Document Document Title
US09494729B2 Backlight source and display device
The present disclosure provides a backlight source and a display device. The backlight source is adapted to provide backlight to a display panel. The display panel includes a plurality of pixel units each of which includes a plurality of sub-psub-pixels. The backlight may provide different colors of backlight respectively to different sub-psub-pixels of the pixel unit. Since the backlight source may provide different colors of backlight respectively to the different sub-psub-pixels of the pixel unit, a colorful displaying may be achieved through the backlight provided by the backlight source. Therefore, there is no needs to provide color resists in opening areas between black matrixes of an upper substrate of the display panel, and thus the usage of the backlight source may improved. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the display panel may reduced due to the color resist needs not to be manufactured.
US09494723B2 Display device
Disclosed is a display device. The display device includes: a light source; a light guide plate into which light is incident from the light source; a light conversion member on the light guide plate; and a display panel on the light conversion member, wherein a plurality of scattering parts having a diameter in a range of 90 μm to 300 μm are provided in the light guide plate.
US09494721B2 Polarizer, a display panel having the same and a method of manufacturing the same
A polarizer includes a base substrate and a dielectric stacked layer. The dielectric stacked layer in includes a first dielectric layer and second dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer has a high refractive index and a second dielectric layer has a low refractive index. A wire grid pattern is disposed on the dielectric stacked layer. The wire grid pattern has a line width, a separation distance and a pitch. The pitch is a sum of the line width and the separation distance. Adjacent grids of the wire grid pattern are spaced apart by the separation distance.
US09494718B2 Mirror for the EUV wavelength range, substrate for such a mirror, projection objective for microlithography comprising such a mirror or such a substrate, and projection exposure apparatus for microlithography comprising such a projection objective
A mirror (1a; 1a′; 1b; 1b′; 1c; 1c′) for the EUV wavelength range and having a substrate (S) and a layer arrangement, wherein the layer arrangement includes at least one surface layer system (P′″) consisting of a periodic sequence of at least two periods (P3) of individual layers, wherein the periods (P3) include two individual layers composed of different materials for a high refractive index layer (H′″) and a low refractive index layer (L′″), wherein the layer arrangement includes at least one surface protecting layer (SPL, Lp) or at least one surface protecting layer system (SPLS) having a thickness of greater than 20 nm, and preferably greater than 50 nm.
US09494709B2 Sequential fully implicit well model for reservoir simulation
A subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir with wells is simulated by sequential solution of reservoir and well equations to simulate fluid flow inside the reservoir and well production rates. Sequential solution of reservoir and well equations treats wells as specified bottom hole pressure wells. This avoids solving large matrices resulting from the simultaneous solution of the reservoir and well equations which can be computationally very expensive for large number of unknowns and require special sparse matrix solvers. Such sequential solution involves regular reservoir system solvers complemented by a small matrix for the numerical solution of the well bottom hole pressures.
US09494704B2 Estimating formation stresses using sonic data
Maximum and minimum horizontal stresses are estimated using radial profiles of shear moduli for a deviated borehole. Inversion enables estimation of maximum and minimum horizontal stresses using radial profiles of three shear moduli associated with an orthogonal set of axis defined by the deviated borehole azimuth from the North and the deviation of the longitudinal axis of the borehole from the vertical.
US09494702B2 Device and method for de-blending simultaneous shooting data
A device, medium and method for de-blending seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes a step of receiving seismic data “d” recorded with one or more land receivers, wherein the seismic data includes shot recordings generated by plural sources that are simultaneously actuated; a step of forming either a continuous receiver trace or trace segments from the received seismic data; a step of selecting plural overlapping spatial blocks that cover the surface shot locations; a step of assigning the shot recordings to the plural overlapping spatial blocks; a step of applying a mathematical technique to the recordings to determine de-blended data; and a step of generating an image of the subsurface based on the de-blended data.
US09494701B2 Method to improve spatial sampling of vertical motion of seismic wavefields on the free surface of the earth by utilizing horizontal rotational motion and vertical motion sensors
The present method provides spatial sampling of a seismic wavefield on the free surface of the earth at an effective spatial sampling denser than the physical layout of the sensors. The sensors are comprised of a sensing element for vertical particle motion at the earth's surface, and a sensing element for rotational motion around a horizontal axis at the surface of the earth. Stress and wavefield conditions known at the free surface of the earth allow the rotational sensing element to yield the transverse horizontal gradient of the vertical particle motion wavefield. This horizontal gradient and the vertical particle motion data are utilized in the technique of ordinate and slope sampling to yield an improved transverse spatial sampling of the vertical particle motion wavefield. The method has a wide range of application in seismic surveys in oil and gas exploration and production.
US09494697B2 Digital radiographic imaging arrays including patterned anti-static protective coating with systems and methods for using the same
Embodiments relate to detector imaging arrays with scintillators (e.g., scintillating phosphor screens) mounted to imaging arrays or radiographic detectors using the same. For example, the detector imaging arrays can include a scintillator, an imaging array comprising imaging pixels, where each imaging pixel comprises at least one readout element and one photosensor; and a first dielectric layer formed between the scintillator and the imaging layer, wherein the dielectric constant of the insulating layer is very low. Embodiments according to the application can include a second dielectric layer formed over at least a portion of the non-photosensitive regions of the array and/or a first dielectric layer, each with a dielectric constant.
US09494695B2 Radiation monitor
A radiation monitor includes a high-energy count-rate-measurement functional unit, a low-energy count-rate-measurement functional unit, and an alert-diagnosis functional unit. The alert-diagnosis functional unit receives an alert from the high-energy count-rate-measurement functional unit, receives a low-energy count rate from the low-energy count-rate-measurement functional unit, determines whether or not the low-energy count rate is in a set acceptable range by performing synchronizing with alert transmission, determines that the alert is caused by fluctuation, when the low-energy count rate is in the acceptable range, determines that the alert is caused by any of an increase in the γ ray which is a measurement target or enter of noise, when the low-energy count rate is increased beyond the acceptable range, and outputs results of determination.
US09494690B2 Systems and methods for identifying attributes located along segments of a driving route
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for identify the probability of a particular attribute being located along a segment of interest for a driving route. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve representing the segment of the driving route by patterns of speed variations obtained from GPS elements along the segment of the driving route and using the representation as input for functions representing various types of attributes to determine the probability of a particular type of attribute existing along the segment of the driving route.
US09494688B2 Range sensor and range image sensor
A light receiving region has a planar shape of a rectangular shape having a pair of long sides opposed to each other in a first direction and a pair of short sides opposed to each other in a second direction. First and second semiconductor regions are arranged as spatially separated from each other along the respective long sides. First and second gate electrodes are arranged each between the corresponding semiconductor region and the light receiving region. Third gate electrodes are arranged as spatially separated from each other between the first and second gate electrodes arranged along the long sides. Each of the third gate electrodes has a first electrode portion located between a third semiconductor region and the light receiving region, and a second electrode portion overlapping with the light receiving region and having a width in the second direction smaller than that of the first electrode portion.
US09494687B2 Seeker having scanning-snapshot FPA
A dual-mode laser-based and image-based seeker for projectiles, missiles, and other ordnance that persecute targets by detecting and tracking energy scattered from targets. The disclosed embodiments use a single digital imager having a single focal plane array (FPA) sensor to sense data in both the image-based and laser-based modes of operation. A control mechanism controls pixel scanning at a sub-window of the FPA to tightly control the imager's shuttering to detect, decode and localize in the imager's field-of-view a known pulse repetition frequency (PRF) from a known designator in the presence of ambient light and other confusing target designators, each having a different PRF.
US09494685B2 Light guide member, object detection apparatus, and vehicle
A light guide member for an object detection apparatus for detecting an object adhered on a light translucent member based on change of quantity of reflection light received from the light translucent member includes a detection face where light exits to the light translucent member and reflection light reflected from the light translucent member enters, the detection face including a detection area where a part of the reflection light to enter the detection unit passes through, and a non-detection area where remaining part of the reflection light not to enter the detection unit passes through; a first intervening member disposed on the detection face attachable to the light translucent member via the first intervening member; and a second intervening member disposed on the detection face attachable to the light translucent member via the second intervening member. The first intervening member has flexibility greater than flexibility of the second intervening member.
US09494684B2 Position measurement device
A position measurement device that measures three-dimensional coordinates of an object using ultrasound. The position measurement device includes a transmitter that emits an ultrasonic wave; three receivers that receive an ultrasonic wave; a time determination unit that determines an arrival time candidate for each of the receivers wherein the arrival time candidate is a time period from emission to arrival of the ultrasonic wave after being reflected from an object, and determines a plurality of the arrival time candidates for at least one of the receivers; a coordinate calculation unit that calculates a plurality of candidates of three-dimensional coordinates indicative of positions of the object based on the arrival time candidates determined by the time determination unit and relative positions of the transmitter and the receivers; and a coordinate determination unit that determines the three-dimensional coordinates of the object based on the plurality of candidates of three-dimensional coordinates.
US09494681B1 Apparatus for measuring circular depolarization ratios in a weather radar
An apparatus and method for the pre and post processing of radar signals to allow for improved measuring of circular depolarization ratio data in a weather radar. The system uses a phase shifter, which is periodically calibrated to ensure proper polarity, to alter the transmission phase of one channel of a radar transmission output. Reflectivity signals are then processed in accordance with rules dependent upon the transmission phase shift to reliably extract circular depolarization ratio (“CDR”) data from the reflectivity signals. CDR data is used to enhance hydrometer recognition in a weather radar system.
US09494679B2 Radar-transparent coating
The invention relates to a radar-transparent component comprising a plastic body. Said component is characterized in that at least parts of the surface have a coating with a thickness of between 10 nm and 100 nm that comprises a semiconductor. Said coating gives the plastic body the desired metallic appearance without the body losing the characteristic of a radar-transparent component.
US09494677B2 System and method for suppressing radio frequency transmissions
A system and method for suppressing radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions includes a transmitter for transmitting electronic signals that suppresses (e.g., prevents, disrupts, jams, interferes with or otherwise disables) RF transmissions. Some embodiments of the invention include a transmitter that suppresses one or more signals transmitted from a target transmitter in an RF transmission system to a target receiver in a wireless device operating in the RF transmission system to prevent, disrupt, jam, interfere with or otherwise disable an RF transmission between the target transmitter and the target receiver in the wireless device (i.e., target wireless device). These systems and methods may be used to interrupt communication, command and control of non-friendly combatant. These systems and methods may also be used to suppress RF transmissions to prevent the detonation of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
US09494674B2 Personal locator beacon system
A personal locator beacon system including at least one individual locator device and a plurality of battery powered wireless beacons installed at different locations within a facility. Each individual locator device is worn by a corresponding individual and has a local wireless transceiver and a GPS receiver. The plurality of beacons include at least a subset of reed switch beacons installed at different doorway locations within the facility. Each reed switch beacon is configured to transmit an identification signal with a predetermined signal strength for reception by the local wireless transceiver of the individual locator device within a designated area of the facility, as well as to selectively acquire a perimeter mode for detecting opening of a respective door of the facility.
US09494670B2 Method for improving robustness of 3D magnetic resonance imaging to involuntary motion
A method of MRI for reduction of motion artifacts in 3D MR data acquisition with multiple segments comprises: the complete acquisition being divided into two parts: basic acquisition and complementary acquisition. Basic acquisition is performed at the beginning. Complementary acquisition is performed after the basic acquisition is finished. View Reordering is prepared for basic acquisition and complementary acquisition separately. Motion monitoring is performed regularly during the data acquisition. Whenever motion is detected, data acquisition stops. Image reconstruction is performed when motion occurs in the phase of complementary acquisition. The final reconstructed image is free of motion artifacts.
US09494667B2 Hybrid MR/PET with correction for radiation absorption by MR coil
An imaging method comprises: acquiring magnetic resonance data of a subject using a magnetic resonance component (30, 30′) disposed with the subject; acquiring nuclear imaging data of the subject with the magnetic resonance component disposed with the subject; determining a position of the magnetic resonance component respective to a frame of reference of the nuclear imaging data; and reconstructing the nuclear imaging data (60) to generate a nuclear image (62) of at least a portion of the subject. The reconstructing includes adjusting at least one of the nuclear imaging data and the nuclear image based on a density map (46) of the magnetic resonance component and the determined position of the magnetic resonance component respective to the frame of reference of the nuclear imaging data to correct the nuclear image for radiation absorption by the magnetic resonance component.
US09494665B2 Magnetic resonance analysis using a plurality of pairs of bipolar gradient pulses
A magnetic resonance method is disclosed. The method comprises applying to the sample a plurality of pairs of bipolar gradient pulse subsequences, acquiring a magnetic resonance signal from the sample, analyzing the signal, and issuing a report regarding the analysis.
US09494664B2 Neck coil arrangements for magnetic resonance imaging
Systems and methods for coil arrangements in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are provided. One arrangement includes a magnet bore, a radio-frequency (RF) transmit coil coupled to the magnet bore and at least one RF neck coil coupled to the magnet bore. The RF neck coil is movable within the magnet bore under and separate from a table within the magnet bore.
US09494659B2 Method for checking a separation point of a photovoltaic inverter, and photovoltaic inverter
The invention relates to a method for checking a photovoltaic inverter separator (14) between the photovoltaic inverter (1) and a power supply network (7), comprising multiple phases (L1, L2, L3) and a neutral conductor (N), wherein multiple switching contacts of the separator (14) are controlled by the photovoltaic inverter (1), and the invention also relates to a photovoltaic inverter (1). The aim of the invention is to allow a simple and quick check of the functionality of the separator (14). This is achieved in that the switching contacts of the separator (14) are connected and checked in steps according to a switching pattern. In each step, each voltage (30, 31, 32 and 33, 34, 35) is measured at at least one phase (L1, L2, L3) upstream and downstream of the separator (14) in relation to the neutral conductor (N), and the voltages are compared to one another.
US09494657B2 State of health estimation of power converters
Systems, methods and devices which utilize Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR) techniques to measure degradation of electronic components are provided. Such measurements may be implemented while the components “live” or otherwise functioning within an overall system. In one embodiment, monitoring a power converter in a high power system is accomplished. In this embodiment, degradation of components within the power converter (e.g. metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), capacitors, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and the like) may be monitored by processing data from reflections of an SSTDR signal to determine changes in impedance, capacitance, or any other changes that may be characteristic of components degrading. For example, an aging MOSFET may experience an increase of drain to source resistance which adds additional resistance to a current path within a power converter. Such a change is able to be analyzed monitored upon processing the reflected test signals.
US09494653B2 Battery pack monitoring apparatus
A battery pack monitoring apparatus detects line breakage of detection lines on a highest potential side and a lowest potential side of a battery pack. In the apparatus, a battery cell voltage detection section detects a voltage of each of battery cells through detection lines connected to both electrodes of the battery cells. A battery pack voltage detection section detects a voltage of the battery pack through the highest potential side detection line and the lowest potential side detection line of the battery pack. Diodes are connected in parallel to respective battery cells on the highest and lowest potential sides in a forward direction from a negative electrode toward a positive electrode. A control section determines that one of the lines is broken when a sum of the voltage of each of the battery cells detected and the voltage of the battery pack detected are not equal to each other.
US09494645B2 Method for testing cryptographic circuits, secured cryptographic circuit capable of being tested, and method for wiring such circuit
The present invention relates to a method for testing cryptography circuits. It also relates to a secure cryptography circuit capable of being tested. The cryptography circuit includes registers and logic gates, and a test thereof performs a differential power analysis on the registers of the circuit. A cryptography circuit being secure and including a first half-circuit associated with a second half-circuit operating in complementary logic, the electric power supply of the first half-circuit is separated from the electric power supply of the second half-circuit, the differential power analysis being carried out in parallel on each half-circuit, the two power supplies being combined into one and the same electric power supply after the test.
US09494642B2 Systems and methods for conforming test tooling to integrated circuit device profiles with ejection mechanisms
A test pusher assembly, useful in association with a thermal control unit used to maintain a set point temperature on an integrated circuit device under test, is provided with ejection mechanisms configured to facilitate the disengagement of the DUT at the end of the test. One example of the ejection mechanisms is to provide the substrate pusher assembly with spring-loaded pins that can push the substrate of the DUT away from the pedestal at the end of the test. Another example of the ejection mechanisms is to use a pressurized fluid that can push the substrate of the DUT away from the pedestal at the end of the test.
US09494641B2 Degradation detector and method of detecting the aging of an integrated circuit
A degradation detector for an integrated circuit (IC), a method of detecting aging in an IC and an IC incorporating the degradation detector or the method. In one embodiment, the degradation detector includes: (1) an offline ring oscillator (RO) coupled to a power gate and a clock gate, (2) a frozen RO coupled to a clock gate, (3) an online RO and (4) an analyzer coupled to the offline RO, the frozen RO and the online RO and operable to place the degradation detector in a normal state in which the offline RO is disconnected from both the drive voltage source and the clock source, the frozen RO is connected to the drive voltage source but disconnected from the clock source and the online RO is connected to both the drive voltage source and the clock source.
US09494636B2 Floating connector safety protection
In one example, a method includes outputting, during a first phase, a first current level at a connector, and outputting, during a second phase, a second current level at the connector, wherein the second current level is complementary to the first current level. In this example, the method also includes determining whether or not a voltage level of the connector satisfies a threshold, and responsive to determining that the voltage level of the connector satisfies the threshold, determining that the connector is floating.
US09494635B2 Islanding detection in electricity distribution network
A device is disclosed for detecting an islanding condition in an electricity distribution network, by receiving a signal of the electricity distribution network, and determining an islanding condition based on the received signal. The device determines a voltage total harmonic distortion change parameter for each phase component in the received signal, determines a voltage unbalance change parameter in the received signal, compares each of the voltage total harmonic distortion change parameters and the voltage unbalance change parameter to respective triggering conditions, and concludes an islanding condition to have been detected when the voltage total harmonic distortion change parameter for each phase component of the signal and the voltage unbalance change parameter fulfill their respective triggering conditions.
US09494627B1 Touch detection techniques for capacitive touch sense systems
A technique for recognizing and rejecting false activation events related to a capacitance sense interface includes measuring a capacitance value of a capacitance sense element. The measured capacitance value is analyzed to determine a baseline capacitance value for the capacitance sensor. The capacitance sense interface monitors a rate of change of the measured capacitance values and rejects an activation of the capacitance sense element as a non-touch event when the rate of change of the measured capacitance values have a magnitude greater than a threshold level, indicative of a maximum rate of change of a touch event.
US09494626B2 Constant period signal monitoring circuit and load control backup signal generating circuit
A constant period signal monitoring circuit for monitoring a constant period signal that is output periodically when a control processor operating according to a program is normal, includes a signal input terminal that receives the constant period signal, an edge detection section that detects a change of the constant period signal appearing at the signal input terminal from a low level to a high level or from a high level to a low level as an edge of the constant period signal, and a time measuring section that measures a length of the time during which a state of not detecting the edge continues on the basis of an output of the edge detection section and outputs an abnormality detection signal in a case that the measured time exceeds a threshold value.
US09494611B2 Immunological analyzing apparatus
An automatic analyzer comprises selection means for selecting whether a preparatory operation, specified from a plurality of analysis preparation processes of the automatic analyzer, should be executed in an initial process at the powering on of the analyzer or after the start of the actual analysis (i.e., in parallel with the sample analysis operation). For example, the automatic analyzer is equipped with means which allows the analyzer to execute a “system liquid replacement operation”, a “sample nozzle pressure sensor checking operation”, a “reaction vessel discarding operation” and a “pre-cleaning liquid replacement operation” which among various operations that are executed in the preparation process in conventional immunological analyzing apparatus in processes other than the preparation process.
US09494610B2 Sample processing apparatus management system, sample processing apparatus and management apparatus, and management method
Provided is a sample processing apparatus management system, sample processing apparatuses and a management apparatus, and a management method that can accurately and easily adjust the respective sample processing apparatuses irrespective of their individual differences. When abnormality has occurred in a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer requests approval for self-adjustment from a management server. The management server determines whether to permit performance of the self-adjustment, and when having determined to permit the self-adjustment, notifies the sample analyzer of the approval for the self-adjustment. When the approval for the self-adjustment has been notified of, the sample analyzer performs the self-adjustment.
US09494608B2 Antibodies to olanzapine and use thereof
Disclosed is an antibody which binds to olanzapine, which can be used to detect olanzapine in a sample such as in a competitive immunoassay method. The antibody can be used in a lateral flow assay device for point-of-care detection of olanzapine, including multiplex detection of aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone in a single lateral flow assay device.
US09494605B2 Diagnostic tools for charcot-marie-tooth disease
The present invention relates in particular to methods of detecting predisposition to or diagnosis and/or prognosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and related disorders. More specifically, the invention relates to development, validation and application of new biomarkers, which can be used for detecting the presence or risk of CMT disease and related disorders. In particular, the present invention relates to metabolite, lipid, carbohydrate and proteinaceous biomarkers that can be measured in biological body fluids and easily available extracts of biopsies, which can be used to aid in the detection, prediction of drug treatment and follow up of this treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including CMT disease. The present invention also relates to methods for identification of CMT disease subtypes, assessing the responsiveness to the treatments and the efficacy of treatments in subjects having CMT or a related disorder.
US09494604B2 Device for characterizing the coagulation or sedimentation dynamics of a fluid such as blood or blood plasma
A method of characterizing the coagulation or sedimentation dynamics of a fluid such as whole blood, a blood fraction, or blood plasma is provided. The method includes illuminating a sample of the fluid with a beam of coherent light; acquiring a time series of images of a speckle pattern generated by interaction between the sample and the spatially coherent light beam; and processing the time series of images. The processing step includes calculating a function representative of the variation in the speckle pattern between two or more images of the series. The invention also provides a device for implementing such a method.
US09494603B2 Method for diagnosing a hemoglobin-related disorder
The invention relates to a method for diagnosing, staging and/or monitoring a hemoglobin-related disorder such as β-thalassemia or a treatment against said hemoglobin-related disorder in a subject in need thereof based on the detection and/or quantification the presence of free α-Hb pool in a biological sample obtained from said subject.
US09494597B2 Human control antibodies and uses therefor
The present invention provides novel, rationally designed human control antibodies for use in various in vivo and in vitro applications. The antibodies of the present invention have well characterized variable domains that have been designed to minimize or eliminate antigen binding without altering gross antibody structure. Using the antibodies of the present invention in various assays allows researchers to distinguish effects that result from specific antigen-antibody interactions from other, non-specific antibody effects.
US09494596B2 Devices and methods for detecting amniotic fluid in vaginal secretions
The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for the detection of small quantities of amniotic fluid in the vagina. More specifically, the invention relates to the detection of PAMG-1 in the vagina using anti-PAMG-1 antibodies.
US09494591B2 Mutations of histone proteins associated with proliferative disorders
The present application shows the relationship between variations in the amino acid sequence of histone proteins, more specifically the H3.3 protein, and proliferation-associated disorders. Herewith provided are predictive methods, commercial packages, therapeutic methods and screening methods based on this relationship.
US09494587B2 Microorganisms or fractions thereof capable of activating cellular immunity against carbohydrates
The present invention relates to the field of prevention and treatment of tumors and gastrointestinal disorders. The present invention relates to the prevention and treatment of Core-1-positive carcinomas. The invention relates to coreotics and a method of producing the same and to a method of prevention and treatment of core-1 positive disorders using the same. The invention relates to microorganisms or fractions thereof capable of activating cellular immunity against carbohydrates.
US09494586B2 Compositions and methods for immunodominant antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Contemplated compositions, devices, and methods are drawn to various antigens from the pathogen M. tuberculosis and their use in vaccines, therapeutic agents, and various diagnostic tests. In particularly preferred aspects, the antigens are immunodominant and have quantified and known relative reactivities with respect to sera of a population infected with the pathogen, and/or have a known association with a disease parameter.
US09494585B2 Tools for the identification of Lingo-1, Lingo-2, Lingo-3 and Lingo-4 ligands, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a system comprising coupling products formed by a monomer of a protein chosen from Lingo-1, Lingo-2, Lingo-3 and Lingo-4 and by a probe emitting a signal when said monomer undergoes conformational changes, and to a screening method using said system, enabling ligands of a protein chosen from Lingo-1, Lingo-2, Lingo-3 and Lingo-4 to be identified. The present invention is industrially applicable in the field of methods for detecting molecules, for detecting interaction between molecules and for molecular screening, and also in the medical field.
US09494577B2 Apparatus and methods for three-dimensional tissue measurements based on controlled media flow
An apparatus including a plurality of wells for conducting analysis of three-dimensional cell samples (e.g., tissue samples) and methods for experimenting with a three-dimensional sample. A removable insert for use with the apparatus enables plunger-driven perfusion of the three-dimensional sample.
US09494575B2 Cells screening method
Provided are a method and means permitting the simultaneous measurement of the reactive properties of more than 10,000 of antigen-stimulated lymphocytes being held on a chip. A microwell array comprises multiple wells capturing single cells and a coating layer on a principal surface around the wells containing a substance capable of binding to a substance produced by the cells in the wells. A method for screening a target cell comprises: causing specimen cells and a cell culture broth to be contained in the wells of the microwell array; culturing the cells in a state permitting the diffusion of substances from the wells into the coating layer; feeding a label substance binding specifically to a substance produced by a target cell onto the coating layer; and detecting the substance produced by the target cell by the label substance binding around the well to specify the target cell.
US09494574B2 T-cell death-inducing epitopes
Cell death-inducing epitopes and polypeptides containing same. Also disclosed are compounds for inducing death of activated T-cells, a method of producing antibodies to the epitopes, a method of identifying compounds that bind to the epitopes, a method of inducing death of activated T-cells, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
US09494571B2 Methods of testing for intracellular pathogens
A first intracellular pathogen in a biological sample that may contain more than one intracellular pathogen is studied by a method comprising the steps of (i) contacting the sample with a population of cells in the presence of an agent inhibiting the reproduction of a second intracellular pathogen; (ii) incubating the cells under conditions that permit the reproduction of the first intracellular pathogen; and (iii) testing material arising from step (ii) for the first intracellular pathogen.
US09494560B2 Control valve monitoring system
A control valve monitoring system is disclosed. The control valve monitoring system includes at least one sensor connected to one of a valve stem or valve shaft, and the at least one sensor detects a change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft. A device for providing data regarding the change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft is provided, allowing maintenance of the valve shaft or valve stem to be conducted in an efficient manner.
US09494552B2 Method and system for documenting an electrophoresis gel
Disclosed in this specification is a high capacity compact gel documentation system for documenting different types of electrophoresis gels or other translucent objects using ultraviolet light. The system includes a base with a scanning surface having a transparent bottom surface. A light source is connected to a conveying mechanism, disposed below the transparent bottom surface, to move the light source over the length of the transparent bottom surface. An image capture device receives a reflected image and provides it to a microprocessor. Moreover, separate interchangeable filters allow for documentation of UV and white light gel captures, alleviating the need for separate transilluminators and hoods with filters and cameras.
US09494549B2 Gas sensor control apparatus and gas sensor system
A gas sensor control apparatus for controlling a gas sensor element, the gas sensor element including first and second measuring chambers and the gas sensor control apparatus including first chamber control unit for controlling an oxygen concentration in the first chamber; second chamber control unit for applying a second chamber pump voltage to disassociate an oxygen-containing specific gas contained in the second chamber and thereby generate a concentration-dependent current; current detecting unit; voltage changing unit for changing the second chamber pump voltage; and deterioration determination unit for determining the deterioration state of the gas sensor element based on a transient response of the concentration-dependent current.
US09494546B2 Smart sensor ports and methods of using same
The present disclosure provides an orientation-nonspecific sensor port for use in analyte meters designed to detect and quantify analyte levels in a fluid sample along with methods of using the same. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for facilitating the correct insertion of a sensor into a corresponding analyte meter.
US09494544B2 Hybrid sensor
A hybrid sensor includes a proximity sensor section and a load sensor section. The proximity sensor section includes a first base material, a plurality of first front-side electrodes, a plurality of first back-side electrodes, and a protective layer. Each of these members is made of an elastomer. The proximity sensor section detects the approach and coordinates of an object to be detected, based on a change in capacitance between the first front-side electrode and the first back-side electrode which is caused by the approach of the object to be detected. The load sensor section detects pressing and coordinates of the object to be detected, based on a load that is applied from the object to be detected via the proximity sensor section.
US09494537B2 Method for determining the thermal conductivity of an impregnated porous medium
This invention relates to methods for determination of thermophysical properties of porous media filled with fluid, gas, or other mineral medium, and can be used, in particular, in the oil and gas industry. When implementing the method, it is necessary to initially determine a composition of a saturated porous medium and thermal conductivity coefficients of its components. A three-dimensional image of a sample of the porous medium is obtained by X-ray scanning. A thermal conductivity coefficient of the medium is determined by solving thermal conductivity problems, based on decomposition of a computational domain followed by composition.
US09494534B2 Material differentiation with phase contrast imaging
A method and system to determine material composition of an object comprises capturing a series of digital radiographic images of the object using a single exposure energy level. An intensity of the captured images is determined as well as phase shift differences. A difference in material composition of the object may be determined based on a combination of the determined intensity and the modulated phase shifts of the captured images.
US09494533B2 Optical quality control device
Optical quality control system for controlling the quality of a high refractive index solid (2), comprising a container (4) configured to receive the solid therein, a structured light source (30), an optical inspection zone configured for receiving an optical device (10) or an eye of a human observer, and a high refractive index liquid (12) for insertion in the container in a volume sufficient to fully immerse the translucent solid. The structured light source is configured to project a planar light fan (20) through the high refractive index solid immersed in the high refractive index liquid generating a illuminated cross-section (18) in the solid. The optical inspection zone is arranged at a top end of the container adapted for inspection of the illuminated cross-section in a direction transverse to a plane (P) defined by the planar illuminated cross-section.
US09494530B2 Optical sensor for detecting lubricant deterioration
A lubricant deterioration sensor mounted in a machine to detect deterioration of a lubricant of the machine, the sensor comprising a white LED for emanating white light, an RGB sensor that detects colors of received light, a clearance forming member in which an oil clearance for intrusion of the lubricant is formed, and a support member that supports the white LED, the RGB sensor, and the clearance forming member; and wherein the clearance forming member allows passage of the light emitted from the white LED, and the oil clearance is placed along an optical path from the white LED to the RGB sensor.
US09494528B2 Inspection apparatus, inspection method, and program
To facilitate adjusting of a distance from an inspection target to an illumination section by providing a movable illumination section that is movable independently of the imaging section. An illumination apparatus has a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially annular form, a light diffusion member for diffusing light emitted from the plurality of LEDs, and a lighting control part for lighting the plurality of light sources in accordance with a predetermined lighting pattern when designated to start lighting. In particular, the illumination apparatus moves independently of a camera to adjust a distance to a workpiece.
US09494526B2 Combined illuminator/light collectors for optical readers
Combined illuminator/light collectors (I/LCs) that provide measurement and/or reference light to a target and collect light from the target. One example of a use for a combined I/LC of the present disclosure is for an optic of an optical reader used to read one or more chemical indicators that undergo physical changes that can be optically detected. The combined I/LC includes a spot lensing designed and configured in conjunction with the target to provide spot illumination on the target from one or more light sources. A light collector collects light from the target resulting from the spot illumination. Some embodiments further include dispersive lensing to direct a portion of the light from each light source away from the spot illumination to keep that light from interfering with the spot illumination.
US09494523B2 Method for verifying representativeness of sample collected in contaminated soil
Disclosed is a method for verifying representativeness of samples collected in a contaminated soil. The method includes the steps of horizontally and vertically collecting the samples from the contaminated soil on a basis of a stratum of the contaminated soil at a predetermined sampling interval; measuring a total concentration of trace elements by analyzing the collected samples according to the sampling interval; and determining horizontal and vertical sampling intervals and a sample number based on a statistical analysis result for the total concentration of the trace elements.
