| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09501093B2 |
Measurement of clock skew between two remote hosts connected through computer networks
Technologies are generally described for measuring clock skew between two remote hosts connected through a computer network. According to some examples, pairs of probe packets, also referred to as a compound probe, may be transmitted over an end-to-end path in both directions (forward and reverse paths) to measure a gap value at the end nodes for clock skew estimation. Compound probes may arrive at the end nodes with a zero dispersion gap (no separation) and the gap values along the forward and reverse paths may be determined by a capacity of the links connected to the end nodes added to the clock speeds of the measuring nodes upon arriving at the end nodes. The link capacity is a constant network parameter. Thus, the ratio of the measured gap values may provide an estimate of clock speed discrepancy between the end nodes. |
| US09501092B1 |
Systems and methods for clock alignment using pipeline stages
Systems and methods for phase detection are disclosed. A collapsible three-stage pipeline includes a first register in a first stage having a first clock signal having first clock edges, a second register in a second stage that receives a first signal from the first stage, and having a second clock signal having second clock edges, and a third register in a third stage that receives a second signal from the second stage, and having a third clock signal having third clock edges, wherein each second clock edge has a corresponding first clock edge and a corresponding third clock edge. The circuitry may further include a two-stage pipeline including fourth and fifth stages, a counter that provides an input signal into the collapsible three-stage pipeline and the two-stage pipeline, and a comparator that compares a first output of the collapsible three-stage pipeline and a second output of the two-stage pipeline. |
| US09501091B2 |
Touch panel system and electronic device
In a touch panel system of the present invention, a touch pen is configured of an electronic pen that signals can be input into and output from. A touch panel controller includes a synchronization signal transmission unit that transmits a synchronization signal to the electronic pen during synchronization signal transmission periods immediately before each of a first signal line drive period and a second signal line drive period. The synchronization signal transmission unit transmits the synchronization signal of which the waveform is configured of a Manchester-coded pseudorandom sequence having periodicity to the electronic pen during the synchronization signal transmission period. The electronic pen includes a synchronization signal detecting unit that detects the synchronization signal. |
| US09501088B2 |
Clock generator, communication device and sequential clock gating circuit
The present invention discloses a clock generator comprising: an oscillator operable to generate a reference clock; a multi-phase clock generating circuit operable to generate a plurality of output clocks of the same frequency but different phases according to the reference clock and stop or start outputting the output clocks according to a power control signal; a sequential clock gating circuit operable to sequentially stop or start outputting a plurality of gated clocks according to a gate control signal and maintain an output cycle number relation between the gated clocks even though the multi-phase clock generating circuit stops and then starts outputting the output clocks; and a clock operation control circuit operable to provide the power control signal and the gate control signal. |
| US09501084B1 |
Wearable electronic device with force feedback
A wearable electronic device provides force feedback that acts on a controller of the device. At least one actuator coupled to the controller receives inputs from a host computing system and applies forces in at least one of two allowed degrees-of-freedom to the movable controller. The actuator includes an axle that is rotatably driven by an electric motor, and a force transmission gear assembly for transmitting the torque from the motor to the controller via the axle. |
| US09501080B2 |
Multiple output offset comparator
A multiple output comparator compares a first input signal and a second input signal. An output mirror circuit receives the comparison and sets an output signal at a first output terminal of the multiple output comparator to a digital state indicating that the magnitude of the is greater than or lesser than the second signal. An offset generator creates an offset signal for adjusting a threshold signal level at the output mirror circuit such that the difference of the and the second signal is combined with the offset signal. The output mirror circuit transfers provides a digital state to another output terminal indicating that the is greater than or lesser than the second signal as adjusted by the adjustment signal. |
| US09501074B2 |
Dynamic current pull-down for voltage regulator
A circuit includes a comparator that monitors a transient with respect to a predetermined threshold at the output of a voltage regulator and generates a compensation signal if the transient exceeds the predetermined threshold. A dynamic current pull-down block is triggered from the compensation signal of the comparator and operative with an output stage of the voltage regulator to mitigate the transient at the output of the voltage regulator by concurrently activating a plurality of current pull-down switches during the transient and sequentially deactivating each current pull-down switch of the plurality of current pull-down switches after its predetermined deactivation delay for each current pull-down switch. |
| US09501071B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing a set back temperature for an environmental control system
A method for establishing a set back temperature for an environmental control system includes entering an energy saver control phase having a predetermined time period, determine an effective thermal load for an environmental control zone, calculating a set-back temperature based on the effective thermal load for the environmental control zone and the predetermined time period, operating an environmental control device to establish and maintain the set-back temperature for a portion of the predetermined time period, and operating the environmental control device to establish a desired temperature substantially by an end of the predetermined time period. |
| US09501070B2 |
Temperature control method and apparatus
A method of controlling the temperature of a liquid held within a reaction container in a chamber of a thermal cycling apparatus, the method including determining a sensed chamber temperature from a temperature sensor in the chamber, determining an air temperature using the sensed chamber temperature, determining a liquid temperature using the air temperature and selectively heating or cooling air in the chamber in accordance with the liquid temperature. |
| US09501069B2 |
Control of solid state memory device temperature using queue depth management
Embodiments relate to controlling a temperature of a solid state memory device using queue depth management by monitoring an operating temperature of each of a plurality of solid state drives of the solid state memory device. Based on a determination that the operating temperature of one of the plurality of solid state drives exceeds local device threshold values, the method includes receiving an indication that one or more local measures have been taken by the solid state memory device. Based on a determination that the operating temperature of one of the plurality of solid state drives exceeds a secondary global threshold value, the method includes reducing a queue length for the solid state memory device. |
| US09501063B2 |
Electric linear motion actuator
An electric linear motion actuator includes an electric motor, a motion converting mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into a linear motion of a linear moving member, a load sensor that detects the magnitude of the load applied to the brake disk from the linear moving member, and a controller that performs feedback control on the electric motor based on the difference between the load detected by the load sensor and a load command value. The controller reduces the number of revolutions of the electric motor when the linear moving member moves into a predetermined zone immediately before the position where the clearance between the linear moving member and the brake disk becomes zero. |
| US09501047B2 |
Servo door-closer
A power-assisted door closer includes an output shaft, a driving mechanism operatively connected to the output shaft, a mechanical energy accumulator for storing closing energy for the door leaf and acting upon the driving mechanism, a motor/generator unit operatively connected to the output shaft and an electrical energy accumulator for storing an assisting energy for the door leaf and being electrically connected to the motor/generator unit. |
| US09501044B2 |
Fitness watch case
A fitness watch case (502) is disclosed comprising a display housing (504) that houses a display for displaying information to a user; and a user interface (506) having touch-sensitive input means for controlling the watch. The user interface (506) is spaced apart from the display housing (504), thereby enabling the user to operate the user interface using only a single finger. The watch case (502) is insertable into a strap (508) to form a fitness watch (500) that can be worn on the wrist of the user. |
| US09501043B2 |
Flexible portable electronic device
A flexible portable electronic device capable of generating information includes a flexible body configured to be attached to a part of a user's body, the flexible body including a lower flexible band that gives the flexible portable electronic device thickness and mechanical resistance and an upper flexible band fixed to the lower flexible band, and an electronic assembly to generate information, the electronic assembly being housed between the lower flexible band and the upper flexible band. At least two successive bellows each including at least one fold are separated from each other by a transverse reinforcing element at one location on a length of the lower flexible band. The reinforcing element extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the flexible body and is secured to the lower flexible band. The bellows are configured to compress and relax along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the flexible body. |
| US09501035B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a thermopile array sensor, a reflector, and a temperature detection unit. The thermopile array sensor includes a plurality of thermopile elements arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern and a temperature detection surface divided into a plurality of predetermined regions aligned in vertical and horizontal directions, and the thermopile elements output a temperature detection signal corresponding to a temperature of the respective predetermined regions. The reflector is set at an angle to reflect infrared light emitted from a measurement point located outside of a viewing angle of the thermopile array sensor, so as to allow the infrared light to be incident on the temperature detection surface. The temperature detection unit detects the temperature on the basis of the temperature detection signal outputted from each of the thermopile elements. The thermopile array sensor and the reflector are located inside the electronic apparatus. |
| US09501034B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a drum unit containing the drum, a developing unit containing the roller and being movable so the roller contacts and is spaced from the drum, and a first force receiver receiving a force from a main-assembly first force applier by movement of a door from open to closed positions when mounting the cartridge and a second force receiver movable from a stand-by position by movement of the first force receiver by a force received from the first force applier. The second force receiver takes a projected position receiving a force from the second force applier to move the developing unit so the roller moves out of contact with the drum, the projected position being higher than the stand-by position. |
| US09501027B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a wavelike portion capable of expanding and contracting
The one end portion and the other end portion of the support member have tapered portions, respectively, and thickness of each tapered portion is gradually reduced toward a center side from an end side of the support member in a longitudinal direction. |
| US09501026B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming device including a photoreceptor with a protective layer, a contact charger; and a metal cleaning blade, wherein the cleaning blade includes a first region and a second region facing the photoreceptor, the first region is of a predefined roughness, and J>h×(cos α/sin β)×d, where α is an angle between the first region and a tangent plane of the second region, β is an angle between the first region and a tangent line of the surface of the photoreceptor at a point of contact with the cleaning blade, h is an amount of depletion of the cleaning blade in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the photoreceptor at the point of contact when the surface of the photoreceptor travels a unit of distance, and d is a predicted total travel distance of the surface of the photoreceptor in a defined time period. |
| US09501023B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing system
A storage unit stores a surface effect selection table in which density values, types of the surface effects, and types of linkage effects as other surface effects related to the types of the surface effects are associated. A reading unit reads the types of the surface effects and the types of the linkage effects corresponding to the density values specified in the first gloss control plane data from the surface effect selection table when type information indicatse test printing. A first generating unit generates second gloss control plane data specifying the types of the surface effects and the gloss regions specified in the first gloss control plane data, and the read types of the linkage effects corresponding to the types of the surface effects and linkage regions. A second generating unit generates special color colorant plane data used by an execution unit from the second gloss control plane data. |
| US09501022B2 |
Iterative learning control for motion error reduction
An apparatus for reducing registration errors in a media handling device. The apparatus including an image-bearing member having sheets individually pass across the image-bearing member. Each sheet pass corresponds to one of a series of iterations between the image-bearing member and the sheets. The image-bearing member is operatively coupled to a controller for regulation motion of the image-bearing member. The controller receives input signals representing at least one measured disturbance. Each disturbance being defined by a pattern of image-bearing member movement away from and substantially returning to a reference state of motion. A repetition of the pattern being coincident with at least one of the iterations, wherein based on the measured disturbance, the reference state and an indication associated with when the pattern will repeat, a modified signal is generated for the actuator to adjust the image-bearing member motion in coordination with the indication. |
| US09501021B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus having binding processing function
A sheet processing apparatus includes a binding unit configured to perform binding processing by pressing a sheet bundle, a motor configured to drive the binding unit to press the sheet bundle, a speed detection unit configured to detect a speed of the motor, a voltage detection unit configured to detect a driving voltage of the motor, and a motor control unit configured to determine an upper limit value of a driving current of the motor based on the speed detected by the speed detection unit and the driving voltage detected by the voltage detection unit in a period when the motor is being driven and the binding unit is not pressing the sheet bundle. |
| US09501015B2 |
Image forming apparatus utilizing flat pigment
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a heating unit, and a fixing unit. The image forming unit uses a toner including a flat pigment. The heating unit heats a recording medium. The fixing unit allows the recording medium to pass therethrough so as to cause an image formed on the recording medium to be fixed onto the recording medium by heat. In the image forming apparatus, the heating unit heats the recording medium on which the image has not been formed, the image forming unit forms the image on the recording medium having been heated, and the fixing unit fixes the image having been formed onto the recording medium. |
| US09501013B2 |
Heating member and fusing apparatus including the same
A heating member for a fusing apparatus includes a resistive heating layer including a base polymer and an electroconductive filler dispersed in the base polymer, where the resistive heating layer generates heat by receiving electric energy, and where a storage modulus of the resistive heating layer is about 1.0 megapascal or greater. |
| US09501012B2 |
Fixing apparatus for fixing a toner image to a recording medium
A fixing apparatus for fixing a toner image to a recording material includes a cylindrical film, a heater configured to make contact with the film, the heater including a substrate and a heat generation resistor formed on the substrate, and a heat conduction member configured to make contact with a surface of the heater opposite to a surface thereof being in contact with the film, the heat conduction member having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the substrate, and being divided into parts in a generatrix direction of the film. The toner image formed on the recording material is fixed on the recording material by using heat of the film, and one of the parts of the heat conduction member is configured to make contact with the heater continuously from a center to an end of a heat generation region of the heater in the generatrix direction. |
| US09501011B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device to fix a toner image on a sheet includes a first rotary member that rotates in a predetermined direction and a second rotary member that contacts an outer circumferential surface of the first rotary member. A stationary member is fixed inside the first rotary member to press the first and second rotary members together to form a nip portion between the rotary members. A reinforcement member is fixedly provided inside the first rotary member and pressed against the stationary member. The fixing device includes heat source to heat the first rotary member and a reflector to reflect heater light emitted from the heat source toward the first rotary member. |
| US09501007B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording material has an image forming unit configured to form the toner image on the recording material; a fixing unit configured to fix the toner image on the recording material while heating and conveying the recording material bearing the toner image at a nip portion, the fixing unit including a heating rotation member and a roller forming the nip portion with the heating rotation member; and a voltage applying unit configured to apply a potential difference between a surface of the heating rotation member and a surface of the roller, wherein a plurality of print modes different in conveyance speed of the recording material at the nip portion are carried out, and wherein the voltage applying unit applies the potential difference smaller in a first print mode than the potential difference in a second print mode. |
| US09501006B2 |
Fixing device, image forming apparatus, and fixing method
A fixing device includes a heater that heats a fixing rotator and includes a first heating portion and a second heating portion substantially aligned with the first heating portion in an axial direction of the fixing rotator. A multi-view thermopile array detects a temperature of an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator at a plurality of spots thereon. A heater controller controls the first heating portion and the second heating portion individually based on the temperature of the fixing rotator detected at the plurality of spots thereon. A recording medium conveyance controller determines whether or not to convey the recording medium to the fixing nip based on an increased temperature detected at at least one of the plurality of spots on the fixing rotator. |
| US09500997B2 |
Development rotating member for liquid development, liquid developing device, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
A development rotating member for liquid development includes a base material, an elastic layer that is provided on the base material, and a surface layer that is provided on the elastic layer and contains a polyimide resin, wherein a JIS-A hardness of the development rotating member is in a range of 40 degrees to 80 degrees. |
| US09500995B2 |
Developer accommodating container and process cartridge
A developer accommodating container for accommodating a developer, includes: a frame provided with a hole; a rotatable member penetrating the hole; and a seal member, provided on the frame by injection molding, for sealing a gap between a circumference of the hole of the frame and an outer peripheral surface of the rotatable member to prevent the developer from leaking out of the developer accommodating container. The seal member includes a projected portion which projects toward an inside of the hole and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable member. |
| US09500992B2 |
Developing device having a powder conveyor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus including the same
A developing device includes a housing to store a powder, a developing roller to hold the powder, a supplying roller to supply the powder to the developing roller, a regulator to regulate the powder held by the developing roller, a powder conveyer to convey the powder for image forming, a first powder storing chamber, and a second powder storing chamber. The powder conveyor includes a first conveying part that includes a rotating axis, and a conveying surface inclined with respect to the rotating axis along a direction of the rotating axis. The powder conveyor further includes a second conveying part that includes a conveying surface parallel to the rotating axis along the direction of the rotating axis, and the first conveying part and the second conveying part are disposed alternately along the direction of the rotating axis. |
| US09500988B2 |
Developing apparatus
A developing apparatus includes a developer carrying sleeve, a container body accommodating a developer and rotatably supporting the sleeve, a cover mounted on the container body and configured to cover the sleeve, a first seal fixed to the container body and contacted to the sleeve to seal one end of the sleeve, and a second seal provided on the cover and contacted to the sleeve to seal the one end of the sleeve. The first second seals are disposed without overlapping with each other as seen in the direction of a normal line of the sleeve from a rotation axis of the sleeve. The second seal is disposed such that as seen in a rotational axis direction of the sleeve, it is outside the first seal and between the cover and the sleeve with respect to a circumferential direction of the sleeve and is overlapped with the first seal. |
| US09500986B2 |
Toner case and image forming apparatus
A toner case (6) according to the present invention includes a case main body (22) and a dividing member (23). The case main body (22) is configured to have a filling port (32) through which a toner is filled and a discharging port (42) through which the toner is discharged. The dividing member (23) is configured to divide an internal space of the case main body (22) into a first space (S1) communicated with the filling port (32) and the discharging port (42) and a second space (S2) restrained from communication with the filling port (32) and the discharging port (42). |
| US09500985B1 |
Toner supply container and applications of same
A releasing mechanism usable for a toner supply container, includes a plate having a first groove and a second groove; a releasing member slidably sleeved on a front end of the container, and having an opening in fluid communication with the container, an urging section, and a fixing structure; an elastic member having two ends respectively urging the container and the urging section; and a hook member having a first end movably fixed to the fixing structure, a first pin slidably received in the first groove, and a second pin slidably received in the second groove. The releasing member receives a pressing force from an apparatus and an elastic force from the elastic member. The cooperation of the pressing force, the elastic force, the hook member, the first groove, and the second groove enables the first pin and the second pin moving in a one-way direction only. |
| US09500982B2 |
Sensor device, toner concentration detection method and image forming apparatus
The detection sensitivity of a variation in resonant frequency is increased, and thus a toner concentration is accurately detected. In a sensor device that includes an LC resonant circuit which outputs a pulse signal having a frequency corresponding to the toner concentration, a multiplier portion which multiplies the pulse signal output from the LC resonant circuit and a concentration detection portion which detects the toner concentration based on the pulse signal multiplied by the multiplier portion, the LC resonant circuit includes a detection coil and a capacitor and outputs a pulse signal having a frequency corresponding to the toner concentration. The multiplier portion multiplies the frequency of the pulse signal output from the LC resonant circuit. The concentration detection portion subtracts a predetermined offset pulse number from the pulse signal multiplied by the multiplier portion and detects the toner concentration based on the subtracted pulse number. |
| US09500979B2 |
Cartridge and image forming apparatus
In a configuration in which a charging roller contact unit of a contact unit is located in a periphery of a mounting surface for mounting a cleaning blade of a drum cartridge frame, at least a part of the charging roller contact unit of the contact unit is formed in such a manner that an area of a cross section perpendicular to a direction approaching to the mounting surface of the cleaning blade becomes smaller with an approach to the mounting surface of the cleaning blade. |
| US09500975B2 |
Magnetic carrier and two-component developer
Provided is a magnetic carrier, including magnetic carrier particles each including: a magnetic carrier core including a magnetic material and a resin; and a resin coating layer formed on a surface of the magnetic carrier core, in which: the resin included in the magnetic carrier core has a hydroxy group; a surface portion of the magnetic carrier core includes a specific compound; and the magnetic carrier has an adsorbed moisture amount of 0.40 mass % or less when the magnetic carrier is left to stand in an environment of a temperature of 30° C. and a humidity of 80% RH for 72 hours. |
| US09500972B2 |
Toner
A toner that comprises a toner particle that contains a binder resin that contains a styrene-acrylic resin and a block polymer, wherein the block polymer has a polyester segment and a vinyl polymer segment; the polyester segment is obtained by condensation polymerization of: a monomer (a) selected from a group consisting of a prescribed monomer group A; and a monomer (b) selected from a group consisting of a prescribed monomer group B, and the content in the polyester segment of the substructure originating with the monomer (b) as calculated from the following formula is from at least 1.0 mol % to not more than 30.0 mol %: {monomer (b) [mol]/(monomer (a) [mol]+monomer (b) [mol])}×100. |
| US09500968B2 |
Addition of non-networked hole transport molecule to fluorinated structured organic film for improved corona resistance
An overcoat layer comprises a structured organic film (SOF) comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers including a first fluorinated segment and a second electroactive segment, and an antioxidant is present in the SOF; and a hole transport molecule which does not form a network with the SOF. |
| US09500964B2 |
Lithography apparatus, power supplying method, and article manufacturing method
A lithography apparatus has a plurality of driving units each of which drives in synchronization within a specific period, a power source for supplying power required for driving to each driving unit, a plurality of capacitors capable of charging power from the power source, a plurality of switching units for switching whether or not power is supplied from the power source to the driving units and capacitors, and a controller configured to stop supplying the power to the driving units and the capacitors and to drive the driving unit with the power charged in the capacitor, in at least a part of a period of driving in synchronization concerning at least one of the plurality of the driving units, or in at least a part of a period of driving in asynchronization concerning another driving unit different from at least one of the driving unit. |
| US09500963B2 |
Movable body apparatus, exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus has a substrate holding member, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a driving system. The first supporting member supports the substrate holding member from below. The second supporting member supports the first supporting member from below such that the first supporting member and the second supporting member are capable of moving relative to each other. The driving system moves the substrate holding member, the first supporting member and the second supporting member. The driving system includes a first driving device and a second driving device, the first driving device moving the substrate holding member and the first supporting member in a direction along a predetermined axis, and the second driving device moving the second supporting member in the direction along the predetermined axis. |
| US09500962B2 |
Mask clamping apparatus and method of manufacturing mask
A manufacturing method of a mask includes aligning a mask sheet including an effective area and a non-effective area, on a mask frame; applying a pressure to the non-effective area of the mask sheet in a direction opposite to a sagging direction of the non-effective area, to prevent sagging of the non-effective area; and moving a clamping unit to the mask sheet along a direction substantially parallel to the mask sheet, to clamp the clamping unit onto the non-effective area of the mask sheet. |
| US09500959B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
A liquid confinement member supplies liquid to and collects the liquid from a liquid immersion area formed adjacent to a final optical element of an immersion exposure apparatus, and includes a channel formation member that surrounds a portion of the final optical element of the immersion exposure apparatus. The channel formation member includes a hole through which exposure light projected by the final optical element passes, a liquid supply opening through which the liquid is supplied to the liquid immersion area, a liquid recovery opening through which the liquid is recovered from the liquid immersion area, a liquid supply channel by which the liquid is supplied to the liquid supply opening, and a liquid recovery channel by which the liquid is recovered from the liquid recovery opening. At least one of the liquid supply and liquid recovery channels includes a protrusion into a portion of the channel. |
| US09500952B2 |
Orthogonal processing of organic materials used in electronic and electrical devices
An orthogonal process for photolithographic patterning organic structures is disclosed. The disclosed process utilizes fluorinated solvents or supercritical CO2 as the solvent so that the performance of the organic conductors and semiconductors would not be adversely affected by other aggressive solvent. One disclosed method may also utilize a fluorinated photoresist together with the HFE solvent, but other fluorinated solvents can be used. In one embodiment, the fluorinated photoresist is a resorcinarene, but various fluorinated polymer photoresists and fluorinated molecular glass photoresists can be used as well. For example, a copolymer perfluorodecyl methacrylate (FDMA) and 2-nitrobenzyl methacrylate (NBMA) is a suitable orthogonal fluorinated photoresist for use with fluorinated solvents and supercritical carbon dioxide in a photolithography process. The combination of the fluorinated photoresist and the fluorinated solvent provides a robust, orthogonal process that is yet to be achieved by methods or devices known in the art. |
| US09500950B2 |
Fluorine-containing polymer, purification method, and radiation-sensitive resin composition
