| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09477205B2 |
Tuning fork oscillator for timepieces
A timepiece oscillator including a resonator formed by a tuning fork which includes at least two mobile oscillating parts, fixed to a connection element by flexible elements whose geometry determines a virtual pivot axis having a determined position with respect to this connection element and around which the respective mobile part oscillates, and the center of mass of the mobile part coincides in the rest position with the respective virtual pivot axis, and, for at least one of the two mobile parts the flexible elements are formed of intersecting resilient strips extending at a distance from each other in two parallel planes, and whose directions, in projection on one of the parallel planes, intersect at the virtual pivot axis of the mobile part. |
| US09477203B2 |
Multi-layer body, method for producing it, and production of forgery-proof documents using said multi-layer body
A multi-layer body includes a carrier film, a release layer, an embossed hologram layer, and a vapor-plated reflection layer. An adhesive layer is UV activated and includes a partially activated zone. Cured adhesive regions connect a transparent polycarbonate film and parts of the embossed hologram layer to one another inseparably. The cured adhesive regions are arranged about the periphery of an uncured adhesive region of the adhesive layer to form a frame around the uncured adhesive region. A forgery-proof document is produced using the multi-layer body. Uncured adhesive regions of the multi-layer body are partially cured with UV light through an information-carrying optical mask. The carrier film is removed together with the release layer and non-bonded embossed hologram layer regions. An upper protective film is applied to individualized embossed hologram layers and is hot pressed together with additional films. |
| US09477200B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a support member with wavelike portions having a wave shape
The support member is provided at an intermediate portion thereof in a longitudinal direction with the wavelike portions having a wave shape when viewed from a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and having elasticity in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09477199B2 |
Collecting toner container and image forming apparatus using the same
Provided are a collecting toner container that is detachably attached to a main body of an image forming apparatus so as to collect and store toner; an opening portion through which toner flows from the main body of the image forming apparatus into the collecting toner container; and a stirring/conveying member that conveys the toner flowing from the opening portion into the collecting toner container in the downstream direction of the collecting toner container, wherein a discharge opening used to discharge the toner inside the collecting toner container is formed in each of two adjacent surfaces as a bottom surface and a side surface of the collecting toner container, and the discharge openings provided in the respective surfaces are formed so as to share a ridge line portion of the two surfaces. |
| US09477195B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that carries a developer image, a carrying part that carries a medium; and a guide part that forms a carrying path to guide the medium carried by the carrying part toward a transfer position where the developer image carried by the image carrier is transferred to the medium. The guide part is configured to change a thickness of the carrying path according to a kind of the medium. |
| US09477194B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of limiting range of operation during maintenance, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus for preventing unauthorized manipulations of maintenance setting items by a service person includes a plurality of setting items having setting values changed by the maintenance work is stored in an HDD. A maintenance authentication unit performs authentication of the service person who performs the maintenance work. A restricting unit restricts change of the setting values by an authenticated service person. A user authentication unit performs authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus. When change of the setting values by the service person is restricted, a display control unit controls display of the plurality of setting items on a basis of whether or not the service person has been authenticated by the user authentication unit. |
| US09477193B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a determiner for determining whether to execute a first image formation in an acquisition mode, in which an image forming operation is carried out using an acquired timing, or a second image formation in a non-acquisition mode, in which the image forming operation is carried out using exposure timing acquired in a previous acquisition mode. The determiner makes the determination on the basis of a current output of a temperature sensor and a previous output of the temperature sensor. When the determiner determines the execution of the first image formation, driving speeds of a first driver and a second driver are set, before the execution of the operation in the acquisition mode, on the basis of the current output of the temperature sensor, and the operation in the acquisition mode and the image formation are carried out using the driving speeds currently set. |
| US09477178B1 |
System for determining the open or closed state of a toner cartridge shutter
An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a toner cartridge removably installable in the image forming device. The toner cartridge has a reservoir for storing toner and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge has a shutter that is movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position unblocking the outlet port. A sensor is positioned to detect whether the shutter is in the closed position or the open position when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device. |
| US09477176B1 |
Toner cartridge having a movable projection for providing installation feedback to an image forming device
A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a toner reservoir. An outlet port faces downward on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. A linkage is positioned on the first side of the housing and has an engagement surface that is accessible at the rear of the housing. A projection is positioned on the first side of the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The projection is operatively connected to the linkage such that the projection moves upward from the first position to the second position when the engagement surface receives a forward force that is toward the front of the housing. The projection extends outward sideways from the first side when the projection is in the second position. |
| US09477174B1 |
Using accumulated pixel counting to assess solid area density performance to enable automatic density correction and improve toner yield
This disclosure provides a method and system to adjust pixel density based on a weight and an accumulated pixel count of a printer cartridge. According to an exemplary method, the weight and the accumulated pixel count of the printer cartridge are calculated to determine a pixel density of the printer cartridge, and then a toner output of an associated printing device is adjusted if the pixel density is outside of a predefined pixel density threshold. |
| US09477173B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a developer carrying body, a layer thickness limiting portion, and a rotation control portion. The layer thickness limiting portion includes a base body and a flexible member. The base body protrudes toward a part at a third position between a first position and a second position on the outer circumferential surface of the developer carrying body. The flexible member is a sheet-like member having flexibility, and is attached to the base body such that the flexible member covers, via a gap, a range of the base body from a front end surface facing the developer carrying body to an upper surface, and a bent portion covering a boundary portion between the front end surface and the upper surface of the base body is closer to the outer circumferential surface of the developer carrying body than the other part is. |
| US09477172B1 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus comprising the same
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing part that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier by using toner, a supply part that supplies a developing bias between the image carrier and the developing part, the developing bias having an AC component superimposed on a DC component, and a setting part that sets a peak-to-peak value of the AC component of the developing bias to vary between a reference value that is determined in advance and a special value smaller than the reference value when an image region on the image carrier passes through a developing region, the image region being a region on the image carrier in which an image is to be formed, the developing region being a region in which the image carrier is opposed to the developing part. |
| US09477165B2 |
Toner, process cartridge, developer, and image forming apparatus
A toner including a polyester resin having an amorphous polyester segment is provided. The amorphous polyester segment includes a condensation polymerization product between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The carboxylic acid includes both aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The toner deforms with a deformation rate of from 1.0% to 5.0% under a pressure of 100 gf at 40° C. and 80% RH. In a binarized image of an AFM phase image of the toner, first phase-contrast images serving as large-phase-difference portions are dispersed in second phase-contrast images serving as small-phase-difference portions, and the first phase-contrast images have a dispersion diameter of 100 nm or less. An endothermic quantity Q1 obtained in a first heating of DSC is from 10 to 50 J/g, and a ratio of an endothermic quantity obtained in the second heating Q2 to that in first heating Q1 is 0.65 or less. |
| US09477163B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, electrophotographic apparatus, and imide compound
Provided is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including an undercoat layer that contains a polymerized product of a composition containing a compound represented by the formula (1). |
| US09477161B2 |
Method and system to operate arrays of reflective elements for extended lifetime operation in use with high intensity power light sources
A method and system is provided to extend operational life of a mirror array of an image generating system, wherein the image generating system further includes a high intensity power light source to cause light to impinge on the mirror array, sufficient to cause deleterious plastic deformation of associated hinges of the mirror array, and an image output generating section configured to receive light from the mirror array. Image date is received by the image generating system image data to control mirrors of the mirror array and to generate an output image. A required level of illumination is provided from the mirror array to the image output generating section over a predetermined time period, in accordance with the received image data. Then during at least a portion of the same predetermined time period of providing the required level of illumination from the mirror array to the image output generating section, de-stress switching operations are performed for selected ones of the mirrors of the mirror array to reduce the plastic deformation of the associated hinges. Next, an output image is generated based on the received image data, wherein the de-stress switching operations occurring during at least a portion of the providing of the desired level of illumination is undetected. |
| US09477158B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A plurality of extraction conduits are provided to remove immersion liquid into a chamber. The extraction conduits are arranged at different distances from a target portion of the substrate. From the chamber, a passage is provided to which a suction force is applied. When all the conduits are filled with immersion liquid, the extraction capacity will be greater than when one or more of the conduits comprise gas. |
| US09477146B2 |
Projection ring
Disclosed is a projection ring, including an annular body; a telescopic portion disposed on the annular body; and a projector disposed on the telescopic portion. The location of the projector on the projection ring is easily adjustable, thus it's convenient to adjust the size of the picture as projected or the projection angle. |
| US09477143B2 |
Camera device
A camera device includes a holding member that holds a plurality of cameras to be arranged side by side, a supporting member that supports the holding member, a first positioner that positions the holding member to the supporting member in an arranged direction of the cameras, and a second positioner that positions the holding member to the supporting member in optical axis directions of the cameras, the second positioner being movable in the arranged direction of the cameras. The first positioner and the second positioner are arranged in the arranged direction of the cameras. |
| US09477141B2 |
Aerial movement system having multiple payloads
A system for aerially moving a payload, the system having at least two payloads, at least one platform for carrying the at least two payloads, at least one line connected to the at least one object, the at least one line connected to the at least one platform in at least four locations, and at least one reel and motor coupled to the at least one line connected to the at least one platform, such that the at least one reel and motor in conjunction with the at least one line is capable of moving the at least one platform carrying the at least two payloads in at lest two of the x-, y-, and z-directions. |
| US09477138B2 |
Autofocus
Systems, methods, and computer readable media to provide improved autofocus operations are described. In general, techniques are disclosed that show how to improve contrast-based autofocus operations by applying a novel threshold-and-select action to window-specific focus scores. More particularly, techniques disclosed herein may evaluate a multi-window autofocus area over a burst collected group of images. For each captured image, focus scores for each window within an autofocus area may be collected, aggregated and then consolidated to identify a single focus metric and its associated lens position for each window. The window-specific focus scores may be reviewed and selection of a “best” autofocus lens position made using a selection criteria. The specified criteria may be used to bias the selection to either a front-of-plane (macro) or back-of-plane (infinity) focus position. |
| US09477136B2 |
Reservoir computing using passive optical systems
A method comprising providing an input signal to at least one input node of a computing reservoir by temporally encoding the input signal by modulating the at least one photonic wave as function of the input signal is described. The method further comprises propagating the at least one photonic wave via passive guided or unguided propagation between discrete nodes of the computing reservoir, in which each discrete node is adapted for passively relaying the at least one photonic wave over the passive interconnections connected thereto. The method also comprises obtaining a plurality of readout signals, in which each readout signal is determined by a non-linear relation to the at least one photonic wave in at least one readout node of the computing reservoir, and combining this plurality of readout signals into an output signal by taking into account a plurality of training parameters. |
| US09477135B1 |
Non-mechanically steered high-power laser transmitter
A steerable laser transmitter uses a two-stage architecture for beam steering. A LCWG is used to provide continuous fine steering and a PG stack is used to provide discrete coarse steering. An optical amplifier is inserted between the LCWG and the PG stack to provide gain and increase transmitter power, hence range. The LCWG is configured to limit its steering range to the acceptance angle of the optical amplifier, at most ±2°×±2°. The result is a high-power laser transmitter that can be rapidly and precisely steered over a large FOR. |
| US09477128B2 |
Graphene/metal nanowire hybrid transparent conductive films
A hybrid transparent conductive film, and methods for fabricating such hybrid transparent conductive films, involving the assembly of two-dimensional graphene-based materials with one-dimensional silver and/or copper nanowires with high optical transmittance and good electrical conductivity. The hybrid films are characterized by a good degree of control of the architecture at the nanoscale level, where the weakness(es) of each component are offset by the strengths of the other components. By rational design of the structure and using simple and locate-cost fabrication methods, hybrid films with sheet resistance of 26 ohm/sq and optical transmittance (at λ=550 nm) of 83% for reduced graphene oxide/silver nanowire films, and 64 ohm/sq and optical transmittance of 93.6% for monolayer graphene/silver nanowire films have been fabricated. These values are comparable to transparent conductive films based on indium tin oxide but are now able to be used in flexible electronics due to their good mechanical properties. |
| US09477125B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display includes a substrate including a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel; a pixel electrode including a first pixel electrode formed in a region corresponding to the first sub-pixel and a second pixel electrode formed in a region corresponding to the second sub-pixel on the substrate; a common electrode including a first common electrode formed to be spaced from the first pixel electrode and a second common electrode formed to be spaced from the second pixel electrode on the substrate; and a thin film transistor formed on the substrate to be electrically connected to the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. |
| US09477124B2 |
Display device and television device
A display device includes a display panel, a flexible circuit board, a signal transmission board, a driver component, a frame-shaped member, and a heat dissipation member. The signal transmission board is configured to transmit signals to the flexible circuit board. The driver component is mounted on the flexible circuit board and configured to process the signals from the signal transmission board and supply the processed signals to the display panel. The frame-shaped member retains the liquid crystal panel by holding edges of the display panel on a display surface side. The heat dissipation member has higher thermal conductivity than the frame-shaped member and embedded in a portion of the frame-shaped member. The heat dissipation member includes a contact portion that projects toward the signal transmission board and a distal end that is in contact with a portion of the flexible circuit board on which the driver component is mounted. |
| US09477122B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided. A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel including: a display area where a plurality of pixels are disposed and a peripheral area near the display area; and a gate driver disposed in the peripheral area and including a transistor unit and a common voltage application unit, wherein the common voltage application unit overlaps via a first insulating layer disposed on the transistor unit. |
| US09477121B2 |
Liquid crystal display and thin film transistor array panel therefor
A liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided, which includes: first and second gate lines, a data line intersecting the gate lines, first to fourth drain electrodes located near the intersections between the first and second gate lines and the data line, and a coupling electrode. First to fourth pixel electrodes respectively connected to the first to fourth drain electrodes are also provided, and the first pixel electrode is connected to the coupling electrode while the fourth pixel electrode overlaps the coupling electrode. The LCD further includes a common electrode opposite the pixel electrodes, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode, and a domain partitioning member formed on at least one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode. Two long edges of the domains are angled with respect to the first and the second gate lines or the data line substantially by about 45°. |
| US09477118B2 |
Method of manufacturing display apparatus
A method of manufacturing a display apparatus, includes disposing a first sealing material along an edge of a first substrate, disposing a second sealing material in a first area disposed at a side of the first sealing material, disposing liquid crystal on the first substrate, disposing a second substrate on the first substrate, curing the first sealing material and the second sealing material to seal the liquid crystal between the first substrate and the second substrate, and disposing an image capturing device in association with the first area of the first substrate. The second sealing material is disposed on the first substrate along imaginary lines. Each imaginary line includes a start point and an end point. The second sealing material is disposed, in association with each imaginary line, from a respective start point toward a respective end point. |
| US09477110B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
A display device is provided. The display device includes a substrate including a plurality of pixel areas; a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate; a first insulating layer disposed on the thin film transistor; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor and disposed on the first insulating layer; a common electrode separated from the pixel electrode with a microcavity interposed therebetween; a second insulating layer disposed on the common electrode; a roof layer disposed on the second insulating layer; a hydrophobic layer disposed on the roof layer and including a plurality of protrusions; an injection hole disposed in the common electrode, the second insulating layer, and the roof layer, the injection hole exposing a portion of the microcavity; a liquid crystal layer for filling the microcavity; and an overcoat formed on the roof layer and covering the injection hole, so as to seal the microcavity. |
| US09477105B2 |
Display device
The inventive concept relates to a display device in which luminance of a light source is corrected, and the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept includes: a display panel displaying an image; a light source unit supplying light to the display panel; a light sensing unit embeded in the display panel and sensing a light intensity from the light source unit; and a light source controller receiving information regarding the light intensity from the light sensing unit to control a light intensity from the light source unit, wherein the light sensing unit includes a light sensing layer, and a first electrode and a second electrode formed on either side of the light sensing layer in a plan view. |
| US09477102B2 |
Method of promoting brightness uniformity of liquid crystal module
The present invention provides a method of promoting brightness uniformity of a liquid crystal module, comprising steps of: step 1, employing CCD to measure a transmittance distribution of a liquid crystal panel; step 2, calculating an ideal relative brightness distribution of a back light module according to the transmittance distribution of the liquid crystal panel; step 3, manufacturing and optimizing a light guide plate mesh dots structure of the back light module according to the ideal relative brightness distribution of the back light module. |
| US09477100B2 |
Radiation filtration shields for eye or body protection
A radiation filter insert is provided. The glasses filter insert includes a first filter lens and a second filter lens, each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The first and second filter lens may include an electromagnetic filter. The present invention may include a bridge connector. The bridge connector may connect the first and second filter lenses together. The bridge connector may include a curved inner edge formed to fit around a nosepiece of an eyewear. The filtering insert may include resting tabs to allow the insert to remain in position on the eyewear. The filtering insert may further include grasping tabs. The grasping tabs allow placement using the thumb an index finger of one hand. These resting and grasping tabs enables insertion and removal without displacing the eyewear. Therefore, a user may wear a pair of protective glasses and may insert the radiation filter insert in between the protective eyewear and the user, thereby shielding the user from electromagnetic energy or enabling its screening qualities. |
| US09477099B2 |
Transparent optical element with dual light-polarizing effect
A transparent optical element with dual light-polarizing effect comprises a first film forming a linear light-polarizer in a first surface portion of the element, and a second film forming a retarder plate within a second surface portion. The second surface portion is contained in the first surface portion. Such element may form an eyeglass adapted for providing stereoscopic vision by light polarization selection in the second surface portion, while providing protection against excessive light intensity in the first surface portion. |
| US09477096B2 |
Optical-characteristics adjusting system for sunglasses or goggles and sunglasses and goggles equipped therewith
The present invention relates to sunglasses and goggles, and more particularly relates to a system for adjusting optical characteristics such as the color or the optical transmittance of sunglasses or goggles lens and relates to sunglasses and goggles equipped with the adjusting system. Provided is an optical characteristics adjusting system for sunglasses or goggles lenses, the system comprising: lenses equipped with an LCD panel; a lens drive unit equipped with an LCD drive unit for applying a driving voltage to the LCD panel; an illuminance detecting sensor for sensing the ambient illuminance; and a control unit for controlling the action of the lens drive unit in response to a signal from the illuminance detecting sensor. Also provided are sunglasses and goggles equipped with the optical characteristics adjusting system. |
| US09477093B2 |
Lens drive apparatus, camera module and camera
A lens drive apparatus that displaces a lens holder in a direction of an optical axis and a direction orthogonal to the optical axis comprises: a drive section that displaces an assembly, which is formed by assembling a lens holder displaceable in the direction of the optical axis together with a plurality of magnets disposed around the lens holder, in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis by the plurality of magnets and a plurality of coils disposed at positions facing the magnets in collaboration with each other; and a Hall device that is disposed between any two of the plurality of coils and detects a position of any one of the plurality of magnets in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis. |
| US09477088B2 |
Three-dimensional image display apparatus
A three-dimensional image display apparatus includes: an image output unit that outputs image light that has a particular polarization, the image output unit having: a retaining substrate including a transparent glass; an optical element retained by the retaining substrate; and a resin polarizing plate pasted with a first adhesive layer on a side of the retaining substrate opposite to a side where the optical element is retained; and a retarder that is pasted onto the polarizing plate with a second adhesive layer and has: a transparent resin base; and a plurality of phase retarding parts that are provided on the resin base and output the image light as mutually differently polarized light, the image light having been incident on the plurality of phase retarding parts, wherein the second adhesive layer is as hard as or harder than the first adhesive layer. |
| US09477085B2 |
Head-mounted display and method of controlling the same
Disclosed herein are a head-mounted display and a method of controlling the same, more particularly, a method of performing rotation compensation on a captured image based on an angle of rotating a user wearing the head-mounted display and an angle of rotating a camera detached from the head-mounted display. |
| US09477078B2 |
MEMS device
A MEMS device includes a substrate, a moving part including a magnetic material and configured to tilt relative to the substrate, a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic material, and a magnetic field detector configured to detect the magnetic field of the magnetic material. In the MEMS device, the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are disposed on one side of the moving part, the one side being a side on which the magnetic material is located. The magnetic field detector is disposed between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole. A distance between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole is shorter than a length of the moving part in a direction from the first magnetic pole toward the second magnetic pole. |
| US09477074B2 |
Bessel beam plane illumination microscope
A microscope has a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, λ, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a Bessel-like beam that is directed into a sample. The beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. Imaging optics are configured for receiving light from a position within the sample that is illuminated by the Bessel-like beam and for imaging the received light on a detector. The imaging optics include a detection objective having an axis oriented in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction. A detector is configured for detecting signal light received by the imaging optics, and an aperture mask is positioned. |
| US09477067B2 |
Five-piece lens set for capturing images
A five-piece lens set for capturing images, which includes a fixed aperture stop and an optical lens set, is disclosed. The optical lens set includes a first, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth lens elements. The first lens element has negative refractive power adjacent to optical axis and a concave image side surface. The second lens element has negative refractive power adjacent to optical axis. The third lens element has positive refractive power adjacent to optical axis, both convex image side and object side surface. The fourth lens element has positive refractive power adjacent to optical axis and a convex object side surface. The fifth lens element has negative refractive power adjacent to optical axis and a convex image side surface. There is an interval between the image side surface of the fourth lens element and the object side surface of the fifth lens element. |
| US09477063B2 |
Lens barrel
Provided is a lens barrel whose diameter can be reduced. The lens barrel includes a rotary frame having a gear on an inner peripheral surface, and a retracting lens frame which holds a retracting lens configured to retract from an optical axis along with rotation of the rotary frame. A position where the retracting lens retracts is where the gear of the rotary frame is located when the retracting lens is positioned on the optical axis. The rotary frame includes a first cam groove on an outer peripheral surface, and a second cam groove on the inner peripheral surface. The lens barrel also includes a first lens frame having a first cam follower which is mounted on the first cam groove, and a second lens frame having a second cam follower which is mounted on the second cam groove. The retracting lens frame is held by the second lens frame. |
| US09477062B2 |
Zoom lens barrel
A lens control apparatus having a zoom lens includes first and second operation members that give a zoom instruction for moving the zoom lens, and a controller that changes a zoom stop position to a first pattern according to the operation of the first operation member, and changes the zoom stop position to a second pattern, which has an interval wider than that in the first pattern, according to the operation of the second operation member. |
| US09477058B2 |
Housing case for optical fiber
Technical Problem In the case where an optical fiber is wound around several times and housed, it is difficult to take out a terminal end of the optical fiber at a side wound around before.Solution to Problem A housing case includes: a body; and bobbin around which an optical fiber is to be wound, the bobbin being housed rotatably in the body, bobbin having a partition portion, partition portion having a fiber groove that guides the optical fiber between an inside and an outside of the partition portion, and the optical fiber being housed by housing a one end side of the optical fiber in the inside of the partition portion and by winding around an outer wall surface of the partition portion the optical fiber that has been guided to the outside of the partition portion with the fiber groove. |
| US09477052B2 |
Optical communication module having optical coupling lens
An optical communication module includes optical-electric conversion units, a coupling lens, and optical fibers. The coupling lens includes a first surface, a top surface, a second surface, first lens units on the first surface, and second lens units on the second surface. Each first lens unit is aligned with an optical-electric conversion unit. The top surface defines blind holes each having a reflection bottom surface. An optical axis of each first lens unit intersects an optical axis of a second lens unit on the reflection bottom surface. Each reflection bottom surface is concentrically aligned with a first lens unit and a second lens unit. Each second lens unit is aligned with an optical fiber. |
| US09477050B2 |
Connector modules having optical connectors moveable between a retracted position and an extended position
A plurality of connector modules are mounted to a support frame. The connector modules have respective optical connectors to optically connect with respective electronic devices, where the optical connectors are moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The optical connector of a first of the connector modules is retractable and extendable independently of a second of the connector modules. |
| US09477048B2 |
Sleeve for optical communication and method of manufacturing the sleeve for optical communication
A sleeve for optical communication and method for manufacture for the sleeve for optical communication, for which withdrawal force for ferrules, which are generally used in the technical field of optical communication, or connection loss between ferrules is a predetermined value, and for which manufacturing steps are reduced so as to allow reduction of manufacturing cost. The invention is made by press-molding ceramic feedstock, which after cold isostatic pressing and sintering are performed thereto, and is made so that an inner circumferential surface, of a through-hole for inserting a ferrule formed on the length-direction of the axis, has a sintered state. |
| US09477042B2 |
Large diameter optical waveguide splice
Techniques and systems suitable for performing low-loss fusion splicing of optical waveguide sections are provided. According to some embodiments, multiple laser beams (from one or more laser) may be utilized to uniformly heat a splice region including portions of the optical waveguide sections to be spliced, which may have different cross-sectional dimensions. According to some embodiments, the relative distance of the optical waveguide sections and/or the power of the multiple laser beams may be varied during splicing operations. |
| US09477040B1 |
Guided-wave photodiode using through-absorber quantum-well-intermixing and methods thereof
The present invention includes a high-speed, high-saturation power detector (e.g., a photodiode) compatible with a relatively simple monolithic integration process. In particular embodiments, the photodiode includes an intrinsic bulk absorption region, which is grown above a main waveguide core including a number of quantum wells (QWs) that are used as the active region of a phase modulator. The invention also includes methods of fabricating integrated photodiode and waveguide assemblies using a monolithic, simplified process. |
| US09477038B2 |
Photoelectric composite wiring module
A photoelectric composite wiring module includes a flexible first substrate including a conductive line and an optical fiber mounted thereon along a longitudinal direction thereof, a second substrate including a recessed portion formed thereon to receive the conductive line and the optical fiber that protrude from an end portion of the first substrate, and an optical device mounted on the second substrate and optically coupled to the optical fiber. The recessed portion includes an opening on a mounting surface side of the second substrate to mount the optical device. |
| US09477037B1 |
Optical fiber for silicon photonics
An optical fiber for efficient coupling of optical signals to photonic devices. The glass optical fiber includes a core region, an optional inner cladding region, a depressed index region, and an outer cladding region. The relative refractive index profile of the fiber is designed to provide large effective area and low bending losses at wavelengths of interest for photonic devices. The photonic devices may be silicon photonic devices with an operating wavelength at or near 1310 nm. |
| US09477033B2 |
Multi-layered waveguide for capturing solar energy
A waveguide for use in solar power systems to capture sunlight without solar tracking. The waveguide includes a first transparent layer with a first surface receiving sunlight, and the waveguide includes a second surface, opposite the first surface of the first layer, including recessed surfaces (or “microstructures”) each defined by sidewalls extending from the second surface toward the first surface of the first layer. The waveguide includes a second layer of transparent material with a first surface proximate to the second surface of the first layer for receiving a portion of the sunlight transmitted through the first layer. The second layer has a second surface, opposite the first surface, including recessed surfaces of the same or differing shape, size, location, and orientation as those of the first layer. The recessed surfaces of the first and second layers capture sunlight of differing ranges of incidence angles with total internal reflection (TIR). |
| US09477031B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing light guiding plate
Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a light guiding plate. The apparatus for manufacturing a light guiding plate includes an unwinding unit unwinding a film formed of a flexible material and wound in a roll shape, a winding unit winding the film provided from the unwinding unit in a roll shape, a surface treatment unit disposed between the unwinding unit and the winding unit to treat a surface of the film transferred into the winding part into a hydrophobic surface, a pattern formation unit disposed between the surface treatment unit and the winding unit to form a micro lens pattern on the surface of the film of which the surface is treated, and a pattern curing unit disposed between the pattern formation unit and the winding unit to cure the pattern. |
| US09477030B2 |
Backlight unit and display device
A backlight unit and a display device are provided. The backlight unit includes: a circuit board (20); at least one light source (21) provided on the circuit board (20); a light guiding plate (112) comprising a light incident side, which is configured for receiving light emitted by the at least one light source, and a light exit side; and a diffusion plate (114) provided on the light exit side of the light guiding plate (112). The diffusion plate (114) includes a diffusion-plate body (141) and at least one diffusion-plate extension part (142) that is located on at least one side of the diffusion-plate body (141) and connected to the diffusion-plate body (141). The diffusion-plate extension part (142) is located between the circuit board (20) and the light guiding plate (112). A position of the diffusion-plate extension part (142) corresponds to a position of the light source (121). |
| US09477029B2 |
Lighting assembly with adjustable light output
A lighting assembly includes a light guide having opposed major surfaces between which light propagates by total internal reflection, a light input edge, and two light output regions of different optical characteristics and at least one of which is associated with a corresponding one of the major surfaces. The lighting assembly also includes a light source located adjacent the light input edge. The light source and the light guide variably positionable relative to one another to vary a location on the light input edge at which the light is input to the light guide such that the light is emitted from the light guide selectively apportioned between the light output regions so that a characteristic of the light output from the lighting assembly is modified based on the optical characteristics associated with the light output regions and the relative positioning of the light source and the light guide. |
| US09477022B2 |
Device for viewing an image on a laminated substrate
A glazing panel for a display device, includes an external first transparent pane and an internal second transparent pane, each pane including an external face and an internal face, the glass panes being joined together by an interlayer made of a thermoformable material or by a multilayer sheet incorporating such an interlayer; a protective layer made of an opaque material making contact with the internal face of the external first pane; a masking layer made of an opaque material making contact with the internal face of the internal second pane, the masking layer including apertures forming pictograms; and a uniform layer of a material doped with luminescent species chosen because they absorb light radiation produced by the source generating radiation in the UV or IR range, and re-emit light radiation in the visible range, the uniform layer being placed in the glazing panel, between the masking layer and the protective layer. |
| US09477019B2 |
Color filter substrate, display device and method for manufacturing a color filter substrate
The present invention relates to the field of displays and discloses a color filter substrate, a display device and a method for manufacturing a color filter substrate. The color filter substrate comprises: a transparent substrate; a light-electricity converting module, provided on the transparent substrate and configured to convert a light beam incident from the transparent substrate into electric energy. The display device comprises the color filter substrate. In the invention, a light-electricity converting module is set on a transparent substrate, thus a light beam incident from the transparent substrate may be converted into electric energy, so that the sunlight transmitted into a display panel may be transformed into electric energy; because the solar energy is abundant, it may meet the demand of the display panel, and the service time of the display panel may be prolonged. |
| US09477017B2 |
Method for structuring a non-metal omnidirectional multilayer mirror
A method for structuring an omnidirectional non-metal mirror for any predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths. The mirror having at least two layers of different non-metal materials, with an elementary matrix associated to each layer, including physical parameters of the layer and parameters of the light passing through the layer. |
| US09477014B2 |
Protective film and polarizing plate including the same
The present invention relates to a protective film including: a transparent film, a coating layer formed on one surface of the transparent film, and a primer layer formed on the other surface of the transparent film, wherein the coating layer is formed using a coating composition including a first polymer resin, a first cross-linking agent and first water dispersible particles, and the primer layer is formed using a primer composition including a second polymer resin and second water dispersible particles, as well as including a second cross-linking agent in an amount, including 0% by weight, and lower than that of the first cross-linking agent, and a polarizing plate including the same. |
| US09477008B2 |
Method and system of transmitting acoustic signals from a wellbore
Transmitting acoustic signals from a wellbore. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including transmitting an acoustic signal comprising downhole data, receiving the acoustic signal (the receiving by a receiver disposed within the internal diameter of a casing in the wellbore) converting the acoustic signal to a corresponding first electromagnetic signal, and inducing a second electromagnetic signal in a tubing responsive to the first electromagnetic signal. |
| US09477006B2 |
Pulsed neutron well logging method for determining multiple formation parameters