US09494516B2 System and method for simultaneous detection of secondary electrons and light in a charged particle beam system
A method and system for the imaging and localization of fluorescent markers such as fluorescent proteins or quantum dots within biological samples is disclosed. The use of recombinant genetics technology to insert “reporter” genes into many species is well established. In particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and their genetically-modified variants ranging from blue to yellow, are easily spliced into many genomes at the sites of genes of interest (GoIs), where the GFPs are expressed with no apparent effect on the functioning of the proteins of interest (PoIs) coded for by the GoIs. One goal of biologists is more precise localization of PoIs within cells. The invention is a method and system for enabling more rapid and precise PoI localization using charged particle beam-induced damage to GFPs. Multiple embodiments of systems for implementing the method are presented, along with an image processing method relatively immune to high statistical noise levels.
US09494509B2 System and method for measuring particles in a sample stream of a flow cytometer using low-power laser source
A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.
US09494500B2 Collection and concentration system for biologic substance of interest and use thereof
A system and method thereof for collecting and concentrating a biologic substance of interest is provided. The biologic of interest obtained from a biologic sample present at an initial low concentration (or low number counts) can be captured and released through a collection device of the system to an intermediate second concentration, and further recovered through a concentration device of the system to a third concentration, thereby facilitating subsequent detection, characterization, enumeration, immunostaining, inspection, imaging, culturing, molecular analysis, and/or other assays.
US09494496B2 Solid-phase extraction apparatus and viscosity measurement apparatus
A solid-phase extraction apparatus capable of carrying out highly accurate solid-phase extraction by automatically controlling liquid-permeation speeds in an adsorbing step, a cleaning step, and an eluting step of the solid-phase extraction in order to improve the accuracy of the collection rate of a measurement component(s) also in measurement of each of sample solutions respectively having different viscosities and to ensure a certain processing ability. The solid-phase extraction apparatus includes a sample dispensing unit that dispenses a sample solution, a solid-phase extraction unit that carries out a solid-phase extraction process of applying a pressure to the sample solution dispensed by the sample dispensing unit and extracting the measurement component from the sample solution, and a converting unit that measures the viscosity of the sample solution and determines the pressure to be applied to a solid-phase extraction cartridge based on the information of the measured viscosity of the sample solution.
US09494493B2 Single dynamic pressure sensor based flame monitoring of a gas turbine combustor
The state of a flame in a gas turbine combustor is acoustically monitored using a single dynamic pressure sensor within the combustor. A dynamic pressure sensor output signal is received from the single sensor and is processed to determine a flame status. The signal is processed by performing an autocorrelation operation to identify time-separated portions of the signal and to determine that the time-separated portions of the signal include portions indicative of acoustic oscillations emitted by the flame in the gas turbine engine combustor and received directly by the single acoustic sensor, and portions indicative of reflections.
US09494492B2 Use of SS data trends in fault resolution process
An automated method for resolving fault in an engine is disclosed. The method may include providing a reasoner module for recommending a set of maintenance actions to resolve fault in the engine, inputting steady state performance data from the engine into the reasoner module, and using the reasoner module to recommend a set of maintenance actions based at least in part on the steady state performance data. A fault resolution system for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. The fault resolution system may include at least one computer processor operatively configured to receive steady state performance data from the gas turbine engine, and recommend a set of maintenance actions to resolve fault in the gas turbine engine based at least in part on the steady state performance data.
US09494486B2 Method of inspecting impacts observed in fan casings
A method for inspecting impacts present on an internal face of a fan casing, the method including: spotting a first impact present on the internal face of the fan casing; delimiting an inspection area containing the first impact; spotting the various impacts present in the delimited inspection area, the various spotted impacts forming a set of impacts to be considered; measuring, for each impact that is to be considered, the depth of length of the impact; for each impact to be considered, determining a harmfulness value, using at least one chart relating the depth and length of each impact to be considered to a level of harmfulness; determining, for the inspection area containing the first impact, a total harmfulness value by adding together the harmfulness level determined for each impact to be considered.
US09494485B2 Measuring parallelism in lightguide surfaces
A system for measuring transparent optical elements includes a beam generator, optomechanics, an imaging module, and a logic unit. The beam generator is driven to emit a beam directed at a transparent optical element that is aligned by optomechanics. An image is captured of the beam after the beam reflects off of surfaces of the transparent optical element. The image is analyzed to measure tolerances of the transparent optical element.
US09494476B2 Indicator device for an enclosure with sealing compound
Indicator devices, systems, and methods are provided. Indicator devices include a housing having a bore and an indicating component placed therein. The indicator devices are activated in response to an increase in temperature or pressure. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to a housing, such as a conduit or enclosure. Methods include utilizing an indicator device to determine if an area within a conduit or enclosure has been sealed.
US09494475B2 Apparatus, system and method for dynamically measuring material viscoelasticity using shear wave induced resonance
A system for dynamically measuring viscoelasticity of material samples using shear wave induced resonance, the system comprising: i) an apparatus comprising a vibration source; a vibration detector; a processor, and a user interface, for example to select a sample holder configuration, and ii) a rigid sample holder connectable to the vibration source, wherein the vibration source generates shear waves that induce vibrations and the resonance of a sample through the holder, the vibration sensor measuring the sample vibrations and resonance, and the processor determining the viscoelasticity of the sample from the vibrations or resonances and from the selected sample holder configuration. Multiple measurement modalities using the system to study materials viscoelasticity as function of time parameters; temperature parameters; strain parameters; repetition parameters and mapping parameters.
US09494473B2 Force-sensitive occupancy sensing technology
A force-sensitive capacitive sensor that includes a first conductive plate, a second conductive plate that is spaced apart from the first conductive plate, and a compressible dielectric insulator positioned between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor also includes a first protective insulator, a second protective insulator sealed to the first protective insulator to encase the first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, and the compressible dielectric insulator, and a circuit attached via wires to the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor may also include electromagnetic shielding. The circuit is configured to sense a change in capacitance between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate caused by compression of the compressible dielectric insulator resulting from a person occupying the sensor or a support surface positioned above the sensor, and transmit output based on the sensed change in capacitance.
US09494467B2 Infrared detection element, infrared detector, and infrared type gas sensor
An infrared detection element includes first and second pyroelectric elements which are arranged in a single pyroelectric substrate. First pyroelectric element includes a first surface electrode, a first back face electrode, and a first portion interposed between first surface and back face electrodes. First portion is provided as part of pyroelectric substrate. Second pyroelectric element includes a second surface electrode, a second back face electrode, and a second portion interposed between second surface and back face electrodes. Second portion is provided as part of pyroelectric substrate. Pyroelectric substrate is provided in part thereof surrounding first pyroelectric element with a slit shaped along an outer periphery of first pyroelectric element. Slit is formed out of regions in which a first surface wiring and a first back face wiring are disposed. Part of pyroelectric substrate surrounding second pyroelectric element is continuously formed over an entire circumference of second portion.
US09494466B2 Temperature measurement device
A temperature measurement device is provided with: light collection means; extraction means; optical intensity calculation means; and temperature measurement means. The light collection means collects the emission spectrum of a measurement subject. The extraction means extracts light having the wavelength of the atomic spectral lines and light having a wavelength in a wavelength region where there are no atomic spectral lines, from the emission spectrum collected by the aforementioned light collection means. The optical intensity calculation means calculates the optical intensities of the light extracted by the aforementioned extraction means. The temperature measurement means calculates the temperature of the aforementioned measurement subject, based on the intensities of the beams calculated by the aforementioned optical intensity calculation means.
US09494464B2 Terahertz imaging devices and systems, and related methods, for detection of materials
Terahertz imaging devices may comprise a focal plane array including a substrate and a plurality of resonance elements. The plurality of resonance elements may comprise a conductive material coupled to the substrate. Each resonance element of the plurality of resonance elements may be configured to resonate and produce an output signal responsive to incident radiation having a frequency between about a 0.1 THz and 4 THz range. A method of detecting a hazardous material may comprise receiving incident radiation by a focal plane array having a plurality of discrete pixels including a resonance element configured to absorb the incident radiation at a resonant frequency in the THz, generating an output signal from each of the discrete pixels, and determining a presence of a hazardous material by interpreting spectral information from the output signal.
US09494463B2 Optical emission spectroscopic (OES) instrument with automatic top and bottom slit curtains
An optical emission spectroscopic (OES) instrument includes a spectrometer, a processor and an adjustable mask controlled by the processor. The adjustable mask defines a portion of an analytical gap imaged by the spectrometer. The instrument automatically adjusts the size and position of an opening in the mask, so the spectrometer images an optimal portion of plasma formed in the analytical gap, thereby improving signal and noise characteristics of the instrument, without requiring tedious and time-consuming manual adjustment of the mask during manufacture or use.
US09494462B2 Balanced intensity differential photo detector
A circuit includes a first photo detector and a second photo detector to receive a first and second light input signal, respectfully, to generate a first current output signal and second current output signal respectively in response to the respective light input signals. A current multiplier stage receives the second current output signal from the second photo detector to generate a multiplied current output signal that is greater than the magnitude of the second current output signal. A differential multiplier having a first current path receives a portion of the multiplied current output signal and a second current path that receives another portion of the multiplied current output signal. The first current path is in series with the first current output signal to facilitate balancing of currents between the first current output signal of the first photo detector and the second current output signal of the second photo detector.
US09494460B2 Food product scale
A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
US09494457B2 Tank liquid depth measurement method using a pressure sensor
A tank liquid depth measurement method includes the steps of: a) providing a sensor capable of detecting a liquid pressure, b) providing a main unit for receiving data from the sensor, c) mounting the sensor under the liquid level in a water tank and mounting the main unit in the car, d) initiating the sensor and the main unit so as to cause the sensor to measure the internal liquid pressure and to enable the main unit to store the identification code and communication code of the sensor, and e) enabling the main unit to receive data from the sensor for matching and recording. By means of the operation of the sensor to transmit the detected data to the main unit for warning or informing the driver, the expected effects and objectives of the present invention are achieved.
US09494455B1 Apparatus for delivery of a metered dose of granular material
An apparatus is provided for delivering a metered dose of a granular material. The apparatus holds the granular material captive at any angle until use. In use, the apparatus is typically inverted and the plunger rod is plunged on a surface and released. During the release the metered dose of material is transferred to a holding area. While still inverted, the apparatus is shaken/agitated/oscillated to release the metered dose of material from the holding area out the exit holes while the bulk of granular material is once again sealed at any angle. The granular material is evenly spread to the desired surface through perforations in the cap portion of the apparatus. It should also be noted that the apparatus can also have its rod plunged in an upright position then inverted and shaken/agitated/oscillated to release the metered dose of material. The apparatus is normally sealed; it can be carried on ones' person or in a pocket or purse. The intent of the design of this apparatus is to lower the salt intake for humans for consumer and retail use.
US09494453B2 Ultrasonic sensor for high temperature and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is an ultrasonic sensor which includes a piezoelectric vibrator made of a lithium niobate (LN) single crystal and may be used in a high temperature region by generating a high ultrasonic wave output, and prevents cracks from being generated in the crystal. A piezoelectric vibrator 1 of the present invention has a surface (Y-axis 36° cut surface) obtained by rotating a surface orthogonal to a Y-axis of the LN crystal about an X-axis by 36°±2° as an output surface. The ultrasonic sensor further includes a retarder 3 made of titanium and a bonding layer 2 for bonding one surface of the retarder 3 to the output surface. The bonding layer 2 is made of silver and frit glass, and the frit glass has a coefficient of linear expansion ranging from 5×10−6 K−1 to 15×10−6 K−1.
US09494446B2 Treadmill providing gait analysis
A treadmill is capable of performing a gait analysis and comprises a conveyor belt, a supporting plate, a driving mechanism, and at least two sensing assemblies. The conveyor belt is used for a user to walk or run in place. The driving mechanism drives the conveyor belt to run. The supporting plate supports the conveyor belt. The two sensing assemblies are fixed with the supporting plate, for respectively sensing the user's left and right heel strike. A left and right pulse diagram thus can be obtained from the sensing assemblies, and the gait analysis is performed according to the left and right pulse diagram.
US09494444B2 Data acquisition apparatus, data acquisition system and method of acquiring data
A data acquisition apparatus includes a processing resource operably coupled to an input unit and an output unit. The processing resource is arranged to provide an execution environment for supporting a user interface. An enquiry module is provided and supported by the execution environment. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a communications unit operably coupled to the processing resource for supporting communications over a communications network. The enquiry module is arranged to generate a search query relating to a point of interest and receive search results in response thereto via the communications unit, the enquiry module also being arranged to use the search results to derive data associated with the point of interest.
US09494438B1 System and method for verifying map data for a vehicle
A method and system for verifying map data for a vehicle that include receiving locational coordinate data related to a roadway from a navigation system and image data pertaining to the roadway from a vehicle camera system. The method and system also include determining map data and determining a lane coordinate measurement between a center point of a traveling lane and a lane on the roadway adjacent to the traveling lane based on the map data. The method and system further include determining a lane image measurement that includes a measurement between a center portion of the vehicle and a right lane boundary of the traveling lane and the center portion of the vehicle and a left lane boundary of the traveling lane based on the image data. The method and system also include verifying the map data based on the lane coordinate measurement and the lane image measurement.
US09494430B2 Positioning system implementing multi-sensor pose solution
A system for determining the position of a mobile machine is disclosed. The system may include a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a pose of the mobile machine, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a parameter of the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to generate a measured pose of the mobile machine based on the first signal, to generate an estimated pose of the mobile machine based on the second signal, and to determine uncertainty values associated with each of the measured and estimated poses. The controller may be further configured to determine overlap of the uncertainty values, to selectively adjust the measured pose based on the overlap, and to determine a pose solution based on the estimated pose and adjustment of the measured pose.
US09494425B2 Gyroscope and method of fabricating a resonator for a gyroscope
A gyroscope having a mechanical resonator, a plurality of electrodes located around the resonator, and a thin gap being located between the resonator and the plurality of electrodes. The resonator is axi-symmetric and may be at least partially toroidal in shape or composed of concentric rings. Piezoelectric electrodes or transduction may be used to drive or detect displacements of the resonator. The resonator may be fabricated using a fused silica flowing process.
US09494421B2 Method for measuring trailer axle alignment
A procedure for measuring and adjusting an alignment of each axle of a trailer or semi-trailer while the trailer or semi-trailer is coupled to a tow vehicle by a hitch, tow bar, kingpin, or fifth wheel hitch. Measurements of the alignment of each axle of the trailer or semi-trailer are acquired from wheel-mounted sensor means utilizing either directly or indirectly a reference line of the trailer and an established reference point on the tow vehicle. A thrust angle of a first trailer or semi-trailer axle is referenced directly to the established reference line, while scrub angles associated with additional trailer or semi-trailer axles are referenced either directly or indirectly to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle, and indirectly to the established reference point. Any necessary adjustments are made to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle to bring the axle thrust angle to within a specification tolerance, and then to the scrub angle of each additional axle.
US09494420B2 Optical alignment device using UV pulse
An optical alignment device using pulse UV irradiates an alignment film with pulse UV to perform optical alignment of liquid crystal. The optical alignment device using pulse UV may include a chamber, a lamp which is installed at an upper portion of the chamber and emits pulse UV light, a stage which is provided at a lower portion of the chamber and on which a substrate having an alignment film formed on a surface thereof is placed, and a polarizer which is installed detachably between the stage and the lamp.
US09494418B2 3D dental camera for recording surface structures of an object measured by means of triangulation
A 3D dental camera for recording surface structures of an object by means of triangulation. The camera includes a light source for producing an illumination beam, means for focusing the illumination beam onto the surface of the object, an image sensor for recording a monitoring beam that is the illumination beam reflected by the surface of the object, and means for focusing the monitoring beam onto the image sensor. The light source is subdivided into a plurality of regions that can be independently regulated in terms of light intensity, such that a light center of the illumination beam changes in at least two switching modes of the light source.
US09494417B2 Method for determining a shape correction value F for laboratory liquid-analysis cuvettes
A method for determining a shape correction value F for a laboratory liquid-analysis cuvette comprising a cuvette body with a circular cross-section for a photometric liquid analysis includes optically measuring an inside diameter d1 or an outside diameter d0 of the cuvette body to obtain a measured cuvette body diameter d1;d0. A shape correction value F is calculated from the measured cuvette body diameter d1;d0. The shape correction value F for the cuvette body is stored.
US09494413B2 Probe holder for measuring system
Embodiments described in this disclosure include a probe holder for a measuring system comprising a first connector having electric and/or optical signal connections for attaching a measure probe, electric and/or optical conductor for connecting to the measure probe by first connector, a rotary actuator arranged to rotate the first connector relative to a reference system, an electric and/or optical slip ring and an angle encoder. The rotary actuator comprises a rotor capable of continuous rotation and an electric motor, while the angle encoder provides information on an angular position of the rotor. In some embodiments the rotor has a hollow axle supported by two coaxial spaced-apart bearings. The electric motor is located between the bearings, while the electric and/or optical conductor runs inside said hollow axle, and the electric and/or optical slip ring is in the hollow axle and between the bearings.
US09494412B2 Diagnosing multipath interference and eliminating multipath interference in 3D scanners using automated repositioning
A method for determining 3D coordinates of points on a surface of the object by providing a 3D coordinate measurement device attached to a moveable apparatus that is coupled to a position sensing mechanism, all coupled to a processor, projecting a pattern of light onto the surface to determine a first set of 3D coordinates of points on the surface, determining susceptibility of the object to multipath interference by projecting and reflecting rays from the measured 3D coordinates of the points, moving the moveable apparatus under processor control to change the relative position of the device and the object, and projecting the a pattern of light onto the surface to determine a second set of 3D coordinates.
US09494411B2 Three-dimensional shape measuring device, method for acquiring hologram image, and method for measuring three-dimensional shape
[Problem] To provide a low-cost, high-precision three-dimensional shape measuring device using vibration-resistant phase shift digital holography.[Solution] A three-dimensional shape measuring device, wherein an object-light optical system allows object light to be incident on a polarization element for detecting relative phase differences in a first circularly polarized light state, a reference-light optical system allows a reference light to be incident on a polarization element for detecting relative phase differences in a second circularly polarized light state in the direction opposite from the first circularly polarized light, and the polarization element for detecting relative phase differences transmits a component of the object light, which is the first circularly polarized light, in the polarization direction of the polarization element for detecting relative phase differences, and a component of the reference light, which is the second circularly polarized light, in the polarization direction of the polarization element for detecting relative phase differences. The polarization direction of the polarization element for detecting relative phase differences is rotated to thereby vary the relative phase difference between the object light and the reference light transmitted through the polarization element for detecting relative phase differences and to acquire a plurality of hologram images having different relative phase differences.
US09494409B2 Test device for testing a bonding layer between wafer-shaped samples and test process for testing the bonding layer
The invention relates to a test device for testing a bonding layer between wafer-shaped samples and a test process for testing the bonding layer. The test device comprises a measuring head for an OCT process that is configured to direct an optical measuring beam at a composite comprising at least two wafer-shaped samples with a bonding layer positioned between them. An optical beam splitter is configured to divert an optical reference beam as a reference arm for distance measurements. An evaluation unit is configured to evaluate layer thickness measurements without a reference arm and distance measurements with a reference arm. An optical switch device is configured to connect and disconnect the reference arm.
US09494405B1 Measurement tool for server rack
A structure for measuring server rack dimensions. The structure may include; a center spacer having a slider opening; a top panel fixed to a top surface of the center spacer; a bottom panel fixed to a bottom surface of the center spacer; and a slider in the slider opening of the center spacer, wherein a portion of the slider is between the top panel and the bottom panel, and the slider is horizontally movable between a starting position and an extended position, the starting position is where the slider is closest to the center of the center spacer and the extended position is where the slider is farthest from the center of the center spacer.
US09494403B2 Motorized inclinable measuring head
An articulated measuring head for orienting a probe relatively to a measuring apparatus, including Hirth couplings for providing a high-resolution indexing to two orthogonal rotors and an advanced guiding system to ensure a precise rotation control when the Hirth couplings are free and accurate indexing when they are clamped together. The articulated head of the invention has an embedded dynamic controller using high-precision encoders and crash detection by capacitive sensors.
US09494402B2 Welding gauge
A gauge for measuring a weld between two abutted pipe sections has a unitary body including a reference edge for abut an outer surface of the pipe sections, a first gauge portion at a prescribed first distance from the reference edge corresponding to a minimum cap height of the weld, and a second gauge portion at a prescribed second distance from the reference edge corresponding to a maximum cap height of the weld. One or both ends of the body includes an end surface and a bevel surface at an obtuse angle to the end surface so as to be arranged to abut a bevel cut end of a pipe section when the end surface abuts the outer side of the pipe section to gauge an inclination of the bevel cut end. A measurement scale with an advance cut line extends along the body opposite from the reference edge.
US09494399B2 Arrow retainer
The present disclosure relates to structures that are adapted to facilitate the retention, storage, and transport of arrows. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, an arrow retainer is described that includes a resilient portion having a plurality of passageways extending therethrough for retaining a plurality of arrows therein. Each passageway is resiliently expandable upon insertion of an arrow to maintain the position of the arrow. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, an arrow storage device is disclosed that provides an efficient and secure means of storing arrows. The presently disclosed arrow retainer and arrow storage device may be used in conjunction with one another as part of an arrow storage system.
US09494394B1 Modular adjustable weight arrow tip
A modular, adjustable weight arrow tip is disclosed. The arrow tip has a body and one or more blades in various configurations. The arrow tip utilizes one more modular weights, preferably seated between the body rear end and the arrow shaft, to allow the user to be able to selectably adjust an incrementally stepped array of weights to achieve the desired flight and “front of center” for their application. The modular weights can be threaded or unthreaded, can utilize a modular weight seating collar, can have varying weights, and may be utilized with any type of archery tip.
US09494391B1 Shooting target and method of making same
A multiple blister, dye-containing unit for attachment to the back face of a shooting target sheet is formed into a suitable shape corresponding to a predetermined portion of an image on the front face of the target sheet by removal of a portion of a larger array of blisters arranged in rows and columns. The multiple blister unit is than secured by adhesive to the back face of the target sheet.
US09494390B2 System and method for a blast attenuating seat with lower-limb protection
A blast attenuating seat system for protecting a vehicle occupant from impulses generated by blasts from underneath the vehicle, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The blast attenuating seat system includes a post, a mounting body coupled to a portion of the post and a seat assembly movably coupled to the mounting body configured to move relative to the post and mounting body. The seat assembly includes a seat body having a seat support structure configured to support a plurality of seat cushions and a shock assembly coupling the seat body and mounting body and configured to compress and expand such that the seat assembly moves relative to the post and mounting body. The blast attenuating seat system thereby provides/enables improved protection for vehicle occupants that may be exposed to explosive blasts.
US09494381B1 Crossbow de-cocking device and method
Apparatus and method for de-cocking a crossbow. The apparatus includes: (a) a body adapted to attach to a crossbow, the body having a channel therethrough and a threaded bore therethrough intersecting with the channel; (b) a notched wedge adapted to slide through the channel; and (c) a threaded stud so that when the wedge is slid through the channel and the threaded stud is threaded into the threaded bore, the stud can contact the wedge and halt further travel of the wedge through said body. When the body is attached to a cocked crossbow with the bowstring of the bow positioned in the notch of the wedge, the trigger of the crossbow can be pulled to release the bowstring against the wedge and the crossbow de-cocked by unscrewing the stud.
US09494376B2 Firing pin assembly
A firing pin assembly for a firearm having an engagement surface that has a channel in an engagement surface with a trigger bar to reduce frictional engagement with a trigger assembly. The firing pin assembly also includes chamfers to reduce weight and an elongated firing pin end piece.
US09494375B2 Universal AK-47 and variant bolt hold open follower
A universal cartridge follower for a firearm magazine comprising a cartridge receiving surface and side walls extending from the cartridge receiving surface. The cartridge receiving surface is operationally configured to intercept a firearm bolt. The side walls extend from the cartridge receiving surface and have opposing first surfaces defining a first width of the cartridge receiving surface and at least opposing second surfaces defining a second width of the cartridge receiving surface.
US09494373B2 Heat pump operation method and heat pump system
A heat pump operation method includes: obtaining, on a per time unit basis, an amount of the power generated by the power generation device, an amount of the power consumed by the electric load, and surplus power which is a difference between the generated power and the load power; and controlling operation of the heat pump to cause the heat pump to generate heat using power adjusted to follow a per time unit increase or decrease in the surplus power. In the controlling, when an amount of change in the surplus power remains greater than a predetermined threshold value for a given period of time extending back from a present time, an extent to which the power consumed by the heat pump follows the surplus power is reduced.
US09494370B2 Homogeneous liquid cooling of LED array
A liquid-cooled heat sink includes a top plate having an array of circuitous liquid channels, each channel having a separate channel inlet and a common central outlet channel. The heat sink further includes a bottom plate having an inlet port and an outlet port. The heat sink further includes an intermediate plate having inlet guide channels providing fluid communication between the inlet port of the bottom plate and channel inlets of the top plate, said intermediate plate further including an outlet guide channel providing fluid communication between the common central outlet channel of the top plate and the outlet port of the bottom plate.
US09494366B1 System and method for pumping molten metal and melting metal scrap
A system for pumping molten metal and melting metal scrap in a furnace that includes a first well that is separated from a second well by a refractory separating wall. The first well and the second well are in fluid communication with a main vessel, the separating wall including a passageway for molten metal. The system includes a pump disposed in the first well for pumping molten metal. A scrap charging vessel is disposed in the second well into which the scrap is added to molten metal contained therein. A conduit extends from the pump over the separating wall. Molten metal pumped from the pump travels from the conduit into the scrap charging vessel.
US09494365B2 Self-cleaning jet tube
Embodiments of a self-cleaning jet tube may include an elongate hollow body that is generally rectangular in cross-section and tapered from an open first end to a second end generally opposite the first end. The elongate hollow body may have an upper wall, a lower wall, side walls, a plurality of apertures arranged along the upper wall, an end plate coupled with the walls at the second end, and at least one through-slot. A through-slot may be disposed through the end plate or a wall, between the end plate and a wall, or between two walls. The jet tube may be configured for use with the through-slot(s) open and unblocked, thereby allowing debris to be expelled from the jet tube during operation of the jet veneer dryer. Corresponding systems and method are also provided herein.
US09494364B2 Dryer hopper
A dryer hopper assembly that promotes even drying of particulate matter across the horizontal cross-section of the hopper. In an aspect, the hopper promotes airflow up and alongside the interior wall of the hopper in counter-current flow to particulate material passing through the hopper. In one or more aspects, heating and thus drying of the material is promoted from the interior periphery of the horizontal cross-section of the hopper assembly towards the central axis of the hopper. The interior of the hopper may include a first perforated section located about a central axis of the hopper, the first perforated section having an outer peripheral edge spaced inwardly apart from the interior wall of the wall section, and a second perforated section, a first portion of the second perforated section being adjacent to the inner wall of the hopper and a second portion of the second perforated section providing an opening in communication with a central material outlet through which material may pass, the first perforated section having an open area and the second perforated section having an open area, the open area of the first perforated section being greater than the open area of the second perforated section.
US09494363B2 Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus uses a zeotropic refrigerant mixture, in which its saturated liquid refrigerant temperature is lower than the saturated gas refrigerant temperature under the same pressure condition, as the heat source side refrigerant. When one or some of a plurality of heat exchangers related to heat medium functions as an evaporator, the air-conditioning apparatus executes an anti-freezing control that prevents the heat medium from freezing by estimating occurrence of freezing of the heat medium on the basis of a value obtained by subtracting a freezing temperature correction value that is set as a positive value larger than zero from an evaporating temperature of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger related to heat medium.
US09494362B2 Refrigerator
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a water purifying unit including a filter unit to purify water supplied from a water supply source is arranged adjacent to a drawer type storage container in an otherwise useless space of a storage compartment.
US09494359B2 Horizontal finned heat exchanger for cryogenic recondensing refrigeration
A cryogenic system includes a superconducting magnet (20) in a reservoir of liquid helium (LH). Helium vapor (VH) rises and contacts a recondenser surface (50, 50′, 50″) on which the helium vapor (VH) condenses into liquid helium and flows by gravity off a lower edge of the recondenser surface. A plurality of fins (52) extend from the recondenser surface or a plurality of grooves (52′, 52″) are cut into the recondenser surface to disrupt the film thickness and to provide a path by which droplets of the liquid helium leave the recondenser surface without travelling a full vertical length of the recondenser (30).
US09494356B2 Condensing unit having fluid injection
A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and including an inlet and an outlet. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger and the compressor and may selectively supply fluid to the compressor. A valve may control a volume of fluid supplied to the compressor via the conduit. A controller may control the valve based on a temperature difference between the outlet of the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the third heat exchanger.
US09494353B2 Temperature control equipment
A temperature control equipment is capable of controlling a tested object to a predetermined temperature. The temperature control equipment includes a thermal conducting plate, a temperature regulating module, a carrier plate, and a thermoelectric cooling module. The temperature regulating module is thermally connected to the thermal conducting plate for regulating the thermal conducting plate to a reference temperature. The carrier plate is used to accommodate the tested object. The thermoelectric cooling module is thermally connected between the thermal conducting plate and the carrier plate for controlling the tested object to the predetermined temperature via the carrier plate based on the reference temperature.
US09494352B2 Refrigerant system with control to address flooded compressor operation
A suction modulation valve is throttled when conditions in a refrigerant system indicate that an undesirable amount of liquid refrigerant might otherwise be delivered to the compressor. As an example, the throttling would occur at start-up, among other conditions. Throttling the suction modulation valve reduces the amount of refrigerant reaching the compressor and thus ensures that any liquid refrigerant would be likely “boiled off” before raising any problems in the compressor. Other control steps can also be performed to alleviate flooded compressor operation with liquid refrigerant. Such steps, for example, can include actuating heaters, discharge valve throttling, by-passing refrigerant from an intermediate compression point back to suction, controlling the speed of the condenser fan can be performed independently or in combination including the suction modulation valve throttling.
US09494350B2 Plate-type heat pump air conditioner heat exchanger for a unitary heat pump air conditioner
A plate-type heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger portion configured to receive a refrigerant flow and a hot side coolant flow having a lower temperature than the refrigerant flow, a second heat exchanger portion configured to receive the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion and a cold side coolant flow having a higher temperature than the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion, and an internal heat exchanger portion sandwiched between the first heat exchanger portion and the second heat exchanger portion. The refrigerant flow through the plate type heat exchanger is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot side coolant flow and the cold side coolant flow. The cold side coolant flow transfers heat energy to the refrigerant, which in turn transfer that heat energy to the hot side coolant flow.
US09494343B2 Solar capture mounting systems and methods
A partially non-rigid solar capture mounting system which reduces the risk of damage due to wind is disclosed. The solar capture mounting system includes at least one pole, a horizontal beam mounted to the pole, and at least one backing plate hanging from the horizontal beam via a pivotal connection. Examples of pivotal connection are bushings with ball bearings, hinges, steel rings and spring clips. Each of the backing plates supports at least one solar cell. Wind pressure against a backing plate pivots the backing plate about the horizontal beam such that the system experiences reduced stress and reduced risk of damage due to wind and wind carried objects.
US09494342B2 Methods and devices for coupling solar panel support structures and/or securing solar panel support structures to a roof
A mounting unit for mounting a solar panel on a roof includes a base having a first flange and a second flange that extend laterally from the base and a mounting surface positioned above the base via walls that connect the mounting surface and the base. The mounting surface is couplable with the solar panel to elevate and orient the solar panel above a surface of the roof. The mounting unit also includes a flexible membrane material that is coupled with the first flange of the base and that extends laterally therefrom. The mounting unit further includes an adhesive or tape that is applied to an underside of the second flange so that the second flange is free of the flexible membrane material. The flexible membrane material is couplable with the roof and the adhesive or tape is adherable to the roof to secure the mounting unit to the roof.