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel fluorine-containing polymer, a radiation-sensitive resin composition for liquid immersion lithography which contains the fluorine-containing polymer, which leads to a pattern having an excellent shape and excellent depth of focus, wherein the amount of an eluted component in a liquid for liquid immersion lithography such as water that comes in contact with the resist during exposure in liquid immersion lithography is little, and which provides a larger receding contact angle between the resist film and the liquid for liquid immersion lithography such as water, and a method for purifying the fluorine-containing polymer. The present resin composition comprises a novel fluorine-containing polymer (A) containing repeating units represented by the general formulae (1) and (2) and having Mw of 1,000-50,000, a resin (B) having an acid-unstable group, a radiation-sensitive acid generator (C), a nitrogen-containing compound (D) and a solvent (E). |
| US09500947B2 |
Acid generator compounds and photoresists comprising same
Acid generator compounds are provided that are particularly useful as a photoresist composition component. Acid generator compounds of the invention comprise 1) a cyclic sulfonium salt and 2) a covalently linked photoacid-labile group. In one aspect, thioxanthone acid generator compounds are particularly preferred, including acid generator compounds that comprise (i) a thioxanthone moiety; and (ii) one or more covalently linked acid labile-groups. |
| US09500946B2 |
Sidewall spacer patterning method using gas cluster ion beam
A method for patterning a substrate is described. The method includes receiving a substrate having a patterned layer, wherein the patterned layer defines a first mandrel pattern, and wherein a first material layer of a first composition is conformally deposited over the first mandrel pattern. The method further includes partially removing the first material layer using a first gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etching process to expose a top surface of the first mandrel pattern, open a portion of the first material layer at a bottom region adjacent a feature of the first mandrel pattern, and retain a remaining portion of the first material layer on sidewalls of the first mandrel pattern; and selectively removing the first mandrel pattern using one or more etching processes to leave a second mandrel pattern comprising the remaining portion of the first material layer that remained on the sidewalls of the first mandrel pattern. |
| US09500942B2 |
Screen
A projection screen that allows sound to pass through the screen while video is reflected is provided.This screen is provided using a first non-perforated reflecting screen of a first density, and at least one perforated reflecting screen of a second density, wherein the first density is greater than the second density. |
| US09500934B2 |
Light quantity control apparatus, optical apparatus and image pickup apparatus
A light quantity control apparatus includes multiple blade members each including a first curved surface-shaped portion and a hole portion, and a member including multiple protrusion portions each inserted into the hole portion of one of the blade members. The member includes a second curved surface-shaped portion shaped along the first curved surface-shaped portion of each of the blade members. The protrusion portions extend from the second curved surface-shaped portion and extend in parallel with each other. |
| US09500933B2 |
Delayed optical logic gates for boolean algebra
A system, method, and apparatus for delayed optical logic gates based on slow light and enhanced nondegenerate four-wave mixing processes, where a single or multiple delayed optical routers are utilized for dark resonance interactions in which two-color lasers interact with a three-level nonlinear optical medium comprised of two ground states and one excited state through the nondegenerate four-wave mixing processes. The delayed optical logic mechanism is based on combination of single or multiple dark resonance-induced two-photon coherence conversion via slow light phenomenon. The two-photon coherence induced on the ground states is optically detected via nondegenerate four-wave mixing processes. The nondegenerate four-wave mixing generation is enhanced owing to dark resonance or electromagnetically induced transparency. The delayed optical logic gates have potential to keep up ultra-high-bandwidth optical information processing using relatively slow electronic processing devices. |
| US09500923B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
Discussed are a liquid crystal display device and a method of fabricating the same in which a single common line is formed at the center of a substrate, which results in an enhanced aperture ratio and transmittance. The liquid crystal display device includes a single common line located at a center of a substrate; a first group of unit pixels located in a right portion of the substrate on the basis of the common line and a second group of unit pixels located in a left portion of the substrate on the basis of the common line, each unit pixel defined by a plurality of gate lines and data lines orthogonally intersecting each other; and a plurality of thin film transistors formed at a right side of the respective unit pixels of the first group and at a left side of the respective unit pixels of the second group. |
| US09500918B2 |
Display substrate and display device having a decreased driving voltage
The invention provides a display substrate and a display device, and can solve the problems that, in the existing display technology, the driving voltage required for driving the blue-phase liquid crystal is higher, and there is large difficulty for manufacturing the wall-like electrodes and poor feasibility of process if the wall-like electrodes are used for driving. A display substrate of the invention comprises a base, and a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the base, the first electrode having a closed ring shape, the second electrode being arranged in the ring shape of the first electrode, and a height of the second electrode being larger than that of the first electrode. A display device of the invention comprises the above display substrate, a first substrate opposite to the display substrate, and a blue-phase liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the display substrate. |
| US09500908B2 |
Display panel and display device
A display panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first transparent conductive layer and a first alignment layer. The first transparent conductive layer includes a first surface and has at least a first notch, the first alignment layer includes a first part and a second part, the first part is disposed in the first notch, the second part is disposed on the first surface, and the surface roughness of the first part of the first alignment layer is greater than that of the second part. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A display device having the display panel is also disclosed. |
| US09500906B2 |
Optical configurations in a tileable display apparatus
A display apparatus including a screen layer for displaying a unified image to a viewer and an illumination layer having an array of light sources. Each light source emits a light beam. An array of optical elements, each coupled to a corresponding light source in the array of light sources, is disposed between the screen layer and the illumination layer. The display layer includes a matrix of pixlets and a spacing region disposed between the pixlets in the matrix, wherein the array of light sources emit their light beams through the array of optical elements, wherein each optical element is configured to shape the received light beam into a divergent projection beam having a limited angular spread to project sub-images displayed by the pixlets as magnified sub-images on the backside of the screen layer, the magnified sub-images to combine to form the unified image that is substantially seamless. |
| US09500901B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes a first polarizer and a liquid crystal display panel adhered to the first polarizer. The first polarizer includes a first sub-areas and a first center area. An adhesion intensity of the first polarizer and the liquid crystal cell corresponding to the first sub-area is greater than an adhesion intensity of the first polarizer and the liquid crystal cell corresponding to the first center area. |
| US09500897B2 |
Display device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic device
A display device includes a display section in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a matrix, a plurality of scan lines which select pixels, a plurality of signal lines which supply image signals to the selected pixels, and color filters that are arranged so as to correspond to color displays of the pixels. In the device, the display section includes an effective pixel portion and a frame portion that surrounds the effective pixel portion, and the frame portion and a wiring circuit of the effective pixel portion are covered with light-shielding layers, the light-shielding layers being separated from each other at a certain separation location in the display section, and a plurality of color filters having different colors are arranged by being stacked at the separation location. |
| US09500896B2 |
Cooling system for liquid crystal display
The exemplary embodiments herein provide a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) assembly having a glass panel with an LCD panel placed in front of the glass panel. A light guide may be positioned between the LCD panel and the glass panel and the light guide may have an edge. A substrate containing a plurality of LEDs is preferably positioned adjacent to the edge of the light guide and a thermal plate is preferably attached to both the substrate and the glass panel. The thermal plate may contain two portions which are substantially perpendicular to each other, where one of the portions is substantially parallel to the glass panel. In some embodiments, the LCD may be sandwiched in between a pair of glass panels, held opposite one another by a spacer. |
| US09500894B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A first substrate includes a gate line extending in a first direction, a first interlayer insulating film covering the gate line, a first common electrode formed on the first interlayer insulating film extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, a second interlayer insulating film covering the first common electrode, a source line extending in the second direction, and a third interlayer insulating film covering the source line. A pixel electrode includes a main pixel electrode extending in the second direction on the third interlayer insulating film. A second common electrode includes a second main common electrode extending in the second direction on the third interlayer insulating film and facing the source line. The second common electrode is set to the same potential as the first common electrode. A first alignment film covers the pixel electrode and the second common electrode. |
| US09500893B2 |
Display device
A display device may include a display panel, a light source configured to provide the display panel with light, a bottom chassis on which the light source is disposed, a mold frame coupled to the bottom chassis, and a diffuser plate fixed to the mold frame and configured to emit light from the light source to the display panel. The mold frame may include an upper mold on which the display panel is disposed, a lower mold on which the diffuser plate is disposed, and a first connecting part configured to couple the upper and lower molds. The mold frame may have a gap between the upper and lower molds. |
| US09500891B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a light blocking member having an inner peripheral edge
Provided is a liquid crystal display device capable of improving display characteristics in an edge region of a display surface of a liquid crystal display panel. In a liquid crystal display device, a frame includes a protruding portion that protrudes from an inner peripheral surface thereof to an inner periphery side between a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight unit. The protruding portion includes a first surface located on the inner periphery side, on which an optical sheet is arranged; and a second surface located on an outer periphery side and closer to the liquid crystal display panel than the first surface, on which a light blocking member is arranged. The light blocking member protrudes to the inner periphery side with respect to the second surface, and overlaps with the first surface in a thickness direction of the liquid crystal display panel. |
| US09500888B2 |
Electronically switchable privacy device
An electronically switchable privacy device suitable for use in display devices is described. The electronically switchable privacy device comprises a first transparent electrode layer, an electronically switchable layer disposed adjacent to the first transparent electrode layer, and a second transparent electrode layer disposed adjacent to the electronically switchable layer and opposite the first transparent electrode layer. The second transparent electrode layer comprises a transparent substrate layer having a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a major surface of the transparent substrate layer such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels, each channel having channel walls defined by adjacent ribs. A plurality of transparent electrode members comprising a transparent electrode material are disposed on at least one channel wall in a corresponding plurality of the channels; and a bus member provides electrical connectivity across the plurality of transparent electrode members. A spacer element disposed in the electronically switchable layer keeps the first transparent electrode layer spaced apart from the second transparent electrode layer. A portion of the electronically switchable layer at least partially fills the plurality of channels and makes electrical contact with the plurality of transparent electrode members. The electronically switchable layer comprises an electronically switchable material capable of modulation between high and low light absorption states upon application of a direct current voltage across the first and second transparent electrode layers. |
| US09500881B2 |
Contact lenses for myopic eyes and methods of treating myopia
A contact lens and a method for treating an eye with myopia is described. The contact lens includes an inner optic zone and an outer optic zone. The outer optic zone includes at least a portion with a first power, selected to correct distance vision. The inner optic zone has a relatively more positive power (an add power). In some embodiments the add power is substantially constant across the inner optic zone. In other embodiments the add power is variable across the inner optic zone. While in some embodiments the inner optic zone has a power designed to substantially eliminate lag of accommodation in the eye with myopia, in other embodiments, the add power may be higher. |
| US09500879B2 |
Eyewear
Eyeglasses include lens elements (2, 3), sidepiece elements (4, 5) for supporting the eyeglasses and connecting elements (9) between the lens elements (2, 3) and the sidepiece elements (4, 5). The connecting elements (9) include a pin portion (10, 11) extending from the sidepiece elements (4, 5), and the lens elements (2, 3) have a hole (12, 13) for insertion of the pin portion (10, 11), the pin portion (10, 11) being inserted into the insertion hole (12, 13) to form elements for rotating the sidepiece elements (4, 5) relative to the lens element (2, 3). |
| US09500872B2 |
Glass encapsulated polymeric lenticular system for autostereoscopic display
A lenticular system for autostereoscopic display devices in which a transparent polymeric lenticular array is embedded between two glass sheets and the gap between the polymeric lenticular array and the outer cover is filled with a transparent polymeric filling having a refractive index different than the refractive index of the polymeric lenticular array to reduce glare. |
| US09500863B2 |
Vehicle head-up display device
A vehicle head-up display device includes a pattern generation unit and a combiner comprised of a free-form surface lens. The pattern generation unit forms at least one image, and the combiner magnifies and reflects the image of the pattern generation unit to provide a virtual image. The combiner has a dynamic distortion of smaller than 0.4%, and the dynamic distortion is an average value of a maximum horizontal dynamic distortion and a maximum vertical dynamic distortion. |
| US09500861B2 |
Protective member and method for using protective member
A protective member protects an objective lens. The protective member includes an insertion opening through which an objective lens is configured to be inserted and a main body configured to cover the inserted objective lens. The main body includes a side wall portion connected to the insertion opening and a bottom portion connected to the side wall portion as well as facing the insertion opening, and covers the inserted objective lens with the side wall portion and the bottom portion. The protective member further includes a liquid disposed inside the main body, a sealing film body for sealing the insertion opening and a window arranged in the bottom portion of the main body, through which light transmits. The protective member can simplify the work. |
| US09500860B2 |
Anti-fog coating
An optical component having an anti-fog coating obtainable by covalent attachment of a silane having the formula (1): RoXmSiAn to the surface of the optical component. The covalent attachment of the compound of the formula (1) to the surface of the optical component is accomplished by reacting at least one of the reactive, hydrolyzable —Si—X— groups with a suitable reactive surface group, for example, an —OH group, to form —Si—O—. |
| US09500854B2 |
Beam steering mirror device
A beam steering mirror device includes a mirror having an optical part with a reflecting or optical surface and a mirror body. The optical part is essentially thermally de-coupled from the body. A biaxial suspension of the mirror body has two rotation axes arranged essentially perpendicular with respect to each other and being located in a common plane. The suspension includes a set of four flexible pivots with a pair of pivots assigned to each rotation axis. The mirror is arranged with regard to the biaxial suspension such that its center of mass is approximately located in the intersection point of the two rotation axes. The device also includes motors for moving of the mirror body around the two rotation axes, sensors for determining the tilting angle of the mirror, and a housing for the mirror, the biaxial suspension, the motors and the sensors. |
| US09500849B2 |
Microscope with a light sheet
A family of microscopes with illumination systems directing a sheet of light having an approximately planar extension in an illumination axis of an illumination beam path and in a transverse axis orthogonally oriented to the illumination axis. the illumination device, emits illumination light and has two illumination beam paths. A first illumination beam path illuminates the sample region from a first direction on the illumination axis and a second illumination beam path illuminates the sample region from a second opposing direction on the illumination axis. A switching element alternately switches the illumination light between the first illumination beam path and the second illumination beam path, or shifts the light sheet in a direction of the detection axis for adjusting or both. |
| US09500842B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
The maximum amount of movement DF1 of a first focus lens section during focusing, the maximum amount of movement DF2 of a second focus lens section during focusing, the focal length fLP of a lens section LP, the focal length fF2 of the second focus lens section, the focal length fLRw of a rear unit at the wide angle end, and the focal length fw of the entire system at the wide angle end are appropriately configured. |
| US09500841B2 |
Zoom lens, and imaging apparatus incorporating the same
The zoom lens comprises, from an object side, a first lens group, a second lens group that includes an aperture stop moving integrally therewith, a third lens group, and a fourth lens group having, respectively, negative, positive, negative, and positive refracting power, and during zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, a spacing between the first and second lens groups becomes narrow, between the second and third lens groups changes, and between the third and fourth lens groups grows wide, and the first lens group includes a first lens having negative refracting power, a second lens having a reflective surface for bending a light ray coming out of an object and a third lens having positive refracting power, and in said second lens group, a most image-plane-side surface of a lens having negative refracting power is configured in a concave shape on an image plane side. |
| US09500840B2 |
Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera
A zoom lens system comprising a plurality of lens units each being composed of at least one lens element, and comprising, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having positive optical power, a second lens unit having negative optical power, a third lens unit having positive optical power, a fourth lens unit having positive optical power, and a fifth lens unit having negative optical power, wherein the first lens unit is composed of two or less lens elements, the third lens unit is composed of five or more lens elements, and the condition: 5.0 |
| US09500835B2 |
Apparatus for driving actuator of camera module in mobile device
Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for driving an actuator of a camera module in a mobile device. The apparatus includes a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller configured to compare an output of a gyro sensor with an output of a hall sensor configured to sense a position of an actuator to output a digital signal of plural bits, and a differential current digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the digital signal output from the PID controller into an analog current signal. The apparatus further includes a linear driver configured to receive the signal output from the differential current digital-to-analog converter to output a linear driving signal, an H-bridge circuit configured to control magnitudes of a forward driving current and a reverse driving current flowing in the actuator based on the output of the linear driver, and a driving direction controller configured to output a signal controlling a direction of current flowing in the actuator to the H-bridge circuit based on the digital signal output from the PID controller. |
| US09500834B2 |
Apparatus for compensating image of display and method for manufacturing same
An apparatus for compensating an image of a display, includes a light incident surface, a light emitting surface, and a plurality of light guiding channels. An area of the light emitting surface is greater than an area of the light incident surface. The plurality of light guiding channels is independent from each other, each light guiding channel extends from the light incident surface to the light emitting surface, and light from the light incident surface is extended to the light emitting surface by the light guiding channels. The present invention further discloses a method for manufacturing the same. |
| US09500833B1 |
Optical fiber module rack system
An optical fiber module rack system includes a rack including multiple accommodation chambers, opposing first and second sliding grooves located in each accommodation chamber, and a stop block located at each of opposing front and rear ends of each first sliding groove, and optical fiber storage boxes each including a box body mounted in one respective accommodation chamber, a first optical fiber module and second optical fiber module mounted in opposing front and rear sides of box body and connected together, two guide rails located at two opposite lateral sidewalls of box body and respectively coupled to first sliding groove and second sliding groove of respective accommodation chamber, two elastic retainer strips respectively extended from opposite ends of one guide rail and provided with a respective hook block for engagement with one respective stop block, and elongated press member extended from other guide rail for pressing by external force to disengage hook blocks from respective stop blocks for allowing removal of optical fiber storage box out of respective accommodation chamber. |
| US09500828B2 |
Pipe-conforming structure
The present techniques are directed to systems and methods for forming a pipe-conforming structure. The pipe-conforming structure includes a polymer material and one or more optic fibers embedded within the polymer material. The polymer material is formed into a structure that is conformed to the shape of a pipe. A method includes forming a polymer material into a structure including an edge region and a center region. The center region has a greater thickness than the edge region. The method includes inserting one or more optic fibers into the polymer material. |
| US09500825B2 |
Optical module
A flexible wiring board includes a conductive film provided on one surface of a substrate. The conductive film includes a plurality of pad portions to which a plurality of connection electrodes are respectively bonded with solder, and a wiring portion extending in a direction crossing a row in which the plurality of pad portions are arranged. The plurality of pad portions include a terminal portion electrically connected with the wiring portion, and at least two land portions located on both sides of the terminal portion while avoiding electrical connection to the wiring portion. The solder includes land solder portions respectively overlaid on the at least two land portions and a terminal solder portion overlaid on the terminal portion. The land solder portion has a shape extending longer than the terminal solder portion along a direction in which the wiring portion extends from the connection electrode corresponding thereto. |
| US09500822B2 |
Optical-electrical hybrid module
There is provided an optical-electrical hybrid module including a substrate on which a plurality of optical communication modules are arranged, the plurality of optical communication modules transmitting or receiving an optical signal through an optical fiber cable and performing conversion between the optical signal and an electrical signal. A shield case covering the optical communication modules includes a surface inclined in a direction away from a position in which the optical fiber cable is mounted to each optical communication module. |
| US09500813B2 |
Fiber optic connector
A connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule, a hub and a spring, the ferrule having a distal face accessible at a distal end of the connector housing, the ferrule being movable in a proximal direction relative to the connector housing. The distal and proximal positions are separated by an axial displacement distance. The ferrule proximal movement is against the spring's bias. The cable of the assembly includes an optical fiber contained within a jacket and also a strength layer between the fiber and the jacket that is anchored to the connector housing. The fiber extends through a fiber from the proximal end of the connector housing to the ferrule. The fiber has a distal portion potted within the ferrule. The fiber passage has a fiber take-up region configured to take-up an excess length of the fiber corresponding to the ferrule axial displacement. |
| US09500808B2 |
Ruggedized photonic crystal sensor packaging
A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for a ruggedized photonic crystal (PC) sensor packaging. In particular, the present disclosure teaches a ruggedized packaging for a photonic crystal sensor that includes of a hermetic-seal high-temperature jacket and a ferrule that eliminate the exposure of the optical fiber as well as the critical part of the photonic crystal sensor to harsh environments. The disclosed packaging methods enable photonic crystal based sensors to operate in challenging environments where adverse environmental conditions, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), corrosive fluids, large temperature variations, and strong mechanical vibrations, currently exclude the use of traditional sensor technologies. |
| US09500801B2 |
LED assembly for transparent liquid crystal display
A transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) assembly is disclosed. The assembly has an LCD panel and a light guide placed behind the LCD panel. The light guide ideally contains a front and rear surface. The assembly preferably has a front bracket that contacts the front surface of the light guide and a rear bracket that contacts the rear surface of the light guide. While the light guide is constrained from movement towards or away from the LCD panel by the front and rear brackets, the light guide is generally permitted to move parallel to the LCD panel. |
| US09500800B2 |
Light source device and display device
Provided are a light source device and a display device capable of preventing the user from recognizing unevenness in luminance due to reflection, by a reflection sheet, of the unevenness in luminance occurring at a cut-out part of a light guide plate. For cut-out parts formed on a light guide plate and a reflection sheet, respectively, to correspond to a positioning part which is located in a housing accommodating, in a stacked manner, the light guide plate and the reflection sheet for reflecting light entering the light guide plate to one surface side, the reflection sheet being located on another surface side of the light guide plate, and which determines a position of the light guide plate and the reflection sheet in the housing, the cut-out part of the light guide plate is configured to be included in the cut-out part of the reflection sheet in the direction of stack, thereby preventing unevenness in luminance occurring at the cut-out part of the light guide plate from being reflected to the side of one surface of the light guide plate. |
| US09500799B2 |
Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display
Disclosed herein are a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display (LCD) having the same, wherein the backlight assembly includes a light guide panel having a plurality of lateral sides; and a plurality of light source units each emitting light to a respective lateral side of the plurality of lateral sides, wherein at least two lateral sides of the plurality of lateral sides, which receive light emitted from two respective light source units of the plurality of light source units, are neighboring lateral sides, and wherein at least one lateral side is longer than an incident surface which receives light emitted from the light source unit. |
| US09500798B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a frame having holes wherein a plurality of light sources are disposed
There is provided a liquid crystal display device including: a light source; a light guiding plate which takes in light generated from the light source, from a light incident surface, and emits the light from an emission surface as planar light; a plate-shaped member which has a surface perpendicular to an emission direction of the light of the light source and is disposed at least on the periphery of the light source; and a reflection member which covers from the emission surface of the light guiding plate to the plate-shaped member, the reflection member being made of a material that reflects the light. |
| US09500795B2 |
Area light source device and display device using same
The present invention relates to an area light source device and a display device using the area light source device. The present invention includes a point light source, and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a protruding structure on a light entrance surface side. The protruding structure protrudes from a light exit surface side or a counter light exit surface side opposite from the light exit surface. The point light source includes an arrangement of point light sources. The protruding structure is configured such that oblique cylinders each having a semicircular upper surface protrude and arranged in a direction of the arrangement of the point light sources. The point light sources are arranged so that the lines of intersection of adjacent ones of the oblique cylinders coincide with the middles of the point light sources, respectively. |
| US09500792B2 |
Method for manufacturing artificial smoldering scent-stick
A method for manufacturing the hemispherical light emitting portion of an artificial smoldering scent-stick comprises the steps of providing a light guide pipe and a light emitting element. The light guide pipe includes a bottom end and a top end opposite to the bottom portion. The light emitting element is fixed on the bottom end. A colloid is dripped on an end face of the top end and the colloid cured, to obtain the shape of the required light-emitting portion. |
| US09500785B2 |
Grating structure for dividing light
A grating structure and a solar cell assembly. In one aspect, the grating structure suppresses the zero order transmission to near 0%. In another aspect, the solar cell assembly has improved absorption due to coupling with a grating structure. |
| US09500782B2 |
Adaptive optical devices with controllable focal power and aspheric shape