A method for well logging includes emitting a plurality of bursts of high energy neutrons into a wellbore and formations surrounding the wellbore. During and for a selected duration after at least one of the plurality of bursts, gamma rays are detected at at least one location spaced apart from the emitting and characterizing an energy of the detected gamma rays. After the last burst, gamma rays are detected and energy spectrum and rates of detection with respect to time thereof are determined. The foregoing is repeated for a selected number of times. After the selected number of times background gamma rays are measured. At least one of the numbers of detected gamma rays during a selected time interval and an energy spectrum of the detected gamma rays during the selected time interval is used to determine selected formation properties. |
| US09477001B2 |
Redatuming seismic data with correct internal multiples
Method for redatuming seismic data to any arbitrary location in the subsurface in a way that is consistent with the internal scattering in the subsurface. Direct arrival times are estimated from every point to every point on the edges of a virtual box in the subsurface (102). Green's functions are estimated by iterative optimization (103), using the direct arrival times as initial guesses (102), to minimize error in the source field reconstruction, which consists of the multidimensional auto-correlation of the Green's functions. The estimated Green's functions are the used to determine simulated internal multiple reflections (104). The measured data may be corrected by subtracting the simulated internal multiple reflections, or the Green's function may be used to do local imaging or local velocity model building, particularly advantageous in full wavefield inversion (104). |
| US09477000B2 |
System and method for the removal of shallow water multiples using a hybrid multi-channel prediction method
A system and method are provided for determining shallow water multiples when seismically exploring a geographical area of interest under a body of water. The system and method estimate a multi-channel prediction operator F using a model of water layer related multiples with respect to received and stored seismic data, estimate a travel time of the transmitted seismic wavelets from the one or more sources to each of the plurality of receivers, and then generate water layer primary reflections models using the estimated travel time and Green's function. The system and method then merge the generated water layer primary reflections models with the multi-channel prediction operator F to create a hybrid multi-channel prediction operator FH, and convolute the hybrid multi-channel prediction operator FH with the stored received data to determine a final multiples model. |
| US09476999B2 |
Seismic imaging
A method of imaging a subterranean formation. The method includes emitting a primary wave from a source point, such that a portion of the primary wave travels into the subterranean formation and is refracted along a geologic layer in the subterranean formation and then emitted as a secondary wave from a refraction point on a boundary between the geologic layer and another geologic layer. The method also includes allowing a portion of the secondary wave to be reflected from a first reflection point as a tertiary wave. The method further includes allowing a portion of the tertiary wave to be reflected from a second reflection point as a quaternary wave, and collecting data about the quaternary wave at an observation point. |
| US09476998B2 |
Hydraulic fracture characterization using borehole sonic data
A method and apparatus for assessing induced fractures in a subterranean formation including acquiring sonic data before and after a hydraulic fracturing operation, calculating a shear modulus in the borehole cross-sectional plane from Stoneley data, and calculating two shear moduli in two borehole orthogonal axial planes from cross dipole data. A method and apparatus for assessing induced fractures in a subterranean formation including collecting sonic data before and after fracturing the formation, calculating a far-field shear modulus in the borehole cross-sectional plane and a far-field shear moduli in the two orthogonal borehole axial planes, inferring the open or closed status of a fracture, and estimating a radial width or height or both of a vertical fracture. |
| US09476992B2 |
Electromagnetic radiation detector with gain range selection
An electromagnetic radiation detector used for imaging comprises a plurality of pixels, each of which converts the electromagnetic radiation to which it is subjected into an electrical signal. Each pixel comprises a plurality of photosensitive elements each converting the radiation received by the photosensitive element into an elementary electrical signal and selection means that select from the elementary electrical signals generated by the photosensitive elements so as to form the electrical output signal of the pixel depending on a gain range chosen for the detector. |
| US09476988B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for reducing power consumption in GNSS receivers
Inventive aspects include a method, apparatus, and system for reducing power consumption in GNSS receivers. Such may include receiving timing and accuracy parameters, processing pre-positioning information in preparation for signal acquisition or signal track, determining whether a plurality of satellites are in-view, applying an ON signal to one or more components of an analog signal processing section and to one or more components of a digital signal processing section, and within a dynamic time window, acquiring signals of the plurality of in-view satellites and simultaneously applying, in real-time, signal sensing logic to the acquired signals, until determining that a position fix of the electronic receiver is obtained. Responsive to the determination that the position fix is obtained, an OFF signal may be applied to the one or more components of the analog signal processing section and to the one or more components of the digital signal processing section. |
| US09476985B2 |
System and method for real time subset geometry screening satellite constellations
A method for real time subset geometry screening comprises the steps of determining a list of satellites in view of a ground based augmentation system in a navigation satellite system for a subsequent time interval in the future, defining at least one set of subset geometries from the list of available satellites, calculating a respective first σvig for each of the at least one set of subset geometries, setting a respective broadcast σvig for each set of subset geometries as the larger of the first σvig and a second σvig, wherein the second σvig was calculated for the previous time interval, saving the first σvig for a next iteration of the method, and selecting from the plurality of broadcast σvig to match an available broadcast constellation. σvig is a vertical ionosphere gradient standard deviation. |
| US09476982B2 |
Marker system
A marker system includes at least one emitter. The emitter(s) emit light responsive to a flow of electrical current there through. The marker system includes a device for acquiring an incoming signal and a circuit for processing the incoming signal. The circuit for processing the incoming signal monitors the device for acquiring the incoming signal to determine if the incoming signal includes any of a plurality of incoming Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and/or munitions-targeting signals. The circuit emits one of a plurality of responses by sending electrical current selectively through the emitter(s) and/or other feedback devices based upon which of the plurality of incoming Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and/or munitions-targeting signals is detected by the means for processing. |
| US09476977B2 |
Meteorological observation system using vehicles
Disclosed herein is a meteorological observation system using vehicles. The meteorological observation system using vehicles includes a meteorological observation device embedded in each of the vehicles and configured to periodically detect surrounding weather information and to photograph weather conditions, the vehicle configured to run on a road using radar devices for detecting the front and right and left sides of the vehicle, that is, sensors for supporting driving and prevent a collision, and to provide mobility to the meteorological observation device, a meteorological server configured to collect pieces of the weather information from the meteorological observation devices moving in respective areas through wireless communication and to provide the pieces of weather information to a meteorological observation center, the meteorological observation center configured to use information, received from the meteorological server, as statistical data or meteorological observation and forecast data. |
| US09476976B2 |
Object recognition apparatus and vehicle
In an object recognition apparatus or a vehicle equipped with the same, a first target area, for judging whether or not a target object is to be treated as a target of a behavior supporting action, is set as one portion of a first detection region, and a second target area, for judging whether or not the target object is to be treated as the target of the behavior supporting action, is set as one portion of a second detection region. If the position of a first peripheral object such as a radar target exists within the first target area and the position of a second peripheral object such as a camera target exists within the second target area, the target object is treated as the target of the behavior supporting action. |
| US09476974B2 |
Method for measuring the position of a surface of a vehicle
A method for measuring the position of a surface of a vehicle on a roadway comprising the following steps: transmitting and receiving radar beams at transmitting and receiving positions in various primary transmitting and primary receiving directions and converting these beams into received signals; selecting the received signal having the greatest signal strength; and determining the aforementioned position from the transmitting and receiving positions and the primary transmitting and primary receiving directions of the received signal having the greatest signal strength. |
| US09476972B2 |
Apparatus for processing radar signal and method for processing radar signal
Disclosed is an apparatus for processing a radar signal, including: a transmitting unit which irradiates a plurality of baseband signals as a plurality of division band penetration signals to a target object based on a channel frequency; a receiving unit which receives a plurality of reflection signals reflected from the target object to integrate the received reflection signals as an integration band response signal; and a control unit which sets the channel frequency so that at least some bands of adjacent division band penetration signals among the plurality of division band penetration signals are overlapped with each other. |
| US09476969B2 |
Architecture of single substrate ultrasonic imaging devices, related apparatuses, and methods
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to ultrasound device circuitry as may form part of a single substrate ultrasound device having integrated ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasound device circuitry may facilitate the generation of ultrasound waveforms in a manner that is power- and data-efficient. |
| US09476965B2 |
Differentiated station location
Embodiments allow a station to determine its location and report the location to a access point or other network entity. The station obtains agreement with an access point, group of access points, or other network entity to provide its location to a designated accuracy level and the access point(s) agree to provide services such as access to a location service, the access point(s) location to a designated positional accuracy, etc. The station measures its position and induces an error in its reported location. The induced error prevents an exact location of the station from being determined by the access point(s) or others, thus preserving the privacy of the station. The location reported by the station may be absolute (e.g., geographic coordinates) or relative to a landmark, location, etc. |
| US09476957B2 |
Method and apparatus for accelerating magnetic resonance imaging
A method of MRI entails recording and storing MR signals from an object to produce an old set of data. A further measurement of the object is then initiated at a later time to record new MR data, whereby k-space is undersampled in the further measurement. The old data are corrected for changes in the new position of the object, for changes in the sensitivity and exact spatial positioning of the receiver coils as well as for changes in the actual field shimming. The old and new data are then combined to create a new, high resolution image of the object. |
| US09476953B1 |
Nuclear quadrupole resonance system
A system and method for detecting at least one material under test (MUT) is presented. A Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) measurement system includes a waveform generator configured to generate a continuous wave (CW) input signal comprising one or more frequencies. An RF shielded chamber receives the at least one MUT that is carried by a person walking through the chamber. A probe within the chamber illuminates the MUT with the CW signal and simultaneously receives possible NQR emissions from the at least one MUT. A bridge circuit is utilized to cancel the strong excitation CW signal from the generator which would otherwise mask the weak NQR emissions from the MUT that are received and detected by the measurement system. A detector can then detect the MUT based, at least in part, on the resonance signal. |
| US09476949B2 |
Semiconductor device provided with direction sensor elements
A semiconductor device is provided with a substrate including a main surface and a back surface that face in opposite directions to each other in a thickness direction, and first, second and third direction sensor elements having different detection reference axes from each other. The substrate is formed with a recessed portion that is recessed from the main surface toward the back surface side. The first direction sensor element is disposed at least partially within the recessed portion. The second direction sensor element is disposed so as to overlap with the main surface as viewed in the thickness direction. |
| US09476947B2 |
Method for ascertaining operating parameters of a battery, battery management system, and battery
The disclosure relates to a method for ascertaining permissible operating parameters of a battery. For this purpose, operating parameters of the battery are measured, and further relevant operating parameters of the battery are determined from the measured operating parameters. Furthermore, at least one of the determined operating parameters is compared with a predefined comparison range. If the at least one operating parameter lies within the predefined comparison range, the permissible operating range of the at least one operating parameter is determined using a mathematical model of the battery. However, if the at least one battery parameter lies outside the predefined comparison range, the permissible operating range of the at least one operating parameter is determined using previously stored battery data. |
| US09476946B2 |
SOC determination by evaluation of effects invoked by dimensional changes of battery cells
A system and method for monitoring a state-of-charge (SOC) of a battery, where the system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor provides a measurement signal that can track changes of a nominal volume of the battery by either measuring a size or pressure of the battery, where the nominal volume is the volume that the electrolyte, anode, cathode and current collectors would occupy if unconstrained. The controller is programmed to use a function to estimate the SOC from the measurement signal. The function can be established after constructing and finding a repeatable charging and discharging curve of the battery that graphs the measurement signal compared to the SOC of the battery. |
| US09476945B2 |
Monitoring motor condition
In various implementations, a condition of a motor may be monitored based at least partially on time required to achieve a change in speed. A notification may be transmitted based on the condition of the motor. |
| US09476941B2 |
Low power Scan-BIST test data generator and compactor pass/fail output
A Scan-BIST architecture is adapted into a low power Scan-BIST architecture. A generator 102, compactor 106, and controller 110 remain the same as in the known art. The changes between the known art Scan-BIST architecture and the low power Scan-BIST architecture involve modification of the known scan path into scan path 502, to insert scan paths A 506, B 508 and C 510, and the insertion of an adaptor circuit 504 in the control path 114 between controller 110 and scan path 502. |
| US09476938B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing surface mounted devices
An apparatus comprising a plurality of devices connected in series with one another, each of the devices comprising a test enable pin for receiving a test enable signal that indicates enablement of a test mode, and a test output pin for outputting a test output signal in the test mode, and a controller coupled to the devices and comprising an additional test output pin for outputting a test channel output signal, wherein a failure of at least one of the test output signals and the test channel output signal indicates the existence of one or more potential defects associated with the plurality of devices and the controller. |
| US09476935B2 |
Monitoring and fault detection of electrical appliances for ambient intelligence
The operation of electrical appliances receiving electrical power from an electrical system may be indirectly monitored using monitoring units engaged with outlets on branch circuits of the electrical system. Electrical systems providing power to appliances to be monitored in accordance with the present invention may comprise split phase alternating current systems, tri-phase systems, or any other type of electrical system. Known loads may be applied to calibrate the monitoring system. The monitoring system may measure the power consumption of appliances operating on the electrical system and/or detect possible fault conditions. Fault conditions may be detected by comparing obtained voltage or power signatures of appliances to expected voltage or power signatures. Expected voltage or power signatures may be obtained, for example, using historical data, a database providing typical voltage or power signatures, or through other means. |
| US09476929B2 |
Propagating pin corrections through physically mating devices
Propagating pin corrections through physically mating devices including bending one of a plurality of connectors of a first mating device; and mating the first mating device having the bent connector with an unmodified second mating device; wherein the mating of the first mating device and the unmodified second mating device bends a connector corresponding to the bent connector of the first mating device. |
| US09476928B2 |
System and method for detecting sensor leakage
A test system for testing a sensor system includes a high-impedance resistor for forming a voltage divider with any corrosion or foreign substance that might be present between a signal conductor and a ground conductor. While a voltage is applied across the voltage divider, the voltage can be measured across the high-impedance resistor for determining whether an undesirable amount of conductance exists between the signal wire and ground. The test system also includes switching means for switching between any number of signal wires of a system undergoing testing. |
| US09476923B2 |
Method and device for identifying a material by the spectral analysis of electromagnetic radiation passing through said material
A method identifying a material, includes: measuring an electromagnetic radiation spectrum emitted through the material; determining at least one measurement energy band, and spectral coefficients of a comparison function in the measurement band, using the measured spectrum; estimating, using the determined spectral coefficients, a nature and/or thickness of the material based on a set of reference spectral parameters relating to reference materials and/or thicknesses and defined in reference bands. The estimating includes: prior selecting plural reference materials and/or thicknesses, as possible candidates, from comparing the spectral coefficients determined with at least one portion of the reference spectral parameters; estimating the nature and/or thickness of the material from comparing the spectral coefficients determined with the spectral parameters of at least one portion of the possible candidates, in at least one energy band common to the reference bands of the at least one portion of possible candidates and the measurement band. |
| US09476922B2 |
Measuring device, protection relay, and program product
According to one embodiment, a measuring device includes a clock output unit, a receiving unit, an adjusting unit, a generating unit, and a transmitting unit. The clock output unit generates a clock, counts the clock, and outputs a count value. The receiving unit receives a first message including time information. The adjusting unit adjusts time at which acquires a physical amount on the basis of the time information included in the first message and the count value output from the clock output unit when the first message is received. The generating unit generates a second message including a value of the physical amount acquired at the adjusted time. The transmitting unit transmits the second message to a device, which is a transmission source of the first message. |
| US09476920B2 |
Methods and devices for determining root mean square of a delta-sigma modulated signal
Described is a method and devices to determine root-mean-square of a delta-sigma modulated signal. The method includes filtering the delta-sigma modulated signal to produce a multi-bit filtered signal, delaying a copy of the delta-sigma modulated signal by a fixed number of samples to align with the filtered input, setting a sign of each multi-bit value of the multi-bit filtered signal based upon a corresponding sample value of the delayed copy of the delta-sigma modulated signal, to generate a hybrid signal, summing the hybrid signal to produce a summed signal, and determining the average of the summed signal and the square root of the average to produce a root-mean-square value. |
| US09476919B2 |
Low profile current measurement connector and use
A current measurement connector may include a first part and a second part. Each part may include a mount and a joint. The first and second part may be joined via the respective joints through a current transformer interposed between the first and second parts. The respective mounts may be configured to receive a current from a current source and pass the received current through the current transformer via the first and second parts inducing a current in the current transformer. The induced current may be useable to measure the current from the current source. Methods for fabricating the current measurement connector may include die casting the first and second parts and press fitting the first and second parts at the respective joints through the current transformer. Methods for use may include withstanding a fault current pulse and dissipating heat associated with the pulse via the first and second parts. |
| US09476918B2 |
Alternating current detector with automatically judging of the amount of element under testing and monitoring
An alternating current detector with automatic judging of the amount of element under testing and monitoring, comprising a detecting input unit, a first output level unit, a second delay unit, a second output level unit and a cascade next element unit. The detecting input unit comprises a first delay unit and a first inverter. The first delay unit receives and delays an input signal. The input terminal of the first inverter is connected to the first delay unit and inverts the input signal. The first output level unit comprises a first NAND gate, a first diode and first resistor. The input terminal of the first NAND gate is connected to the alternating current signal of an element, another input terminal of the first NAND gate is connected to the output terminal of the first inverter. |
| US09476917B2 |
Power theft inspection apparatus and power theft inspection method
A power theft inspection apparatus (100) is mounted on a power transmitting apparatus (10) which has a power transmission unit (13) and a power supply unit (12) configured to supply alternating current (AC) power to the power transmission unit. The power theft inspection apparatus has a controlling device (101) configured to (i) control the short-circuiting device (SW1, SW2) to electrically cut off the power transmission unit from the power supply unit and to short-circuit the input unit of the power transmission unit, and further (ii) transmit, to the power receiving apparatus (20), a signal indicating a request to open the power reception unit (23), upon power theft inspection, and a determining device (101) configured to determine whether or not there is power theft according to current detected by a current detecting device (102) upon the power theft inspection. |
| US09476912B2 |
Kelvin contact probe structure and a Kelvin inspection fixture provided with the same
A Kelvin inspection fixture is provided with contact probes, wherein the contact probe comprises an electrode side contact terminal in contact with a solder ball, and a land side contact terminal in contact with a land, and the contact probe comprises an electrode side contact terminal in contact with the solder ball, and a land side contact terminal in contact with a land. The contact probes are disposed so that an electrode side inclined face and an electrode side inclined face are held in an opposite relationship with respect to each other and so that a land side inclined face and a land side inclined face are held in a face to face relationship with respect to each other. |
| US09476911B2 |
Probes with high current carrying capability and laser machining methods
The present invention is a probe having a distal end made of one material, a tip and a portion disposed between the distal end and the tip that is a different second material. The probe is laser machined manufactured using a nanosecond or picosecond laser. |
| US09476910B2 |
Test socket with hook-like pin contact edge
The present invention provides a test socket adaptable for testing different Integrated Circuit (IC) pad size during an IC testing. The test socket comprising a molded socket having an inner space and a plurality of through-apertures disposed on its surface; and a plurality of contact elements disposed within the inner space of the molded socket, each contact element has a pin contact edge and a pin-end; wherein each pin contact edge extends through the through-apertures of the molded socket; wherein each pin contact edge provides a linear surface area for contact with the DUT's lead; and wherein each pin contact edge provides a large contact area for various DUT's lead size. |
| US09476907B2 |
Variable capacitance accelerometer with meandering flexures
An accelerometer comprises a support (12), a proof mass (14) supported for movement relative to the support (12) by a plurality of mounting legs (16), a plurality of fixed capacitor fingers associated with the support (12) and a plurality of movable capacitor fingers associated with the proof mass (14), the fixed capacitor fingers being interdigitated with the movable capacitor fingers, the mounting legs (16) being of serpentine shape, each mounting leg (16) comprising at least a first generally straight section (16a), a second generally straight section (16a), and an end section (16b) of generally U-shaped form interconnecting the first and second generally straight sections (16a), wherein the thickness Te of the end section (16b) is greater than the thickness Tc of a central part (16c) of both of the first and second generally straight sections (16a). |
| US09476899B2 |
Circuits and methods for generating a threshold signal used in a motion detector in accordance with a least common multiple of a set of possible quantities of features upon a target
A circuit to detect a movement of an object provides a threshold selection module or a peak identifier module that uses one or more threshold signals identified prior to a present cycle of magnetic field signal in order to establish a threshold signal used for a present cycle of the magnetic field signal. A method associated with the circuit is also described. The circuit and method can be tailored to store values associated with a least common multiple of a set of possible quantities of detectable features on target objects. |
| US09476897B2 |
Physical quantity sensor
A physical quantity sensor has a resonance frequency f1 in same-phase mode and a resonance frequency f3 in same-phase absorptive mode greater than the resonance frequency f1. An absolute value Δf3 is a difference between the resonance frequency f3 in the same-phase absorptive mode and a value that is the product of the resonance frequency f1 in the same-phase mode multiplied by n; an avoidance difference D indicates a degree of deviation of the absolute value Δf3 from the resonance frequency f1 in the same-phase mode. A relation (Δf3>n·f1·D) is satisfied, and, simultaneously, the avoidance difference D is provided to be greater than 0%. This can avoid the vibrational excitation by resonance interference from becoming the maximum displacement. |
| US09476894B2 |
Centrifuge module, preprocessing system having centrifuge module, and control method for the system
When a STAT sample which needs to be centrifuged is inputted in the system, a measure to quickly realize centrifugation of the STAT sample is necessary. In view of the foregoing problem, the invention provides a specimen processing and conveying system in which a centrifuge module incorporated, the centrifuge module being capable of discriminating the operation status of the system at the time point when a STAT sample is inputted and the attribute of the inputted sample and starting centrifugation operation on the basis of the input interval of samples or the arrival interval at the device carrying out centrifugation, and thus capable of starting centrifugation operation quickly when a single or a group of plural samples of urgency is inputted. |
| US09476893B2 |
Automatic analysis device and analysis method
Provided are an automated analyzer and an automatic analysis method for highly accurately determining presence or absence of abnormality based on reaction process data obtained when concentration of a chemical component or an activity level of an enzyme is measured. The reaction process data is approximated by a function, and shape feature quantities indicating features of a shape of a curve section at an early stage of reaction are calculated. The obtained shape feature quantities are used to determine the presence or absence of abnormality. |
| US09476890B2 |
CD163-binding conjugates
The present invention relates to haptoglobin-haemoglobin (Hp-Hb) complex or a part thereof or a mimic thereof being operably linked to a substance and capable of binding a CD163 receptor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a CD163 variant, membrane bound or soluble, capable of binding at least one haptoglobin-haemoglobin (Hp-Hb) complex, and the use of the Hp-Hb complex and the CD163 receptor for therapy. |
| US09476880B2 |
Methods, devices and kits for detecting or monitoring acute kidney injury
Methods for detecting acute kidney injury in an individual comprise (a) contacting a body fluid sample from the individual with an assay device including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) antibody and a detectable label, to allow complexing of NGAL protein in the sample with NGAL antibody, and determining an amount of complex formed between NGAL protein from the sample and NGAL antibody in the assay device using the detectable label, wherein NGAL antibody in the device has binding capacity with more than two NGAL protein epitopes, and wherein the amount of the formed complex represents a level of acute kidney injury. Methods for determining an origin of NGAL protein in a sample from an individual include the step of determining relative amounts of monomeric, dimeric and heterodimeric forms of NGAL protein in the sample and allow improved diagnosis and therefore better targeted treatment. |
| US09476877B2 |
In-vitro process for the quick determination of a patient's status relating to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
An in-vitro process for the quick determination of the infection status of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection from whole blood in terms of active or latent tuberculosis, comprising the steps of: stimulating an antigen-specific T cell that is present in a first sample of whole blood with purified protein derivative (PPD) in the presence of antibodies against CD28, or CD28 and CD49d; processing of PPD by antigen-presenting cells (APC) by incubating for 1.5 h to 2.5 h, especially for 2 h, at 35° C. to 39° C., especially at 37° C., optionally with adding CO2; then adding a secretion inhibitor; effecting an intensive mixing; and another incubation for a period of at least 2.5 h at a temperature of from 35° C. to 39° C., and determining a cytokine profile from both the intracellular INF-γ production and the intracellular IL-2 production of the antigen-specific T cell; wherein the presence of an active tuberculosis is indicated by a shift of the cytokine profile towards IFN-single positive cells accompanied by a decrease of IFN-γ/IL-2 double positive T cells. |
| US09476871B2 |
System and method for automated determination of the relative effectiveness of anti-cancer drug candidates
A computer system is provided for determining the relative effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs. The interface has selectable options, including an option to manage drug testing parameters, and enables user selection of desired drug testing parameters in relation to a virtual well plate associated with a physical well plate of a spectrophotometer. The computer system causes the spectrophotometer to start a drug test, wherein the physical well plate includes at least one test well containing viable cancer cells; and at least one drug candidate in a predetermined concentration; and at least one control well containing the viable cancer cells alone. The system records the optical density of the well at a predetermined wavelength at selected time intervals for a selected duration of time, and stores the optical density and time measurements in the database. An activity value is calculated from the optical density and time measurements, and a correlation is displayed between the activity value and the drug candidate's ability to induce apoptosis in the cancer cells. |
| US09476869B2 |
Methods of screening T1R hetero-oligomeric taste receptors for sweet taste modulators
Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors which function as hetero-oligomeric complexes in the sweet taste transduction pathway, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in sweet taste signaling as hetero-oligomeric complexes, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for identifying putative taste modulating compounds using such hetero-oligomeric complexes also described, as is a novel surface expression facilitating peptide useful for targeting integral plasma membrane proteins to the surface of a cell. |
| US09476868B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating kidney disorders in a canine
The present invention provides methods for: diagnosing of, devising and monitoring a treatment plan for, and monitoring the status of a kidney disorder characterized by an abnormal loss of renal function, renal failure, reduced glomerular filtration rate or glomerulonephritis, in a canine, wherein the kidney disorder is detectable by utilizing at least one relevant biomarker isolated and measured from a biological test sample taken from such canine. The invention additionally relates to compositions, reagents and kits for carrying out the specified methods. |
| US09476867B2 |
Products and processes for analyzing octane content
Products and processes are provided herewith for analyzing octane content in a fuel sample that include the step or steps of receiving an octane measurement of a fuel sample from a octane analyzer, rounding the octane measurement to a nearest recognized octane rating, comparing the rounded octane measurement with a listed octane rating for the fuel sample, and communicating results of the comparison to a user of the octane analyzer. The octane analyzer may be incorporated into a fuel pump or a vehicle. The results of the comparison may also be used to adjust the vehicle operating parameters to account for the actual octane rating of the fuel dispensed into the vehicle. |
| US09476866B2 |
COD/TOC analyses using ferrate oxidation
Apparatuses for analyzing total carbon and chemical oxygen demand in a sample are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for analyzing carbon and chemical oxygen demand. |
| US09476865B2 |
System and method for analyzing properties of meat using multispectral imaging
A system and method for obtaining multispectral images of fresh meat at predetermined wavelength bands at a first time, subjecting the images to analysis in an image analysis system comprising a computer programmed to perform such analysis, and outputting a forecast of meat tenderness at a later point in time. Predetermined key wavelength bands are precorrelated with a high degree of prediction of meat tenderness and/or other properties of meat and are used in the multispectral system and method. A system and method for determining the key wavelengths is also disclosed. The multispectral imaging system and method is suitable for use in an industrial setting, such as a meat processing plant. The system and method is useful in a method for determining quality and yield grades at or near the time of imaging in lieu of visual inspection with the unaided human eye, increasing efficiency and objectivity. |
| US09476858B2 |
Clamp-on-type ultrasonic concentration metering system and method
Disclosed is a clamp-on-type ultrasonic concentration metering system and method. The clamp-on-type ultrasonic concentration metering system includes an ultrasonic sensor portion and a concentration meter. The ultrasonic sensor portion is attached to an outer wall of a pipe through which a fluid to be measured flows and that transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal through a wall of the pipe. The concentration meter measures a concentration of a substance according an intensity of the ultrasonic signal that is received after passing through the wall of the pipe, the fluid to be measured, and the wall of the pipe by means of the ultrasonic sensor portion. |
| US09476853B2 |
System and method for forming microwells
A method of forming a sensor component includes forming a first layer over a sensor pad of a sensor of a sensor array. The first layer includes a first inorganic material. The method further includes forming a second layer over the first layer. The second layer includes a polymeric material. The method also includes forming a third layer over the second layer, the third layer comprising a second inorganic material; patterning the third layer; and etching the second layer to define a well over the sensor pad of the sensor array. |
| US09476852B2 |
Manufacturing method of a graphene-based electrochemical sensor, and electrochemical sensor
A manufacturing method of an electrochemical sensor comprises forming a graphene layer on a donor substrate, laminating a film of dry photoresist on the graphene layer, removing the donor substrate to obtain an intermediate structure comprising the film of dry photoresist and the graphene layer, and laminating the intermediate structure onto a final substrate with the graphene layer in electrical contact with first and second electrodes positioned on the final substrate. The film of dry photoresist is then patterned to form a microfluidic structure on the graphene layer and an additional dry photoresist layer is laminated over the structure. In one type of sensor manufactured by this process, the graphene layer acts as a channel region of a field-effect transistor, whose conductive properties vary according to characteristics of an analyte introduced into the microfluidic structure. |
| US09476850B2 |
Electrode configuration for LiMCA
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic noise pick up in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), used to detect and measure particles in molten metal. A first electrode inserted in the molten metal is electrically insulated from second and third electrodes, also inserted in the molten metal. Molten metal and particles pass between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes through a passage in the electrical insulation. The second and third electrodes have a configuration with respect to the first electrode sufficient to establish symmetrical current loops between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes when a current is supplied to the second and third electrodes. The current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor. Electromagnetic noise in the symmetrical current loops is detected and is added in opposition to reduce the amplitude of the electromagnetic noise. |
| US09476846B2 |
Well plate
The present invention includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered by a film on one side of the plate. The holes are less than 500 micrometers across in one dimension where the film covers the holes. The film is translucent to x-rays. The present invention also includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered on one side of the plate by a detachable cover forming a water-tight seal against the plate. The cover is substantially free of the elements osmium, yttrium, iridium, phosphorus, zirconium, platinum, gold, niobium, mercury, thallium, molybdenum, sulfur, lead, bismuth, technetium, ruthenium, chlorine, rhodium, palladium, argon, silver, and thorium. The holes are less than about 500 micrometers across in one dimension where the cover covers the holes. The present invention also includes a method for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The method comprises providing a solution of with less than 10 micromolar solute and a volume of between about 2 microliters and about 2 milliliters. The solution is concentrated and analyzed using x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. |
| US09476845B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling fluence in computed X-ray imaging
The present invention pertains to a system and method for X-ray imaging wherein a targeted fluence at the detector for projection images can be achieved at a plurality of projection angles around the imaging subject by control of exposure times implemented during image acquisition. Exposure time for a second projection image may be determined by the fluence in a first projection image, and in a third projection image by the fluence in a second projection image, where projection images are acquired within two degrees of one another. An acquisition parameter calculation can be configured to calculate acquisition parameters, such as said exposure times, to achieve the targeted fluence in projection images and can be coupled to a rotation controller that implements the acquisition parameters by controlling a relative angle between the imaging subject and X-ray image acquisition device. |
| US09476844B2 |
Radiographic apparatus and an image processing method therefore
Initial values A^1P^1M^1 . . . A^nP^nM^n of parameters representing a geometric relationship between an X-ray tube, a stage and a flat panel X-ray detector are estimated, a least squares solution (p^W)i of characteristic point three-dimensional coordinates is estimated, and only limited parameters are updated until reprojection square errors converge. Thus, based on known radiographic conditions, initial values of the parameters are estimated, and a nonlinear optimization operation is carried out on only the parameters considered, in view of mechanisms and drive characteristics of the apparatus, to have large errors between the initial values of the parameters and the parameters at a time when radiography is actually carried out. As a result, the calculation can be speeded up, while securing the convergence accuracy of the nonlinear optimization operation, by using the radiographic conditions, i.e. information on tomography. |
| US09476839B2 |
Device and method for detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and/or drug packaging
Featured are a device (20) and method for the detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and/or packaging therefore. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are detected by visual inspection upon exposing a suspected counterfeit pharmaceutical to one or more light sources having different wavelengths, and observing the differences in color and/or brightness between the suspected counterfeit and a genuine pharmaceutical/packaging. In further embodiments, a image acquisition device acquires an image showing color and/or other visual effect(s) brightness of the suspect counterfeit and this image is compared to an image of a authentic pharmaceutical/packaging. |
| US09476838B2 |
Hybrid imaging and scatterometry targets