US09494339B2 Solar collector
A solar collector comprises a solar absorbing tube comprising enclosure enclosing an absorbing section, comprising a radiation absorbing plate and a tube, containing a working fluid in thermal contact with the plate. The tube extends out of one end of the tube and connects with a condenser wherein the thermal transfer fluid when in a vapor phase communicates with a fluid to be heated within an end fitting. The condenser of a tube is inserted into a thermal pocket sealingly engaged with a gasket within the pipe receiving portion of the fitting, whereby heat transfer can take place between the condensers of the pipes and a fluid flowing via path in the fitting. The pocket is sealed against ingress of heat exchange fluid flowing through the fitting.
US09494338B2 Solar light collecting mirror and solar thermal power generation system having solar light collecting mirror
A solar light collecting mirror includes a reflective section which is elastically deformable, and a frame which is elastically deformable and configured to support the reflective section. A central portion of the reflective section is positionally fixed in X and Y directions of the reflective section. A relative position in a Z direction between the central portion of the reflective section and a peripheral portion of the reflective section is changeable. The peripheral portion of the reflective section is not positionally fixed in the X and Y directions. The frame includes warp members which radially extend from a position corresponding to the central portion of the reflective section. And the reflective section is configured to deform elastically together with the frame so as to change the relative position in the Z direction between the central portion and the peripheral portion, whereby a concave mirror structure is obtained.
US09494333B2 Driving controls and diagnostic methods for communicating motors
In exemplary embodiments, driving controls and diagnostic methods are disclosed for communicating motors. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes generating a signal for sending to a communicating motor using transmitting hardware in a driving control, detecting the generated signal before it is transmitted to the communicating motor using a transmit sense circuit in the driving control, and analyzing the detected signal to verify whether the transmitting hardware in the driving control is operational.
US09494329B2 Air conditioning indoor unit
An air conditioning indoor unit includes a casing having an air outlet, a horizontal blade that changes an up and down direction flow of outlet air, a Coanda blade to change the outlet air to a Coanda airflow along an undersurface of the Coanda blade, and a control unit. The control unit adjusts a relative angle between the Coanda blade and the horizontal blade to selectively use either of a first airflow state and a second airflow state. In the first airflow state, the control unit adjusts the relative angle to a predetermined angle in a first angular range to produce the Coanda airflow on substantially an entire region of the undersurface of the Coanda blade. In the second airflow state, the control unit adjusts the relative angle to a predetermined angle in a second angular range larger than the first angular range to not produce the Coanda airflow.
US09494327B2 UV lamp service life indicator device and method of using the same
A UV lamp service life indicator device includes an indicator member including a material that degrades at a rate sufficient to track a useful life of a UV lamp, where the indicator member indicates whether the UV lamp has come to an end of its service life. The indictor device can also include a reference component that indicates whether the UV lamp has come to an end of its service life.
US09494326B2 Apparatus for generating heat
An apparatus for heating a liquid includes: a mixing chamber; dispensing means; an electronic control device linked to the dispensing means; one or more pumps; a heat exchanger; one or more monitoring stations being arranged to communicate with the electronic control device; a waste outlet; and a second heat exchanger, wherein the mixing chamber, heat exchanger and the one or more monitoring stations are connected so as to form a loop; and wherein the electronic control device is programmed to cause reaction mixture to be circulated around the loop at least twice, and optionally to cause the dispensing means to dispense further metered amounts of first and/or second chemical reactants into the mixing chamber; and/or to cause a proportion of reaction mixture to be ejected through the waste outlet, in order to control the temperature of the reaction mixture passing through the heat exchanger.
US09494324B2 Exhaust flow control system and method
A system and method for controlling the exhaust flow rate in an exhaust ventilation system including an exhaust hood positioned above a cooking appliance. The method can include measuring a temperature of the exhaust air in the vicinity of the cooking appliance, and measuring a radiant temperature of a surface of the cooking appliance, and determining an appliance status based on the measured exhaust air temperature and radiant temperature, and controlling the exhaust flow rate in response to the determined appliance status.
US09494323B2 Oven appliance with dual opening and closing doors
An oven appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chamber. A pair of doors is rotatably mounted to provide selective access to the chamber of the cabinet. The pair of doors is connected with a linkage assembly such that the doors rotate open and closed simultaneously. The linkage assembly includes a spur gear that engages another gear of the linkage assembly. The spur gear can hinder unwanted rotation of the pair of doors or compress the pair of doors against a seal.
US09494318B2 Device for cleaning and remotely inspecting a chimney
A device for cleaning a chimney preferably includes a rod assembly, cleaning arms, fan blades, a camera, and a stabilizing/positioning assembly. The cleaning arms are provided on an assembly that includes a rotatable hub with the cleaning arms extending from the hub. The fan blades may also extend from the hub or they may be provided separately. The camera is continuously rotatable around the longitudinal axis to allow an uninterrupted 360° scan of the chimney. The stabilizing/positioning assembly is effective to position the cleaning assembly hub a pre-selected stabilizing/positioning distance from an interior wall of a chimney while the hub rotates in the chimney. The cleaning and fan hub(s) is driven by a cable surrounded by a casing that allows the cable to rotate in the casing without rotating the casing. Controls allow the operator to control the speed and direction of the cleaning arms and the camera.
US09494313B2 Device and method for manufacturing semi-carbonized fuel of biomass, and power generation system using semi-carbonized fuel
Provided are a device and a method for manufacturing a semi-carbonized fuel of a biomass that does not require an external heat source and is capable of suppressing adhesion of tar, condensed water, or the like to a pipe. The device includes a drying device for heating and drying a biomass, a pyrolysis device for decomposing the dried biomass, and a combustion device for supplying heat to the drying device and the pyrolysis device. The pyrolysis device is supplied with a part of a combustion exhaust gas generated in the combustion device, directly mixes the supplied combustion exhaust gas and the biomass to heat and pyrolytically decompose the biomass, and supplies a mixed gas of a generated pyrolysis gas and the combustion exhaust gas to the combustion device. The combustion device is supplied with an air for combustion, combust the supplied mixed gas, and generate the combustion exhaust gas.
US09494310B2 Device with a waterproof function
A device with a waterproof function includes a case, an electrical module, at least one sealant and some liquid. The case includes 2 holes and 1 button, the electrical module is connected to the case, and at least one sealant is used to seal the holes of the case to form a closed space to contain the liquid. The liquid filled in the device is not only able to balance the inner and outer pressure of the device but is also used to allow a user smoothly to press the button of the waterproof device by being pressed to transmit pressure to one hole in the case and make the at least one sealant connected to the hole outwardly form the shape of a bulge.
US09494309B2 Modular Lighting System
A modular lighting system may include a support structure, a plurality of heat sink modules physically supported by the support structure, and one or more light source modules coupled to the plurality of heat sink modules. The plurality of heat sink modules may be arranged in a modular manner such that the heat sink modules in the modular lighting system is variable, and each heat sink module may be an integral molded structure defining at least one opening or passageway.
US09494308B1 LED flashlight with improved heatsink
One electrical lead from an LED package is soldered to an inner electrically conductive member positioned and electrically isolated from an outer electrically conductive member by electrically insulating material while a second electrical lead and a neutral lead from the LED are soldered to the outer electrically conductive member so that heat is transferred from an LED die within the LED package to the outer electrically conductive member and then to a thermally conductive outer casing with a thermal path that minimizes thermal resistance.
US09494301B2 Lighting housing having self-adjusting hinge mechanism
A lighting fixture including alighting housing having a reflector member having that is attached to the bottom of the lighting housing, lights positioned beneath the reflector, first and second brackets positioned on the top surface the reflector member, wherein the reflector member is hingedly mounted to the lighting housing using a first fastener extending through the first bracket, and using a second fastener extending through the second bracket of the reflector member.
US09494290B2 Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a semiconductor light source disposed on an optical axis of the vehicle lamp, a reflector having a plurality of reflective surfaces radially divided about the optical axis and boundary portions formed between two of the reflective surfaces adjacent to each other, and a lens cap that covers the front side of the light source. The lens cap includes a side lens portion that projects laterally emitted light from the light source toward the reflector. The laterally emitted light makes an angle with the optical axis that is at least a predetermined angle. The side lens portion is divided into at least two lens elements in a circumferential direction around the optical axis, and refracts the laterally emitted light so that the laterally emitted light avoids the boundary portions.
US09494287B2 LED lamp assembly for sealed optical luminaires
A sealed optical street luminaire having a luminaire housing fitted with a clear, flat lens and provided with an LED light source assembly mounted in the housing. The light source assembly has a heat dissipating LED support member secured to a heat conductive adapter for securement in the luminaire housing. A reflector is secured in the luminaire housing behind the lens which is sealingly positioned about the reflector. The LED support member supports LED modules at a predetermined angle and orientation relative to an inner reflective surface of the circumferential wall of the reflector. The heat dissipating LED support member and the heat conductive adapter dissipate heat through the luminaire housing.
US09494283B2 Method and system for managing light from a light emitting diode
A light source, for example a light emitting diode, can emit light and have an associated optical axis. The source can be deployed in applications where it is desirable to have illumination biased laterally relative to the optical axis, such as in a street luminaire where directing light towards a street is beneficial. The source can be coupled to an optic that comprises a cavity. At least a portion of the cavity can have an outline that is egg-shaped in cross section. A backside of the cavity (or a backside portion of the optic) can have an irregular shape for receiving the light emitting diode, for example to form a receptacle shaped to fit a circuit.
US09494280B2 Condensate drain for pressurized gas system
A condensate drain for pressurized gas systems, having a condensate collecting chamber, which can be connected to the pressurized gas system via a condensate inflow and has a condensate outflow that can be closed by means of an electrically operable valve, at least one electronic fitting level gauge, with which the condensate filling level in the condensate collecting chamber can be detected, and an electronic control unit, with which the condensate filling level detected by means of the filling level gauge can be evaluated and the valve can be operated, where the condensate drain has at least one battery, which provides the power supply for at least the control unit, the fitting level gauge and the valve.
US09494273B2 Casing tensioner platform frame and casing tensioner platform frame kit
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a casing tensioner platform frame kit. The kit comprises frame components, corner connectors, rod components and rod connection components. The frame components and the corner connectors form a hexahedral frame. The rod components are fixed on the front planes and lateral planes of the hexahedral frame via the rod connection components. The frame components, corner connectors, rod components and rod connection components are all removable. Embodiments of the present invention also disclose a casing tensioner platform frame. The casing tensioner platform frame kit and the casing tensioner platform frame assembled by the kit provided by the present invention may be easily assembled or disassembled. The assembly or disassembly is implemented via prefabricated mounting components without any welding. The casing tensioner platform frame kit may be transported in the manner of components and be assembled at field. The cost of transportation and installation is significantly reduced while the quality and safety of the product is ensured.
US09494272B2 Insulation jacket and insulation jacket system
A thermal insulation jacket system comprising: a first thermal insulation jacket configured to fit on an object; a microcontroller located in the first thermal insulation jacket; a first temperature measuring means in signal communication with the microcontroller, configured to measure the temperature of the object; a second temperature measuring means in signal communication with the microcontroller, configured to measure the ambient temperature; where the microcontroller is configured to determine the energy savings achieved by the insulative properties of the first thermal insulation jacket.
US09494269B2 Connection element with sealing member
A connection assembly for sealing to an end of a tube includes a polymeric body having an opening including an open end and an internal sealing surface spaced from the open end. The opening is configured to slidably receive the end of the tube. A reinforcement member is spaced from and generally surrounds at least a portion of the opening and a sealing member is adjacent the internal sealing surface of the opening. The sealing member is configured to interact with the internal sealing surface of the opening and the end of the tube to form a seal between the connection assembly and the tube.
US09494268B2 Supply stop with connection verification
An apparatus for connecting a conduit has a body attaching to the conduit, a seal having a shape extending around and minimizing leakage from the conduit, and a activator for enabling the seal so that the seal minimizes leakage from the conduit if the conduit is properly inserted in the body.
US09494266B2 Aircraft ventilation system
A ventilation system for an aircraft having a structure bearing an exterior wall and an interior covering. At least one duct intended to be installed between the interior covering and the exterior wall. The duct includes one first pipe and at least one second pipe which is able to slide telescopically in relation to the first pipe between a retracted position and an extended position.
US09494263B2 Flexible pipe
The formation of a resin layer, a metal layer and an insulating resin layer on an outer surface of a corrugated metal pipe for flowing a fluid provides a flexible pipe, whose corrugated metal pipe does not suffer from having apertures even with spark discharge by induced lightning.
US09494261B2 Chemical dispense system with reduced contamination
An apparatus includes a production tool and a pipe connected to the production tool. The pipe includes an inner pipe formed of a metal-free material, an outer pipe encircling the inner pipe, and an inlet connected to a channel between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. The apparatus further includes a chemical supply system connected to the pipe. The chemical supply system is configured to supply a chemical through a channel encircled by the inner pipe to the production tool.
US09494260B2 Dynamically vulcanized polyarylene sulfide composition
Polyarylene sulfide compositions are described that exhibit high strength and flexibility. Methods for forming the polyarylene sulfide compositions are also described. Formation methods include dynamic vulcanization of a polyarylene sulfide composition that includes an impact modifier dispersed throughout the polyarylene sulfide. A crosslinking agent is combined with the other components of the composition following dispersal of the impact modifier throughout the composition. The crosslinking agent reacts with the impact modifier to form crosslinks within and among the polymer chains of the impact modifier. The compositions can exhibit excellent physical characteristics at extreme temperatures and can be used to form, e.g., tubular member such as pipes and hoses and fibers.
US09494259B2 Rigid disposable flow path
A disposable flow path having a manifold system that provides pressure resistance for the disposable device. The disposable device is comprised of a first rigid plastic sheet and a second rigid plastic sheet. Each sheet has two major surfaces and a thickness between them. At least one sheet surface has flow channels formed in it. The flow channels extend away from a first major surface and beyond the normal plane of a second major surface of the sheet. The sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces. When each sheet contains a flow channel, the flow channels are aligned and in register with each other. One or more fittings can be secured in the flow channel(s) at an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets. Alternatively, tubing is placed in the channels before the sheets are secured to one another.
US09494257B2 Device of the tensioner type for the controlled clamping and moving of an elongated element
Disclosed is a laying device (1) of the tensioner type for the controlled clamping and moving of an elongated body, intended to be carried by a laying tower. The laying device (1) includes an annular frame (10) including two mobile frame parts (101) that each include at least one guiding box (11) and that are assembled to an element (13) for the fastening of the laying device (1) to the tower (2), through a main pivot element (14). The main pivot element (14) defines a single main rotation axis (14′), around which the mobile frame parts (101) are rotationally operable between the closed/open configurations.
US09494256B2 Apparatus and system for retrieving hose
A system for recovering hose, including a hose receptacle having an open top portion for receiving a hose and attached hose couplings. The system further including a first device having a hose recovery means comprising an upper roller and a lower roller, at least one of the upper or lower rollers being powered, and a lifting arm operably coupled to the upper roller for moving the upper roller between a first position and a second position, the upper roller being closer to the lower roller when in the first position than when in the second position. Additionally, a platform having the first device arranged thereon and capable of moving above the receptacle along a first axis and a second axis to deposit the hose in the receptacle, and a platform moving means for moving the platform along the first axis and the second axis, wherein the first axis has first axis limits and the second axis has second axis limits, the first axis limits and second axis limits being substantially coextensive with dimensions of the open top portion of the hose receptacle.
US09494245B1 Over-molded valve stem and method of making a valve stem for a valve assembly
An over-molded valve stem for a valve assembly includes a rigid inner member and a unitary elastic cover molded over the inner member. The inner member includes a main section and an arm extending from the main section. The cover includes a main cover portion, an arm cover portion, and an end portion, with the end portion being spaced from the main cover portion by the arm cover portion. The main cover portion is disposed over the main section with the end portion and main cover portion defining diameters that are larger than the diameter of the arm cover portion. The end portion can include an integral seal member for engaging with a bore of the valve assembly. A method of making the valve stem involves molding the cover about the inner member such that a parting line doe not axially extend across sealing surfaces.
US09494244B2 Repairable cartridge valve
A cartridge valve comprises an operator section for operating a valve, and a cartridge section with the valve. The operator section includes a first body and two pistons on a common shaft. The cartridge section includes a second body with valve seat, a cartridge insert having a protruding portion with annular ring, and a valve poppet operably engaging the valve seat. Two retainer screws engage the annular ring to hold the first and second bodies longitudinally together but permit rotation. The piston shaft defines a gap to the valve poppet when in a home position so that the shaft and piston initially gain momentum before abutting the valve poppet. The cartridge insert can be removed from the second body to allow replacement of a poppet seal therebetween.
US09494241B2 Safety gas valve capable to attain a blocking condition when subjected to a flow in excess of its nominal working conditions
In a body, a first passage (6) houses a first piston (8) which is able to be selectively driven by the excess gas flow towards a blocking position and seal. The valve body has a second through-cut (17) intersecting the seal seat (7) of the first frustoconical piston (8). Within this second cut sits a second piston (21), pressing the end (20) thereof down against the end (9) of the protrusion of the first piston seal seat. This second piston (21) is capable of moving the second piston in interference with the end (9) upstream of the first piston seal eliminating the relationship with said seal seat.
US09494233B2 Low tension piston rings and method for manufacturing the same
The invention provides a low tension piston ring having a finished outer diameter and negligible tangential tension. The method includes the steps of machining a stock bar to an initial outer diameter slightly greater than the finished outer diameter of the piston ring, finishing the initial outer diameter of the stock bar to a rounded profile having a nominal diameter equal to the finished outer diameter, and machining the stock bar to the preferred cross-section. Dykes-type piston rings can have keystone or semi-keystone shaped cross-sections. The method continues by detaching the piston ring from the stock bar using a parting tool in response to completing all tension inducing operations including the steps recited above. The method continues with the steps of lapping the piston ring to a final longitudinal thickness and cutting the piston ring longitudinally to form a final gap.
US09494232B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring a transmission range selector
A method for monitoring a transmission range selector connected to a transmission of a powertrain system is described. The transmission range selector indicates one of a plurality of ranges including Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. The method includes, upon detecting a change in a target transmission range, monitoring whether a signal output from an on-board sensor indicates an achieved range position of the transmission. When the signal output from the on-board sensor does not indicate that the target transmission range has been achieved, monitoring a transmission incorrect direction metric, monitoring a transmission unintended propulsion metric, and monitoring a metric associated with achieving the target transmission range. A fault is detected when any one of the transmission incorrect direction metric, the transmission unintended propulsion metric and the target range achievement elapsed time metric is exceeded.
US09494230B2 Control unit of automatic transmission
An electronic control unit that is used in an automatic transmission to regulate oil circulation. The electronic control unit includes a switcher that supplies an electric current to a linear solenoid, a current detector that detects an actual electric current value of the solenoid, a target current calculator that calculates a target electric current value, a feedback controller that sets a duty ratio to match the actual electric current value to the target electric current value and to generate a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal having the set duty ratio, and a corrector that determines whether a coupled oscillation has occurred by obtaining oil pressure information of the hydraulic circuit and to correct the PWM signal when determining that the vibration has occurred.
US09494229B2 Modulation control system and method for a hybrid transmission
A hydraulic system includes a main modulation control scheme which relies in part on the use of a VBS solenoid and the multiplexing of that solenoid. The hydraulic system is associated with a hybrid module and by controlling the main pressure at a reduced level, the fuel economy and reliability of that hybrid module are improved. The system pressure is controlled by the multiplexed VBS solenoid in order to maintain adequate clutch pressure based on torque requirements. The overall system cost is reduced by the multiplexing of valves and solenoids.
US09494225B2 Electric generator oil pump driven gear
A driven gear includes a radially outwardly extending flange. The radially outwardly extending flange extends along an axial distance defined along a center axis of the flange. The flange merges into a generally conical portion which, in turn, extends radially inwardly to a hub. The hub extends to a remote end. A first distance defined between the remote end of the hub and an end of the flange faces the remote end. A second distance is defined between ends of the flange, with gear teeth formed at an outer periphery. A ratio of the first distance to the second distance is between 2.54 and 2.82. An oil pump, a rotating portion for an electrical generator, and a generator are also disclosed.
US09494223B2 Harmonic drive apparatus
A harmonic drive apparatus (also known as a strain wave gear) is constructed with a circular, flexible spline disc having a slightly conical configuration. The flexible saline disc has opposite convex and concave surfaces with a plurality of radial, flexible gear teeth arranged circumferentially on the convex surface. The flexible spline disc enables the harmonic drive apparatus to provide a thinner or more compact packing when needed for unique space requirements of a speed reduction transmission.
US09494220B2 Apparatus for controlling operation of a torque converter
An apparatus for controlling an operation of a torque converter having a turbine and an impeller includes a drive member, a first clutch member, and a second clutch member. The drive member is configured to rotate in unison with an output shaft of a prime mover. The first clutch member is associated with the impeller and disposed in selective engagement with the drive member. The first clutch member is configured to allow rotation of the impeller and cause torque multiplication to occur in the torque converter upon engagement with the drive member. The second clutch member is associated with the turbine and disposed in selective engagement with the drive member. The second clutch member is configured to allow rotation of the output shaft of the prime mover and the turbine in unison upon engagement with the drive member.
US09494216B2 Bicycle chain connecting link
A bicycle chain connecting link comprises a link pin and a link plate. The link pin has a center axis. The link plate comprises an elongated opening, a guiding portion, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The elongated opening comprises an insertion opening and an attachment opening connected with the insertion opening. The guiding portion is configured to engage with the groove of the link pin to guide the link pin between the insertion opening and the attachment opening. The first protrusion is provided between the insertion opening and the attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of a head portion of the link pin. The second protrusion is provided between the insertion opening and the attachment opening and is configured to be slidable relative to an outer periphery of an intermediate portion of the link pin.
US09494202B2 Clutch
An annular groove is provided in a driving-side rotor of a clutch. Guide grooves are provided on a driven-side rotor of the clutch. By moving the driving-side rotor relative to the driven-side rotor, balls are moved that are accommodated in the spaces provided by the sections where the guide grooves and the annular groove face each other. Moving the balls toward the sections where the gap between the driving-side rotor and the driven-side rotor is narrow causes the balls to engage with the driving-side rotor and the driven-side rotor to achieve an engaged state. A disengaged state, in which engagement is cancelled, is achieved by moving the balls to the sections where the gap is wide.
US09494201B2 Double clutch with nested levers
A double clutch, including: a backing plate; a first clutch including at least one first clutch plate, a first pressure plate, a first plurality of levers engaged with the first pressure plate, a first shim engaged with the first plurality of levers, and a first actuator engaged with the first shim and arranged to axially displace the first shim to close the first clutch; and a second clutch including: at least one second clutch plate, a second pressure plate, a second plurality of levers engaged with the second pressure plate aligned with the first plurality of levers such that a first line in the circumferential direction passes through the first and second pluralities of levers, a second shim engaged with the second plurality of levers, and a second actuator engaged with the second shim and arranged to axially displace the second shim to close the second clutch.
US09494197B2 Method for replacing sealing elements on a rolling bearing assembly and set of sealing elements
This method is for replacing sealing elements on a rolling bearing assembly comprising a rotatable element, a fixed element, and at least one bearing mounted between the rotatable element and the fixed element, at least one used sealing element being rotatably fastened to at least one of the rotatable element and the fixed element and having at least one sealing lip adapted to lay on a first surface of the element with respect to which the used sealing element rotates. The method comprises a step of mounting at least one replacement sealing element so that at least one sealing lip of the replacement sealing element lays on a second surface of the element with respect to which the used sealing element and the replacement sealing element rotate, this second surface being located at a predetermined distance of the first surface.
US09494194B1 Process for making an interlocking flanged bushing and products made by this process
The provided process creates a fully flanged interlocked bushing by feeding a metal strip into a stamping assembly having a plurality of tool stations. The stations blank a workpiece from the metal strip, and trim the workpiece's two opposing ends forming a triangular shaped tab and a puzzle locking feature on either end. The workpiece is then formed into an annular shape, wherein the triangular shaped tabs are overlapped as the opposing ends are abutted and interlocked. A flange is then imparted into the side wall of the workpiece relieving the tab's overlapping condition, causing the tabs to abut one another and become co-planar with the flange. This creating a fully flanged part with a tightly fitted parting line. This invention also includes products formed by the aforementioned process.
US09494191B2 Grommet
When an attachment circular-cylinder section coupled to one axial line direction end portion of a mainbody circular-cylinder section of a grommet is inserted into an opening portion in an upper frame, engagement claws formed at an outer periphery of the attachment circular-cylinder section engage with a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion by elastically deforming, enabling the grommet to be attached to the upper frame. When a seatback spring is passed through the grommet, a retaining section formed at an inner peripheral portion of a boundary between the mainbody circular-cylinder section and the attachment circular-cylinder section retains the seatback spring. An internal-diameter of the retaining section is smaller than internal-diameters of the mainbody circular-cylinder section and the attachment circular-cylinder section, and both inner peripheral faces of the mainbody circular-cylinder section and the attachment circular-cylinder section have cone shape with a decreasing diameter on progression toward the retaining section.
US09494188B2 Compliant fluid-film riding taper bearing
A compliant fluid-film riding taper bearing is configured to include a rotor and a stator for supporting a rotating shaft. The rotor is configured as a rotating monotonously tapering body of revolution having an axis of symmetry and an external tapering surface. The stator has a longitudinal axis and an internal surface disposed in coaxial and conformal alignment with the external tapering surface. The stator is preloaded against the external tapering surface, and is pliantly supported to respond to a distribution of biasing forces and to permit matching elastic and resilient adaptation thereof conformal to deformation of the tapering rotor.
US09494183B2 Fire fighter's personal escape system
A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.
US09494181B2 High temperature secondary torque retention for bolted assemblies
A fastening assembly includes a fastener having a head with an underside and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The fastener constructed of at least one of a refractory metal and a superalloy. A washer includes a body with an upper surface and an opposing lower surface which defines opening portion for receiving the elongated shaft of the fastener therethrough. The upper surface of the washer forms diffusion bonds with the underside of the head of the fastener when the washer and the fastener are held in contact at temperatures in excess of 500° C.
US09494179B2 Schraubelement—screw element
A screw element (1), having a threaded shank (2) and a screw tip (4), on one shank end, and a screw head (5) on the opposite end with force-application means (7), and a screw thread (12) on the threaded shank (2) and the screw tip (4). The screw tip (4), has a front first tip portion (4a), which tapers towards the end of the screw element, and a second adjacent tip portion (4b), having, a polygonal cross section, with an enveloping circle diameter (dh) larger than a core diameter (dk) of the first tip portion (4a). On the transition between the first and the second tip portions 4a,4b) at least one end edge face is radially oriented in the diameter enlargement and terminates in a vertex (15) of the polygonal cross section, which lies on the enveloping circle of the second tip portion (4b).
US09494178B2 Methods for bonding substrates using liquid adhesive
Structures in an electronic device such as substrates associated with a display may be bonded together using liquid adhesive. Fiber-based equipment may be used to apply ultraviolet light to peripheral edges of an adhesive layer during bonding. There-dimensional adhesive shapes may be produced using nozzles with adjustable openings, computer-controlled positioners, and other adhesive dispensing equipment. Ultraviolet light may be applied to liquid adhesive through a mask with an opacity gradient. Adjustable shutter structures may control adhesive exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light exposure may be used to create an adhesive dam that helps create a well defined adhesive border. Multiple layers of adhesive may be applied between a pair of substrates.
US09494177B2 Magnetic jewelry clasp with catch
A magnetic jewelry clasp includes a first body member having a magnet defining a first magnetically attractive surface and a second body member that has a magnet defining a second magnetically attractive surface that magnetically connects to the first magnetically attractive surface to define a first locking arrangement of the clasp. The magnetic jewelry clasp also has (1) a second locking arrangement wherein a height of a bump on a first side of the second body member is long enough to get locked within a perimeter of the first safety clasp located on a first side of the first body member and (2) a third locking arrangement wherein a height of a bump on a second side of the second body member is long enough to get locked within a perimeter of a second safety clasp on a second side of the first body member.
US09494176B2 Clamp
The invention disclosed herein generally relates to an improved clamp assembly for attaching two or more objects, such as furniture, tables, desks, dividers or other panel elements together of variable thicknesses. The elements of the clamp assembly invention generally include a clamp body with a clamp stop and clamp spine, a cross-dowel, an actuating screw and a clamp lever. The clamp assembly imparts a compressive clamping force by utilizing a fulcrum-lever arrangement whereby the clamp lever is moved in an arcuate trajectory by rotating the actuating screw in the desired direction as the clamp lever pivots about a fulcrum point. This allows the user to easily place and connect various objects, such as tables, desks, courtesy and privacy panels and another desired object that the user desires to secure in a desired arrangement by imparting a compressive force to the panel element that is to be connected to another panel element.
US09494174B2 Fluidic buffer volume device with reduced mixedness
A system includes an inlet pipe configured to convey a fluid and a buffer volume configured to buffer the fluid. The buffer volume includes a smallest diameter tube having a smallest diameter, a first inlet end, and a first outlet end. The first inlet end is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet pipe. The buffer volume also includes an intermediate tube surrounding the smallest diameter tube having a first capped end and a second outlet end. The first capped end is positioned next to the outlet end of the smallest diameter tube. The buffer volume also includes a largest diameter tube surrounding the intermediate tube second capped end and a third outlet end. The second capped end is positioned next to the second outlet end of the intermediate tube. The system also includes an outlet pipe configured to convey the fluid from the buffer volume.
US09494167B2 Hydraulic apparatus
The hydraulic apparatus includes: at least a pumping device for pumping a fluid at a first pressure; at least a user device of the fluid at the first pressure; at least an emergency supply device connectable to the user device activating a connection; at least an activation device of the connection that can be operated at a second pressure of the fluid different from the first pressure and interposed between the user device and the emergency supply device, the activation device having an emergency configuration wherein both the pumping device and the emergency supply device are connected to the user device.
US09494162B2 Axial fan with additional flow channel
An axial fan, having an inner electric motor and a fan wheel connected to the electric motor so as to rotate with it and has a plurality of wheel blades defining a blade length and extend outwardly from the electric motor. A fan housing surrounds the fan wheel. The fan housing is connected to the motor via holding struts which extend to the outside from the motor to the fan housing. A motor housing is provided on the motor behind the fan wheel and accommodates a motor electronics system. A flow duct having an inflow opening and an outflow opening is fastened to the motor behind the fan wheel such that the inflow opening is arranged offset to the outside with respect to the outflow opening. The outflow opening is oriented in such a way that an air flow which exits the outlet opening is guided onto the motor housing.
US09494160B2 Centrifugal compressor impeller
Provided is a centrifugal compressor impeller which is characterized in that leading edges 7a on a shroud side of splitter blades 7 are offset from a circumferentially equidistant position between full blades 5R and 5F toward a suction side Sb of the full blade 5F, and trailing edges 7b on a hub side of the splitter blades 7 are offset from a circumferentially equidistant position between the full blades toward the suction side Sb of the full blade 5F, so that a tip leakage vortex W flowing from a tip clearance between the tips of the full blades 5F and the shroud toward the leading edges 7a of the splitter blades 7 flows over the leading edges 7a of the splitter blades 7.
US09494158B2 Variable speed compressor protection system and method
A system and method for a compressor includes a compressor connected to a condenser, a discharge line temperature sensor that outputs a discharge line temperature signal corresponding to a discharge line temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor, and a control module connected to the discharge line temperature sensor. The control module determines a saturated condenser temperature, calculates a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condenser temperature and the discharge line temperature, and monitors a flood back condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold. The control module increases a speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.
US09494156B2 Pump
A pump that includes a pump body 10 which sucks in air from an inlet 7 and discharges the air; a hydraulic pump which pressure-feeds a lubricating oil to the pump body 10 in accordance with the driving of the pump body 10; a non-return valve 70 which is disposed in a valve accommodation portion 6 between the inlet 7 and the pump body 10 to open and close the valve accommodation portion 6; an air introduction path 19 which introduces air into a cylinder 74 of the non-return valve 70; and an air introduction valve 60 which opens the air introduction path 19 when the hydraulic pump is not operating. When the pump body 10 is stopped, the non-return valve 70 closes the inlet 7 in response to a difference in pressure between the pressure of the valve accommodation portion 6 reduced to a value equal to or less than atmospheric pressure by the operation of the pump body 10, and the pressure of the air introduced into the cylinder 74 by the opening of the air introduction valve 60 owing to the stoppage of the hydraulic pump associated with the stoppage of the pump body 10.