A fluidic lens may include an optical surface configured for deflection dominated by bending stress. An adjustable concentric load may be applied to the optical surface to cause a clear aperture region of the optical surface to deflect with generally spherical curvature. Adjusting the concentric load controls the radius of curvature. An adjustable uniformly-distributed load may be applied to the optical surface by fluid pressure that causes the clear aperture region to deflect with an aspheric shape. Adjusting the pressure controls the asphericity of curvature. First and second fluids having similar densities and different refractive indexes may be disposed on either side of a deflectable optical surface to help balance gravitational loading on either side of the optical surface, thereby reducing gravity-associated aberrations. |
| US09500771B2 |
Metamaterial for converging electromagnetic waves
The present disclosure relates to a metamaterial for converging electromagnetic waves, which comprises a plurality of cubic metamaterial units arranged in a first array which takes a y direction as a column direction and a z direction perpendicular to the y direction as a row direction. The metamaterial units of each row have the same refractive index, and for the metamaterial units of each column, the refractive indices thereof for the electromagnetic waves decrease gradually from a middle metamaterial unit towards two ends of the column, with variations of the refractive indices between adjacent ones of the metamaterial units increasing gradually from the middle metamaterial unit towards the two ends of the column; and the metamaterial units are anisotropic to the electromagnetic waves. The metamaterial for converging electromagnetic waves of the present disclosure can achieve the function of converging electromagnetic waves, and has a smaller thickness compared to conventional metamaterials. |
| US09500769B2 |
Monitoring system for turbulence of atmospheric boundary layer under wind drift sand flow or sand dust storm environment
A monitoring system for turbulence of the atmospheric boundary layer under a wind drift sand flow environment includes: a meteorological tower, a hot-wire bracket and a plurality of observation frames, which are vertically and cooperatively arranged in parallel. The hot-wire bracket is arranged close to the meteorological tower, and the plurality of observation frames are symmetrically distributed on the two sides of a region formed by the meteorological tower and the hot-wire bracket. The meteorological tower is cooperatively provided thereon with a first group of experimental instruments for measurements; the hot-wire bracket is cooperatively provided thereon with a hot-wire probe assembly; and each observation frame is cooperatively provided thereon with a second group of experimental instruments for measurements. The monitoring system can realize advantages of measuring a wall turbulence 3D structure with a high Reynolds number, measuring flow field characteristics, and synchronizing turbulence measurement with sand dust transport measurement. |
| US09500766B2 |
Interferometric gravimeter apparatus and method
A gravity value is measured using two light beams which each reflect from both a freefall test mass and a stationary reference test mass which is inertially supported by a long period isolation device. The optical path lengths of the light beams change equally and oppositely in response to gravity and equally in response to disturbances, resulting in cancellation of the undesirable effects of the disturbances by common mode rejection and in a desirable increase in the number of gravity induced measurement fringes, when the two light beams are combined interferometrically. |
| US09500762B2 |
Borehole resistivity imager using discrete energy pulsing
A resistivity imager uses discrete energy pulsing to determine resistivity of a borehole. The imager has pulse generation circuitry that generates discrete energy pulses. An electrode array exposed to the borehole emits or discharges the discrete energy pulses into the formation. The variations of the formation subject the electrode to impedance levels in response to the discrete energy pulses, and measurement circuitry measures the discharge of the pulsed energy subjected to the impedances. From the measurements, control circuitry determines resistivity parameters of the formation around the borehole. These resistivity parameters can be stored in memory downhole or can be telemetered to the surface. When analyzed, the resistivity measurements can produce an image of the borehole's features, indicate borehole structures, direct geosteering of drilling, or the like. |
| US09500761B2 |
Method for optimizing acoustic source array performance
A technique facilitates obtaining seismic data in a marine environment. An array of acoustic sources is deployed in a marine environment. The array can be utilized for creating acoustic pulses that facilitate the collection of data on subsea structures. The methodology enables optimization of acoustic source array performance to improve the collection of useful data during a seismic survey. |
| US09500759B2 |
Identification of multiples contamination in seismic images
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying multiples contamination in a stack are provided. The method includes identifying spatially an area of potential multiples contamination in the stack. The method also includes constructing, using a processor, a model of multiples contamination using well data, and evaluating a degree of contamination in the area of potential contamination using the model of multiples contamination. The method further includes attenuating multiples contamination in the areas of multiples contamination, and validating the stack after attenuating. |
| US09500758B2 |
Stabilization of seismic data
The present disclosure includes a method for stabilizing controlled seismic signals based on uncontrolled seismic signals. The method includes calculating reconstructed signals associated with a first receiver. Each reconstructed signal is based on uncontrolled signals recorded by a respective pair of receivers that includes the first receiver and a respective second receiver. The method also includes calculating signal variations. Each signal variation is associated with a respective pair of receivers and based on a difference between the reconstructed signal associated with the respective pair of receivers and a reference associated with the respective pair of receivers. The method also includes calculating a stabilization factor for the first receiver based on the first signal variations. The method also includes modifying controlled seismic signals recorded by the first receiver by applying the stabilization factor to the controlled seismic signals. The present disclosure may also include associated systems and apparatuses. |
| US09500752B2 |
Pixel architecture for imaging devices
An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of detector pixels. Each detector pixel comprises a detector element configured to generate a first signal in response to x-ray photons incident thereon, a current mirror configured to generate a second signal representative of the first signal, and a switching transistor configured to allow the second signal and/or the first signal to be transferred out from the detector pixel. |
| US09500748B2 |
Target recognition apparatus
In a target recognition apparatus, a candidate detection section detects a target candidate, provided that a target exists in a basic detection area. A candidate addition section adds, regarding each target candidate detected in a folding area, a target candidate determined provided that the target candidate detected in the folding area is a virtual image, and a corresponding real image exists in an additional detection area. A tracking section determines, regarding each detected and added target candidate, presence/absence of a history connection with the target candidate detected in a past measurement cycle. A combination determination section determines, regarding each target candidate, presence/absence of a combination with an image target, based on whether or not an image target associated with the target candidate exists. A likelihood calculation section sets and updates a likelihood of a virtual image of the image target by using a determination result of the combination determination section. |
| US09500747B2 |
Travel distance measurement device
A travel distance measurement device includes a transmitting antenna that is disposed in a vehicle and emits a transmission signal, as a radio wave, toward a ground surface, a receiving antenna that is disposed in the vicinity of the transmitting antenna, and receives a radio wave reflected from the ground surface and acquires a reflection signal, and a distance calculator (an IQ demodulator and a phase conversion integrator) that calculates the travel distance of the vehicle on the basis of the phase of the acquired reflection signal. |
| US09500746B2 |
Tracking device
A targetless tracking device has a detector configured to receive scattered radiation indicative of the presence of an object. The device also has a processor which is configured to calculate a positional relationship between the device and the object based on the scattered radiation, receive an indication of a desired positional relationship to the object, and output an error signal indicative of the positional relationship versus the desired positional relationship so that the device position is able to be controlled to reduce the error signal. The processor creates first and second images at first and second points in time, respectively, and compares the first and second images in order to calculate the positional relationship. |
| US09500740B2 |
Receiver circuit, phased-array receiver and radar system
A receiver circuit, comprises an input balun circuit comprising a balanced balun output and being capable of receiving RF signals, an input amplification circuit comprising a balanced amplifier input and a balanced amplifier output, a single balanced in-phase mixing circuit comprising a first unbalanced RF mixer input and a balanced in-phase mixing frequency input, and a single balanced quadrature mixing circuit comprising a second unbalanced RF mixer input and a balanced quadrature mixing frequency input. The balanced amplifier input is connected to the balanced balun output, a first terminal of the balanced amplifier output is connected to provide an amplified RF signal to the first unbalanced RF mixer input and a second terminal of the balanced amplifier output is connected to provide a phase-shifted amplified RF signal to the second unbalanced RF mixer input. |
| US09500726B2 |
NMR probe head with variable RF resonant circuit capacitor which can be adjusted in steps via a piezo-electric actuator
An NMR probe head has a capacitor with a dielectric (5), which surrounds a cavity (15) in which a capacitor piston (7) is disposed. A sliding bush (9) has a through hole (16) in which a piston operating rod (8) extends. The piston operating rod (8) is connected to a piezo-electric actuator and to the capacitor piston (7) in such a way that it displaces the capacitor piston linearly when a sawtooth voltage is applied to the piezo-electric actuator. The sliding bush thereby applies braking friction to the piston operating rod during linear displacement of the capacitor piston and only allows the piston operating rod to slide through during the steep edges of the sawtooth voltage. This avoids the disadvantages of prior art, wherein the NMR probe head remains compact and the material cost and manufacturing complexity are reduced. |
| US09500725B2 |
Probe beam frequency stabilization in an atomic sensor system
An atomic sensor system includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field along an axis and a probe laser configured to generate an optical probe beam. Beam optics direct the optical probe beam through a sensor cell comprising an alkali metal vapor such that the optical probe beam has at least a vector component along the axis. The system also includes detection optics comprising a photodetector assembly configured to measure a Faraday rotation associated with the optical probe beam exiting the sensor cell and to generate a feedback signal based on the Faraday rotation associated with the optical probe beam exiting the sensor cell. The system further includes a laser controller configured to modulate a frequency of the optical probe beam about a center frequency and to substantially stabilize the center frequency of the optical probe beam based on the feedback signal. |
| US09500724B2 |
Magnetic encoder
Encoder including a moveable part with at least one magnetic dipole, at least one Hall Effect sensor with a sensitive area arranged to detect a magnetic field created by the magnetic dipole, at least one circuit board with a main thickness and having an attachment portion on which the Hall Effect sensor is mounted, where the Hall Effect sensor is a semiconductor die sensor with the sensitive area arranged on an external face of the semiconductor die, where the Hall Effect sensor is flip chip mounted onto the attachment portion of the circuit board, with the sensitive area in contact with the circuit board, and where the attachment portion is arranged between the Hall Effect sensor and the magnetic dipole and presents a reduced thickness compared to the main thickness of the rest of the circuit board. |
| US09500722B2 |
Magnetic field measurement apparatus
Gas cells allow first detection light and second detection light to pass therethrough and rotate the polarization plane of linearly polarized light in accordance with a magnetic field. A first detection section and a second detection section detect the polarization planes of the linearly polarized light that has passed through the gas cells. A third detection section and a fourth detection section detect the polarization planes of the linearly polarized light that has not passed through the gas cells. A measurement section uses detection results from the first detection section and the third detection section to remove influence of optical noise contained in the first detection light, uses detection results from the second detection section and the fourth detection section to remove influence of optical noise contained in the second detection light, and measures the difference in the magnetic field between the gas cells. |
| US09500720B2 |
Semi-hard magnetic material and theft-prevention magnetic sensor using same and method of manufacturing semi-hard magnetic material
A semi-hard magnetic material that is formed with equal to or more than 5.0% but less than 13.0% of Ni by mass, equal to or more than 0.5% but equal to or less than 4.0% of Mn by mass, more than 0% but equal to or less than 3.0% of Al by mass, more than 0% but equal to or less than 1.0% of Ti by mass and a remainder of Fe and an impurity, that has a coercivity of 1000 to 2400 A/m and that has a residual magnetic flux density of 1.3 T or more. A method of manufacturing the above semi-hard magnetic material wherein the material is a thin plate having a thickness of 0.030 to 0.30 mm and, after a cold rolling, performing an aging treatment on the thin plate at a temperature of 520° C. to 680° C. |
| US09500719B2 |
LED light string diagnostic and repair system
According to one embodiment, a diagnostic device (8) for identifying a defect in an LED light string includes a probe (18) and a polarity selector switch (16). The LED light string includes a conductor provided within an insulation layer. The probe (18) is configured to penetrate the insulation layer and contact the conductor of an LED light string. The polarity selector switch (16) is electrically coupled to the probe (18) and configured to control the polarity of an electrical waveform provided to the probe (18). |
| US09500716B2 |
Power monitoring systems and methods
The present disclosure is a system for monitoring power that has a unified polyphase distribution transformer monitoring (PDTM) device that interfaces with at least three electrical conductors electrically connected to a transformer. In addition, the PDTM device measures a current and a voltage of each of the three electrical conductors. Additionally, the system has logic that calculates values indicative of power corresponding to the transformer based upon the currents and the voltages measured and transmit data indicative of the calculated values. |
| US09500713B1 |
Circuitry and techniques for determining an SOC of a battery/cell having a silicon-based anode and a fuel gauge therefor
A system and technique for determining a state of charge (SOC) of a battery having at least two terminals and at least one silicon-based anode, or other anode materials exhibiting hysteretic voltage-SOC dependence such as tin-based anodes (whether partial or full dependence). The system and technique determines whether the battery is in a charge mode or a discharge mode of operation, measures a terminal voltage of the battery, and determines the SOC of the battery using (a) a first predetermined relationship between (i) the terminal voltage of the battery and (ii) the SOC of the battery when the battery is in a charge mode, and (b) a second predetermined relationship between (i) the terminal voltage of the battery and (ii) the SOC of the battery when the battery is in a discharge mode. In one embodiment, the terminal voltage is an equilibrium voltage of the battery. |
| US09500712B2 |
Battery voltage monitor circuit
A battery voltage monitor circuit for monitoring a voltage of plural secondary batteries includes first and second logic circuit parts that select first and second secondary batteries from the plural secondary batteries according to first and second command signals supplied from an external device, first and second reference voltage generation parts that generate first and second reference voltages, first and second AD conversion parts that digitalize a voltage of both ends of the first and second secondary batteries into first and second digital signals by using the first and second reference voltages, first and second communication parts that transmit the first and second digital signals to the external device. |
| US09500711B2 |
Method and device for determining a charge state of a battery with the aid of a fluxgate sensor
A method for determining the charge state of a battery in a motor vehicle includes steps of applying a measuring voltage to a coil, cyclically reversing the polarity of the measuring voltage if the absolute value of the secondary current flowing through the coil exceeds a predetermined threshold value, scanning the secondary current, reconstructing the curve of the secondary current based on the scanned secondary current values, and determining the charge state based on the curve of the secondary current values. |
| US09500709B2 |
Method for detecting a failure in a three-phase alternator, device for detecting failures and associated computer programme
The invention concerns a method for detecting a failure in a three-phase alternator connected to a three-phase rectifier bridge. The method comprises the following steps — rectifying (70) the voltages generated by the three-phase alternator; — adding (76) the rectified voltages taken at the first and second phases in order to obtain a voltage sum; — subtracting (78), from said voltage sum, twice the rectified voltage taken at the third phase, in order to obtain a voltage difference; — comparing (80) the voltage difference to a high threshold and a low threshold; — detecting (82) a failure when the voltage difference is less than said low threshold or when the voltage difference is greater than said high threshold. The invention also concerns a device for detecting failures and an associated computer programme. |
| US09500705B2 |
Integrated circuit providing fault prediction
The prediction of hardware failure is obtained by operating two redundant circuit modules while one circuit module is artificially aged. The output of the two circuit modules is compared and a discrepancy between outputs indicates a projected failure of the aged modules. Aging may be accomplished by one or a combination of lowering operating voltages and re-phasing a sampling clock to reduce slack time both of which provide increased sensitivity to gate delay. |
| US09500703B2 |
Semiconductor structure having test device
There is set forth herein a semiconductor structure including a plurality of test devices, the plurality of test devices including a first test device and a second test device. A semiconductor structure can also include a waveform generating circuit, the waveform generating circuit configured for application of a first stress signal waveform having a first duty cycle to the first test device, and a second stress signal waveform having a second duty cycle to the second test device. A semiconductor structure can include a selection circuit associated with each of the first test device and the second test device for switching between a stress cycle and a sensing cycle. |
| US09500701B2 |
Alignment mechanism
An alignment mechanism is disclosed which includes a mount, a beam having a first end affixed to the mount and a second end. The beam is an order of magnitude more rigid along its longitudinal axis than along an axis orthogonal to its longitudinal axis. The second end of the beam is affixed to a first device having a surface configured to contact a second device. The beam applies a normal force component to the second device through the first device and allows movement at the second end in directions orthogonal to the normal force component. |
| US09500698B2 |
High and low temperature test equipment
The invention relates to the technical field of LCD fabrication and specifically to a high and low temperature test equipment. The high and low temperature test equipment comprises a housing, and further comprises a partition disposed in the interior of the housing. The partition divides the interior of the housing into a plurality of chambers and is provided with a Peltier effect sheet. The Peltier effect sheet is used for, when it is powered-on, cooling at least one of the chambers and meanwhile heating at least one chamber other than the at least one of the chambers. The high and low temperature test equipment may cool and heat at the same time in an efficient, power conserving way and have uniform heating function. |
| US09500696B2 |
Test circuit for thyristor valve in HVDC system
Provided is a synthetic test circuit for synthetic-testing a thyristor valve in high voltage direct current (HVDC). A resonant circuit applies forward DC current, a reverse DC voltage, and a forward DC voltage to synthetic-test the thyristor valve. A current generation unit generates DC current that is above a reference current value to supply the generated DC current into the resonant circuit. A voltage generates unit generating a DC voltage that is above a reference voltage value to supply the generated DC voltage into the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit includes a charging auxiliary valve for charging a gate driver of the thyristor valve. |
| US09500691B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting disconnnection of lamps
An apparatus and method for detecting a disconnection of lamps are provided. The apparatus includes a power supply that is configured to supply power to a vehicle and a controller. The controller receives operation power for at least one lamp mounted within the vehicle and supplies the operation power to the at least one lamp. In addition, the controller measures an inrush current value generated from the at least one lamp for a plurality of time intervals and detects the disconnection of the at least one lamp based on the inrush current value. |
| US09500689B2 |
Noise equivalent circuit
Provided is a noise equivalent circuit for completing an EMC analysis in a practical time and through a low-cost calculation process at an upstream stage of system design. The noise equivalent circuit includes one or more energy sources; a propagation path for propagation of energy from the energy source including a conductive path such as a cable and an electromagnetic field coupling path due to the coupling of an electric field and a magnetic field with another electronic device or cable; and a GND port connected to a system, and each port is represented by the noise voltage source or the noise current source and the internal impedance. This noise equivalent circuit can determine an external impedance that is varied depending on a load connected externally or the distance from an external device or a cable, whereby the noise of the system as a whole can be analyzed. |
| US09500688B2 |
Noise temperature extraction procedure for characterization of on-wafer devices
A procedure for obtaining noise temperatures of a field effect transistor (FET) embedded on a wafer through an analytical procedure which processes measured noise figure data over transistor's size Pd within a frequency range at constant voltage and current density. The parasitic elements associated with an electrical model of the embedding structures are determined. Then, for each of n=1, 2, . . . N FETs, the scattering parameters and noise figure Fmeas,n are measured, the components of the core model, normalized to the periphery Pd are determined, and the noise contributions of the parasitic components are de-embedded from Fmeas,n. The noise temperatures tgs, tds, and tgd are found by solving the equation 4 N i G s ( F meas , n - 1 ) - y s + C T A y s - y s + T B , n T A C T C T A + T B , n + y s P d n = A n t ds + B n t gs + C n t gd using at least three values of Fmeas,n and Pd,n. Finally, the noise temperatures Tgs, Tds, and Tgd are found, where Tgs=tgs*T0, T0=290K; Tds=tds*T0; and Tgd=tgd*T0. |
| US09500684B1 |
Line-mounted electrical energy measurement device with integrated voltage pickup and clamp
A tap assembly for a measurement device has a clamp base, a main assembly, a piercing member, a clamp member defining an anchor surface, and a bolt member defining a shaft portion and a head portion. The clamp base has a brace portion defining a bolt opening. The piercing member is supported by a contact plate of the main assembly. The clamp base is attached to the main assembly to define a clamp notch. The contact plate is adjacent to the clamp notch. The shaft portion of the bolt member extends through the bolt opening and engages the anchor surface. At least a portion of the conductor is arranged within the clamp notch between the clamp member and the piercing member such that axial rotation of the bolt member displaces the clamp member towards the piercing member to cause the piercing member to engage the conductor. |
| US09500683B2 |
Arbitration device, arbitration method, and computer program product
An arbitration device comprises a determining unit that determines priority of each of a plurality of electrical devices according to at least either a position or an action status of a person present in a target area for control; and a calculating unit that calculates electrical power to be allotted to each of the electrical devices in such a way that a total of electrical power allotted to a plurality of the electrical devices is within a limit value and the electrical devices having the priority at high levels are allotted with electrical power on a priority basis. |
| US09500677B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing frequency domain display with visual indication of FFT window shape
A test and measurement instrument includes a display having a time domain graticule and a frequency domain graticule. A processor is configured to process an input signal to generate a time domain waveform for display in the time domain graticule, the input signal being correlated to a time base. The processor is also configured to process a second input signal and generate a frequency domain waveform for display in the frequency domain graticule, the second input signal being correlated to the same time base. The frequency domain waveform is correlated to a selected time period of the time base. The processor is also configured to generate a spectrum time indicator configured to graphically illustrate a transform parameter, a location and the selected time period in the time domain graticule with respect to the frequency domain waveform. |
| US09500674B2 |
Probe structure
A probe structure includes a sleeve, a needle shaft and an elastic member. The needle shaft is accommodated in the sleeve and includes a first groove for accommodating the elastic member. The probe structure further includes a conductive component installed at the bottom of the sleeve and having an end connected into the first groove, and a second groove, so that the elastic member is situated in the first and second grooves. When the needle shaft is pressed and moved, the inner wall of the second groove is contacted with an outer sidewall of the conductive component to define a second conductive channel. With the two conductive channels, the effects of maintaining stable current transmission efficiency, reducing poor contact or disconnection, and providing good structural stability are achieved. |
| US09500671B2 |
AFM-coupled microscale radiofrequency probe for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
A method of using a AFM/NMR probe, the method comprising the steps of injecting a sample to be analyzed with magnetic particles, introducing a probe into proximity with the sample, the probe capable of both transmitting and sensing electromagnetic radiation; generating a magnetic field via the probe, and adjusting the magnitude of the magnetic field to manipulate the magnetic particles within the sample. |
| US09500663B2 |
Redundant identification for sample tracking on a diagnostic device
A sample-containing device configured to be placed into a sample processing instrument for performing a process on a sample contained in the device includes redundant identification features, such as machine-readable tags. A first machine-readable information tag is read before the device is placed in the instrument, and a second machine-readable information tag is read after the device is in the instrument. Information read from the two tags is compared to determine if there is proper correspondence between the information read from the tags to ensure that the correct sample processing device was placed in the instrument. |
| US09500657B2 |
Formulations containing labels for medical diagnostics
Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis, which is the % of glucose production that comes from gluconeogenesis (“GNG”), as opposed to glycogenolysis (“GLY”), the other form of glucose production. Nutritional formulations, materials, cocktails and methods for feeding patients by parenteral and other means are disclosed. The amount, type and rate of such nutritional feeding are typically based upon the above estimating. The invention discloses formulations that contain labels, such as deuterium, for medical diagnostics, such as for estimating BES and fractional gluconeogenesis. The invention is suitable for any sort of patient, including those who are injured, such as with traumatic brain injury, ill, or have other conditions that stress the metabolic system. |
| US09500656B2 |
Methods for the identification, assessment, and treatment of patients with cancer therapy
The present invention is directed to the identification of predictive markers that can be used to determine whether patients with cancer are expected to demonstrate long term or short term survival times. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of certain individual and/or combinations of predictive markers, wherein the expression of the predictive markers correlates with expected short term or long term survival. Thus, by examining the expression levels of individual predictive markers and/or predictive markers comprising a marker set, it is possible to determine predicted patient survival. |
| US09500650B2 |
Undifferentiated cell detection method and complex carbohydrate detection method
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating a differentiation status of cells using a culture supernatant of stem cells. Provided is “undifferentiation sugar chain marker” composed of the sugar chain structure “Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GlcNAc” or “Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GalNAc” and capable of sensitively determining the undifferentiated state of stem cells using a culture supernatant of stem cells. Also found is BC2LCN lectin or a modified product thereof capable of sensitively recognizing the “undifferentiation sugar chain marker” as excellent “probe for detecting the undifferentiation sugar chain marker” capable of determining the undifferentiation status of cells using a culture supernatant. |
| US09500649B2 |
Analytical tool and method for determining a condition of an oral cavity
A method of determining the condition of the oral cavity in a subject is provided by using an analytical tool comprising the following (A), (B), and (C): (A) a reagent for measuring one or more parameters that reflect the dental caries risk for a test sample obtained from the oral cavity, (B) a reagent for measuring one or more parameters that reflect the periodontal disease risk for the test sample obtained from the oral cavity, and (C) a reagent for measuring one or more parameters that reflect the degree of oral cleanliness for the test sample obtained from the oral cavity. |
| US09500648B1 |
Rapid Lyme antigen test for detection of Lyme disease