Metrology targets, design files, and design and production methods thereof are provided. The metrology targets are hybrid in that they comprise at least one imaging target structure configured to be measurable by imaging and at least one scatterometry target structure configured to be measurable by scatterometry. Thus, the hybrid targets may be measured by imaging and scatterometry simultaneously or alternatingly and/or the measurement techniques may be optimized with respect to wafer regions and other spatial parameters, as well as with respect to temporal process parameters. The hybrid targets may be used to monitor process parameters, for example via comparative overlay measurements and/or high resolution measurements. |
| US09476837B2 |
Method and system for improving optical measurements on small targets
A control system and method are provided for use in managing optical measurements on target structures. The control system comprises: data input utility for receiving input data indicative of a size of a target structure to be measured and input data indicative of illumination and collection channels of an optical measurement system; data processing utility for analyzing the input data, and an interplay of Point Spread Functions (PSFs) of the illumination and collection channels, and determining data indicative of optimal tailoring of apertures to be used in the optical measurement system for optimizing ensquared energy for measurements on the given target structure, the optimal tailoring comprising at least one of the following: an optimal ratio between numerical apertures of the illumination and collection channels; and an optimal orientation offset of physical apertures in the illumination and collection channels. |
| US09476836B2 |
Nucleic acid detection method, and device and kit for use in same
The present invention aims to solve problems in the analysis of amplified nucleic acids, i.e., cost, workability, and contamination and pollution of samples. In the present invention, a sample containing a nucleic acid and a reagent for detecting the nucleic acid are mixed in a closed system. In this regard, the nucleic acid is amplified in the same closed system, and then mixed with the detecting reagent without opening the system. In order to carry out this method, for example, a device that includes the detecting reagent shielded by a coating material or the like is used. |
| US09476831B2 |
Alkylaromatics production using dilute alkene
A process for producing an alkylated aromatic product in a reactor by reacting an alkylatable aromatic compound feedstock with another feedstock comprising alkene component and alkane component in a reaction zone containing an alkylation catalyst. The reaction zone is operated in predominantly liquid phase without inter-zone alkane removal. The polyalkylated aromatic compounds can be separated as feed stream for transalkylation reaction in a transalkylation reaction zone. |
| US09476825B2 |
Optical imaging system with multiple imaging channel optical sensing
An optical imaging system for use with an infusion tube including: at least one light source for emitting at least two of first, second, or third spectrums of light; an optics system including a single lens for receiving and transmitting at least two of the first spectrum light transmitted through a first portion of the chamber, the second spectrum light transmitted through a second portion of the chamber, or the third spectrum light transmitted through a third portion of the chamber. The system includes a sensor receiving the at least two of the spectrums from the lens and generating and transmitting data characterizing the at least two of the spectrums. The system includes a memory element storing computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to generate, using the data, at least two of first, second, or third images of the first, second, and third portions, respectively. |
| US09476824B2 |
Optical chemical classification
A method for measuring a sample to identify a chemical includes receiving respective spectra for each of a plurality of chemicals. Using a processor, a plurality of binary mathematical filters are computed using the received spectra. A spatial light modulator is adjusted according to a selected mathematical filter. Light that has interacted with the sample is dispersed over the surface of the spatial light modulator, so that the spatial light modulator provides light at wavelengths corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. The light provided by the spatial light modulator is measured to provide a score corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. Filter scores are combined to determine a chemical amount. The processor can operate detection apparatus having a light source, an objective for focusing source light onto the sample, a spatial light modulator, and a detector for detecting the modulator output. |
| US09476815B2 |
Fatigue monitoring for composite materials
Fatigue failure in composite materials can be successfully modeled and predicted by monitoring irreversible gains in entropy. Permanent degradations in composites are marked by irreversible processes that are characterized by increases in entropy. By measuring changes in entropy, one can model and predict the deterioration and failure of composites. The technique may be used to predict the deterioration and failure of composites under essentially any type of loading—constant, variable, bending, torsion, tension, compression, or other. |
| US09476812B2 |
Methods for isolating a target analyte from a heterogeneous sample
The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample. |
| US09476811B2 |
Digital microfluidic devices and methods incorporating a solid phase
Devices and methods are provided for performing droplet-based solid phase processing steps on a digital microfluidic device. A solid phase material, which may be a porous solid phase material such as a porous polymer monolith is formed or located on a digital microfluidic element. The solid phase may be formed by an in-situ method in which the digital microfluidic array is actuated to transport a droplet of solid phase pre-cursor solution to a selected element on the array, and subsequently processed to form a solid phase on the array element. The integration of a solid phase material with a digital microfluidic array enables a wide range of applications including solid phase extraction and sample concentration. |
| US09476810B2 |
Automated sample preparation
Mineral samples for use in analytical instruments are created by a system that greatly reduces the sample preparation time and facilitates automation. For example, in some implementations, rather than grinding to expose the interior of mineral particles in sample plug containing mineral particles in an epoxy compound, the sample plug is sliced with a saw, which more rapidly provides in many applications a sufficiently smooth surface on the exposed particle surfaces for observation. Rather than slowly mixing a slow curing epoxy to avoid introducing bubbles into the sample plug, some implementations use a fast settle fixative and a mechanical mixture that avoid bubbles. |
| US09476809B2 |
Gassing or fumigation device and system
Gassing or fumigation apparatus comprising a one-piece specimen receptacle block including at least two specimen receptacles formed therein and a fluid supply device formed therein for the at least two specimen receptacles, and a gassing or fumigation head for supplying gassing or fumigation medium, which gassing or fumigation head is connected to the specimen receptacle block, comprises a gassing or fumigation medium outlet for each of the at least two specimen receptacles and a device formed therein for conducting gassing medium to the gassing or fumigation medium outlets, and gassing or fumigation system including such a gassing or fumigation apparatus. |
| US09476807B2 |
Microparticle sensor
A particulate sensor including a sensor unit (300) having an ion generation section (611, 361, 322); an electric charge section (612) for electrically charging at least portion of particulates S using ions PI; a capture section (616, 617, 316, 326, 362) for trapping at least portion of the ions PI not used for electrically charging the particulates S; and a sensor ground section (340, 310v, 330v3) connected to the capture section and having a first floating potential corresponding to the amount of the ions PI trapped by the capture section. The sensor unit can detect the amount of the particulates S in the gas on the basis of the electric potential of the sensor ground section. The sensor ground section is covered with insulating ceramic at that outer portion of the sensor unit which comes into contact with the gas. |
| US09476806B2 |
Sample processing system
A sample processing system includes a sample vessel holder including a disk-shaped base section disposed so as to have a central axis extending in a vertical direction and a sample vessel holding section that is formed coaxially with, and above, the base section for holding a sample vessel in an upright posture. A conveyor conveys the sample vessel holder 1 placed thereon; and a holding plate is disposed so as to extend along an outer peripheral portion of a columnar space that has a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and is disposed at a position above a space past which the base section of the sample vessel holder moves along the conveyor and at a position past which at least the sample vessel holding section moves. This enables individual conveyance processing to be performed for each of multiple sample vessels. |
| US09476791B2 |
Field testable instrument housing connection
A field testable instrument housing connection is made up of an integral instrument housing assembly that includes both an instrument housing and a separate one-piece compression nut portion and a separate modified reducing union. The instrument housing has a mating geometry that is disposed over the downhole portion of the separate modified reducing union and the separate one-piece compression nut portion is then disposed over both the uphole portion of the instrument housing and a downhole portion of the modified reducing union. The complete assembly of the modified reducing union, including primary and secondary seals in combination with the integral instrument housing assembly provide then both an annular seal and a seal of the instrument housing. The entire assembly is field testable via provided test ports. |
| US09476781B2 |
Sensor device and deposition device having a sensor device
A deposition device includes a deposition container with an intermediate plate, a sensor mat positioned on the deposition container, where the sensor mat includes at least two locating recesses for positioning the sensor mat within an area of a maximum permissible movement, and at least one detection sublayer. The intermediate plate includes at least one passthrough opening to allow an electrical connection device connected to the sensor mat to pass through, so that the sensor mat can be connected to a circuit board disposed in an electronics container space. The intermediate plate further includes locating pins arranged on the intermediate plate and protruding into a locating recess. The cross section of the locating pins is such that over the entire length thereof the locating recess permits local movability of the sensor mat in all directions in the planar extension thereof, within the maximum permissible range of movement. |
| US09476780B2 |
Calorimeters for testing energy storage systems and power electronics methods of making the same and methods of use
Large volume calorimeters (100) and small volume, or cell, calorimeters (700), as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided. |
| US09476778B2 |
Rechargeable battery temperature detection method, power management device and electronic system
A rechargeable battery temperature detection method adapted to an electronic system includes detecting a status of a processor of the electronic system when an external power is input to a power conversion module of the electronic system; determining whether a thermistor of the electronic system is conducted to a fuel gauge or a charge control circuit according to the state of the processor such that the fuel gauge or the charge control circuit determine a temperature sensing result via the thermistor. The thermistor is disposed adjacent to a rechargeable battery and has a resistance which varies with a temperature of the rechargeable battery. The temperature sensing result is related to the resistance. |
| US09476775B2 |
Exhaust gas temperature sensor including strain relief and/or anti-vibration sleeve
A temperature sensor includes a housing and a temperature sensing element disposed in the housing. Electrical connections may extend from the temperature sensing element through the housing and an epoxy may be disposed in the housing, wherein the epoxy may at least partially around the temperature sensing element. The epoxy may provide a thermal pathway between the sensing element and the housing and may be being flexible to accommodate different rates of thermal expansion between the temperature sensing element and the electrical connections without requiring a separate mechanical strain relief. A temperature sensor system includes a temperature sensor and a mineral insulated cable coupled to the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to be removably coupled to the mineral insulated cable via a stop flange and a sleeve coupled to the mineral insulated cable. The sleeve may be configured to provide stability and reduce vibrational stress to the temperature sensor system. |
| US09476774B2 |
Uncooled microbolometer pixel and array for configurable broadband and multi-frequency terahertz detection
An uncooled microbolometer pixel for detection of electromagnetic radiation is provided that includes a substrate, a thermistor assembly and an absorber assembly. The thermistor assembly includes a thermistor platform suspended above the substrate, one or more thermistors on the thermistor platform, and an electrode structure electrically connecting the thermistors to the substrate. The absorber assembly includes an optical absorber over the thermistor assembly and a reflector provided under and forming a resonant cavity with the optical absorber. The optical absorber is in thermal contact with the thermistors and exposed to the electromagnetic radiation. The optical absorber includes a set of elongated resonators determining an absorption spectrum of the optical absorber. An array of microbolometer pixels is also provided, in which the resonators of different pixels can have different lengths determining different absorption spectra, thereby enabling configurable broadband and/or multi-frequency detection, in particular in the terahertz region. |
| US09476771B2 |
Control method for cleaning robots
An embodiment of the invention provides a cleaning robot including a light detector and a controller. The light detector detects a light beam. The controller is coupled to the light detector to control the cleaning robot. When the controller determines that the light beam is being output by a charging station, the controller controls the cleaning robot to move to the charging station along a first boundary of the light beam, which is substantially perpendicular to the charging station. |
| US09476766B2 |
Method and apparatus for examining a sample
A method and an apparatus for examining a sample. The apparatus has a light source for generating excitation light in pulses which occur in succession at an excitation pulse frequency, for illuminating a sample region with the excitation pulse, and having a detector for detecting the detection light emanating from the sample region. The apparatus is characterized in that, for each detected photon of the detection light, the detector generates an electrical pulse and thereby a sequence of electrical pulses, and an analog-digital converter is provided that generates a digital data sequence by sampling the sequence of electrical pulses at a sampling rate. |
| US09476763B2 |
Planar light wave circuit based optical transceiver assembly
An apparatus is provided in which a photodiode supported on a planar light wave circuit assembly and arranged such that a photosensitive portion of the photodiode is aligned along an optical path from the output of the planar light wave circuit to the photodiode of the planar light wave circuit assembly. The photodiode is arranged such that a spot size of light output from the planar light wave circuit is incident on the photosensitive portion such that an optical signal transmitted by the light output is converted to an electric signal by the photodiode. A mounting structure is arranged between the planar light wave circuit assembly and the photodiode in order to support the photodiode on the planar light wave circuit assembly. The optical path of the light output from the planar light wave circuit does not contain any refractive optical elements. |
| US09476762B2 |
Infrared sensor with acceleration sensor and method for operating an infrared sensor
A sensor arrangement includes an infrared sensor and at least one acceleration sensor. The infrared sensor is configured to detect infrared radiation, and to output infrared image data. The at least one acceleration sensor is configured to detect an instantaneous acceleration of the sensor arrangement, and to output acceleration data. The output of the infrared image data from the infrared sensor is blocked when the instantaneous acceleration of the sensor arrangement exceeds a preprogrammed threshold value. |
| US09476756B2 |
Weighing system for dynamically weighing a flow of items with two consecutive flat weighing sections associated with a first support for aligning adjacent ends of the sections in the same plane and a second support to create a zero weighing sensitivity at the distal ends
This invention relates to a weighing platform and a weighing system including such a weighing platform for dynamically weighing a flow of items while being conveyed over the weighing platform. The weighing platform includes one or more load sensors used in conjunction with two or more flat weighing sections adapted to be placed on the load sensors. A first support connects the adjacent ends of the two or more flat weighing sections so as to form a continuous 2-dimensional planar surface there between. A second support maintains the distal ends of the two or more weighing sections, when connected together via the first support, at fixed height so as to create a zero weighing sensitivity at the distal ends. |
| US09476755B2 |
Calibration tube for multiphase flowmeters
An automated calibration device that comprises a tube for trapping a multiphase sample between three ultrasound (US) transducer pairs wherein each of the three transducer pairs is positioned to measure a different fraction of the multiphase sample. |
| US09476754B2 |
Method and kit for treatment of components utilized in a crude oil service operation
A method and kit for treatment of a stainless steel or other nickel alloy component utilized in a crude oil service operation including cleaning a surface of the component to remove surface contamination; drying the cleaned surface of the component; applying a coat of Self-Assembled Monolayer of Phosphonate (SAMP) to the cleaned and dried surface of the component to form a treated component; and installing the treated component into a section of a crude oil service operation. The coating reduces paraffin/asphaltene deposition on the component. The kit includes a cleaner wipe impregnated with a cleaning substance for cleaning the component; a nano-coating wipe impregnated with a SAMP for applying a nano-coating of the SAMP to the component; and instructions for treating said component utilizing the cleaner wipe and the nano-coating wipe. |
| US09476752B2 |
Fluid level sensor
A capacitive fluid level sensor is provided for receiving data indicative of the level of fluid remaining in a fluid container. In various embodiments, the capacitive fluid level sensor may be spaced below and a distance away from the fluid container to be measured, and may comprise a fluid level sensor and an ambient sensor, wherein the fluid level sensor and the ambient sensor are coplanar. In various embodiments, the ambient sensor may be spaced a distance away from the fluid level sensor, such that electric fields generated by the fluid level sensor and the ambient sensor, respectively, do not overlap. Based at least in part on capacitance levels determined by the fluid level sensor and the ambient sensor, the fluid level sensor may generate data indicative of the fluid level in at least a portion of the fluid container located above the fluid level sensor. |
| US09476747B2 |
Isotope specific arbitrary material flow meter
A laser-based mono-energetic gamma-ray source is used to provide non-destructive and non-intrusive, quantitative determination of the absolute amount of a specific isotope contained within pipe as part of a moving fluid or quasi-fluid material stream. |
| US09476746B2 |
Miniaturized sensor comprising a heating element, and associated production method
The invention relates to a miniaturized sensor having a heating element, and to an associated production method. The sensor includes a substrate, a cavity and a heat-insulating structure suspended above the cavity by areas connecting to the substrate. The heat-insulating structure includes at least two bridges extending above the cavity, the heating element being supported by said bridges, extending transversely thereto. |
| US09476742B2 |
System, method, and computer readable medium for calculating well flow rates produced with electrical submersible pumps
A system, method, and computer readable medium for calculating well flow rates produced with electrical submersible pumps using measured voltage, current, frequency and pressure data. An efficiency to flow rate ratio is calculated from the voltage, current, and pressure data. The efficiency to flow rate ratio is used to obtain a non-dimensional flow rate. The flow rate through the electrical submersible pump is calculated from the non-dimensional flow rate. |
| US09476739B2 |
Indicator device
An indicator device comprises a first slide member (22) mounted on a planar base (1). The first slide member (22) is displaceable between a first position in which it reveals a first status indicating area (26) indicative of a first condition or state and a second position in which it reveals a second status indicating area (28) indicative of a second condition or state. A second slide member (30) is mounted on the base (10) and is displaceable into and across the path of the first indicator member (22) when the first indicator member is in the first position, to inhibit displacement of the first indicator member. The second indicator member (30) is displaceable between a first position in which it does not inhibit the displacement of the first indicator member (22) and a second position in which it inhibits the displacement of the first indicator member to its second position. The device may also be provided with one or more RFID tags (80, 82, 84) to permit remote monitoring of the status of the device. The device can be used, for example, in conjunction with a dispenser (60) to provide an indication of when stock needs to be reordered and whether reordering of the stock has taken place. |
| US09476736B2 |
Electric power receiving apparatus, method of controlling the same, and electric power feeding system including the same
An electric power receiving apparatus including: an electric power receiving coil disposed in a position where a receiving voltage is induced by a magnetic field from an electric power feeding apparatus; a measuring coil disposed in a position where a monitoring induced voltage as a voltage corresponding to the receiving voltage is induced by the magnetic field; and a foreign object detecting portion generating an amount of change in an impedance of the electric power receiving coil from the monitoring induced voltage and an induced current of the electric power receiving coil, thereby detecting a foreign object in the magnetic field based on the amount of change. |
| US09476732B2 |
Poor visibility estimation system and poor visibility estimation method
Provided are a poor visibility estimation system and a poor visibility estimation method that can estimate poor visibility using a simpler configuration. A center has a change amount calculation unit for calculating the change amounts of operation elements of vehicles. A visibility estimation unit estimates poor visibility on the basis of the change amounts calculated by the change amount calculation unit. The center also has a distribution unit for distributing the estimation results of the visibility estimation unit. |
| US09476729B2 |
Adaptive navigation and location-based services based on user behavior patterns
A method and system are disclosed for adaptive driver guidance for navigation and location-based services based on user behavior patterns. A driver-facing camera and a gaze tracking system determine the location of the driver's visual focus while an outside-facing camera detects and interprets external driving situations, a microphone and a speech analyzer identify driver vocalizations, and driver-proximate sensors and the driver-facing camera detect driver emotions. The driver's visual focus, the driver vocalizations and the driver emotions, along with vehicle system parameters from a data bus, are used to evaluate driver satisfaction with navigation guidance and determine driver behavior patterns. An adaptive navigation guidance engine modifies navigation guidance content and timing based on the driver satisfaction and behavior patterns. Adaptation of guidance for location-based services is also provided. |
| US09476727B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting destinations
Embodiments of the invention relate to a computer-implemented method of predicting a destination of a user of a mobile device, comprising selecting one or more geographic locations as a group of possible destinations based on a first location of the mobile device, determining a route from the first location to each of the geographic locations of the group of possible destinations according to one or more route planning criteria and digital map data, and updating the group of possible destinations based upon a second location of the mobile device and a change in an attribute of a route between the second location and each geographic location of the group of possible destinations. |
| US09476720B2 |
Terminal device
A terminal device includes a communication state obtain unit that obtains a state of wireless communication, a travel locus information generation unit that generates travel locus information, a reference locus information obtain unit that obtains reference locus information, a measurement unit that obtains a position of a movable body along a travel direction based on a matching between the travel locus information and the reference locus information, a mismatch detection unit that detects at least one of (i) mismatch degree between the travel locus information and the reference locus information in the matching, and (ii) a cause of mismatch in the matching, and a filtering unit that filters at least one of the travel locus information and the reference locus information. The measurement unit performs the matching before the filtering, which increases the measurement accuracy of the terminal device. |
| US09476715B2 |
Navigational route selection to mitigate probability mobile terminal loses communication capability
Present location information about a present location of a mobile terminal is obtained, as is destination information about a target destination for the mobile terminal, wherein the target destination can be a waypoint destination or a final destination for the mobile terminal. Also obtained is wireless communication coverage information about wireless communication coverage associated with one or more geographic regions between the present location of the mobile terminal and the target destination for the mobile terminal. In dependence on the wireless communication coverage information, a navigational route is determined for the mobile terminal that mitigates a probability that the mobile terminal will lose a specific type of communication capability while travelling between the present location of the mobile terminal and the target destination for the mobile terminal. |
| US09476709B2 |
Calibration apparatus, calibration method, and manufacturing method for an electronic device
Provided is a calibration apparatus, including: a holder for fixing an electronic device; a first motor for rotating the holder with a first rotation axis as a center; a second motor for rotating the holder with a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis as a center; and a stopper for restricting a rotational position of the holder about the second rotation axis to a range between a reference position and a perpendicular position reached by rotating the holder by 90 degrees from the reference position, in which the first motor rotates the holder to which the electronic device is fixed at a predetermined speed in each of states in which the rotational position of the holder about the second rotation axis falls in the reference position and in which the rotational position of the holder about the second rotation axis falls in the perpendicular position. |
| US09476705B2 |
Determining travel path features based on retroreflectivity
Systems, devices, features, and methods for determining geographic features corresponding to a travel path to develop a map database, such as a navigation database, are disclosed. For example, one method comprises emitting light from a light source, such as a LIDAR device, while on the travel path. Returning light is received based on the emitted light. The returning light is used to generate data points representing an area about the travel path. The data points are filtered as a function of a return intensity value to identify a feature associated with the travel path, in which the feature is treated with a retroreflective substance. |
| US09476702B2 |
Device for measuring length of electrode plate
A system for measuring a length of an electrode plate includes a body on which an electrode plate roll formed by spirally winding the electrode plate is provided; a control device to which the body is combined; and a measuring device including a thickness measurement unit combined with the body and electrically connected to the control device to measure a spirally wound thickness of the electrode plate that is spirally wound on the electrode plate roll, and a diameter measurement unit to measure a diameter of a hollow portion of the electrode plate roll, wherein the control device receives a moving distance of the thickness measurement unit and a moving distance of the diameter measurement unit and calculates the length of the electrode plate of the electrode plate roll. |
| US09476694B2 |
Optical method for characterizing transparent particles
The present invention is related to a method for characterizing transparent objects (2, 3) in a transparent medium (1), said transparent objects (2, 3) presenting an optical focal area (5, 6) said method comprising the steps of: illuminating a sample comprising the objects (2, 3) to be characterized by means of a directional light (7) source, thereby inducing light intensity peaks (5, 6) at the focal area of said transparent objects; determining at least one characteristic of the light intensity peak (5, 6) induced by said object to be characterized, determining from said light intensity peak (5, 6) at least one property of said object. |
| US09476689B2 |
Wear indication devices, and related assemblies and methods
A wear indication device comprises an outer body exhibiting at least one opening extending at least partially therethrough, and at least one sensor within the at least one opening. The at least one sensor comprises at least one probe, and at least one electronic device operatively associated with the at least one probe. The at least one electronic device comprises at least one power supply and at least one output device. An assembly, and a method of detecting wear to a component of an assembly are also described. |
| US09476687B2 |
Tape rule accessory
A tape rule accessory with a receiving slot that is shaped conformally to the curvature of a tape rule for receiving a tape rule side edge into the receiving slot. The upper flange has a window with opposed and aligned alignment pointers for aligning to demarcations on the tape rule when the tape rule is installed in the receiving slot. The alignment pointers are positioned an integer number of units of length (for example, inches or centimeters) from an end of the accessory. Exterior marking guides are aligned to the alignment pointers. One or more level indicators, such as spirit levels, may be attached, preferably by being snap fit into housings. Friction ridges may be used within the receiving slot to prevent accidental movement while maintaining ease of use. A thermally bonded, two-part embodiment is disclosed. |
| US09476686B2 |
Device for transferring energy output from one pyrotechnic device to another
An energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations. |
| US09476680B2 |
Personal self-defense device
A self-defense device includes a housing structure, a spray apparatus and a sound generating mechanism. The housing structure includes an interior space accessible though an opening within a first end portion thereof. The spray apparatus is attached to a first end portion of the housing structure. The spray apparatus allows a substance configured for impairing at least one of sight and respiratory function of a person to be selectively sprayed therefrom. The sound generating mechanism within the interior space of the housing structure. Actuation of the sound generating mechanism causes a sound recognizable as that of a firearm being mechanically charged to be created thereby. |
| US09476677B1 |
Long range KV-to-KV communications to inform target selection of follower KVS
A KV-based missile defense system and method of strategic engagement provides performance improvement for both singleton and raid scenarios by launching multiple interceptors that place a follower KV in a trailing position with respect to a lead KV. Knowledge of the target cloud gained by the lead KV is transmitted to the follower KV and incorporated to inform the target selection of the follower KV. The follower KV trails the lead KV with sufficient spacing in time and distance to select a target and maneuver to engage the target pre-acquisition. This also allows the follower KV to receive and incorporate knowledge of target impact by the lead KV. This knowledge may be transmitted back to another follower KV and so forth in a “string” of KVs to inform target selection and down to the ground to inform strategic engagement. Updated non-KV observational data can be uplinked and transmitted forward along the string to the lead KV. |
| US09476672B2 |
Accessory mounting hand guard for firearm
Hand guards for firearms and related methods are provided. In one example, a hand guard for a firearm includes an elongated tubular housing having a lumen extending between opposite ends thereof. A hand guard mounting assembly is coupled concentrically to a rear end portion of the housing. The mounting assembly includes a pair of opposing transverse surfaces respectively disposed on opposite sides of a transverse flange located on a front end of a barrel nut extending forwardly from a receiver of the firearm. At least one of the transverse surfaces is longitudinally moveable toward the other transverse surface. A mechanism adjustably urges the at least one transverse surface longitudinally toward the other transverse surface so as to clamp the flange firmly between the two transverse surfaces and such that the barrel of the firearm is disposed concentrically within the lumen of the housing. |
| US09476671B2 |
Stock attachment riser
A weapon accessory includes an attachment portion that is attachable to a stock of a weapon. The weapon accessory includes a rest portion that allows a user to position the stock above the user's shoulder. The weapon accessory also includes a recoil portion that is configured to transfer a recoil to the user when the user uses the weapon. |
| US09476666B1 |
Quick-loading bow and arrow toy
A bow and arrow toy having a light-weight, foam tipped arrow and a bow with rear and fore tension bands. To load and arm the toy, the rear of the arrow is abutted against the rear tension band and the shaft of the arrow is pressed against the fore tension band and drawn back. As the arrow is drawn back, the shaft of the arrow slides against the fore tension band until the fore tension band falls into an engagement slot along the shaft, causing the fore tension band to also become engaged and tensioned as the arrow is drawn back further. At the fore outside edge of the engagement slot is a catch lip which protrudes outwards from the shaft and functions to guide the fore tension band into the engagement slot if the pressure of the shaft against the fore tension band is not sufficient to cause the fore tension band to slide directly into the engagement slot. The fore tension band is comprised of three interlinked loops, with the central loop being sleeved so as to narrow its effective diameter. The front profile of the fore tension band, from top to bottom, slants rearward, is vertical and slants forward, thereby providing physical guidance for proper horizontal orientation of the arrow. The sleeved central loop differs in color from the top and bottom loops of the fore tension band to facilitate proper horizontal orientation of the arrow. |
| US09476658B1 |
Air conditioner cleaning assembly
An air conditioner cleaning assembly cleans a housing of an air conditioning unit. The assembly includes a drain tray having a pair of side walls and a base wall coupled to and extending between the side walls. The base wall and the side walls defining a trough configured for receiving a fluid. An aperture extends through the base wall of the drain tray wherein the aperture drains the fluid from the trough. An attachment strap is coupled to and extends from the drain tray for securing the drain tray to an air conditioner such that the drain tray is positioned under the air conditioner. A sprayer assembly includes a sprayer for delivering fluid into a housing of the air conditioner. |
| US09476656B2 |
Heat exchanger having U-shaped tube arrangement and staggered bent array for enhanced airflow
Systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein are directed to a heat exchange tube structure and an arrangement of heat exchange tubes that enhance or help promote fluid flow through a heat exchanger. Bend portions of heat exchange tubes may be structured and configured to allow for gaps so that fluid may pass an assembly of the heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tubes may be arranged to expose the air gaps at the bend portions of the heat exchange tubes to promote fluid flow. |
| US09476652B2 |
Thin heat pipe structure having enlarged condensing section
A thin heat pipe structure includes a pipe body and at least one wick structure. The pipe body has a vaporizing end internally defining a first chamber, and a condensing end internally defining a second chamber communicating with the first chamber. A space in the first chamber is smaller than that in the second chamber. The wick structure is provided in the first and the second chamber, such that at least one channel is defined in the pipe body by the wick structure and the first and second chambers. With the above arrangements, the pressure resistance in the pipe body at the condensing end is reduced to thereby enable upgraded vapor-liquid circulation efficiency of the working fluid in the pipe body and accordingly upgraded heat dissipation effect of the thin heat pipe structure. A method of forming the thin heat pipe structure is also disclosed. |
| US09476648B2 |
Systems and methods of using phase change material in power plants
Cooling systems and methods for cooling in a power plant using a phase change material. In one embodiment, a phase change material container includes at least one phase change material which may be in the form of a slurry; and at least one conduit for transporting the fluid through the phase change material when located in the phase change material container. The system may also comprise an air flow chamber; and a phase change material flow system including a pump for pumping phase change material from an outlet of phase change material container, to at least one phase change material spray nozzle. The phase change material flow system is configured to ensure that solidified phase change material is returned to the phase change material container. |
| US09476647B2 |
Production line oven
A production line oven includes a product gripping mechanism mounted above one side of the production line oven, a plurality of fixtures, a fixture gripping mechanism mounted under the product gripping mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a conveyor mounted in other side of the production line oven. The product gripping mechanism includes a first guide rail, a support arm mounted to the first guide rail in sliding, and mechanical gripping members connected to the support arm. The fixture gripping mechanism includes a second guide rail and a clamp mechanism mounted to the second guide rail in sliding. The mechanical gripping members are configured to grip of a product. The fixture gripping mechanism is configured to grasp each the fixture to assemble or dismount the fixtures. |
| US09476645B2 |
Open bottom electric induction cold crucible for use in electromagnetic casting of ingots
An open bottom electric induction cold crucible with a slotted wall extending below one or more induction coils surrounding the partial exterior height of the crucible is used in an electromagnetic casting process for the production of ingots. A bottom magnetic shield is provided around the outer perimeter of the crucible's slotted wall in the vicinity of the bottom opening and the bottom termination of the wall slots and the bottom connecting member. |
| US09476639B2 |
Hydrocarbon gas processing featuring a compressed reflux stream formed by combining a portion of column residue gas with a distillation vapor stream withdrawn from the side of the column
A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and divided into first and second portions. The first and second portions are expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at upper mid-column feed positions, with the expanded second portion being heated before it enters the tower. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream, combined with a portion of the tower overhead vapor stream, compressed to higher pressure, and directed into heat exchange relation with the remaining tower overhead vapor stream and the expanded second portion to cool the compressed combined vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is expanded to the tower pressure and directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. |
| US09476630B2 |
Method and apparatus for water storage and transport
A method and apparatus for water storage and transport uses a container constructed from one of more flexible plastic sheets. A number of chambers for holding water are formed within the container. Each chamber is separated from an adjacent chamber by a web of the flexible plastic sheet. The web of the flexible plastic sheet is perforated to allow adjacent chambers to be separated from one another. In use, the water in the chambers may be liquid or frozen. |
| US09476629B2 |
Clear ice maker and method for forming clear ice
A clear ice maker having an ice tray with a thermally conductive cold plate, where the cold plate has a top surface and a bottom surface, with a thermoelectric cooling device thermally coupled to the bottom surface. Water is dispensed onto the top surface, and the bottom surface is cooled such that a portion of the water adjacent the top surface is frozen, to form a layer of ice. Then the ice tray is oscillated about a transverse axis of the ice tray, such that the water freezes in successive layers from the top surface of the cold plate upwards. |
| US09476619B2 |
Sub-cooling system of a compression-refrigeration system
The present invention relates to a refrigeration facility and a method for maintaining the temperature of an isothermal enclosure (3) including: a refrigerating unit (5) comprising a compressor (7) driven by a heat engine (8) and an evaporator (13); and a thermochemical cooling system (15) including a vessel (23) containing a liquefied gas capable, after evaporation, of combining with a reactive product, consisting of a mixture of a reactive salt and natural expanded graphite, contained in a reactor (17), the reaction product obtained being capable of being regenerated by a heating means, said cooling system including an evaporator (25) and a condenser (21). The facility is characterized in that: the evaporator (25) of said cooling system is in thermal contact with the refrigerant circuit of the refrigerating unit (5) upstream from the evaporator (13) thereof; the reactor of the cooling system is in thermal contact with a heating means using the heat energy dissipated by the heat engine during the operation thereof; the natural expanded graphite used has an apparent density of 100 to 120 kg/m3; and the weight percentage of the salt in the reactive product is of 50% to 75%. |
| US09476618B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus in which a heat source unit and a relay unit are connected by two pipings, and in which a hot water supply function can be readily added. The relay unit includes a connection circuit between a first branching unit and a second connecting piping that is capable of connecting a water heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and water. |
| US09476616B2 |
Magnetocaloric thermal generator
