccine composition using the same, and a method for preventing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus with accession number KCTC 12096BP according to the present invention is Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus distinguished from European strains and North American strains, and a vaccine composition specific to Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is produced, thereby preventing a Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus or specifically diagnosing the infection with Korean-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. |
| US09469841B2 |
Prodrug activation in cancer cells using molecular switches
The present invention features a novel protein engineering strategy by combining the domains of two independent proteins into a molecular switch. The invention features polypeptides comprising a prodrug activating enzyme and a protein that binds a cancer specific marker, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and molecular switches for converting a prodrug into a toxin, comprising the polypeptides. The invention also features methods for converting a prodrug into a toxin, methods for treating cancer, and methods for making the molecular switches, as well as kits. |
| US09469837B2 |
Materials and methods for identifying and using yeast strains that metabolize pentose sugars in the presence of D-glucose
Disclosed herein are materials and methods for creating and/or isolating variants of yeasts especially variants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that can grow on sugars other than D-glucose in the presence of amounts of 2-deoxy-glucose and or D-glucose that inhibit most strains of yeast from growing on sugars other than D-glucose. Selection media that can be used to isolate such variants include pentose sugars such as D-xylose, L-glutamine and 2-deoxy-glucose. Mutations in the Grr1 and Red genes in some strains also produce variants that can grow on sugars including the pentose D-xylose in the presence of 2-deoxy-glucose. |
| US09469835B2 |
Preservation by vaporization
Significant research is being done to develop and improve delivery mechanisms for biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, including pulmonary (inhalation), nasal, transdermal, and oral alternatives. Market projections indicate that the delivery of proteins and vaccines by inhalation and oral formulation has become and will continue to be increasingly important. These delivery mechanisms, to be effective, will require better stabilization of the biologicals so that they can maintain potency and effectiveness at ambient temperatures for extended periods of time. The novel Preservation by Vaporization (PBV) Technology described herein provides cost-effective and efficient industrial scale stabilization of proteins, viruses, bacteria, and other sensitive biologicals, thereby allowing a production of products that are not possible to be produced by existing methods. The suggested new PBV process comprises primary drying under vacuum from a partially frozen state (i.e. slush) at near subzero temperatures followed by stability drying at elevated temperatures (i.e., above 40 degrees Celsius). The new suggested method can be performed aseptically in unit doze format (in vials) and/or in bulk format (in trays, bags, or other containers). The drying can be performed as a continuous load process in a manifold vacuum dryer comprising a plurality (e.g., 30) of vacuum chambers attached to a condenser during the drying. |
| US09469833B2 |
Transplantation guide and transplantation device
The present invention provides a transplantation guide which is formed into a bottomed cylinder having a base material that allows communication of a culture fluid, wherein: a cell mass supplied from the open end side is placed on the base material, and the guide is used as a mold for forming a three-dimensional cell construct by culturing the cell mass placed on the base material by immersing the base material side in an excessive amount of a culture fluid. |
| US09469831B2 |
Lactobacillus plantarum cells with improved resistance to high concentrations of ethanol
Cycloserine resistant mutants of lactic acid bacteria characterized by having improved resistance towards ethanol. The cycloserine resistant mutants of lactic acid bacteria can e.g. be used for malolactic fermentations of wine (i.e. including sparkling wine such as Cava/champagne) having high alcohol levels. |
| US09469830B1 |
Recirculation infusion mash system
A process of mashing grain into fermentable sugar wherein two pots are used in the process. A first pot and a second pot is partially filled with water. Heat is added to the first pot. Heat is transferred to the second pot by transferring the water from the first pot to the second pot at a preestablished rate. Grain is added to the second pot which in conjunction with the water forms a wort. The wort is drained from the second pot to the first pot. |
| US09469829B2 |
Fabric care compositions comprising organosiloxane polymers