A method for detecting B. burgdorferi antigens in body fluid samples, such as urine. Polyclonal antibodies are used that bind to 31, 34, and 39 kDa B. burgdorferi antigens, wherein the polyclonal antibodies function as immobilized capture antibodies. Detection antibodies are used, having an enzyme linked thereto, which also bind to the B. burgdorferi antigens. A body fluid sample is reacted with the detection antibodies to form complexes between the detection antibodies and the B. burgdorferi antigens in the body fluid sample. The complexes are reacted with the immobilized capture antibodies, wherein the complexes become linked to the capture antibodies. A substrate is added to the complexes linked to the capture antibodies, wherein the substrate is converted by the enzyme to a visual and/or detectable product if B. burgdorferi antigens are present in the body fluid sample. |
| US09500644B2 |
Particle populations and assays having varying amounts of magnetic material and particle concentrations among different subsets of particles and methods for processing assays having such particle populations
Particle populations and assays are provided which have varying amounts of magnetic material and varying particle concentrations among different subsets of particles. In particular, the particle populations and assays include at least two particle sets with distinct sums of particles which are inversely related to the magnetic material concentration comprising each of the particles within the two particle sets, respectively. A method for processing an assay having such particle sets includes routing the assay in proximity to an imaging plane within a static imaging optical analysis system and generating a magnetic field in proximity to the imaging plane. The magnetic field is sufficient to attract and immobilize a ratio of particles from the at least two discrete particle sets that is different from the ratio of particles comprising the at least two discrete particle sets in the assay as the assay is introduced into the static imaging optical analysis system. |
| US09500637B2 |
Fuel water separator bowl with an internal inspection light
An internal inspection light system for a fuel water separator bowl of a fuel filtration system is disclosed. The internal inspection light system includes an assembly body, a compartment, and a light source. The assembly body is configured to attach to the fuel water separator bowl. The compartment includes a compartment wall extending from the assembly body with at least a portion of the compartment wall being formed of a material such that sufficient light can pass through the compartment wall to illuminate the fuel water separator bowl, and a compartment cap connected to the compartment wall distal to the assembly body. The light source is located within the compartment. |
| US09500636B2 |
Multiscale platform for coordinating cellular activity using synthetic biology
This invention provides a multiscale platform for coordinating behavior using synthetic biology. The platform reduces the impact of underlying noise, making outputs more coherent and reliable at the macroscopic level. In one aspect, the invention provides a frequency-modulated biosensor, comprising a microfluidic array comprising two or more separate colonies or populations of sensing cells to grow and communicate by gas exchange, wherein the colonies or populations of sensing cells output synchronized oscillating signals. |
| US09500627B2 |
Method for ultrasonic inspection of irregular and variable shapes
A system and a method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of multiple or varying radii of a composite part without making mechanical adjustments to compensate for changes in the radius dimension. The system may comprise one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a probe body or shoe to hold and position the array(s), ultrasonic data acquisition application software to drive the array(s), and ultrasonic data acquisition application software to select the best signal response for each column of pixels to be displayed. The inspection methodology enables the examination of smooth curved fillets which change shape along the length of the part. |
| US09500626B2 |
Methods and devices for long term structural health monitoring of pipelines and vessels
A system and method for non-destructive monitoring a component including a guided wave sensor positioned around a surface of the component, wherein the component has a perimeter. A first spring mounting clamp positioned around the component perimeter and a second spring mounting clamp positioned around the component perimeter, wherein the first and second mounting clamps are positioned a distance of 0.1 inches to 5.0 inches on either side of the guided wave sensor. A plurality of elongated springs is attached at a first end to the first spring mounting clamp and attached at a second end to the second spring mounting clamp. The central portion applying a pressure of at least 10 psi to the guided wave sensor. |
| US09500623B2 |
Synchronization of ion generation with cycling of a discontinuous atmospheric interface
The invention generally relates to methods and devices for synchronization of ion generation with cycling of a discontinuous atmospheric interface. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a mass spectrometry probe that generates sample ions, a discontinuous atmospheric interface, and a mass analyzer, in which the system is configured such that ion formation is synchronized with cycling of the discontinuous atmospheric interface. |
| US09500619B2 |
Method for performing processing on gas sensor
A sensor element mainly contains an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte. By applying, across a first electrode formed on a surface of an internal space into which a measurement gas is introduced from an outside and a second electrode formed on an external surface of the element, a predetermined voltage determined based on a potential difference between the first electrode and a reference electrode provided inside the element, oxygen in the internal space can be pumped out. In a case where pump reference processing is performed, a DC voltage having a maximum value of 1.4 to 2.0 V inclusive is applied across the reference and second electrodes for 10 to 1200 seconds inclusive in a state in which the reference and second electrodes are respectively electrically connected to negative and positive terminals of an external DC power supply, and an element temperature is set to 700 to 850° C. inclusive. |
| US09500611B2 |
Lamp assembly for a thermographic nondestructive evaluation system
A thermographic nondestructive evaluation system includes a lamp assembly having a lamp. The lamp is configured to be positioned within an internal cavity of a target object and to emit an energy pulse toward an interior surface of the internal cavity. The lamp includes at least one curved portion, the at least one curved portion is curved relative to a longitudinal axis of the lamp, and a first curvature of the curved portion is selected to substantially correspond to a second curvature of the internal cavity. |
| US09500605B2 |
Prompt gamma neutron activation substance analyzers
Methods and systems are provided to improve prompt gamma neutron activation substance analyzers. In one aspect, a detector unit for prompt gamma neutron activation analysis includes: a scintillator configured to fluoresce when impacted by gamma rays generated by absorption of neutrons by a substance to be analyzed; a photosensor configured to receive fluorescence from the scintillator; electronics coupled with the photosensor, the electronics configured to receive and process analog signals from the photosensor and output digital detection signals for the substance; and a housing containing the scintillator, the photosensor, and the electronics; wherein the housing includes interfaces configured to receive cables capable of providing power, temperature control, and digital communication signals. |
| US09500603B2 |
Microcrystal structure analysis device, microcrystal structure analysis method, and X-ray shield device
A microcrystal structure analysis apparatus includes: a magnetic field generation unit; a sample drive unit configured to rotate a sample container containing a sample having microcrystals suspended therein relative to the magnetic field generation unit such that a temporally varying magnetic field is applied to the sample container to three-dimensionally orient the microcrystals; an X-ray source configured to apply X rays to the sample container that is being rotated by the sample drive unit; an X-ray detection unit capable of detecting the X rays that have passed through and have been diffracted by the sample container; and a state switching device configured to cause a state where detection of the X rays by the X-ray detection unit is disenabled or a state where detection of the X rays by the X-ray detection unit is enabled, in accordance with a rotational position of a specific part which is a part of the sample container in a rotation direction thereof. |
| US09500602B2 |
Method for examining an object using an X-ray recording system for phase contrast imaging with stochastic phase scanning
A method, for examining an object using an X-ray recording system, includes during an X-ray image recording, moving components relative to one another with the lateral displacement by displacement distances. The method includes generating the X-ray image recording during the displacement from n partial images, so that the total exposure time of the X-ray image recording is made up from a sum of partial exposure times. In each of the partial images, the intensity is determined in each pixel. The position of the second component relative to the first component is determined for each recording of the partial images. Finally, the image information is determined from the partial images and the displacements. |
| US09500601B2 |
Adaptive CT scanning system
Apparatus, systems, and methods that provide an X-ray interrogation system having a plurality of stationary X-ray point sources arranged to substantially encircle an area or space to be interrogated. A plurality of stationary detectors are arranged to substantially encircle the area or space to be interrogated, A controller is adapted to control the stationary X-ray point sources to emit X-rays one at a time, and to control the stationary detectors to detect the X-rays emitted by the stationary X-ray point sources. |
| US09500600B2 |
Radiation image acquisition system
A radiation image acquisition system of an aspect of the present invention includes a radiation source emitting radiation toward an object, a holding unit holding the object, a wavelength conversion member generating scintillation light in response to incidence of the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted through the object, a first imaging means condensing and imaging scintillation light emitted from an incidence surface of the radiation of the wavelength conversion member, a second imaging means condensing and imaging scintillation light emitted from a surface opposite to the incidence surface of the wavelength conversion member, a holding unit position adjusting means adjusting the position of the holding unit between the radiation source and the wavelength conversion member, and an imaging position adjusting means adjusting the position of the first imaging means. |
| US09500596B2 |
Sensor and method of sensing
According to the invention, these aims are achieved by means of a sensor, suitable for sensing one or more properties of one or more structures, the sensor comprising, a first optical propagation path which is configurable to cooperate with a structure whose properties are to be sensed; a second optical propagation path which is configurable to cooperate with a structure whose properties are to be sensed; a third optical propagation path; a means for amplifying a signal which propagates in the third optical propagation path, so that the signal is amplified before it begins propagation along the second optical propagation path, and a means to prevent the propagation of signals from the second optical propagation path to the third optical propagation path. There is further provided a corresponding method of sensing. |
| US09500593B2 |
Leak detection in vacuum bags
A device indicates the location of an air leak in a vacuum bag used to process composite parts. The device includes a layer of material on the inner face of the bag that changes in appearance due to an oxidation-reduction reaction in areas of the layer exposed to oxygen caused by a leak in the bag. |
| US09500591B1 |
Plastic particle detector for detection of biological aerosol and other fluorescent materials
A plastic particle detector for detecting biological and other fluorescent materials is disclosed. The detector detects the fluorescence and scattering signals from these materials using deep UV excitation. The detector is fabricated using plastic materials and exploits the properties of lower manufacturing costs, lower materials costs, light weight, ruggedness and assembly ease offered by plastics, while eliminating stray fluorescence signals ordinarily generated by plastic materials. |
| US09500587B2 |
Specimen holding carrier and fluorescence detector using same
A biosensor substrate includes a base substrate to which an excitation light beam is entered, a track formed on the base substrate, and a plurality of wells disposed on the base substrate and accommodating a specimen. A region on which the wells are disposed is sectioned into a plurality of zones in a radial direction, and the wells are arranged on the zones in a circumferential direction. The biosensor substrate is driven at a constant angular velocity while a zone is scanned with the excitation light beam. Velocities set to the zones are varied between the zones, and a zone on the outer radial side has a smaller angular velocity. |
| US09500585B2 |
Photometer and method for compensating for ambient temperature changes in a photometer
A photometer and associated method includes a source of radiation to be directed through a sample and a detector stage configured to measure radiation after passing through the sample. A voltage follower circuit is connected to the detector and is configured to provide an output signal which varies as a function of the detector output voltage and which varies as a function of the ambient temperature. A processing subsystem is configured to determine a temperature compensation factor from the voltage follower circuit output signal. |
| US09500582B2 |
Method for detecting buried layers
An arrangement for optically detecting buried layers of flat objects having a plurality of layers, in particular wafers, containing a radiation source for illuminating the surface of the object at an angle; a polarization filter arranged in the beam path; and a detector for detecting radiation reflected by the surface of the object or transmitted by the object; is characterized in that that layer of the object which is closest to the radiation source at least partially transmits the radiation from the radiation source; the polarization filter transmits only radiation which is polarized parallel to the plane of incidence; and the surface of the object is illuminated at the Brewster angle. The surface of the object is preferably illuminated with unpolarized radiation and the polarization filter is arranged in the beam path between the surface of the object and the detector. |
| US09500579B1 |
System and method for detecting components of a mixture including tooth elements for alignment
Examples are described including assay platforms having tooth elements. An impinging element may sequentially engage tooth elements on the assay platform to sequentially align corresponding detection regions with a detection unit. In this manner, multiple measurements may be made of detection regions on the assay platform without necessarily requiring the starting and stopping of a motor. |
| US09500570B2 |
Apparatus for tissue transfer
A handheld tool is disclosed which may be used to transfer a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container. The handheld tool may include a disposable tip member which couples the plurality of plant tissue explants through use of negative pressure. An automated system which transfers a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container is also disclosed. The automated system may include a first presentment system which moves the first container to a region, a second presentment system which moves the second container to the region, and a robot system that transfers the plurality of plant tissue explants from the first container to the second container. |
| US09500569B2 |
Cascade impactor
The invention relates to low flow rate cascade impactors for sampling aerosols, notably but not limited to pharmaceutical aerosols. The impactor stages serve as both orifice plate and collecting cup, simplifying collection and analysis. The impactor is designed to operate at flow rates approximating the inspiratory flow rates of young children and infants. Also presented is a method of and apparatus for applying a coating material to the collection surface of the stages after an impactor is assembled for use. The method entails generation of a polydisperse aerosol and sampling into the impactor. The coating substance improves the trapping of particles on the stages. The apparatus and method of application limit the amount of coating material applied and confines it to the regions of particle impact opposite the stage orifices. |
| US09500567B2 |
Soil sampler
An automated soil sampler is removably mounted on an agricultural tractor and collects soil samples in a farm field while the tractor is driven through the field. At a periodic interval, the soil sampler momentarily lowers a soil collection knife into the soil to collect a soil sample, raises the collection knife out of the soil, and transfers the collected soil sample into a bar-coded storage container. The GPS location of the soil sample is associated with the storage container's bar-code in a data file. The interval between successive periodic soil samples corresponds to a determined forward displacement of the tractor. Storage containers that have received soil samples are moved to a storage area until all of the soil samples for a given field have been collected. |
| US09500564B2 |
Process for testing a compressor or a combustor of a gas turbine engine using a large compressed air storage reservoir
A process for testing a full-sized aircraft or full-sized gas turbine engine in a wind tunnel and includes the steps of securing a full-sized aircraft or engine in a wind tunnel for testing; filling an underground storage reservoir with compressed air; passing pre-treated compressed air from the underground storage reservoir through the wind tunnel for testing of the full-sized aircraft or engine; connecting an outlet of the wind tunnel to an ejector; and, passing compressed air from the underground storage reservoir through the ejector to decrease the exit pressure at the wind tunnel during testing of the full-sized aircraft or engine. The step of pre-treating compressed air from the underground storage reservoir includes preheating the compressed air; and, passing the higher temperature compressed air into the wind tunnel. |
| US09500563B2 |
System and method for detecting an at-fault combustor
A system for detecting an at-fault combustor includes a sensor that is configured to sense combustion dynamics pressure data from the combustor and a computing device that is in electronic communication with the sensor and configured to receive the combustion dynamics pressure data from the sensor. The computing device is programmed to convert the combustion dynamics pressure data into a frequency spectrum, segment the frequency spectrum into a plurality of frequency intervals, extract a feature from the frequency spectrum, generate feature values for the feature within a corresponding frequency interval over a period of time, and to store the feature values to generate a historical database. The computing device is further programmed to execute a machine learning algorithm using the historical database of the feature values to train the computing device to recognize feature behavior that is indicative of an at-fault combustor. |
| US09500562B2 |
Kerr phase-interrogator for sensing and signal processing applications
A Kerr medium is introduced into OFDR configuration to enable phase to power variation conversion thereby enabling an all-optical beat signal acquisition, thus eliminating performance limits associated with bandwidth capabilities of electronic and optoelectronic components. |
| US09500560B2 |
Brillouin optoelectronic measurement method
A Brillouin optoelectronic measurement method includes the steps of, providing a pump signal in a first end of an optical fiber to generate Brillouin backscattering, using the generated Brillouin backscattering to perform a measurement, wherein the pump signal includes a front pulse and a rear pulse, wherein the front pulse is modulated. |
| US09500555B2 |
Method and system for leak detection in roofing and waterproofing membranes
A system for detecting and locating a leak through a membrane that includes a detector array, a signal generator, a flexible sheet over-membrane, a conductive felt, and a computer. The detector array includes a boundary wire loop and sensors. The signal generator applies voltage to the boundary wire loop. The conductive felt is applied on top of the detector array. The flexible sheet over-membrane is applied on top of the conductive felt. At least the downward, detector array-facing side of the over-membrane is non-conductive. The computer is in electrical communication with the boundary wire loop, the sensors, and the signal generator. |
| US09500546B2 |
Impact detection and acoustic emission data processing
A method and apparatus for processing measurements of an acoustic wave, the acoustic wave being within a member (12) made of a composite material and caused by an impact to the member (12), the method comprising: analyzing the measurements to detect an initial acoustic wave feature; analyzing the measurements to detect the presence of further acoustic wave features, the further features occurring after the initial feature; if there are no further acoustic wave features, determining that the impact to the member (12) has not changed the structure of the member (12); if there are further features, determining a value of a function of the further acoustic wave features; if the determined value satisfies certain criteria, determining that the impact has changed the structure of the member (12); and if the determined value does not satisfy the criteria, determining that the impact has not changed the structure of the member (12). By doing so, impact induced damage is detected and quantified by processing separately acoustic data generated by the impact from acoustic data generated by acoustic emission due to damage generation. |
| US09500543B2 |
Torque angle sensor
A torque angle sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a torque sensor unit and an angle sensor unit at a housing centrally arranged with a rotation shaft, the torque sensor unit including a stator installed inside the housing, a torque magnet rotatably installed at a center of the stator in conjunction with rotary operation of the rotation shaft, a collector installed at the housing to transmit a magnetic field of the torque magnet, a magnetic device module formed with an individually operating first magnetic device and a second magnetic device in one package to detect the magnetic field transmitted by the collector, and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted with the magnetic device module, wherein the PCB is arranged to a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotation shaft and installed at a distal end with the magnetic device module. |
| US09500537B2 |
Temperature measurement apparatus and method
A temperature measurement apparatus includes a light source; a first splitter that splits a light beam into a measurement beam and a reference beam; a reference beam reflector that reflects the reference beam; an optical path length adjustor; a second splitter that splits the reflected reference beam into a first reflected reference beam and a second reflected reference beam; a first photodetector that measures an interference between the first reflected reference beam and a reflected measurement beam obtained by the measurement beam reflected from a target object; a second photodetector that measures an intensity of the second reflected reference beam; and a temperature calculation unit. The temperature calculation unit calculates a location of the interference by subtracting an output signal of the second photodetector from an output signal of the first photodetector, and calculates a temperature of the target object from the calculated location of the interference. |
| US09500536B2 |
Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor includes a pair of element electrode wires extending rearward from a temperature-sensing portion. A pair of second electrode wires are welded to the element s electrode wires, and made of a kind of metal having a different thermal expansion coefficient than the element electrode wires. Each second electrode wire includes an overlap section overlapping with an overlap section of the corresponding element electrode wire over an overlap region in a longitudinal direction in which the overlap sections of the each second electrode wire and element electrode wire extend longitudinally. The overlap section of each second electrode wire is welded to the overlap section of the corresponding element electrode wire at weld zones arranged in the longitudinal direction, which include: one at a front-side end of the overlap region; and another at a rear-side end of the overlap region. |
| US09500530B2 |
Apparatus for calibrating pyrometer
Disclosed is a calibrating apparatus which is adapted to remove a measurement deviation of a pyrometer, and more particularly, to an apparatus for calibrating a pyrometer, which calibrates a reference value so as to remove a deviation in a temperature measured in a pyrometer. The apparatus for calibrating a pyrometer includes a blackbody including a radiant space from which radiant energy is radiated, a body housing configured to receive the blackbody therein and including a light output wall having a light output port connected with the radiant space, a light output wall protecting cover configured to be coupled with the light output wall of the body housing so as to define a passage connecting the light output wall of the body housing and an outside environment, and a fixing member configured to fix the light output wall protecting cover to the light output wall of the body housing. |
| US09500528B2 |
Method for maintaining a temperature of a metal melt
A temperature of a metal melt in a furnace is maintained after blowing away slag from a surface of the metal melt by the flow of oxygen and switching over from oxygen to an inert gas, such as nitrogen. A measured temperature of the metal melt is accepted as a metal melt temperature only when the inert gas flow is in a laminar state and after the measured temperature has fluctuated by a maximum of 1% over a period of at least 2 seconds. |
| US09500526B2 |
High-throughput and high resolution method for measuring the color uniformity of a light spot
The color uniformity of a light spot is measured by providing an image of the light spot by means of a camera or camera sensor with sensor elements, each of the sensor elements capturing a set of three or more color component values that together define a set of pixel values at such sensor element, wherein the image includes a plurality of sets of pixel values. The method also derives for each of the plurality of sets of pixel values at a corresponding sensor element a first ratio between a first pair of the pixel values or of values obtained therefrom in such set. Preferably a second ratio is also derived between a second pair of the pixel values or of values obtained therefrom in such set, where the second pair is different from the first pair. Where the sensor elements used each provides a single intensity value instead of multiple pixel values of different colors, light is projected onto a spot of the camera or camera sensor along an optical path with a different one of three or more different color filters sequentially in the path. For each sensor element a first ratio is derived between a first pair of the intensity values of different colors provided by such sensor element or of values obtained therefrom and preferably also a second ratio is derived between a second pair of the intensity values of different colors or of values obtained therefrom provided by such sensor element different from the first pair. |
| US09500525B2 |
Multi-angle colorimeter
In a multi-angle colorimeter, a light detecting portion 40 includes a main light receiving window disposed in a predetermined position on a main geometry plane, and first and second auxiliary light receiving windows disposed on a secondary geometry plane, and a main photoelectric conversion element for converting a main component light received by the main light receiving window in a light reflected from a measurement point into an electrical main signal and first and second auxiliary photoelectric conversion elements for converting first and second auxiliary component lights received by the first and second auxiliary light receiving windows in the reflected light respectively into first and second electrical auxiliary signals. A calculating portion corrects the electrical main signal based on the first and second electrical auxiliary signals to obtain color information about the measurement point. |
| US09500521B2 |
Ambient light sensor and electronic system having the same
An ambient light sensor includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a current control unit, a signal conversion unit and a comparison unit. The photoelectric conversion unit provides a photo current having a magnitude corresponding to illuminance of incident light to a first node. The current control unit generates a control current exponentially proportional to an elapse time based on a clock signal, provides the control current to the first node, and outputs a digital code corresponding to the elapse time in response to a reset signal. The signal conversion unit generates a comparison voltage logarithmically proportional to a sum of the photo current and the control current. The comparison unit generates the reset signal by comparing a magnitude of the comparison voltage and a magnitude of a reference voltage. The ambient light sensor generates the digital code effectively representing illuminance of ambient light that eyes of a human being perceives. |
| US09500515B2 |
Multifunctional wearable audio-sensing electronic device
A multifunctional wearable audio-sensing electronic device is disclosed in which audio is detected, detected audio is analyzed to determine characteristics of the audio, a warning is generated in response to determining that a decibel level of the detected audio is physically harmful, when the wearable audio-sensing electronic device is in a musical tuner mode, a deviation of the audio from a pre-determined audio characteristics of a musical instrument is displayed, when the wearable audio-sensing electronic device is in a hearing aid mode, an identification of the audio and a direction from which the audio originates is displayed, when the wearable audio-sensing electronic device is in an ambiance indicator mode, a visual representation of an audio ambience is displayed, and when the wearable audio-sensing electronic device is in an audio recorder mode, the audio is recorded to the memory and played back. |
| US09500514B2 |
Estimation of weight for a vehicle
A method and a system for estimating a weight mv for a vehicle on the basis of at least two forces which act upon the vehicle, the forces are a motive force FT and at least one further force, and topographical information for a relevant section of road. The estimation is performed when the at least two forces are dominated by the motive force FT. |
| US09500513B2 |
Magnetic liquid level gauge for boiler drum water level measurement
A magnetic liquid level gauge for measuring a boiler drum water level comprises an external cylinder body having a first upper portion and a first lower portion, and an internal cylinder body having a second upper portion and a second lower portion, the first upper portion and the second upper portion are connected to the boiler drum through a steam side sampling pipe, the second lower portion is connected to a water portion of the boiler drum through the water side sampling pipe, the external cylinder body and the internal cylinder body define a steam heat tracing chamber therebetween. A float inside the internal cylinder body is connected to a magnetic component in a magnetic component cylinder body. A display indicator is connected to a magnetic transmitter and a boiler drum pressure transmitter. A waveguide tube is disposed outside the magnetic component cylinder body and connected to the magnetic transmitter. |
| US09500512B2 |
Probe Unit
A probe unit comprising a probe housing, an at least sectionally rod-shaped, probe electrode, a supplemental electrode, which surrounds the probe electrode at least sectionally coaxially and is isolated from the probe electrode by an electrical insulation. A first securement means, by means of which the supplemental electrode is secured in the probe housing is included, and a contacting module, which is mountable on a rod-shaped section of the probe electrode arranged in the probe housing, and which has a flexible circuit board having at least one first conductive trace for electrically contacting the probe electrode and at least one second conductive trace for electrically contacting the supplemental electrode, and a second securement means for securing the contacting module on the probe electrode are provided. |