A heat generator (10) which comprises magnetocaloric elements (2) that are arranged in a circle about a central axis. A magnetic arrangement (3) of alternating magnetized and non-magnetized zones (4, 5), that is located within the circle formed by the magnetocaloric elements (2), is rotatable around the central axis and co-operates with a field closing device (6) to loop magnetic flux generated by the magnetic arrangement (3) and alternately subject the magnetocaloric elements (2) to a magnetic field variation and create, alternately in each magnetocaloric element (2), heating and cooling cycles, in synchronization with the circulation of heat transfer fluid which flows through the magnetocaloric elements (2) during the heating and cooling cycles. The field closing device (6) comprises a heat insulation (9). |
| US09476612B2 |
Beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems
The present invention relates to concentrating solar-power systems and, more particularly, beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems. A solar thermal array power system is provided, including a plurality of solar concentrators arranged in pods. Each solar concentrator includes a solar collector, one or more beam-forming elements, and one or more beam-steering elements. The solar collector is dimensioned to collect and divert incoming rays of sunlight. The beam-forming elements intercept the diverted rays of sunlight, and are shaped to concentrate the rays of sunlight into a beam. The steering elements are shaped, dimensioned, positioned, and/or oriented to deflect the beam toward a beam output path. The beams from the concentrators are converted to heat at a receiver, and the heat may be temporarily stored or directly used to generate electricity. |
| US09476610B2 |
Hot fluid production device including a condensing heat exchanger
The invention relates to a device that includes means for conveying or producing hot gases and a condensing heat exchanger including: an bundle of helical tubes serving as primary exchanger, mounted within a gas-impermeable housing and equipped with a gas discharge trunk, means for circulating a primary fluid in the primary exchanger, two deflector plates and a deflecting ring arranged so as to circulate the hot gasses through the coils of the primary exchanger. Said device is characterized in that it includes a second tube bundle serving as a secondary exchanger, means for circulating therein a secondary fluid separate from the primary fluid and in that the second deflector plate is inserted between the primary exchanger and the secondary exchanger. The invention can be used in the production of heating water and of hot water for sanitation. |
| US09476608B2 |
Ceiling mounted ventilation fan with illumination
The ceiling mounted ventilation fan with illumination employs a configuration in which a second opening for guiding light from an illumination unit into the room is formed in a lower part of a main housing and in which a air inlet on a fan casing of a fan unit is provided so as to open toward upper part of the main housing. Thus the air inlet of the fan unit opens in a direction opposite to the second opening communicating with inside of the room. As a result, sounds such as operation noises from the fan unit that are transmitted to outside of the fan unit chiefly through the air inlet can be made to resist being transmitted through the second opening into the room, so that the noises can be reduced. |
| US09476606B2 |
Dynamic device-associated feedback indicative of responsible device usage
Methods and devices for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by a thermostat are provided. Input can be received from a user via a thermostat, the input being indicative of an adjustment of an HVAC-related setting. On a real-time basis, the HVAC-related setting that is being adjusted can be compared against a feedback criterion designed to indicate a circumstance under which feedback is to be presented to the user. The circumstance can be indicative of an achievement of a HVAC-related setting of a predetermined responsibility level with respect to an energy usage of the HVAC system. Upon a real-time determination that the feedback criterion is satisfied, visual feedback can be caused to be presented to the user in real-time. The real-time feedback can include a visual icon having a visual appeal corresponding to a desirability of the satisfaction of the feedback criterion. |
| US09476604B1 |
Room humidifier
The present invention relates to an unpowered room humidifier utilizing mechanically blowing air from a register, wherein water is wicked into a plurality of absorbent cloths draped over a plurality of beams and results in increased humidity as the air leaves the humidifier. |
| US09476600B2 |
Fan motor controller for use in an air conditioning system
An air conditioning system includes an exterior housing, and a motor having fan blades rotatably coupled thereto located within the exterior housing. The air conditioning system further includes a controller coupled to the motor and configured to, based upon climate conditions proximate the exterior housing, alternate between an ON cycle during which the fan blades are rotated and an OFF cycle during which the fan blades are not rotated. |
| US09476596B2 |
Function indicator system for electric fireplace
A function indicator system for displaying the control settings related to functions and features of an electric fireplace. The function indicator system can feature a function indicator module, a controller communicatively connected to the function indicator module, and a power source electrically connected to the function indicator module. The function indicator module can contain a plurality of light sources that emit paths of light, which can pass through control status indicia to create a visual display on an exterior surface of a projection screen of the electric fireplace. The visual display is visible to a viewer so as to alert the viewer as to the particular status of a control setting of the electric fireplace such as, for example, the temperature of heat produced, the brightness of simulated flames, or the length of time that the user desires for the electric fireplace to operate prior to automatic shutdown. |
| US09476595B2 |
Auto flame-out detection and reignition method for a gas burner of a cooktop appliance
A system is provided to automatically detect and reignite one or more gas burners on a cooktop appliance. Upon determining the absence of a flame at a gas burner, a time period Δtd is allowed to elapse during which no flame is detected before sparking is initiated to relight the burner. The value of Δtd is based upon the rate of flow of gaseous fuel to the burner with longer time periods being used for lower gas flow rates and shorter time periods being used for higher gas flow rates. |
| US09476594B2 |
Domestic cooking appliance having a gas switch mounting system
A domestic cooking appliance having a gas burner and a control panel assembly is provided. The assembly includes a control panel cover having an alignment pin and an opening; a gas switch having a protruding portion that extends through the opening in the control panel cover when the control panel assembly is in an assembled position; a gas manifold for delivering gas to the gas switch, the gas switch being positionally fixed relative to the gas manifold; a mounting bracket positionally fixed relative to the gas manifold, the mounting bracket having a mounting portion attached to the appliance, a positioning surface that supports the control panel cover, and a hole in the positioning surface that receives the alignment pin. The hole is positionally fixed relative to the protruding portion of the gas switch when the control panel assembly is in the assembled position. |
| US09476589B2 |
Diffuse combustion method and apparatus
A method supplies reactants, including fuel gas, to burners that discharge the reactants into a furnace process chamber. In a stable flame mode of operation, stable flames are projected from the burners into the furnace process chamber. At a time when the furnace process chamber has a temperature at or above an autoignition temperature of the fuel gas, a diffuse combustion mode is initiated by supplying a selected burner with additional reactants, including reactants diverted from another burner, to blow off the stable flame at the selected burner. |
| US09476586B2 |
Modular wick holder
A modular wick holder includes a first wick holder assembly and a second wick holder assembly joined together. The first and second wick holder assemblies are disposed symmetrical to each other. The first wick holder assembly includes a first projection, and the second wick holder assembly includes a second projection opposite and corresponding to the first projection. The first and second projections delimit a space therebetween. When the modular wick holder combines with a wick, the wick is securely held by the space. At least one adjusting member inserts through the first and second wick holder assemblies and is operable to move the first and second projections closer and to have the space include a reduced size. |
| US09476582B2 |
System and method for removing slag inside a utility furnace
This disclosure may relate generally to systems, devices, and methods for injecting a solid compound in line with a pressurized fluid, typically through a soot blower, to be delivered to targeted areas on the inside of a utility furnace. |
| US09476580B2 |
Lighting device with smooth outer appearance
A lighting device or a lamp bulb (100, 200) with a smooth appearance comprises at least one light source (101); a heat sink component (104, 204), having a bottom (1043) and a side wall (1044) extending from the bottom (1044), wherein the bottom (1043) comprises a protrusion (1041) and wherein the at least one light source (101) thermally contacts the protrusion (1041) of the heat sink component (104, 204); and a cover provided on the sidewall (1044) opposite to the bottom (1043), thereby defining an air chamber (1051, 2051) between the cover, the side wall (1044), the bottom (1043) and the protrusion (1041). |
| US09476577B2 |
Lighting device, display device, and television reception device
A backlight device according to the present invention is provided with: a chassis having a bottom plate 22a and a side plate; LED substrates 25 disposed on the bottom plate 22a of the chassis in a manner so that one end surface of the LED substrates and the side plate face each other; LEDs disposed on the LED substrates 25 with the obverse side as the light exit side; a wiring pattern 35 disposed on the LED substrates 25; a first connector 31 connected to the wiring pattern 35 and disposed on the end on the side provided with the one end surface among the ends of the LED substrates 25; a second connecting member that is electrically connected to the first connector 31 with the direction of connection being a direction that is along the plate surface of the bottom plate 22a, forming in a plan view an angle with the first side edge 22a1 that faces the one end surface, and facing the first side edge 22a1 from the reverse side from the first side edge 22a1 sandwiching the first connector 31; and a power supply wiring line 38 that is electrically connected to the second connector 32. |
| US09476575B2 |
Video display module support assembly
Disclosed is a video display module support system containing an attachment plate formed with a first and a second video support member. The attachment plate includes a horizontal attachment assembly and a vertical attachment assembly. The horizontal attachment assembly includes a fixed, video support member attachment portion and a pivotable, member body pivotally attached to the first attachment portion. The pivot member body including a video support member mount having a latch pivotable between open and closed positions. The vertical attachment assembly includes a mounting arm ratchet assembly and a mounting arm movable between a first position secured by a mounting arm ratchet and a second position unsecured by a mounting arm ratchet. |
| US09476570B2 |
Lens with controlled backlight management
A lens for distribution of light predominantly toward a preferential side from a light emitter having an emitter axis and defining an emitter plane. The lens has an emitter-adjacent base end forming an emitter-receiving opening to an emitter-surrounding cavity defined by an inner surface which includes a front sector centered on the preferential side and a back sector centered on the non-preferential side radially opposite the preferential side. The front and back sectors differ in their respective configurations for refracting light from the emitter. The lens further includes an primary back surface positioned to receive light from at least a portion of the inner-surface back sector and configured for total internal reflection (TIR) thereof. The inner-surface back sector and the primary back surface extend along substantially elliptical cross-sections in planes substantially parallel to the emitter plane. The emitter-adjacent base end forms a back opening to a back cavity substantially centered on the non-preferential side and partially bounded by the primary back surface. |
| US09476568B2 |
White light illumination system with narrow band green phosphor and multiple-wavelength excitation
A white light illumination system may comprise: a phosphor package; a first radiation source for providing co-excitation radiation to the phosphor package, the source emitting in wavelengths ranging from about 250 nm to about 410 nm; and a second radiation source for providing co-excitation radiation to the phosphor package, the source emitting in wavelengths ranging from about 410 nm to about 540 nm; wherein the phosphor package is configured to emit photoluminescence in wavelengths ranging from about 440 nm to about 700 nm upon co-excitation from the first and second radiation sources, and wherein the phosphor package comprises at least one narrow band green phosphor with a photoluminescence peak with a full width at half maximum of less than 60 nm, and wherein the narrow band green phosphor is configured to emit photoluminescence in wavelengths ranging from about 500 nm to about 550 nm. |
| US09476567B2 |
Optical element, a lighting system and a luminaire for providing a skylight appearance
An optical element, a lighting system and a luminaire is provided. The optical element comprises a plate 100 and a plurality of collimating means. The optical element is to be used in front of a light source comprising a light emitting surface 106, and the optical element is configured to obtain a skylight appearance. The plate 100 is to be arranged parallel to the light emitting surface 106. The plate 100 is opaque and comprises a plurality of holes 104. The plate 100 further comprises a reflective surface 102 which is to be arranged parallel to the light emitting surface 106. The reflective surface 102 is light reflective in a predetermined spectral range to obtain a blue light emission 100. The plurality of collimating means collimate a part of the light received from the light source to obtain a collimated light beam 112 in a specific direction. Each one of the collimating means comprises one of the plurality of holes of the plate 104. |
| US09476564B2 |
LED automobile headlamp
An LED automobile headlamp includes an LED lamp positioned on a substrate (100); a heat conducting member (200) having a strip shape, with the substrate (100) being fixed to an end of the heat conducting member (200), and the heat conducting member (200) being internally filled with a low-boiling liquid; and a heat dissipating member (300), including a heat dissipating cylinder (320) and a plurality of heat dissipating fins (340), wherein the heat dissipating cylinder (320) defines a through hole to receive the heat conducting member (200), and the plurality of heat dissipating fins (340) are fixed to a periphery of an end of the heat dissipating cylinder (320) away from the substrate. The LED automobile headlamp uses an LED lamp instead of the traditional tungsten filament and HID, and transmits the heat generated by the LED lamp to the rear end by means of the circulation of the low-boiling liquid in the heat conducting member (200), and then uses the heat dissipating member (300) to dissipate heat. |
| US09476563B2 |
Lamp design method for automobile
The present invention relates to a lamp design method for an automobile. The present invention makes functions of a pitch between light sources and an air gap to be applied to the design in order to improve light uniformity. The present invention may suggest an optimal design method of an FDT surface light source lamp. |
| US09476562B2 |
Vehicle lighting device
A vehicle lighting device includes a housing, a first receiving cavity recessed inwardly from a center of a front side of the housing, a first light source received in the first receiving cavity, an annular second receiving cavity recessed in the front side of the housing and surrounding the first receiving cavity, a second light source received in the second receiving cavity, a first envelope fixed in the front side of the housing and covering the first receiving cavity, and an annular second envelope fixed in the front side of the housing and covering the second receiving cavity. An inner face of the second receiving cavity is a bending face including a plurality of reflecting facets for reflecting light emitted from the second light source. Every two adjacent reflecting facets intersect with an angle. The second light source faces at least one reflecting facet distant from the second envelope. |
| US09476557B2 |
Low profile highly efficient vehicular LED modules and headlamps
A vehicle headlamp module is provided that includes a lens having a plurality of near-field lens elements, a canted input surface, an exit surface and a cavity between the surfaces. The headlamp module also includes an LED lighting module that directs incident light through the input and exit surfaces. The lens elements are configured to transmit from the exit surface a collimated light pattern containing at least 60% of the incident light. In some embodiments, the exit surface includes a step-wise pattern of optical elements. In other implementations, a headlamp assembly is provided that includes a plurality of vehicle headlamp modules. Each headlamp module includes: a lens with a canted input surface and an exit surface, a bezel surrounding the lens, and an LED light source that directs incident light through the input surface. The lens of each module includes a plurality of near-field lens elements. |
| US09476556B2 |
Vehicle headlight assembly
A reflector configured to receive and reflect illumination from an illumination device across a projector lens of a vehicle headlight assembly. The reflector includes a reflection surface, a curved edge adjacent to the reflection surface and defining a lower illumination aperture, and a wall member extending across the lower illumination aperture to define a gap portion between the wall member and the curved edge. The wall member is configured to reduce illumination reflected from the reflection surface by blocking an amount of illumination passing through the lower illumination aperture. |
| US09476553B2 |
Flashing night light
A flashing night light includes: a night light base, a casing mounted to the night light base, a control circuit mounted to the casing and including a control substrate and light-emitting elements, and a light-transmitting unit including first and second light-transmitting plates. The light-emitting elements are controlled by the control substrate to lighten in sequence. Each of the first and second light-transmitting plates has a surface on which a predetermined pattern is formed. The patterns are arranged according to a sequence for desired displaying. The first and second light-transmitting plates include light receiving sections that are arranged to alternate in position and respectively correspond to the light-emitting elements and are fixed to the control substrate. With the light-emitting elements being arranged to lighten in sequence, lights emitting from the light-emitting elements may provide the patterns with an effect of image displaying and achieve a dynamic visual effect. |
| US09476550B2 |
Selectively-extendable modular lighting fixture
A lighting fixture including a housing having sidewalls and lengthwise ends, an elongate lens fitted to the housing with lengthwise end edge portions, a pair of unitary endplates each attachable to either lengthwise end of the housing, each endplate having lens support structure supporting one lengthwise end edge portion of the lens, and each endplate having perimeter surfaces matingly attached to an endcap having a peripheral edge of substantially the same size and contour as the outer surface of the endplate where the endcap and endplate join. Each unitary endplate includes perimeter surfaces matingly attached to a linear bridge, an angular bridge or an endcap having a peripheral edge of substantially the same size and contour as the outer surface of the endplate where the bridge or endcap and endplate join. The endplate support prevents the elongate lens from being pressed inwardly into an interior portion of the lighting fixture. |
| US09476548B2 |
Beacon light with reflector and light emitting diodes
The present invention is directed to a beacon light with a light emitting diode (LED) reflector optic. In one embodiment, the LED reflector optic includes a reflector having a plurality of reflecting surfaces and being associated with at least one optical axis, each reflecting surface including a curved cross-section and at least one LED positioned at a focal distance of a respective one of the plurality of reflecting surfaces. |
| US09476546B2 |
Curved and conformal high-pressure vessel
A high-pressure vessel is provided. The high-pressure vessel may comprise a first chamber defined at least partially by a first wall, and a second chamber defined at least partially by the first wall. The first chamber and the second chamber may form a curved contour of the high-pressure vessel. A modular tank assembly is also provided, and may comprise a first mid tube having a convex geometry. The first mid tube may be defined by a first inner wall, a curved wall extending from the first inner wall, and a second inner wall extending from the curved wall. The first inner wall may be disposed at an angle relative to the second inner wall. The first mid tube may further be defined by a short curved wall opposite the curved wall and extending from the second inner wall to the first inner wall. |
| US09476543B2 |
Alignment swivel and method
An apparatus for mounting a device, an adjustable swivel mount, and a method are provided. The apparatus includes a bracket (106) and a shaft (108) pivotally coupled therewith. The apparatus also includes a first adjustment knob (143), with rotation of the first adjustment knob causing the shaft to pivot about a first axis (Y). The apparatus further includes a swivel bracket (144) coupled with the shaft, and a first paddle (128) coupled with the swivel bracket. The apparatus further includes a second adjustment knob (136), with rotation of the second adjustment knob causing the first paddle to pivot about a second axis (X). The apparatus also includes a mount (100) coupled to the first paddle and configured to couple to the device. Pivoting the first paddle about the first axis causes the mount to pivot about the first axis, and pivoting the first paddle about the second axis causes the mount to pivot about the second axis. |
| US09476538B2 |
Pipe insulation apparatus having finishing cover of compression-bonded structure
In a pipe insulation apparatus includes a plurality of segments which are connected so as to be separable along division lines, and each of the plurality of segments is composed of a plurality of insulation layers, and is covered by a finishing cover. The finishing cover includes: at least one joint chassis that is made of a soft metal material, and has a first insertion groove and a second insertion groove formed at a first end portion and a second end portion, respectively, and has a saw-toothed first protrusion formed on one inner side surface of each of the first insertion groove and the second insertion groove and a saw-toothed second protrusion formed alternately with the first protrusion on the other inner side surface; and a plurality of plates that is made of a soft metal material. |
| US09476535B2 |
System for inspecting and coating the interior of a pipe
A system for evaluating the interior surface and exterior wall conditions of a pipeline while also dynamically installing a repair coating in a pipeline, such as an underground water pipeline. The system is towed into the pipeline and drawn back therethrough. As the system is drawn back, one module in the system evaluates the surface condition of the interior of the pipe and another module evaluates the structural condition of the wall of the pipe. Based on the evaluation data obtained from the two modules an epoxy material is applied to the interior surface of the pipe using a spin cast machine that is drawn behind the two modules. Preferably, a layer of epoxy is applied to the interior surface of the host pipe to the appropriate thickness based on the pipe condition as determined by the two modules. |
| US09476531B2 |
Elliptical flow conditioning pipe elbow
A pipe elbow for conditioning the flow of fluid through the elbow so that separate flow conditioners or a flow straightener need not be inserted between the elbow and a flow measurement device, comprising, a fluid carrying conduit elbow having first and second ends of circular cross section for connection to straight piping and having a bend intermediate the ends, wherein a lateral cross section of the conduit at the bend is elliptical in shape. |
| US09476530B2 |
Connecting device
A connecting device for connecting a fluid sensor to a channel module has a locking device that can secure the fluid sensor on the channel module, a closure device that can allow the flow of a fluid conducted in the channel module from the channel module to the fluid sensor, and an actuating means, the actuating means actuating the locking device. |
| US09476523B2 |
Mounting bracket for a shower head
A mounting bracket for a shower head includes a hollow, cylindrical mounting member including a recess, a channel, and external threads; a screw driven through the channel into a wall; a fastening element including a well, a protuberance, an annular flange, and a receptacle in the well; a sleeve including internal threads secured to the external threads to fasten the sleeve, the fastening element, and the mounting member together; a main body including a channel for receiving a section of a pipe, a hollow, cylindrical projection put on the protuberance to engage the flange, an externally threaded protrusion, and a tunnel member projecting out of the projection; a screw driven through the tunnel member into the receptacle to fasten the main body and the fastening element together; and a cap including internal threads secured to the protrusion to fasten the cap and the main body together. |
| US09476522B2 |
Pipe sealing
A sealing apparatus suitable for use as a subsea repair clamp includes a sealing membrane with first and second portions for engaging an outer surface of a pipe. Retaining members are located in opposing relationship to each other about the sealing membrane and are secured to each other by a closure member. The retaining members retain sealing engagement between the sealing membrane and the pipe. Each of the retaining members can include axially spaced plates arranged generally transversely to a longitudinal axis of the sealing membrane. |
| US09476519B2 |
Positioner
In a positioner, a control calculating portion and a valve opening detecting portion are contained within a first case, and an electropneumatic converting portion and a pneumatic circuit portion are contained within a second case. The first case, which contains the control calculating portion and the valve opening detector, is assembled together with the valve, and the second case, which contains the electropneumatic converting portion and the pneumatic circuit portion, is located in a position away from the valve. A control signal MV, which is a PWM signal (a digital signal), is sent through a cable from the control calculating portion to the electropneumatic converting portion. |
| US09476512B2 |
Rotary valve system
The disclosed and claimed compresses gas system provides for the use of a rotary valve assembly in association with a cupper. A compressed gas system that utilizes a rotary valve assembly uses less gas than a constant flow compressed gas system and is quieter than a compressed gas system that uses valves. The rotary valve is a disk-like body having an opening therethrough. The rotary valve body is disposed within a housing assembly wherein gas may only flow through the housing when the rotary valve body is properly aligned with a space on one side of the rotary valve body. |
| US09476511B2 |
Valve device capable of washing internal pipe in hot water boiler
Disclosed is a valve device capable of washing an internal pipe in a hot water boiler wherein an operating part is not brought into contact with a body made of a metal material, and even though the valve device is not used for a long period of time, the operating part does not adhere to the body, and wherein the valve device is simple in configuration so that it can be easily mounted on a restricted installation area. |
| US09476506B2 |
Slide ring seal
A slide ring seal has a slide ring, supported such that the slide ring is axially movable, and a counter ring. The slide ring and the counter ring have respective sealing surfaces contacting one another. The slide ring sealing surface faces the counter ring sealing surface. The slide ring is pressed against the counter ring by a bellows-like spring element. The slide ring seal may be designed so the slide ring seal has an especially flexible slide ring and/or counter ring after economical and trouble-free production, the slide ring seal has at least one sealing surface with elevations or unevenness of a magnitude from 0.1 μm to W mm, W conforms to the formula W=0.03 Dm/s, wherein the average diameter Dm is the average of the circular-ring-shaped sealing surface's outside (Da) and inside (Di) diameter, and s is the slide ring or counter ring thickness. |
| US09476505B2 |
System for the contactless sealing of a rotatably mounted shaft with respect to a housing, and gear unit
A system for the contactless sealing of a rotatably mounted shaft with respect to a housing, and a gear unit, oil being provided in the interior of the housing, in particular, the rotating shaft protruding from the interior into the outer area; a centrifugal disk, joined in rotatably fixed manner to the shaft, having at least partially radially extending bores that connect oil from a centrifugal chamber to a collection chamber surrounding the centrifugal disk. |
| US09476504B2 |
Sliding element, in particular piston ring, having resistant coating
The present application relates to a sliding element, in particular a piston ring, having a coating (10) on a substrate (12), which forms at least one sliding surface of the sliding element. The coating (10) has, from the inside outwards, a carbide or nitride layer (16), then a carbide-containing (preferably PVD-) TLC layer (17), then a metal-free PVD-TLC layer (22) and then a metal-free PACVD-TLC layer (18). |
| US09476501B2 |
Gear shifter
An apparatus for a gear shifter for use with a transmission is provided. The gear shifter includes a housing that defines a gate and a gear shift lever having a first end and a second end. The gear shift lever is at least partially received within the housing so that the first end is guided by the gate. The gear shifter includes a shifter block received within the housing and including a plurality of detents. One of the plurality of detents includes at least one pocket defined adjacent to the one of the plurality of detents so as to be in communication with the one of the plurality of detents. The at least one pocket and the plurality of detents are each sized to receive a portion of the second end of the gear shift lever. |
| US09476500B2 |
Manual gear shifter assembly
A manual gear shifter assembly includes a shifter housing, a shift lever pivotally mounted to the shifter housing displaceable in a select direction to move between at least a first shift gate and a second shift gate, and in at least one shift direction for shifting the gears of the transmission, a shift cable coupled to the shift lever and the transmission, a blocker mounted in the shifter housing and operatively cooperating with the shift lever, a select lever pivotally mounted to the shifter housing with the select lever cooperating with the shift lever to allow displacement of the shift lever in the select direction to move between the shift gates, and a solenoid disposed in the shifter housing and cooperating with the blocker to physically block the displacement of the shift lever into a predetermined gear for inhibiting shifting of the transmission during a predetermined condition. |
| US09476497B2 |
Unidirectional clutch decoupling device for transferring torque between belt wheel and shaft
The patent application discloses a unidirectional clutch decoupling device for transferring torque between a belt wheel and a shaft. The unidirectional clutch decoupling device includes a friction spring, an outer ring, a shaft sleeve and an elastic unit. The friction spring is combined with the inner surface of the belt wheel in a rubbing mode. The outer ring is arranged in the space formed by the friction spring. The relative position of the outer ring and the friction spring is fixed. The shaft sleeve is used for accommodating the shaft, and the relative position of the shaft sleeve and the shaft is fixed. The elastic unit is located between the outer ring and the shaft sleeve and used for transferring torque of the outer ring to the shaft sleeve. |
| US09476496B2 |
Driving apparatus for vehicle
A driving apparatus for a vehicle includes a rotation member, as support pin including a flange for stopping a movement of the rotation member in one axial direction and a circumferential groove formed at an end portion that penetrates through the rotation member, an annular elastic member supported relative to the circumferential groove and configured to reduce a diameter in a radial direction, and a support member including an attachment hole in which the end portion of the support pin is idly provided, the support member including an inwardly protruding flange provided at the attaching hole and having an inner diameter equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the annular elastic member when the annular elastic member is in an elastically deformed state having reduced diameter and smaller than the outer diameter of the annular elastic member when the annular elastic member is in an elastic recovery state. |
| US09476495B2 |
Fluted sprocket/cog bore for reduced machining cycle times and reduced tool wear
A rotary member (10) of an endless loop power transmission system can have a hub (12) for a centered connection to a shaft. The hub (12) can have a central aperture (18) extending therethrough and a plurality of radially inwardly projecting and axially extending flutes (14) formed on an inner circumferential surface (16) of the central aperture (18) defining reduced circumferential surface areas (16a) for machining a central bore (18a) through the hub (12). An interrupted finishing machining cut along the reduced circumferential surface areas (16a) of the central aperture (18) provides increased coolant flushing, while reducing finishing machining cycle times, and reducing load and wear on a bore cutter. |
| US09476494B2 |
Flexible externally toothed gear for wave gear device
A cup-shaped flexible externally toothed gear of a wave gear device, wherein a diaphragm plate slopes from a diaphragm internal peripheral edge portion contiguous to a boss part toward a diaphragm external peripheral edge portion contiguous to a cylindrical body portion in a direction in which the diaphragm external peripheral edge portion is at greater distance from an open end of the cylindrical body portion with respect to an orthogonal plane orthogonal to a central axis line of the device. The length dimension of the diaphragm plate and the length dimension of the cylindrical body portion in the axial direction can be increased. Therefore, the fatigue strength of the diaphragm plate and the load capacity of the wave gear device in which the flexible externally toothed gear has been incorporated can be increased. |
| US09476492B2 |
Active limited slip differential
A limited slip differential assembly for a vehicle has a differential assembly drivingly engaged with a prime mover of the vehicle. The assembly has a differential mechanism disposed in a differential case and two opposite output shafts outwardly extending from the differential case. A torque coupling unit is provided for selectively restricting rotation between one of the output shafts and the differential case. The torque coupling unit has a friction clutch assembly disposed about one of the output shafts. The friction clutch assembly has a first portion drivingly engaged with one of the output shafts and a second portion drivingly engaged with the differential case. A ball and ramp assembly is disposed adjacent the friction clutch assembly for selectively frictionally loading the friction clutch assembly. |
| US09476485B2 |
Diamond-like carbon coating on chain guides and tensioning arms for internal combustion engines
A nylon chain tensioning arm and nylon chain guide having diamond-like carbon coatings are provided. The diamond-like carbon coating is formed on the substrate by methods including physical vapor deposition, for example, by sputtering or chemical vapor deposition of coating systems composed of various combinations of amorphous carbon. A preferred method for applying the diamond-like carbon coating to the nylon substrate is a hybrid process of plasma-based ion implantation and deposition. The chain tensioning arm or guide may be formed from any number of plastics appropriate to the purpose, although a synthetic polymer, such as the aliphatic polyamide nylon, is the preferred material. The substrate may be a conventional nylon or may be a composite reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. The diamond-like carbon coating may be applied to the nylon substrate by vapor deposition, either directly to the chain-contacting surface or upon a primed surface formed on the substrate prior to deposition. |
| US09476482B2 |
Multi-speed gearbox
A four-stage multi-stage transmission in which carrier of first gear set and ring gear of fourth gear set can be coupled to housing via first brake or to drive shaft via first clutch. Sun of first gear set can be coupled to housing via second brake. Ring gear of first gear set and sun of second gear set can be coupled to drive shaft via second clutch. Drive shaft can be coupled to ring gear of second gear set via third clutch. Carrier of second gear set is permanently connected to carrier of fourth gear set, and carrier of third gear set and sun of fourth gear set are permanently connected to drive shaft. By varying further couplings within the multi-stage transmission, a set of gears having similar properties is provided. |
| US09476481B2 |
Drive chain
Exemplary arrangements for drive chains are disclosed. In one exemplary arrangement, a tooth shaped link member for a drive chain comprises a web portion, a first side tooth, a second side tooth and a central guide tooth. The web portion extends between opposing side portions of the link member. The first side tooth and the second side tooth each include an apex that is oriented at an angle to extend toward the central guide tooth. In another exemplary arrangement, a drive chain comprises a plurality of inner links that are operatively connected to a plurality of outer links, where a pair of rollers are mounted between the inner links with a pin being positioned between the rollers. |
| US09476480B2 |
Energy guiding chain
Energy guiding chain, whose chain links (1, 2) each consist of two side straps (3, 4) that are connected to each other by cross-members (5, 6), where the cross-members display a bearing area (7) on at least one of their ends and, seen in the longitudinal direction of the side straps (3, 4), a contact area (9) outside the bearing area. To avoid the accumulation of foreign bodies, the side (11) of the contact area of the cross-members facing from the inside of the chain outwards displays a convex curvature or a linear slope towards its contact surface (10) and encloses an angle of <90° with the inner side (3a, 4a) of the respective side strap, such that the contact surface (10) moves along the inner side of the side strap towards the inside of the chain when the cross-member is pivoted open until a completely opened position is reached. |
| US09476477B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber includes a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, a damping passage, a bypass path, a shutter, a biasing member, and a control spring secured to the cylinder by one end. Another end of the control spring is opposed to the shutter. When the piston exceeds a predetermined position with respect to the cylinder by displacing on the compression-side chamber side, the shutter is pushed by the control spring and closes the bypass path. The control spring is a conical coil spring. The other end side of the control spring has a small diameter. A guide ring, which is slidably in contact with an inner periphery of the cylinder, is mounted to the small-diameter side end of the control spring. |
| US09476467B2 |
Dual-directions braking method of disc brake, braking mechanism and braking system thereof
A dual-directions braking method of a disc brake, a braking mechanism and a braking system thereof are applied in fields of automobiles, trains and airplanes. The dual-directions braking mechanism includes a crankshaft having three concentric sections and two eccentric sections, two friction discs, a friction disc ring and at least a pair of brake calipers and friction pads, wherein the two eccentric sections are respectively provided between each neighboring two of the three concentric sections and mutually disposed at 180°; the two friction discs are respectively provided on the two eccentric sections; the friction disc ring is provided on the main section between the two eccentric sections. Through a translationally rotating friction by the two friction discs respectively with the friction disc ring and with the friction pads of each pair of brake calipers, a backward braking moment and a forward braking moment are simultaneously generated on the main sections. |
| US09476451B2 |
Guide carriage having a rolling-body guide section which engages behind the raceway insert
A guide carriage is configured for use with an elongate guide rail. The guide carriage has at least one row of spherical rolling bodies which are received in an associated endless circulatory channel. The circulatory channel has a load-bearing section and a return channel which are connected to one another at their ends which lie opposite one another via in each case one curved deflection channel. The load-bearing section is delimited by a carriage raceway extending in a longitudinal direction on the guide carriage and a rail raceway on the guide rail. A separate main body of metal is also provided. The carriage raceway is arranged on a separate raceway insert which bears against the main body. A separate rolling-body guide part is also provided which has a guide section extending in the longitudinal direction. The guide section engages behind the raceway insert. |
| US09476450B2 |
Engine bearing block assembly
A bearing block assembly in an engine is provided. The bearing block assembly includes at least one bearing block to rotatably support an oil lubricated shaft and fastening apparatus to attach the at least one bearing block to a flat mounting surface on a large engine component and a thermal barrier positioned between the shaft and the flat mounting surface configured to reduce the loss of heat to the large engine component from oil used to lubricate the shaft. |
| US09476446B2 |
Systems and methods for a locking double carabineer
An apparatus for attaching items includes a body and a first and second hook oriented on a first and second side of the body. The apparatus further includes a first and second gate, the first gate attached to the body and oriented to close the first hook, the second gate attached to the body and oriented to close the second hook. The apparatus further includes a pivoting lock, the pivoting lock oriented in the body, the pivoting lock having a first position where a first end of the pivoting lock rests against the first gate and a second end of the pivoting lock rests against the second gate preventing the first and second gates from opening; and a second position where the first end of the pivoting lock does not rest against the first gate and the second end of the pivoting lock does not rest against the second gate, and the first and second gates may be opened. |
| US09476444B2 |
Anti-rotation and pull resistant fastener inserts
An insert according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body extending along an axis between a proximal portion and a distal portion and a plurality of tabs that protrude radially outwardly from an outermost surface of the body at a location between the proximal portion and the distal portion. |
| US09476443B2 |
Nut and washer assembly
A nut and washer assembly, wherein the assembly includes a nut having a body configured with a pair of flanges defining a channel there between, wherein the first flange includes a gap there through, and a washer having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, wherein the washer also includes a plurality of projections, wherein a first projection arises proximate the inner perimeter and is complementary to the gap in the first flange of the nut and a second projection arises proximate the outer perimeter and is complementary to the channel of the nut. |