The present composition relates to fabric care compositions comprising an organosiloxane polymer. Methods of using such compositions including contacting a fabric with the composition and rinsing the fabric are also disclosed. |
| US09469825B2 |
Lubricant composition for automatic transmissions
A transmission lubricant composition, a method of lubricating a machine part, and a transmission are provided that utilize select boronated and phosphorylated N-substituted polyisobutylene succinimide dispersants combined with metal containing detergents to achieve high friction durability and low wear rates for automatic transmissions. |
| US09469824B2 |
Ashless or reduced ash quaternary detergents
A composition of an oil-soluble ionic detergent that does not contribute metal ions to the composition, and which comprises a quaternary non-metallic pnictogen cation and an organic anion having at least one hydrocarbyl group of sufficient length to impart oil solubility to the detergent, the detergent having a total base number (TBN) to total acid number (TAN) ratio of at least 2:1 imparts ash-free basicity to a lubricant composition. |
| US09469820B2 |
Method and system for recycling carbon dioxide from biomass gasification
A method for recycling carbon dioxide from biomass gasification. The method includes: 1) employing carbon dioxide as a gasifying agent, allowing the carbon dioxide to gasify biomass to yield syngas; 2) cooling the syngas; 3) introduced cooled syngas to a cyclone separator and a gas scrubber for dust removal and purification; 4) allowing purified syngas in 3) to react with the vapor to modify a ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of the syngas; 5) desulfurizing modified syngas to remove H2S and COS therein; 6) decarburizing desulfurized syngas to separate carbon dioxide therein; 7) introducing desulfurized and decarburized syngas to a synthesizing tower to yield oil products and exhaust gas including carbon dioxide; 8) decarburizing the exhaust gas including carbon dioxide and separating the carbon dioxide; and 9) introducing the carbon dioxide separated in 6) and 8) to 1) as the gasifying agent for gasification. |
| US09469817B2 |
Hydrocracking catalyst and use of the same
A hydrocracking catalyst comprises a support, at least one of VIII Group metal components, and at least one of VIB Group metal components. The support comprises an acidic silica-alumina component and alumina derived from a pseudo-boehmite component, wherein the content of the acidic silica-alumina component is 3-80 wt %, the content of alumina derived from the pseudo-boehmite component is 20-95 wt %, based on the support. The support is obtained by mixing, molding, drying and calcining the acidic silica-alumina component with the pseudo-boehmite component, wherein said pseudo-boehmite component comprises pseudo-boehmite PB1 and pseudo-boehmite PB2, wherein the content of PB1 is 10-90 wt % and the content of PB2 is 0-60 wt % on a dry basis and based on the support. |
| US09469813B2 |
Method for recovering bitumen from tar sands
Method for recovering bitumen from tar sands, according to which sands are brought into contact with at least one partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate) (co)polymer A. |
| US09469811B2 |
Tool for crushing coke
The invention relates to a tool for crushing coke, and includes a housing 2 that, in an operating state, is fastened to a drill rod, and in which is arranged at least one cutting nozzle 10 for cutting and a drilling nozzle 9 for drilling coke by means of a water jet, and a control for supplying water flowing through the housing 2 under pressure for drilling or cutting, wherein the control for switching the tool 1 from a drilling mode to a cutting mode and vice versa includes a control device 7 that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the housing 2 to switch the tool 1, wherein the drilling or cutting mode is set depending on the angular position of the control device 7. To obtain a clear understanding of whether the tool 1 is in drilling or cutting mode, at least one position element 38, 39 is arranged on the control device 7 that displays the angular position of the control device 7 in the drilling and/or cutting mode of the tool 1 through a window 18 in the housing 2. |
| US09469809B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one characteristic such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature thereof, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy and specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and heat; a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics; and an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio and contrast ratio, a long service life; a solution is a liquid crystal composition that has a negative dielectric anisotropy, and contains a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and may contain a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a third component, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition. |