| US09500510B2 |
Device for contacting at least one conducting track of a filling-level sensor
A device for contacting at least one conducting track has a contact spring that is connected to a pivotable bow by a pivot bearing. The contact spring also has spring elements connected in series for preloading contacts against the conducting track. An axis of the pivot bearing is arranged parallel to the direction of motion of the contacts over the conducting tracks. |
| US09500504B2 |
Measuring tube for a flow measuring device
A measuring tube for a flow measuring device, wherein the measuring tube has a lining, wherein the lining has at least one sealing lip, which sealing lip serves to provide a sealing action between the measuring tube and a pipeline section adjoining the measuring tube in the installed state. |
| US09500501B2 |
Startup circuit, capacitive sensor amplification device having startup circuit, and startup method for amplification device
In accordance with a startup circuit, a capacitive sensor amplification device having the startup circuit, and a startup method for the amplification device, a startup time can be shortened by connecting the high impedance resistor of an amplifier to a predetermined voltage source during startup. The capacitive sensor amplification device includes an amplification unit for amplifying a signal input to the amplification device; and a startup circuit for improving a startup time of the amplification unit, wherein the startup circuit includes a comparator for receiving an output of the amplification unit as a first comparison signal, receiving a preset reference voltage as a second comparison signal, comparing the comparison signals with each other, and outputting a comparison result; and a switch for selecting and outputting one of a first voltage and a second voltage depending on the output of the comparator. |
| US09500500B2 |
Resolver
The number of turns and the winding direction of a cosine-phase coil wound around an i-th tooth and the number of turns and the winding direction of a sine-phase coil wound around the i-th tooth are set according to Tc,i=TSmax cos(msξi+θ2)+T2c cos(meξi+θ1) and Ts,i=TSmax sin(msξi+θ2)+T2s cos(meξi+θ1), respectively, where TSmax: a first reference number of turns of each of the detecting coils of each phase, T2c: a second reference number of turns of each of the cosine-phase coils, T2s: a second reference number of turns of each of the sine-phase coils, me: a pole pair number in a magnetic flux distribution formed by the exciting coils, ms: a pole pair number in each magnetic flux distribution formed by the detecting coils of each phase, θ1: the phase of the exciting coils, θ2: each phase of the cosine-phase coils and the sine-phase coils, and ξi: a mechanical angle of the i-th tooth. |
| US09500498B1 |
Dynamic primary flight display annunciations
A system for providing dynamic primary flight display flags includes a display device, a user interface device, and a processor configured to: receive at least one instrumentation parameter, display one or more primary flight display annunciations in the primary flight display area of the display device in response to the received at least one instrumentation parameter, receive one or more signals from the user interface device indicative of a user selection of the displayed one or more primary flight display annunciations, retrieve one or more checklists corresponding to the one or more primary flight display annunciations, and display the one or more checklists corresponding to the one or more primary flight display annunciations in response to the received signal indicative of a user selection of the one or more primary flight display annunciations. |
| US09500496B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program for spatially representing a digital map section
A navigation apparatus for spatially representing a digital map section around a geographical position on the earth's surface on the basis of digital geodata, wherein the digital geodata have height information, having a first input interface for the digital geodata; a second input interface for coordinates of the geographical position; a third input interface for a perspective stipulation variable corresponding to a desired viewing direction of the position; a processor module which is coupled to the first, second and third input interfaces; and an output interface coupled to the processor module and intended to output output data corresponding to the projection of the geodata which can be visually perceived in different ways and corresponds to the height information. |
| US09500492B2 |
Map application with improved navigation tools
Some embodiments provide a mapping application with novel navigation and/or search tools. In some embodiments, the mapping application formulates predictions about future destinations of a device that executes the mapping application, and provides dynamic notifications regarding these predicted destinations. For instance, when a particular destination is a likely destination (e.g., most likely destination) of the device, the mapping application in some embodiments presents a notification regarding the particular destination (e.g., plays an animation that presents the notification). This notification in some embodiments provides some information about (1) the predicted destination (e.g., a name and/or address for the predicted destination) and (2) a route to this predicted destination (e.g., an estimated time of arrival, distance, and/or amount of ETD for the predicted destination). In some embodiments, the notification is a dynamic not only because it is presented dynamically as the device travels, but also because the information that the notification displays about the destination and/or route to the destination is dynamically updated by the mapping application as the device travels. |
| US09500491B2 |
Method for position determination
A method for position determination, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes optically capturing an object having a known geographic position and matching the geographic position of the object with stored map data. The object may be a road sign having distance information, which is optically recognized at the vehicle. The distance information is subsequently evaluated using optical character recognition. |
| US09500490B1 |
Speed control display system and method
A method for determination of vehicle characteristics in reference to an optimum path and determination of machine performance adjustment based on a calculated time of arrival relative to an optimum time of arrival. The method provides a resultant instantaneous display of modified vehicle settings to the operator. |
| US09500488B2 |
Route re-planning using enemy force lethality projection
A method, system and computer readable media for route re-planning including generating enemy force movement predictions to be used during mission planning. During a mission, enemy force movements can be compared to the predictions. By using enemy force movement predictions for an initial comparison, the enemy force movements may only need to be compared to the own force mission plan if the enemy forces deviate from the predictions. When enemy force movement deviates from the predictions, new enemy force movement predictions can be generated. The new enemy force movement predictions can then be compared to the own force mission plan to determine if a route re-plan is needed. The route can be re-planned to determine a route that reduces or eliminates the chance of a lethal encounter with an enemy or threat. |
| US09500486B2 |
Method and apparatus for formulating a positioning extent for map matching
An approach is provided for formulating a positioning extent for map matching. The positioning extent platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of a plurality of position data points acquired by at least one positioning system to determine one or more variations in the plurality of position data points with respect to one or more thoroughfare segments. Next, the positioning extent platform determines one or more positioning extents associated with the one or more thoroughfare segments for the at least one positioning system based, at least in part, on the one or more variations. |
| US09500484B2 |
System and method for water column aided navigation
Underwater vehicles may fix their position from GPS at the surface of the water and use bottom track for dead reckoning once it has descended to within tracking range of the bottom of a body of water. This disclosure describes a method and system for navigation through the water through depths where GPS is not available using current profiles from sonar systems including acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP). This extrapolation of earth referenced current profiles can provide a way to estimate vehicle motion below the surface before the vehicle reaches the bottom. Once bottom track is achieved, the corrected reference for vehicle motion improves the vehicle position estimate. A Kalman filter updates vehicle position and current profile estimates during descent, and the bottom track when the bottom comes within range to enable navigation of underwater vehicles. |
| US09500483B1 |
Surrogate navigation receiver for transferring capabilities to a host navigation receiver and related method
An integrated surrogate positioning system and method is disclosed for converting a received positioning signal to a desired output based on existing infrastructure of a host receiver. The system and method comprises a signal processing system for receiving and downconverting to digital, radio frequency positioning signals from a variety of constellations. A radio frequency signal generator receives the positioning solution and determines output positioning signal parameters based on the requirements of the host receiver. The signal generator produces an output baseband positioning signal based on the received positioning solution and the output positioning signal parameters and transmits the positioning signal to the host receive through existing infrastructure. |
| US09500478B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring altitude in portable terminal
A method of measuring an altitude in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes receiving a reference altitude from an information providing device fixed and installed at a certain point, measuring a current atmospheric pressure of the certain point, calculating an altitude of the certain position using the measured current atmospheric pressure and a reference atmospheric pressure, and storing a difference between the reference altitude and the calculated altitude of the certain point as an altitude error. |
| US09500476B2 |
Linear position monitoring system
Generally, a linear position monitor including a rotatable member having a toothed periphery configured to directly rotatably engage a longitudinal linear portion of a spiral thread coupled to an elongate member whereby an amount of linear travel of the elongate member directly reversibly rotatably drives the rotatable member operationally coupled to a linear position indicator calibrated to translate rotation of the rotatable member about the rotation axis into an elongate member location value corresponding to a location of the elongate member in the amount of linear travel. |
| US09500467B2 |
Managing a sound system
For managing a sound system, a method is disclosed that includes identifying a location for measuring sound, directing light from a light emitter to the location, determining a speckle pattern at the location based on data received from an optical interferometer, and adjusting a sound producer based on the determined speckle pattern. |
| US09500465B2 |
Method and device for determining a recognition threshold
A method for determining a recognition threshold for recognizing the presence of a tooth or a tooth gap of a position sensor in front of a sensor is presented. The method includes a step of reading in a sensor signal which represents a variation over time of a measured magnetic field when the teeth and the tooth gaps of the position sensor are passed by the sensor. In addition, the method includes a step of ascertaining from the sensor signal a first value based on a minimum value of the sensor signal and a first value based on a maximum value of the sensor signal within a predefined time interval. The method also includes a step of computing a differential absolute value which represents a predetermined percentage of a difference between the value based on the at least one maximum value and a value based on the at least one minimum value of the sensor signal. Lastly, the method includes a step of determining the recognition threshold, so that the recognition threshold represents a value that corresponds to a result of adding the differential absolute value to the first value based on the minimum value of the sensor signal. |
| US09500464B2 |
Methods of determining performance information for individuals and sports objects
Methods for determining performance information for an object located within an area include obtaining magnetic field information for the area, measuring first magnetic field data when the object is located at a first position within the area, and determining performance information for the object within the area based on the magnetic field information for the area and the first magnetic field data. |
| US09500461B2 |
Method for quantifying corrosion at a pressure containing boundary
A method for determining the amount and rate of corrosion which has occurred on the surface of a process unit by measuring corrosion with a corrosion sensor and measuring at least one parameter inside the process unit. Corrosion on the internal surfaces of a process unit can then be determined. |
| US09500456B2 |
Combined steering and drag-reduction device
A combined steering and drag reduction device for a missile is disclosed. The device includes a base and an upper part which are arranged in succession along a main axis of navigation of the missile. Advantageously, the device also includes a pressurized-gas generator and at least one lateral thruster having at least one nozzle configured to deliver a thrust, by expanding gas transmitted by the generator and oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the main axis. The at least one lateral thruster also has at least one stabilizing chamber configured to expand the gas transmitted by the generator and expel it through an outlet section of the base substantially perpendicular to the main axis. |
| US09500455B2 |
Projectile having a soldered project core
The invention relates to a projectile having a projectile base (1), an adjoining cylindrical rear region (2), and a front region (3), which is implemented as an ogive, and the projectile having one or two projectile cores (4, 5) and a projectile jacket (6).In order that when the projectile strikes a game carcass, the projectile core and the projectile jacket begin to deform simultaneously up to twice or three times the projectile diameter, it is proposed that the projectile core (4) be soldered in the cylindrical rear region (2) to the projectile jacket (6) over its entire axial length. |
| US09500452B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for electronic archery device
An electronic apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow when shot from a bow. In some embodiments, the electronic apparatus includes a drawn tubular body and a circuit board located at least partly within the drawn tubular body. |
| US09500450B2 |
Special cartridge (variants)
The invention relates to a weapon intended for fighting games, mainly for paintball, namely to special cartridges containing painting liquid. The special cartridge contains a cartridge case 1 that includes a propellant charge 2, a projectile 3 and a primer cap 4. The cartridge case 1 has inside a rigidly fixed nozzle 5 (variants 1, 3) for supplying a portion of the gas stream at the projectile 3 or a solid partition 7 (variant 2). The cylindrical cartridge case body 1 is provided with holes 6 on the side of the primer cap 4 that are intended to direct the gas flow (variants 1-3); in addition, the mouth of the cartridge case is also provided with holes 8 for directing the gas flow (variants 2, 3). The areas of the holes of the nozzle 5 and the total surfaces of the holes 6 and 8 are of different size. To carry out firing process, the primer cap 4 is impacted, which ignites the propellant charge 2; the larger portion of the gas stream formed during combustion of the propellant is directed through the holes 6 in the weapon bore, thus creating a main effect of shot (sound, flame). The lesser gas stream formed by combustion of the propellant charge 2 is directed to the projectile 3 and imparts to it the required acceleration, while maintaining the integrity of its shape and volume. The projectile 3 is made as a tagging one; a bead that is identical to that used in a paintball game can be used as such a projectile. Furthermore, the projectile 3 is designed as a container, inside which any filler, for example, an antiseptic agent, can be located. |
| US09500447B1 |
Multi-frequency projected energy gun
A multi-frequency projected energy gun system and method delivers energy to a target. The method includes generating simultaneously at least two signals from a source, amplifying the signals, combining the signals, and transmitting the signals into a medium or a vacuous space. The source includes one or more of a plurality of waveform generators configured to simultaneously generate at least two signals simultaneously. The signals are amplified by a power amplifier configured to amplify the power of the at least two signals. The signals are transmitted by one or more of a plurality of antennas configured to transmit the at least two signals simultaneously into a medium or a vacuous space. |
| US09500446B2 |
Multisegmented toroidal magnetic field projector
A system for triggering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with an alternating magnetic field. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is produced by a magnetic field projector in the shape of one-half of a torus, the half-torus being composed of several conductive segments referred to as toroidal wedges. A poloidal current flows in each toroidal wedge, producing a magnetic field that is projected by the half-torus. The magnetic field may induce a current, producing heating, in a conductive loop in an IED and triggering the IED. |
| US09500443B2 |
Sight level for firearm
Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a level indicator for a firearm that is configured to be repositioned from a home position, generally above the barrel of the firearm, to an extended position, generally above and to the side of the barrel of the firearm. Several different mounting apparatuses are also disclosed, as well as variations of adjustment mechanisms. |
| US09500439B1 |
Device for assisting with movement of a pistol slide
A device for use with a pistol having a slide, said device configured to assist with racking the slide by providing a body configured to removably interface with the slide, said body providing improved means for maintaining a grip and providing improved leverage, thereby allowing the slide to be more easily moved in a rearward direction. |
| US09500438B2 |
Lockable snap-clip fastener
A lockable snap-clip fastener (10) has two spring-biased jaw members (12, 14) and a slidable locking bar (16). The same spring (13) that biases the jaws (12, 14) holds the locking bar (16) in either an open or a closed position with one of its arms. Since the bar (16) is held in either the locked or unlocked position, it is more secure and must be positively actuated in order to transition from one configuration to the other. |
| US09500437B2 |
Muzzle loading system
A muzzle loading device includes a hollow shot holding chamber having a first and second end; an actuator located at the first end; and a flexible restraining mechanism and a muzzle alignment feature located at the second end. The flexible restraining mechanism is biased to a closed state, and, in response to the actuator being actuated, goes to an open state. The actuator includes a plunger, a bullet seat, and a spring. The plunger traverses axially along a hollow portion of the hollow shot holding chamber into the muzzle, eliminating the need for a bullet starter. The spring biases the plunger away from the flexible restraining mechanism and limits the traversing distance of the plunger. The hollow shot holding chamber includes an end portion shaped to correspond to an outer geometry of a muzzle. |
| US09500431B2 |
Dummy cylinder for a revolver
A dummy cylinder for a revolver that permits dry fire practice but does not permit the insertion of live ammunition. The dummy cylinder approximately duplicates the outer dimensions of a normal cylinder so that it may replace the normal cylinder for safer training. It may use the extractor and ratchet of the revolver or may be constructed to simulate the dimensions of those parts. It may contain integral firing-pin cushioning devices, or may be constructed to allow the insertion of such devices while preventing the insertion of live ammunition. |
| US09500429B2 |
Unified bolt and bolt carrier cleaning tool
A unified bolt and bolt carrier cleaning tool comprising a cylindrical body having a bolt scraper arrangement formed at a first end and a bolt carrier scraper arrangement formed at an opposite end. The bolt scraper arrangement includes a well having two scraper blades shaped to conform to the outer surfaces of the bolt face of a bolt assembly of a weapon. The bolt carrier scraper arrangement includes three longitudinal scraper blades formed in the outer surface and end of the body, the blades being shaped to conform to an inner surface of a bolt-receiving chamber of the bolt carrier. Preferably the tool further comprises a first transverse bore threaded for receiving an auxiliary cleaning tool. Preferably, the tool further comprises a second transverse bore and associated circular recess having scraper blades for cleaning the surfaces of a firing pin extracted from the bolt. |
| US09500426B2 |
Sound suppressor
A sound suppressor for a firearm includes a generally cylindrical housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of baffle elements removably and slidably received within the housing, the baffle elements defining a plurality of expansion chambers within the housing, and an end closure element received on the distal end of the housing. |
| US09500421B1 |
Firearm charging handle
A firearm charging handle includes a lever and an independently mobile latch partially disposed within the lever for improved usability and reliability. |
| US09500419B2 |
Ram accelerator system
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. |
| US09500417B2 |
Thermal module connection structure
A thermal module connection structure providing a substrate, a heat generation unit disposed on the substrate, includes: a heat dissipation unit disposed on the heat generation unit, a protrusion section outward extending from each of two sides of the heat dissipation unit; and a locating assembly including a first locating member and a second locating member mounted on two sides of the heat generation unit, which sides are free from the protrusion sections. A carrier member is disposed at each of two ends of the first locating member. The protrusion sections of the heat dissipation unit are positioned on the carrier members. One end of the carrier member is pivotally connected with the first locating member, while the other end is latched with the second locating member. The carrier member has a press member for pressing the protrusion section against the carrier member to fix the heat dissipation unit. |
| US09500414B2 |
Partial boiling in mini and micro-channels
The invention provides methods, apparatus and systems in which there is partial boiling of a liquid in a mini-channel or microchannel. The partial boiling removes heat from an exothermic process. |
| US09500410B2 |
Electric arc furnace
An electric arc furnace has a chamber suitable for containing molten steel, a roof covering the chamber and for containing a mass of scrap steel, electrodes for melting the mass of scrap, and a supporting base. The base permits the chamber to oscillate around a horizontal axis of rotation. The roof and the chamber are counterprofiled in correspondence to the respective interface walls to create a rotary coupling with regard to the axis of rotation. The roof, during oscillation of the chamber, remains fixed with regard to the base as well as in a closed position with regard to the chamber. |
| US09500408B2 |
Mobile veneer dryer
Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers. |
| US09500405B2 |
Convective wafer heating by impingement with hot gas
An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a rotary chuck adapted to hold a wafer shaped article of a predetermined diameter in a predetermined orientation. The chuck includes a heater comprising a plurality of gas nozzles directed toward a surface of a wafer shaped article when held by the chuck. The heater comprises a gas inlet and at least one heating element for heating gas to be discharged through the plurality of gas nozzles. The heater is configured to heat a wafer shaped article principally by convective heat transfer from heated gas discharged through the plurality of gas nozzles. |
| US09500404B2 |
Method and system for removing H2S from a natural gas stream
A method for removing hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from a natural gas stream comprising methane (CH4) and H2S comprises: —cooling the natural gas stream in a heat exchanger assembly (13,16,18); —feeding at least part of the cooled natural gas stream through a feed conduit (19,21) into a cyclonic expansion and separation device (1) in which the cooled natural gas stream is expanded in a nozzle (4) and thereby further cooled to a temperature and pressure below the dew point of H2S and is separated by inducing the cooled natural gas stream to swirl in a tubular separation chamber (9) thereby inducing centrifugal forces to separate the cooled natural gas stream into a cooled low density fluid fraction, which is H2S depleted and methane enriched, and a cooled high density fluid fraction, which is H2S enriched and methane depleted; —feeding the cooled low density fluid fraction to a product gas conduit (33) which is connected to the heat exchanger assembly (14) for cooling the natural gas stream fed to the cyclonic expansion and separation device (1); and —feeding the cooled high density fluid fraction to a fractionating column (8) for further separation. |
| US09500403B2 |
Refrigerator with basket frame latched to the refrigerator door
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a case having a storage space formed therein and being opened at one side, a door rotatably coupled to the case to open and close the opened side of the case, and a basket frame rotatably coupled to an inner surface of the door. A first basket may be coupled to the basket frame, opposing the door, and a second basket may be coupled to the inner surface of the door, interposed between the door and the basket frame. The first basket may rotate in accordance with pivotal movement of the basket frame to expose and provide access to an interior of the second basket. |
| US09500402B2 |
Door for refrigerator and manufacturing method for the same
There is disclosed a refrigerator door including a front panel for defining a front exterior appearance thereof, a door liner for defining a rear exterior appearance thereof, a frame for defining both lateral exterior appearance thereof, the frame formed of steel, a support portion provided in an inner portion of the frame to support the front panel, the support portion formed of steel, an upper cap decorative portion for sealing upper portions of the front panel and the door liner, a lower cap decorative portion for sealing lower portions of the front panel and the door liner, and a coupling member provided in an inner portion of the frame to couple the upper cap decorative portion and the lower cap decorative portion to each other, the coupling member formed of steel, wherein the support portion is welded to the frame and the coupling member is welded to the frame. |
| US09500401B2 |
Secondary cooling path in refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a secondary cooling path for circulating liquid coolant through the refrigerator wherein the liquid coolant is cooled by the freezer compartment and wherein the liquid coolant cools the ice maker and the ice bin as the liquid coolant circulates through the secondary cooling path. A pump is positioned along the secondary cooling path for pumping the liquid coolant through the secondary cooling path. A tube having a first end proximate the pump and an opposite end exposed to atmosphere may control suction pressure associated with the pump. The refrigerator reduces frost build up through configuration of the secondary cooling path or performing ice harvesting operations which melt frost. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating hot liquid. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating liquid coolant during a power outage. |
| US09500400B2 |
Modular cooler system
An exemplary modular cooler system is provided that includes couplings that may, in one embodiment, be implemented as integrated or interfaced receptacles and corresponding inserts that allow accessory items to couple with an insulated compartment, which may be referred to as a “wet box”, and used as an insulated cooler that holds ice. The accessories may include, for example, a second compartment or “dry box” for holding items that need to be kept dry, a fishing rod holder, a shelf, a cutting board, a cup holder, a chair or seating platform, one or more dollies, or virtually any needed accessory. In one embodiment the thermal properties of the insulated compartment are enhanced with the use of one or more radiant barrier members, such as one positioned adjacent the lid of the insulated compartment. |
| US09500394B2 |
Retro-fit energy exchange system for transparent incorporation into a plurality of existing energy transfer systems
A controller connectable to a plurality of energy sources, energy demands and energy transfer units is contemplated. The controller is configurable to dynamically route excess energy from different sources to different demands via the energy transfer unit(s). |
| US09500390B1 |
Heliostat field power controller for setting a throttle to determine an optimum distribution of energy
Methods and systems for setting a throttle at a solar power plant, by a controller, the controller configured to select at least one aim point on a receiver of the solar power plant, calculate a desired energy to be delivered by two or more subgroups to each selected aim point via a search method based on an aiming scheme, and determine an optimum distribution of energy to be delivered to the receiver across the two or more subgroups via a search program based on the calculated desired energy. |
| US09500389B2 |
Thermally regulated self-heating containers
A modular heating system and method is presented that automatically dissipates thermal energy from a heater or heated package if the energy cannot be assimilated without excessive temperature increase. A heater containing reactants that generate heat when combined is placed in thermal contact with a passive thermal control material which is in thermal contact with a container configured to contain a substance to be heated. The passive thermal control material allows the transmission of heat between the heater and the container as long as the temperature of the heat passing through the passive thermal control material does not exceed the activation temperature of the material. If the temperature of the heat passing through the passive thermal control material exceeds the material's decomposition temperature, the passive thermal control material decomposes and thereby dissipates heat. |
| US09500381B2 |
Multiuse reactors and related methods
A septum is positioned within a disposable vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes a plurality of apertures that provide fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. Compressed gas is introduced in the lower chamber to produce fine bubbles rising up throughout the vessel to produce a mixing and gasification needed for the growth of a biological culture and manufacture of a biological product in a nutrient medium. Adding a binding resin to the upper chamber allows harvesting, separation and purification of biological products in the reactor as a single unit operation. |
| US09500379B2 |
Methods of dehumidification control in unoccupied spaces
Methods of providing dehumidification control in unoccupied spaces are disclosed. An illustrative method can include the steps of providing a controller having an away mode of operation adapted to provide dehumidification within the interior space of a building or room, providing one or more system components adapted to control the humidity and/or temperature within the interior space, initiating the away mode of operation within the controller, and operating the one or more system components for at least one cycle to reduce the humidity within the interior space. |
| US09500378B2 |
Electric fireplace having humidifying device