| US09476436B2 |
Actuator
An actuator includes a cylinder, a piston, a rod, a rod-side chamber and a piston-side chamber, a tank, a first pump capable of supplying liquid to the rod-side chamber, a second pump capable of supplying the liquid to the piston-side chamber, a first control passage allowing communication between the rod-side chamber and the tank, a second control passage allowing communication between the piston-side chamber and the tank, a first variable relief valve capable of changing a valve opening pressure for permitting a flow of the liquid by being opened when a pressure in the rod-side chamber reaches the valve opening pressure, a second variable relief valve capable of changing a valve opening pressure for permitting a flow of the liquid by being opened when a pressure in the piston-side chamber reaches the valve opening pressure, and a center passage allowing communication between the tank and the interior of the cylinder. |
| US09476435B2 |
3-position operating actuator and permanent-magnet eddy-current deceleration device
A braking actuator uses a single cylinder without using a spring to achieve a 3-position operation. A partition plate and an intermediate check plate are affixed within a cylinder at suitable intervals in the axial direction. Inserted movably in the axial direction of the cylinder are a first piston disposed between a pressing lid and the intermediate check plate, a second piston disposed between the intermediate check plate and the partition plate, and a third piston disposed between the partition plate and a pressing lid. A rod which is axially movable within the cylinder has a base end attached to the third piston and a tip end which extends outside from the cylinder through the partition plate, the second piston, the intermediate check plate, the first piston, and the pressing lid. A stopper affixed to a middle portion of the rod moves the first piston or the second piston. |
| US09476433B2 |
Rotary actuator
A rotary actuator includes a piston and rod coaxially disposed in a tube. The piston is configured for lateral displacement along the rod. Moreover, the tube includes an inner circumferential surface with a bearing portion having spherical bearing pockets in rows. Each bearing pockets in the tube includes a mated bearing for engagement with a slant groove body portion on an outer circumferential surface of the piston. The slant groove body portion of the piston includes at least two spiral grooves with a helix direction. The piston further includes an inner circumferential surface with a second spherical bearing pocket portion to engage a spiral groove portion of the axial rod disposed through the piston. As a result, linear motion of the piston engages the axial rod and forces the axial rod to rotate, thereby driving a platform affixed at an end cap of the axial rod to rotate. |
| US09476432B2 |
Hydraulic valve assembly with tank return flow compensation
An apparatus has a pilot-operated spool valve connecting first and second work passages selectively to a supply conduit and a tank conduit. A first check valve normally allows fluid flow only in one direction from the first work passage to a first workport and when pilot-operated allows bidirectional fluid flow. A second check valve normally allows fluid flow only from the second work passage to a second workport and when pilot-operated allows bidirectional fluid flow. A first pilot valve selectively applies pressure to one end of the spool and to pilot operate the first check valve. A second pilot valve selectively applies pressure to another end of the spool and to pilot operate the second check valve. When fluid drains from a workport to the tank conduit, the associated check valve operates to maintain a predefined pressure in the first or second work passage through which that fluid flows. |
| US09476431B2 |
Hydraulic actuating device for actuation of one or more setting elements in, in particular, a motor vehicle transmission
An actuating device for hydraulically actuating at least one setting element comprising a pump, which has an electric pump drive, with reversible pumping direction, at least one double-acting piston-cylinder arrangement, which is connected therewith and the piston of which is operatively connected with the setting element, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir from which the hydraulic fluid can be pumped to the piston-cylinder arrangement in order to hydraulically load the piston thereof for a setting element movement depending on pumping direction on one (effective surface 22) or other (effective surface 24) side. In this connection, the piston-cylinder arrangement is functionally associated with a detent device with a blocking element, which is spring-biased into a blocking position preventing setting element movement and is movable by an electrically activatable actuator from the blocking position into a release position permitting setting element movement. |
| US09476429B2 |
Flow feed diffuser
A feed diffuser is disclosed. The diffuser may comprise a base disposed orthogonal to a flow, a body extending from the base toward the flow, and an apex provided at a termination of the body in a direction toward the flow. The body may decrease in cross-sectional area from the base to the apex. |
| US09476424B2 |
Appliance pump with angled flow path and axial flow impeller
A household appliance includes a tub, in which a liquid is at least temporarily contained, and a pump assembly for effecting liquid flow within the tub. The pump assembly includes a housing including an integrally formed flow path portion defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending between and interconnecting the inlet and the outlet. The flow path portion defines a turn, such that part of the flow path extends in a direction oriented at an angle relative to the inlet axis. The pump assembly includes a rotatable impeller. The impeller includes a plurality of blades extending at least substantially radially from the impeller axis and configured to propel a fluid at least substantially axially thereby. The impeller is positioned in the flow path adjacent the inlet such that the impeller axis and the inlet axis are at least substantially parallel or at least substantially aligned. |
| US09476410B2 |
Offshore floating platform with ocean thermal energy conversion system
An offshore floating platform having at least one buoyant column with an upper end extending above a sea surface, a lower end submerged below the sea surface, and at least one keel tank disposed at the lower end. A deck is supported at the upper end the column. An ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system is integrated with the platform in which heat is extracted from warm sea surface waters to vaporize a liquid working fluid and heat is rejected to cold water from lower depths of the sea to condense the vaporized working fluid. At least one turbine and power generator is disposed on the deck, at least one evaporator is disposed on the platform beneath the deck, and at least one condenser is disposed on the seabed or platform or keel tank a distance beneath the evaporator. A desalination system may also be combined and incorporated with the OTEC system. |
| US09476408B2 |
Method of controlling a wind turbine generator and apparatus for controlling electric power generated by a wind turbine generator
A method of controlling a wind turbine generator is provided, the wind turbine generator converting mechanical energy to electrical. The method comprises: determining an electromagnetic power reference representing the electromagnetic power generated by the wind turbine generator, wherein the electromagnetic power reference is determined based on a desired output of the wind turbine generator; controlling the electrical power generated by the wind turbine generator using a control signal, wherein the control signal is derived from the electromagnetic power reference and is modified in dependence on an inverse power function of the wind turbine generator by incorporating minimal copper loss constraint and stator voltage limiting constraint such that non-linearity of the wind turbine generator is compensated in the control loop and it operates at its maximum efficiency. One effect of the method is that classical linear control loop design can be employed in spite of the plant being a non-linear identity. |
| US09476407B2 |
Method of operating a wind turbine
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a plurality of blades, a nacelle, one or more pitch systems for pitching the blades, a system for determining a speed of the rotor, and a system for determining a fore-aft speed of the nacelle. The method comprises determining the speed of the rotor, determining the fore-aft speed of the nacelle, and calculating a difference between the determined speed of the rotor and a predefined speed of reference of the rotor. After, pitch commands are obtained by performing a PID control of this calculated difference of speeds, said PID control being tuned for adapting the sensitivity of the PID control as a function of the determined fore-aft speed of the nacelle. Then, the one or more pitch systems pitch the blades in accordance with said obtained pitch commands. |
| US09476402B2 |
Pressurized solar power system
Systems and methods for generating electrical power using a solar power system comprising pressurized pipes for transporting liquid water. The pressurized pipes flow through solar collectors which concentrate sunlight on the water flowing through the pipes. The pressurization in the pipes allows for the water flowing therethrough to absorb large quantities of energy. The pressurized and heated water is then pumped to a heat exchanger where the thermal energy is released to produce steam for powering a steam turbine electrical generator. Thereafter, the water is returned to the solar collectors in a closed loop to repeat the process. |
| US09476401B2 |
Marine hydrokinetic turbine
A marine hydrokinetic electric power generator comprises one of a stator and a rotor which is adjustably movable through an infinite number of positions from being proximate to one another so that their magnetic fields overlap mostly to a position such that the rotor is most distant from the stator and has little overlap of magnetic field strength. Hatch and speed control may be also provided by a spur/helical gear assembly of sun and planetary gear sets referred to herein as a Transgear™ gear assembly. The variable (or fixed) power generator in operation may comprise one of a rotor and a stator being out of phase with one another by an angle, for example, the one of the rotor or the stator leading or lagging the other and the phase angle, frequency or voltage of output power to a power grid corrected responsive to inputs from the power grid and the marine hydrokinetic turbine. |
| US09476400B2 |
Linear faraday induction generator including a symmetrical spring suspension assembly for the generation of electrical power from ocean wave kinetic energy and arrangements thereof
A spring suspension system includes a top spring assembly connected to a top end of a stator and a top end of a cable and a bottom spring assembly connected to a bottom end of the stator and a bottom end of the cable. The top spring assembly includes a central spring connected to the top end of the cable at a bottom end of the central spring and a set of symmetrically arranged springs, each connected to the top end of the stator and to a top end of the central spring, configured to accommodate torsional and rotational components of an input force. |
| US09476399B1 |
Glow plug type acoustic resonance igniter
An acoustic resonance igniter uses high-pressure helium to heat a resonance cavity so a hot surface of the resonance cavity forms a source of ignition to a combustion chamber. The resonance cavity may be round or may extend linearly to increase the size of the hot surface. The combustion chamber is cooled by arranging a feed of hydrogen and oxygen which is oxygen rich and which becomes more so when ignition occurs. A second combustion chamber receives the combustion chamber output and adds additional hydrogen through ports tangential to the wall of the second combustion chamber to enrich the fuel ratio and cool the second combustion chamber. The acoustic resonance igniter is used to ignite a large rocket engine or to form a rocket thruster. |
| US09476398B2 |
Control device for a vehicle
A control device suitable for use in a vehicle includes a circuit board and a spring element. The circuit board includes a circuit element electrically connected thereat. The spring element is engaged with the circuit element and biased or urged towards the circuit element to exert a force at the circuit element in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the circuit board. The circuit element is electrically connected at the circuit board via a solder joint. When a temperature at the solder joint exceeds a threshold temperature, the spring element moves the circuit element along the surface of the circuit board to break the electrical connection at the solder joint. |
| US09476394B2 |
Motor stator bobbin
A motor includes a stator with a bobbin. The bobbin has a lower end winding portion, a head part retainer portion that retains a head part of a winding, and a control portion disposed between the lower end winding portion and the head part retainer portion. A head part retainer surface formed on a pump part side of the head part retainer portion and an end face formed on a pump part side of the control portion are positioned on the same plane and on a pump part side relative to a winding retainer surface that is formed on a pump part side of the lower end winding portion. Thus, when the winding is wound in layers onto the winding retainer surface of the bobbin, collapsing of a middle part of the winding onto the head part of the winding is prevented. |
| US09476387B2 |
System for determining EGR cooler degradation
Systems and methods for diagnosing an EGR system are presented. The method provides for indicating EGR system degradation in response to a temperature at an outlet of an EGR cooler. The method may require less calibration effort than a model based diagnostic. |
| US09476386B2 |
Intake and exhaust system for internal combustion engine
A turbocharger device includes a turbine and a compressor coaxially connected to each other. The turbine is equipped to an exhaust system of an engine. The compressor is equipped to an intake air system of the engine. An EGR device recirculates a part of exhaust gas as EGR gas from a downstream of the turbine to an upstream of the compressor. The EGR device includes an EGR cooler, which is to cool EGR gas, and an EGR valve unit, which is to control a flow of EGR gas according to an opening of an EGR valve. The EGR cooler, the EGR valve unit, and the turbocharger device are screwed to a common bracket and are positioned relative to each other. |
| US09476385B2 |
Rotational annular airscrew with integrated acoustic arrester
A propulsion system and methods are presented. A substantially tubular structure comprises a central axis through a longitudinal geometric center, and a first fan rotates around the central axis, and comprises a first fan hub and first fan blades. The fan hub is rotationally coupled to the substantially tubular structure, and the first fan blades are coupled to the first fan hub and increase in chord length with increasing distance from the first fan hub. A second fan is rotationally coupled to the substantially tubular structure and rotates around the central axis and contra-rotates relative to the first fan. Second fan blades are coupled to the second fan hub, and a nacelle circumscribing the first fan and the second fan is coupled to and rotates with the first fan. |
| US09476384B2 |
Actuation device for moving a movable cowling of a thrust-reverser
The invention relates to an actuation device (1) for moving the movable cowling of a thrust reverser, comprising: an actuator (7) with a first member (12) such as a screw, and a second member (14) such as a nut, wherein the first and second members are capable of engaging such that the rotation of the first member results in a translation of the second member, a locking device (33) including a locking part (34) movable between a locked position for preventing to the rotation of the first member and an unlocked position for enabling the rotation of the first member, and a lock inhibiting device (42) comprising a recess (46) and a ball (47) movable in the recess between a stowed position, in which the ball enables the movement of the locking part, and an inhibition position in which the ball prevents the locking part from returning into the locked position. |
| US09476380B2 |
Engine provided with connecting line connecting each cylinder
An engine provided with a plurality of cylinders includes a plurality of connecting lines connecting a first intake port of each of the cylinders having a present firing order and a second intake port of each of the cylinders having a next firing order, and connecting valve units opening and closing the each of the connecting lines. |
| US09476379B2 |
Injection unit for injection of a first fuel and a second fuel in a combustion space
An injection unit (9) for injection of a first fuel (f1) and a second fuel (f2) in a combustion space. The injection unit (9) receives the first fuel (f1) from a fuel source (7) at a high pressure, and a second fuel (f2) from a second fuel source (15) at a lower pressure, an actuator (29) initiates a process of injecting at least the second fuel (f2) in the combustion space, and an injection nozzle (36) injects at least the second fuel (f2) in the combustion space. The injection unit includes a pressure boosting device (40) for increasing the pressure of the second fuel (f2) higher than the pressure in the second fuel source (15) by means of the pressure of the first fuel (f1), before the second fuel is injected. |
| US09476377B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for fuel injection control
A method includes determining a stored injection relationship that includes a number of fuel performance parameters. In one form the fuel performance parameters are related to a particular shape, and may be related to a particular operating condition. The method includes determining a fuel performance outcome during a fuel injection event, and updating the stored injection relationship in response to the fuel performance outcome. The fuel performance outcome can be an injected fuel quantity. |
| US09476374B2 |
Method and device for reducing the emission of nitrous oxide
In a method for regeneration of nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters in the exhaust gas tract of a gasoline engine assigned an exhaust aftertreatment system in the form of a Y system including two three-way catalytic converters, two downstream nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters, one shared catalytic converter for selective catalytic reduction, and a rear nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter, a first part of the exhaust gas in the first exhaust bank is set to rich and a second part of the exhaust gas in the second exhaust bank is set to lean in a first regeneration phase and subsequently, the second part of the exhaust gas in the second exhaust bank is set to rich and the first part of the exhaust gas in the first exhaust bank is set to lean in a second regeneration phase. |
| US09476371B2 |
Method for determining a filling difference in cylinders of an internal combustion engine, operating method, and calculation unit
In a method for determining a filling difference between at least two cylinders of an internal combustion engine, e.g., an Otto-cycle engine, a power output parameter contribution made available by the respective cylinder to a total power output parameter of the internal combustion engine is ascertained for each of the at least two cylinders for different fuel quantities, and an air inhomogeneity between the at least two cylinders is ascertained on the basis of the power output parameter contributions, ascertained for the different fuel quantities, of the at least two cylinders. |
| US09476363B2 |
Actuator to valve calibration of a fuel control valve assembly
A method for calibrating a fuel control valve assembly including a valve and an actuator is disclosed. The method includes determining an encoder offset by actuating the valve until a predetermined value for the effective flow area is measured to obtain an actual calibration encoder count and comparing the actual calibration encoder count to an initial calibration encoder count. The method also includes adjusting an alignment encoder count and a maximum encoder count by an amount of the encoder offset. The method further includes associating the adjusted alignment encoder count with an alignment command value and the adjusted maximum encoder count with a maximum command value. |
| US09476362B2 |
Turbomachine with bleed valves located at the intermediate case
An assembly including an intermediate case of a bypass turbojet engine and of an inter-jet case extending upstream of the intermediate case to separate a primary air jet of the turbojet engine from its bypass air jet, the inter-jet case including, passing through it, a closable duct for diverting part of the primary flow to the bypass flow thereby forming a blow-off valve for the LP compressor, the intermediate case including arms passing across the bypass flow and the inter-jet case in its internal cavity including a first chamber situated upstream of the arms and a second chamber situated level with the arms, the duct being open or closed off by an annular component capable of axial movement set in motion by an arm that can rotate about a fixed pivot under action of a control cylinder, the cylinder being positioned in the second chamber. |
| US09476357B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing combustion efficiency and reducing particulate matter emissions in jet engines
A portable on-demand hydrogen supplemental system producing hydrogen gas and mixing the hydrogen gas with the air used for combustion of the jet fuel to increase the combustion efficiency of said jet fuel. Hydrogen increases the laminar flame speed of the jet fuel during combustion thus causing more fuel to be burned and lowering particulate matter emissions. Hydrogen is supplied to the jet engine at levels well below its lower flammability limit in air of 4%. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced by an electrolyzer from nonelectrolyte water in a nonelectrolyte water tank. The system utilizes an onboard diagnostic (OBD) interface in communication with the jet's control systems, to regulate power to the system so that hydrogen production for the jet engine only occurs when the jet engine is running. The hydrogen gas produced is immediately consumed by the jet engine. No hydrogen is stored on, in or around the jet. |
| US09476354B2 |
Drive apparatus constructed to detect ratcheting in wave motion gearing speed reducer
A wave motion gearing speed reducer (20) is disposed between a driving motor (15) and a control shaft (11) of a variable compression ratio mechanism. There are provided a input shaft rotation sensing sensor (31) to sense the rotational position of an input shaft (16) of the speed reducer (20), and an output shaft rotation sensing sensor (32) to sense the rotational position of an output shaft (12) of the speed reducer (20). When a discrepancy quantity (Δε) between sensed quantities of both sensors is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a judgment is made that a ratcheting of slippage of an engaging position between internal teeth (22) and external teeth (25) is generated. |
| US09476345B2 |
Engine cooling fan to reduce charge air cooler corrosion
Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to condensate forming in a charge air cooler, engine cooling fan operation is adjusted. Engine cooling fan operation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions. |
| US09476343B2 |
Device for preventing theft of a first vehicle component, which is releasably connected to a second vehicle component
A device is provided for preventing theft of a first vehicle component which is releasably connected to a second vehicle component. The theft preventing device includes a cover member arranged for obstructing removal of the first component from the second component and a locking member, which is configured for locking the cover member or the second component in an operational position in which the cover member obstructs the removal of the first component from the second component. |
| US09476340B2 |
Vehicle with stirling engine integrated into engine exhaust system
In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a Stirling engine is integrated into an exhaust system of a vehicle. The system comprises an engine coupled to a cooling system and an exhaust system. An emission control system is coupled to the exhaust system. A Stirling engine has one end coupled to the cooling system and another end selectively coupled to the exhaust system between the engine and the emission control system, and configured be driven from heat extracted from exhaust gas flow. The Stirling engine drives an electrical energy generator that provides electrical energy for storage in an energy storage system. |
| US09476334B2 |
Working vehicle
A working vehicle has a cooling fan provided on a first side of an engine to blow air to the engine; a muffler main body provided on a second side thereof in a position lower than an upper surface of a head cover of the engine; and an exhaust pipe exposed in a position facing an air blowing path of the cooling fan higher than the upper surface of the head cover of the engine to discharge exhaust from the muffler main body. |
| US09476330B2 |
Electro-magnetic valve driver
An electromagnetic valve driver, in normal operation, supplies peak current from a capacitor to a coil of an injector by turning ON a transistor on a downstream side of the coil and a discharge transistor that discharges electricity from the capacitor to the coil. Thereafter, the driver supplies constant current to the coil by an ON-OFF control of a transistor disposed between a battery and an upstream side of the coil until an end of the electricity supply period. When an open failure of the discharge transistor is detected, the driver controls the current to prevent a voltage rise of the capacitor to reduce flyback energy collected from a downstream side of the coil by the capacitor based on a transistor OFF timing delay scheme, in which an OFF timing of a transistor is delayed by a preset delay time from a normal OFF timing thereof. |
| US09476328B2 |
Device for effecting an axial shift of a rotary shaft for use in a variable camshaft drive mechanism
A device for effecting an axial shift of a rotary shaft such as the camshaft of a vehicle comprising a first component having a shaft and a head, a second component having a first end and second end and a bore extending longitudinally there through, the shaft of the first component being inserted into the bore of the second component, a detent couples the first component to the second component such that rotation of the second component causes the first component to rotate wherein the first end of the second component is countersunk so as to define inclined ramps in walls of the second component and one or more rollers are disposed between the head of the first component and the first end of the second component in rolling contact with the inclined ramps, wherein as the second component is rotated about a longitudinal axis the rollers move along the inclined ramps and act upon the first component to move it axially with respect to the second component which may be arranged to rotate the first component with respect to the second component. In this way the timing of the valves of a combustion engine can be varied with rotational speed of the crankshaft of the engine. |
| US09476326B2 |
System and method for generating electrical power
A system for generating electrical power, including a frame defining a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, and having a support base generally extending along the longitudinal axis. The support base has an input end and an output end. At least a first shear station includes a first shearing blade adapted to reciprocate in a vertical direction between a first displaced position displaced from the support base and a second approximated position proximate the support base to shear the tree waste supported by the support base. An index blade is adapted for at least general horizontal movement along the support base. The index blade is dimensioned and adapted to direct the sheared tree waste toward the output end of the support base. A pulverizing station receives the sheared tree waste directed through the output end of the support base. The pulverizing station includes a pulverizing member actuable to pulverize the sheared tree waste. A furnace receives and converts the pulverized tree waste into steam energy. A steam generator turbine converts the steam energy into electricity. |
| US09476322B2 |
Combustor transition duct assembly with inner liner
A transition duct assembly for a turbine engine includes a transition duct with an inner liner removably received therein. The duct is hollow with an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The duct can have an inlet end and an outlet end. The inner peripheral surface of the duct can be convergent along a majority of the length of the duct when moving from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof. The liner is hollow body with an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the liner can be correspondingly convergent to the inner peripheral surface of the duct. The inner peripheral surface of the liner can define an internal flow passage through the assembly. Such a construction permits the use of different materials for the liner and the duct and can allow the liner to be readily removed and replaced. |
| US09476321B2 |
Turbomachine fluid delivery manifold and system
An example turbomachine fluid delivery manifold provides a journal fluid path and a gear mesh fluid path that is separate from the journal fluid path. An example turbomachine lubrication system includes a geared architecture having a journal bearing and a gear. In this example, a manifold provides a portion of a first fluid path and a portion of a second fluid path separate from the first fluid path. The first fluid path is operative to communicate a first fluid from a fluid supply to the journal bearing. The second fluid path is operative to communicate a second fluid from the fluid supply to a gear mesh. |
| US09476318B2 |
Systems and methods to monitor a rotating component
A method is presented. The method includes selecting a first window of signals and a second window of signals from clearance signals representative of clearances between a rotating component and a stationary casing surrounding the rotating component, determining a first signed average power value corresponding to the first window of signals, and a second signed average power value corresponding to the second window of signals, determining a resultant value based upon the first signed average power value and the second signed average power value, and determining one or more defects or potential defects in the rotating component based upon the resultant value. |
| US09476317B2 |
Forward step honeycomb seal for turbine shroud
The present application provides a stage of a gas turbine engine. The stage may include a bucket extending radially about a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine, a shroud facing the bucket, the shroud including a fore end portion including a radially inner surface spaced a first distance from the longitudinal axis, and a forward step honeycomb seal positioned on the shroud downstream of the fore end portion and facing the bucket. The forward step honeycomb seal may include a first linear portion including a radially inner surface spaced a second distance from the longitudinal axis, and a forward step portion positioned adjacent to and downstream of the first linear portion, the forward step portion including a radially inner surface spaced a third distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein the second distance is greater than the third distance, and wherein the third distance is greater than the first distance. |
| US09476314B2 |
Gas seal assembly for cryogenic liquid turbomachines
A dry seal apparatus (30) for a machine (10) includes a seal having a stationary portion (40) and a rotating portion (38); a space (44) disposed between the stationary and rotating portions; a biasing member (42) disposed proximate the stationary portion (40) and in contact therewith for applying a force to the stationary portion; and a labyrinth (37) proximate the rotating portion (38) and constructed and arranged for receiving a liquid for being vaporized before entering the space between the stationary and rotating portions of the seal. A related method is also provided. |
| US09476313B2 |
Gas turbine engine including a pre-diffuser heat exchanger
According to an example embodiment, a gas turbine engine assembly includes, among other things, a compressor. A strut near the compressor includes a flow passage through a portion of the strut. The flow passage is configured to direct air from the compressor to another portion of the gas turbine engine. The flow passage has at least one surface feature that at least partially hinders some airflow through the flow passage. |
| US09476308B2 |
Gas turbine engine serpentine cooling passage with chevrons
A gas turbine engine component includes a structure having a cooling passage providing upstream and downstream portions separated from one another by an inner wall and fluidly connected by a bend. First and second trip strips are respectively arranged in the upstream and downstream portions. The first trip strips are arranged at a first spacing from one another. The second trip strips are arranged at a second spacing from one another. A turbulence promoter is arranged in the bend and at a third spacing from the first trip strips that is different than the first spacing. The turbulence promoter is arranged at a fourth spacing from the second trip strips that is different than the second spacing. |
| US09476304B2 |
Laser casting blade repair
A method for repairing a rotor wheel including an airfoil using a blade repair assembly is disclosed. The blade repair assembly includes a first block and a second block, each including a contact surface with a shape of at least a portion of the airfoil and a cavity surface adjacent the contact surface. The method includes pre-machining an airfoil edge to a uniform height. The method also includes clamping the first block and the second block to the airfoil forming a cavity with the cavity surfaces and the airfoil edge. The method also includes filling the cavity with a metal including metallurgically bonding the metal to the airfoil. |
| US09476294B2 |
Device and method for discrete distributed optical fiber pressure sensing
An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter includes: a deformable member configured to deform in response to the at least one parameter; a housing surrounding at least a portion of an external surface of the deformable member to define an isolated region around the portion and an isolated surface of the deformable member; and at least one optical fiber sensor disposed on the isolated surface and held in an operable relationship with the isolated surface, the at least one optical fiber sensor configured to generate a signal in response to a deformation of the deformable member. |
| US09476293B2 |
Transducer assembly for a downhole tools
Methods and related systems are described relating to a sealed acoustic transducer assembly for use in a wellbore is provided. A tool body is deployed in the wellbore, having a groove and a sealed acoustic transducer assembly removeably mounted therein. The transducer assembly includes an acoustic transducer element, and an elongated fluid filled sealed container housing the transducer element. The container includes flexible portions along the length of the container which allows for volume changes when exposed to changes in external pressure and/or temperature. Acoustic measurements downhole are made using the transducer element. |
| US09476286B2 |
Erosion reduction in subterranean wells
A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well. |
| US09476284B2 |
Apparatus and methodology for continuous down hole sand screen fill removal
An apparatus for continuous removal of fill in a sand screen in a down hole environment is provided, as well as methods of using the apparatus in a continuous fashion such that accumulation of fill is prevented in a sand screen in a down hole environment. |
| US09476283B2 |
Geothermic heater system
A geothermic heater system for heating a geological formation includes a fuel cell stack assembly disposed at the surface of the geological formation and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent, thereby producing an anode exhaust and a cathode exhaust. The geothermic fuel cell system also includes a combustor disposed within a bore hole of the geological formation. The combustor combusts a mixture at least one of the anode exhaust and the cathode exhaust to produce a heated combustor exhaust. The combustor discharges the heated combustor exhaust to heat the geological formation. |
| US09476280B2 |
Double compression set packer
A device and method allow a longer sealing element to be used on a packer or other downhole tool while providing an increase in the total amount of setting force that can be used and providing for more uniform or balanced setting of the sealing element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to radially expand one end of the sealing element with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to continue the radial expansion of the sealing element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. |
| US09476277B2 |
Magnetic leak management apparatus and methods
Magnetic means for managing and stopping leaks in metal pipes such as well bores and pipe risers is provided. A magnetic leak arrestor comprises a spool with magnetic collar disposed thereabout. The spool has a tapered end for inserting into a pipe riser. The magnetic collar creates a seal with the pipe riser, which may be welded in place, if desired. Additionally, a magnet may be positioned proximate a leak in a side wall of a pipe riser to seal the leak. The magnet may be shaped to conform to the shape of the pipe riser, and a seal gasket provided around an edge portion of the magnet. A slurry of magnetically active material may be provide inside the pipe to seal the leak in the side wall or to provide a blockage in the pipe riser so that killing fluids may be pumped into the well bore, if desired. |
| US09476275B2 |
Cable head with cable shear mechanism for attaching to a wireline to support oilfield equipment in a wellbore
A cable head with cable shear mechanism for attaching to a wireline to support oilfield equipment in a wellbore formed from a housing with a cable bore. The housing comprises a tapered sleeve with a tapered sleeve cable bore, a sliding bell with a sliding bell cable bore, a drive pinch cylinder, a linear biasing mechanism positioned between the tapered sleeve and the drive pinch cylinder, a plurality of shear pins disposed partially into the housing and though the drive pinch cylinder, wherein each shear pin is adapted to withstand from 100 pounds to 2000 pounds of shear load, a pair of slidable cutting segments and a pair of slidable cutting segment guides. When cable load exceeds a preset limit, the shear pins shear allowing the slidable cutting segments to be moved up the slidable cutting segment guides to impact and shear the cable. |
| US09476271B2 |
Flow control system
A flow control system for drilling a well comprises a conduit defining a channel configured to accommodate a drill pipe and a flow of a returning drilling fluid, and an acoustic sensor array configured to detect a flow rate of the returning drilling fluid. The flow control system further comprises a flow control device configured to control the flow rate of the returning drilling fluid and to be actuated in response to an event detected by the sensor array, the flow control device being proximate to the sensor array. |
| US09476269B2 |
Apparatus and method for pulling and laying poly pipe
An apparatus for pulling irrigation poly provides a transportable poly reel rig with a reel spool pivotally mounted to the reel rig. A manual primary brake is in hydraulic braking communication with the reel spool to manually control free spooling. A secondary brake, hydraulically integrated in a planetary gear drive connected to the spool, is activated automatically when hydraulic pressure falls below a safe level. A top alignment reel positioned under the reel spool, and a bottom alignment reel positioned under the top alignment reel, facilitate alignment of the reel spool with a well bore. A wire roller operating in concert with the reel spool facilitates attachment to and take-up of wire attached to the poly. Two or more hydraulic stabilizers stabilize the rig, as does a boom assembly mounted to the reel rig. Methods of using the apparatus utilize a smaller crew of operators than with prior apparatus. |
| US09476268B2 |
Compensating bails
A pipe handler for assembling and deploying a string of threaded tubulars into a wellbore includes a pair of compensating bails and an elevator pivotally connected to the compensating bails. Each compensating bail includes: a first bail segment; a second bail segment; and a compensator connecting the respective first and second bail segments. Each compensator includes a load cylinder connected to the respective first bail segment and a linear actuator disposed in the respective load cylinder and operable to retract the respective second bail segment from a hoisting position to a ready position. Each second bail segment is engaged with the respective load cylinder in the hoisting position. The compensating bails are capable of supporting string weight in the hoisting position. |
| US09476267B2 |
System and method for raising and lowering a drill floor mountable automated pipe racking system
The present invention relates to a new apparatus and method for use in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a rapid rig-up and rig-down of a drill floor mounted device such as a pipe racking system. In particular, the present invention discloses a system and method for rapid deployment of a drill floor mounted pipe racking system that is capable of being retrofit to an existing drilling rig. |
| US09476265B2 |
Trolley apparatus
A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck. |
| US09476263B2 |
Rotary steerable push-the-bit drilling apparatus with self-cleaning fluid filter
A steerable drilling apparatus includes a control system inside a cylindrical housing connected to a drill bit having radially-extendable pistons. A fluid-metering assembly directs a piston-actuating fluid into fluid channels leading to respective pistons. The control system controls the fluid-metering assembly to allow fluid flow to selected pistons, causing the actuated pistons to temporarily extend in the opposite direction to a desired wellbore deviation, thereby deflecting the drill bit away from the borehole centerline. An upper member in the fluid-metering assembly can be moved to stabilize, steer, and change TFA within the drill bit. The control system and drill bit are connected so as to facilitate removal to change the drill bit's steering section and cutting structure configuration or gauge simultaneously. The apparatus may incorporate a fluid filter module mounted to the control system. The pistons may incorporate auxiliary cutting elements to provide near-bit reaming capability. |
| US09476262B2 |
Wear bushing with hanger lockdown
A wear bushing assembly protects and locks down a hanger in a wellhead housing; and which includes a wear bushing body that inserts into a wear bushing sleeve. A lock ring extends into registered recesses on the body and sleeve to couple together the body and sleeve. The wellhead housing has a profiled recess circumscribing its inner surface. A lockdown ring selectively mates with the profiled recess; and when mated is in interfering contact with an upper surface of the wear bushing sleeve, thereby coupling the sleeve to the wellhead housing. The sleeve outer surface is profiled to interfere with upward movement of the hanger, so that force is transferred from the hanger to the housing through the sleeve which locks down the housing. |
| US09476259B2 |
System and method for leg retention on hybrid bits
An earth boring drill bit comprising: one or more legs; a bit body having a blade and a slot for receiving the leg; and one or more wedge between the leg and the slot fixing the leg within the slot. The slot may have two parallel sidewalls with one of the sidewalls forming an acute angle and the other forming an obtuse angle. The wedge may be secured immediately next to the obtuse angled sidewall. The wedge may have two obtuse angled sides. One or more bolts through each wedge may secure both the wedge and the leg to the bit body. One of the obtuse angled sidewalls of the wedge may be secured immediately next to an acute angled side of the leg. |
| US09476255B2 |
Window shade system and housing-guide assembly