US09494154B2 Refrigerator
The refrigerator includes: a cooling-water line having a cooling-water pump to thereby send water for cooling a refrigerant inside of a condenser; a lubricating-water supply line connecting the part downstream from the cooling-water pump on the cooling-water line and a compressor 4 and supplying water flowing through the cooling-water line as a lubricant to the compressor 4; and a backup portion supplying water to the lubricating-water supply line instead of supplying water from the cooling-water line when the cooling-water pump is not driven.
US09494152B2 Variable vane displacement pump utilizing a control valve and a switching valve
A variable displacement pump includes: a control mechanism arranged to be actuated based on a hydraulic pressure introduced into the introduction passage before the eccentric amount is minimized, and arranged to introduce the hydraulic pressure through a throttling to the second control hydraulic chamber when the hydraulic pressure introduced from the introduction passage is equal to or smaller than a predetermined pressure, and to discharge the hydraulic fluid within the second control hydraulic chamber in accordance with the hydraulic pressure when the hydraulic pressure introduced from the introduction passage becomes greater than the predetermined pressure; and a switching mechanism arranged to switch between a state in which the hydraulic fluid introduced into the introduction passage is introduced to the control mechanism, and a state in which the hydraulic fluid introduced into the introduction passage is discharged from the control mechanism.
US09494151B2 System, method, and apparatus for utilizing a pumping cassette
The present invention involves, in some embodiments, fluid handling systems and methods for pumping fluid to and from a patient. The system and methods in certain embodiments involve a pumping cartridge and a reusable component configured to mate with the pumping cartridge comprising. The reusable component may comprise a control chamber and a pressure transducer configured to measure a gas pressure associated with the control chamber, and may further include a processor configured to supply the control chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure, open the pump chamber to the surroundings, monitor the gas pressure associated with the control chamber using the pressure transducer over a predetermined period of time, and determine if the change in gas pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.
US09494150B2 Pump chamber configured to contain a residual fluid volume for inhibiting the pumping of a gas
The present invention involves, in some embodiments, medical systems for pumping fluid using a medical-grade cartridge configured for use in a reusable fluid medical apparatus to move liquids through the cartridge. The cartridge includes a membrane defining a chamber. The system includes a pressure source able to be placed in pneumatic communication with the chamber to adjust gas pressure therein. The system further includes a processor configured to perform a dry integrity test based on adjustment and measurement of fluid pressures in the chamber in which neither side of the member is exposed to liquid during test to determine whether a fluid leak exists through the membrane.
US09494149B2 Inverter-integrated electric compressor
In an inverter-integrated electric compressor (1) provided with an inverter accommodating section (9) on the periphery of a housing (2) and an inverter (20) provided therein, the inverter accommodating section (9) is divided into a first accommodating section (9) accommodating an inverter module (21) equipped with a power system board on which semiconductor switching devices etc. are mounted and a CPU board on which a control and communication circuit etc. are mounted, and a second accommodating section (40) accommodating high-voltage-system components (30), such as a common-mode coil (35), a normal-mode coil (36), and a smoothing capacitor (37), provided on a high-voltage line (34) for supplying DC power from a high-voltage power supply to the inverter module (21), the accommodating sections (9) and (40) being separately provided on the periphery of the housing (2).
US09494143B1 Ion propulsion thruster including a plurality of ion optic electrode pairs
Ion optics for use in a conventional or annular or other shaped ion thruster are disclosed including a plurality of planar, spaced apart ion optic electrode pairs sized to include a diameter smaller than the diameter of thruster exhaust and retained in, on or otherwise associated with a frame across the thruster exhaust. An electrical connection may be provided for establishing electrical connectivity among a set of first upstream electrodes and an electrical connection may be provided for establishing electrical connectivity among the second downstream electrodes.
US09494134B2 Noise reducing extension plate for rotor blade in wind turbine
Rotor blade assemblies and methods for constructing rotor blade assemblies are provided. A rotor blade assembly may include a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge each extending between a tip and a root, the rotor blade defining a span and a chord. The rotor blade assembly further includes an extension plate mounted to one of the pressure side or the suction side, the extension plate extending in the chord-wise direction between a first end and a second end, the second end extending beyond the trailing edge. The rotor blade assembly further includes a filler substrate provided on an inner surface of the extension plate and the trailing edge, the filler substrate tapering from the trailing edge towards the second end.
US09494128B2 Device for tapping electrical energy from hydropower
A plant for extracting electric energy from water power. The plant has an energy extraction module designed as an assembly unit, and includes a drive arrangement, with a multiplicity of flow-impinged components, which can be driven in a circulating direction by water power, two spaced-apart deflection elements around which the drive arrangement is guided in a circulating manner, an electric power generator for extracting electric energy from the circulating drive arrangement, a water conveying duct for forming water receiving compartments interacting with the flow-impinged components, and also a module frame, to which are connected the drive arrangement, the deflection elements, the electric power generator and the water conveying duct. The module frame includes an interface via which the energy extraction module is connected to a sub-structure.
US09494122B2 Method for meshing a starter pinion of a starting device into a ring gear of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for meshing a starter pinion (19) of a starting device (16) into a ring gear (13) of an internal combustion engine (10). The internal combustion engine (10) has a driveshaft (22), and the starting device (16) has a starter motor (25), said driveshaft (22) having a variable rotational speed (n). The internal combustion engine (10) is switched off in a method step (S1), and the starter pinion (19), which is not being rotationally driven by the starter motor (25), is then advanced in the direction of the ring gear (13) by a toe-in actuator (28) by means of a toe-in force (FV) in a method step (S2) until the starter pinion contacts the ring gear. A meshing force (FE) is then exerted onto the starter pinion (19) in a controlled manner in an additional method step (S3) in order to mesh the starter pinion (19) into a tooth gap (34) of the ring gear (13).
US09494119B2 Fuel injector
A fuel injector injecting a fuel toward a combustion chamber mounted to a gasoline engine is provided with plural injection ports through which the fuel is injected. Each injection port includes an injection-port axial line limiting a pointing direction of the injection port, and the injection-port axial lines point to different directions. The injection ports include at least one intake injection port the injection-port axial line of which points to an intake space in the combustion chamber between a top surface of a piston of the internal combustion engine and an intake valve of the internal combustion engine. The intake injection port is defined by an inner peripheral wall surface extending in the injection-port axial line of the intake injection port and having a straight shape. The injection ports further include at least one exhaust injection port the injection-port axial line of which points to an exhaust space in the combustion chamber between the top surface of the piston of the internal combustion engine and an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust injection port is defined by an inner peripheral wall surface separated from the injection-port axial line of the exhaust injection port toward an outlet opening and having an enlarged shape toward the outlet opening.
US09494112B2 Exhaust gas heat exchanger and method
A heat exchanger that transfers heat from an exhaust gas flow to a liquid coolant includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section located adjacent the first heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section is located within a first housing that at least partially encloses a first fluid volume. The second heat exchange section is located within a second housing that at least partially encloses a second fluid volume. A first plurality of heat exchange tubes traverses the first heat exchange section, and a second plurality of heat exchange tubes traverses the second heat exchange section. An exhaust gas flow path of the heat exchanger includes the first fluid volume and the interiors of the second plurality of heat exchange tubes. A coolant flow path of the heat exchanger includes the second fluid volume and the interiors of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes.
US09494111B2 Quad layer passage variable geometry turbine for turbochargers in exhaust gas recirculation engines
A variable geometry turbine for turbochargers in exhaust gas recirculation engines incorporates a turbine housing having an exhaust inlet with a first side receiving exhaust from cylinders having exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a second side receiving exhaust from non-EGR cylinders. The first side has a first EGR-driving passage and a second EGR-driving passage and the second side having a first non-EGR-driving passage and a second non-EGR-driving passage. A first control valve is associated with the second EGR-driving passage and a second control valve is associated with the second non-EGR-driving passage. A controller is adapted to control the first and second control valves.
US09494108B2 Thrust reverser actuator damper system
A nacelle may comprise a thrust reverser. The thrust reverser may comprise a translating sleeve, a cascade array, and a TRAS actuator. The TRAS actuator may pass through an aperture in an aft cascade ring of the cascade array. A retainer may be coupled to the aft cascade ring. A damper may be coupled to the retainer. The damper may circumscribe the TRAS actuator. The damper may be configured to damp vibrations in the TRAS actuator. As an amplitude of vibration or deflection of the TRAS actuator increases, a reaction force applied by the damper on the TRAS actuator increases, which prevents the TRAS actuator from contacting the aft cascade ring.
US09494105B2 Piston
A piston for an internal combustion engine may include a plurality of pin bores for accommodating a piston pin. The pin bores may be transversely oval to a longitudinal axis of the piston. The pin bores may be formed in a circular cylindrical manner at a zenith of α=0° and at a nadir of α=180°. The pin bores may be formed in an oval manner with an oil-holding volume at an equator of α=90° and α=270°. The pin bores may include a transition between the equator and the zenith and between the equator and the nadir that runs in a continuous and differentiable manner.
US09494104B2 Cylinder with multiple transfer ports for an internal combustion engine
A cylinder comprises a cylinder axis, a cylindrical wall, and an exhaust port defined in the wall. At least one central transfer port and at least two side transfer ports are defined in the wall. Each of the at least one central transfer port and each of the at least two side transfer ports has a transfer channel extending therefrom. For each of the at least one central transfer port, an angle about the cylinder axis between a center of the central transfer port and a center of the exhaust port is greater than 135° and less than or equal to 180°. For each of the at least two side transfer ports, an angle about the cylinder axis between a center of the side transfer port and the center of the exhaust port is less than or equal to 135°. Engines and cylinder blocks are also disclosed.
US09494103B2 Cylinder block manufacturing method and cylinder block
A cylinder block manufacturing method including: machining an inner surface of a cylinder bore (3) of a cylinder block (1) into a first shape different from a target shape before a bearing cap (7) is attached to the cylinder block (1) so that the inner surface of the cylinder bore (3) is deformed into the target shape by attachment of the bearing cap (7) to the cylinder block (1); and forming a thermal spray coating (5) on the inner surface of the cylinder bore (3) having the first shape.
US09494097B2 Exhaust purification system of spark ignition type internal combustion engine
The NOx storage catalyst and the NOx selective reduction catalyst are arranged in the engine exhaust passage. In the engine low load operating region, a combustion is performed in the combustion chamber under a lean base air-fuel ratio and the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber is made rich when NOx should be released from the NOx storage catalyst. In the engine medium load operating region, the base air-fuel ratio is made smaller, a degree of richness of the air-fuel ratio is made smaller, and a period in which the air-fuel ratio is made rich is made shorter so that an amount of ammonia which is produced per unit time when the air-fuel ratio is made rich falls compared with the time of engine low load operation.
US09494096B2 Method and apparatus for determining the efficiency of an exhaust gas purification device
A method for determining the efficiency of an exhaust gas purification device of a diesel internal combustion engine for motor vehicles, having a first NOx sensor, arranged ahead of an oxidation catalyst and/or a particulate filter, and a second NOx sensor, arranged downstream of a reduction catalyst, and having a device for the metered supply of a reducing agent, wherein the method includes feeding the signals from the two NOx sensors are fed to a control unit, by means of which at least one feed quantity of the reducing agent is specified. To determine an efficiency of the oxidation catalyst and/or of the particulate filter, the NO and NO2 concentration and/or the NO2/NO ratio of the exhaust gas flow at the measurement position of the second NOx sensor and/or downstream of the reduction catalyst is determined by the control unit solely of the signal values acquired by the two NOx sensors.
US09494095B2 Fuel injection valve equipped with in-cylinder pressure sensor
A fuel injection valve equipped with an in-cylinder pressure sensor is provided in which a fuel injection valve is fitted into an injection valve mounting hole provided in an engine, the fuel injection valve injecting fuel from a front end of a valve housing part into a combustion chamber of the engine, and the in-cylinder pressure sensor, which is cylindrical and has a front end facing the combustion chamber, and a cylindrical signal circuit tube fitted and connected to an inner peripheral face of a rear end of the in-cylinder pressure sensor are fitted and fixed to an outer peripheral face of the valve housing part, housed in the injection valve mounting hole, of the fuel injection valve. In such fuel injection valve, the signal transmission device connected to an in-cylinder pressure sensor does not vibrate within an injection valve mounting hole, thus enabling its durability to be ensured.
US09494094B2 Engine rotational speed control device
An engine rotational speed control device (4) includes a noise removal processing unit (6) which corrects a command value, wherein the noise removal processing unit (6) is configured to set a current first output value (B(i)) to be identical to a previous first output value (B(i−1)) in a case where, in a latest step group, the number of successive increase steps is smaller than a first predetermined number (n) and the number of successive decrease steps is smaller than the first predetermined number (n), the increase step is a step in which a current first input value (A(i)) is greater than the previous first output value (B(i−1)) by a first set width (n) or more, and the decrease step is a step in which the current first input value (A(i)) is smaller than the previous first output value (B(i)) by the first set width (n) or more.
US09494093B2 Detecting and negotiating a climbable obstacle in a vehicle
Data is collected in a vehicle relating to a potential obstacle. Based at least in part on the collected data, an obstacle is identified. At least one characteristic of the obstacle is determined. At least one torque to be applied in a vehicle powertrain is determined based at least in part on the at least one characteristic of the obstacle.
US09494092B2 System and method for predicting parameters associated with airflow through an engine
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine air sensor, an engine air prediction module, and an engine actuator module. The engine air sensor measures an engine air parameter at a first rate. The engine air parameter includes at least one of a mass flow rate of air flowing into an intake manifold of an engine, a pressure within the intake manifold, and a mass of air within a cylinder of the engine. The engine air prediction module predicts the engine air parameter at a second rate that is greater than the first rate. The engine actuator module controls an actuator of the engine based on at least one of the measured engine air parameter and the predicted engine air parameter.
US09494089B1 Hydraulic servo gas regulator for multi-fuel engine
A bi-fuel and dual-fuel engine variable pressure fuel system is presented facilitating individual or simultaneous use of liquid and gaseous fuels including natural gas, hydrogen and gasoline, through employment of a variable output pressure gaseous fuel regulator incorporating an attached hydraulic amplifying structure communicating with a relatively low pressure fluid servo circuit that may in turn communicate with a variable pressure automotive liquid fuel system to facilitate relatively high pressure gaseous fuel injection.
US09494088B1 Averaging filter for skip fire engine operation
A variety of methods, devices and filters are described that are suitable for averaging measured power train operating parameters over a period that varies as a function of an engine cylinder firing characteristic such as a current operational firing fraction or firing sequence. The averaged measured operating parameter may be used in a variety of different engine control related functions, calculations and/or operations. The described techniques and devices are particularly well suited for use during skip fire operation of an engine.
US09494087B2 Stick-resistant engine over-speed shut-down valve
An engine shutoff valve is provided which includes a valve body having an air passageway in which a disc assembly and a valve seat assembly are located. The disc assembly includes a disc member which is arranged to be rotated and moved toward the valve seat assembly upon the occurrence of an engine runaway condition to close the valve. The valve seat assembly includes an anti-friction ring which is arranged to be engaged by the disc member when the valve is closed. The anti-friction ring is rotatable with respect to the valve body and the disc member to prevent the disc member from sticking thereto after closure of the valve, whereupon the valve can be readily reopened.
US09494078B2 Prime mover with recovered energy driven compression of the working fluid
The present invention is a prime mover with recovered energy driven compression for stationary and motor vehicle application. Efficient low compression operation, especially beneficial to small gas turbines, is enabled with either ambient or cryogenic intake air. Recovered energy, liquefied air cooling and re-liquefaction of air by a cryogenic sink minimize motive fluid compression work of a jet compressor driving exhaust gas recirculation. Regenerative heat exchanger terminal temperature difference relative to turbine temperature drop and heat exchanger surface area are reduced.
US09494076B2 Engine system
An engine system may include a first intake line configured to supply external air to an intake manifold mounted in a cylinder block of an engine, an intake bypass valve disposed on the first intake line, a second intake line configured to bypass the intake bypass valve, a first exhaust line, through which exhaust gas discharged from an exhaust manifold mounted in the cylinder block flows, an exhaust bypass valve disposed on the first exhaust line, a second exhaust line configured to bypass the exhaust bypass valve, a turbo charger operated by exhaust gas passing through the second exhaust line, and configured to pump intake air flowing in the second intake line, a controller configured to control the intake bypass valve and the exhaust bypass valve, and a turbine housing configured to surround a turbine of the turbo charger. The turbine housing may be made of a material the same as that of a cylinder head of the engine.
US09494073B2 Method and device for monitoring the function of an exhaust-gas sensor
A method for monitoring the function of an exhaust-gas sensor in the exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine. A first function control of the exhaust-gas sensor takes place in a first operating point of the internal combustion engine, and in the case of an intact exhaust-gas sensor, the output signal of the exhaust gas sensor or a characteristic quantity derived therefrom is determined in at least one second operating point of the internal combustion engine in the case of an intact exhaust-gas sensor and stored as learned value, and the monitoring of the function of the exhaust-gas sensor during a subsequent operation of the internal combustion engine in the second operating point takes place by comparing the output signal of the exhaust-gas sensor or the characteristic quantity derived therefrom, with the learned value. A corresponding device for implementing the method is also described.
US09494070B2 Method of controlling ammonia amount absorbed in selective catalytic reduction catalyst and exhaust system using the same
A method of controlling ammonia (NH3) amount absorbed in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst may include determining a target NH3 absorption amount considering a safety factor on a basis of NH3 absorption characteristics according to a temperature of the SCR catalyst, determining a predicted NH3 reaction amount according to a current driving condition, and controlling injection of urea according to the target NH3 absorption amount and the predicted NH3 reaction amount.
US09494069B2 Device for metering a liquid reducing agent
The invention relates to a device for metering a liquid reducing agent into an exhaust gas system. The device can be used, in particular, for reducing nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas. The device includes at least one working container for holding a working quantity of the liquid reducing agent. In addition, the device is provided with at least one metering module, at least one delivery line, and at least one delivery pump. The device also has at least one storage container for holding a storage quantity of the liquid reducing age, preferably a storage quantity that exceeds the working quantity. The storage container is connected to the working container via at least one storage line. The storage line has at least one storage pump disposed therein for circulating liquid reducing agent from the storage container to the working container.
US09494067B2 Emissions cleaning module and associated electronics support unit
An emissions cleaning module electronics support unit includes a base member which defines at least one seating location for an electronics module; and a roof member includes a first end joined to the base member and a second end, distal the base member, coupled to a brace or one or more conduits of the emissions cleaning module. The roof member may be shaped to extend up and over the base member so as to create an open-mouthed cavity. The base member may include one or more apertures creating tortuous thermal paths between the attachment member and electronics module seating location.
US09494066B2 Control apparatus for an internal combustion engine
A controller is provided for an engine comprising urea-SCR catalyst, a urea-water supply section, a low pressure gas recirculating section including a low pressure EGR pipe forming a low pressure EGR passage and a low pressure EGR valve. The controller controls an amount of a fuel supplied to the engine, and an opening degree of the low pressure EGR valve. The controller supplies the urea-water to the urea-SCR catalyst in such a manner that an ammonia flowing out from the urea-SCR catalyst neutralizes an acid condensed water produced by a gas passing through the low pressure EGR passage.
US09494065B2 Apparatus for processing exhaust fluid
Provided is an apparatus for processing exhaust fluid in which a fluid generated in a process chamber of an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor, a display panel, or a solar cell is ejected to the outside. The apparatus for processing exhaust fluid includes: a vacuum pump that is connected to the process chamber, vacuumizes the inside of the process chamber, and ejects the fluid generated in the process chamber to the outside; and a plasma reactor in which plasma is formed and the fluid generated in the process chamber decomposes, wherein the plasma reactor includes: an insulating conduit that is provided between the process chamber and the vacuum pump and provides a space in which the fluid decomposes; at least one electrode unit that is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the conduit and receives a voltage to form the plasma; a buffer unit that is formed of an electrically conductive elastic substance and is disposed between the conduit and the electrode unit to attach the conduit and the electrode unit closely together; and an external pipe into which the conduit, electrode unit and buffer unit are inserted with sealing flanges provided on both end portions of the conduit and external pipe to seal a space between the conduit and the external pipe to prevent fluid process by-products from leaking out should the conduit crack or is damaged.
US09494061B2 Variable valve system
A control device controls a valve timing changer to retard a phase of an exhaust valve camshaft with respect to a crankshaft such that the time of opening of an intake valve is earlier than the time of closing the exhaust valve after a top dead center, when a determiner determines that an engine is not in a warm-up stage in a low-load operation. The control device controls the valve timing changer to advance the phase of the exhaust valve camshaft with respect to the crankshaft such that the time of closing the exhaust valve is earlier than the time of opening of the intake valve after the top dead center, when the determiner determines that the engine is at the warm-up stage in the low-load operation.
US09494059B2 Valve train layout structure including return spring and camshaft-in-camshaft
A valve train layout structure may include a non-control camshaft adapted to not vary opening/closing timing of a valve, a control camshaft including an outer shaft, a first cam, an inner shaft rotatably inserted in the outer shaft, and a second cam fixed to the inner shaft and adapted to vary opening/closing timing of at least one of a valve activated by the first cam and a valve activated by the second cam by varying a phase between the first cam and the second cam, and a cam phaser including a rotor and a stator n which one of the rotor or the stator may be operatively connected to the outer shaft and the other of the rotor or the stator may be operatively connected to the inner shaft such that the cam phaser can vary the phase between the first cam and the second cam.
US09494057B2 Variable valve lift system
A variable valve lift system includes a camshaft, a high lift cam, a low lift cam, a valve lift apparatus including a high lift body driven by the high lift cam, a low lift body driven by the low lift cam, and a first coupling part to selectively couple the high lift body and the low lift body, a valve provided at one end of the low lift body and opened and closed by the low lift body, a hydraulic lash adjuster including an adjuster housing installed in a cylinder head, an adjust unit to support the other end of the low lift body, slidably provided within the adjuster housing, and to adjust clearance of the valve, and a second coupling part to selectively couple the adjust unit and the adjuster housing, and a hydraulic pressure supply unit to selectively supply hydraulic pressure to the first and second coupling parts.
US09494056B2 Apparatus and process for generation of energy by organic rankine cycle
An apparatus for generation of energy through organic Rankine cycle comprises a heat exchanger (3) to exchange heat between a high temperature source and an organic working fluid, so as to heat and evaporate said working fluid, an expansion turbine (4) of the radial-outflow type, fed with the vaporized working fluid outflowing from the heat exchanger (3), to make a conversion of the thermal energy present in the working fluid into mechanical energy according to a Rankine cycle, a condenser (6) where the working fluid outflowing from the turbine (4) is condensed and sent to a pump (2) and then fed to the heat exchanger (3).
US09494053B2 Diffuser with strut-induced vortex mixing
A gas turbine engine includes inner and outer shrouds forming an annular gas path, and a plurality of struts connecting the inner shroud to the outer shroud. Airfoil shaped shields surround the struts, and each of the shields include a main body having an upstream leading edge defining a chordal axis extending in a downstream axial direction from the leading edge toward a downstream end of the shield. A trailing edge flap is located at the downstream end of each shield, the trailing edge flap including first and second span-wise portions. The first span-wise portion is oriented to direct flow at an angle relative to the chordal axis of the main body and the second span-wise portion is oriented to direct flow in a direction that is at a different angle than the angle of first span-wise portion.
US09494052B2 Dual-intent locator pin and removable plug for gas turbines
A borescope plug configuration is disclosed. The borescope plug configuration comprises an inspection path defined through a bore in a first engine structure, a second engine structure, and an opening into the gas path of an engine. The borescope plug configuration further comprises a removable plug for sealing the inspection path. The removable plug is adapted to couple the first engine structure to the second engine structure.
US09494051B2 Counter plate and turbo machine comprising a counter plate
A counter plate for a turbo machine, including: a first external surface and a second external surface, which are substantially parallel; the first external surface of the counter plate creates a continuous ring or continuous ring segment and includes a first series of holes through which fasteners can pass; the second external surface of the counter plate including a plurality of surfaces for supporting heads of the fasteners, the support surfaces including a second series of holes, positioned facing the first series of holes, so that the fasteners can pass through the holes in the counter plate.
US09494050B2 Concentric nozzles for enhanced mixing of fluids
An article for mixing ambient fluid with a motive fluid comprises a conduit, and thermally conductive concentric inner and outer nozzles extending from the conduit. The conduit is configured to supply the motive fluid to the outer nozzle and the ambient fluid to the inner nozzle. The inner nozzle extends further downstream from the conduit than the outer nozzle.
US09494047B2 Exhaust-gas turbocharger
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a compressor (2) which has a compressor wheel (3) in a compressor housing (4); a turbine (5) which has a turbine wheel (6) in a turbine housing (7); and a bearing housing (8) which holds a stationary bearing bush (9) for a rotor shaft (10) and which has, at the compressor side, a bearing housing cover (11). The bearing bush (9) is provided with axial bearing surfaces (12, 13) and is fixed in the bearing housing (8) in a non-positively locking fashion.
US09494037B2 Inclined layered solid-filling mining method in ultrathick coal layer
In an inclined layered solid-filling mining method in an ultrathick coal layer, tunnels and equipment are arranged according to a solid-filling mining method. An artificial roof for a lower layer is formed by metal meshes and bamboo fences of a first layer a solid-filling mining method. The method is repeated, until the entire ultrathick coal layer is finished. The method is repeated forming additional roofs for subsequent layers.
US09494035B2 Fluid pressure pulse generator and method of using same
A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse.
US09494023B2 Nano-sensors for oil and gas reservoir characterization
Enhanced oil recovery becomes increasingly important in satisfying the growing demand for fossil fuel. The efficiency of secondary recovery processes like water flooding is however largely influenced by the rock characteristics, fluid characteristics, chemistry and physics. For development of the full potential of secondary oil recovery, it remains a challenge to obtain sufficient knowledge about the reservoir conditions. The present invention provides a novel water-dispersed, nano-sensor composition based on. InP/ZnS quantum dots (“QDs”) and atomic silver clusters, which exhibit a bright visible fluorescence combined with dedicated sensor functionalities. The QD and silver nano-sensors were tested in simulated reservoir conditions to determine their selected functionality to these reservoir conditions. The developed nano-sensors showed improved sensor functionalities towards pH, temperature, and subterranean reservoir rock, such, as clay or limestone.
US09494020B2 Multiple diameter expandable straddle system
A tubular expansion system is configured to expand a tubular in a wellbore. The expansion system may include an expandable tubular having a lower section and an upper section; a first expansion member configured to expand the lower section; and a second expansion member configured to expand the upper section. The upper section may be expanded to have an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the expanded lower section. The second expansion member may be engaged and moved by the first expansion member and/or one or more support members to expand the upper section.
US09494018B2 Sand control crossover tool with mud pulse telemetry position
A completion tool for gravel packing screens incorporates an added position to allow redirection of flow to a signal transmission tool at the needed flow rates to optimize signal to noise ratios by creation of a discrete flow path that channels the desired flow directly to the device and using the production tubing and upper annulus as the balance of the flow circuit. The Smart Collet® has a landing location for this position which is preferably between the circulation and reverse positions of the crossover tool. The wash pipe assembly can have a shifting tool that closes the sleeve over the gravel exit ports for the information transmittal such ports can thereafter remain closed because the gravel packing is complete but for the reversing out of excess gravel which happens above the gravel exit ports.
US09494016B2 Collecting tank, system comprising collecting tank and multi-phase pumps, and method for separating and dividing up a multi-phase mixture
The invention relates to a collecting tank for multi-phase mixtures from a hydrocarbon source, having at least one inlet (20) for introducing multi-phase mixtures into the collecting tank (10), and having a plurality of outlet connectors (30), which can be connected to pumps (3) via which multi-phase mixtures are pumped, the outlet connectors (30) being assigned inwardly directed internals (40) which project upwards beyond the collecting-tank base (11) and have a first, upper opening (42) and a second, lower opening (41), wherein the flow cross section of the lower opening (41) is smaller than that of the upper opening (42).
US09494014B1 Multi-cycle circulating valve assembly
A circulating valve assembly can include a valve controlling flow between an interior and an exterior of the assembly, another valve controlling flow between sections of a flow passage extending through the assembly, and an actuator that both opens one valve and closes the other valve in response to each of multiple positive pressure differentials from the interior to the exterior. A system for use with a well can include a circulating valve assembly controlling flow through a tubular string and a well tool connected in the tubular string downstream of the assembly. In one configuration of the assembly, the flow passes through the well tool. In another configuration, the flow passes from the tubular string to an annulus external to the tubular string, with the flow substantially bypassing the well tool. The assembly cycles between the configurations in response to alternating increases and decreases in the flow.
US09494010B2 Synchronic dual packer
A downhole tool having a first packing element and a second packing element configured to synchronically set to selectively hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore. The movement of a pin along a j-slot track on a second sleeve sets the second packer in compression and the movement of a pin along a j-slot track on a first sleeve the first packer in tension after the second packer has been set. The j-slot track on the first sleeve has six different pin positions and the j-slot track on the second sleeve has four different pin positions. The pin positions and direction of travel of the j-slot tracks are adapted to permit the synchronized setting of the two packing elements to hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore. The wellbore may then be treated by flowing fluid out of a ported sub positioned between the packing elements.
US09494004B2 Adjustable coring assembly and method of using same
A coring extender for a coring tool is provided. The coring tool is deployable by a downhole tool into a wellbore. The coring extender includes a housing operatively connectable to the downhole tool, a mandrel, and seals. The housing has fluid chambers therein. The mandrel is positionable in the housing, and includes a locking tube operatively connectable to the housing and a coupling tube operatively connectable to the coring tool. The coupling tube is adjustably positionable relative to the locking tube such that a length of the mandrel is adjustably defined therebetween. The coupling tube has an outer surface slidably positionable along an inner surface of the housing. Seals are positionable between the mandrel and the housing to define a fluid pocket to isolate the fluid therebetween as the coupling tube moves along the housing whereby the fluid permitted to flow about the fluid pocket to balance between the fluid chambers.
US09494001B2 Service panel
The present invention relates to a downhole tool comprising a tool housing for accommodating components of the downhole tool, the tool housing comprising; a first tool housing part having a first end face and a second end face, and an activation unit removably connected with the first tool housing part, the activation unit comprising: a second tool housing part, and a closing member removably connected with the second tool housing part, wherein the second tool housing part and the closing member together constitute a fluid-tight chamber wherein a fluid is retained, the fluid-tight chamber housing mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or electrical components, and wherein the activation unit may be separated from the first tool housing part while the closing member is connected with the second tool housing part. The invention further relates to a downhole system and to a method of performing services of a downhole tool.
US09493999B1 Spinning gas separator for drilling fluid
A gas-separator for separating trapped gases from drilling fluids retrieved from a well-bore being drilled is disclosed. The gas-separator includes a cylindrical separator which is capable of rotating on its longitudinal axis when fluid and gases flow out through fluid ejection ports, which access the center bore of the cylindrical separator. The fluid ejection ports have a narrower cross-section towards the center bore and a wider cross-section at the opposite end, and are preferably aligned substantially tangentially with periphery of center bore, such that outflow of drilling fluid (and gases) from the center bore through the ejection ports induces a rotational torque on the cylindrical separator. Spinning of cylindrical separator enhances the gas-separation effect.
US09493998B2 Drill string tubular component
A drill string tubular component for use in an oil or gas well, in the form of a tubular having a central bore and a mechanism for mobilizing drill cuttings comprising at least one radial impeller (30) configured to apply radial thrust cuttings passing it, the radial impeller being located between first and second axial impellers (10, 20) configured to apply axial thrust to the fluids in opposite directions. Typically helical components of the first and second axial impellers extend in respective opposite directions, typically toward the radial impeller. Fluids are thus diverted radially away from the outer surface of the tubular component, and thereby enter a more turbulent region of the annulus, there reducing the tendency of the drill cuttings to settle out of suspension.