The present invention discloses an electric fireplace having a humidifying device. The electric fireplace includes a casing. A flame imitation device, a heating device, an air purifying device, the humidifying device, and a touch control panel are provided in the casing. The electric fireplace is combined with the flame imitation device, the air purifying device, and the heating device to provide multiple functions. The user can watch the realistic flame and inhale fresh but not dry warm wind. The humidifying device includes a water container, a cotton rod, a fixing knob, an atomization plate, a hollow pipe, and a fog output box. The humidifying device delivers the water to the atomization plate through the cotton rod to generate atomized particles. The present invention has a simple structure and can be produced easily. |
| US09500372B2 |
Multi-zone combustor
A multi-zone combustor is provided and includes a pre-mixer configured to output a first mixture to a primary zone of a combustor section and a stepped center body disposable in an annulus defined within the pre-mixer. The stepped center body includes an outer body configured to output at a first radial and axial step a second mixture to a secondary zone of the combustor section and an inner body disposable in an annulus defined within the outer body and configured to output at a second radial and axial step a third mixture to a tertiary zone of the combustor section. |
| US09500368B2 |
Alternately swirling mains in lean premixed gas turbine combustors
A gas turbine combustor for producing hot gas by burning a fuel in compressed air comprising a combustor central axis and multiple main swirlers with respective swirler axes disposed about and parallel to the combustor central axis, each main swirler delivering an air fuel mixture flowing through it and about its swirler axis, wherein each swirler imparts rotation to the air fuel mixture flowing through it in a direction opposite that of adjacent swirlers. This combustor configuration reduces shear where the outer edges of adjacent flows meet, allowing for greater tuning of the combustion chamber and reduced NOx and CO emissions. |
| US09500367B2 |
Combustion casing manifold for high pressure air delivery to a fuel nozzle pilot system
The present application provides a pilot manifold system for a combustor of a gas turbine engine. The pilot manifold system may include a casing with a casing manifold, an end cover connected to the casing and having an end cover passage in communication with the casing manifold, and a fuel nozzle mounted about the end cover. The fuel nozzle may include a pilot system in communication with the end cover passage. |
| US09500362B2 |
Generating steam from carbonaceous material
A system and method of generating steam comprising providing a continuous supply of coal, combusting the coal in a primary processing chamber in the presence of oxygen and water to provide a first product gas stream, recovering heat from the first product gas stream in a first heat recovery steam generator to produce a first steam output, processing the first product gas stream in a secondary processing chamber in the presence of oxygen and water to provide a second product gas stream, recovering heat from the second product gas stream in a second heat recovery steam generator to produce a second steam output, and combining the first steam output and the second steam output. Preferably, the combined steam output is used to drive a steam turbine and the turbine is coupled to a generator. |
| US09500360B2 |
Closed drain recovery system
To achieve a downsized drain tank without reducing an effective drain recovery rate. A closed drain recovery system includes: a steam boiler (2); a closed-type drain tank (4); an air-open-type makeup water tank (7); a steam introduction line (10) for introducing a first flush steam within the drain tank (4) to the makeup water tank (7); a surplus drain introduction line (8) for introducing surplus drain to the makeup water tank (7) from the drain tank (4); and condensing units (33) and (39) provided for the makeup water tank (7), and configured to condense one or both of the first flush steam and a second flush steam by bringing the one or both of the first flush steam and the second flush steam into contact with the makeup water within the makeup water tank (7), the second flush steam being generated from the surplus drain. |
| US09500355B2 |
Lamp with light emitting elements surrounding active cooling device
A lamp is provided with multiple light emitting elements such as e.g., LEDs, positioned about a heat sink. The heat sink contains an active cooling device that provides a flow of air over the heat sink to transfer heat away from the light emitting elements. One or more optical elements are positioned over the light emitting elements to e.g., assist in light distribution. The lamp construction improves the dissipation of heat while also providing for a more omni-directional distribution of light intensity. Embodiments of the lamp can be provided with one or more features to enhance aesthetic appeal and improve manufacturability. |
| US09500352B2 |
Integral LED light fixture
An integral LED light fixture for installation in an incandescent light bulb socket includes a housing with a forwardly-extending portion and peripheral outer walls defining a recess, a rearwardly-extending socket base to be screwed into an incandescent light bulb socket, electrical components including a printed circuit board having a set of LEDs, and a lens for covering the printed circuit board and being attached to the housing. The integral LED light fixture cover can also be installed in a junction box. An AC version is also provided which lacks the driver component and the driver cover. |
| US09500346B2 |
Light dispersing flashlight cover
A light dispersing flashlight cover adapted for selective attachment to a flashlight having an articulating head. The cover includes a platform supported in resilient cantilevered relation such that the platform is disposed in overlying, raised relation to at least a portion of the flashlight lens when the cover is in place. A light beam emitted through the lens is at least partially blocked by the platform and is dispersed radially relative to the lens. |
| US09500344B2 |
Lighting device and housing therefor
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to lighting devices and, more particularly, to lighting devices having tubular housings containing light emitting devices on a circuit board, as well as housings for such lighting devices. In one embodiment, the invention provides a lighting device comprising: a circuit board including a light emitting device; and an elongate substantially tubular housing for enclosing the circuit board, the tubular housing including: a substantially circular interior; a support shelf extending across the substantially circular interior to support the circuit board; and a circuit board restraining member restraining the circuit board to the support shelf. |
| US09500342B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device including a plurality of units is provided. Each unit includes a light emitting region and a light-transmitting region, wherein in at least one unit, at least two sides of the light emitting region are surrounded by the light-transmitting region. |
| US09500340B2 |
Dental light using LEDs
A dental light comprises at least one light emitting diode light source configured to produce a light beam and at least one collimating lens system situated to receive the light beam. The collimating lens system is configured to collect and collimate the light beam. The collimating lens system can additionally modify the beam through controlled diffusion or shape the beam using an aperture. |
| US09500337B2 |
Optical module of a lighting and/or signaling device for a motor vehicle
Optical module for a lighting and/or signaling device of a motor vehicle, in particular a headlight, comprising a light source comprising in particular at least one LED, a reflector designed to reflect the light coming from the light source, and a bending element placed on the path of light coming from the reflector and designed to reflect light coming from the reflector, this bending element being produced on a metal part. |
| US09500335B2 |
Lighting device for generating a segmented light distribution
The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising two or more lighting units (2), wherein each lighting unit (2) comprises: at least one reflector (3) and at least one light source (4) paired with the at least one reflector (3), wherein light from the at least one light source (4) is emitted into a region in front of the vehicle via the corresponding at least one reflector (3) in the installed state of the lighting device (1), and wherein the sub-light distributions of the two or more lighting units (2) form a light distribution of the lighting device (1), wherein the sub-light distributions of the individual lighting units (2) are arranged adjacently to one another in the horizontal direction, and wherein the reflectors (3) of the lighting units (2) are designed in such a way that the sub-light distribution of each lighting unit (2) has at least one sharp vertical light-dark boundary. |
| US09500324B2 |
Color mixing optics for LED lighting
Color mixing optics for a multi-color LED lamp comprise an outer reflector having a paraboloidal surface of revolution and a total inner reflection (TIR) lens having an outer contour with a paraboloidal surface of revolution. The outer reflector and the TIR lens are centered around a common center axis. A common focal point of the outer reflector and the TIR lens is provided for placing a LED assembly. Such LED lamps produce uniform color throughout the entire light beam while the outer dimensions are such that the optics fit into conventional lamp housings. |
| US09500322B2 |
Weather sealed lighting system with light-emitting diodes
An outdoor lighting system utilizing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and structures to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs. The system includes a tubular enclosure housing an internal LED lighting assembly including LEDs mounted to a finned support structure which extends between two ends of the tube. At the end of the tube is at least one heat dissipating structure which is retained on the tubular enclosure by the threaded fastener. A heat dissipating structure in the form of a finned heat sink having an integrated, formed-in-place gasket abutting the end of the tubular enclosure. |
| US09500319B2 |
Flow module port fitting
A flow module port fitting to be inserted in port hole in a flow module, which port hole is in communication with flow channel. The port fitting comprises a head, and a shaft with a center axis, attached to the head, wherein the shaft has a first and a second end portion, the port fitting comprises further a fastening element at its first end portion for fastening the port fitting to the flow module or flow plate. The port fitting comprises further a seal arranged either externally on said shaft or seal is arranged at the second end portion facing away from the head, or seal is arranged in the short side of said second end portion, wherein seal is sealing port hole together with port fitting from the fluids flowing in flow channel. |
| US09500318B2 |
Tank for the storage of hydrogen in the form of metallic hydries
A tank intended for the storage of hydrogen by absorption into material, including a first part and a second part, each of the first and second parts including a barrel, closed at one first longitudinal end by a substantially hemispherical part, the two parts being joined by the second open longitudinal end of the barrel by an assembly plate, the above-mentioned tank including two heat exchangers, each being contained in one of the two parts and intended to be under the same hydrogen pressure, the above mentioned tank also having apparatus of supply and evacuation of heat transfer medium circulating in the above mentioned heat exchangers integrated in the assembly plate, and apparatus of supply and collection of hydrogen. |
| US09500316B2 |
System and apparatus for the support of optics
An optics support system and apparatus are provided. The optics support system may comprise a first member, a second member, a base, and a support strap. The first member may be attached to a top rest at one end, and the base at the other end. The second member may extend at an angle from the middle of the first member, and may be attached to a side rest at the opposite end. The base may be configured to have at least one aperture. The support strap may be configured to attach to the base by extending a portion of it through the at least one aperture of the base. A frictional adjuster may optionally be attached to the support strap to make the support strap adjustable in length. |
| US09500315B2 |
Over-the-door knob holder hook
An over-the-door knob holder hook provides a user with a multitude of hooks which includes interchangeable knobs. The apparatus includes a bracing bridge, a first hook assembly, and a second hook assembly. The bracing bridge attaches the first hook assembly and the second hook assembly to a door. The first hook assembly and the second hook assembly each include an elongated leg portion, an interchangeable accessory knob, a lateral portion, and a lip portion. The interchangeable accessory knob is removably mounted to a front surface of the elongated leg portion. The lateral portion is adjacently and perpendicularly connected to the front surface. The lip portion is adjacently and perpendicularly connected to the lateral portion, opposite the elongated leg portion. The elongated leg portion is adjacently and perpendicularly connected to the bracing bridge to position the first and second hook assemblies on opposite sides of the bracing bridge. |
| US09500314B2 |
Studio apparatus for mounting photography equipment
A studio apparatus for mounting photography equipment includes: an outer frame that defines a space and that is adapted for mounting a first group of the photography equipment thereon; an inner frame that is disposed in the space of the outer frame and that is adapted for mounting a second group of the photography equipment thereon; and a hoisting device for driving the inner frame to move upward and downward in the space. |
| US09500310B2 |
Non-rotating coupling device
The invention is a quick connect and disconnect coupling system which limits the free rotation between the female socket and the male plug of the coupling with respect to one another. It comprises a male plug having a coupling end and a female socket having a coupling end with a receiving opening therein to receive the coupling end of the male plug when the connectors are in a coupled condition. A holding mechanism is associated with the coupling end. The male plug includes a non-circular surface that inter-engages the locking balls within the female quick connect socket to substantially prevent relative rotation of the male plug in relation to the female socket. The coupling is particularly useful for attaching accessories for fluid dispensing as used in highly pressurized spray applications to allow the ability to rotationally adjust the dispensing action. |
| US09500308B2 |
Spiral-type flexible pipe connector
A spiral-type flexible pipe connector is provided that includes a socket, into which one end of a spiral-type flexible pipe is inserted, a nut coupled to the socket to fix the spiral-type flexible pipe to the socket, and a packing and a support ring located between the one end of the spiral-type flexible pipe and the socket. The packing includes a sealing portion, into which a tip of the one end of the spiral-type flexible pipe is inserted, such that the sealing portion surrounds the tip of the one end of the spiral-type flexible pipe, thereby sealing a connection part of the spiral-type flexible pipe. |
| US09500307B2 |
Slip-on coupling gasket
An annular gasket includes an annular body and an annular body and a pair of sealing ribs extending substantially radially inward from the annular body, each sealing rib having a sealing ridge, the sealing ridge of each of the pair of sealing ribs having a sealing surface, wherein the sealing surface is about cylindrical at rest. |
| US09500306B2 |
Multiple secured coupling device for oxygen lances
In a multiple secured coupling device for oxygen lances (1), the male connector (8) of the safety pipe (3), the connection part (18) of the lance holder (2) and also the cap nut (9) have extending safety pieces (10, 11). The male connector (8) can be inserted very far into the female part (19) or the connection part (18) and then located in position by using the cap nut (9). A total of five sealing zones are created and are particularly effective in preventing the escape of highly flammable gases, in particular oxygen. |
| US09500301B2 |
Method and vessel for laying a pipeline
A stinger extends away from an end of a vessel, and a pipeline passes over the stinger as the pipeline is laid from the vessel. The inclination of the pipeline increases as the pipeline passes along the stinger and after leaving the stinger until the pipeline reaches an inflection point beyond the end of the stinger at which inclination is at a maximum. Inclination of the pipeline thereafter reduces until the pipeline touches down on the seabed. A method of S-laying the pipeline includes providing guides on the stinger that limit lateral movement of the pipeline relative to the stinger and moving the vessel and the stinger during S-laying to an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the stinger is inclined to the path of the pipeline just laid. The vessel and the stinger are rotated about a vertical axis passing through or adjacent to the inflection point. |
| US09500297B2 |
Shut-off trim including spring loaded check valve
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bi-directional shut-off trim for a valve which possesses the functional attributes of a pilot operated trim and a balanced trim through the integration of a spring loaded check valve into a pilot trim. In forward flow isolation, the bi-directional shut-off trim of the present invention acts as a normal pilot operated trim. In reverse flow, the check valve of the shut-off trim opens to balance the pressure on either side of the plug thereof. |
| US09500294B2 |
Hybrid manual and hydraulic actuator override
An apparatus for overriding a valve actuator to move a valve stem to a second position includes an override body with a central axis. A piston is located within the override body. A bushing is non-rotatably carried within the override body. An override shaft is in threaded engagement with the bushing and extends through a sealed orifice in the override body. Fluid pressure applied to the piston causes the bushing to engage the valve actuator and push the valve stem, and alternatively, rotation applied to the override shaft causes the bushing to move linearly to engage the valve actuator and push the valve stem. |
| US09500285B2 |
High pressure ball valve and packing
A ball valve for ultra-high pressure wherein the inner annular surface(s) of the valve seat(s) has an sealing face in sealing engagement with the flow control element, support surfaces adjacent the sealing face in contact with the flow control element, and vent grooves between adjacent support surfaces and the sealing face. A method to utilize the ball valve involves rotating the control element and maintaining a pressure of 275.8 MPa (40,000 psi) or more for at least 1 hour without leaking before opening or after closing the valve. |
| US09500283B1 |
Foot valve apparatus
A foot or float valve apparatus provides a valve housing having an upper flange, a lower flange and a cylindrical section, the valve housing having an exterior and an interior with a flow bore having a central axis. The upper flange has a periphery, an upper larger diameter central opening and a plurality of circumferentially spaced smaller diameter upper openings, each smaller diameter upper opening being spaced in between the periphery and the larger diameter upper opening. The lower flange has a periphery, a lower larger diameter central opening and a plurality of circumferentially spaced smaller diameter lower openings, each smaller diameter lower opening spaced in between the periphery and the lower larger diameter opening. The cylindrical section has upper and lower end portions, wherein the upper end portion contacts the upper flange in between the upper larger diameter central opening and the plurality of circumferentially spaced smaller diameter upper openings. The lower end portion contacts the lower flange in between the lower larger diameter central opening and the plurality of circumferentially spaced smaller diameter lower openings. A valving member is pivotally mounted to the valve housing with a pivotal connection that is next to the lower end portion of the cylindrical section and movable between open flow and closed flow positions, wherein the lower flange provides a valve seat that is spaced inwardly of the cylindrical section, the valving member engaging the seat in the closed flow position. A cable is connected to the valving member opposite the pivotal connection, the cable extending diagonally with respect to the bore central axis and forming an acute angle therewith. A cable opening extends through the upper flange at a position vertically above the pivotal connection. The cable extends from the first position to a second position, passing through the cable opening nearer the second position and spaced away from the first position. A cable handle on the cable at the second position that enables a user to grasp the handle and pull the cable. |
| US09500282B2 |
Cylinder liner and preparation method thereof
A cylinder liner with a plurality of protrusions on its outside surface and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The protrusions are Ω-shaped, P-shaped or taper-shaped, and the Ω-shaped, P-shaped and taper-shaped protrusions are accounted for 50-99.5%, 0.5-30% and 0-20% of the total number of protrusions, respectively. The density of the protrusions on the outside surface of the cylinder liner is 15-65 per square centimeter. The outer surface of the protrusions of the cylinder liner is curved, and has a large contact area and a concave which can be filled by an aluminum sheath to improve the radial bearing capacity, so as to effectively improve the bite force between the cylinder liner and the outside aluminum sheath and prevent the cylinder liner from breaking away from the cylinder body. |
| US09500279B2 |
Piston with active structure
The present invention relates to a piston and a piston—connecting rod assembly for internal combustion engines or compressors, featuring a pinless connecting rod assembly having a joint claw, whereas the joint claw is formed to partly encompass an upper joining end of a connecting rod, whereas the joint claw is formed as a part of an inner section of the piston, and whereas the inner section is radially encircled by a cylindrical piston skirt. According to the invention at least one bar element is arranged extending between the inner section and the piston skirt, whereas the bar element divides a first open section from at least one second open section being arranged between the inner section and the piston skirt. |
| US09500276B2 |
Shift by wire auto lever controlling structure using integrated controller having 2 buttons
A shift by wire auto lever controlling structure using an integrated controller having two buttons may include an integrated controller including a first button and a second button, and a control unit connected with the integrated controller and controls shifting in a vehicle in response to input signals of the integrated controller, wherein the control unit discriminates a long input signal and a short input signal of input signals from the first button and the second button of the integrated controller as different input signals, and combines the different input signals from the first button and the second button, and performs a Shift By Wire (SBW) mode for changing a current shift range to a predetermined shift range matched with a combination. |
| US09500274B2 |
Transmission apparatus
A transmission apparatus includes a case, a gear transmission housed in the case, an intra-shaft oil passage formed in a rotating shaft, an oil supplying passage for supplying oil to the intra-shaft oil passage, a guide plate facing an axial end surface of a gear with a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the gear, which is clipped in oil in the case; and an oil passage formed between the one end surface and the guide plate. The oil passage extends along an outer periphery of the one end surface. |
| US09500273B2 |
In-wheel motor drive device having lubrication systems with cooling fins
A plurality of circumferential fins 22g are formed on an outer peripheral surface of a motor casing 22a, and a plurality of fins 22f are formed on an outer surface of a motor rear cover 22d. Lubricant circulates in a motor-casing oil passage 55 provided in the motor casing 22a, a motor-rear-cover oil passage 56 provided in the motor rear cover 22d, and a speed reduction portion B. This lubricant is cooled when flowing in the motor-casing oil passage 55 and the motor-rear-cover oil passage 56. Thus, an in-wheel motor drive device 21 is efficiently cooled. |
| US09500271B2 |
Sprocket and chain transmission mechanism
Provided are a sprocket and a chain transmission mechanism configured such that noise and vibrations caused by the elongation of the chain and also wear of parts are reduced, the decrease in the meshing strength of the chain and the sprocket is inhibited, and the chain service life is extended. The sprocket and chain transmission mechanism each have bottom land portion arcs of a predetermined radius and a predetermined angular range between a plurality of teeth to be meshed with the chain. The radius of each of the bottom land portion arcs satisfies the following relationship with the diameter of a roller or a bush of the meshing chain: Rb>0.505*φr+0.069*φr1/3 (where Rb is the bottom land portion arc radius, and φr is the diameter of the roller or the bush of the meshing chain). |
| US09500268B2 |
Locking differential assembly
A locking differential assembly having a locking dog that is mounted in a differential case in a manner that permits the locking dog to be translated along an axis between a first position, in which the locking dog is disengaged from a side gear in the differential case, and a second position in which the locking dog is engaged to the side gear. The locking dog is coupled to the differential case in a manner that permits an increasing range of rotation of the locking dog relative to the differential case with axial movement of the locking dog toward the second position. An axle assembly with the locking differential assembly and a related method for forming a locking differential assembly are also provided. |
| US09500263B2 |
Automatic transmission
To simplify the hydraulic pressure supply passage to each clutch, an multistage automatic transmission comprises an input part and output part, three clutches, two brakes, and four planetary gear sets, where the first and fourth sets are of a single pinion type and the second and third of a double pinion type. The input and output parts and the planetary gear sets connect to each other and the clutches and brakes decouple components in such a way that enlargement as a whole of the transmission and the deterioration of the responsiveness of the shift control are controlled. |
| US09500261B2 |
Flexible gear rack carriage transport in a printing apparatus
A durable gear strap couples components in an imaging device to a driving force. The gear strap includes a strip having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. Gear teeth on the strip enable rotation of a gear to move the gear strap in a track. At least one engagement member extends from one of the rigid sections to couple a component to the gear strap for movement. |
| US09500251B2 |
Shock absorber having orifice check disc
A shock absorber for a vehicle includes a pressure tube that defines a fluid chamber and a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. The piston divides the fluid chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber, and defines a compression passage and a rebound passage. A valve disc assembly of the shock absorber engages the piston and controls the flow of fluid between the upper and lower working chambers. The valve disc assembly includes an orifice check disc and an orifice disc. The orifice disc defines a bleed passage between the upper and lower working chambers. The orifice check disc is disposed between the piston and the orifice disc. The orifice check disc closes the bleed passage as the fluid flows in a first direction and opens the bleed passage as the fluid flows in a second direction opposite of the first direction. |
| US09500247B2 |
Pounding tune mass damper with viscoelastic material
A vibration dampener, including, a first beam comprising a first mounting end portion and a first peripheral end portion, wherein the first peripheral end portion comprises a tunable mass, and the first beam is configured to vibrate in tune with a vibrational frequency of a structure supporting the first beam at the first mounting end portion, a second beam comprising a second mounting end portion and a second peripheral end portion, wherein the second peripheral end portion comprises a ring disposed about the first beam, and a viscoelastic material disposed between the first beam and the ring, wherein the viscoelastic material is configured to dampen vibrational energy as the first beam vibrates toward the ring until the viscoelastic material becomes compressed between the first beam and the ring during the course of the impact. |
| US09500246B2 |
Device for stubble treatment and a vibration-absorbing arrangement thereof
A device for stubble treatment once a crop has been harvested having a frame, at least one knife rolling segment connectable to the frame through a pair of bearings to operate substantially horizontally, a vibration-absorbing arrangement for each bearing that is adapted to be mounted between a bearing and a free-end of the frame that has vibration-absorbing elements that are at least partially made of a resilient material to isolate the frame from vibrations generated at the rolling segment, a first plate to be attached to the free-end of the frame and a second plate adapted to be attached to the bearing, the plates being adapted to be fastened together. Two or more vibration-absorbing elements are positioned in-between the plates, wherein two vibration-absorbing elements are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the plates. |
| US09500245B2 |
Springs for shoes
A spring for a spring shoe, the spring including a conical disk, the conical disk having a flexible flange around the perimeter of the conical disk. A spring comprising a conical disk and a ring spring around the conical disk, the ring spring being movable up and down relative to the conical disk to adjust the spring force of the spring. A threaded engagement between the ring spring and the conical disk so that rotation of the conical disk moves the ring spring up or down relative to the conical disk. A damper ring around the perimeter of the conical disk to resist the expansion of the circumference of the conical disk. An eccentric ring or cam to adjust the position of the apex of the conical disk relative to an insole by rotating the eccentric ring or cam. An asymmetric conical disk to adjust the position of the apex of the conical disk by rotating the conical disk. A damper for a spring shoe comprising a flexible container containing a material with little or no propensity to return to its original shape. A spring array for a spring shoe, the springs of the spring array having a reducing force resisting compression over at least a portion of the spring range of travel as the spring compresses, and there being a damper associated with the array to oppose compression of the array towards maximum compression. |
| US09500243B2 |
Brake device
A brake device includes a hub (2); a wheel (4); a disc rotor (3) arranged between the hub (2) and the wheel (4); a fixing portion (5) that fixes the hub (2), the disc rotor (3), and the wheel (4) together by being inserted into a hub through-hole (23), a rotor through-hole (34), and a wheel through-hole (42); a hub-side connecting portion (25; 8) that connects the hub (2) and the disc rotor (3) together with the hub (2) separated from the disc rotor (3), by abutting against a hub-side end portion (34a) of the disc rotor (3), which defines the rotor through-hole (34); and a wheel-side connecting portion (45; 9) that connects the disc rotor (3) and the wheel (4) together with the disc rotor (3) separated from the wheel (4), by abutting against a wheel-side end portion (34b) of the disc rotor (3), which defines the rotor through-hole (34). |
| US09500241B2 |
Disk brake pad and disk brake apparatus
A disk brake pad includes a lining and a back plate supporting the lining. A first side part of the back plate in the circumferential direction includes a guided portion configured to engage movably in the axial direction with a guiding portion of a pad support member. The guided portion is disposed at a position more inward in the radial direction than a line of action of a brake tangential force applied in braking, so as to support a brake tangential force applied toward a second side part of the back plate in the circumferential direction in braking. The back plate is configured to support a brake tangential force applied toward the first side part in braking at a portion thereof that exists more outward in the radial direction than the line of action of the brake tangential force. |
| US09500240B2 |
Disk brake