A window shade system and housing-guide assembly for shading a window systemically includes a shade assembly, a bracket element and a guide-cover element. The shade element is furlable and unfurlable about an axis for rotation for selectively shading an outfitted window site. The bracket element includes a bracket-to-support interface portion and a guide-cover attachment portion. The guide-cover element includes a bracket-attachment portion, a shade-cover portion, and a shade-guide portion. The guide-cover element is attachable to the bracket element via mated engagement of the guide-cover attachment portion and the bracket-attachment portion. The shade-cover portion is formed so as to subtend an arc length radially anterior relative to the interface portion. The furled shade element is receivable in a space defined by the shade-cover portion and unfurlable via a shade-letting gap defined intermediate the shade-guide portion and the interface portion. |
| US09476254B2 |
Variable configuration blinds
A slatted horizontal blinds system has separate positional controls for distinct subsets of slats. Odd and even slats can be moved relative to each other both horizontally and vertically. With a scalloped upper and lower edge, overlapping slats can produce a variety of light allowing and esthetic modes. Some versions only support up and down movement and some slats are rectangular. This is caused by hiding and exposing of slat portions and voids between slats by the relative movement of odd and even slats. Slats may have translucent colored portions, apertures or printed designs. The absolute movement may only be of one subset of slats while other slats stay in position. In other cases all slats can move simultaneously in relation to each other. Mechanisms include screw drive with “lost motion” operation and movement latches. Also slidable carriages, end-cams, and linear motors can be used. In some cases the bottom rail has mechanisms as well as the head rail. |
| US09476253B2 |
Automatic cord collector of a window blind
An automatic cord collector of a window blind has a housing, a holding assembly mounted inside the housing with one end of each pull cord fastened therein, an adjusting assembly mounted inside the housing and extending into the holding assembly, and a spiral spring mounted inside the holding assembly. The adjusting assembly can be turned for the holding assembly to be unlocked or rotatable such that the spiral spring automatically drives the holding assembly to rotate for winding and collecting the pull cords. Users can pull the pull cords to rotate the holding assembly. When the pull cords need to be positioned, the adjusting assembly can be turned to abut against the holding assembly so that the holding assembly is unable to be rotated and the pull cords can be positioned. Accordingly, the automatic cord collector ensures operational convenience, cord safety and accident prevention. |
| US09476251B2 |
Water-tight compartment with removable hatch and two-sided gel seal for multiple conduit access
A water-tight or air-tight accessible compartment has a removable hatch sealed at the edge with elastically conformable opposing seals, with elongate communication elements extending into the compartment between the opposing seals, seals conforming to the topology formed between the compartment edge and the elongate communication elements. |
| US09476250B2 |
Sash window
A sash window includes a fixed frame in which at least one inner sliding frame can slide between an open position and a closed position of the window, and at least one sliding or fixed outer frame, seals being interposed between the fixed frame and the inner sliding frame, a sealing system including, for the inner sliding frame, two lateral seals, a top cross-member seal, for the outer frame, and a bottom cross-member seal. Additionally, the invention the sealing system includes intermediate seals that join on each side of the sliding frame the cross-member seals and the lateral seals, so as to form a continuity of sealing between these seals in the closed position of said inner sliding frame. The lateral junction region between the inner sliding frame and the outer frame is thus connected by a sealing system that makes them sealed vis-à-vis each other. |
| US09476248B2 |
Movable partition systems including header assemblies and related methods
Header assemblies for movable partitions comprise an overhead track. A header pan is configured to abut against and be secured to the overhead track and comprises at least two header pan members defining opposing lateral portions of the header pan. The header pan is configured to form at least a portion of a fire-resistant barrier. Methods of forming fire-resistant header assemblies comprise forming a first header pan member to define a first lateral portion of a header pan. A second header pan member is formed to define a second, opposing lateral portion of the header pan. The header pan is configured to extend laterally across a header space between a wall of an adjoining structure and an opposing wall of the adjoining structure and to at least substantially longitudinally occlude the header space when the first and second header pan members jointly form the header pan. |
| US09476244B2 |
Belt tensioning motor mount
A belt tensioning motor mount comprises a support plate; a motor mount holding a motor, the motor mount slidably attached to the support plate; and a tension adjustor disposed on the support plate, the tension adjustor for adjusting the position of the motor mount along the support plate. In an embodiment, the motor mount includes an opening that accommodates a shaft of the motor, a driver pulley attached to the shaft. A belt is attached to the driver pulley on one side and a return pulley on an opposite side. The support plate is disposed adjacent a wall and above the belt which operates a plurality of sliding doors. In an embodiment, the tension adjustor includes a threaded bolt which, depending on which way turned, either causes the motor mount to slide in a first direction to increase belt tension or slide in a second direction to decrease belt tension. |
| US09476240B1 |
Double door coordinator
A double door coordinator includes a release mechanism mounted in a body fixed in a door frame. A restraining mechanism is operably connected to the release mechanism. An actuation mechanism is pivotably connected to the body, is restrained by the restraining mechanism, and includes a buffering spring. When the inactive door is in a non-closed position, the restraining mechanism restrains the actuation mechanism to prevent the active door from pivoting to the closed position. When the inactive door is in the closed position, the release mechanism actuates the restraining mechanism to a position not hindering movement of the actuation mechanism, permitting the active door to pivot to the closed position. When the active door pivots towards the closed position under action of a large force, the buffering spring absorbs a portion of the large force to reduce damage to the double door coordinator and the active door. |
| US09476239B2 |
Gate
A gate comprises a spring-loaded hinge arrangement defining a rotational axis. A gate structure having a first support arm connected to a first end of the hinge arrangement is also provided. The gate structure is rotatable about the rotational axis. A spring-loaded hinge arrangement includes an outer hinge tube fixedly connectable to an adjacent structure and an inner hinge tube received in the outer hinge tube. The inner hinge tube has a first portion and a second portion movable with respect to each other, the second portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the outer hinge tube and the first portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the support arm. |
| US09476237B2 |
Opening-closing device for opening in vehicle
An opening-closing device for an opening in a vehicle includes an opening-closing body for opening and closing an opening formed in a vehicle body, a hinge arm for supporting the opening-closing body in a swingable manner on the vehicle body, and a torsion bar for pressing the hinge arm in the direction in which the opening-closing body is opened. The device includes a slide rail section provided on the surface of the hinge arm, and a slider capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction of the hinge arm by being guided by the slide rail section. The slider is held in a state in which the slider is always in contact with the slide rail section in the direction in which the torsion bar presses. The torsion bar is connected to the slider. |
| US09476236B2 |
Method of adjusting a vehicle door
A method for adjusting front and rear vehicle doors rotatably connected to a vehicle body by upper and lower hinges with hinge holes. The upper and lower hinges are positioned to the vehicle body and the vehicle doors by aligning the hinge holes to corresponding receiving holes. The vehicle doors are temporarily mounted to the vehicle body by inserting cam bolts into aligned pairs of the hinge holes and the receiving holes. The vehicle doors are adjusted to desired positions relative to the vehicle body by rotating the cam bolts. The desired positions are secured with fasteners and the cam bolts are replaced with additional fasteners. |
| US09476235B2 |
Hidden hinge and container, and hinge fixing structure therefor
A hinge fixing structure used to hold a hidden hinge on a container, and a hidden hinge and a container. The hidden hinge comprises an upper hinge base, a hinge body and a lower hinge base. The container comprises a side plate and a door, which are respectively provided with grooves formed by the internal and external sidewalls thereof and used to accommodate hinge bases. The hinge fixing structure comprises position limiting structures located in grooves and used to prevent the hinge bases from releasing from the mouth portions of grooves and positioning structures provided on the upper hinge base and the lower hinge base and engaged with the limiting structures respectively. The position limiting structures are engaged with the positioning structures respectively so that the hidden hinge is held on the container, and the hidden hinge is completely invisible from the appearance of container when the door is closed. |
| US09476227B2 |
Door strike having a kicker and an adjustable dead latch release
An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a cavity for a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to engage the spring latch. A pivotably mounted kicker cooperates with the keeper. A pivotably mounted dead latch release is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and rotates into a position to ramp the spring latch out of the strike, also allowing the dead latch release to release the dead latch into the cavity, allowing the spring latch to be ramped out of the strike. Pivoting the keeper causes the kicker to urge the spring latch onto an exit ramp on a face of the keeper. The dead latch release can be installed in a plurality of different locations in the housing. |
| US09476224B2 |
Combination lock with rotary latch
A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented. |
| US09476222B1 |
Latch blocker safety strike plate
A door latch blocker safety strike plate has a strike plate, a latch blocker, and a hinge pivotally coupling the latch blocker to the strike plate. The strike plate has a generally planar plate and a curved section. The generally planar plate has spaced apart mounting holes, and a keeper hole adapted to operatively align with a keeper opening in a door jamb. The keeper hole is interposed between mounting holes. The latch blocker also has a generally planar plate and a curved section. The latch blocker pivots about the hinge through approximately 270 degrees to selectively cover the keeper, and thereby block the door bolt, or pivot away from and expose the keeper, to allow the door bolt to engage first with the strike plate and subsequently with the keeper. |
| US09476220B2 |
Method for strengthening a fence
A fence system for strengthening a vinyl fence which includes a plurality of fence posts having specified dimensions, and the posts have a hollow interior. A plurality of section panels include specified dimensions, and the section panels each including a slat portion. The section panels each include a fence railing coupled to a top and bottom of the slat portion. The fence railings each define a hollow interior, and the fence railings are coupled to the posts by a connecting portion of the fence railings passing through corresponding holes in the posts. A strengthening member for positioning in each of the hollow portions of the top and bottom fence railings. A plurality of post members for positioning within the hollow interior at the top of the fence posts. The post members being attachable to the connecting portion of the fence railing using a first attachment element. |
| US09476218B2 |
Column base fitting and column base structure using it
A column base fitting 42 includes a bottom plate 42c and a support base 42f. The bottom plate 42c is formed to be a plate shape having a square shape, both surfaces of upper and lower, and thickness. The support base 42f is inside from the periphery part of an upper surface 42d of the bottom plate 42c and has a height upward. A lower end of column member 4 is jointed on an upper surface 42g of the support base 42f. Three bolt insertion holes 42a, 42b and 42b are formed in each four corner portions of the bottom plate 42c. A center position of three bolt insertion holes 42a, 42b and 42b is located at a position in which a gravity center of a triangle consisting of lines connecting each center of the insertion holes comes to a position corresponding to a corner part 42q of the support base 42q. |
| US09476217B2 |
Mine emergency refuge systems
An emergency refuge system relating to improved occupant access and air revitalization. |
| US09476216B2 |
Two-wheel actuator steering system and method for pool cleaner
Some embodiments provide a pool cleaner including a first drive wheel, a second drive wheel, a turbine paddle, and a steering system. The turbine paddle is configured to rotate based on water movement through the pool cleaner. The steering system is engaged with the first drive wheel, the second drive wheel, and the turbine paddle and is driven by rotation of the turbine paddle. The steering system includes a cam with a first cam profile and a second cam profile different from the first cam profile. The steering system is configured to drive the pool cleaner in forward, reverse, and turn movements by rotating the first drive wheel based on the first cam profile and rotating the second drive wheel based on the second cam profile. |
| US09476215B2 |
Molding system for swimming pool copings
A molding system for a swimming pool coping having a track for receiving a pool liner, the molding system including a molding platform having a flexible panel with a first side and a second side opposite the first side, at least one lip extending from the first side of the flexible panel configured to be received in the track of the swimming pool coping, a plurality of mold supports extending from the second side of the flexible panel and arranged in a row proximate a top of the flexible panel, each mold support having a top surface for supporting a mold block and a flange positioned at a first end of the mold support extending substantially perpendicularly from the top surface. |
| US09476213B2 |
Wave generator system and method for free-form bodies of water
A wave park for an open or large body of water is disclosed. The wave park includes a body of water, and a track positioned in or proximate the body of water. The wave park further includes at least one foil coupled to move along the track, the at least one foil being at least partially submerged in the body of water. The at least one foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that includes a leading surface that is concave about a vertical axis to provide drag to generate a primary wave laterally in water of the body of water that contacts the leading surface of the foil, and a trailing surface that narrows from a maximum width of the foil adjacent the leading surface to a point at an end of the foil, the trailing surface to decrease the drag of the foil and to minimize oscillatory waves that trail the primary wave from the water moving past the leading surface of the foil. |
| US09476211B2 |
Working device with a working boom arranged on a rotary head
A working device has a substructure for receiving a supporting device for ground support and an elongated working boom. The one end of the working boom is mounted on a rotary head bearing block, which projects beyond the substructure, in a pivotal manner about a horizontal axis. Furthermore, the rotary head is mounted on a rotary bearing of the substructure in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis by a radially projecting bearing ring. The bearing block and the bearing ring of the rotary head are rigidly connected to each other via a base plate provided with a central opening. The rotary head has an annular reinforcing structure which points away from the mounting plate in the direction of the substructure and is concentric about the bearing ring, the reinforcing structure compensating for the non-roundness of the support structure of the bearing block in the circumferential direction of the bearing ring. |
| US09476209B2 |
Drywall tape dispenser actuated using a drill
A drywall tape dispenser actuated using a drill has an “L” shaped member having a top cross piece, an elongated side piece, and an elbow portion therebetween thereby forming an L-shape, a first spindle member at a bottom portion of the elongated side piece, a second spindle member at a top portion of the elongated side piece and within the elbow portion, and a third spindle member between the first and second spindle members. An active pressure roller rotatably attached to a distal end section of the top cross piece opposite the elbow portion adapted to press on a surface portion of tape passing thereby. A passive pressure roller rotatably attached to the distal end section of the top cross piece opposite the elbow portion and spaced from the active pressure roller and adapted to press on an opposite surface portion of the tape passing thereby, such that the active pressure roller and the passive pressure roller are adapted to pinch the tape passing therethrough. |
| US09476206B2 |
Wallboard joint tape having directional indicators
A wallboard joint tape designed to cover a seam joint defined by joining adjacent sheets of wallboard includes an elongate length of tape being supplied as a rolled strip having a first side edge and a second side edge wrapped around a center member having a central opening. The strip has an upper side and an opposite lower side. A lengthwise crease is provided along a centered longitudinal line of the lower side. A plurality of indicators is provided for marking at least one side edge of the tape for enhancing a proper orientation of the tape. The proper orientation of the tape is determined based on a location of the indicators upon the tape. |
| US09476205B2 |
Roof panel spacer
Devices, methods, and systems are provided herein for spacing an outer skin of a roof from the supporting structure of the roof such that the roof shields against weather elements, admits light, and allows advantageous air circulation. In one embodiment, a wedge-shaped device for spacing panels on a roof includes a bottom surface, a top surface inclined at an angle relative to the bottom surface, and an integral support structure connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, the support structure including a plurality of ribs and a plurality of nail boxes. |
| US09476204B2 |
Boxed netting insulation system for roof deck
Insulation systems that provide insulation cavities below trusses of residential roofs. The insulation systems are configured to provide insulation material directly below bottommost surfaces of the roof trusses. The insulation systems may include insulation support material that provides insulation pockets below bottommost surfaces of roof trusses. Insulation support material may include side panel segments and span segments. The insulation support material may be attached to the roof trusses or sheathing panels from below the roof trusses and sheathing panels. |
| US09476203B2 |
Column/beam maufacturing apparatus and methods
Column/beam forming apparatus including an initial channel-forming station forming received strips of sheet metal alternately into intermediate upwardly and intermediate downwardly opening channel. A final channel-forming station positioned to receive intermediate upwardly and intermediate downwardly opening channels and complete bending the received intermediate channels into upwardly opening and downwardly opening C-shaped channels. Each downwardly opening C-shaped channel being positioned in an aligned overlying relationship to a mating upwardly opening C-shaped channel upon exiting the final channel-forming station. A channel-welding station positioned to weld the upwardly opening C-shaped channel and downwardly opening C-shaped channel in the aligned overlying position along an interface between adjacent surfaces of the upwardly opening C-shaped channel and downwardly opening C-shaped channel. |
| US09476199B2 |
Extendable sleeve for poured concrete deck
A tubular passage for poured concrete decks has an intumescent tube held in a two-part, clamshell base by a bottom clip. A first tube engages the base's top to clamp a funnel shaped, diaphragm seal to the base. The first tube has spaced, radially extending, parallel ridges at predetermined distances from the base. Longitudinal channels separate the ridges. An extension tube has inward extending lugs passing along the channels to engage various ridges when rotated to fix the passage length. The extension engages the base bottom for corrugated deck supports. A cap with repositionable, locating filaments closes either tube. |
| US09476196B2 |
Waterproofing membrane
Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet (layer A); a waterproofing adhesive (layer B); a protective coating (layer C), wherein the protective coating is substantially free of surfactant and comprises an acrylic or methacrylic polymer or copolymer, an inorganic filler and a white pigment; and a releasable material (layer D), wherein the releasable material comprises amorphous nanoscale silica and a polymeric binder. The waterproofing membrane does not require a release liner, binds strongly to concrete cast against it (even after UV exposure), tolerates foot traffic, and withstands immersion in water over an extended period. |
| US09476194B1 |
Framing clips
A clip for attaching an extruded decorative trim strip of the type having a clip receiving track formed on the rear face of the strip to support structure, comprising a stamped one piece sheet metal body, the body being generally flat and generally rectangular in plan view, an attachment tab within a perimeter of the body, and partially separated from the body by slots at respective edges of the tab, the tab being foldable out of a plane of the body by application of a manually developed force, said tab being constructed when folded to assume an orientation in a plane outside of a plane of the body, the tab including a locking portion adapted to project from the plane of the body of the clip on a side of the clip opposite a side on which a major portion of the tab lies when folded. |
| US09476193B2 |
Flush toilet apparatus
This flush toilet apparatus includes a traveling-direction switching mechanism switching a mode between a toilet washing mode and a tank storage mode. This traveling-direction switching mechanism includes: a shield portion directing jet water to an outside of a throat pipe at a time of the tank storage mode; a moving mechanism moving the shield portion from a position at a time of the toilet washing mode in a first direction to a position at the time of the tank storage mode; and a guide surface switching a traveling direction of the jet water so that after the traveling direction is switched, a flow rate of the jet water is higher in a second direction opposite to the first direction than in the first direction. |
| US09476191B2 |
Flush toilet apparatus
A flush toilet apparatus includes a tank and a jet pump unit. The tank includes: a first tank portion; and a second tank portion formed so as to extend part of a bottom wall of the first tank portion downward. The jet pump unit includes a throat pipe provided with a suction port that is an inlet of water, and at least the part of the second tank portion is formed at a position overlapping with the suction port when viewed from the top. |
| US09476190B2 |
Undermount sink, mounting structure and method of attachment
An undermount sink that can be integrally mounted to a laminate or solid surface countertop. The undermount sink has a novel mounting structure to accomplish mounting to a laminate countertop. A mounting flange is attached to an outer perimeter of the undermount sink bowl, and is reinforced by way of a mounting flange support within the mounting flange that is mechanically fastened to the upper outer perimeter of the undermount sink bowl. |
| US09476189B2 |
Pump station
A pump station includes a tank and a pump unit that is lowerable into the tank. The tank has a bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom, and the peripheral wall has an inlet for incoming liquid flow and an outlet for outgoing liquid flow. The pump unit includes a cross beam and a pump connected to the cross beam. The inside of the wall of the tank presents a set of axially extending guide members, which set includes at least a first guide member arranged to receive and guide a first end of the cross beam and a second guide member arranged to receive and guide a second end of the cross beam. |
| US09476186B2 |
Main valve with internal rigid structure
A valve assembly includes a valve plate and a reversible main valve contacting the valve plate. The main valve has an internal rigid structure and an outer shell, the internal rigid structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface. The internal rigid structure is at least partially enclosed by the outer shell, the outer shell defining a side surface and a radially outermost edge on the side surface, the side surface of the outer shell including a beveled portion extending from the radially outermost edge of the side surface of the outer shell towards a top surface of the outer shell. |
| US09476183B2 |
Work machine and work amount measurement method in work machine
A work machine includes: an operation state detection unit detecting a physical amount output; a time integration unit calculating a time integration value; a determination unit determining that the operation of the operation lever is performed at a time the time integration value is not smaller than a predetermined integration value; a counting unit counting number of a series of the operations of the excavation-loading mechanism performed in a predetermined order as one series of the excavation-loading work; and a specific state detection unit detecting a specific operation state not related to the series of operations of the excavation-loading mechanism in a state in which an operation of the excavation-loading mechanism related to the series of excavation-loading work can be performed, and at a time the specific operation state is detected, the counting unit resets or corrects counting processing of the number of times of the series of excavation-loading work. |
| US09476182B2 |
Work vehicle
A work vehicle is provided with a vehicle frame, and a support bracket. The vehicle frame includes a first side plate, and a second side plate. The support bracket is arranged spanning the first side plate, and the second side plate. The first joint of the support bracket connects a first lower end of a support bracket body and the first side plate. The first joint extends upward from the side surface of the first side plate. The second joint of the support bracket connects a second lower end of a bracket body and the second side plate. The second joint extends upward from the side surface of the second side plate. |
| US09476181B2 |
Drag head for a trailing suction hopper dredger and method for dredging using this drag head
A drag head of a trailing suction hopper dredger, comprises a visor which is dragged over the bottom in a dragging direction and herein loosens soil, and a suction conduit which connects to the visor and which discharges the loosened soil. The drag head is provided with cutting bodies for loosening the soil, with the proviso that the cutting bodies comprise conical bits. Harder soil can be dredged efficiently with a trailing suction hopper dredger equipped with the drag head. |
| US09476180B2 |
Hydraulic excavator
There is provided a hydraulic excavator in which occurrence of minute vibrations in a control lever can be suppressed. A boom-raising proportional solenoid valve is provided in a boom-raising pilot conduit. A boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve is provided in a boom-lowering pilot conduit. A controller controls an opening degree of the boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve based on a pressure generated in the boom-lowering pilot conduit between the control lever and the boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve, and controls an opening degree of the boom-raising proportional solenoid valve. An amount of increase in current per unit time when the controller outputs, to the boom-lowering proportional solenoid valve, an instruction signal for instructing an increase in opening degree is smaller than an amount of increase in current per unit time when the controller outputs, to the boom-raising proportional solenoid valve, an instruction signal for instructing an increase in opening degree. |
| US09476178B2 |
System and method for waterproofing below-grade wall structures
System and methods for waterproofing a below-grade wall of a structure. The system comprises a waterproof membrane mounted directly or indirectly to an excavation wall within which the wall of the structure is to be constructed. A plurality of elongate waterstops are affixed to the waterproof membrane and arranged to form a plurality of compartments. A plurality of distribution tubes having apertures are affixed to the waterproof membrane to allow an injectable sealing grout to be injected through the distribution tubes and out of the apertures into a corresponding compartment. A plurality of supply tubes are installed in fluid communication with the plurality of distribution tubes with each of the supply tubes extending to a location on the interior of the wall to be constructed. |
| US09476176B2 |
Pile driver system for and method of installing foundation elements in a subsea ground formation
A pile driver system for installing or removing foundation elements, such as piles, anchors, and conductors, in a subsea ground formation, includes a closed housing defining a cavity, an impact weight accommodated inside the housing, a hydraulic circuit for reciprocating the impact weight, which circuit comprises one or more valves, a cylinder, and a piston accommodated in the cylinder and connected to the impact weight, a pump for withdrawing water from the surroundings of the pile driver and providing pressurized water to the hydraulic circuit, and at least one outlet for returning water to the surroundings. The exhaust of the hydraulic circuit communicates with the cavity and the outlet is located in the wall of the housing. |
| US09476173B1 |
Quick release mechanism for a sign display stand
A support stand includes a base, a plurality of legs pivotally attached to the base, a post extending from the base in an upright orientation, and a slider disposed on the post and slidable upwardly and downwardly thereon. The plurality of legs are each connected to the slider so that all of the legs are movable simultaneously to deploy or stow the stand. To deploy, the support stand is placed in a desired location, and the slider is released from a fixed position relative to the post, thereby allowing the slider and the connected plurality of legs to each fall simultaneously to a lower end of the support stand. With the downward movement of the slider, the plurality of legs also pivot to an extended position, with outer ends of each leg disposed on a ground surface to support the support stand. Then, the slider is fixed to the post at a lower end thereof to ensure that the plurality of legs remain in their extended position. |
| US09476168B2 |
Asphalt paver temperature alert system for asphalt compactor operator
A system and method for controlling a paving operation includes applying asphalt to a surface using a screed mounted on a paving machine, scanning a surface of the asphalt as it is applied by the screed immediately behind the paving machine using a thermal scanner mounted on the paving machine, and transmitting a signal indicative of a scanned temperature of the asphalt from the paving machine. The signal is received at the compactor and is indicative of the scanned temperature of the asphalt. The signal is used to notify a compactor operator at the compactor. |
| US09476165B2 |
Dowels for jointed concrete and methods of forming and using the same
Jointed concrete pavement is formed of concrete cured around a dowel. The dowel includes a welded seam carbon steel hollow tube and a pair of end caps. The end caps are attached to opposite axial ends of the hollow tube. The pavement comprises a fracture groove over the dowel. |
| US09476156B2 |
Portable terminal and control method of clothes treatment apparatus using the same
Disclosed is a portable terminal including a clothes information input unit, to which at least one of fiber blending ratio information of clothes and laundry care symbol information is input, a display unit to display the information input via the clothes information input unit, a storage unit in which a plurality of clothes treatment methods is stored, the clothes treatment methods being classified based on the at least one of the fiber blending ratio information of clothes and information on a handling method of clothes, and a controller that selects at least one of the clothes treatment methods stored in the storage unit based on the information input via the clothes information input unit, and allows the selected clothes treatment method to be displayed on the display unit. |
| US09476155B2 |
Roller washing machine and the washing method thereof
A roller washing machine and the washing method thereof, comprises four layers of mutually sleeved washing tubs and a water containing tub, wherein, a first tub, a second tub, a third tub and a fourth tub are arranged from inside to outside sequentially and particles are stored in a space between the second tub and the third tub; a plurality of first openings used for dewatering are arranged on the walls of the second tub and of the third tub, and a second opening allowing the particles to be put in and recycled is arranged on the wall of the second tub. The roller washing machine integrates such functions as clothes washing, separation of clothes and the particles, recycling and storage of the particles, dewatering of the particles, thus realizing 100% put-in and recycling of the particles, simplifying washing procedures and shortening washing time. |
| US09476152B2 |
Tufting system with mini-staggered needles
A tufting machine for forming tufted articles such as carpets including one or more needle bars carrying a series of spaced needles. The needles are arranged in 2 or more transverse rows of needles, with the needles of each transverse row of needles being mounted in a mini-staggered arrangement along the one or more needle bars. A series of gauge parts are mounted below backing material passing through the tufting machine. The gauge parts each engage corresponding ones of the needles of each transverse row of needles following penetration of the backing material by the needles, so as to form multiple tufts of yarns in the backing material. |
| US09476151B2 |
Hoop frame and zone to zone method for quilting
A hoop frame unit having a frame support structure, a hoop frame assembly, and a machine carriage assembly. The hoop frame assembly has a front fabric retainer, a rear fabric retainer, a first end retainer, and a second end retainer. Retainer clips mate with retainer seats on each of the retainers to secure fabric zones of quilt cores in place for machine sewing. The machine carriage assembly is supported by a front carriage track and a rear carriage track which are affixed on opposing ends to the frame support structure. The machine carriage assembly incorporates a lateral carriage element for carriage lateral movement, and a pair of longitudinal tracks on the lateral carriage element to provide for machine longitudinal movement. |
| US09476148B2 |
Sock toe construction
A knitted sock includes a specially shaped toe with multiple gores and extra fabric length to cover portions of a wearer's toe digits, permitting the sock to assume a relaxed form with reduction of pressure on or along a wearer's toe digits. A sock toe portion may include left and right side boundaries, a first left side gore proximate to the left side boundary, a second left side gore distanced (e.g., inset) from and non-intersecting with the first left side gore, a first right side gore proximate to the right side boundary, and a second right side gore distanced (e.g., inset) from and non-intersecting with the first right side gore. |
| US09476147B2 |
Gel spinning process for producing a pan-based precursor fiber
Processes for producing carbon fiber, the filament thereof and pre-oxidized fiber are provided. In one embodiment, the gel spinning of polyacrylonitrile filament is achieved by using small-molecule gelling agent, and the carbon fiber obtained thereby is increased by 15% to 40% in tensile strength and by 20% to 35% in toughness. In another embodiment, the melt spinning process of polyacrylonitrile is conducted by using imidazole type ion liquid as plasticizer, the process reduces environment pollution, is suitable for industrial production and the fiber produced thereby is improved in its strength. In yet another embodiment, polyacrylonitrile pre-oxidized fiber is produced by melt spinning, so low cost and controllable pre-oxidization of polyacrylonitrile can be achieved. In a further embodiment, high strength carbon fiber is manufactured by using polymer thickening agent. In another further embodiment, low cost and controllable pre-oxidization of polyacrylonitrile is achieved by conducting pre-oxidization before spinning, minimizing skin-core structure, so as to produce high performance carbon fiber, and reduce the production cost of carbon fiber greatly. |
| US09476144B2 |
Method and apparatus for the selective deposition of epitaxial germanium stressor alloys
A method and apparatus for forming heterojunction stressor layers is described. A germanium precursor and a metal precursor are provided to a chamber, and an epitaxial layer of germanium-metal alloy formed on the substrate. The metal precursor is typically a metal halide, which may be provided by subliming a solid metal halide or by contacting a pure metal with a halogen gas. The precursors may be provided through a showerhead or through a side entry point, and an exhaust system coupled to the chamber may be separately heated to manage condensation of exhaust components. |
| US09476140B2 |
Electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer and method of fabricating the same
An electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer, a method of fabricating the same, and a substrate comprising the same are disclosed. According to the present invention, at least 50% in volume of the electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer comprises plural grains adjacent to each other, wherein the said grains are made of stacked twins, the angle of the stacking directions of the nano-twins between one grain and the neighboring grain is between 0 to 20 degrees. The electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer of the present invention is highly reliable with excellent electro-migration resistance, hardness, and Young's modulus. Its manufacturing method is also fully compatible to semiconductor process. |
| US09476134B2 |
High purity copper and method of producing high purity copper based on electrolysis
High purity copper having a purity of 6N or higher, wherein content of each of the respective components of P, S, 0, and C is 1 ppm or less, and nonmetal inclusions having a particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less contained in the copper are 10,000 inclusions/g or less. As a result of using high purity copper or high purity copper alloy as the raw material from which harmful P, S, C, O-based inclusions have been reduced and controlling the existence form of nonmetal inclusions, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of rupture of a bonding wire and improve the reproducibility of mechanical properties, or reduce the percent defect of a semiconductor device wiring formed by sputtering a high purity copper target with favorable reproducibility. |
| US09476132B2 |
Electrolysis cell with multiple membranes for CuCl/HCI electrolysis in hydrogen production
An electrochemical cell for producing hydrogen gas and cupric chloride. The cell comprises: an anode compartment comprising an anode for disposition in an anolyte, wherein the anolyte is cuprous chloride in hydrochloric acid; a cathode compartment comprising a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises an electrocatalyst; a plurality of ion exchange membranes disposed between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment; and at least one center compartment defined by a pair of said ion exchange membranes and comprising at least one element for removal or sequestering of copper ions that cross at least one of said membranes from the anode compartment. Also described is a method for CuCl/HCl electrolysis in the production of hydrogen using the electrochemical cell. |
| US09476129B2 |
Solar fuels generator
The solar fuels generator includes an ionically conductive separator between a gaseous first phase and a second phase. A photoanode uses one or more components of the first phase to generate cations during operation of the solar fuels generator. A cation conduit is positioned provides a pathway along which the cations travel from the photoanode to the separator. The separator conducts the cations. A second solid cation conduit conducts the cations from the separator to a photocathode. |
| US09476123B2 |
Solvent management methods for gel production
Embodiments of the present invention describe a method for continuous manufacture of a gel material comprising the steps of: forming a gel sheet by dispensing a gel precursor mixture onto a moving element at a rate effective to allow gelation to occur to the gel precursor mixture on the moving element; and cooling the formed gel thereby reducing the rate of solvent evaporation therefrom. |
| US09476122B2 |
Wafer processing deposition shielding components
Embodiments described herein generally relate to components for a semiconductor processing chamber, a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a process kit. In one embodiment a lower shield for encircling a sputtering target and a substrate support is provided. The lower shield comprises a cylindrical outer band having a first diameter dimensioned to encircle the sputtering surface of the sputtering target and the substrate support, the cylindrical band comprising a top wall that surrounds a sputtering surface of a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge comprising a resting surface and extending radially outward from the cylindrical outer band, a base plate extending radially inward from the bottom wall of the cylindrical band, and a cylindrical inner band coupled with the base plate and partially surrounding a peripheral edge of the substrate support. |
| US09476119B2 |
Method and an arrangement for vapour phase coating of an internal surface of at least one hollow article
An arrangement for vapor phase coating an internal surface of hollow articles comprises a part plate, at least one spud site and at least one manifold. The part plate defines a portion of a chamber for supplying a vapor coating. Each spud site has a tube and a first moldable sealant is arranged around the tube. Each manifold has at least one supply tube extending from the manifold to supply vapor into a respective hollow article. Each manifold has a feed tube extending from the manifold to supply vapor into the manifold. The tube of each spud site is inserted into the feed tube of the respective manifold and an end of the feed tube remote from the manifold locates in the first moldable sealant. A second moldable sealant is arranged around the at least one supply tube of the respective manifold and between the respective manifold and hollow article. |
| US09476118B2 |
Adjustable shunt assembly for a sputtering magnetron and a method for adjusting such a shunt
An adjustable shunt assembly for use with a sputtering magnetron having at least two magnets spaced from one another and disposed with respect to a sputtering target having a sputtering surface. The magnets define a longitudinal axis and the adjustable shunt assembly moves a shunt between the two magnets for altering the magnetic field therebetween. A transporter is used for moving the shunt so that such movement may be occurred without disassembling the components of the magnetron and such movement may also be done remotely. A method for moving such shunts is also disclosed. |
| US09476117B2 |
Hot tile sputtering system