| US09469806B2 |
Sintering aid coated YAG powders and agglomerates and methods for making
Method of Making particles including a YAG core and a coating of sintering aid deposited thereon. The particles and agglomerates thereof maybe formed as a powder. The coated YAG-containing particles are well-suited to production of polycrystalline YAG-containing ceramics. The coated YAG-containing particles may be fabricated using a novel fabrication method which avoids the need for formation of a homogeneous powder mixture of YAG and sintering aid. The mixture may be sprayed into a drying column and dried to produce coated particles. Alternatively, the YAG particles and sintering aid or sintering aid precursor solution may be separately introduced to the drying column and dried to form coated YAG-containing particles. |
| US09469804B2 |
Foaming composition with wettability modifying and corrosion inhibitory properties for high temperature and ultra-high salinity
A foaming composition with wettability-modifying and corrosion inhibitory properties is used to control the channeling of fluids in naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs, favorably alter the rock wettability in crude oil enhanced recovery processes and control uniform corrosion problems occurring in production rigs under high temperature and ultra-high salinity conditions by the synergistic effect resulting from the supramolecular interaction of alkyl amido propyl hydroxysultaines or alkyl hydroxysultaines with sodium alkyl hydroxysulfonates and sodium alkenyl sulfonates having the formula (1). The foaming compositions with wettability-modifying and corrosion inhibitory properties are tolerant to high concentrations of divalent ions such as calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium and are suitable for use in the reservoir, seawater and/or congenital water characteristic of the reservoir for transporting the crude oil from the reservoir. |
| US09469800B2 |
Abrasive particle, polishing slurry, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device using the same
Provided are an abrasive particle including auxiliary particles formed on a surface of a mother particle, a polishing slurry prepared by mixing the abrasive particles with a polishing accelerating agent and a pH adjusting agent, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device in which an insulating layer is polished by the polishing slurry while using a conductive layer as a polishing stop layer. |
| US09469795B2 |
Use of low molecular weight lignin together with lignin for the production of a phenol-formaldehyde binder composition
The present invention relates to a method for producing a binder composition, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (i) forming an aqueous composition comprising reactant components including lignin molecules of 11-60 lignin units, lignin molecules of 1-10 lignin units, polymerizable substance and crosslinking agent in the presence of a catalyst; and (ii) cooking the composition at a temperature of 60-95° C. for polymerizing the reactant components until a binder composition with a predetermined viscosity value is formed. |
| US09469794B2 |
Cationic UV-crosslinkable acrylic polymers for pressure sensitive adhesives
An ultraviolet (UV) crosslinkable acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive comprises an acrylic copolymer and a cationic photoinitiator. The acrylic copolymer comprises pendant reactive functional groups. The pressure sensitive adhesive formed from the acrylic copolymer with the pendant reactive functional groups result in high green strength and/or high temperature holding strength of the adhesive. |
| US09469792B2 |
Low formaldehyde vinyl ester/ethylene copolymer dispersions for use in adhesives
Disclosed are low-formaldehyde aqueous dispersions of vinyl ester/ethylene, e.g., vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), copolymers suitable for use in adhesives for applications such as tobacco or food products wherein only very low levels of formaldehyde are permitted. Such dispersions are prepared by emulsion copolymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a vinyl ester, ethylene, a stabilizing system comprising polyvinyl alcohol preferably having a degree of hydrolysis of at least 97 mole %, and a selected type of free radical redox polymerization initiator system. This selected redox initiator system comprises both a water-insoluble oxidizing agent and a sulfuric acid-based reducing agent. The monomer mixture which is polymerized is substantially free of co-monomers which yield free formaldehyde upon drying or curing of the dispersion and is also substantially free of ethylene oxide-containing emulsifiers. The aqueous dispersions resulting from polymerization of this monomer mixture has a solids content in weight percent and a Brookfield viscosity in millipascal-seconds such that the ratio of solids content to the natural logarithm of viscosity ranges from about 6.34 to about 8.25 wt %/ln(mPa·s). The dispersions herein also have a formaldehyde content of less than about 5.0 ppmw as determined by ISO-15173. |