US09493997B2 Floating clamping device for injection head of continuous oil pipe
A floating clamping device for an injection head of a continuous oil pipe, including a drive sprocket, a transmission chain, a supporting plate, a pushing plate, clamping oil cylinders and a clamping assembly. At least two clamping oil cylinders are installed on the supporting plate fixedly. The pushing plate is fixed on the supporting plate through a pin shaft. The clamping assembly includes a saddle-shaped clamping block, a clamping block seat and rollers which are mounted on the clamping block seat. The clamping assembly is mounted on the transmission chain. A piston rod of the clamping oil cylinder is pressed on one face of the pushing plate, while the other face of the pushing plate is pressed on the rollers. The pushing plate has a simple structure and is convenient for maintenance; the clamping device has a compact structure and a reduced volume.
US09493990B2 Roller cone drill bits with optimized bearing structures
A roller cone drill bit may include optimally designed bearing structures and cutting structures. The roller cone drill bit may include three cone assemblies rotatably mounted on respective spindles via respective bearing structures. Each cone assembly may have a respective cutting structure with a minimal moment center located along each respective axis of rotation. Each respective bearing structure has a center point located proximate each respective minimal moment center.
US09493989B2 Subsea drilling with casing
A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.
US09493988B2 String supported whipstock for multiple laterals in a single trip and related method
A whipstock is supported adjacent the lower end of a string during the drilling of the lateral. It has no integrated anchor. The BHA is delivered through the string that supports the whipstock. After a lateral is drilled the BHA is retracted and the support string is manipulated to advance the whipstock to a new location for proper orientation with a gyroscopic tool. The BHA is then advanced through the support string for drilling of another lateral in the same trip in the hole. The process can be repeated as many times as needed. Peripheral pads on the lower end of the whipstock push the lower end of the whipstock ramp to the borehole wall for proper tracking of the lateral. The laterals can be in open or cased hole and the support string can have circulation ports near the whipstock to cool the BHA in geothermal wells.
US09493987B2 Coil tubing orienter tool with differential lead screw drive
A technique facilitates control over the orientation of a bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly comprises an orienting tool having a dual-spline drive which, in turn, comprises a first lead screw portion and a second lead screw portion having threads of a first pitch and a second pitch, respectively. A motor is connected to the dual-spline drive to impart rotational motion with respect to the first threads having the first pitch. A difference in pitch between the first pitch and the second pitch enables the rotational motion imparted by the motor to be converted to a slower, higher torque, output via the second lead screw portion. As a result, the orienting tool is able to provide a selective, high torque, low-speed adjustment to the drilling orientation of the bottom hole assembly.
US09493985B2 Mud hydraulic top drive
A top drive includes a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with first inlet for a supply of pressurized drilling fluid. A drill string adapter is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic motor and is in fluid communication with the first inlet.
US09493983B2 Louver roller system with cam pin turning mechanism
The invention discloses a louver roller system with a cam pin turning mechanism, including a base and a top cover, wherein a roller mechanism and a cam pin turning mechanism are mounted on the base, the roller mechanism is wound with ladder tapes, the roller mechanism is in axial connection with the cam pin turning mechanism, and the roller mechanism and the cam pin turning mechanism are driven to rotate by a square shaft. The roller mechanism controls horizontal rising and falling of secondary louver blades, and the roller within the roller mechanism rotates to wind or unwind the ladder tapes thereon and sequentially drives various secondary louver blades to rise and fall horizontally. When various secondary louver blades rise to a predetermined position, the roller drives the cam pin turning mechanism to bring a turning cylinder to rotate, so as to achieve turning of all louver blades.
US09493978B2 Auxiliary window pane system
An auxiliary pane is attached to a window having an existing primary window pane using a plurality of mounting members, each formed of a first flange and a second flange joined perpendicularly to one another at an apex so as to be substantially L-shaped. The first flange of each mounting member is secured to an inner frame surface of the perimeter frame of the window using a curable adhesive material. A gauge having first and second gauge surfaces at a prescribed distance is used to align the second flanges of the mounting members into a common plane by abutting the first gauge surface against the primary window pane and adjusting each mounting member to abut the second flange thereof to the second gauge surface of the gauge before the curable adhesive material has cured. Once cured, the auxiliary pane is magnetically coupled to the second flanges of the mounting members.
US09493977B2 Post for a folding door
A locking post for a folding door having two face panels and two end panels, the panels extending the length of the post. A plurality of relatively short, spacers are in the post, including a spacer at each end of the post. First fasteners fasten one face panel to each spacer on one side of each spacer and fasten the other face panel to each spacer on the side of each spacer opposite the one side, the face panels parallel and aligned. Second fastens detachably fasten one end panel to both face panels along one side of the face panels and detachably fasten the other end panel to both face panels on the other side of the face panels, the end panels parallel, the face panels and end panels together providing a tubular enclosure for the spacers.
US09493975B1 Movement and elastic abutting device of a two link mechanism
An elastic abutting device disposed on one link of a two link mechanism includes a base member, a bearing member, a latch member, and an elastic member. The base member has an accommodating groove. The bearing member is disposed in the accommodating groove, wherein the bearing member has a first propping portion, a second propping portion, and a through hole. The latch member defines a central axis, and the latch member has an abutting portion which is partly exposed out of the through hole and a retaining portion which is disposed correspondingly to the abutting portion. The elastic member is disposed between the first propping portion and the second propping portion, wherein two opposite terminal ends of the elastic member respectively have a first side end portion and a second side end portion disposed correspondingly to the first side end portion.
US09493973B2 Hinge
There is disclosed an anti-sag hinge (10) which includes a mounting flange assembly (12) pivotally coupled to a strap assembly (15). The strap assembly includes a strap (31) extending from a cylinder portion (32). The strap includes an interior recess (68) and a flexible, rubber bumper or cover (90) is configured to fit snugly into the top end of the strap recess. The recess is defined by the peripheral sidewalls (74) of the strap which extend to the most outboard portion of the hinge.
US09493968B2 Striker with expandable sleeve
A striker assembly includes a striker having an attachment portion, a shaft portion having a cylindrical outer surface, and a shoulder portion between the shaft portion and the attachment portion. The striker assembly also includes a striker sleeve having a wall that has an inner surface defining an interior space having first and second openings. The wall has corrugations such that the inner surface defines a plurality of concave portions and joining portions that interconnect the concave portions. The concave portions and the joining portions extend from the first opening to the second opening. The shaft portion is inside the interior space and the outer surface of the shaft portion contacts the joining portions of the inner surface of the striker sleeve.
US09493966B2 Gate lock
A gate lock (10) includes a body (11), which in turn includes a latch (12) that can house a key (13) for opening the lock (10) and a stop element (14) having a first configuration of engagement on at least a part of the gate. The lock (10) further includes a slide (17), which slides with respect to the body (11); the stop element (14) is slidably constrained to a guide element.
US09493965B2 Symmetrical uni-directional single action centered cylinder keyless deadbolt door lock assembly for right or left hand hung doors
A door lock assembly operates a deadbolt between unlocked and locked positions. It includes an actuator, a ring, and a spring member. The actuator includes an integral arm, that extends inwardly, to the center of the ring, and the arm has a cam provided upon the center axis, and receives the torque blade from center key cylinder. In the preferred embodiment, when the ring is turned in a clockwise direction, it locks the deadbolt of the latch bolt assembly, by shifting it to a locking position, and all of this can be achieved because the key cylinder is on a center axis, and the axis of the latch bolt assembly and deadbolt intersects that same center axis in their operation.
US09493960B2 Cover assembly for a spa
A cover assembly for a spa having a base and a shell supported by the base is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover member selectively movable between a covered position and an uncovered position, and a lifting assembly having a first lifting mechanism rotatably coupled to the cover member and to the base. The first lifting mechanism provides two axes of rotation for the cover member relative to the base.
US09493959B2 Apparatus for forming temporary guardrail on stairs
An apparatus for use in erecting a temporary guardrail on a stair, having a stair stringer. The apparatus has an elongated stanchion. A first jaw assembly is operatively attached to the stanchion for engaging one side of the stringer, proximal the bottom edge thereof, and includes a first compression assembly to operatively urge the stanchion against the stringer. A second axially spaced, jaw assembly is operatively attached to the stanchion for engaging the one side of the stringer proximal a top edge thereof, and includes a second compression assembly to urge the stanchion against the stringer, and a bracket attached to the stanchion, and being adapted to receive a temporary guardrail member.
US09493958B1 Wedge-activated rod clamp assembly
A rod clamp assembly and method for securing a rod. The assembly includes a housing and wedge member. The housing has an oppositely-disposed pair of sidewalls and an oppositely-disposed pair of endwalls. The sidewalls have a side passage that passes through the housing and defines an interior cavity within the housing. The endwalls have an end passage that passes through the housing and its cavity. The end passage includes at least two end passage walls within the housing, each end passage wall being between the cavity and one of the endwalls. The end passage has a cross-sectional shape defined at least in part by two opposing series of holes that increase in diameter toward the cavity, resulting in each of the end passage walls comprising a series of steps. The wedge member has a cross-sectional shape that enables the wedge member to be inserted through the side passage.
US09493956B2 Custom coffered surface layout, fabrication, and installation methods and processes
A coffer includes a panel; beam wall boards attached perpendicular to a first side of the panel and extending away from the panel and forming the side walls for a pattern of intersecting, non-structural hollow box beams, wherein the panel extends past the beam wall boards to create a fastening flange or point by which one or more modules are secured to a substrate; and a beam wall molding cut to size and custom-fitted to the beam wall boards and a panel after the beam wall boards have been attached to the panel, wherein the beam wall molding connects surfaces between the beam wall boards and the panel without covering the beam wall board edges and wherein the panel directly terminates into a perpendicular wall or surface or into the substrate and wherein the modules and resulting hollow box beams include polygonal and curved shapes and wherein the beam wall moldings follow the exact shape of the beam wall boards to eliminate spaces between the beam wall moldings and the beam wall board that would require filling by an additional board, part or component.
US09493955B1 Snow guard assembly for standing seam metal roof
A snow guard assembly for a standing seam metal roof includes a first snow support bracket including a first bracket body secured to a first standing seam on the metal roof, and a second snow support bracket including a second bracket body secured to a second standing seam. The first and second snow support brackets are substantially aligned on the roof and removably receive an elongated snow support having a snow support surface extending upwardly relative to the panel of a roofing segment over which it is mounted such that the snow support surface will support snow accumulating on the standing seam metal roof and reduce its ability to slide off the standing seam metal roof.
US09493954B2 Underlayment with slip-resistant surface
A roofing underlayment comprising an asphalt-coated fibrous sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface is provided. A first portion of the upper surface has granules adhered thereto. A slip-resistant member is bonded to a second portion of the upper surface, an upper surface of the slip-resistant member having substantially no granules adhered thereto.
US09493952B2 Roofing tile with weather durable coloring matter
A synthetic roofing material for a roofing tile and a method of extruding a resinous polymeric precursor of an exterior polymeric sheet for one or more roofing tiles; and applying a weather durable coloring matter on a surface of the precursor, wherein the cooling matter comprises one or more pigment colors in a variegated surface coloration pattern, which simulates a distinctive coloration of a natural material. The precursor is impressed with surface topography features and a surface roughness that simulate the surface features of the natural material.
US09493950B2 Composite I-beam member
A composite steel I-beam member. The member includes confined top and bottom flanges, and a composite laminated web. The confined flange comprises a wooden core and a metal jacket wrapped around an outer perimeter of the wooden core. The overall load carrying capacity of the composite I-beam is significantly increased through a list of composite actions occurring in the individual components and their connections. Most importantly, a two-way lateral interaction can be normal to the interface between the metal jacket and the wooden core and provide an amount of compressive support to the top flange surpassing the sum of amount of support provided by the metal jacket and the wooden core when being used separately.
US09493948B1 Self-supporting roof panel
A self-supporting panel is used to form building components, including roofs that have no independent supports for the panels between the ends of the panels. The panel system includes a base support or structural component having a top face sheet supported by longitudinally load carrying webs and a layer of insulation on the exterior of the face sheet. The insulation spans the entire face sheet to overlie connectors between the edges of adjacent panels when the panels are assembled to form a wall or roof, to eliminate thermal shorts.
US09493943B1 Flashing attachment apparatus and method
An improved flashing attachment apparatus and method consists of a mesh with a length and a width where the mesh is folded over along its width to create a closed end and an open end along its length and a top and a bottom. A membrane is connected with the mesh between the top and the bottom of the mesh where the membrane extends past the open end at least partially along the length of the mesh.
US09493941B2 Thermal break wall systems and thermal adjustable clip
Exterior wall systems, cladding for same and components of such systems, including a clip for use in mounting cladding and a thermal block comprising a silica aerogel material.
US09493939B2 Airform for facilitating construction of a structure
An airform that can be inflated, for example, for facilitating construction of a structure is provided. The airform may include a first portion, a second portion, or multiple other portions, and reinforcement. The first portion may, for example, be configured to be disposed in a first orientation, such as vertically or in a radial profile, when the airform is inflated. The second portion transitioning from the first portion may be configured, for example, to assume an alternate shape and profile, such as a radial shape and profile, when the airform is inflated. The reinforcement may, for example, be provided at a portion of the airform that defines a transition from the first portion to the second portion.
US09493938B2 Building panel assemblies and methods of use in wall structures
Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of non-portable wall structures permanently fixed to the ground. Fibers in the panel are typically oriented within 15 degrees of a top-to-bottom, e.g. axial, direction in the panel providing, in part, enhanced top-to-bottom crush strength of a panel/wall. The panels typically have a bias to deflect toward the surface of the panel which faces outwardly of the building, toward the backfill soil which faces the panel on the outside the building. Panels of the invention typically have mass of no more than 18 pounds per foot height per linear foot length of the building panel, and vertical crush resistance capacity of at least 2000 pounds per linear foot length of the building panel, using a safety factor of 3.
US09493937B2 Recycling flush toilet system
A recycling flush toilet has a receptacle for human waste, a liquids holding tank, a base, a toilet pipe whose upper end is in fluid communication with the base of the toilet and extends downwards, a waste separation pipe extending out from the lower end of the toilet pipe, having a first end, wherein the lower end of the toilet pipe extends into the separation pipe near the first end, a filter at the lower end of the toilet pipe for separating solids and liquids, a solids container axially aligned, and in fluid communication, with the toilet pipe, and a liquids container in fluid communication with the separation pipe and adjacent to the solids container. The filter separates the waste into liquid and solid components that are disposed into the liquids and solids containers, respectively. Liquids within the liquids container are used to flush the toilet.
US09493933B2 Pedestal strainer for a sink drain
A sink drain pedestal strainer with a central longitudinal axis includes a pedestal extending upwardly away from a base. The pedestal includes a perforate sidewall to facilitate flow of water toward the inner periphery of the base, and a perforate upper wall extending radially inwardly from the sidewall.
US09493932B2 Configurable modular sleeve valve
A modular sleeve valve apparatus can include a valve body including a first port and a second port on a first and second sidewall of the valve body. The apparatus can include a first and second valve core sleeved within the valve body. The first valve core can be a cylinder including a first aperture in a cylindrical sidewall and a second aperture in a top base-wall. The second valve core can be a cylinder including a third aperture in a cylindrical sidewall and a fourth aperture in a bottom base-wall. The first and second valve cores can be removable from the valve body and radially rotatable within the valve body. The second valve core can be positioned stacked upon the first valve core to align the second aperture and the fourth aperture.
US09493931B2 Mains water supply processing
Water is supplied from a mains water supply station to a main supply conduit which feeds a plurality of regional supply networks, via respective pressure reducing valves, at respective regional pressures. Each regional supply network has a boundary value for a parameter related to a property of the water, which may be water pressure or concentration of a water treatment agent. Each network has a critical point at which the value of the parameter is deemed least acceptable. Water supply characteristics in respect of each regional supply network are monitored and the water supplied into the main supply conduit is processed to ensure acceptable values of the parameter are maintained at each critical point.
US09493928B2 Method and apparatus for controlling engine of wheel loader
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling an engine of a wheel loader, and the apparatus includes: a sensor unit, configured to sense vehicle information and working machine information; a vehicle control unit configured to select a working condition according to a priority of the vehicle information and the working machine information, select an engine mode corresponding to the selected working condition, and output an engine mode signal representing the selected engine mode; and an engine control unit configured to control the engine output according to the engine mode signal output from the vehicle control unit. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides the method and the apparatus for controlling an engine according to a working condition of a wheel loader, thereby smoothly maintaining performance of equipment without requiring a separate manipulation by a worker, and thus achieving an effect of improving fuel efficiency.
US09493925B2 Apparatus and method for stabilizing a slab foundation
An apparatus for stabilizing a slab foundation comprises a narrow, vertical moisture barrier assembly spaced outside and surrounding the perimeter grade beam of the slab foundation by a predetermined distance, and extends to preferably five feet below surface grade. The narrow trench for the barrier is preferably less than three inches wide. A membrane formed of a synthetic composition forms a moisture barrier against one wall of the narrow trench, and is held in place by back fill. The moisture barrier is intended for use in expansive soils that are subject to shrinking and swelling.
US09493923B1 Internally braced geosynthetic wrapped system for constructing stabilized-earth walls and slopes
A method of constructing an internally braced geosynthetic-reinforced earth zone and slope facing system uses a single-layered, three-dimensional, high-profile pyramidal-woven geotextile fabric in conjunction with a bracing assembly of bars inserted into the geotextile weave and bracing an upright fold of the geotextile fabric with soil backfill to form an upright geotextile layer or lift in a plurality of wrapped, reinforcement layers of an earth wall or steepened slope. The wrapped geotextile reinforced earth wall or slope system can be internally seeded during construction or externally hydroseeded post-construction to form a vegetated facing. The wrapped geotextile lifts can be sandwiched around longer, supplemental geogrids that extend the width of the reinforced zone for taller slopes and walls.
US09493916B2 System and method for mobile subvehicular access and treatment of ground surfaces about occupied rail tracks
A system and method are provided for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle. A mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism for subvehicular passage between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle includes a dispensing portion for expelling a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails. The mobile treatment unit is maneuverable between the rails and maintains height clearance for unobstructed passage beneath the occupying rail vehicle. At least one sensor unit is coupled to the mobile treatment unit, which acquires environmental feedback data about the mobile treatment unit. A control unit is operably linked to the mobile treatment and sensor units, and receives the environmental feedback data. The control unit controls actuation of the mobile treatment unit responsive to the environmental feedback and/or a maneuver control command.
US09493915B2 Tree well and related methods
The present invention relates integrating trees into urban environments. It is a method for creating a tree well that is permeable, supports tree growth, safe for pedestrians, and aesthetically pleasing. The invention solves many of the problems associated with urban trees such as drainage problems, odor problems, and trip hazards.
US09493912B2 Method for producing lignin degradation product
The present invention relates to [1] a process for producing a lignin degradation product, including the following steps (1) to (3), and [2] a lignin degradation product produced by the process as described in the above [1]: Step (1): subjecting a lignocellulose raw material to enzymatic saccharification treatment to obtain a saccharification residue; Step (2): subjecting the saccharification residue obtained in the step (1) to heat treatment in a mixed solvent containing water and an organic solvent having a solubility in 20° C. water of not less than 90 g/L to obtain a heat treatment solution containing the lignin degradation product; and Step (3): subjecting the heat treatment solution obtained in the step (2) to solid-liquid separation to remove insoluble components from the heat treatment solution, thereby obtaining the lignin degradation product. The present invention provides a process for producing a novel lignin degradation product having a low degree of denaturation, a high solubility in solvents and a high versatility with a high yield.
US09493904B2 Laundry treatment device having a steam generator and method for treating items to be washed
A laundry treatment device includes a treatment chamber for receiving items to be washed and a steam generator supplied with water from a water source by a pump. A first line connects the steam generator to the treatment chamber, and an inlet is provided for introducing steam into the treatment chamber. Arranged between the steam generator and the treatment chamber is a nebulizer facility arranged which is connected by way of a switching valve via second lines to the treatment chamber. The nebulizer facility is constructed to mix treatment agents in the form of an aerosol with the steam.
US09493903B2 Impeller assembly for an appliance
An impeller assembly including a housing and an impeller is provided. The impeller is positioned within a volute of the housing and includes a hub and a plurality of blades. The plurality of blades are spaced about the hub along a circumferential direction of the impeller. The plurality of blades include a first pair of blades and a second pair blades. The first pair blades defines a first gap along the circumferential direction at a radially outer portion, and the second pair blades defines a second gap along the circumferential direction at a radially outer portion. The first gap is unequal to the second gap in order to reduce an amount of noise generated by the impeller assembly.
US09493897B2 Method of operation for a laundry treating appliance having a ball balance ring
A method operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a ball balance ring mounted to the rotatable drum and defining an internal raceway in which a plurality of balls are located, where the method includes rotating the drum at or above a satellizing speed, determining positions of the plurality of balls, and accelerating the rotational speed of the drum based on the determined positions of the plurality of balls.
US09493896B2 Methods and systems for bleaching textiles
Embodiments of the invention described herein provide systems and methods for bleaching textiles that are more reliable and reproducible. This disclosure provides for process control that allows a particular dosage rate or concentration of ozone to be held throughout the process. This disclosure also provides a hybrid washing machine that includes a blowing system for recirculating ozonated air during the bleaching process. The hybrid washing machine may incorporate features of a sealed vessel, a washing machine, and the air circulation volume typically associated with commercial dryers.
US09493895B2 Device for treating a fiber web
A device for treating a fiber web, especially a device for applying treatment substance for treating a moving fiber web, has at least one nozzle (10) comprising a channel (11) for the treatment substance, a frame part (12), a tip or end (13) of the nozzle (10) and a treatment substance opening (14) providing a treatment substance spray, which nozzle (10) has a tip groove area (20) adjacent to the treatment substance opening (14). The nozzle (10) has at least one opening next to or at the tip groove area (20) for providing a cleaning fluid flow comprising gas and/or liquid to the tip groove area.
US09493893B2 Knitting needle set
The present disclosure is directed to a needle set that includes a plurality of knitting needles configured to knit tubular knitted items, each knitting needle including: a first needle point, a second needle point, and a shank extending between the first and second needle points, the first needle point being a different needle shape from the second needle point.
US09493892B1 Proliferated thread count of a woven textile by simultaneous insertion within a single pick insertion event of a loom apparatus multiple adjacent parallel yarns drawn from a multi-pick yarn package
In one or more embodiments, multiple texturized polyester weft yarns of denier between 15 and 65 are wound on a single bobbin in a parallel adjacent fashion such that they may be fed into an air jet pick insertion apparatus and/or a rapier pick insertion apparatus of an air jet loom to weave a textile that has between 90 to 235 ends per inch cotton warp yarns and between 100 and 965 polyester weft yarns.
US09493890B2 Direct band gap wurtzite semiconductor nanowires
Growth of GaP and III-V GaP alloys in the wurtzite crystal structure by vapor phase epitaxy (VPE) is provided. Such material has a direct band gap and is therefore much more useful for optoelectronic devices than conventional GaP and GaP alloys having the zincblende crystal structure and having an indirect band gap.
US09493881B2 Sulfate-based electrolysis processing with flexible feed control, and use to capture carbon dioxide
A method including electrolysis processing using sulfate-based electrolytes includes precipitating sodium sulfate decahydrate from a salt solution and then redissolving sodium sulfate decahydrate to prepare feed of electrolyte solution for the electrolysis processing. Front-end processing may be used to treat mixed salt solutions, including brine solutions. Calcium sulfate reagent may provide a sulfate source to regenerate electrolyte solution following carbon capture, and with carbon dioxide being sequestered in the form of calcium carbonate.
US09493879B2 Selective sputtering for pattern transfer
Methods of patterning conductive layer with a mask are described. The methods include low-ion-mass sputtering of the conductive layer by accelerating (e.g. helium or hydrogen containing ions) toward a substrate which includes the patterned mask and the underlying conductive layer. The sputtering processes described herein selectively remove conductive layers while retaining mask material.
US09493878B2 Surface roughening agent for aluminum, and surface roughening method using said surface roughening agent
Provided are a surface roughening agent for aluminum and a surface roughening method using said surface roughening agent wherein it is possible to easily reduce costs for the surface roughening step and to improve the adhesiveness between aluminum and a resin. Specifically, provided is a surface roughening agent for aluminum comprising an aqueous solution containing: an alkali source, an amphoteric metal ion, a nitrate ion, and a thio compound. Moreover, provided is a surface roughening method for aluminum which involves a surface roughening step in which the surface of aluminum is treated with the aforementioned surface roughening agent.
US09493874B2 Distribution of gas over a semiconductor wafer in batch processing
A method and apparatus to evenly distribute gas over a wafer in batch processing. Several techniques are disclosed, such as, but not limited to, angling an injector to distribute gas towards a proximate edge of the wafer, and/or reducing the amount of overlap in the center of the wafer of gas from subsequent gas injections.
US09493869B2 Transparent conductive film
A crystalline transparent conductive film containing indium oxide as a main component, and cerium, exhibiting low resistance derived from high refractive index and high carrier electron mobility, as well as small surface roughness, which is obtained by film-formation using an ion plating method. In the film, cerium content is 0.3 to 9% by atom, as an atomic number ratio of Ce/(In+Ce); film-formation is made using an ion plating method; and arithmetic average height (Ra) is 1.0 nm or lower. Also the film can contain one or more of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, molybdenum and tungsten, at a content of 1% by atom or lower, as an atomic number ratio of M/(In+Ce+M).
US09493866B2 Amorphous alloy powder, dust core, magnetic element, and electronic device
An amorphous alloy powder is composed of an amorphous alloy material containing Fe, Cr, Mn, Si, B, and C as constituent components, and in the amorphous alloy material, Fe is contained as a main component, the content of Cr is 0.5 at % or more and 3 at % or less, the content of Mn is 0.02 at % or more and 3 at % or less, the content of Si is 10 at % or more and 14 at % or less, the content of B is 8 at % or more and 13 at % or less, and the content of C is 1 at % or more and 3 at % or less. By using such an amorphous alloy powder, a dust core which reduces iron loss and decreases magnetostriction can be obtained.
US09493865B2 Thick-walled high-strength hot rolled steel sheet with excellent low-temperature toughness and method of producing same
A thick-walled high-strength hot rolled steel sheet has a high tensile strength TS of 521 MPa or more and excellent low-temperature toughness. The steel material forming the sheet contains 0.02%-0.08% C, 0.01%-0.10% Nb, and 0.001%-0.05% Ti and is heated; C, Ti, and Nb satisfies (Ti+(Nb/2))/C<4.
US09493862B2 Wear-resistant alloy having complex microstructure
A wear-resistant aluminum alloy having a complex microstructure may include a range of about 19 to 27 wt % of zinc (Zn); a range of about 3 to 5 wt % of tin (Sn); a range of about 0.6 to 2.0 wt % of iron (Fe); and a balance of aluminum (Al).
US09493861B2 High strength and sagging resistant fin material
The present invention provides a method for producing AlMn strip or sheet for making components by brazing, as well as the products obtained by said method. In particular this method is related to fin materials used in heat exchangers. The fins can be delivered with or without a cladding depending on application.Rolling slabs are produced from a melt which contains 0.3-1.5% Si, ≦0.5% Fe, ≦0.3% Cu, 1.0-2.0% Mn, ≦0.5% Mg, ≦4.0% Zn, ≦0.3% each of elements from group IVb, Vb, or VIb elements, and unavoidable impurity elements, as well as aluminum as the remainder in which the rolling slabs prior to hot rolling are preheated at a preheating temperature of less than 550° C., preferably between 400 and 520° C., more preferably between 450 and 520° C. to control the number and size of dispersoid particles, and the preheated rolling slab is hot rolled into a hot strip. The strip is thereafter cold rolled into a strip with a total reduction of at least 90%, and the cold rolled strip is heat treated to obtain a 0.2% proof stress value that is 50-90% of its proof stress value in the as cold rolled condition to a proof stress value in the range between 100 and 200 MPa. The strip may alternatively be produced by twin-roll strip casting.The composition of the melt tailors the microstructure development during the complete processing to give the desired post braze properties and performance during brazing in combination with adequate delivery properties of the strip. In particular the high post braze strength combined with a good sagging resistance and low susceptibility to liquid core penetration during brazing, as well as a relatively good formability in the delivery condition prior to fin forming.
US09493860B2 Chromium-containing austenitic alloy
There is provided a chromium-containing austenitic alloy wherein at least one surface of the surfaces of the alloy has a continuous chromium oxide film with a thickness of 5 nm or more and less than 50 nm. A maximum current density determined by a critical passivation current density method is 0.1 μA/cm2 or less when the chromium oxide film is continuous. A chemical composition of a base metal preferably consists of, by mass percent, C: 0.15% or less, Si: 1.00% or less, Mn: 2.0% or less, P: 0.030% or less, S: 0.030% or less, Cr: 10.0 to 40.0%, Ni: 8.0 to 80.0%, Ti: 0.5% or less, Cu: 0.6% or less, Al: 0.5% or less, and N: 0.20% or less, the balance being Fe and impurities.
US09493858B2 Copper alloy
A copper alloy subjected to a thermo-mechanical treatment and composed of (in wt %) 15.5 to 36.0% Zn, 0.3 to 3.0% Sn, 0.1 to 1.5% Fe, optionally 0.001 to 0.4% P, optionally 0.01 to 0.1% Al, optionally 0.01 to 0.03% Ag, Mg, Zr, In, Co, Cr, Ti, Mn, optionally 0.05 to 0.5% Ni, the remainder being copper and unavoidable contaminants, wherein the microstructure of the alloy is characterized in that the proportions of the main texture orientations are at least 10 vl % copper orientation, at least 10 vl % S/R orientation, at least 5 vl % brass orientation, at least 2 vl % Goss orientation, at least 2 vl % 22RD-cube orientation, at least 0.5 vl % cube orientation, and finely distributed iron-containing particles are contained in the alloy matrix.
US09493853B2 Cleaning tool for cleaning particles contained in a slurry
A cleaning tool that includes an acoustic cavitation duct that cleans particles within a continuous flow of slurry. In one embodiment, the acoustic cavitation duct includes an elongated fluid passageway for carrying the flow of slurry. A number of ultrasonic transducers are spaced from one another along the length of the passageway and induce cavitation into the slurry as it travels through the duct. The cavitation promotes the cleaning of the slurry particles. In one example, the transducers operate at differing frequencies.
US09493852B2 Hair controller for a pelt stretching machine
The present invention is a hair controller for mounting on a stretching machine used for stretching a pelt on a pelt board. The stretching machine has at least one holder for engaging the pelt. The hair controller includes a device for moving hair aside to expose a selected area of leather on the pelt, in particular the area of leather engaged by the holder. Also disclosed is a method for moving the hair of a pelt aside before the pelt is fixed by a holder in a stretching machine.
US09493850B2 Process for extraction of pentose from ligno-cellulosic substrate
A process for the hydrolysis of xylose/arabinose-containing polymers, present in biomass material. The hydrolysis is performed by acid which is generated via salts present in the substrate, and whereby acid is constantly recycled, thereby strongly reducing salt discharge.
US09493847B2 Molecular determinants in the HIV-1 envelope associated with enhanced ability to enter CXCR4-expressing cells
The invention provides a method for determining whether a human immunodeficiency virus is likely to be have enhanced ability to enter a cell expressing CD4 and CXCR4 relative to a reference HIV. In certain aspects, the methods comprise detecting one or more amino acids in an envelope protein of the HIV associated with enhanced ability to enter CD4- and CXCR4-expressing cells and determining that the HIV's ability to enter such cells is enhanced relative to a reference HIV, e.g., an HIV that does not comprise such amino acid(s).