A method of sputter coating a glass substrate includes providing a glass substrate and providing a sputtering assembly for sputtering a coating onto the glass substrate in a vacuum deposition chamber. The sputtering assembly includes a backing plate and a separating element disposed on the backing plate. At least one target element is provided and disposed at and in contact with a surface of the separating element. The target element is not bonded the separating element when disposed at and in contact with the surface of the separating element. An expansion gap is provided at or adjacent to the target element to allow for expansion of the target element during the sputtering process. Material from the target element is sputtered and the target element is heated to a substantially elevated temperature during the sputtering process. The sputtering process coats a surface of the glass substrate with the target element material. |
| US09476116B2 |
Process for treating a plastic component part
The present invention concerns a plastic component with a coating system, wherein the coating system comprises a basecoat of paint which has been applied to the surface of the plastic and on which a coating applied by means of vapor phase deposition is provided, for its part covered by a top coat of paint, characterized in that the coating applied by vapor phase deposition comprises multiple layers. |
| US09476113B1 |
Thermomechanical methodology for stabilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) response
Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the strain-temperature response for a shape memory alloy are provided. To perform stabilization of a second sample of the shape memory alloy, a first sample of the shape memory alloy is selected for isobaric treatment and the second sample is selected for isothermal treatment. When applying the isobaric treatment to the first sample, a constant stress is applied to the first sample. Temperature is also cycled from a minimum temperature to a maximum temperature until a strain on the first sample stabilizes. Once the strain on the first sample stabilizes, the isothermal treatment is performed on the second sample. During isothermal treatment, different levels of stress on the second sample are applied until a strain on the second sample matches the stabilized strain on the first sample. |
| US09476105B2 |
Method for increasing the yield in lactose production (I)
A method for improving the yield during the production of crystalline alpha lactose is suggested, wherein (a) An aqueous lactose solution is adjusted to a temperature of between about 62 and 67° C., (b) The solution is cooled down to between about 20 and 30° C., (c) The solution is held at this temperature for a period of from 0.5 to 5 h, (d) Subsequently, the solution is re-heated to between about 35 and 40° C., (e) The solution is held at this temperature for a period of from 0.5 to 5 h, (f) Subsequently, the solution is cooled down to about 10° C., and (g) Eventually, the precipitated alpha-lactose crystals are separated from the mother liquor. |
| US09476104B2 |
Cold juice clarification process
A process for cold clarification of juice is described. A sugar cane or beet juice clarification process to clarify raw juice by means of deaeration of fresh raw juice, addition of milk or lime, anionic and/or cationic flocculants, particularly together with a carbonating process, addition of phosphoric acid and then passing the juice through activated carbon bed is described. The process eliminates the need to heat the juice at any stage thus making it more cost effective, energy saving and gives better yield in terms of quality and quantity both. The recycling of defecated, carbonated and phosphated filtered juice and carbonated and phosphated mud that reduces the consumption of lime, CO2 and phosphoric acid up to some extent is described. |
| US09476100B1 |
Methods for diagnosing bladder cancer
Methods and kits for identification of bladder cancer in a subject based on alterations in DNA methylation at selected genomic loci are provided. |
| US09476099B2 |
Method for determining sensitivity to decitabine treatment
The present invention is a gene expression panel of chemotherapeutic drug-resistant cancer stem cells comprising RIN1, SOX15 and TLR4. In one embodiment the cancer stem cells are testicular cancer germ cells. The present invention provides for a kit and method for determining response to treatment with decitabine at low doses. |
| US09476096B2 |
Recurrent gene fusions in hemangiopericytoma
Provided herein are kits, compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to recurrent gene fusions as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for hemangiopericytoma. |
| US09476094B2 |
Polynucleotide sequencing method
The subject invention pertains to a method for determining the sequence of a polynucleotide comprising the steps of (i) contacting a polynucleotide processive enzyme immobilised in a fixed position, with a target polynucleotide under conditions sufficient to induce enzyme activity; (ii) detecting an effect consequent on the interaction of the enzyme and polynucleotide, wherein the effect is detected by measurement of a non-linear optical signal or a linear signal coupled to a non-linear signal. |
| US09476092B2 |
Late-PCR
A non-symmetric polymerize chain reaction (PCR) amplification method employing a limiting primer in low concentration whose concentration-adjusted melting point at least equals, and preferably exceeds, that of the excess primer, the latter in turn not being more than 25° C. below the melting temperature of the amplicon. Assays employing such amplification and labeled hybridization probes, including assays that include a detection step following primer extension or a low-temperature probe, or both. Kits for performing such assays and primer or primer-and-probe sets for performing the foregoing amplifications and assays. |
| US09476091B2 |
Use of G-clamp for improved allele-specific PCR
The present invention includes a method of allele-specific amplification, utilizing an allele-specific oligonucleotide, at least partially complementary to more than one variant of the target sequence, but having at least one selective nucleotide complementary to only one variant of the target sequence and incorporating at least one “G-clamp” nucleotide. |
| US09476090B2 |
Signal propagation biomolecules, devices and methods
This disclosure describes a structured polynucleotide, devices that include the structured polynucleotide, and methods involving the structured polynucleotide and/or devices. Generally, the structured polynucleotide includes five domains. A first domain acts as a toehold for an input DNA logic gate to initiate binding to an SCS biomolecule. A second domain acts as a substrate recognition sequence for an upstream DNA logic gate. A third domain acts as a toehold for a output DNA logic gate to initiate binding of the SCS biomolecule to the gate. A fourth domain acts as an effector sequence to alter the state of the output logic gate. A fifth domain acts as a cage sequence to lock the effector sequence in an inactive state until an input gate binds to the structured polynucleotide. |
| US09476089B2 |
Methods of making oligonucleotide probes
The present invention relates to methods of making linear nucleic acid probes using rolling circle amplification methods. In one aspect, an oligonucleotide template sequence is contacrted with one or more first primers, a first polymerase and first nucleotides under conditions that extend one or more hybridize primers to make a strand complementary to the oligonucleotide template sequence thereby forming a double stranded oligonucleotide. The double stranded oligonucleotide is circularized. A rolling circle template is obtained from the circularized double stranded oligonucleotide. The rolling circle template is contacted with one or more second primers, a second polymerase and second nucleotides under conditions that form a single stranded nucleic acid, and the single stranded nucleic acid is cleaved to form the plurality of nucleic acid probes. |
| US09476086B2 |
Bacteriophage with activity against pathogenic strains of Salmonella
A method for obtaining a strain of bacteriophage specific to a selected strain of bacteria was found as well as bacteriophage strains obtained in this way. Moreover, application of bacteriophages in manufacturing of the preparation for preventing and fighting infections of farm animals, especially poultry, with pathogenic strains of bacteria sensitive to these phages was described. |
| US09476085B2 |
Bacterial identification
The present invention provides for separation of bacterial species and serotypes using electrophoretic methods. |
| US09476084B2 |
Microorganism enumeration methods
This disclosure provides methods for enumeration of microorganisms within a freeze-dried powder suspected of containing Lactobacilli or Bifidobacteria. |
| US09476083B2 |
Time-temperature indicator, method for manufacturing the time-temperature indicator, quality guarantee system using the time-temperature indicator, and quality guarantee method using the quality guarantee system
The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code-type time-temperature indicator the color or shape of which changes in accordance with time and temperature conditions, and to a method for manufacturing the time-temperature indicator, to a quality guarantee system using the time-temperature indicator, and to a quality guarantee method using the quality guarantee system. The time-temperature indicator comprises: nanobeads containing a microorganism for generating lactic acids using nutrient components, an indicating agent for indicating the change in color by means of the generated lactic acids, an immobilization material for immobilizing the microorganism, the indicating agent, and the nutrient components; a base having a bonding layer; and a cover film. |
| US09476079B2 |
Methods to mutate circular deoxyribonucleotides
The invention provides improved mutagenic plasmids and a method for making and using them. In one embodiment a cyclic mutagenic nucleic acid is replicated to form interlocking, digestibly separable duplex or simplex rings; and then one or more of the interlocked rings are cleaved selectively by means of a restriction enzyme to liberate an intact duplex or simplex ring. The mutagenic plasmids show substantially improved efficiencies in transforming cellular microorganism that are exposed to them. |
| US09476077B2 |
Fungal beta-xylosidase variants
The present invention provides fungal xylanase and/or beta-xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce xylanase and/or beta-xylosidases, as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures. |
| US09476070B2 |
Recombinant microorganism with ability to produce glycerol, 3-HP, or acrylic acid and method of producing glycerol, 3-HP, or acrylic acid by using the same
A recombinant microorganism having the ability to produce glycerol 3-HP, or acrylic acid, in which glycerol is produced from dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) via dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in a biosynthetic pathway, and a method of producing glycerol, 3-hydroxypropioninc acid (3-HP), or acrylic acid by using the recombinant microorganism. |
| US09476069B2 |
Cooling and processing materials
Systems and methods for cooling and processing materials are disclosed. |
| US09476066B2 |
Production of products with favourable GHG emission reductions from cellulosic feedstocks
The present invention provides a process for producing one or more products for use as a transportation or heating fuel. In various embodiments the process comprises treating a cellulosic feedstock in one or more processing steps that release extractives from the feedstock. A solids-liquid separation is subsequently conducted on the process stream comprising the extractives and solids. An aqueous stream comprising one or more of the extractives may be fed to an anaerobic digester to produce crude biogas from which one or more impurities may optionally be removed. In various embodiments the process further comprises providing a solids stream to a thermal process. A product produced or derived from the thermal process may displace a product made from fossil fuel. One or more products obtained or derived from at least one of the foregoing process steps are provided for use as a transportation or heating fuel. In various embodiments the process enables advantaged fuel credit generation. |
| US09476065B2 |
Methods for genomic integration
Provided herein are methods of integrating one or more exogenous nucleic acids into one or more selected target sites of a host cell genome. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise contacting the host cell genome with one or more integration polynucleotides comprising an exogenous nucleic acid to be integrated into a genomic target site, a nuclease capable of causing a break at the genomic target site, and a linear nucleic acid capable of homologous recombination with itself or with one or more additional linear nucleic acids contacted with the population of cells, whereupon said homologous recombination results in formation of a circular extrachromosomal nucleic acid comprising a coding sequence for a selectable marker. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise selecting a host cell that expresses the selectable marker. |
| US09476063B2 |
Diblock copolymers and polynucleotide complexes thereof for delivery into cells
Described herein are copolymers, and methods of making and utilizing such copolymers. Such copolymers have at least two blocks: a first block that has at least one unit that is hydrophilic at physiologic pH, and a second block that has hydrophobic groups. This second block further has at least one unit with a group that is anionic at about physiologic pH. The described copolymers are disruptive of a cellular membrane, including an extracellular membrane, an intracellular membrane, a vesicle, an organelle, an endosome, a liposome, or a red blood cell. Preferably, in certain instances, the copolymer disrupts the membrane and enters the intracellular environment. In specific examples, the copolymer is endosomolytic. |
| US09476062B2 |
Methods and compositions relating to improved lentiviral vectors and their applications
The present invention provides HIV-derived lentivectors which are safe, highly efficient, and very potent for expressing transgenes for human gene therapy, especially, in human hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as in all other blood cell derivatives. The lentiviral vectors comprise a self-inactivating configuration for biosafety and promoters such as the EF1α promoter as one example. Additional promoters are also described. The vectors can also comprise additional transcription enhancing elements such as the wood chuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element. These vectors therefore provide useful tools for genetic treatments such as inherited and acquired lympho-hematological disorders, gene-therapies for cancers especially the hematological cancers, as well as for the study of hematopoiesis via lentivector-mediated modification of human HSCs. |
| US09476061B2 |
Adenoviral vectors for transduction of vascular tissue
The invention relates to the field of gene transfer, and in particular to the use of adenoviral vectors of serotype Ad49 for gene delivery to vascular tissue. |
| US09476057B2 |
Methods for transferring molecular substances into plant cells
Provided are methods for introducing a molecule of interest into a plant cell comprising a cell wall. Methods are provided for genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall. |
| US09476055B2 |
Modification of RNA, producing an increased transcript stability and translation efficiency
It was the object of the present invention to provide RNA with increased stability and translation efficiency and means for obtaining such RNA. It should be possible to obtain increased grades of expression by using said RNA in gene therapy approaches. |
| US09476054B2 |
Two-adaptor library for high-throughput sequencing on DNA arrays
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for acquiring nucleotide sequence information of target sequences using adaptors interspersed in target polynucleotides. The sequence information can be new, e.g. sequencing unknown nucleic acids, re-sequencing, or genotyping. The invention preferably includes methods for inserting a plurality of adaptors at spaced locations within a target polynucleotide or a fragment of a polynucleotide. Such adaptors may serve as platforms for interrogating adjacent sequences using various sequencing chemistries, such as those that identify nucleotides by primer extension, probe ligation, and the like. Encompassed in the invention are methods and compositions for the insertion of known adaptor sequences into target sequences, such that there is an interruption of contiguous target sequence with the adaptors. By sequencing both “upstream” and “downstream” of the adaptors, identification of entire target sequences may be accomplished. |
| US09476053B2 |
Methods and compositions for inhibition of immune responses and autoimmunity
The application relates to the use of immunoregulatory polynucleotides and/or immunoregulatory compounds in combination with other therapeutic agents. The application further relates to immunoregulatory polynucleotides and/or immunoregulatory compounds comprising a modified immunoregulatory sequence. It also relates to the administration of the immunoregulatory polynucleotides and/or immunoregulatory compounds comprising a modified immunoregulatory sequence to regulate an immune response. |
| US09476045B2 |
iRNA agents with biocleavable tethers
The invention relates to iRNA agents, which preferably include a monomer in which the ribose moiety has been replaced by a moiety other than ribose that further includes a tether having one or more linking groups, in which at least one of the linking groups is a cleavable linking group. The tether in turn can be connected to a selected moiety, e.g., a ligand, e.g., a targeting or delivery moiety, or a moiety which alters a physical property. The cleavable linking group is one which is sufficiently stable outside the cell such that it allows targeting of a therapeutically beneficial amount of an iRNA agent (e.g., a single stranded or double stranded iRNA agent), coupled by way of the cleavable linking group to a targeting agent—to targets cells, but which upon entry into a target cell is cleaved to release the iRNA agent from the targeting agent. |
| US09476044B2 |
RNA-interference by single-stranded RNA molecules
The present invention relates to sequence and structural features of single-stranded (ss)RNA molecules required to mediate target-specific nucleic acid modifications by RNA-interference (RNAi), such as target mRNA degradation and/or DNA methylation. |
| US09476043B2 |
Diagnosis and treatment of friedreich's ataxia
The present invention is directed to oligonucleotides based on peptide nucleic acid oligonucleotide or an equivalent oligonucleotide analogue, such as morpholino or a locked nucleic acid sequences and the use of such oligonucleotides for the dissociation of higher order structures, including triplex-helix DNA structures, in repeated sequences of DNA in Friedreich's ataxia. The dissociation of such structures may be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of Friedreich's ataxia. Consequently, the present invention is also directed to a method for diagnosing Friedreich's ataxia and the use of peptide nucleic acid oligonucleotide or an equivalent oligonucleotide analogue, such as morpholino or a locked nucleic acid sequences in the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia. Preferably, the oligonucleotides comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of (GAA)n, (CTT)n, (JTT)n or a mixed (JTT/CTT)n sequence. |
| US09476042B2 |
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment via targeting of SMN2 splice site inhibitory sequences
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions capable of blocking the inhibitory effect of a newly-identified intronic inhibitory sequence element, named ISS-N1 (for “intronic splicing silencer”), located in the SMN2 gene. The compositions and methods of the instant invention include oligonucleotide reagents (e.g., oligoribonucleotides) that effectively target the SMN2 ISS-N1 site in the SMN2 pre-mRNA, thereby modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to include exon 7 in the processed transcript. The ISS-N1 blocking agents of the invention cause elevated expression of SMN protein, thus compensating for the loss of SMN protein expression commonly observed in subjects with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). |
| US09476040B2 |
Plants with useful traits and related methods
The present invention provides methods for obtaining plants that exhibit useful traits by transient suppression of the MSH1 gene of the plants. Methods for identifying genetic loci that provide for useful traits in plants and plants produced with those loci are also provided. In addition, plants that exhibit the useful traits, parts of the plants including seeds, and products of the plants are provided as well as methods of using the plants. |
| US09476035B2 |
Recombinant polymerases with increased phototolerance
Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, and/or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing. Such properties include increased resistance to photodamage, and can also include enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, decreased branching fraction, altered cofactor selectivity, increased yield, increased thermostability, increased accuracy, increased speed, increased readlength, and the like. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template. |
| US09476033B2 |
Recombinant newcastle disease viruses useful as vaccines or vaccine vectors
The present invention concerns an antigenomic RNA of Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) carrying one or more foreign genes inserted before NP gene, between P and M genes, and/or between HN and L genes. The invention is also directed toward a cDNA encoding a recombinant antigenomic RNA having one or more foreign genes inserted according to the invention, a cell containing the cDNA, a plasmid comprising the cDNA, a cell containing the plasmid, a cell containing the recombinant antigenomic RNA, and a recombinant NDV containing the recombinant antigenomic RNA of the invention, such as a recombinant NDV carrying one or more foreign genes recovered from transcription of the cDNA or the plasmid in a competent cell. The recombinant NDV carrying the one or more foreign genes can be used as a vaccine or vaccine vector. |
| US09476032B2 |
Attenuated viruses useful for vaccines
This invention provides an attenuated virus which comprises a modified viral genome containing nucleotide substitutions engineered in multiple locations in the genome, wherein the substitutions introduce synonymous deoptimized codons into the genome. The instant attenuated virus may be used in a vaccine composition for inducing a protective immune response in a subject. The invention also provides a method of synthesizing the instant attenuated virus. Further, this invention further provides a method for preventing a subject from becoming afflicted with a virus-associated disease comprising administering to the subject a prophylactically effective dose of a vaccine composition comprising the instant attenuated virus. |
| US09476029B2 |
Ex vivo development, expansion and in vivo analysis of a novel lineage of dendritic cells
Disclosed herein are new methods of producing a novel line of dendritic cells. The method comprises subjecting a sample of hematopoietic stem/precursor cells to a first feeder culture system that is supplemented with a first set of factors and a second feeder culture system supplemented with a second group of factors. The disclosure also pertains to new cell types that may be used as cancer immunotherapy. |
| US09476026B2 |
Method of tissue repair using a piezoelectric scaffold
Provided is an electroactive structure and method for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure. |
| US09476021B2 |
Method for the regeneration of PVPP from a membrane filter retentate after clarification and stabilization of a yeast fermented beverage
A method of preparing a yeast fermented beverage is disclosed, comprising: (a) fermenting wort with yeast to produce a fermented liquid; (b) optionally removing the yeast; (c) mixing the fermented liquid with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) particles; (d) filtering the fermented liquid over a first membrane filter without employing a filter aid; (e) combining a first retentate with an aqueous regeneration liquid to desorb polyphenols and/or protein from the PVPP particles, wherein the aqueous regeneration liquid has a pH of at least 10.0; (f) filtering the combination retentate and regeneration liquid over a second membrane filter without employing a filter aid; and (g) after, optional further refining the regenerated PVPP particles from the second retentate, and recirculating the particles to step (c); wherein macromolecular components contained in the first retentate and/or retained on the second filter are degraded using a degradative agent selected from oxidants, enzymes and combinations thereof. |
| US09476020B2 |
Method and apparatus for the recovery of PVPP after contact with a yeast fermented beverage by sedimentation separation
A method of preparing a yeast fermented beverage is provided, which method comprises (a) fermenting wort with a biologically active yeast to produce a fermented liquid; (b) combining the fermented liquid with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) particles to bind at least a fraction of the polyphenols and/or proteins contained in the fermented liquid; (c) removing a slurry containing the PVPP particles and yeast from the fermented liquid; (d) separating said slurry into a yeast-enriched fraction and a PVPP-enriched fraction a technique selected from flotation separation, settling separation and separation using a hydrocyclone; (e) regenerating the PVPP particles before, during and/or after the separation by desorbing polyphenols and/or protein from said PVPP-particles; and (f) recirculating the regenerated PVPP particles to step (b). The method can be operated with single use PVPP as well as regenerable PVPP and does not require sophisticated filter hardware for regenerating the PVPP. |
| US09476018B2 |
Wafer cleaning formulation
Methods and systems for cleaning corrosion product of a metallic layer from the surface of a substrate are provided. According to one embodiment, a treatment solution includes a surfactant, a complexing agent, and a pH adjuster. The surfactant is configured to enhance wetting of the substrate surface, and inhibit further corrosion of the capping layer. The complexing agent is configured to bind to metal ions which have desorbed from the substrate surface. The pH adjuster is configured to adjust the pH to a desired level, so as to promote desorption of the corrosion product from the substrate surface. |
| US09476017B2 |
Compositions and methods for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing that are effluent neutral
Methods are provided which include a method of cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting, wherein the method comprises: contacting a soiled substrate with a cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting composition, such that at least a portion of the soil is removed from the substrate; wherein the cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting composition consists essentially of one or more food grade agents or a salt thereof; and wherein the method is effluent neutral. |
| US09476015B2 |
Non-toxic hand cleaner comprising a ternary solvent mixture
A cleaning composition comprises between about 10% to about 50% of at least one organic solvent comprising vegetable oil. The composition further comprises between about 2% to about 20% of at least one co-solvent. The composition further comprises at least one water-in-oil emulsifier and non-ionic surfactant. The composition also comprises at least one anionic surfactant and between about 20% to about 60% of water. |
| US09476014B2 |
Method for cleaning surfaces
A method for cleaning an outdoor surface includes combining a first composition from a first vessel with a second composition from a second vessel. The first composition includes hydrogen peroxide and makes up 94-99.5% of the combination by weight. The second composition including at least one of a silicate, a carbonate, a bicarbonate and a percarbonate and makes up 0.5-6% of the combination by weight. The method further includes mixing the first composition with the second composition. The method further includes applying the combination to the outdoor surface within twenty four hours after mixing. The method further includes contacting the outdoor surface with the combination for at least five minutes. The method further includes rinsing the combination off of the outdoor surface. |
| US09476012B2 |
Esterquat composition having high triesterquat content
A composition comprising (a) an esterquat that is a quaternized reaction product of an alkanol amine and a fatty acid, wherein from at least 90 wt % to up to 100 wt % of the esterquat is comprised of triesterquat and from 0 wt % to up to 10 wt % of the esterquat is comprised of at least one of monoesterquat and diesterquat, and (b) a water swellable cationic polymer. The water swellable cationic polymer aids in dispersion and/or in deposition of the triesterquat. Also, a method of producing such a composition and a method of softening a fabric, and increasing fragrance delivery, comprising treating the fabric with the composition. |
| US09476010B2 |
Using imprinted multi-layer biocidal particle structure
A method of using a multi-layer biocidal structure includes providing a multi-layer biocidal structure that includes a support and a structured bi-layer on or over the support, the structured bi-layer including a first cured layer on or over the support and a second cured layer on or over the first cured layer on a side of the first cured layer opposite the support. The structured bi-layer has at least one depth greater than the thickness of the second layer and multiple biocidal particles located only in the second cured layer. The multi-layer biocidal structure is located on a surface. |
| US09476007B2 |
Tribological synthesis method for producing low-friction surface film coating
An article of method of manufacture of a low friction tribological film on a substrate. The article includes a substrate of a steel or ceramic which has been tribologically processed with a lubricant containing selected additives and the additives, temperature, load and time of processing can be selectively controlled to bias formation of a film on the substrate where the film is an amorphous structure exhibiting highly advantageous low friction properties. |
| US09476002B1 |
Blends of low carbon and conventional fuels with improved performance characteristics
The present invention provides a blended fuel and methods for producing the blended fuel, wherein a low carbon fuel derived from a renewable resource such as biomass, is blended with a traditional, petroleum derived fuel. A blended fuel which includes greater than 10% by volume of low carbon fuel has an overall improved lifecycle greenhouse gas content of about 5% or more compared to the petroleum derived fuel. Also, blending of the low carbon fuel to the traditional, petroleum fuel improves various engine performance characteristics of the traditional fuel. |
| US09475998B2 |
Process for recovering alkali metals and sulfur from alkali metal sulfides and polysulfides
Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from alkali monosulfide and polysulfides in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali monosulfide, an alkali polysulfide, or a mixture thereof and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte includes molten alkali metal. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfide and polysulfide in the anolyte compartment, causes alkali metal ions to pass through the alkali ion conductive membrane to the catholyte compartment, and reduces the alkali metal ions in the catholyte compartment. Liquid sulfur separates from the anolyte solution and may be recovered. The electrolytic cell is operated at a temperature where the formed alkali metal and sulfur are molten. |
| US09475993B1 |
Continuous flow, high capacity system for rapidly converting hydrocarbon containing post-consumer and post-industrial waste and renewable feedstocks into biofuel
A continuous high capacity system for converting hydrocarbon containing post-consumer waste, post-industrial waste, renewable hydrocarbon feedstock into a biofuel, using a pug for blending less than 200 micron diameter particulate with a plasticizing agent; a sealing auger for forming an agglomerated material and sealing, a cutting device, a vacuum chamber to remove air from the cut material, an extruder forming an extrudate, a heating chamber or the heat exchanger to evolve at least one gas; a pressure sensor and temperature sensors in the heating chamber or the heat exchanger, a cooling chamber providing controlled pressure and controlled temperature cooling of the evolved gasses, wherein the cooling chamber liquefies sequentially at least 50 percent of the evolved gasses forming a liquid. |
| US09475990B2 |
Liquid crystal medium and liquid crystal display
The instant invention relates to mesogenic media comprising one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formulae M-I and M-II wherein the parameters are as specified in the text, preferably to mesogenic media showing a blue phase, preferably stabilized by a polymer, and their use in electro-optical light modulation elements and their respective use in displays, as well as to such devices. |
| US09475985B2 |
Nanosilicon-based room temperature paints and adhesive coatings
A composite of the invention is a homogenous mixture of room temperature vulcanizing material or polymer and luminescent silicon nanoparticles. The composite can be formed into a film and can serve as a paint, adhesive, or coating, depending upon the material or polymer used. A preferred polymer is polyurethane. A method for forming a silicon nanoparticle and room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) material or polymer composite of the invention includes steps of providing silicon nanoparticles that were prepared in a solvent. The solvent is mixed with RTV or polymer precursors. The RTV or polymer components are permitted to cure. A preferred solvent is isopropynol alcohol. |
| US09475981B2 |
Fluid viscosity control
A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore includes introducing a treatment fluid comprised at least a crosslinkable component, and a metal crosslinker to the subterranean formation, forming a crosslinked treatment fluid, and de-crosslinking bonds of the crosslinked treatment fluid by manipulating a pH of the treatment fluid with a pH triggering agent, wherein the pH triggering agent is an amine-precursor compound or a derivative thereof. |
| US09475979B2 |
Process for producing mineral oil using surfactants based on a mixture of C20 Guerbet-, C22 Guerbet-, C24 Guerbet-containing hydrocarbyl alkoxylates
The present invention relates to a surfactant mixture comprising at least three ionic surfactants which differ in terms of the hydrocarbyl moiety (R1)(R2)—CH—CH2— and are of the general formula (I) where R1, R2, A0, k, X, o, Y, a, b, M are each as defined in the description and the claims. The invention further relates to the use and preparation thereof, and to aqueous surfactant formulations comprising the mixtures, and to processes for producing mineral oil by means of Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which the aqueous surfactant formulation is injected into a mineral oil deposit through injection wells and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production wells. |
| US09475976B2 |
Methods and compositions of improving wellbore cleanout treatments
Methods of performing a cleanout treatment including providing a wellbore in a subterranean formation having unconsolidated particulates therein; providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a hydrophobically modified flocculating water-soluble polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore in the subterranean formation; flocculating at least a portion of the unconsolidated particulates by exposure to the hydrophobically modified flocculating water-soluble polymer; removing the treatment fluid comprising the flocculated unconsolidated particulates from the wellbore in the subterranean formation. |
| US09475975B2 |
Defoaming compositions and processes for cementing applications
Cement compositions and processes for reducing air entrainment in a cement composition generally include mixing a hydraulic cement with a defoamer composition including an organic acid ester of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer. |
| US09475969B2 |
Organopolysiloxane compound having ethynyl groups, method for preparing linear organopolysiloxane compound having ethynyl groups at both terminals of molecular chain, method for preparing organopolysiloxane polymer having alkoxysilyl-ethylene group at terminal, room temperature curable composition and molded product which is cured product thereof
The present invention relates to an organopolysiloxane compound which is either a linear or a branched, and having at least one unit of the following formula (1) as a partial structure, and according to this compound, a novel polyorganosiloxane compound having an ethynyl group, and a method for preparing a linear organopolysiloxane compound having ethynyl groups at both terminals of a molecular chain which can easily adjust a polymerization degree, and excellent in productivity can be provided. |
| US09475966B2 |
Adhesive composition for adhering printing plates to impression cylinders for flexographic printing
Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, having at least one polymer component formed of a monomer mixture of at least (a) one acrylic ester and/or methacrylic ester of the formula CH2═C(R1)(COOR2), where R1═H and R2 is a linear alkyl radical with 2 to 10 C atoms or a branched alkyl radical with at least 4 C atoms, (b) at least one N-alkyl substituted acrylamide, (c) at least one acrylic ester and/or methacrylic ester of the formula CH2═C(R3)(COOR4), where R3═H or CH3 and R4 is a linear alky radical with at least 12 C atoms, (d) acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid. |
| US09475962B2 |
Production method for laminate film, laminate film, and production method for semiconductor device employing same
Provided is a manufacture method of a laminate film accurately precut into a desired shape. The manufactured laminate film comprises an elongated release film having thereon a plurality of insular adhesive films (A) and (B) mutually adjacent in the lengthwise direction, and the method includes: obtaining an elongated laminate having a release film and an adhesive film; precutting the adhesive film to obtain a first peeling part; and peeling off the first peeling part from the release film. The first peeling part includes peripheral parts (A1) and (B2) of insular adhesive films (A) and (B) respectively positioned at one and the other widthwise end side of the release film; and connection part (C) connecting peripheral parts (A1) and (B2), but not including peripheral parts (A2) and (B1) of insular adhesive films (A) and (B) respectively positioned at the other and the one widthwise end side of the release film. |
| US09475958B2 |
Aqueous ink-jet inks containing branched polyurethanes as binders
The present disclosure provides novel aqueous ink-jet inks containing an aqueous vehicle, a pigment and a branched polyurethane as a binder. |
| US09475957B2 |
Aqueous paint composition and method of manufacturing painted article
The first objective of the present invention is to provide an aqueous paint composition that can form a paint film with excellent smoothness, image clarity, adhesion and water resistance. This aqueous paint is characterized in comprising (A) an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic modified polyester resin, (B) a block polyisocyanate compound having a nonionic hydrophilic group, and (C) an aqueous dispersion of acrylic polymer fine particles. |
| US09475953B2 |
Coating compositions for improved block resistance
Embodiments include coating compositions, methods of coating a substrate, and substrates having at least one surface coated according to the methods of the present disclosure. The aqueous, substantially volatile organic compound (VOC)-free coating compositions includes an acrylic latex and a vinyl acetate-ethylene latex including from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of a vinyl acetate-ethylene polymer, based on total weight of acrylic polymer and vinyl acetate-ethylene polymer, having a Tg from about −20 to about 20 degrees Celsius; and from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of an acrylic polymer, based on the total weight of acrylic polymer and vinyl acetate-ethylene polymer, the acrylic polymer comprising, in polymerized form, at least one ethylenically unsaturated (meth)acrylic monomer and from about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent, based on total weight of the acrylic polymer, of an acetoacetate moiety containing monomer, where the acrylic polymer has a Tg of from about −20 to about 20 degrees Celsius. |
| US09475952B2 |
Reversible color-changing ink formulations and nonwoven wipes
A reversible color-changing polymeric article includes a polymeric material and a dried reversible color-changing ink formulation durably bound to the polymeric material. During use, the polymeric article is impregnated with a sanitizer solution that contains a quaternary ammonium compound. The polymeric article reversibly changes between a first color when impregnated with the sanitizer solution and a second color when the sanitizer solution is depleted during use. |
| US09475951B2 |
Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge and method for producing water-based ink for ink-jet recording
A water-based ink for ink-jet recording contains a water-soluble colorant; water; and a water-insoluble liquid which is dispersed in the water and of which boiling point is not less than 250 degrees Celsius. The water-based ink may further contain a surfactant. The drying property of the water-based ink is improved and any odor can be lowered. |
| US09475950B2 |
Radiation-curable inkjet ink set and inkjet recording method
To provide a radiation-curable inkjet ink set that has a sufficiently wide color gamut and is excellent in terms of mechanical strength and substrate adhesion of cured ink, and an inkjet recording method employing the ink set. A radiation-curable inkjet ink set comprises a yellow ink comprising C.I. Pigment Yellow 185 at 1.5 to 2.5 mass %, and a magenta ink comprising C.I. Pigment Red 48:4 at 1.5 to 2.5 mass %. |
| US09475949B2 |
Polymerizable composition, ink composition for inkjet recording, inkjet recording method and recorded matter
A polymerizable composition including: a compound represented by the following Formula (1); a polymerization initiator; and a polymerizable compound having a chemical structure different from the compound represented by the following Formula (1), an inkjet ink composition including the polymerizable composition, an inkjet ink recording method using the inkjet ink composition, and recorded matter. In Formula (1), each of R1 and R2 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group and R3 represents a monovalent organic group. |
| US09475945B2 |
Aqueous slurry for making a powder of hard material
An aqueous slurry that is useful upon being spray dried for the formation of a powder of hard material. The aqueous slurry includes starting powder components of the hard material. The slurry further includes an oxidation inhibitor, a surfactant in an amount between about 0.05 weight percent and about 0.30 weight percent of the weight of the starting powder components of the hard material, a binder, a defoamer and water in an between about 15 weight percent and about 30 weight percent of the weight of the weight of the starting powder components of the hard material. The aqueous slurry has a percent solids value that is between about 70 percent and about 85 percent. |
| US09475943B2 |
Use of 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol as additive in aqueous suspensions of calcium carbonate-comprising materials while maintaining stable suspension conductivity
Use of 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol as an additive in an aqueous suspension, containing from 25 to 62 vol. % of at least one calcium carbonate-comprising material, wherein the use provides improved stability with regard to the conductivity of the suspension. |
| US09475939B2 |
Polymer for contact lenses
The present invention relates to a polyurethane polymer composition prepared by reacting a mixture comprising: a} at least one polyethylene glycol, and either b) at least one poly-isocyanate, having a functionality greater than 2 or c) at least one di-isocyanate and at least one polyol or at least one macropolyol having a functionality greater than 2, wherein the polyol or macropolyol is present at an amount of 0.1 to 9 wt % of the mixture. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a polyurethane xerogel in the form of a molded article, said process comprising the steps of: i.) preparing said mixture; ii.) dispensing the reaction mixture formed in step i) into a mold; iii.) allowing the reaction mixture to react and cure; iv.) removing the molded article from the mold; and v.) hydrating the molded article. |
| US09475938B2 |
Anti-extrusion compositions for sealing and wear components
A method and compositions are described which improve extrusion-and creep-resistance of components for use in a high temperature applications including sealing elements and seal connectors among others. The method includes providing a composition having an aromatic polymer and a crosslinking compound, and subjecting the composition to a heat molding process to form the component and crosslink the aromatic polymer. |