| US09469790B2 |
Adhesive compositions comprising electrically insulating-coated carbon-based particles and methods for their use and preparation
Adhesive compositions that contain thermally conductive carbon-based materials that are also electrically insulated; methods for using such adhesive compositions and methods for their preparation. |
| US09469785B2 |
Aqueous coating compositions including the reaction product of maleic anhydride with an unsaturated compound and an amine
The invention includes an aqueous coating composition having a substituted succinimide compound, wherein the substituted succinimide compound has an acid value of at least about 30 mg KOH/g of the substituted succinimide compound. The substituted succinimide compound may be the reaction product of an unsaturated oil comprising at least one non-aromatic unsaturated carbon-carbon bond, a polymer derived from the unsaturated oil, or a combination thereof with maleic anhydride and a primary amine. |
| US09469783B2 |
Method and compositions that can be used for sealing and assembling components of a powertrain
The present invention concerns a crosslinkable silicone elastomer composition and a method using the composition according to the invention for forming sealing gaskets and assembly seals for the components of a powertrain. The silicone elastomers prepared from the composition according to the invention have:—good mechanical strength properties such as shore hardness, breaking strength, modulus at 100% elongation and—good resistance to ageing in chemically aggressive fluids such as those used, for example, in a powertrain, in this case engine oils, lubricants for the gearbox and axle, oil/petrol mixtures, coolant liquids, fuels or antifreeze liquids, and—good adhesion properties even on surfaces polluted by oils used in a powertrain. |
| US09469775B2 |
Paste resin for universal pigment paste
The invention relates to a paste resin AB which is a mixture of a water-reducible alkyd resins B and a basic acrylic copolymer resin A comprising at least one amino group-containing vinyl type monomer A1, and a method of use thereof formulating both water-borne and solvent-borne tinted paints with a wide variety of pigments. |
| US09469767B2 |
Articles including anticondensation coatings and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to articles including anticondensation coatings that are exposed to an external environment, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the anticondensation coatings may be survivable in an outside environment. The coatings also may have a sufficiently low sheet resistance and hemispherical emissivity such that the glass surface is more likely to retain heat from the interior area, thereby reducing (and sometimes completely eliminating) the presence condensation thereon. The articles of certain example embodiments may be, for example, skylights, vehicle windows or windshields, IG units, VIG units, refrigerator/freezer doors, and/or the like. |
| US09469766B2 |
Aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers
An aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers comprises: (a) a sugar syrup containing a reducing sugar and having a dextrose equivalent DE of at least 50 and less than 85; (b) a polycarboxylic acid component; (c) an amine component; and, optionally, (d) a reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component (b) and an amine component (c). |
| US09469764B2 |
Deodorized asphalt additive composition
This invention is based upon the discovery that a hydroxylated carboxylic acids which contain at least 17 carbon atoms and zinc, aluminium, or alkaline earth metal salts thereof, such as zinc ricinoleate, act effectively as deodorants in asphalt and asphalt containing compositions. The present invention more specifically discloses an asphalt additive composition which is comprised of (1) an asphalt, (2) 0.05 weight percent to about 4 weight percent of a partitioning agent, and (3) at least 0.1 weight percent of a deodorant selected from the group consisting of (a) a hydroxylated carboxylic acid which contains at least 17 carbon atoms and (b) an aluminium, zinc, or alkaline earth metal salt of a hydroxylated carboxylic acid which contains at least 17 carbon atoms. In many applications it is beneficial for the asphalt additive composition to further include 0.5 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of a polymer additive. |
| US09469750B2 |
Fastening component and method for manufacturing the fastening component
A fastening component is a molded article of a mixture in which microfibrillated cellulose fibers are dispersed in a thermoplastic resin, wherein the thermoplastic resin has a melting point of between 150 and 200° C., and wherein when the total mass % of the thermoplastic resin and the cellulose fibers is set to be 100 mass %, the mass % of the cellulose fibers included in the mixture is greater than 20 mass % and less than 60 mass %. When the total mass % of the thermoplastic resin and the cellulose fibers is set to be 100%, the mass % of the cellulose fibers included in the mixture is preferably equal to or greater than 30 mass % and equal to or less than 50 mass %. |