US09493846B2 Virus discovery by sequencing and assembly of virus-derived siRNAS, miRNAs, piRNAs
In one embodiment, the disclosure provides methods and systems for identifying viral nucleic acids in a sample. In another embodiment the invention provides methods for viral genome assembly and viral discovery using small inhibitory RNAs, or “small silencing,” RNAs (siRNAS), micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and/or PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), including siRNAS, miRNAs and/or piRNAs isolated or sequenced from invertebrate organisms such as insects (Anthropoda), nematodes (Nemapoda), Mollusca, Porifera, and other invertebrates, and/or plants, fungi or algae, Cyanobacteria and the like.
US09493845B2 Methods for identifying compounds that modulate untranslated region-dependent gene expression and methods of using same
The present invention relates to methods for identifying compounds that modulate untranslated region-dependent expression of a target gene. The invention particularly relates to using untranslated regions of a target gene or fragments thereof linked to a reporter gene to identify compounds that modulate untranslated region-dependent expression of a target gene. The methods of the present invention provide a simple, sensitive assay for high-throughput screening of libraries of compounds to identify pharmaceutical leads.
US09493843B2 Genetic loci associated with Phytophthora tolerance in soybean and methods of use
Various methods and compositions are provided for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with tolerance or improved tolerance to Phytophthora infection. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detecting at least one marker locus that is associated with tolerance to Phytophthora infection. In other embodiments, the method further comprises detecting at least one marker profile or haplotype associated with tolerance to Phytophthora infection. In further embodiments, the method comprises crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Further provided are markers, primers, probes and kits useful for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with tolerance or improved tolerance to Phytophthora infection.
US09493825B2 Materials and methods for profiling microRNAs
The present invention provides materials and methods for detecting, quantifying, and/or high-throughput-profiling microRNAs. Advantageously, the present invention is more sensitive and specific than other currently-available miRNA qPCR assays. In addition, the present invention is convenient, easy-to-perform, and cost-effective. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a universal primer for reverse transcription of all miRNAs, a universal reverse primer for PCR amplification reaction, and universal probes. In another embodiment, the present invention provides assays that allow simultaneous detection and/or quantification of a plurality of target miRNAs using a single reverse transcription reaction.
US09493817B2 Decomposition method and decomposition apparatus for nucleic acid polymer
A method for decomposing a target nucleic acid polymer, comprising: bonding a probe nucleic acid polymer and a microparticle to form a probe nucleic acid polymer-bonded microparticle, adding a target nucleic acid polymer to the probe nucleic acid polymer contained within the probe nucleic acid polymer-bonded microparticle to form an addition microparticle, and energizing the microparticle contained within the addition microparticle into a high-energy state and then using energy transfer from this high-energy state microparticle to decompose the target nucleic acid polymer.
US09493816B2 Composite liquid cells
A sample handling method may include drawing an encapsulating liquid from an encapsulating-liquid input; discharging the drawn encapsulating liquid (a) onto a free surface of a carrier liquid in a carrier-liquid conduit having a stabilization feature and (b) proximate to the stabilization feature, the encapsulating liquid being immiscible with the carrier liquid, so that the discharged encapsulating liquid does not mix with the carrier liquid, floats on top of the carrier liquid, and is immobilized by the stabilization feature; drawing a sample liquid from a sample-liquid input; and discharging the drawn sample liquid, the sample liquid being immiscible with the encapsulating liquid and with the carrier liquid, so that the sample liquid does not mix with the encapsulating liquid or with the carrier liquid.
US09493814B2 Flavin-binding glucose dehydrogenase having improved substrate specificity
A flavin-binding glucose dehydrogenase having high substrate specificity for D-glucose and decreased reactivity to D-xylose and/or maltose. More specifically, a flavin-binding glucose dehydrogenase having one or more amino acid substitutions at a position corresponding to position 78, position 79, position 81, position 121, position 122, position 123, position 569 and position 612 of Mucor-derived flavin-binding glucose dehydrogenase. The flavin-binding glucose dehydrogenase enables D-glucose to be measured accurately without being susceptible to the effects of the presence of D-xylose and/or maltose, even under conditions of mounting a large amount of an enzyme such as in glucose sensors.
US09493813B2 Modulation of phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate-4-kinase activity
The invention features methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase (PI5P4K). Inhibitors of PI5P4K can be used in, for example, the treatment or prevention of cell proliferation disorders (e.g., the prevention of tumor cell growth in p53 mutated cancers).
US09493812B2 Method for detecting a target analyte that exhibits protease enzyme activity
The described invention provides a method for detecting a target analyte that exhibits protease enzyme activity. The described method includes contacting a sample with a hybrid oxidase enzyme engineered to exhibit increased catalytic activity over that of a starting oxidase enzyme upon cleavage of a mutated protease cleavage recognition sequence. The mutated protease cleavage recognition sequence is a recognition sequence specific for the target analyte. The described method further includes contacting a substrate with the engineered hybrid oxidase enzyme. The substrate comprises a cognate composition of matter to the engineered hybrid oxidase enzyme, and the engineered hybrid oxidase enzyme is configured to catalyze conversion of the cognate composition of matter into a detectable product upon proteolytic cleavage of the mutated protease cleavage recognition sequence by the target analyte.
US09493809B2 Method for specifically labeling living bacteria
The present invention concerns a method for labeling specifically living bacteria of a given category in a sample, the method including: a) incubating said bacteria of said sample with at least one analog of a monosaccharide compound, and b) contacting the bacteria with a labeling molecule having a second reactive group.
US09493797B2 Method and apparatus for accelerating biotechnical reaction and production
The present invention is related to a method of using an apparatus for biotechnical production. The method includes the receiving a flow of an amount of a raw material into a basin. The basin has a radius, and a circular or sectorial configuration. A speed of the flow is increased towards a center of the basin. Followed by, introducing a gas to the flow of the raw material at an active site of the basin to create predetermined conditions that take place in the active site. The location is adjacent the center. A reaction broth is created at the location by reacting the flow with the gas. The reaction broth is moved to and past the active site using a belt located in the basin. The belt has a first section angled upwardly toward the center of the basin.
US09493794B2 Metabolically enhanced cyanobacterial cell for the production of ethanol
A metabolically enhanced cyanobacterial cell for the production of ethanol is provided. The metabolically enhanced cyanobacterial cell for the production of ethanol comprises at least one recombinant gene encoding a pyruvate decarboxylase enzyme (Pdc) converting pyruvate to acetaldehyde, and at least one recombinant gene encoding a first Zn2+ dependent alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme (Adh) converting acetaldehyde to ethanol. The invention also provides a method for producing the metabolically enhanced cyanobacterium, a method for producing ethanol with the metabolically enhanced cyanobacterium, and a method for screening of alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme expressing cyanobacterial strains for the presence of NADPH-dependent native alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes.
US09493793B2 Compositions and methods for increased ethanol titer from biomass
The present application discloses the identification of novel I. orientalis ADH1, ADHa, and ADHb genes, and the production and characterization of genetically modified yeast cells in which these genes were altered. Provided herein are isolated I. orientalis ADH1, ADHa, and ADHb polynucleotides and polypeptides, genetically modified yeast cells that overexpress I. orientalis ADH1 and/or contain deletions or disruptions of ADHa and/or ADHb, and methods of using culturing these modified cells to produce ethanol.
US09493789B2 Automated generation of genetically modified stem cells
The invention relates to a process for generation of genetically modified stem cells comprising the steps a) providing a cell sample in suspension comprising stem cells in a centrifugation chamber comprising a base plate and cover plate connected by a cylinder b) adjusting the volumetric concentration of stem cells in the cell sample to at least 1×105 stem cells per mL cell sample by centrifugation c) introducing viral and/or non-viral vectors to the centrifugation chamber for genetically modifying the stem cells d) adjusting the spatial concentration of stem cells in the centrifugation chamber by rotating the centrifugation chamber at a speed where the cell sample is located at the outermost 35% of the radius of the base plate of the centrifugation chamber, thereby inducing gene modification of the stem cells.
US09493783B2 Hibiscus cannabinus feruloyl-coa:monolignol transferase
The invention relates to isolated nucleic acids encoding a feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase and feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase enzymes. The isolated nucleic acids and/or the enzymes enable incorporation of monolignol ferulates into the lignin of plants, where such monolignol ferulates include, for example, p-coumaryl ferulate, coniferyl ferulate, and/or sinapyl ferulate. The invention also includes methods and plants that include nucleic acids encoding a feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase enzyme and/or feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase enzymes.
US09493782B2 Inducible promoter sequences for regulated expression and methods of use
The plant promoter of a CBSU-Anther_Subtraction library (CAS1) gene encoding a mannitol dehydrogenase, and fragments thereof, and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in an inducible manner in plants are described. These promoter fragments are also useful in creating recombinant DNA constructs comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding a desired gene product operably linked to such promoter fragments which can be utilized to transform plants and bring the expression of the gene product under external chemical and/or heat control in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.
US09493780B2 Chloroplast transit peptide
This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for targeting peptides, polypeptides, and proteins to plastids of plastid-containing cells. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns chloroplast transit peptides that may direct a polypeptide to a plastid, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns methods for producing a transgenic plant material (e.g., a transgenic plant) comprising a chloroplast transit peptide, as well as plant materials produced by such methods, and plant commodity products produced therefrom.
US09493777B1 Method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the family enterobacteriaceae having overexpressed the yajL gene
The present invention provides a method for producing L-amino acids or salts thereof by fermentation using a bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia, which has been modified to overexpress the yajL gene.
US09493776B2 System for increasing gene expression and vector comprising the system
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for increasing the expression of foreign genes, in particular, using a promoter, an enhancer, and the like, and an expression cassette containing a promoter, an enhancer, and the like, by which gene expression can be increased. The purpose is achieved with the use of the gene expression cassette comprising a DNA construct containing a gene to be expressed and a poly A addition sequence that are located downstream of a 1st promoter, and further comprising an enhancer or a 2nd promoter ligated downstream of the DNA construct.
US09493775B2 Inhibition of the glycine cleavage system for treatment of cancer
In some aspects, methods of inhibiting survival or proliferation of a tumor cell are provided, the methods comprising inhibiting the glycine cleavage system (GCS) of the tumor cell. In some aspects, methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a tumor, the method comprising inhibiting the GCS in the tumor. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting a tumor cell or tumor with a GCS inhibitor. In some embodiments, the tumor cell or tumor has elevated expression of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SH1VIT2). In some aspects, methods of identifying a tumor cell or tumor that is sensitive to inhibiting the GCS are provided, the methods comprising determining whether the tumor cell or tumor overexpresses SHMT2. In some aspects, methods of identifying a candidate anti-cancer agent are provided, the methods comprising identifying or modifying a GCS inhibitor.
US09493773B2 Synthesis of deuterated ribo nucleosides, N-protected phosphoramidites, and oligonucleotides
The present invention is directed towards the synthesis of high purity deuterated sugars, deuterated phosphoramidites, deuterated nucleobases, deuterated nucleosides, deuterated oligonucleotides, and deuterated RNA's of defined sequences which can exhibit biochemically useful and biologically valuable properties, thus having potential for therapeutic uses.
US09493769B2 Yeast-based assay for measuring the functional activity of an HIV-1 protease in response to an antiviral agent
A method of determining sensitivity or resistance of isolates of HIV retroviruses to a molecule includes a) amplifying sequences coding for a protease of a retrovirus to be studied, with or without the or some of amino acid sequences situated upstream and downstream of a cleavage site of a precursor in which the amino acid sequences are situated, b) recombining fragments of DNA, a final product of the amplification, and an expression vector allowing expression of sequence coding for the protease of the retrovirus to be studied under control of a known inducible promoter through co-transformation of the vector and the DNA fragments with at least one yeast cell, c) culturing co-transformed yeast cell or cells to obtain a sufficient number of transformants to perform a sensitivity or resistance test, and recovering transformants issuing from the co-transformed cell, on any suitable medium, d) incubating the transformants in the presence of a molecule to be tested, e) qualitatively or quantitatively analyzing the living cells, and f) deducing the sensitivity or resistance phenotype.
US09493768B2 Translational enhancer-element dependent vector systems
A translation enhancer-driven positive feedback vector system is disclosed which is designed to facilitate identification of a Translational Enhancer Element (TEE) and to provide a means for overexpression of gene products. The system exploits both transcriptional and translational approaches to control the expression levels of genes and/or gene products. Methods are also disclosed for screening libraries of random nucleotide sequences to identify translational elements and for overproduction of proteins, which have uses in both research and industrial environments.
US09493765B2 Compact subnanosecond high voltage pulse generation system for cell electro-manipulation
Disclosed are methods and systems for subnanosecond rise time high voltage (HV) electric pulse delivery to biological loads. The system includes an imaging device and monitoring apparatus used for bio-photonic studies of pulse induced intracellular effects. The system further features a custom fabricated microscope slide having micro-machined electrodes. A printed circuit board to interface the pulse generator to the micro-machined glass slide having the cell solution is disclosed. An low-parasitic electronic setup to interface with avalanche transistor-switched pulse generation system is also disclosed. The pc-board and the slide are configured to match the output impedance of the pulse generator which minimizes reflection back into the pulse generator, and minimizes distortion of the pulse shape and pulse parameters. The pc-board further includes a high bandwidth voltage divider for real-time monitoring of pulses delivered to the cell solutions.
US09493763B2 Stabilized laccase enzyme and methods of making and using the same
Provided herein are compositions and methods for enhancing enzyme activity, half-life, thermostability, enhanced activity at elevated temperature, and/or decreasing the pH dependency of laccase enzyme. Also provided are methods for using the composition comprising the stabilized enzymes.
US09493762B2 Vector, a transformant and a method to produce a polypeptide having activity to selectively hydrolyze a (R)-tropic acid amide in a racemic mixture
An object of the present invention is to provide a means for producing an optically active tropic acid that is a compound useful as a synthetic raw material or an intermediate for pharmaceutical products and the like. The present invention provides a novel polypeptide having activity to (R)-selectively hydrolyze a racemic tropic acid amide, DNA encoding the polypeptide, a vector containing the DNA, a transformant prepared by transformation with the vector, and a method for producing an optically active carboxylic acid amide and an optically active carboxylic acid using them.
US09493761B2 Procoagulant molecular decoy for treating hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitor
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition including a modified factor Xa (GDXa), said modified GDXa being nonthrombogenic, able to bind to TFPI but not able to bind to phospholipids, for preventing or treating a hemorrhagic accident in a patient with hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitor.
US09493759B2 Polypeptides having aspartic endopeptidase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having aspartic endopeptidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09493756B2 Hydrolysis of mannose-1-phospho-6-mannose linkage to phospho-6-mannose
Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for uncapping a mannose-6-phosphate residue on an oligosaccharide.
US09493751B2 Dual-functional hybrid glucanases
Described herein is a fusion polypeptide that contains (a) a first segment containing a Fibrobacter succinogenes 1,3-1,4-β-D-glucanase (Fsβ-glucanase) or a fragment thereof; (b) a second segment containing a first Thermotoga maritima 1,3-β-D-glucanase (TmLam) or a fragment thereof; and (c) an optional third segment containing a second Thermotoga maritima 1,3-β-D-glucanase (TmLam) or a fragment thereof; wherein the fusion polypeptide has a glucanase activity. Also described are a nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion polypeptide and a method of using the polypeptide.
US09493749B2 Process modifications to enhance chlorophyll degradation
In one aspect, there is provided a process for treating a plant oil, comprising a step of contacting the oil with an enzyme, wherein the enzyme is capable of hydrolyzing an a′ or b′ stereoisomer of chlorophyll or a chlorophyll derivative.
US09493748B2 Method for treating pyropheophytin-containing compositions
The present invention provides methods and uses for treating pyropheophytin-containing compositions, particularly in order to remove pyropheophytin therefrom. The compositions are typically plant, algal, or bacterial derived products such as vegetable oils. The method comprises a step of contacting the compositions with an enzyme having pyropheophytinase activity. Also provided are related apparatus and products for performing such methods and uses.
US09493747B2 Engineered transglutaminase barrel proteins
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to engineered fragments of the human transglutaminase-related protein family, described herein as engineered transglutaminase barrel proteins (ETBPs), that have utility as high affinity, high selectivity target-binding proteins offering advantages as antibody equivalents for therapeutic, analytical, manufacturing and research purposes. ETBPs differ from naturally occurring human transglutaminase fragments by the addition, deletion, replacement and/or substitution of the naturally occurring amino acid sequence. ETBPs can be easily expressed in prokaryotic cells and in many cases can be purified by a simple solubilization and precipitation method.
US09493745B2 Hexon isolated from simian adenovirus serotype 19, hypervariable region thereof and chimeric adenovirus using the same
Novel hexon isolated from simian adenovirus serotype 19 encoded in the polynucleotide defined as SEQ ID NO: 3, hepervariable region thereof, chimeric adenovirus comprising the same, and therapeutic use thereof provides a solution to the problem of safety and effective systemic treatment for developing gene therapeutic agents using adenovirus.
US09493742B2 Purification of cell mixtures using molecular beacons targeting cell specific RNA
This disclosure is in the area of research and therapeutics. In certain embodiments, it provides methods to assist in the purification of cell mixtures, e.g., cardiomyocytes, using molecular beacons targeting cell-type specific RNA, e.g. mRNA.
US09493740B2 Immunotherapy of cancer using genetically engineered GD2-specific T cells
The present invention concerns immunotherapy for cancers having cells that comprise the ganglioside GD2 antigen. In specific embodiment, T cells having a chimeric receptor that targets GD2 is employed. In particular cases, the chimeric receptor comprises antibody, cytoplasmic signaling domain from the T cell receptor, and/or costimulatory molecule(s).
US09493737B2 Method for purifying bacterial cells
The present invention relates to a process for providing purified bacteria-containing concentrates, comprising at least the steps of adding an aqueous solution to a first bacteria-containing concentrate to provide a bacteria-containing suspension, wherein the volume of the added aqueous solution is in the range of 0.3 liters to 10 liters per liter of said first bacteria-containing concentrate; and concentrating said bacteria-containing suspension to provide a second bacteria-containing concentrate. Further, the present invention relates to the purified concentrates per se.
US09493735B2 Bioreactor system and method of enhancing functionality of muscle cultured in vitro
A method of producing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells in vitro comprises: (a) providing precursor muscle cells on a support in a tissue media; then (b) cyclically stretching and relaxing the support at least twice along a first axis during a first time period; and then (c) optionally but preferably maintaining the support in a substantially static position during a second time period; and then (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a number of times sufficient to enhance the functionality of the tissue formed on the support and/or produce organized skeletal muscle tissue on the solid support from the precursor muscle cells.
US09493734B2 Cell culture tube and multiple roller tube cell culture apparatus including the same
Disclosed is a cell culture tube, having in opposite end walls two respective eccentric openings which communicate with each other through an inner straight passage formed in the cell culture tube, in which the inner straight passage is tilted at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the cell culture tube to allow a culture medium to smoothly flow into and out of the inner passage through the openings. Also, provided is a multiple cell culture system using a plurality of the culture tubes.
US09493732B2 Method for extracting aromatic substances from solid plant aromatic substance bearers in a brew liquid
A method for extracting aromatic substances from solid plant based aroma bearers in a brew liquid, in particular in beer, having the steps: receiving a supply of aroma bearers in a process container, and flowing the process container through with a brew liquid, wherein the brew liquid flows through the process container with the supply of aroma bearers in at least one turbulent vortex flow.
US09493731B2 Soluble tablet, containing abrasive media
In order to obtain steady erosion from soluble tablets and particularly constant dispersion of contained abrasive media, the employment of magnesium oxide and transverse interlaced polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in defined layers and the admixing of randomly scattered silicic acids is suggested.
US09493725B2 Detergent compositions containing a predominantly C15 alkyl branched surfactant
The present invention relates generally to detergent compositions and, more specifically, to detergent compositions containing a branched surfactant.
US09493719B2 Biofuels via hydrogenolysis-condensation
A method comprises providing a carbohydrate; reacting the carbohydrate with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenolysis catalyst to produce reaction products comprising an alcohol, a polyol, and a higher polyol; recycling the higher polyol through the hydrogenolysis reaction to produce reaction products comprising an alcohol and a polyol and a higher polyol; processing at least a portion of the reaction products to form a fuel blend.
US09493715B2 Compounds and methods for inhibiting corrosion in hydrocarbon processing units
Treatment compositions for neutralizing acidic species and reducing hydrochloride and amine salts in a fluid hydrocarbon stream are disclosed. The treatment compositions may comprise at least one amine with a salt precipitation potential index of equal to or less than about 1.0. Methods for neutralizing acidic species and reducing deposits of hydrochloride and amine salts in a hydrocarbon refining process are also disclosed. The methods may comprise providing a fluid hydrocarbon stream and adding a treatment composition to the fluid hydrocarbon stream. The treatment compositions used may have a salt precipitation potential index of equal to or less than about 1.0 and comprise either water-soluble or oil-soluble amines.
US09493714B2 Method for producing hydrocarbon oil and system for producing hydrocarbon oil
Hydrocarbon oil obtained by Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis reaction using a catalyst within a slurry bed reactor is fractionated into a distilled oil and a column bottom oil in a rectifying column, part of the column bottom oil is flowed into a first transfer line that connects a column bottom of the rectifying column to a hydrocracker, at least part of the column bottom oil is flowed into a second transfer line branched from the first transfer line and connected to the first transfer line downstream of the branching point, the amount of the catalyst fine powder to be captured is monitored while the catalyst fine powder in the column bottom oil that flows in the second transfer line are captured by a detachable filter provided in the second transfer line, and the column bottom oil is hydrocracked within the hydrocracker.
US09493713B2 Systems and methods for conditioning synthetic crude oil
Systems and methods for conditioning synthetic crude oils are provided herein. The systems and methods described herein subject the synthetic crude to one or more process solutions to provide conditioned synthetic crude exhibiting, for example, a reduced TAN.
US09493710B2 Process for stabilization of heavy hydrocarbons
A process for stabilization of heavy hydrocarbons to reduce sludge formation in storage tanks and/or transportation lines and to enhance the hydrocarbon yield includes mixing a paraffinic or heavy naphtha solvent having carbon numbers in the range 10 to 20 with the feedstock to solvent-flocculate a relatively small, predetermined portion of asphaltenes present in the feedstock, separating and flashing the sediment to recover a light hydrocarbon fraction, flashing the heavy hydrocarbon/solvent phase and recycling the solvent to stabilize the heavy hydrocarbons without significantly affecting the yield of valuable products.
US09493707B2 Process of preparing lamination film, lamination film and heat shield
A process of preparing a lamination film comprising two or more layers of a fixed cholesteric liquid-crystal phase is disclosed. The process comprises (a) applying a coating liquid of a curable liquid crystal composition comprising a rod-like liquid crystal compound, an alignment-control agent capable of controlling an alignment of the rod-like liquid crystal compound and a solvent to a surface; (b) drying the applied curable liquid crystal composition to form a cholesteric liquid-crystal phase; (c) carrying out a curing reaction of the composition and fixing the cholesteric liquid-crystal phase, thereby to form a lower layer; and (d) repeating the steps (a) to (c) on the lower layer, thereby to form an upper layer; wherein at least a part of the alignment-control agent in the lower layer diffuses into the upper layer.
US09493704B2 Cycloheptane derivative and preparation method and use thereof
A cycloheptane derivative as represented by formula (I), and preparation method and use thereof; the compound has photostability and thermostability, wide nematic phase and liquid crystalline state temperature range, and good low-temperature intersolubility, and particularly has low rotary viscosity γ1 and good dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈>0).
US09493703B2 Liquid crystal medium and high-frequency components comprising same
The present invention relates to liquid crystal media and to high-frequency components comprising same, especially microwave components for high-frequency devices, such as devices for shifting the phase of microwaves, in particular for microwave phased-array antennas.
US09493701B2 Red phosphor, method for producing red phosphor, white light source, illuminating device, and liquid crystal display device
A red phosphor of high efficiency and a method for producing it are provided. A white light source and an illumination device that allow illumination with the pure white color using the red phosphor are also provided. In addition, a liquid crystal display device using the red phosphor and exhibiting good color reproducing performance is provided. The red phosphor contains an element A, europium (Eu), silicon (Si), carbon (C), oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) in the ratios of the numbers of atoms of the following compositional formula (1): [Chemical Formula 1] [A(m-x)Eux][Si(9-y)Cy]OnN[12-2(n-m)/3]   compositional formula (1) where the element A is at least one of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba), and where m, x and n in the compositional formula (1) satisfy the relationships of 3
US09493694B2 Lubricating oil composition for refrigerating machine
Provided is a lubricant composition for a refrigerator having the following characteristics: the composition being used for a refrigerator using a refrigerant having a specific structure such as an unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon compound serving as a refrigerant having a low global warming potential and usable particularly in current air-conditioning system for cars; the composition having excellent stability as well as excellent compatibility with the refrigerant; the composition including a base oil containing a polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative as a main component and 1 to 20% by mass of a monoepoxy compound based on the total amount of the composition; and the refrigerator using a refrigerant containing at least one kind of fluorine-containing organic compound selected from compounds represented by the molecular formula (A) CpOqFrRs or including a combination of the fluorine-containing organic compound and a saturated fluorinated hydrocarbon compound.
US09493686B2 Ephemeral bonding
Compositions containing an adhesive material and a release additive are suitable for temporarily bonding two surfaces, such as a wafer active side and a substrate. These compositions are useful in the manufacture of electronic devices where a component, such as an active wafer, is temporarily bonded to a substrate, followed by further processing of the active wafer.
US09493678B2 Polishing composition
A polishing composition comprising abrasive particles, a compound having hexavalent molybdenum or pentavalent vanadium, an anionic additive, a halogen oxides compound or salts thereof, and a carrier solvent is provided herein. The polishing composition is suitable for chemical mechanical polishing process of SiGe, Si and SiO2 substrates. The compound having hexavalent molybdenum or pentavalent can effectively raise the removal rate for SiGe and Si substrates, and increase the polishing selectivity of SiGe and Si relative to SiO2, simultaneously.
US09493676B2 Formulation composition for fluorinated organosiloxane network
A formulation composition for preparing a print head face plate coating includes a sol containing a mixture of monomers including at least one fluoroalkyl alkoxysilane monomer; a solvent; a catalyst; and water. The formulation composition is stable towards gelation for more than 1.5 hours. A method of preparing a print head involves preparing a formulation composition containing a sol prepared from a mixture of monomers including at least one fluoroalkyl alkoxysilane monomer, a solvent, a catalyst, and water; applying the formulation composition as a sol on a surface of the print head; and curing the formulation composition to form a crosslinked siloxane layer on the print head. A method of printing involves using the print head to apply inkjet ink to a substrate.
US09493674B2 Synergistic catalyst combination for the preparation of radiation curable oligomers
Radiation curable coating compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, the coating compositions are used to coat substrates such as packaging materials and the like for the storage of food and beverages. The coating compositions may have a (meth)acrylate functional polyether polyol prepared by reacting an epoxidized vegetable oil in the presence of a phosphoric acid compound to form an epoxy phosphate, and reacting the epoxy phosphate with a hydroxyl functional (meth)acrylate in the presence of an acid catalyst to form the (meth)acrylate functional polyether polyol.
US09493671B2 UV cured varnish and process for preparing the same
A UV cured varnish, and a process for preparing the same, said UV cured varnish including an epoxy acrylic resin, a polyurethane acrylic resin, a polymerizable monomer, a filler, a photoinitiator, and an adjuvant, wherein the polymerizable monomer comprises a fluorine containing polymerizable monomer and a silicon containing polymerizable monomer. The UV cured varnish can significantly improve the film forming performance. The formed film has a significantly improved performance including hardness, perspiration resistance. The UV cured varnish thus obtained is especially suitable for touch screen and can greatly extend the life of the touch screen.
US09493667B2 UV curable ink jet recording ink composition, ink container and ink jet recording apparatus
The UV curable ink jet recording ink composition contains a thioxanthone-based photopolymerization initiator and a hindered amine compound. The dissolved oxygen content in the ink composition is 20 ppm or less.
US09493666B2 Encapsulated visible light absorbing dye polyurethane dispersion
The present disclosure provides an encapsulated visible light absorbing dye dispersion, and the process for producing the same. The present disclosure further provides an inkjet ink comprising an ink vehicle and an encapsulated visible light absorbing dye dispersion thereof, and the process for producing the same.
US09493665B2 Ink set for inkjet and inkjet recording method
An ink set for inkjet contains a white ink and one or more color inks other than the white ink, wherein the ink set satisfies the following I to III: I. each ink comprises water, a pigment, resin particulates, a water soluble organic solvent, and a silicone-based surfactant accounting for 1% by weight to 3% by weight of the ink, II. the pigment contained in each of the one or more color inks is a reformed pigment reformed by at least one of a geminal bisphosphonic acid group or a geminal bisphosphonic acid salt group, and III. the water soluble organic solvent of the white ink comprises glycol ether having a boiling point of from 200 degrees C. to 250 degrees C.
US09493662B2 Active energy ray-curable inkjet ink, ink container, and inkjet discharging device
Provided is an active energy ray-curable inkjet ink containing at least photopolymerizable compounds. The photopolymerizable compounds include: at least one monofunctional monomer selected from the group consisting of a monofunctional monomer of which homopolymer has a glass transition temperature of 90° C. or higher, a monofunctional monomer having a ring structure, and a monofunctional monomer of which homopolymer has a glass transition temperature of 90° C. or higher and that has a ring structure; and urethane (meth)acrylate.
US09493660B2 Use of bismuth subnitrate in electro-dipping paints
Cathodically depositable electrocoat materials comprising basic bismuth nitrate, further comprising at least one binder having reactive functional groups and at least one crosslinker containing the complementary reactive functional groups which are able to enter into thermal crosslinking reactions.
US09493659B2 Carbon black, method for the production thereof, and use thereof
The invention relates to carbon black having a C-14 content greater than 0.05 Bq/g and a ratio ΔD50/Dmode of the aggregate size distribution of less than 0.7. The carbon black is produced by thermal oxidative pyrolysis or thermal cleavage of the carbon black raw material in that the carbon black raw material contains renewable carbon black raw materials and an oxygen deficiency is present in the pyrolysis/cleavage reaction. The carbon blacks can be used in rubber and rubber mixtures, plastic, printing inks, inks, inkjet inks, toners, lacquers, paints, paper, adhesives, batteries, pastes, bitumens, concrete, and other building materials and as reducing agents in metallurgy.
US09493657B2 AOX-free navy and black disperse dyes
This invention relates to disperse azo dye mixtures, which have Navy or Black color and are AOX-free.
US09493655B2 Composition for filling joints and/or cracks
A composition comprises a quantity in the range of about 2.5% by weight to about 22% by weight of at least one elastomer selected from a group consisting of styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene (block) copolymers, styrene-isoprene (block) copolymers and/or styrene-isoprene-styrene (block) copolymers, synthetic and/or natural rubbers; a quantity in the range of about 12% by weight to about 35% by weight of at least one pulverulent mineral filler; a quantity in the range of about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight of at least one fibrous anti-flow additive to adjust strength, selected from the group consisting of cellulose, glass fibers and/or synthetic fibers; and a quantity in the range of about 0.1% by weight to about 8% by weight of at least one polymer produced from an olefin and from an α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or α,β-unsaturated carboxyclic anhydride, where each of the percentages by weight is based on the entire quantity of the composition.
US09493651B2 Halogen-free resin composition, and prepreg and laminate for printed circuits using the same
Halogen-free resin composition, prepreg, and laminate for printed circuits using same. Based on 100 parts by weight of organic solid matter, the resin composition comprises: (A) bisphenol-type epoxy resin: 30˜60 parts by weight; (B) benzoxazine resin: 5˜45 parts by weight; (C) alkyl phenol novolac hardener: 10˜30 parts by weight; (D) phosphorus-containing flame retardant. The bisphenol-type epoxy resin, with numerous alkyl branched chains and benzene rings in its structure, makes the composition possess high glass transition temperature, low water absorption, good thermal resistance, and excellent dielectric properties. Taking the alkyl phenol novolac as the hardener can sufficiently exert the advantages of excellent dielectric properties and low water absorption resulted from containing numerous alkyls. The prepreg and laminate for printed circuits made from halogen-free resin composition have high glass transition temperature, low dielectric constant, low dielectric dissipation factor, low water absorption, high thermal resistance, and good flame retardancy, processability and chemical resistance.