A disk brake (1) including a connector portion (35) provided at a housing (30). The connector portion (35) includes supply terminals (131) for supplying power to a motor (32). The supply terminals (131) of the connector portion (35) and motor terminals (32C) of the motor (32) are connected to each other via bus bars (130) made of metallic plate. Further, the bus bars (130) are held in a loosely fitted state on another-side surface (138B) of a plate-like portion (138) of a support member (135) attached to the housing (30). |
| US09500231B2 |
Fractured-outer-race full-complement ball-bearing system incorporated in a turbocharger assembly
A turbocharger ball-bearing assembly incorporates a cageless set of ceramic bearing balls operating within outer and inner bearing raceways, wherein the outer bearing raceway is on the inside of a fractured outer race. The fractured outer race is located in a counterbore of a center body of a turbocharger. The center body, in cooperation with the ball-bearing assembly, provides for rotationally supporting, and axially restraining, a rotor shaft of the turbocharger. The outside diameter of the fractured outer bearing race is less than a corresponding inside diameter of the counterbore, and the center body provides for supplying lubricant to an isolation annulus therebetween, so as to provide fir squeeze-film damping the ball-bearing assembly within the counterbore. |
| US09500230B2 |
Bearing cage and bearing means having this type of bearing cage as well as method for designing, repairing and/or replacing such a bearing cage
The invention relates to a bearing cage of a bearing means, in particular a ball or roller bearing, which is produced by means of a generative manufacturing method and has an outer flange and a bearing seat, which are joined together via a plurality of spring beams. |
| US09500229B2 |
Cage for a toroidal roller bearing
A cage (1) for separating rollers in a toroidal roller bearing. The cage (1) comprises a first and second annular ring (2, 3), a plurality of elongated axial members (4) interposed between the first and second annular ring to thereby form a number of roller pockets (5). The cage further comprises a portion (6) extending radially inwardly on at least one of the first and second annular ring. The portion further extends in at least a part of the circumference of the at least one first and second annular ring. The radially outer peripheral surface of the annular ring comprising the portion further comprises axial grooves (7) at least at the circumference having the portion, wherein each axial groove is located at the axial end face of each roller pocket in such a way that a roller can be inserted and pulled out via the axial groove into and out of each roller pocket. |
| US09500221B2 |
Triple locking hook connector
A triple locking hook connector includes a hook, a locking bar, a first spring, a controlling shaft, and a second spring. The hook has an axle hole and a first groove on an end of a hook opening, and has a spacing portion on the other end of the hook opening. An edge of an end of the locking bar has a first bolt. The first spring is to drive a first bolt to keep at the first position and to drive the other end of the locking bar to remain in the spacing portion. The controlling shaft joins the axle hole via a main axle to restrict the first bolt in the first position and to be driven by a second spring to stay at the third position to ensure the locking bar shutting the hook opening. |
| US09500215B2 |
Link mechanism and universal coupler based on the same
Provided are a link mechanism which is variously combined, assembled and disassembled, and a universal coupler including the same. The link mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plate and a coupling piece. The plate has a flat plate shape and a thickness and includes a plurality of coupling holes formed to pass therethrough, the coupling holes have the same size and shape and are disposed at a interval in at least one of a column direction and a row direction. The coupling piece is inserted into the coupling holes of two or more plates to couple two or more plates to each other. |
| US09500213B2 |
Retaining device for a component of an aircraft or spacecraft
A retaining device for a component of an aircraft or spacecraft. The retaining device comprises a fuselage cell portion and a component portion, which portions are interconnected via at least one fastener. A gap is formed between the fastener and the component portion, of such a type that the fuselage cell portion and the component portion are movable relative to one another. |
| US09500212B2 |
Base body and framework system
The invention relates to a rod-shaped base body with at least one bearing surface which can be brought to bear against at least one counter-bearing surface of a bearing device for fastening to a further rod-shaped base body and/or a functional component for forming a framework. The rod-shaped base body can be a fiber-composite material, particularly carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, and the rod-shaped base body has a recess as positioning mark determining the position of the further base body and/or the functional component in relation to the rod-shaped base body in the framework by the positive engagement due to the at least one bearing surface and at least one counter-bearing surface bearing against one another. The invention also includes a framework system having a rod-shaped base body of this type. The object of the invention is additionally achieved by a method for producing a rod-shaped base body of this type. |
| US09500211B2 |
Multi-stage engagement assemblies and related methods
A progressive release or multi-point engagement device according to aspect of the present disclosure includes a first component and a second component connected to the first component with a canted coil spring. The first component is movable relative to the second component and latch by moving the canted coil spring to a second common groove. Alternatively, a second spring is used to move the second component and relative to a third component. When a second engagement position is desired, a relatively higher a force may be necessary to move the relevant component. |
| US09500209B2 |
Clip for object grouping and organized storage
A flexible clip is provided which has a flexible body running between opposing ends. The clip is foldable to an as-used position at a central portion thereof to a removable engagement of two end portions using mating fasteners such as magnets. The clip in the as-used position is removably engageable with both planar and three dimensional objects. |
| US09500208B2 |
Magnetic preloading of joints
A first component is coupled to a second component by one or more joints. Magnetic force between at least a first magnetic and second magnetic unit preloads the joint by placing the joint in compression. The first and second magnetic units may be respectively coupled to the first and second components. The magnetic force acts as a retentive force between coupled components and/or the joint and operates to resist one or more tensile and/or other opposing forces. In some cases, the first magnetic unit may be a shield, such as a direct current shield, that protects one or more components from a magnetic field of the second magnetic unit. |
| US09500206B2 |
Fluid pump for a linear actuator
A fluid pump for a linear actuator is provided. The pump causes a rod in the actuator to extend or retract by controlling the flow of fluid to and from portions of a fluid chamber on either side of a piston disposed within the fluid chamber and supporting the rod. The pump includes a valve structure that enables the pump to redistribute fluid obtained from one portion of the fluid chamber on one side of the piston to the other portion of the fluid chamber on the other side of the piston without first returning the fluid to a fluid reservoir thereby increasing the efficiency of the pump. |
| US09500204B2 |
Waste water pump
A waste water pump includes an impeller (10) having a suction port (12) with a sealing surface (14) which annularly surrounds this and which bears on a stationary seal (18). At least one groove (28) is formed in the sealing surface (14) and to both sides extends beyond a bearing-contact region of the stationary seal (18) on the sealing surface (14). The stationary seal (18) having a first end (30) in connection with an impeller side chamber (20) and an opposite second end (32) is in connection with the suction side of the impeller (10). The pump also includes means (34) for producing turbulences arranged in the impeller side chamber (20) adjacent the seal (18). |
| US09500202B1 |
Thrust bearing surface for floater-style centrifugal pumps
A thrust bearing surface for a floater-style centrifugal pump is described. A thrust bearing system includes a rotatable member including a sleeve, and a flange extending radially on a downstream side of the sleeve, a swirling member on a top of the flange, the swirling member extending axially towards an impeller bottom, wherein as the swirling member rotates, the swirling member guides working fluid in an outwards and upwards direction from the swirling member. A rotating member of a thrust bearing surface includes a sleeve securable to a rotatable shaft of a stage, a flange extending radially around a top of the sleeve, and at least one swirling member extending axially downstream from a top of the flange towards a bottom of an impeller, wherein each of the at least one swirling member extends from an outer diameter towards an inner diameter of the flange. |
| US09500201B2 |
Geared compressor rotor for cold gas applications
A geared compressor rotor for cold gas applications is provided. The geared compressor rotor includes a pinion shaft having a gear tooth segment having gear teeth. The rotor further includes at least one impeller wheel having an impeller wheel hub and a sealing segment arranged between the gear tooth segment and the impeller wheel hub that bears a seal. The impeller wheel hub and the sealing segment form a common, continuously coherent region composed of a first material. The toothing segment is formed from a second material. The first material is tougher at subzero temperatures than the second material. |
| US09500195B2 |
Integrated design fluid end suction manifold
A fluid end assembly comprising a housing, valve bodies, seals, seats, springs, and other associated parts, paired with a suction manifold that facilitates bi-directional fluid flow. The suction manifold of this invention is designed to preserve fluid energy that will ensure complete filling of the cylinder in extreme pumping conditions. The suction manifold utilizes a chamber design positioned immediately below the suction valves, eliminating all connecting ducts. Alternate embodiments of this invention include a suction manifold with an integral fluid dampeners or stabilizers. |
| US09500193B2 |
Sump pump monitoring device and method
A method and device are disclosed for monitoring a sump pump system. The monitoring device may include electrical sensors to sense electrical characteristics of the sump pump system. The sensors may include one or more current clamps which may be clamped around an electrical lead or wire of the sump pump system. The monitoring device may further include control logic circuitry configured to monitor sensed electrical characteristics of the sump pump system and deduce an operating status based on the sensed electrical characteristics. The monitoring device may further include a communications interface configured to report the deduced operating status to an interested party via a communications device. |
| US09500189B2 |
Structure of variable swash plate type compressor
A structure of a variable swash plate compressor includes: a rotatable shaft having a flow path through which a refrigerant flows; a rotor fixed and coupled to the shaft and has a rotor arm formed at one side of the rotor; a swash plate connected to the rotor arm by a hinge pin and mounted on the shaft so that an inclination angle is variable with respect to the shaft; a compressive coil spring installed on the shaft between the swash plate and the rotor; a lift slidably coupled to the shaft and connected to the swash plate; and a fixing device formed in the shaft and fixes the lift so as to maintain the inclination angle of the swash plate, thereby basically preventing an operational delay of the compressor, securing performance at the time of initially operating an air conditioning device, and improving marketability. |
| US09500187B2 |
Method, system and program product operable to relay a motion detector activation
A method, system and program product comprise receiving an activated signal from a first motion detector. The activated signal indicating an object is detected by the first motion detector. A source of heat is applied to a heatable object for a first predetermined period of time in response to the receiving. The applying is conveyed by a terminal device. The heatable object is positionable within a sensing range of a second motion detector. The applying of the heat source is stopped for a second predetermined period of time. The stopping enables the heatable object to cool in which a cycle of the applying and the stopping with motion of said heatable object is detectable by the second motion detector wherein the detection by the first motion detector is relayed to the second motion detector. |
| US09500184B2 |
Apparatus and method for solar and wind based power generation
An apparatus for converting solar energy may have a heat-capturing element that generates thermal energy when exposed to solar radiation and a canopy arranged about the heat-capturing element. The canopy may define a chamber with an intake and an output, and may be configured for substantially trapping air particles in proximity to the heat-capturing element throughout a pathway from the intake to the output. A portion of the chamber arranged near the output may have a decreased cross section. The apparatus may also include a thermal transfer system configured for creating a positive thermal feedback between a portion of the heat-capturing element near the output and a portion of the heat-capturing element near the intake, and at least one horizontal turbine arranged at the output. |
| US09500179B2 |
Segmented wind turbine blades with truss connection regions, and associated systems and methods
Segmented wind turbine blades with truss connection regions, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A wind turbine system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a wind turbine with a first segment having a first position along the longitudinal axis and having a first internal load-bearing structure for which non-truss structure elements carry at least 90% of the shear loads in the first segment. The blade further includes a second segment having a second position along the longitudinal axis and having a second internal load-bearing structure for which non-truss structure elements carry at least 90% of the shear loads in the first segment. A connection region between the first and second segments includes an internal load-bearing truss structure connected between the first internal load-bearing structure and the second internal load-bearing structure. |
| US09500177B2 |
Electrical generation system based on tidal flow
An electrical generation system based on tidal flow includes a reservoir and a fluid inlet tube extending between a tidal source and the reservoir. The inlet tube has at least one inlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid inlet tube extends along a first level. A fluid outlet tube extends between the reservoir and the tidal source. The fluid outlet tube has at least one outlet turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid outlet tube extends along a second level vertically lower than the first level. During high tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal source, into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet turbine generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at the tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into the fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine generator, and to the tidal source. |
| US09500172B2 |
Starter system
Some embodiments of the invention provide a starter system including a starter, capable of being in communication with an electronic control unit. The starter can include a motor coupled to a circuit and a pinion including a plunger, and a plurality of solenoid assemblies that includes a plurality of biasing members. The plurality of solenoid assemblies can include at least one solenoid winding capable of moving the plunger to move the pinion, and at least one solenoid assembly capable of controlling current flow to the motor. Some embodiments include a first switch coupled to the circuit. In some embodiments, the first switch is capable of being activated by the plunger to cause current to flow, or to prevent current flowing to at least a portion of the circuit. |
| US09500168B2 |
Fuel system having a fuel-cooled injector
A fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The fuel system may have a fuel injector configured to inject fuel into a cylinder of the engine. The fuel system may also have a first fuel supply line configured to supply liquid fuel to the fuel injector to cool the fuel injector. The fuel system may further have a second fuel supply line configured to direct fuel from the fuel injector back to the fuel injector for discharge into a cylinder of the engine. |
| US09500165B2 |
Sealing cap using o-ring for vehicle intake manifold
A locking sealing arrangement for providing a fluid tight seal between a cap or a spigot and an adjacent structure is set forth. The locking sealing cap includes a peripheral sealing member such as an o-ring to form the fluid tight seal. The locking sealing cap engages the inner surface of the adjacent support structure by a cam-lock arrangement. A locking tab extends from the surface of the support structure. A tab-receiving slot is formed in the locking sealing cap. Once the locking tab is aligned in the tab-receiving slot, rotational movement of the locking sealing cap causes engagement of the locking sealing cap with the support structure. One embodiment of the locking sealing cap includes an internal torque feature for receiving a tool to allow engagement. In another embodiment of the locking sealing cap an external, multi-sided tool engagement surface is provided. |
| US09500161B2 |
Nozzle, structural element, and method of producing a nozzle
A nozzle, in particular an outlet nozzle of an aircraft jet engine, is formed with at least one nozzle wall. A turbulence-generating and/or vortex-generating structure is arranged on an inner face of the nozzle wall and projects radially inwardly from the nozzle wall. Alternatively, or in addition, a turbulence-generating and/or vortex-generating structure is arranged on an outer face of the nozzle wall and projects radially outwardly from the outer face. There is also described a structural element and a method of producing a nozzle. |
| US09500160B2 |
Motor assembly
A motor assembly for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that has an exhaust gas purification device and a heat engine. The heat engine has at least one closed working space that is filled with a gas. The at least one closed working space includes first and second cylinders, which are each movably mounted in the longitudinal direction between initial and expansion positions. The heat engine includes at least one heating unit for heating the gas in at least one heating region of the closed working space and at least one cooling unit for cooling the gas in at least one cooling region of the closed working space. The gas heated in the heating region pushes the first piston from its initial position into its expansion position, and then flows through the overflow line into the cooling region such that the second piston is then pushed into its expansion position. The overflow line leads at least in sections through the exhaust gas purification device. |
| US09500157B2 |
Cylinder head gasket
The purpose of the invention is to make it possible to perform pressurized leak tests on open loop chain case-side oil seal beads. The purpose is achieved with a cylinder head gasket, which is fitted between the cylinder block and the cylinder head and seals the three-surface sealing region obtained by combining the cylinder block, the cylinder head and the chain case, and in which an open-loop chain case-side oil seal bead that is open toward the chain case is provided in the chain case-side end of the gasket. The cylinder head gasket is characterized in that a closed-loop leak test bead is provided in the cylinder head gasket along a chain case-side oil seal bead and a leak test pressure supply path for supplying leak test pressure to the space enclosed by the leak test bead is provided. |
| US09500144B1 |
System and method for managing a volatile organic compound emission stream
A Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) mitigation system employs a combination of technologies coupling VOC laden exhaust with a reciprocating engine and generator system (Combined Heat & Power (CHP) System) with heat recovery to destroy the VOC emissions and generate electric power and useful thermal energy. |
| US09500141B2 |
Controller for variable valve mechanism
An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders, intake valves (31) provided respectively in the cylinders, and a variable valve mechanism (600) for changing a valve characteristic of the intake valves (31). A motor (210) drives the variable valve mechanism (600). A motor controller (150) controls the motor (210). The internal combustion engine can be operated in a cylinder deactivation mode for retaining the intake valves (31) of some of the cylinders in a valve closing state. When the internal combustion engine returns from the cylinder deactivation mode, the motor controller (150) executes overlap adjustment processing for controlling the valve characteristic such that valve opening periods of the intake valves (31) are not overlapped between the cylinders. |
| US09500140B2 |
Valve
Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system. |
| US09500136B2 |
Systems and methods for generating variable ramp rates for turbomachinery
A system includes a controller configured to receive one or more inputs associated with an operation of a turbine system, derive a set of ramp rates for the turbine system based at least in part on the one or more inputs, and to select a ramp rate from the set of ramp rates. The ramp rate includes a variable ramp rate. The controller is further configured to generate an output signal based on the selected ramp rate. |
| US09500135B2 |
Fuel feed circuit for an aeroengine having a high pressure pump system with two pumps
A fuel feed circuit for an aeroengine, the circuit including a high-pressure pumping system for delivering fuel at high pressure to combustion chamber injectors, the high-pressure pumping system including first and second positive displacement gear pumps driven simultaneously by the engine. A hydraulic switch member is interposed between respective outlets of the pumps, which makes it possible, in one state, to combine outlet flows from the two pumps to deliver fuel at high pressure to the combustion chamber injectors, and in another state, to discharge some or all of outlet flow from the first pump to a low-pressure feed line, an electrical control member serving to cause the hydraulic switch member to pass from one state to the other. |
| US09500131B2 |
Sound-damping arrangement for an engine nacelle and engine nacelle comprising such an arrangement
A sound-absorbing arrangement for an engine nacelle includes a first damping structure that includes a sound-damping honeycomb structure between a perforated inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the first damping structure has a first section and a second section that are arranged behind one another in the axial direction. The arrangement further includes a second damping structure that is formed in a ring-shaped manner and adjoins the first damping structure in the second section of the same in the radially external direction. The second damping structure is formed by multiple hollow chambers that adjoin each other in the circumferential direction, wherein the hollow chambers are formed without a honeycomb structure. |
| US09500129B2 |
Turboshaft engines having improved inlet particle scavenge systems and methods for the manufacture thereof
Embodiments of a turboshaft engine are provided, as are embodiments of a method for manufacturing a turboshaft engine. In one embodiment, the turboshaft engine includes an Inlet Particle Separator (IPS) system having an IPS scavenge flow circuit fluidly coupled to the engine's inlet section. A heat exchanger and a heat exchanger bypass duct are fluidly coupled to the IPS scavenge flow circuit. The heat exchanger bypass duct is configured to direct airflow around the heat exchanger. A particle separation device, such as an IPS blower, is fluidly coupled in series with the heat exchanger in the IPS scavenge flow circuit. The particle separation device is positioned to direct particulate matter entrained within the airflow through the IPS scavenge flow circuit into an inlet of the heat exchanger bypass duct and thereby reduce the amount of particulate matter ingested by the heat exchanger during operation of the turboshaft engine. |
| US09500126B2 |
Geared turbofan engine gearbox arrangement
A three-spool turbofan engine (20) has a variable fan nozzle (35). The fan blades have a peak tip radius RT and an inboard leading edge radius RH at an inboard boundary of the flowpath. A ratio of RH to RT is less than about 0.40. |
| US09500121B2 |
Turbocharger
A turbocharger includes: a turbine housing which houses a turbine impeller; an introduction hole provided in the turbine housing and configured to guide an exhaust gas, which flows into the introduction hole from an exhaust manifold of an engine, to the turbine impeller; a valve provided inside the introduction hole and configured to open and close an exhaust-gas discharge hole in the exhaust manifold; and a restriction portion configured to restrict a turn of the mounting plate in order to make part of an outer peripheral surface of a stem, which is exposed through an exposure hole of the mounting plate, visible from outside of the turbine housing. |
| US09500118B2 |
Method and apparatus for achieving high power flame jets while reducing quenching and autoignition in prechamber spark plugs for gas engines
A prechamber spark plug may have a prechamber having a pre-determined aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics. The aspect ratio and hole pattern may induce a rotational flow of fuel-air in-filling streams inside the prechamber volume. The rotational flow of the fuel-air mixture may include both radial flow and axial flow characteristics based on the aspect ratio and hole pattern. Axial flow characteristics can include a first axial direction proximate the periphery of the rotational flow and a counter second axial direction approaching the center of the rotational flow. The radial and axial flow characteristics may further include radial air-fuel ratio stratification and/or axial air-fuel ratio stratification. The rotational flow, the radial flow and the axial flow may be adjusted by alteration of the aspect ratio and hole pattern to achieve particular combustion performance characteristics in relation to a wide variety of spark gap geometries. |
| US09500117B2 |
Cooling system for air-cooled engine
An air-cooled internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a blower assembly including a blower housing and a fan, and a static cover. The static cover includes multiple air intake openings and is configured to prevent user access to a moving component of the engine. The blower housing is configured to at least partially direct air to the engine block. The fan is configured to move air into the blower assembly through the air intake openings when rotating in a first direction in a cooling mode and to move air out of the blower assembly through the air intake openings when rotating in an opposite second direction in a debris-removal mode. |
| US09500115B2 |
Method and system for an internal combustion engine with liquid-cooled cylinder head and liquid-cooled cylinder block
Methods and systems are provided for separately providing liquid-cooling to a cylinder head and a cylinder block. In one example, a method includes selectively pumping coolant with a single pump to each of a first cylinder head coolant jacket and a cylinder block coolant jacket based on engine temperatures. The method further includes discharging coolant from the first cylinder head coolant jacket to a heating circuit line including a vehicle interior heater and discharging coolant from the cylinder block cooling jacket and back to the single pump. |
| US09500113B2 |
Aftermarket exhaust detection
A vehicle includes an exhaust system, and a plurality of active exhaust valves configured to modulate an exhaust flow through the exhaust system. A controller is configured to detect an ignition state of the vehicle, determine whether any of the plurality of active exhaust valves has malfunctioned, and, upon determining that all of the plurality of active exhaust valves were operating normally when the ignition state transitioned from a first on state to a first off state and that all of the plurality of active exhaust valves have malfunctioned when the ignition state transitions from the first off state to a second on state, enable normal operation of an engine of the vehicle. |
| US09500109B2 |
Water-injection emissions control for a gas turbine
A system and method include a nozzle configured to inject water into a gas turbine at a specified water flow rate. An effluent stream of the gas turbine includes a gas turbine effluent stream including a first emission level. A secondary emissions control apparatus is in fluid communication with the gas turbine effluent stream. An output stream of the secondary emissions control apparatus can include a second emissions level below a specified emissions output threshold. The method and system can reduce the amount of water over time that is introduced into the gas turbine based on the threshold emissions reduction capability of the secondary emissions control apparatus. |
| US09500108B2 |
Split path silencer
A silencer having an outer shell with a first opening at a first end is configured with two flow paths and designed to attenuate sound waves. A tube is positioned within the outer shell, the tube having a first end and a second end forming a path through the interior of the silencer. A baffle is positioned between the inner tube and the outer shell to form a second path through the silencer. The first path may be longer than the second path. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the first path and second path may be equal to the cross-sectional area of the first opening. |
| US09500107B2 |
Control system for engine
A control system for an engine is provided. The system includes a hydraulically-operated variable valve timing mechanism, a variable oil pump, and a hydraulic-pressure control valve. The variable valve timing mechanism has advance-side and retard-side operation chambers and a locking mechanism. The system includes a hydraulic-pressure sensor for detecting hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic-pressure path, and a pump control device for performing a target hydraulic-pressure control. During a change of an engine operating state in a specific operation of the engine, while an unlocking operation of a locking member of the locking mechanism is performed, the pump control device performs, instead of the target hydraulic-pressure control, a discharge amount restricting control to control the hydraulic pressure to be an upper-limit hydraulic-pressure value or lower, which is an upper limit to perform the unlocking operation. |
| US09500103B2 |
Duct fired combined cycle system
The present application provides a combined cycle system. The combined cycle system may include a heat recovery steam generator with a first low pressure section and a second low pressure section, a steam turbine with a low pressure steam section in communication with the second low pressure section of the heat recovery steam generator, and a duct burner positioned upstream of the heat recovery steam generator. |
| US09500102B2 |
Steam trap system
A steam trap system is provided which can improve efficiency of sensor assembly and air-tightness. The steam trap system includes: a housing that includes a feeding hole for feeding steam, a discharging hole for discharging condensate water, and an opening; at least one sensor that is disposed inside the housing via the opening; an insulation member that is disposed in the opening to maintain air-tightness and to which the sensor is fixed to expose a terminal; and a cover that is disposed in the insulation member to cover the terminal. |
| US09500097B2 |
Turbocharger containment assembly
A turbine assembly and turbocharger containing the same are disclosed. Such an assembly can include a turbine housing for a turbocharger having an inlet portion, a central portion, and a hollow cylindrical portion defining a hollow passageway and an outlet. The inlet portion, central portion, and hollow cylindrical portion are in fluid connection with one another which allows a fluid to enter and pass through the inlet portion to the central portion, pass through the central portion to the hollow passageway, and pass through the hollow passageway to exit the turbine housing through the outlet. The assembly also includes a containment assembly at least partially disposed in the hollow passageway of the hollow cylindrical portion. |