| US09469747B2 |
Mineral wool insulation
A method of manufacturing a mineral fiber thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibers from a molten mineral mixture; spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibers, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibers to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibers; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibers and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibers by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibers held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder. |
| US09469743B2 |
Composite material with conductive and ferromagnetic properties and hybrid slurry
In one embodiment of the disclosure, a composite material with conductive and ferromagnetic properties is provided. The composite material includes: 5 to 90 parts by weight of a conductive polymer matrix; and 0.1 to 40 parts by weight of iron oxide nanorods, wherein the iron oxide nanorods are ferromagnetic and have a length-to-diameter ratio of larger than 3. In another embodiment, a hybrid slurry is provided. The hybrid slurry includes a conductive polymer, and iron oxide nanorods, wherein the iron oxide nanorods are ferromagnetic and have a length-to-diameter ratio of larger than 3; and a solvent. |
| US09469742B2 |
Polyamide composites containing graphene
The present invention relates to polyamide composites containing graphene, a method for producing them and to their use as or for producing a material with gas barrier and/or electroconductive and/or thermally conductive properties and/or a mechanically reinforced material. |
| US09469740B2 |
Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and process for producing same
A carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic prepared by impregnating a matrix resin into a sheet-like base material includes discontinuous carbon fibers, wherein a content ratio of carbon fibers having lengths of 10 mm or longer in the base material is 60 wt % or more relative to a total amount of the carbon fibers, and an average value of orientation degrees of carbon fibers contained in the base material is 2-10. |
| US09469738B1 |
Foamed aqueous composition
Foamable aqueous compositions can be used to form light-blocking and light-colored foamed, opacifying elements with one or more dry foamed layers. The compositions contain: (a) 0.05 to 20 weight % of porous particles comprising a continuous polymeric phase and a first set of discrete pores, the porous particles having a mode particle size of 2 to 50 μm; (b) at least 20 weight % of a binder material (that can be curable); (c) 0.1 to 30 weight % of one or more additives including dispersants, plasticizers, inorganic or organic pigments or dyes, thickeners, flame retardants, biocides, fungicides, optical brighteners, tinting colorants, metal flakes, and inorganic or organic fillers; (d) water; and (e) at least 0.001 weight % of an opacifying colorant different from (c), which opacifying colorant absorbs electromagnetic radiation. The foamable aqueous composition can be aerated, disposed on a porous substrate, dried, and crushed on that porous substrate. |
| US09469737B2 |
Robust polymeric membrane
Hydrophilic porous membranes comprising a random copolymer of: (a) 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate of formula (I): (b) an ethylene glycol dimethacrylate of formula (II): and (c) 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate of formula (III): and a hydrophobic polymer; filters including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed. |
| US09469735B2 |
Method of manufacturing colorless transparent polyimide film having impregnated glass fabric and of flattening surface thereof
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a colorless transparent polyimide film having impregnated glass fabric, wherein the surface of the polyimide film substrate having impregnated glass fabric is flattened by two flattening steps using a roll-to-roll process, thereby solving problems with an increase in surface roughness of the polyimide substrate when manufacturing the polyimide film having impregnated glass fabric in order to enhance thermal and mechanical properties of a film for use in flexible display substrates and in cover windows for flat panel displays and mobile phones. As the surface roughness of the polyimide film having impregnated glass fabric is flattened to the level of ones of nm from the level ranging of tens of nm to ones of μm, a thin film transistor process can be performed on the polyimide film substrate and the polyimide film is increased in optical transmittance and transparency and can thus be utilized as flexible display substrates and cover windows for flat panel displays and mobile phones. |