US09493648B2 Thermoplastic resin compositions and molded products including the same
Disclosed is a thermoplastic resin composition including: (A) a polycarbonate resin; (B) an acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA) graft copolymer; (C) a random copolymer of an alkyl(meth)acrylate, an aromatic vinyl compound, and a vinyl cyanide compound; and (D) a copolymer of an aromatic methacrylate and a monofunctional unsaturated monomer.
US09493645B2 Tube for fluid transportation
The present invention provides a tube for transporting a fluid comprising a composition containing 100 parts by mass of (A) a thermoplastic elastomer and 1 to 500 parts by mass of (B) a carbon base filler, and it has a low vapor permeability and is excellent in an air permeation resistance and a flexibility.
US09493639B2 Siliceous rubber mixtures containing omega-mercaptocarboxylic acid ester of polyvalent alcohols
The present invention relates to rubber mixtures comprising respectively at least one rubber, one sulfur-containing alkoxysilane, one silicon-based filler, and one ω-mercaptocarboxylic ester of polyhydric alcohols.
US09493638B2 Rubber composition for tire
The present technology provides a rubber composition for a tire which improves the low rolling resistance, dry performance, wet performance, and workability so as to surpass conventional levels. In the rubber composition for a tire according to the present technology, silica is blended into the composition in an amount of 90 to 150 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber containing at least 25 mass % of a modified conjugated diene polymer rubber having a siloxane structure in at least some of the terminal-modifying groups. A silane coupling agent is blended into the composition in an amount of 3 to 20 mass % relative to the amount of silica, and an alkyltriethoxysilane having an alkyl group with 7 to 20 carbons is blended in an amount of 0.1 to 20 mass % relative to the amount of silica.
US09493636B2 Water insoluble gel composition and method for preparing same
The present invention provides a method for preparing a water insoluble gel composition comprising: mixing a water soluble polysaccharide, an epoxy cross-linking agent, an alkaline compound and a solvent; and drying the thus obtained mixture at 1 to 30° C. under vacuum to remove the solvent, and a water insoluble gel composition.
US09493633B2 Performance modifiers for bitumen comprising straight and branched chain fatty amide waxes
The present invention generally relates to the discovery that a blend of linear and branched amide wax additives can be used to enhance the performance of asphalt binders and asphalt emulsion residues. In particular, high temperature properties of asphalt pavement can be improved while maintaining or improving low temperature properties. The additives also improve workability and lower processing temperatures for asphalt paving (e.g. warm mix) or for roofing. These amide wax additives can reduce the tracking of tack coats, by decreasing binder penetration and forming a non-tacky surface layer.
US09493632B2 Dianhydrohexitol diester mixture GC
An ester mixture of dianhydrohexitol, a composition comprising the ester mixture and a polymer composition comprising the ester mixture or the composition, the use thereof, and a process by which the ester mixture can be prepared, where the proportion of C8 based on the sum of C8 and C10 in the overall ester mixture is 45 mol % to 85 mol %.
US09493631B2 Epoxy resin composition for transparent sheets and cured product thereof
A cured product obtainable by impregnating a glass cloth with an epoxy resin composition that is suitable for producing optical sheets. The epoxy resin composition includes a polyvalent carboxylic acid (A) represented by formula (I): wherein, R1's each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, or a carboxyl group; q represents the number of substituent R1's, and represents an integer from 1 to 4; and P represents the following X: wherein there may be a plural number of R2's per ring, and R2's each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and * represents a bonding site linked to the oxygen atom; and an epoxy resin (B) having an aliphatic cyclic structure in the molecule. The cured product has a refractive index at 25° C. of 1.51 or higher.
US09493630B2 Epoxy resin composition for transparent sheets and cured product thereof
A cured product obtainable by curing an epoxy resin composition that is suitable for producing optical sheets. The epoxy resin composition includes a polyvalent carboxylic acid (A) represented by formula (I): wherein, R1's each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, or a carboxyl group; q represents the number of substituent R1's, and represents an integer from 1 to 4; and P represents the following X: wherein there may be a plural number of R2's per ring, and R2's each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and * represents a bonding site linked to the oxygen atom; and an epoxy resin (B) having an aliphatic cyclic structure in the molecule.
US09493628B2 High rigidity rubber material
The present invention relates to a rubber material containing an EPDM rubber composition containing an EPDM rubber, a carbon black, a softening agent, a vulcanizing agent and a sulfur compound, in which a blending amount of whole components from which the vulcanizing agent and the sulfur compound are excluded is from 300 to 400 parts by weight, and a total sulfur blending amount is from 1.0 to 2.8 parts by weight, in which a blending ratio of carbon black/softening agent is from 1.8 to 2.5, and in which the EPDM rubber composition has a Mooney viscosity of from 70 to 100 at 100° C., and a vulcanized composition thereof has a rate of rigidity change satisfying the following equation (1): {(30% Modulus at 100° C./30% modulus at 23° C.)−1}×100%≧−10%  (1).
US09493625B2 Thermally expanding microcapsules
The present invention provides a thermally expandable microcapsule that has a high expansion ratio and durability at high temperatures, and is not likely to cause discoloration and odor when used for foam molding. The thermally expandable microcapsule of the present invention includes: a shell formed from a polymer; and a volatile expansion agent as a core agent encapsulated by the shell, the shell obtained by polymerizing a monomer composition that contains a nitrile monomer and a compound having a glycidyl group in a molecule, the shell exhibiting a value y of 50% or higher and a ratio y/x of 1.1 or higher, in which x represents a gel fraction at ordinary temperature, and y represents a gel fraction upon heating at 180° C. for 30 minutes.
US09493619B2 Method for producing porous polytetrafluoroethylene film and porous polytetrafluoroethylene film
Provided is a method for producing a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film having good chemical resistance, good heat resistance, a high porosity, and good dimensional stability. The method for producing a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film includes a stretching step of stretching a sheet-like molded body composed of a fluororesin containing polytetrafluoroethylene as a main component in a longitudinal direction and/or a lateral direction at a temperature lower than a melting point of the fluororesin to make a porous fluororesin film, and, after the stretching step, an annealing step of holding the porous fluororesin film in a shape-fixed state, and maintaining the porous fluororesin film at a temperature lower than the melting point of the fluororesin but not lower than a temperature 30° C. lower than the melting point for 1 to 20 hours.
US09493608B1 DMC catalyzed alkoxylation of esters
This invention relates to a novel process for preparing an aliphatic hybrid ester/ether polyol. This process simultaneously transesterifies and alkoxylates a mixture of at least one ester group containing compound which is free of ether groups, and at least one or more hydroxyl group containing compound which is free of ester groups; with the proviso that the mixture has an overall hydroxyl number of less than or equal to 350; with at least one alkylene oxide; in the presence of a mixture of catalysts. The catalyst mixture comprises at least one DMC catalyst, and at least one non-alkaline transesterification catalyst.
US09493605B2 Epoxy-vinyl copolymerization type liquid resin composition, cured product of the same, electronic/electric apparatus using the cured product, and method of producing the cured product
The present invention provides an epoxy-vinyl copolymerization type liquid resin composition and a cured product of the same. The resin composition contains: an epoxy resin having an epoxy resin equivalent of not more than 200 g/eq; an acid anhydride having an unsaturated double bond that is liquid at normal temperature or the acid anhydride having an unsaturated double bond that is liquid at normal temperature and maleic anhydride; a polyfunctional monomer which is liquid at normal temperature; an epoxy resin curing catalyst which accelerates a curing reaction of the epoxy resin with the acid anhydride or with the acid anhydride and maleic anhydride; and a radical polymerization catalyst which accelerates a curing reaction of the polyfunctional monomer.
US09493603B2 Carbohydrate binders and materials made therewith
A binder comprising a polymeric binder comprising the products of a carbohydrate reactant and nucleophile is disclosed. The binder is useful for consolidating loosely assembled matter, such as fibers. Fibrous products comprising fibers in contact with a carbohydrate reactant and a nucleophile are also disclosed. The binder composition may be cured to yield a fibrous product comprising fibers bound by a cross-linked polymer. Further disclosed are methods for binding fibers with the carbohydrate reactant and polyamine based binder.
US09493594B2 Cationic polymerization process for the synthesis of nano-structured polymers containing graphene
A cationic polymerization process for the synthesis of nano-structured polymers containing graphene which comprises reacting graphite oxide dispersed in a solvent by means of ultrasounds, with at least one vinyl monomer and at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, in the presence of at least one strong inorganic acid and suitable for activating a cationic polymerization, wherein: —said graphite oxide contains from 5% to 60% by weight of bound oxygen, —said vinyl monomer contains at least one carboxylic group wherein the ratio between oxygen bound to the oxide and carboxylic groups ranges from 1:10 to 10:1 in moles per mole, and—the ratio between said vinyl aromatic monomer and the sum of the quantity of graphite oxide and vinyl monomer containing carboxylic groups ranges from 50% to 99% by weight.
US09493593B2 Elastic diene terpolymer and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a long-chain branched elastic terpolymer capable of satisfying excellent processability and elasticity (flexibility) at the same time, which is obtained in the presence of a Group IV transition metal catalyst, and a preparation method thereof. The elastic terpolymer is a copolymer of ethylene, an alpha-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, and a diene, wherein i) its weight average molecular weight measured by GPC is 100,000 to 500,000, and ii) its LCB Index which is a ratio of 1st harmonics of storage modulus to 5th harmonics of storage modulus measured at 125° C. using a rubber process analyzer according to a LAOS (Large Angles of Oscillation and high Strains) method has a positive value.
US09493590B2 Trimodal polyethylene for use in blow moulding
A novel polyethylene formed by Ziegler catalyst is devised, for use in blow moulding.
US09493587B2 Metal complexes of salan-type ligands and uses thereof as catalysts for polymerization of alpha-olefins
Use of homogeneous catalytic systems which include as a pre-catalyst a complex of a group 4 metal and a Salan ligand in the polymerization of alpha-olefins, is disclosed. The Salan ligand is characterized by a sequential diamino-containing skeleton unit which is non-symmetric, and the pre-catalysts can also be such that are devoid of a symmetry element. The disclosed polymerization results in alpha-olefin polymers such as polypropylene which are characterized by high levels of tacticity. Also disclosed are novel Salan ligands and novel complexes thereof with group 4 metals.
US09493585B2 Polymeric bead composition comprising polymerized phosphorous-containing acid monomer
The present invention is a polymeric bead composition. More particularly the present invention is directed to a new polymeric bead composition formed by suspension polymerization processes from a phosphorous acid containing monomers.
US09493581B2 Process for the manufacture of viscose
A process for the manufacture of viscose comprises the steps of: a) providing a non-dissolving pulp as a raw material; b) steeping the pulp in caustic solution; c) processing the steeped pulp; d) steeping the processed steeped pulp for a second time in caustic solution; and e) further processing the pulp from step d) to form a viscose solution.
US09493580B2 Multivalent glycopeptide constructs and uses thereof
Glycopeptide conjugates comprising GM2 and/or Gb5 carbohydrate determinants, and methods of making and using such conjugates are disclosed. The immunogenicity of select glycopeptide conjugates is demonstrated.
US09493575B2 Methods for manipulating phagocytosis mediated by CD47
Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cancer cells, including e.g. leukemias, solid tumors including carcinomas, etc.
US09493568B2 Anti-EGFR antibodies and antibody drug conjugates
The invention relates to anti-epidermal growth factor (EGFR) antibodies and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), including compositions and methods of using said antibodies and ADCs.
US09493567B2 Methods of treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with natalizumab
Natalizumab is a safe and efficacious treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's Disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Rare occurrences of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy during treatment suggest the possibility that it may be related to natalizumab treatment. Monitoring for JCV and informing caregivers and patients about the manifestations of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy can improve the safety of natalizumab therapy.
US09493566B2 Antibodies to integrin AVB6 and use of same to treat cancer
The invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to integrin αvβ6. The antibodies are useful for treatment and diagnoses of various cancers as well as detecting αvβ6.
US09493563B2 Production of T cell retargeting hetero-dimeric immunoglobulins
The present invention describes novel hetero-dimeric immunoglobulins or fragments thereof which bind to CD3 and a disease associated antigen. These hetero-dimeric immunoglobulins have been engineered to promote hetero-dimer formation during expression and can be purified to a high degree using a Protein A differential purification technique.
US09493562B2 Anti-Siglec-15 antibodies
Antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically binds to Siglec-15 are described herein. These antibodies or antigen binding fragments may have the ability of inhibiting differentiation of osteoclasts and/or the ability of inhibiting the bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. Compositions and cells expressing anti-Siglec-15 antibodies or antigen binding fragments are also disclosed herewith. Anti-Siglec-15 antibodies may also be useful for the treatment of bone loss, or bone diseases. Methods for the detection or diagnosis of bone loss or bone-related diseases are also described.
US09493560B2 Dual variable domain immunoglobulins and uses thereof
Engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease are provided.
US09493557B2 Chemokine binding polypeptides for treating autoimmunity and inflammation
Novel polypeptides comprising a chemokine-binding peptide and an Fc fragment are disclosed. The polypeptides are capable of binding to certain chemokines so as to modulate their activity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate in vivo chemokine-dependent processes such as inflammation and autoimmunity, and to treat associated conditions.
US09493546B2 Fibronectin based scaffold domain proteins that bind to myostatin
The present invention relates to fibronectin-based scaffold domain proteins that bind to myostatin. The invention also relates to the use of these proteins in therapeutic applications to treat muscular dystrophy, cachexia, sarcopenia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, COPD, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and fibrosis. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the proteins.
US09493545B2 Albumin variants and conjugates
Based on the three-dimensional structure of albumin, the inventors have designed variant polypeptides (muteins) which have one or more cysteine residues with a free thiol group (hereinafter referred to as “thio-albumin”). The variant polypeptide may be conjugated through the sulphur atom of the cysteine residue to a conjugation partner such as a bioactive compound.
US09493543B2 Factor VIII fusion protein
The present invention relates to modified coagulation factors. In particular, the present invention relates to conjugated Factor VIII molecules fused to a polypeptide such as e.g. an antibody binding protein or a Fc domain.
US09493542B2 Methods of using ERBB2 conjugate peptides
Compositions that inhibit or block the interaction between Erbin and ErbB2 and methods of their use are provided. Preferred compositions include peptides that inhibit or block Erbin and ErbB2 interaction under physiologic conditions in a subject. One embodiment provides an isolated peptide fragment of ErbB2 including the C-terminal 15 amino acids of ErbB2. The peptide fragment can be about 15 to 27 amino acids in length.
US09493541B2 Antibodies specific for sulfated sclerostin
Provided is a protein comprising an antibody binding site that binds to a sulfated epitope of a Wnt pathway protein that is not Wnt5A, Wnt11, or Wnt3a. Also provided is a composition comprising an isolated and purified Wnt pathway protein, where the protein is sulfated but not glycosylated. Additionally provided is a preparation of a Wnt pathway protein comprising at least one sulfation site and at least one glycosylation site, where all of the Wnt pathway protein in the preparation is glycosylated but not sulfated. Further provided is a composition comprising a peptide less than 75 amino acids or amino acid analogs, the peptide consisting of a fragment of a Wnt pathway protein, wherein the fragment is sulfated. A modified Wnt pathway protein comprising a sulfation site that is not present in the native Wnt pathway protein is also provided. Also provided is a method of detecting or quantifying a sulfated Wnt pathway protein in a preparation. Additionally, a modified Wnt pathway protein lacking a sulfation site that is present in the native Wnt pathway protein is provided. Also provided is methods of treating a subject having a disease exacerbated by Wnt activation. Additionally, a method of treating a subject having a disease exacerbated by Wnt inhibition is provided.
US09493537B2 Compounds with reduced ring size for use in diagnosing and treating melanoma, including metastatic melanoma and methods related to same
The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds to image cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present compounds exhibit enhanced uptake in cancerous cells and tissue and decreased renal uptake in kidney, evidencing favorable pharmacokinetics of compounds of the present invention. The compounds according to the present invention represent an advance in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention are also useful for initiating therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients' response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.
US09493536B2 Growth hormone receptor antagonists
We disclose growth hormone fusion proteins that have increased in vivo stability and activity; nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and methods of treatment of growth hormone related diseases that would benefit from growth hormone agonists or antagonists.
US09493534B2 Long-acting oxyntomodulin variants and methods of producing same
This invention is directed to a chorionic gonadotrophin carboxy terminal peptide (CTP) modified dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist, and methods of producing and using the same. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a CTP-modified polypeptide comprising a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist and at least one chorionic gonadotrophin carboxy terminal peptide (CTP) attached to the amino terminus or carboxy terminus of the agonist.
US09493532B2 Compositions for cancer therapy using mutant light molecules with increased affinity to receptors
Methods and compositions are disclosed to target tumor cells with embodiments of the LIGHT proteins linked fused or conjugated to a targeting agent. These compositions bind to both human and mouse receptors with affinity sufficient to conduct preclinical and clinical trials, and with increased affinity as compared to the wild type human LIGHT protein. The targeting of embodiments of LIGHT to tumor cells reduces tumor growth and reduces metastases.
US09493530B2 FGF21 mutants comprising a mutation at position 98, 171 and/or 180
The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions. In some embodiments, the FGF21 mutant polypeptide comprises a substitution at position 98, 171 and/or 180.
US09493524B2 Methods for treatment of stroke or cerebrovascular accidents using an ETB receptor agonist
Methods of using an ETB receptor agonist, such as IRL-1620, for the treatment of stroke or cerebrovascular accidents are disclosed. The ETB receptor agonist is used alone or in combination with a second agent useful in the treatment of stroke or other cerebrovascular accident.
US09493521B2 Fluorescent and colored proteins and methods for using them
The field of this invention relates to methods for combining genetic elements such that the activity of one of the elements provides a means for identifying, enriching, selecting for, or enhancing the activity of a second element. The invention also includes specific elements and combinations of elements.
US09493519B2 Toxin in type A Clostridium perfringens
The present disclosure relates to a novel toxin of Type A C. perfringens and immunogenic compositions and vaccines thereof. The present disclosure further relates to methods and uses of treating or preventing enteric disease and assays for diagnosing enteric disease in mammals.
US09493511B2 Cyclosporin analogs
Disclosed herein are novel analogs of cyclosporin, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods for their use in the treatment of dry eye and other conditions.
US09493510B2 Peptidomimetic compounds
The present invention relates to inhibitors of protein-protein interactions (PPI). Specifically, the present invention relates to a structural informatics approach to designing peptidomimetic macrocycles containing an amino acid “warhead” for ligand-directed covalent modification of cysteine and lysine-containing proteins for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. Further included is the targeting of components of the BCL2 signaling pathway, specifically BCL2-A1 and MCL-1.
US09493509B2 Triazole macrocycle systems
The present invention provides novel peptidomimetic macrocycles and methods for their preparation and use, as well as amino acid analogs and macrocycle-forming linkers, and kits useful in their production. Macrocycles of the invention include triazole moieties that crosslink amino acid side chains. The cross links can stabilize a secondary structure of a peptidomimetic macrocycle, such as an α-helix.
US09493503B2 Certain chemical entities, compositions, and methods
Chemical entities that are novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of cancer are described.
US09493499B2 Process for the production of purified cytidinemonophosphate-sialic acid-polyalkylene oxide (CMP-SA-PEG) as modified nucleotide sugars via anion exchange chromatography
The current invention provides methods (e.g., large-scale processes) for the production of nucleotide sugars, which are modified with a polymeric modifying group, such as poly(alkylene oxide) moieties (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(propylene glycol)) moieties. A typical process of the invention includes anion exchange chromatography followed by an ultrafiltration procedure, such as tangential flow filtration. The process of the invention provides modified nucleotide sugars in unexpectedly high purity and high overall yields.
US09493497B2 Carbamate glycolipid and use thereof
The invention provides a compound effective as an antitumor active agent or vaccine adjuvant and an intermediate useful for the synthesis of the compound, as well as production methods thereof, and a medicament containing the novel compound. The compound is a carbamate glycolipid represented by the formula (I) wherein each symbol is as defined herein. The invention also provides a dendritic cell pulsed with the glycolipid.
US09493496B2 Algin oligosaccharides and the derivatives thereof as well as the manufacture and the use of the same
The invention provides an alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives with the degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 22. The alginate oligosaccharide is composed of β-D-mannuronic acid linked by 1,4 glycosidic bonds. The derivatives with the reduced terminal in position 1 of carboxyl radical can be prepared by oxidative degradation. The invention also provides a process for preparing the alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives, which includes the procedure that an alginate solution is reacted for 2 to 6 h in an autoclave at pH 2˜6 and the temperature of 100˜120° C., and adjusted pH to 7 after the reaction is stopped, after which the resultant oligosaccharide is oxidized in the presence of an oxidant to obtain an oxidative product. The alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives of the invention can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis and treatment of AD and diabetes.
US09493495B2 Processing biomass
Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce a product or intermediate, e.g., energy, a food, a fuel, or a material.
US09493494B2 Phosphinine oxide derivative and preparation method thereof
Provided are a novel phosphinine oxide derivative and a preparation method thereof, and more specifically, the phosphinine oxide derivative includes an oxaphosphinine oxide derivative and an azaphosphinine oxide derivative.The phosphinine oxide derivative according to the present invention may have a pharmacological activity and a physiological activity, and may be used as a basic framework of a natural product and may be used for development of new drug and synthesis of various medical supplies.In addition, according to the preparation method of the phosphinine oxide derivative according to the present invention, various phosphinine oxide derivatives with a high yield may be prepared by a simple synthesis process using an intramolecular annulation between a phosphinic derivative and an alkyne derivative in the presence of a rhodium (Rh) catalyst or a ruthenium (Ru) catalyst and an oxidant.
US09493493B2 Nucleotide analogs
Disclosed herein, inter alia, are acyclic nucleotide analogs and methods of using an acyclic nucleotide analog for treating and/or ameliorating a papillomavirus infection.
US09493486B2 Diazaspirocycloalkane and azaspirocycloalkane
The invention provides novel compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R1, R2, Y and W are as described herein, compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds.
US09493484B2 Heterocyclic compound and use thereof
Provided is a compound having an AMPA receptor function enhancing action, and useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the like. The compound represented by formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof has an AMPA receptor function enhancing action, and is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the like.
US09493483B2 Benzo [C] isoxazoloazepine bromodomain inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of bromodomain-containing proteins. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising compounds of the present invention and methods of using said compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US09493476B2 Macrocyclic compounds as trk kinase inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein ring A, ring B, W, m, D, R2, R2a, R3, R3a, and Z are as defined herein, are inhibitors of Trk kinases and are useful in the treatment of pain, cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases and certain infectious diseases.
US09493474B2 Inhibitors of the renal outer medullary potassium channel
This invention relates to compounds of Formula I having the following general structure: Z1—Y1—(CH2)n1—R—(CH2)n2—Y2—Z2 wherein R represents a fused bicyclic or spirocyclic aliphatic diamine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are inhibitors of the Renal Outer Medullary Potassium (ROMK) channel (Kir1.1). The compounds are useful as diuretics and natriuretics and therefore are useful for the therapy and prophylaxis of disorders resulting from excessive salt and water retention, including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and chronic and acute heart failure.
US09493470B2 Crystalline forms of 3-(imidazo[1,2-B] pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyl-N-{4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}benzamide and its mono hydrochloride salt
Novel crystalline forms of 3-(imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyi-N-{4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyljbenzamide free base and 3-(imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyi-N-{4-[(4-methyl piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}benzamide mono hydrochloride, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of their preparation and use are disclosed herein. The instant application is directed to novel crystalline forms of 3-(imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyi-N-{4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl}phenyl}benzamide and 3-(imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyi-N-{4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}benzamide mono hydrochloride, compositions comprising such crystalline forms, and to methods of their preparation and use.
US09493453B2 Piperazinyl pyrimidine derivatives, preparation method and use thereof
Provided are piperazinyl pyrimidine derivatives of formula I having CCR4 antagonism, and the preparation method, pharmaceutical composition and use thereof in the preparation of a medicament. The medicament is useful for the treatment and prevention of CCR4-related diseases.
US09493451B2 Amine derivatives as potassium channel blockers
The present invention relates to compounds useful in the modulation of potassium channel activity in cells, in particular the activity of Kv1.3 channels found in T cells. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods for their preparation.
US09493448B2 Cycloalkane derivatives
Disclosed herein are therapeutic agents and/or preventive agents for pain or therapeutic agents and/or preventive agents for a sodium channel associated disease. The present invention provides compounds represented by the following formula (I) or pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof:
US09493446B2 Orexin receptor antagonists which are [ortho bi-(hetero-)aryl]-[2-(meta bi-(hetero-)aryl)-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-methanone derivatives
The present invention relates to [ortho bi-(hetero-)aryl]-[2-(meta bi-(hetero-)aryl)-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-methanone derivatives of formula (I) wherein R, and the rings A1 A2 and A3 are as described in the description, to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of formula (I), and to their use as pharmaceuticals, especially to their use as orexin receptor antagonists.
US09493443B2 Process for the preparation of vilazodone hydrochloride and its amorphous form
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of vilazodone hydrochloride and a process for preparation of novel pure amorphous form of vilazodone hydrochloride.
US09493442B2 Cyclopropylamines as LSD1 inhibitors
The present invention is directed to cyclopropylamine derivatives which are LSD1 inhibitors useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09493440B2 Compounds inhibiting leucine-rich repeat kinase enzyme activity
The present invention is directed to indazole compounds which are potent inhibitors of LRRK2 kinase and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the LRRK2 kinase is involved, such as Parkinson's Disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which LRRK-2 kinase is involved.
US09493432B2 Cyclopentylbenzamide derivatives and their use for the treatment of psychotic and cognitive disorders
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein n, L, X, Ra, Rb, R1, R2 and R3 their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.
US09493427B2 Compounds for inflammation and immune-related uses
The invention relates to compounds of structural formula (I) and structural formula (VI): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, wherein R, R1, R2, Z, L, and n are defined herein. Those compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, allergic disorders, and immune disorders.
US09493414B2 Development of novel detergents for use in PCR systems
This disclosure relates to novel detergents for use in various procedures including, for example, nucleic acid amplification reactions such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods for preparing the modified detergents are also described.
US09493412B2 Pyrrolinone carboxamide compounds useful as endothelial lipase inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): (I), as defined in the specification and compositions comprising any of such novel compounds. These compounds are endothelial lipase inhibitors which may be used as medicaments.
US09493410B2 Method for crystallization of 2-amino-2-[2-[4-(3-benzyloxyphenylthio)-2-chlorophenyl]-ethyl]-1,3-propanediol hydrochloride
A method for highly efficiently preparing high purity crystals of 2-amino-2-[2-[4-(3-benzyloxyphenylthio)-2-chloro-phenyl]-ethyl]-1,3-propanediol hydrochloride. The method involves dissolving 2-amino-2-[2-[4-(3-benzyloxyphenylthio)-2-chlorophenyl]ethyl]-1,3-propanediol in a mixed solvent comprising a solvent in which its hydrochloride is highly soluble and a solvent in which its hydrochloride is less soluble, to prepare a solution of 2-amino-2-[2-[4-(3-benzyloxyphenylthio)-2-chlorophenyl]ethyl]-1,3-propanediol; and then adding hydrochloric acid to the resulting solution with stirring, to crystallize the hydrochloride of 2-amino-2-[2-[4-(3-benzyloxyphenylthio)-2-chloro-phenyl]ethyl]-1,3-propanediol.
US09493408B2 Removal of ammonia in urea finishing
Disclosed is a method for the removal of ammonia from the off-gas of a finishing section of a urea production plant. The method comprises contacting the off-gas with a solid adsorbent capable of physically adsorbing ammonia, particularly activated carbon or zeolite. Thereupon the solid adsorbent having ammonia adsorbed thereon is separated from the gas and regenerated by dissolving ammonia in an extraction liquid, preferably water. After separating the water from the solid adsorbent, the latter is re-used in the process.
US09493407B2 Urea granulation process with scrubbing system
Disclosed is a method for producing granular urea and reducing ammonia emissions in a gaseous waste stream of the urea granulation process. The method includes the steps of granulating urea and generating a gaseous waste stream from the granulation of the urea, first washing the waste stream in a first scrubber dust stage to remove dust form the gaseous waste stream, and then reacting the gaseous waste stream with formaldehyde in a formaldehyde stage to generate a hexamethylenetetramine and urea-formaldehyde liquid stream, and an ammonia-reduced off-gas stream.
US09493405B2 Method for producing linear pentenenitrile
A process is described for preparing 3-pentenenitrile, characterized by the following process steps: (a) isomerizing a reactant stream which comprises 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile over at least one dissolved or dispersed isomerization catalyst to give a stream 1 which comprises the at least one isomerization catalyst, 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile, 3-pentenenitrile and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile, (b) distilling stream 1 to obtain a stream 2 as the top product which comprises 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile, 3-pentenenitrile and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile, and a stream 3 as the bottom product which comprises the at least one isomerization catalyst, (c) distilling stream 2 to obtain a stream 4 as the top product which, compared to stream 2, is enriched in (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile, based on the sum of all pentenenitriles in stream 2, and a stream 5 as the bottom product which, compared to stream 2, is enriched in 3-pentenenitrile and 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile, based on the sum of all pentenenitriles in stream 2, (d) distilling stream 5 to obtain a stream 6 as the bottom product which comprises 3-pentenenitrile and a stream 7 as the top product which comprises 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile.
US09493404B2 Oxo-nitrogenated complex of cobalt, catalytic system comprising said oxo-nitrogenated complex and process for the (CO) polymerization of conjugated dienes
The present invention relates to an oxo-nitrogenated complex of cobalt having the general formula (I) wherein the residues R1, R2, R3, X1 and X2 are as defined in the claims. Said oxo-nitrogenated complex of cobalt having general formula (I) can be advantageously used in a catalytic system for the (co) polymerization of conjugated dienes.
US09493403B2 Treating androgen decline in aging male (ADAM)-associated conditions with SARMs
This invention provides methods for treatment and inhibition of a male subject having an Androgen Decline in Aging Male (ADAM)-associated condition, for example sexual dysfunction, decreased sexual libido, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, sarcopenia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, an alteration in cognition and mood, depression, anemia, hair loss, obesity, muscle loss, dry eye, memory loss, benign prostate hyperplasia and/or prostate cancer, by administering to the subject a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) compound and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, pro-drug, polymorph, crystal, or any combination thereof.
US09493398B2 Ether dye fixative agents and methods
Described are dye fixative agents, comprising an ether compound, including salts, of Formula I: wherein, R1 is, independently at each occurrence, C1-C6 alkyl; R2 and R3, are, independently at each occurrence, optionally substituted C6 alkyl; and X is, independently at each occurrence, CI, Br, or I.
US09493392B2 Simulated moving bed chromatographic separation process
The present invention provides a chromatographic separation process for recovering a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) product, from a feed mixture, which process comprises introducing the feed mixture to a simulated or actual moving bed chromatography apparatus having a plurality of linked chromatography columns containing, as eluent, an aqueous alcohol, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of zones comprising at least a first zone and a second zone, each zone having an extract stream and a raffinate stream from which liquid can be collected from said plurality of linked chromatography columns, and wherein (a) a raffinate stream containing the PUFA product together with more polar components is collected from a column in the first zone and introduced to a nonadjacent column in the second zone, and/or (b) an extract stream containing the PUFA product together with less polar components is collected from a column in the second zone and introduced to a nonadjacent column in the first zone, said PUFA product being separated from different components of the feed mixture in each zone.
US09493391B2 Process for beta-lactone production
The present application provides a method for producing an beta-lactone product. The method includes the steps of: reacting an epoxide, a solvent with a carbonylation catalyst and carbon monoxide to produce a reaction stream comprising a beta-lactone then separating a portion of the beta-lactone in the reaction stream from the solvent and carbonylation catalyst to produce: i) a beta-lactone stream with the beta-lactone, and ii) a catalyst recycling stream including the carbonylation catalyst and the high boiling solvent; and adding the catalyst recycling stream to the feed stream.