| US09475936B2 |
Resin composition and resin molded article
A resin composition includes a low molecular polycarbonate resin having a weight average molecular weight from 20,000 to 40,000, a high molecular polycarbonate resin having a weight average molecular weight from 50,000 to 70,000, and a polyethylene terephthalate resin having an IV value from 0.5 to 0.8, wherein a weight ratio between a content of the low molecular polycarbonate resin and a content of the high molecular polycarbonate resin is in a range of 30:70 to 70:30. |
| US09475933B2 |
Antimony trioxide free flame retardant thermoplastic composition
There is provided herein a flame retardant thermoplastic composition comprising: a. at least one thermoplastic polyester or polyamide; b. at least one brominated flame retardant; c. at least one metal phosphonate or phosphinate. There is also provided a method of making said flame retardant thermoplastic composition; and an article containing the thermoplastic polymer composition. |
| US09475923B2 |
Rubber composition, rubber elastomer, tire and block copolymer
A rubber composition by which a rubber elastic body having both of excellent low rolling resistance and wet skid resistance and also having excellent mechanical strength and wear resistance can be obtained, a rubber elastic body, a tire, and a block copolymer are provided. The rubber composition of the present invention comprises a block copolymer (A) comprising a block (a-1) of a conjugate diene and an aromatic vinyl and a block (a-2) of a conjugate diene or the diene and an aromatic vinyl, a specific polymer (B) other than the copolymer, and a filler (C), wherein the block copolymer (A) has a specific functional group; the block copolymer (A) has two glass transition temperatures separated from each other by 5° C. or more within a range of −100 to 20° C. in measurement in accordance with ASTM D3418; and the ratio of the block copolymer (A) is 10% by mass or more when the sum of the block copolymer (A) and the polymer (B) is taken as 100% by mass. |
| US09475920B2 |
Carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene sheet and molded article thereof
The present invention relates to a carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene sheet which comprises carbon fibers having a weight-average fiber length of 1.5 mm to 20 mm and a matrix resin composed of a polypropylene and an acid-modified polypropylene, wherein the carbon fibers are dispersed in the form of single fibers and the interfacial shear strength between the carbon fibers and said matrix resin is 5.50 to 10.5 MPa. Provided is a carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene sheet for obtaining a molded article having excellent mechanical properties and impact resistance, which carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene sheet comprises discontinuous carbon fibers and a polypropylene, can be molded into a complex shape and has isotropic mechanical properties. |
| US09475917B2 |
Rubber composition and manufacturing method for the same
A rubber composition and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The rubber composition includes a main chain modified conjugated diene based polymer and a stabilizer. A weight ratio of the main chain modified conjugated diene based polymer to the stabilizer is 100:0.2˜2. The stabilizer has a structural formula of: |
| US09475915B2 |
Hydrogel-forming composition and hydrogel produced from the same
TASK It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrogel having excellent mechanical properties and capable of being produced simply by using and mixing an industrially easily obtainable polymer having high versatility and clay particles, and to provide a method of producing the hydrogel.MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM A hydrogel-forming composition is characterized by containing a polyelectrolyte (A), clay particles (B), and a dispersant (C) for the clay particles. |
| US09475908B2 |
Method for producing pseudopolyrotaxane aqueous dispersion
The present invention aims to provide an industrially advantageous method for producing an aqueous dispersion of pseudopolyrotaxane enabling to produce an aqueous dispersion of pseudopolyrotaxane having good fluidity and excellent dispersion stability of the pseudopolyrotaxane particles therein. The present invention relates to a method for producing an aqueous dispersion of pseudopolyrotaxane. The method includes: a mixing step of a dissolving polyethylene glycol and a cyclodextrin in an aqueous medium to prepare a mixed solution; and a cooling step of continuously or intermittently cooling the mixed solution in a state of flux to precipitate pseudopolyrotaxane particles. The pseudopolyrotaxane particles contain the polyethylene glycol which is included in the cavities of the cyclodextrin molecules in a skewered manner. |
| US09475905B2 |
High-molecular weight aliphatic polycarbonate prepared using base catalyst
An aliphatic polycarbonate is disclosed in which a salt consisting of a metal or onium cation and an anion having a pKa not greater than 3 is dispersed. The aliphatic polycarbonate includes repeating units of Formula 1: [-A-OC(O)O-] (wherein A is a substituted or unsubstituted C3-C60 alkylene, or a substituted or unsubstituted C3-C60 heteroalkylene and the O-A-O units in one polymer chain may be identical to or different from each other). |
| US09475904B2 |
Heat curable epoxy resin composition with water as foaming agent
Heat-curable epoxy resin compositions and the use thereof, for example, in motor vehicle construction and sandwich panel construction, are disclosed. Exemplary heat-curable epoxy resin compositions include, in addition to epoxy resin components A1, optionally A2, a hardener component B, a carboxylic acid C and a hydroxyalkylamide or hydroxyalkylurea H, an accelerator E for activation of the conversion of components A1, A2 and B. The compositions and the structural foams produced therefrom are notable for high mechanical strength, high glass strength and good adhesion capacity on metallic and nonmetallic substrates, and it is possible at the same time to dispense with the use of toxic or inflammable blowing agents. |
| US09475898B2 |
Polymers with improved ESCR for blow molding applications
Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a higher molecular weight component and a lower molecular weight component, and characterized by a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a melt index less than 1.5 g/10 min, and a ratio of high load melt index to melt index ranging from 40 to 175. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved stiffness and stress crack resistance, and can be used in blow molding and other end-use applications. |
| US09475893B2 |
Modified catalyst supports
A supported catalyst system may include a titanated silica-containing catalyst support having at least 0.1 wt % of Ti and a specific surface area of from 150 m2/g to 800 m2/g. The Ti may be of a titanium compound of the general formula selected from RnTi(OR′)m, and (RO)nTi(OR′)m, wherein R and R′ are the same or different and are selected from hydrocarbyl groups containing from 1 to 12 carbons or halogens, wherein n is 0 to 4, wherein m is 0 to 4, and wherein m+n equals 4. The supported catalyst system may include a catalyst activating agent and a metallocene. The supported catalyst system may be obtained by a process including titanating a silica-containing catalyst support with at least one vaporized titanium compound, and treating the titanated silica-containing catalyst support with a catalyst activating agent and a metallocene. |
| US09475892B2 |
Polymerization process
Process for the continuous transition between two different and compatible polymerization catalysts. |
| US09475885B2 |
Compositions for inhibiting MASP-2 dependent complement activation
The present invention relates to anti-MASP-2 inhibitory antibodies and compositions comprising such antibodies for use in inhibiting the adverse effects of MASP-2 dependent complement activation. |
| US09475882B2 |
Antagonists of IAP-SHPS1 interaction
Provided herein is technology relating to antagonists that inhibit, reduce, or minimize the interaction of integrin associated protein (IAP) with Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase substrate 1 (SHPS1) and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions comprising such antagonists and methods of treatment comprising administering such antagonists. |
| US09475878B2 |
Human monoclonal antibody human CD134 (OX40) and methods of making and using same
The invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to OX40 (CD134), referred to as OX40 antibodies, anti-OX40 or anti-OX40 antibodies. Invention antibodies that specifically bind to OX40 include mammalian (human, primate, etc.), humanized and chimeric anti-OX40 antibodies. Invention antibodies and antibody subsequences (fragments) that specifically bind to OX40 include purified and isolated antibodies, as well as pharmaceutical formulations thereof, are useful in various methods including treatment, screening and detection methods. |
| US09475874B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding human antibodies to sialyl-lewisa
The present invention provides compositions for the production of an antibody or functional fragment thereof directed against Sialyl-Lewisa (sLea). The compositions of the invention include polynucleotides encoding a heavy chain and/or a light chain variable domain that binds to sLea. The invention also provides an isolated antibody or functional fragment thereof and methods of treating or preventing a disease, such as cancer or tumor formation, wherein the antibody or functional fragment includes a variable heavy chain domain and a variable light chain domain that has an amino acid sequence provided herein. The invention further provides a conjugate of an antibody or functional fragment thereof conjugated or recombinantly fused to a diagnostic agent, detectable agent or therapeutic agent, and methods of treating, preventing or diagnosing a disease in a subject in need thereof. |
| US09475873B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding anti-IL-17F antibodies and methods of use thereof
This invention provides fully human monoclonal antibodies that recognize IL-17F and/or the heterodimeric IL-17A/IL-17F complex, but do not recognize IL-17A. The invention further provides methods of using such monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic. |
| US09475871B2 |
Treatment of cancer with elevated dosages of soluble FGFR1 fusion proteins
The present invention provides methods of treating a patient having a cancer comprising administering to the patient a soluble Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1) fusion protein such as an extracellular domain of an FGFR1 polypeptide linked to an Fc polypeptide or another fusion partner. The fusion protein may be administered at a dose of at least about 2 mg/kg body weight. In some embodiments, the patient has a fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) plasma concentration of at least 6 pg/ml. In some embodiments, the cancer is characterized by a Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) having a ligand-dependent activating mutation. |
| US09475869B2 |
Human antibodies to fel d1 and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides antibodies that bind to the cat allergen, Fel d1, compositions comprising the antibodies, nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and methods of use of the antibodies. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to Fel d1. The antibodies of the invention are useful for binding to the Fel d1 allergen in vivo, thus preventing binding of the Fel d1 allergen to pre-formed IgE on the surface of mast cells or basophils. In doing so, the antibodies act to prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and/or basophils, thus ameliorating the untoward response to the cat allergen in sensitized individuals. The antibodies of the invention may also be useful for diagnostic purposes to determine if a patient is allergic to the Fel d1 cat allergen. |
| US09475859B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding rodent antibodies with human idiotypes and animals comprising same
The invention relates to polynucleotides, particularly chimeric polynucleotides useful for optimal production of functional immunoglobulins with human idiotypes in rodents. The invention further relates to rodents comprising such polynucleotides. |
| US09475855B2 |
Human Notch3 based fusion proteins as decoy inhibitors of Notch3 signaling
This invention provides a fusion protein comprising a signal peptide, EGF repeats 1-X of the extracellular domain of human Notch3 receptor protein wherein X is any integer from 12 to 34, and an Fc portion of an antibody bound thereto. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject having a tumor, a method for inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject, a method for treating a subject having ovarian cancer, and a method for treating a subject having a metabolic disorder, comprising administering to the subject an amount of the above fusion protein effective to treat the subject. This invention further provides uses of the above fusion protein for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a subject having a tumor, for inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject, for treating a subject having ovarian cancer, and for treating a subject having a metabolic disorder. |
| US09475850B2 |
Methods for treatment of nephrotic syndrome and related conditions
The present disclosure provides a method for treating and/or preventing a condition characterized as a nephrotic syndrome, such as but not limited to minimal change disease (MCD) and membranous nephropathy (MN), and conditions related to nephrotic syndrome, such as but not limited to, proteinuria and edema, as well as diabetic nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, lupus nephritis or primary glomerular disease. The present disclosure further provides methods for reducing proteinuria and other disease states as discussed herein. Such methods comprise the therapeutic delivery of an Angptl4 polypeptide or Angptl4 polypeptide derivative to a subject. |
| US09475849B2 |
Brassica plant comprising a mutant INDEHISCENT allele
This invention relates to crop plants of which the fruit dehiscence properties are modulated. More specifically the invention relates to improved methods and means for reducing seed shattering, or delaying seed shattering until after harvest, in plants, while maintaining at the same time an agronomically relevant threshability of the pods. |
| US09475848B2 |
Fermentation process for producing a virulence factor from bordetella
A process for fermenting Bordetella species comprising incubating a sample of bacteria of a Bordetella species in a first environment under at least one bvg (Bordetella virulence genes) modulating condition, for at least 5 generations, to produce a mature culture, and then incubating the mature culture in a second environment in the absence of the at least one bvg modulating condition. |
| US09475847B2 |
Insecticidal proteins and methods for their use
Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity. |
| US09475841B2 |
Melanoma antigen peptide and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a melanoma antigen peptide comprising the amino acids sequence selected in the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14 or SEQ ID NO: 15 or a function-conservative variant thereof. Moreover the invention also relates to a melanoma antigen peptide according to the invention for use in the prevention or the treatment of melanoma in patient. |
| US09475839B2 |
Peptide-based inhibitor of interleukin-10 or interferon-gamma signaling
A peptide or peptidomimetic comprising an amino acid sequence based on conserved regions of IL10 or IFN-gamma receptor sequences, and related compounds and compositions, as well as methods for the use thereof to inhibit cytokine signaling. |
| US09475838B2 |
Process for purification of a fatty acid binding protein
A process for purification of a fatty acid binding proteins such as, e.g., Sm14 of Pichia pastoris or type-3 FABP protein of Fasciola hepatica. The process includes the steps of: (a) performing lysis of cells containing the fatty acid binding protein to obtain a lysate; (b) clarifying the lysate obtained in step (a) to obtain a clarified lysate; (c) loading the clarified lysate in a column containing an anion exchange resin; (d) eluting proteins from the column by pH changes in the column; and (e) separating contaminant proteins from the fatty acid binding protein by gel-filtration. |
| US09475836B2 |
Protopanoxadiol derivative, preparation method thereof and application thereof
The present invention provides a protopanoxadiol derivative of structural formula I or II, a preparation method and an application thereof. The present invention performs structural modification on protopanoxadiol, and obtains multiple novel compounds with unique structures. As confirmed in vivo pharmacological experiments, these compounds have stronger anti-depression activity, can be used as an active ingredient in preparing medicine for preventing or treating depression-type mental illness, and have wide use and development prospect, |
| US09475830B2 |
Concentrated therapeutic phospholipid compositions
The invention relates to concentrated therapeutic phospholipid compositions; methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammation and diseases associated therewith, neurodevelopmental diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, comprising administering an effective amount of a concentrated therapeutic phospholipid composition. |
| US09475829B2 |
Method for the hydrosilylation of a siloxane photocatalysed by a polyoxometalate compound
The invention concerns a method of hydrosilylation between a siloxane compound (A) comprising at least one hydrogen atom bonded to a silicon atom and an unsaturated compound (B) comprising at least one alkene function and/or at least one alkyne function, the method being characterized in that it is catalyzed by a photocatalyst selected from among the polyoxometalates. |
| US09475825B2 |
3-(3H-imidazo[4,5-C]pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-C]pyridine and therapeutic uses thereof
Azaindazole compounds for treating various diseases and pathologies are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention concerns the use of an azaindazole compound or analogs thereof, in the treatment of disorders characterized by the activation of Wnt pathway signaling (e.g., cancer, abnormal cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrotic disorders, bone or cartilage diseases, and osteoarthritis), the modulation of cellular events mediated by Wnt pathway signaling, as well as genetic diseases and neurological conditions/disorders/diseases due to mutations or dysregulation of the Wnt pathway and/or of one or more of Wnt signaling components. Also provided are methods for treating Wnt-related disease states. |
| US09475821B2 |
Process for preparation of Darunavir
Provided are a process for preparation of darunavir or solvates or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof substantially free of bisfuranyl impurities and a process for preparation of amorphous darunavir using the darunavir propionate solvate. |
| US09475817B2 |
Pyrazole substituted imidazopyrazines as casein kinase 1 d/e inhibitors
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of Formula (I) inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents. |
| US09475816B2 |
Substituted-1,4-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-b]indoles
Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein L, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are defined in the specification. This disclosure also relates to materials and methods for preparing compounds of Formula 1, to pharmaceutical compositions which contain them, and to their use for treating obesity and related diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with MetAP2. |
| US09475812B2 |
Pyridonaphthyridine type dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor and its preparation and use
The present invention relates to a pyridonaphthyridine compound as represented by general formula (I), which has a dual PI3K and mTOR inhibition effect, and its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer and deuteride thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and X are as defined in the specification; the present invention also relates to a method for preparing said compound, a pharmaceutical composition and a pharmaceutical formulation containing said compound, and uses of said compound in treating and/or preventing a proliferative disease and in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing a proliferative disease. |
| US09475807B2 |
2-(1H-indazol-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-C]pyridine and therapeutic uses thereof
Indazole compounds for treating various diseases and pathologies are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention concerns the use of an indazole compound or analogs thereof, in the treatment of disorders characterized by the activation of Wnt pathway signaling (e.g., cancer, abnormal cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrotic disorders, bone or cartilage diseases, and osteoarthritis), the modulation of cellular events mediated by Wnt pathway signaling, as well as genetic diseases and neurological conditions/disorders/diseases due to mutations or dysregulation of the Wnt pathway and/or of one or more of Wnt signaling components. Also provided are methods for treating Wnt-related disease states. |
| US09475805B2 |
Tricyclic compound
The invention provides a method of activating PPAR γ and a method of treating or preventing a disease associated with PPAR γ by administering a tricyclic compound having a PPAR γ agonist activity, which is represented by the formula (I) wherein Z represents a single bond or the like, Y represents a hydrogen atom, lower alkyl optionally having substituent(s) or the like, X represents a hydrogen atom or the like, A represents aryl or the like, B and C are the same or different and each represents an aromatic carbocycle or the like, R4-R9 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or the like, V represents a single bond or the like, R10 and R11 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or the like, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or the like: |
| US09475804B2 |
Heterobifunctional linkers with polyethylene glycol segments and immune response modifier conjugates made therefrom
Conjugates of an immune response modifier, a linker, and an antigen are disclosed. The linker is represented by formula (I): wherein A is CH or N, p is in a range from 1 to 50, R″ is a bond or -alkylene-O—, R′ is alkylene that is optionally interrupted or terminated with one or more amide or ether groups, and E is an amine- or thiol-reactive group. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound or the conjugate, methods of making a conjugate, and methods of use of the compounds or conjugates as immunomodulators for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animal and for vaccinating an animal are also disclosed. An antigen modified by the linker is also disclosed. |
| US09475801B2 |
Compounds as tyrosine kinase modulators
The present invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula I. The compounds of the present invention are potent tyrosine kinase modulators, and are suitable for the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions related to abnormal activities of tyrosine kinase receptors. |
| US09475797B2 |
Phenyl triazole derivative and its use for modulating the GABAA receptor complex
This invention relates to a novel phenyl triazole derivative, pharmaceutical compositions containing this compound, and methods of treatment therewith. The compound of the invention is in particular considered useful for the treatment of central nervous system diseases and disorders which are responsive to modulation of GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit. |
| US09475796B2 |
1-pyrazolyl-3-((4-((2-anilinopyrimidin-4-yl) oxy) napththalen-1-yl) ureas as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors
There are provided compounds of formula (I) which are inhibitors of the family of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase enzymes, and to their use in therapy, including in pharmaceutical combinations, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory diseases of the lung, such as asthma and COPD. |
| US09475794B2 |
Process for the preparation of polymorphs of imidacloprid
A process for the preparation of a Form I crystalline polymorph of imidacloprid, including: (i) dissolving imidacloprid in an appropriate amount of aqueous solvent or mixture of solvents to obtain an aqueous solution; (ii) cooling the aqueous solution slowly, thereby forming crystals of polymorph Form I of imidacloprid; (iii) isolating the crystals. A process for the preparation of a Form II crystalline polymorph of imidacloprid, comprising: dissolving imidacloprid in an appropriate amount of non-aqueous solvent or mixture of non-aqueous solvents to obtain a non-aqueous solution; (ii) cooling the solution rapidly, thereby forming crystals of polymorph Form II of imidacloprid; (iii) isolating the crystals. |
| US09475787B2 |
Process for the production of furan derivatives
A process for the production of furan derivatives from carbohydrates in the presence of an acidic catalyst, characterized in that N-methylpyrrolidone is used as a solvent and that the acidic catalyst is homogeneous. |
| US09475784B2 |
4,6-diarylaminothiazines as BACE1 inhibitors and their use for the reduction of beta-amyloid production
Compounds of formula (I), including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are set forth herein: wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, or —CH3; or R1 and R2 can join together in a ring by adding —(CH2)4—; R3 is hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl; Y and Z are independently a C6-C10-aryl group or a 5-10 membered heterocyclic group which can be further substituted with from 0-3 substituents selected from the group of halogen, hydroxy, amino, C1-4alkylamino, C1-4dialkylamino, haloC1-4 alkyl, CN, C1-C6 alkyl or cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, —C═OC1-4alkyl, —SO2C1-4alkyl, and C2-C4 alkynyl; A is selected from the group of phenyl, benzyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, and pyrazinyl groups which can be further substituted with from 0-3 substituents selected from the group of halogen, hydroxy, amino, C1-4alkylamino, C1-4dialkylamino, haloC1-4 alkyl, hydroxyC1-6 alkyl, CN, C1-C6 alkyl or cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, and C2-C4 alkynyl; L is —NHCO— or is a single bond; and L and Z together can be absent. |
| US09475783B2 |
Antimicrobial agents
The invention provides compounds of formula (I): wherein R1-R7 and W have any of the values defined in the specification, and salts thereof. The compounds have good solubility and are useful for treating bacterial infections. |
| US09475781B2 |
Fumarate analogs and uses thereof
Aspects of the present disclosure include compounds that find use for the treatment of a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and disorders. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to pharmaceutical compositions that include these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes. |
| US09475772B2 |
Methods for the preparation of indacaterol and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof
The invention relates to new and improved processes for the preparation of Indacaterol and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as well as intermediates for the preparation of Indacaterol. The new process avoids the use of the epoxide compound known in the art and the impurities associated therewith and results in a higher yield. |
| US09475765B2 |
Polymorphs of N- (2 -methoxybenzoyl) -4- [ (methylaminocarbonyl) amino] benzenesulfonamide
The present invention relates to solid forms of herbicide safeners, to processes for their preparation, compositions comprising the solid forms and methods of their use as safeners. |
| US09475761B2 |
Method for producing cyanogen-halide, cyanate ester compound and method for producing the same, and resin composition
A method for efficiently producing a cyanogen halide with suppressed side effects, and a method for producing a high-purity cyanate ester compound at a high yield includes contacting a halogen molecule with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen cyanide and/or a metal cyanide, so that the hydrogen cyanide and/or the metal cyanide is allowed to react with the halogen molecule in the reaction solution to obtain the cyanogen halide, wherein more than 1 mole of the hydrogen cyanide or the metal cyanide is used based on 1 mole of the halogen molecule, and when an amount of substance of an unreacted hydrogen cyanide or an unreacted metal cyanide is defined as mole (A) and an amount of substance of the generated cyanogen halide is defined as mole (B), the reaction is terminated in a state in which (A):(A)+(B) is between 0.00009:1 and 0.2:1. |
| US09475758B2 |
Compounds, method for preparation thereof and use thereof for preparing polymers useful for increasing heat resistance of polymeric compositions
The invention relates to a compound of the following formula (I): to its method for making it and to its uses for preparing a polymer useful for increasing the heat resistance of polymeric compositions. |
| US09475755B2 |
Prophylactic agent for chronic kidney disease
A method for ameliorating and/or preventing chronic kidney disease includes administering to a subject in need thereof an agent containing 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof as an active ingredient. Preferably, these ALAs contain a metal-containing compound, such as sodium ferrous citrate. The above-mentioned ALAs, ALA; various esters, such as ALA methylester, ALA ethylester, ALA propylester, ALA butylester, and ALA pentylester; and hydrochlorides, phosphates, and sulfates, and the like of these ALA esters are preferred examples. |
| US09475754B2 |
Biological buffers with wide buffering ranges
Amines and amine derivatives that improve the buffering range, and/or reduce the chelation and other negative interactions of the buffer and the system to be buffered. The reaction of amines or polyamines with various molecules to form polyamines with differing pKa's will extend the buffering range, derivatives that result in polyamines that have the same pKa yields a greater buffering capacity. Derivatives that result in zwitterionic buffers improve yield by allowing a greater range of stability. |
| US09475753B2 |
Process for preparing a diamine/dicarboxylic acid salt
The present invention also relates to a process for preparing a diamine/dicarboxylic acid salt wherein the dicarboxylic acid comprises an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and is provided in a powder form; the diamine is provided in a liquid form gradually dosed to the dicarboxylic acid powder, while keeping the dicarboxylic acid powder in constant movement; the processing temperature is above 0° C. and below the boiling temperature of the diamine and the melting temperature of the acid and the salt, and the reaction mixture comprises at most 5 wt. % of water. The present invention also relates to an anhydrous diamine/dicarboxylic acid salt obtainable by the process according to invention, or any embodiment thereof as described above. |
| US09475747B1 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of urea cycle disorders and gout
The disclosures herein provide compounds of Formula I, Formula II, Formula III, Formula IV, Formula V, Formula VI and Formula VII or its pharmaceutical acceptable compositions and salts, as well as polymorphs, enantiomers, stereoisomers, solvates, and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated for oral administration, delayed release or sustained release, transmucosal, syrup, topical, parenteral administration, injection, subdermal, oral solution, rectal administration, nanoparticle, buccal administration or transdermal administration. Such compositions may be used to treatment of urea cycle disorders and gout or its associated complications. |
| US09475741B2 |
Method for obtaining higher alcohols
The invention relates to a method for obtaining higher alcohols from lower alcohols with a catalyst that is a metal oxide comprising gallium and a noble metal selected from the list containing Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh and Re. |
| US09475740B2 |
Process for the production of chlorinated propenes
Processes for the production of chlorinated propenes are provided. The present processes make use of 1,2-dichloropropane, a by-product in the production of chlorohydrin, as a low cost starting material. 1,1,1,2,2-pentachloropropane produced by the process is subjected to catalytic dehydrochlorination and build-up of the same within the process is avoided. |
| US09475737B2 |
Catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons, process of making and process of using thereof—bimetallic deposition
This invention is for a catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons. The catalyst is a non-acidic germanium zeolite, such as Ge-ZSM-5, on which at least two metals, platinum and at least one other metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10 and tin, are deposited on the germanium zeolite. Examples of the other metal are iridium, rhenium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iron, cobalt and tin. The catalyst is prepared by synthesizing a germanium zeolite; depositing platinum and at least one other metal on the germanium zeolite; and calcining after preparation of the zeolite, before depositing the metals or after depositing the metals. The catalyst may be used in a process for the conversion of hydrocarbons, such as propane to aromatics, by contacting the catalyst with a hydrocarbon stream containing alkanes, olefins and mixtures thereof having 2 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule and recovering the product. |
| US09475732B2 |
Expanded lightweight aggregate made from glass or pumice
An expanded lightweight aggregate has compositional ranges (Wt. % Range) of about: (a) 40 to 60% ground glass or pumice, 40 to 60% water, 3 to 15% sodium silicate, and 0.1 to 5% NaNO3 for the slurry; and (b) 50 to 85% ground glass or pumice, and 15 to 50% slurry for the granulator. |
| US09475729B2 |
Method for the unidirectional and or bidirectional removal of a cladding layer of an optical preform
The invention describes a method for the removal of glass where the parameters of the removal process are set over the length of the substrate (preform) so that a uniform removal can be achieved over the complete substrate length. |
| US09475727B2 |
Coated article with low-E coating including zinc oxide inclusive layer(s) with additional metal(s)
A coated article includes a coating, such as a low emissivity (low-E) coating, supported by a substrate (e.g., glass substrate). The coating includes at least one dielectric layer including zinc oxide that is doped with another metal(s). The coating may also include one or more infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of or including material such as silver or the like, for reflecting at least some IR radiation. In certain example embodiments, the coated article may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered, heat bent and/or heat strengthened). Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of windows, including monolithic windows for buildings, IG windows for buildings, etc. |
| US09475723B2 |
Molds for shaping glass and methods for making the same
A mold for shaping glass can be made by a method that includes providing a mold body having a shaping surface comprising at least about 90% nickel and modifying the composition of the shaping surface of the mold body by exposing the shaping surface to an oxidizing heat treatment. The oxidizing heat treatment may include a ramping heat treatment, a fixed heat treatment, or both the ramping heat treatment and the fixed heat treatment. The ramping heat treatment may include increasing a heating temperature at a rate from about 20° C./hour to about 500° C./hour to a temperature from about 700° C. to about 1000° C. The fixed heat treatment may include holding the heating temperature from about 700° C. to about 1000° C. for a holding time of at least about 5 minutes. |
| US09475722B2 |
Optical fiber producing method and apparatus and optical fiber
An apparatus includes a susceptor and a protective pipe. A gas containing 50% or more of argon or nitrogen is used as a gas to be supplied into the susceptor. The protective pipe has a heat insulating region (17a) enclosed with a heat insulator (18) with a length of Db (mm) at the upper section thereof and a non-heat insulating region (17b) not enclosed with any heat insulators at the lower section thereof. The temperature of the glass fiber at the outlet of the protective pipe becomes 1700° C. or less. The outer diameter of the glass fiber at the outlet of the protective pipe is within a range of the target outer diameter of the glass fiber+6 μm or less. |
| US09475716B2 |
Methods for improving liquid quality in a reservoir
Liquid treatment systems, components of liquid treatment systems, and methods of treating liquids are disclosed. |
| US09475714B2 |
Method and system for treating waste material
A method of treating wastewater in a wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The wastewater treatment system receives an influent of the wastewater and having at least a first bioreactor and a second bioreactor each having therein bacteria for treating the waste material. The method comprises: monitoring a load parameter being indicative of a load on the second bioreactor; responsively to a monitored value of the load parameter, controlling at least one flow rate selected from the group consisting of (i) a flow rate from the influent to the second bioreactor through the first bioreactor, and (ii) a flow rate from the influent directly to the second bioreactor, so as to maintain a generally constant and predetermined load on the second bioreactor. |
| US09475710B2 |
Very high frequency (VHF) driven atmospheric plasma sources and point of use fertigation of irrigation water utilizing plasma production of nitrogen bearing species
A point of use irrigation water fertigation system utilizes plasma production of nitrogen-bearing species. Soluble nitrogen-bearing species are generated using an atmospheric air plasma treatment of an irrigation water supply. A plasma is generated by a tube having an air intake. A high frequency generator generates atmospheric plasma. The end of the tube is placed above the surface of the irrigation water supply and the plasma emanating from the tube generates nitrogen species in the water. The non-thermal plasma discharge efficiently produces highly reactive radicals and NOx species that have impact on water chemistry including inactivation of microorganisms with high efficacy and accelerated removal of persistent organic pollutants such as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) from water samples. Plasma ignition can be initiated with a low flow of helium gas injection. Upon ignition, the gas is transitioned to a helium/room air mix, immediately followed by a transition to ambient room air only. |
| US09475704B2 |
Method for manufacturing fatty acid metal salt particle, and fatty acid metal salt particle
A method for manufacturing a fatty acid metal salt particle includes forming a coating layer including a fatty acid metal salt on a surface of a core material particle in supercritical carbon dioxide. |
| US09475701B2 |
Quinone radicals for enriching specific species of carbon nanotubes
The present invention is directed to a method for enriching specific species of carbon nanotubes, comprising contacting a composition of carbon nanotubes with one or more quinone compounds, reacting the carbon nanotubes with the quinone compounds, and separating the carbon nanotubes reacted with the quinone compounds from the unreacted carbon nanotubes. The present invention is also directed to a field-effect transistor comprising a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube enriched using a method described herein. |
| US09475693B2 |
ASIC element, in particular as a component of a vertically integrated hybrid component
Measures are provided which are used for stabilizing the substructure of the connecting areas of ASIC elements. These measures relate to ASIC elements including an ASIC substrate, into which electrical circuit functions are integrated, and including an ASIC layer structure on the ASIC substrate, which includes multiple wiring levels for the circuit functions, which are separated from one another by insulation layers and are interconnected via metallic plugs. At least one connecting area for placing wire bonds or for wafer bonding is implemented in at least one of the uppermost wiring levels. At least one chain of metallic plugs arranged vertically in a direct line is implemented in the ASIC layer structure below the connecting area, which extends from the uppermost wiring level up to the ASIC substrate or oxide trenches introduced therein. |
| US09475688B2 |
Filler device having an enclosure sub-assembly
Filler devices having an enclosure sub-assembly are provided herein. Filler devices may include at least one of a reservoir and at least one working valve for dispensing the product into a container. Enclosure sub-assemblies may include an enclosure frame, an enclosure member, at least one hinge, and at least one magnetic latch assembly, wherein the at least one magnetic latch assembly comprises a body having a magnet associated therewith, and wherein the at least one magnetic latch assembly is fixedly secured to one of the enclosure frame or the enclosure member upon displacement of the enclosure member from a closed position to an open position, and releasably, magnetically secured to the other of the enclosure frame or the enclosure member upon displacement of the enclosure member from a closed position to an open position. |
| US09475687B2 |
Dispensing equipment utilizing coriolis flow meters
An apparatus for dispensing liquid fuel comprises a plurality of inlet valves, each connected in-line with a respective inlet pipe in fluid communication with a respective source of a specific liquid fuel. A plurality of outlet valves are also provided, each connected in-line with a respective outlet pipe. A respective fuel hose is in fluid communication with each of the outlet pipes. The apparatus further comprises a Coriolis mass flow meter located between the inlet valves and outlet valves, the Coriolis mass flow meter providing a flow signal indicative of flow therethrough. A controller is operative to receive the flow signal and control the valves such that selected inputs of specific liquid fuels are dispensed to at least one of the fuel hoses. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the selected inputs of specific liquid fuels may include individual liquid fuels and blended combinations thereof. For example, the specific liquid fuels may include at least two of the following: a first octane gasoline, a second octane gasoline, diesel fuel, biodiesel and ethanol. |
| US09475686B2 |
Disposable valve and flexible containers for pressurized bioreactors
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a valve assembly for preventing dead leg spaces in a container or tubing, the embodiments including a three-way valve system for controlling back-pressure in a fluid generating device, such as a single-use high pressure bioreactor. Also disclosed is a pressurized reactor system for bioprocessing, comprising a single-use container including a flexible wall or a semi-rigid wall. |
| US09475685B2 |
Dynamic graphical display for a beverage dispensing system
Systems and methods are provided for generating a dynamic graphical display for use in a product dispensing system, wherein the content of the display is dynamically generated based, at least in part, by the dispensing of a product. The product dispensing system can be a beverage dispensing system. When an operator activates a product dispenser to dispense a product, product imagery and/or related information may be dynamically generated and presented on a graphical display. A product dispensing and display system can include multiple product dispensers (for example, beverage taps) and an associated display for displaying dynamic digital content (such as visual and/or audible content) based on information received from the product dispensers and/or other input sources. |
| US09475672B2 |
Tubular cylinder
A tubular cylinder (2) is disclosed for handling plastic film webs in connection with production of thin plastic film, e.g. thin packing film. The cylinder (2) includes an outer tube (4) having radial apertures (6) that communicate with an inner tube (8) which is coaxial relative to the outer tube (4). Radial longitudinal partitionings (10) divide the space between the inner and outer tube into longitudinal curving ducts (12). The inner tube (8) is connected with a tubular duct (14) for the supply of air. The cylinder (2) includes bearings at opposite ends which rotatably support the cylinder (2) to rotate. The radial nozzle apertures (6) are disposed along two helical lines so that a helix at the first side of the center plane (20) is wound in a direction opposite a helix at the second side of the center plane (20). The radial nozzle apertures (6) are disposed at an outward angle outward relative to the radial center plane. |