US09493390B2 Process for preparing V-Ti-P catalysts for synthesis of 2,3-unsaturated carboxylic acids
The invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a mixed oxide of vanadium, titanium, and phosphorus. The titanium component is derived from a water-soluble, redox-active organo-titanium compound. The catalyst composition is highly effective at facilitating the vapor-phase condensation of formaldehyde with acetic acid to generate acrylic acid, particularly using an industrially relevant aqueous liquid feed. Additionally, the catalyst composition is catalytically active towards the formation of acrylic acid from methylene diacetate and methacrylic acid from methylene dipropionate; both reactions are carried out with high space time yields.
US09493386B2 Method for supplying reaction gases in catalytic vapor phase oxidation process
A method for supplying reaction gases in which at least a material to be oxidized and a gas containing molecular oxygen are mixed and the resultant mixture is supplied to a catalytic gas-phase oxidation reactor, characterized in that, a feed rate of the material to be oxidized and a feed rate of the gas containing molecular oxygen are adjusted so that when a composition of a gas at the inlet of the catalytic gas-phase oxidation reactor is changed from a composition A point [the concentration of the material to be oxidized: R(a), and the concentration of oxygen: O(a)] represented by plotting a concentration of the material to be oxidized and a concentration of oxygen in the gas at said inlet to a composition B point [R(b) and O(b)] [the composition A point and the composition B point are compositions outside an explosion range, and R(a)≠R(b) and O(a)≠O(b)], compositions on the way of the change from the composition A point to the composition B point fall outside the explosion range.
US09493384B2 Process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
The present invention relates, in part, to the discovery that the presence of HF in a HCFC-244bb feedstream in a reaction for the preparation of HFO-1234yf results in selectivity changeover from HFO-1234yf to HCFO-1233xf. By substantially removing HF, it is shown that the selectivity to HFO-1234yf via dehydrochlorination of HCFC-244bb is improved.
US09493380B2 Method for enhancing soil growth using bio-char
A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting. soil pH.
US09493376B2 Cement kiln dust treatment system and method
A method for treating cement kiln dust is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving cement kiln dust (CKD) from a kiln; heating the collected CKD; forming a gas stream of vaporized metal and CKD by sufficient heating to separate at least one heavy metal from the collected CKD stream to create a cleaned CKD stream and a metal stream; providing a water soluble alkaline-earth metal polysulfide; combining the heavy metal stream with the water soluble alkaline-earth metal sulfide to create a combined stream; and removing at least a portion of one heavy metal from the combined stream.
US09493364B2 Process for producing ammonium nitrate
A process for producing ammonium nitrate is disclosed, which process comprises exposing a gaseous oxidizer feed composed at least substantially of ammonia, steam and an oxidizing gas to conditions whereby the ammonia is oxidized to produce a reaction mixture including nitrogen monoxide and water vapor. The reaction mixture is cooled in a heat exchanger whereby the nitrogen monoxide is oxidized, the water vapor is condensed and the products of the nitrogen monoxide oxidation react with and are absorbed by the condensed water to form a nitric acid stream, with substantially all of the nitrogen monoxide in the reaction mixture being converted to nitric acid. The nitric acid stream is reacted with a stream of ammonia to form the ammonium nitrate.
US09493362B2 DDR-type zeolite powder, and process for the production of DDR-type zeolite powder
There is provided a DDR-type zeolite powder composed of fine particles and exhibits a particle size distribution where the majority of the particles have particle diameters converging in the vicinity of the mean particle diameter, and a process for the production of the same. Specifically provided is a process for the production of a DDR-type zeolite powder, which comprises a step of heat-treating a raw material solution at 100 to 180° C., and thereby growing crystals until the mean particle diameter reaches to a level of 0.1 μm or more and below 2.5 μm.
US09493357B2 Method of fabricating crystalline silicon ingot including nucleation promotion layer
A crystalline silicon ingot and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The method utilizes a nucleation promotion layer to facilitate a plurality of silicon grains to nucleate on the nucleation promotion layer from a silicon melt and grow in a vertical direction into silicon grains until the silicon melt is completely solidified. The increment rate of defect density in the silicon ingot along the vertical direction has a range of 0.01%/mm˜10%/mm.
US09493355B2 Solvent-based methods for production of graphene nanoribbons
The present invention provides methods of preparing functionalized graphene nanoribbons. Such methods include: (1) exposing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to an alkali metal source in the presence of an aprotic solvent to open them; and (2) exposing the opened CNTs to an electrophile to form functionalized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). The methods may also include a step of exposing the opened CNTs to a protic solvent to quench any reactive species on them. Additional methods include preparing unfunctionalized GNRs by: (1) exposing a plurality of CNTs to an alkali metal source in the presence of an aprotic solvent to open them; and (2) exposing the opened CNTs to a protic solvent to form unfunctionalized GNRs.
US09493352B2 Modular biocompatible materials for medical devices and uses thereof
The present disclosure is directed to a method of producing nitric oxide comprising (i) providing a composition comprising a metal-organic framework, and (ii) exposing the composition to a nitric oxide-releasing compound. The disclosure also is directed to compositions, coatings, and medical devices comprising a metal-organic framework.
US09493348B2 Nanoparticulate encapsulation barrier stack
A barrier stack for encapsulating a moisture and/or oxygen sensitive electronic device is provided. The barrier stack comprises a multilayer film having at least one barrier layer having low moisture and/or oxygen permeability, and at least one sealing layer arranged to be in contact with a surface of the barrier layer, wherein the sealing material comprises reactive nanoparticles capable of interacting with moisture and/or oxygen, thereby retarding the permeation of moisture and/or oxygen through defects present in the barrier layer.
US09493340B2 MEMS devices utilizing a thick metal layer of an interconnect metal film stack
A MEMS device, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, fabricated in interconnect metallization compatible with a CMOS microelectronic device. In embodiments, a proof mass has a first body region utilizing a thick metal layer that is separated from a thin metal layer. The thick metal layer has a film thickness that is significantly greater than that of the thin metal layer for increased mass. The proof mass further includes a first sensing structure comprising the thin metal layer, but lacking the thick metal layer for small feature sizes and increased capacitive coupling to a surrounding frame that includes a second sensing structure comprising the thin metal layer, but also lacking the thick metal layer. In further embodiments, the frame is released and includes regions with the thick metal layer to better match film stress-induced static deflection of the proof mass.
US09493338B2 Capacitance type sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A capacitance type sensor has a semiconductor substrate having a vertically opened penetration hole, a movable electrode film arranged above the penetration hole such that a periphery portion opposes to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate with a gap provided, and a fixed electrode film arranged above the movable electrode film with a gap with respect to the movable electrode film. A concave portion having at least a part thereof formed by an inclined surface is provided in the top surface of the semiconductor substrate in a region of the top surface of the semiconductor substrate which overlaps the periphery portion of the movable electrode film.
US09493336B2 Portable saddle stand apparatus
A portable saddle stand apparatus that can be secured to an existing structure allows a saddle to be securely placed upon the saddle stand apparatus when the respective saddle is not fastened to an animals back by a girth. The saddle stand apparatus includes a saddle supporting structure, a front mount, a rear mount, a front strap fastener, and a rear strap fastener. The front mount attaches with a front mount receiving bracket of the saddle supporting structure, and the rear mount attaches with a rear mount receiving bracket of the saddle supporting structure. The front strap fastener secures the front mount to the saddle supporting structure while securing a front end of the saddle stand apparatus to the existing structure. Similarly, the rear strap fastener secures the rear mount to the saddle supporting structure while securing a rear end of the saddle stand apparatus to the existing structure.
US09493335B2 Process for manufacturing mouthpieces of horse bits and product obtained with said process
A process for making mouthpieces for the bits of horses and draught animals includes the following steps: making the mouthpiece with titanium or titanium alloys through a turning and removal operation, sandblasting with zirconium microspheres, and passivation through oxidation of the surface titanium by means of acid solutions. The mouthpiece obtained with such a process is completely made of titanium or titanium alloys and has a passivated surface, that is, a surface that is better resistant to corrosion.
US09493328B2 Lift assembly systems and methods
The present invention provides a lift system comprising a drum that rotates about an axis, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum about the axis, an elongate member (e.g., a cable) having a wound portion wound around the drum and a vertical portion extending downward to the article being lifted, and a low profile adjuster for adjusting a vertical length of the elongate member. The low profile adjuster comprises a first guide adapted to support the article to be lifted and including a first pathway, and a second guide movable relative to the first guide. The elongate member transitions from the vertical portion, through the first pathway to a non-vertical (e.g., horizontal) portion, and to the second guide. Adjustment of a distance between the first guide and the second guide results in adjustment of a vertical position of the first guide relative to the elongate member.
US09493318B2 Conveying device
A conveying device includes: a housing having a conveyance path; a first roller disposed on the conveyance path; a second roller which is opposed to the first roller; a guide member whose state is changeable between a first state in which the guide member partly defines the conveyance path and a second state in which the guide member exposes the conveyance path; a roller holder supporting the second roller; an urging force applier configured to apply, to the second roller, an urging force in a first direction directed from the second roller toward the first roller; and an urging force adjuster configured to adjust the urging force to a first value when the guide member is in the first state and adjust the urging force to a second value when the guide member is in the second state, the second value being less than the first value.
US09493317B2 Paper feed apparatus, image reading apparatus comprising paper feed apparatus, and image forming apparatus comprising paper feed apparatus
A paper feed apparatus includes a paper feeding portion that sends-out a paper placed in a paper placing tray, and is used in an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine. The paper feed apparatus comprises a first regulating portion and a second regulating portion that are arranged in the vicinity of a downstream side of a paper feeding position by the paper feeding portion. The first regulating portion is arranged outside a second width paper passage area to regulate a movement of a first width paper such as A4 paper placed in the paper placing tray toward a feeding direction. On the other hand, the second regulating portion is arranged inside the second width paper passage area to regulate a movement of a second width paper such as a name card placed in the paper placing tray toward a feeding direction. Since there are provided with the first regulating portion and the second regulating portion that are arranged outside and inside the second width paper passage area, the second width paper such as a name card can be adequately fed in addition to the first width paper such as A4 paper.
US09493316B2 Robotic carton unloader
A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of cartons from a carton pile, such as a carton pile stacked within a trailer. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a conveyor system, a robotic positioner, and a manipulator having a conformable face configured to conform to irregularities of the carton pile, and the manipulator may be movable attached to an end of the robotic positioner.
US09493314B2 Wear resistant slurry pipe fitting
A wear resistant pipe fitting includes an inlet end in fluid communication, in use, with a first linear pipe segment, and an outlet end in fluid communication, in use, with a second linear pipe segment. The pipe fitting includes a first eccentric reducer arranged to receive a slurry or pipeline fluid from the first linear pipe section and deliver the slurry or pipeline fluid to a second eccentric reducer; the second eccentric reducer arranged to receive the slurry or fluid from the first eccentric reducer and deliver the slurry or pipeline fluid to the second linear pipe section; and, a flow interrupter device is positioned within the first eccentric reducer for disrupting the flow of the slurry or pipeline fluid before the slurry or fluid enters the second eccentric reducer.
US09493313B2 Dynamic discharge compensation for a sortation system
The discharge accuracy of unit sortation is improved by making real time adjustments to the discharge timing of the carrier based on the determined actual position of each article on respective carriers. The adjustments are applied at the time the discharge command is given.
US09493309B2 Conveyor element and conveyor device for conveying bulk material
Conveying element for conveying bulk goods includes a disk element including an upper side, a lower side and a side surface along a circumference of the disk element. A shank includes an upper end and a lower end. A shank head is located at the upper end. The lower end is connected to the upper side of the disk element and extends through the disk element up to the lower side. A shank head receiving element is arranged on one of the lower side of the disk element or the lower end. The side surface of the disk element is inclined at least in sections relative to a longitudinal axis of the shank.
US09493303B2 System and method for processing waste material
A method for processing waste in a material handling system includes detecting an occurrence of a trigger event associated with a waste holder located at a first location and, in response to detecting the trigger event, moving a mobile drive unit to the first location. The method also includes loading waste material onto the mobile drive unit at the first location and transporting the waste material to a waste station using the mobile drive unit.
US09493297B2 Capsule for beverages
A capsule, including: a deformable casing defining a cavity containing an initial product joined to a fluid for making a final product; a nozzle associated with the casing to inject the fluid of a brewing machine, the nozzle having a longitudinal side wall being provided with at least one outflow opening to the cavity, and the nozzle having an end wall provided with a second opening enabling the final product to exit from the cavity.
US09493296B1 Shipping strap assembly for a vibratory screening machine
A shipping strap assembly protects the isolator mechanism of a vibratory screening machine against exceeding its elastic limits. The isolator mechanism is pivotally connected between shafts on the machine frame and the machine basket. The protective assembly includes a distally narrowing boss on at least one of the shafts. A rigid strap has two apertures, one contoured to receive and ride on the boss and the other contoured to receive the other shaft, spaced to maintain the distance between the shaft axes within an elastic limit of the isolator mechanism. The narrowing boss provides leeway for easy manual alignment of the mechanism shafts with the strap apertures, and the narrowing boss and contour of the other aperture facilitate restoration toward its normal load length, of an elastically distorted mechanism.
US09493295B2 Reusable pallet container
A reusable pallet container is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a pallet container for holding vehicle windshields for storage, transportation or otherwise is disclosed. The pallet container includes a frame structure defining a base, and a periphery, wherein one or more side restraints are provided to be mounted on-board the pallet container to inhibit movement of windshields internally of the pallet container, wherein at least one of said one or more side restraints comprises a flexible fluid containing device.
US09493294B2 Vapor barrier for electrode packaging
A container is constructed for storing bulk material, and more specifically welding electrode, that incorporates layers of substantially dissimilar materials. A first layer of material provides rigidity to the container, while a second layer of material provides a vapor barrier for restricting moisture from entering the container. The container walls may be configured such that a vapor barrier is disposed between the rigid container walls.
US09493288B2 Resealable moisture tight containers
A substantially moisture-tight unit for packaging moisture-sensitive items. The unit includes a container and cap. The container has a closed container bottom, a container top, a sidewall extending upwardly from the container bottom to the container top and a fixed surface at, or near, the container top. The unit also includes a cap. The cap has a lid and a moisture impervious layer attached to an inside portion of the lid. The lid can snap onto the container to hold the moisture impervious layer against a fixed surface forming a moisture barrier.
US09493280B2 Pourable spout with child proof mechanism
In some embodiments, a system and/or method may include a pouring spout assembly for a container. In some embodiments, the pouring spout assembly may include a first conduit, a second conduit, a third conduit, a fourth conduit, a handle, and a spout lock. The second conduit may be positionable, during use, in a distal end of the first conduit. The third conduit may be positionable, during use, in a proximal end of the first conduit. The fourth conduit may be coupled to the second conduit. When the second conduit is in a first position liquids and gases may be inhibited from being conveyed through the pouring spout assembly. When the second conduit is in a second position gases are allowed to convey through the pouring spout assembly. When the second conduit is in a third position liquids are allowed to convey through the pouring spout assembly.
US09493277B2 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge
A container includes a base having a base peripheral portion and a lid having a lid peripheral portion. The lid peripheral portion is mountable to the base peripheral portion to mount the lid to the base for closing the container. A frangible hinge member pivotably joins the base to the lid. The hinge member includes a base hinge panel joined to the base peripheral portion, and a lid hinge panel joined to the lid peripheral portion. The base and lid hinge panels are pivotally joined together at a pivot region. One of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel is separable along a line of weakness into a grasping portion connected to one of the base and the lid, and a flap portion connected to the pivot region.
US09493275B2 Resealable containers and methods for their preparation and use
Disclosed are compositions directed to resealable containers and methods directed to making and using resealable containers. Also disclosed are methods of containing an article. The resealable containers can include a thermotropic adhesive sealing composition to aid in opening and sealing the containers.
US09493274B2 Stopper for a bottle and sealing element for said stopper
A stopper for a bottle and a sealing element for sealing the stopper in the mouth of the bottle, which is separate from the bottle. The stopper comprises a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle, and a head part for remaining outside the mouth of the bottle, the head part having a diameter that is larger than that of the stopper part, wherein the stopper part comprises a an interlocking mechanism for engaging with a counterpart interlocking mechanism of the sealing element. The sealing element is forced against an inner wall of the mouth, thereby being brought into a sealed position, upon introducing the stopper part into the mouth, in which sealed position the stopper is held on the bottle. The interlocking mechanisms permit bringing the sealing element into an unsealed position by an unsealing action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle.
US09493269B2 Non-symmetric multiple layer injection molded products and methods
A mold for molding an injection molded article comprises a mold cavity with a non-symmetrical portion. At least one flow leader in the non-symmetrical portion of the cavity produces a symmetrical flow boundary in a multilayer flow downstream of the non-symmetrical portion of the mold cavity. The at least one flow leader may be a variable thickness flow leader or may alternatively be a plurality of flow leaders having a flow path length that differs from the flow path length of an adjacent flow leader by no more than about 15%. The multilayer flow comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and an interior layer. Co-injection molding apparatus and methods that may use the foregoing mold are disclosed. Similarly, co-injection molded articles and containers that may result from the foregoing mold, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.
US09493267B1 Illuminated liquid container and illuminated liquid container cap
Embodiments of an illuminated liquid container are disclosed herein. The illuminated liquid container can include a light source that, when activated, emits light, and a switch that activates the light source. Some embodiments of the illuminated liquid container include a bottle for holding a liquid and a cap through which the liquid can be passed.
US09493266B1 Molded plastic container
A molded plastic container includes a bottom wall to define a closed end of the container, a side wall extending generally axially away from the bottom wall, and a neck finish terminating the side wall to define an open end of the container. The neck finish includes a finish wall having an inner and outer surfaces. Also, the neck finish may include a seamless external thread segment projecting from the outer surface of the finish wall, and/or a flange extending radially outwardly from the finish wall and also extending axially downwardly and having a section thickness less than that of the finish wall, and/or a bead extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the finish wall wherein the thickest section of any of the walls of the container extends through the bead.
US09493265B2 Articles prepared from thermoplastic compositions, and method of preparing such articles
In some embodiments, a pressure vessel comprises a rounded container comprising a thermoplastic composition. The thermoplastic composition comprises a siloxane copolymer having a structural unit of the formula (11) where x and y are integers representing the number of repeating units; and x is at least 1. The pressure vessel is configured to receive a fluid at an operating pressure of greater than or equal to 2 bar.
US09493264B1 Coin roll opening device
A coin roll opening device includes a support surface and a knife having an elongate cutting edge extending along the support surface. The cutting edge defines a depth of cut that increases from essentially zero at a front end of the cutting edge to a maximum depth of cut away from the front end. A coin roll drive rolls the coin rolls on the support surface over the knife to cut open the coin rolls.
US09493262B2 Machine generated wrap data
A method for generating data with a wrapping machine during wrapping of a load includes measuring a length of packaging material dispensed during wrapping of the load with a sensing assembly on the wrapping machine. The method further includes obtaining a value indicative of a weight of the packaging material per unit of length and determining a weight of the packaging material dispensed on the wrapped load based on the measured length and the obtained value without removing the packaging material from the load. The determined weight of the packaging material is displayed on a display device.
US09493254B2 Machine and method for filling pharmaceutical product containers
A process for filling pharmaceutical product containers in a container filling machine with the stages of: filling the container with the corresponding pharmaceutical substance through filling means in a filling station of the filling machine, weighing the filled container in a filled container weighing station to confirm that the quantity of pharmaceutical substance with which the container has been filled lies within the desired range, in which when the quantity of pharmaceutical substance with which the container has been filled lies outside the desired range the filling means are moved to the filled container weighing station and the container is topped up with a quantity such that the total substance placed in the container in the two stages lies within the desired range.
US09493252B2 Long life thruster
A thruster includes a reactor including bundled metal elongate members therein configured to disassociate an introduced propellant flowing between the members, a combustor for combusting products of the disassociation, and a nozzle downstream of the combustor.
US09493250B2 Impact protection apparatus
An impact protection apparatus is provided, comprising a gas container configured to hold a compressed gas and an inflatable member configured to be inflated by the gas and function as an airbag of a movable object, such as an aerial vehicle. A valve controls flow of gas from the container to the inflatable member in response to a signal from a valve controller. The valve and valve controller are powered by an independent power source than one or more other systems of the movable object. A safety mechanism may also be provided that, unless deactivated, prevents inflation of the inflatable member.
US09493247B2 Component arrangement on an aircraft structure, and a method for the installation of a component into an aircraft structure
A component arrangement on an aircraft structure, in particular on a fuselage structure of an aircraft, with at least one mounting structure connected with the aircraft structure, and at least one component to be assigned to the aircraft structure, in particular a measuring device. At least one component carrier is provided to receive the component to be mounted, wherein the component carrier is connected with the mounting structure, and an outer surface of the component carrier, facing away from the component, extends approximately flush with an outer surface of the aircraft structure. Also a method for the installation of a component into an aircraft structure with a mounting structure including the step of connecting the component with the mounting structure via a component carrier, so that an outer surface of the component carrier, facing away from the component, extends approximately flush with an outer surface of the aircraft structure.
US09493244B2 Structural element of an air vehicle air intake composed of an array of passages with a hexagonal cross section
An air vehicle powered by a gas turbine engine, particularly, but not exclusively, an air vehicle having a blended wing body includes a gas turbine engine disposed in the body of the vehicle including an inlet face. An inlet channel having a convoluted geometry is configured such that air flow incident on the inlet face during operation is disordered. A structural element associated with the inlet channel and locate upstream of the inlet face is provided. The element is configured to modulate air flow, at least partially, to improve flow ordering in the incident air.
US09493243B2 Ambient condition based adjusting of cabin pressure to achieve target aircraft inflow
Embodiments relate to adjusting cabin pressure based on ambient conditions to achieve a target aircraft inflow. An aspect includes receiving a number of occupants on an aircraft. The ambient conditions on the aircraft are monitored and an occupant threshold limit is determined for the aircraft based on the ambient conditions. If it is determined that the number of occupants exceeds the occupant threshold limit, the cabin pressure is reduced in the aircraft according to embodiments. The cabin pressure in the aircraft is reset in response to the occupant threshold limit being increased due to changing ambient conditions.
US09493242B2 Aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly
An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly for an aircraft seating unit that includes a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails, each including fore and aft fittings for connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck. The base rails define a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails. A swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally-extending horizontal plane. The swivel assembly provides a low profile seat with a spar that forms a part of the swivel assembly and transfers loads from the seat efficiently to the aircraft deck. A slide assembly enables the seat occupant to slide the seat fore-and-aft and side-to-side independent of the rotation of the seat on the swivel.
US09493241B2 Lattice panel structure and method
A three dimensional lattice panel structure having a multitude of mutually offset holes formed in a respective top and bottom of the panel and intersecting to form voids with interspersed support posts interconnecting the top and bottom of the panel in areas not encompassed by the mutually offset holes.
US09493240B2 Premium class aircraft passenger suite
A premium class passenger suite that includes a main seat positioned in the suite together with separate bed. The bed has a flexible mattress of predetermined dimensions and is movable between a stowed position to one side of the main seat and a deployed position above and separate from the main seat. A drive apparatus is provided for driving the bed between the stowed and deployed positions. The main seat is configured to be movable between a seating position when the bed is stowed, and a stowed position with a lowered seat back when the bed is deployed for use.
US09493239B2 Display apparatus
A seat monitor includes a display unit that displays various types of information, a frame provided so as to surround the display unit, and an indicator provided to call a staff. The indicator is disposed on a side portion of the frame.
US09493238B2 Bystander interaction during delivery from aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using an assembly that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The assembly can also include a bystander communication module for generating cues for bystander perception. While the assembly securing the payload is being lowered from the UAV, the bystander communication module can generate an avoidance cue indicating that bystanders should avoid interference with the assembly. The assembly also includes sensors that generate data used, at least in part, to determine when the descending assembly is at or near the ground, at which point the assembly releases the payload. The bystander communication module can then cease the avoidance cue and the UAV can retract the assembly.
US09493236B2 Context-based flight mode selection
Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to provide sensor data and one or more processors. The one or more processors can be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environment type for the environment; select a flight mode from a plurality of different flight modes based on the environment type, wherein each of the plurality of different flight mode is associated with a different set of operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to operate within the environment while conforming to the set of operating rules of the selected flight mode.
US09493231B2 Flight control system command selection and data transport
An apparatus and method for controlling an actuator. A plurality of commands for the actuator are received from a number of primary controllers by a command lane and a monitor lane. The command lane selects a first selected number of commands from the plurality of commands using a selection rule. The monitor lane selects a second selected number of commands from the plurality of commands using the selection rule and generates a check value for the second selected number of commands. The first selected number of commands from the command lane and the check value from the monitor lane are combined to form an actuator control command message comprising the first selected number of commands and the check value. The actuator control command message is sent to an actuator controller for controlling the actuator.
US09493227B2 Method and system for loading and unloading cargo assembly onto and from an aircraft
A system for loading and unloading a cargo assembly onto and from an aircraft. The system comprises an aircraft and a moveable platform. The aircraft comprises a forward fairing, an aft fairing, a spine disposed between the forward fairing and the aft fairing and a plurality of mounts coupled to the spine and configured to structurally engage the cargo container onto the spine. The aft fairing is movable between a fixed position for flight and an open position for at least loading and unloading of the cargo assembly. The aircraft is configured such that an unobstructed passageway is provided in an area underneath the spine during loading or unloading of the cargo assembly. An aft access is provided when the aft fairing is moved to the open position. The moveable platform is used to maneuver the cargo assembly for loading and unloading onto and from the spine, respectively.
US09493226B2 Multi-role aircraft with interchangeable mission modules
A flight-operable, truly modular aircraft has an aircraft core to which one or more of outer wings members, fuselage, cockpit, leading and trailing edge couplings, and empennage and tail sections can be removably coupled and/or replaced during the operating life span of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments the aircraft core houses the propulsive engines, avionics, at least 80% of the fuel, and all of the landing gear. The aircraft core is preferably constructed with curved forward and aft composite spars, that transfer loads across the center section, while accommodating a mid-wing configuration. The aircraft core preferably has a large central cavity dimensioned to interchangeably carry an ordnance launcher, a surveillance payload, electronic countermeasures, and other types of cargo. Contemplated aircraft can be quite large, for example having a wing span of at least 80 ft.
US09493221B2 Tiller extension handles
Tiller extension handles for watercraft motors comprise a motor coupling mechanism configured to selectively couple the tiller extension handle to a tiller of a motor, and comprise a shaft coupled to the motor coupling mechanism. Tiller extension handles may comprise an accessory (such as a boat hook, brush, net, pole, paddle, and the like) and/or an accessory coupling mechanism (configured to couple an accessory to the tiller extension handle). Further, tiller extension handles may comprise a flexible joint interconnecting the shaft and the motor coupling mechanism, and optionally may include a joint lock-out device to selectively restrict flexing of the flexible joint. Moreover, tiller extension handles may be configured to separate into a tiller section (configured to be coupled to the motor) and an accessory section (including the accessory and/or configured to be coupled to the accessory).
US09493213B2 Wake surf shaper
The inventive technology comprises a wake surf shaper that can be used to modify the wake of a watercraft to make it more “surfable.” It has been discovered that removably attaching the inventive wake surf shaper to one side of a boat's hull interrupts the flow of water diverted around one side of the bow applying force to the hull in such a manner as to dam the column of water diverted around the opposite side of the bow such that the release of water creates an increased wake behind the boat.
US09493208B2 Vehicle
A vehicle prevents interference of a right lamp and a left lamp with a link mechanism without increasing the size of the vehicle in its width direction. A right link side portion of a right lamp is located on the right of a locus along which a link mechanism extends when an upper cross portion turns when looking at the vehicle from the front of an upper middle axis. At least a portion of the right link side portion is located on the left of a right end portion of a body cover, above the upper middle axis, and below an upper end portion of the link mechanism that results when the upper cross portion turns clockwise to a maximum extent relative to a body frame, when looking at the vehicle from the front of the upper middle axis.
US09493201B2 Vehicular body assembly locking apparatus and method
A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.
US09493199B2 Master link mating surface cover
A master link mating surface cover is disclosed. The master link mating surface cover includes a first inclined portion for covering a corresponding first inclined portion of a master link mating surface, a second inclined portion for covering a corresponding second inclined portion of a master link mating surface, and a third inclined portion for covering a corresponding third inclined portion of a master link mating surface.
US09493194B1 Truck bed extender
A truck bed extender including an elongated support tube having a first and a second end whereby the first end is adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and two support arms pivotally mounted at the second end of the elongated support tube, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside the elongated support tube, to an angled position extending upwardly away from the elongated support tube. The support arms, when rotated upward rest on two rectangular shaped cam adjusters that are pivotally mounted on the sides of the elongated support tube at the second end, just behind the support arms. The support arm height is adjusted by rotating the cam adjusters. A crossbar is removed from its stored position inside the hollow, elongated support tube and mounted with a removable lock pin perpendicular and on top of the support arms.
US09493190B1 Vehicle sill reinforcement
A vehicle sill reinforcement includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member. Each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member includes steps and walls disposed in alternating arrangement along an axis. The walls of the first elongate member are fixed to the walls of the second elongate member. The steps of the first elongate member and the steps of the second elongate member are aligned along the axis and define cavities therebetween. The steps and walls of the sill reinforcement resist buckling in response to both vertical and horizontal components of impact force applied to the sill reinforcement.
US09493185B2 Links-VXI suspension system
In various embodiments, the present invention teaches the use of two or more “floating pivot points” in a trailing/leading arm suspension system. A complimentary steering system is also described herein. The present invention eliminates a number of significant shortcomings of the traditional trailing/leading arm suspension type, thereby offering substantial performance improvements.
US09493179B2 Trolley
The invention comprises a trolley with an frame (1) with wheels (10, 11) and at least one handle (5), which is characterized in that the frame (1) comprises: a main supporting rod (2), equipped with the handle (5) at the upper end, and at least one wheel (11) at the lower end; a sub-supporting rod (7), fastened at its upper end to the main supporting rod (2) between the extreme ends of the main supporting rod, and equipped with at least one wheel (10) at the lower end; and wherein the wheels (11) are fastened to the main supporting rod via a first crosspiece (4) and/or where the wheels (10) are fastened to the sub-supporting rod via a second crosspiece (9).
US09493177B1 Takedown utility cart having drawers and a lock assembly
A takedown utility cart includes four corner members each including joining apertures; four rectangular interconnecting members each shaped as a groove having two bent ends, each interconnecting member including two joining apertures at two sides respectively wherein a retainer is driven through the joining apertures to fasten the corner member and the interconnecting member together; two side walls each including a rectangular panel, two joining members at front and rear ends of the panel respectively, and two joining apertures on the joining member wherein a retainer is driven through the joining apertures to fasten the corner member and the side wall together; a rectangular platform disposed on the bent ends; a rectangular rear panel including four joining apertures at respective corners thereof wherein a retainer is driven through the joining apertures to fasten the corner member and the rear panel together; and at least one drawer.
US09493173B2 Railcar
A railcar includes an underframe and an energy absorber provided at the underframe. The underframe includes a first end beam, a second end beam, and a sliding center sill connecting the first end beam and the second end beam with each other. The sliding center sill includes a first beam member connected to the first end beam, a second beam member connected to the second end beam, and a coupling member coupling the first beam member to the second beam member. The first beam member slides relative to the second beam member when the coupling member breaks by application of an impact load higher than a predetermined load. The sliding center sill and the energy absorber are arranged in a region located between the first end beam and the second end beam.
US09493171B2 Vehicle and method of advising a driver therein
A vehicle may include a driver interface and at least one controller operatively arranged with the interface. The at least one controller may be configured to determine a speed and acceleration of the vehicle, to predict a time until a future speed of the vehicle exceeds a predefined speed based on the predefined speed and the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, and to issue an alert via the interface if the time is less than a predefined time.