| US09500096B2 |
Super efficient regulator
A system for producing mechanical energy. In some embodiments, the system includes a first source providing a first fluid, a fluid pressurization device, a second source supplying a second fluid, a first motor, and a second motor. The fluid pressurization device draws in the first fluid from the first source and increases the pressure of the first fluid. The first motor is driven by the second fluid, the second fluid decreasing in pressure and the first motor powering the fluid pressurization device as the second fluid passes through the first motor. The second motor receives a mixture of the first fluid from the first motor and the second fluid from the fluid pressurization device, whereby the second motor produces the mechanical energy. |
| US09500091B2 |
Wear-resistant part for the support of a blade of a turbojet fan
An aircraft turbojet fan including multiple fan blades including a support that includes a rear portion including a first surface located on an intrados side and a second surface located on an extrados side. A fan disk includes, between recesses, attaching flanges radially protruding towards the outside such that the first surface and the second surface are located respectively opposite two attaching flanges. The fan further includes a wear-resistant part installed on the blade to form a protective shell on each of the first and second surfaces of the support, preventing contact between each surface and the attaching flange located opposite it. |
| US09500090B2 |
Method for craneless wind turbine blade handling via a turbine hub
The invention involves craneless dismounting and/or mounting a vertically arranged wind turbine blade from a wind turbine generator hub mounted to a nacelle placed on a tower, the hub being arranged for having a number of blades attached. The method comprises mounting a number of bolt-like extensions in positions, where fastening bolts have been removed or could be received. These extensions are much longer than the fastening bolts, so that the blade may be handled using the extensions to a position where a lifting yoke may be attached or detached, either for lowering or lifting the blade. The method may be performed without a separate crane and is particularly useful in relation to blade maintenance, repair or replacement at remote wind turbine sites which would incur high costs for a mobile crane. Moreover, the method may be performed without having personnel going outside the hub or nacelle, but can stay at the ground and within the hub. |
| US09500089B2 |
Rotary energy generating system and corresponding device
A rotary energy generating device includes an output shaft, a rotor coupled to the output shaft, and a plurality of paddles coupled to the rotor, with each paddle being moved between vertical and horizontal positions as the rotor is rotated. A chamber housing includes inlet and output pairs. A respective open chamber area is defined between each inlet and outlet pair based on a given rotation direction of the rotor, with each respective open chamber area configured to receive the paddles in the vertical position as the rotor rotates in the given rotation direction. A respective slotted chamber area is defined between each outlet and inlet pair based on the given rotation direction of the rotor, with each respective slotted chamber area configured to receive the paddles in the horizontal position as the rotor rotates in the given rotation direction. |
| US09500088B2 |
Blade rim segment for a turbomachine and method for manufacture
The present invention relates to a blade rim segment for a turbomachine with at least one shroud band which extends along a segment of a circle and is connected in single-piece fashion with at least three blades, which extend radially from the shroud band and are configured to be hollow with at least one channel, wherein the blade rim segment is manufactured in a single piece by casting and directional solidification, and wherein at the outlet openings of the channels of the blades, the shroud band exhibits first reinforcement ribs that surround the opening and run axially, as well as at least one second reinforcement rib between at least the first reinforcement ribs, as well as a corresponding method for manufacturing a blade rim segment. |
| US09500085B2 |
Method for modifying gas turbine performance
A method for enhancing one or more performance parameters of a gas turbine having at least one row of clocked airfoils may generally include choosing a first, a second and a third row of airfoils where the third row is clocked relative to the first row. An unsteady computational fluid dynamics model may be used to determine at least one wake parameter of a working fluid flowing from the second row of the airfoils to the third row of the airfoils. At least one design parameter of the airfoils of the second row may be modified, and the unsteady computational fluid dynamics model may then be used to determine the effect of the airfoil design parameter modification on the at least one wake parameter. The effect on the wake parameter may be compared to a predetermined target range. |
| US09500084B2 |
Impeller
An impeller for increasing the pressure of a fluid circulating in an annular fluid path, the impeller comprising: a plurality of centrifugal compressor vanes circumferentially interspaced around the axis of the annular fluid path, the plurality of compressor vanes extending from an axially-oriented inlet to a radially-oriented outlet, and each having an inner edge and a free edge, the free edge of the plurality of compressor vanes coinciding with an outer limit of the annular fluid path, and a hub having a solid-of-revolution shape centered around an axis, the hub having an outer hub surface forming an inner limit to the annular fluid path and to which the inner edge of the plurality of centrifugal vanes is secured, the outer hub surface having a portion which leans forward, forming an axial recess therein. |
| US09500083B2 |
Apparatus and method to reduce wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface
An apparatus to reduce wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface, including a metal layer configured for insertion between a surface interface between a CMC component and a metal component. The surface interface of the metal layer is compliant relative to asperities of the surface interface of the CMC component. A coefficient of friction between the surface interface of the CMC component and the metal component is about 1.0 or less at an operating temperature between about 300° C. to about 325° C. and a limiting temperature of the metal component. |
| US09500082B2 |
Blade ring segment having an annular space delimiting surface having a wavy height profile
A method for machining a workpiece. An electrode is moved linearly in the direction of the workpiece to cause material to be removed from the workpiece, at least one end of a surface of the workpiece running obliquely to a guide edge of the electrode machining this surface. The electrode is moved at least partially with the electrode surface parallel to the surface, so that during the approach to the workpiece, areas of the workpiece having an irregular edge machined at a different intensity are formed, the difference in intensity of machining on the edge of the surface to be machined being compensated in that the surface to be machined is provided with a height profile adapted to the shape of the end of the surface to be machined. A blade ring segment and blade ring is also disclosed. |
| US09500080B2 |
Method of replacing damaged aerofoil
A method is provided of replacing a damaged blade of an integrally bladed rotor assembly including a disc and a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a rim of the disc. The method includes the steps of: removing the damaged blade to leave a blade repair stub projecting from the rim; locating sacrificial supports at the underside of the rim beneath the repair stub, the supports projecting axially beyond the trailing and leading edges of the rim; depositing metal around the trailing and leading edges of the repair stub, the deposited metal, supported by the sacrificial supports, projecting axially beyond the trailing and leading edges of the rim; attaching a replacement blade to the repair stub by linear friction welding; and removing excess deposited metal, upset metal from the linear friction welding, and the sacrificial supports. |
| US09500078B2 |
Segment roundness measuring device and segment roundness measuring method
A segment roundness measuring device including a correction means that corrects the positional deviation of the turning center of an erector turning portion resulting from eccentricity on the basis of an angle detected by an angle detector and distances measured by three or more distance meters arranged at angular positions different from each other in the erector turning portion. |
| US09500076B2 |
Injection testing a subterranean region
In some aspects, an injection rate of an injection test applied to a subterranean region is controlled. The injection test includes a series of injection periods and shut-in intervals. Each of the injection periods is followed by a respective one of the shut-in intervals. The subterranean region is monitored during the injection test. |
| US09500075B2 |
Measurement while drilling fluid pressure pulse generator
A coupling key for fixedly coupling a driveshaft to a rotating component of a measurement while drilling telemetry apparatus comprises a key body and at least one zero backlash ring. The key body has dimensions selected to fit within a keyhole of a driveshaft and a receptacle of a rotating component, with a gap that is large enough that the key body can be freely inserted into the keyhole and receptacle and small enough that the coupling body can couple the driveshaft to the rotating component in a rotational direction. The least one zero backlash ring extends around the key body and protrudes from surfaces of the key body and into the gap such that an interference fit is established between the coupling key, the keyhole, and the receptacle when the coupling key is coupling the driveshaft and rotating component together. |
| US09500067B2 |
System and method of improved fluid production from gaseous wells
A system and method are provided for improving hydrocarbon production from gaseous wells, and in particular improving hydrocarbon production using pumping systems employing artificial lifts. The pumping system of the well is controlled so as to cyclically decrease and increase gas pressure in the casing annulus, thus cyclically decreasing PBHP in response to the decrease in the casing annulus pressure and permitting the PBHP to increase in response to the increase in casing annulus pressure. Production of fluid from the reservoir is therefore increased during the cyclical decrease in casing annulus pressure, and production of fluid from the downhole pump is increased during the cyclical increase in casing annulus pressure. In addition, gas interference due to production of foam in the casing surrounding a downhole pump can be mitigated by forcing liquid from the foam during the period of increased casing annulus pressure. |
| US09500066B2 |
System and method for activating a down hole tool
One disclosed sleeve assembly disposed within a base pipe includes a first sleeve portion having a first shear resistance for resisting movement of the sleeve assembly with respect to the base pipe, and a second sleeve portion moveable with respect the first sleeve portion and having a second shear resistance for resisting movement of the second sleeve portion with respect to the first sleeve portion, the second shear resistance being greater than the first shear resistance. |
| US09500064B2 |
Flow bypass device and method
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for re-directing fluid flow from the interior of tubing placed in a well to the exterior of the tubing by use of selectively actuatable valves operable by engagement of a plug on a plug seat. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed may provide a flowback bypass for the flow of fluids around obstructions in the tubing when those obstructions occur at a predicted location within the tubing. The systems, devices and methods may also include a locking system operable by, among other things, plug and plug seat valves, and such locking system may be used to prevent opening of the flowback bypass until after a predetermined event has occurred. |
| US09500063B2 |
Hydraulic cycle opening sleeve
According to one aspect of the disclosure, a hydraulic cycle opening sleeve includes a valve assembly and an opening assembly. The valve assembly includes at least one valve chamber and valve piston positioned to move in response to fluid pressure. The opening assembly includes a sliding piston to selectively open or close the hydraulic cycle opening sleeve. |
| US09500055B2 |
Resettable selective locking device
A collet system is disabled from gaining profile support when moved between profiles that will be used ultimately to support an inner string at a desired plurality of locations. It is when the collet reaches a desired location that it is unlocked by virtue of inner string movement so that a profile on the outer assembly is engaged by a sleeve to induce relative rotation of the sleeve with respect to the mandrel that supports the sleeve. The relative rotation moves a tab into alignment with a slot to permit relative axial movement between the mandrel and the tool so that the tool can function as intended. The sleeve is engaged by another profile for further relative rotation to misalign the tab and the slot to lock the tool. The tool is preferably a support collet for a crossover in a multi-zone gravel pack. |
| US09500053B2 |
Drilling system and method of operating a drilling system
A drilling system including a riser, a pressure vessel, a source of pressurized gas, and a main flow line which extends from the riser to the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel having a liquid inlet port connected to the main flow line, a gas inlet port connected to the source of pressurized gas, a liquid outlet port located in a lowermost portion of the pressure vessel, and a gas outlet port located in an uppermost portion of the pressure vessel. |
| US09500051B2 |
Method and apparatus for drilling and completion fluid separation
A method and apparatus for separating drilling or completion fluids is described. The apparatus may include a fluid container that is operable to at least temporarily contain a drilling or completion fluid. The fluid container may have an inlet port and at least one outlet port. The apparatus may further include an excitation element. The excitation element may be operable to impart a pre-determined vibratory force on the drilling or completion fluid within the fluid container. |
| US09500049B1 |
Grip and vertical stab apparatus and method
A tubular handling apparatus has a main rotating structural member pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, an arm interconnected to the main rotating structural member, and a gripper mechanism affixed to an end of the arm opposite the main rotating structural member. The gripper mechanism has a stab frame, a first gripper translatably attached to a side of the stab frame, and a second gripper translatably attached to the side of the stab frame below the first gripper. A connection bar is connected to the first and second grippers so as to translate the grippers for a substantially identical distance. A translating mechanism translates the grippers along the side of the stab frame. |
| US09500048B2 |
Drilling machine with carousel-type drill stem and shroud tube loader
A drilling machine, particularly for use in non-rocky terrain, includes a machine body with a mast equipped with one or more rotary operating heads having chucks coupled thereto for the downward rotation of drill stem modules and/or shroud tube modules, and a carousel loader of the drill stem modules. Each of the drill stem modules is inserted in a shroud tube module and is carried on a sliding platform. The drilling machine further includes a loader having a plurality of rods, forks, sockets, or seats, suitable for inducing a forward transfer of the shroud tube modules and corresponding drill stem modules in a substantially vertical position. |
| US09500046B2 |
System for conveying fluid from an offshore well
The riser system of the present invention includes an external production riser for floating structures with interfaces to the dry and subsea wellheads, internal tieback riser with a special lower overshot/slipping connector for elevated temperatures. The seals can be metallic and/or non-metallic dynamic seals. Special centralizing pipe connectors and a special subsea wellhead tubing hanger are also included. This riser system avoids the penalty of pipe within pipe differential thermal growth and the resulting unwanted effects on the floating structure. This is accomplished by allowing an overshot sealing slipping connector to swallow an expanding polished rod as thermal conditions cause pipe elongation axially. When elevated temperatures fall to ambient the opposite occurs as the pipe shrinks axially. Alternatively, a system is possible where a two pipe drilling riser is needed. The internal pipe in this case would be an inner riser rather than a tubing string. |
| US09500038B2 |
Auger bit with replaceable cutting bit
An auger bit includes an elongated shaft, a cutting bit, a feed screw, and a locking fastener. The shaft includes a flute extending in a helical manner with respect to a longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft further includes a first slot and a second slot. The first slot extends parallel to the longitudinal axis proximate the first end and is aligned with the axis. The cutting bit is removably received in the second slot and includes a first edge. The feed screw includes a shank and a threaded portion. The shank is removably received in the first slot. The feed screw engages the cutting bit to secure the cutting bit relative to the shaft. The locking fastener is coupled to the shaft and engages the shank of the feed screw to secure the feed screw relative to the shaft. |
| US09500034B2 |
Bottom hole assembly with wearable stabilizer pad for directional steering
A wearable stabilizer pad and method of directionally drilling a wellbore is disclosed. The wearable stabilizer pad is mounted on a component of a bottom hole assembly. The component of the bottom hole assembly is rotated in the wellbore thereby wearing the stabilizer at a predetermined wear rate by contacting the wellbore wall. Wearing of the stabilizer at the predetermined wear rate as it rotates and contacts the wellbore wall steers the bottom hole assembly in a curve portion of the wellbore. |
| US09500033B2 |
High load universal joint for downhole rotary steerable drilling tool
A technique facilitates downhole drilling applications by providing a universal joint. The universal joint has a high load carrying capability presented in a compact and simple configuration. The high load carrying capability is achieved by techniques employing unique load transfer mechanisms. For example, higher load capability may be provided by a load sharing principal in which torque loads are jointly transmitted through universal joint pins and the side faces of a universal joint cross. The higher load capability also may be achieved by transferring loads through a monolithic cross having integral pins and a split yoke/clevis assembly. In another embodiment, higher load capability results from using universal joint pins inserted from the inside of the universal joint and screwed outwardly until full engagement with the joint yokes is achieved. Each of the universal joint embodiments also may be designed to enable pressure-sealed flow of drilling mud through the joint. |
| US09500032B2 |
Transmitter housing and method for measuring a fluid pressure
A transmitter housing for a drilling device having a drilling fluid feed line comprises a collector space formed in the interior of the transmitter housing for accommodating a pressure sensor of a locating probe. |
| US09500031B2 |
Rotary steerable drilling apparatus
A rotary steering apparatus for a drill string in which a bending section induces a bend in a portion of the bottom hole assembly of the drill string by using the rotation of the drive shaft that drives the drill bit during normal drilling, while operating at a reduced or zero drilling mud flow rate, to drive a reduction gear that rotates a nut or cam so as to place a tension tube into tension. The tension tube abuts a flexible housing and places the flexible housing in compression. The flexible housing has a local weakening formed in it that causes it to preferentially bend in a predetermined direction. Compression in the flexible housing causes the housing to bend, which bends a portion of the bottom hole assembly so as to alter the direction of drilling. Rotation of the drive shaft at reduced or zero mud flow rate also causes the drive shaft to drive rotation of a second reduction gear the output of which rotates the bent portion of the bottom hole assembly thereby altering its tool face angle. |
| US09500030B2 |
Rock drilling apparatus and method for controlling the orientation of the feed beam
A rock drilling apparatus and method for controlling the orientation of a feed beam of a rock drilling apparatus including a carrier, a drilling boom attached at a first end to the carrier, a feed beam attached turnably to a second end of the drilling boom, a drilling unit attached movably along the feed beam, and a support attached to the feed beam for supporting the drilling boom on the ground. The orientation of the boom and feed beam are adjusted to compensate for the orientation change caused by driving the support onto the ground. |
| US09500026B2 |
Folding and self-erecting ladder
A folding, self-erecting ladder for use in the marine environment comprises two rigid side rails with holes for holding rungs. Bungee cord is thread through the rungs and rails to tension the rails toward each other top hold the rungs in the rail holes. The ladder can be folded by pulling the rails apart, allowing the rungs to leave the rail holes, and moving the rails closer to each other, trapping the rungs therebetween, and binding the folded ladder to hold it in the folded position. |
| US09500022B1 |
Slide safe apparatus and method
A slide safe apparatus having a safe encasement and a sliding, retractable door, the slide safe including: a motor positioned within the safe encasement, the motor mechanically connected to a lead screw having an axial rotational axis and driving a coupling; a linkage positioned within the safe encasement, the linkage having a first end mechanically connected to the coupling and a second end mechanically connected to the retractable door; and a control panel configured to command motor operation and to alternately open and close the retractable door, wherein the lead screw passes through at least part of the linkage. |
| US09500020B2 |
Window opening-closing control system and window opening-closing control apparatus
If closing operation to the passenger's seat sub switch continues for not less than a prescribed time period Tb, a passenger's seat relay contact on a close side is turned ON. If the closing operation to the passenger's seat sub switch thereafter ends before a prescribed time period Tc elapses, the passenger's seat relay contact on the close side is kept ON. If opening operation to the passenger's seat sub switch continues for not less than the prescribed time period Tb, a passenger's seat relay contact on an open side is turned ON. If the opening operation to the passenger's seat sub switch thereafter ends before the prescribed time period Tc elapses, the passenger's seat relay contact on the open side is kept ON. The invention is applicable to an automatic window system and the like. |
| US09500019B2 |
Method for operating a system with foldable elements and system with foldable elements
The method serves for operating a system with a foldable element that is provided with a control unit including at least two foldable elements, that are connected each via connecting shafts to related carriages, which are slidably supported in a running rail and of which at least the carriage connected to the front-sided foldable element is provided with a drive motor, the method including the step of executing a learning drive, with which the system with foldable elements is transferred from at least a first into a second position and related information is captured. According to the invention at least at the front-sided carriage data of the acting load and related position data are captured and therefrom status data of the installed system with foldable elements are determined and provided to an operating program, that controls the at least one drive motor depending on to the determined status data. |
| US09500013B2 |
Hinge assembly for a computing device
Examples disclosed herein provide a hinge assembly for a computing device. The hinge assembly includes a first barrel coupled to a second barrel. The first barrel has a first groove that extends circumferentially and longitudinally along at least a length of the first barrel, and the second barrel has a second groove that extends circumferentially and longitudinally along at least a length of the second barrel. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge pivot shaft that rotates about a first axis via the first barrel, and the first shaft includes a first guide pin to follow the first groove along the first barrel. The hinge assembly includes a second hinge pivot shaft that rotates about a second axis via the second barrel, and the second shaft includes a second guide pin to follow the second groove along the second barrel. The hinge assembly includes a bracket that aligns a point along a length of the first shaft with a point along a length of the second shaft. |
| US09500007B2 |
Lock assembly
A lock assembly (20) including a lock bolt (28), a first hub (36), a first electrically powered hub locker assembly (64 to 72) and a first remotely controllable, electrically powered setting mechanism (86 to 112). The lock bolt (28) is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. The first hub (36) is adapted to move the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to, or movement of, a first handle. The first electrically powered hub locker assembly (64, 66, 68) is settable to operate as fail safe or fail secure. The first remotely controllable, electrically powered setting mechanism (86 to 112) is adapted to set the first electrically powered hub locker assembly (64 to 72) to operate as fail safe in response to a remotely supplied fail safe signal or to operate as fail secure in response to a remotely supplied fail secure signal. |
| US09500003B1 |
Protector for side mounted vehicle door lock
The lock assembly includes a handle and a rod mounted for movement relative to the vehicle door which is movable between a first position wherein the door cannot be opened and a second position wherein the door can be opened. A mechanical linkage, including a bracket and pivot pin, connects the handle and the rod such that the rod moves between the first position and the second position as the handle is moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. The protector includes a rigid member adapted to cover the mechanical linkage and a collar for mounting the cover member on the handle. The cover member extends from the collar wall and includes a section adapted to align with the mechanical linkage which extends in a plane substantially parallel to but offset from the plane of the collar wall to accommodate the increased width of the mechanical linkage. |
| US09499993B1 |
Deck pedestal
A support pedestal for adjustably supporting a building surface component above a fixed surface and including a base member having a base plate that is configured to be placed upon a surface, a support member having a support plate that is configured to support at least one building surface component, and an adjustment apparatus interconnecting the base member and the support member that facilitates adjustment of each of the base member and support member relative to the other of the base member and the support member in numerous manners. The adjustment apparatus includes a first connector receivable in a first receiver attached to and extending away from one of the base plate or support plate, a second connector attachable to the other of the base plate or support plate, and a shaft threadably interconnecting the base and support connectors. |
| US09499992B2 |
Precision height adjustable flooring substrate support sytem
A precision height and slope adjustable flooring substrate system for providing a truly planar array of fiber reinforced polymer structural panels so as to form a lightweight deck surface for the attachment of a surfacing material, such as a quarried stone, tile, concrete paver of the like to the top of the panel, providing a water proof stone deck surface that maintains the integrity of the underlying deck structure and can be precisely leveled without requiring substantial structural support. The system utilizes various interconnected plates, spacers, adapters and stanchions to achieve the correct height and slope compensation to achieve a truly horizontal, planar deck for the structural panel. With the use of specialized adapters on plate members, they can be attached above or below dimensional lumber to allow for the attachment to a framed open deck or to install a framed open deck above a planar deck. |
| US09499988B2 |
Shingle inserts and method for eliminating and preventing growth of algae, moss, or lichens on a roof
A shingle insert and method for eliminating and preventing growths on a shingled roof in which copper strips forming the inserts are installed with an upper edge disposed beneath a course of shingles with the remaining portions of the insert exposed. The insert strips have a confined space defined beneath a stiffening lengthwise extending arched hump formed in the exposed copper strip portions which has an array of elongated indentations formed therein with slits therein to allow slow drainage of water impounded by the arched hump through the inserts may contain a growth toxic material, in solid or granular form which releases a substance toxic to the growths when rainwater runoff passes into the confined space and over the material and thereafter flows out down the roof. |
| US09499984B2 |
Method for fabricating six-sided concrete modules
A method to create a precast concrete module includes: pouring the foundation; placing a welded wire mesh reinforced polystyrene panel into a wet mix; allowing the mix to partially set up, and pouring the top of the slab; installing wall and roof panels and mechanically attaching them with welded wire mesh; installing electrical and plumbing prior to placing concrete forms; placing the forms and pouring concrete mix into the forms; and wrecking the forms and finishing out the module. |
| US09499983B2 |
Truss and column structures incorporating natural round timbers and natural branched round timbers
Trusses comprising natural round timbers as top and bottom cords are provided. Also provided are truss and column assemblies comprising natural branched round timber columns connected to a truss. |
| US09499976B2 |
Method of perforating a foam structure and an acoustic foam structure
A method of producing a composite foam structure (60) comprising the steps of: perforating at least two foam structures by a method of perforating a foam structure (10) comprising the steps of: perforating the foam structure so as to form at least one first channel (1) that extends fully through the foam structure; and perforating the foam structure so as to form at least one second channel (2) that extends only partly through the foam structure; and laminating a perforated surface of one of the at least two foam structures to a perforated surface of another of the at least two foam structures. |
| US09499973B2 |
Ecological building and insulation structural body thereof and method for assembling insulation structural body
The present invention discloses an ecological building which employs an insulation layer filed with an insulation chip made of at least one selected from a group of conifer leaves, rice straws, wheat straws, paper, and a processed product thereof instead of using a conventional inorganic insulation material like a petrochemical foam or mineral wool, and achieves an improvement in both charging and discharging of the insulation chip to be recycled, and an insulation structural body for the building, and a method for assembling the insulation structural body. The insulation structural body is characterized by including: a support member consisting of a plurality of pillar members each having an outer and an inner vertical pillar separated from each other with a given interval by means of a plurality of horizontal ribs alternately arranged on both sides thereof; outer panels joined to the outer vertical pillars of the pillar members of the support member so as to form the outside; inner panels joined to the inner vertical pillars of the pillar members of the support member so as to form the inside; insulation chips filling the space between the outer and the inner panel and the space between the outer and the inner vertical pillar; a discharging plate connected to a discharging opening formed in at least one of the outer panels so as to be opened and closed; and a charging plate connected to a charging opening formed in at least one of the inner panels so as to be opened and closed. |
| US09499971B2 |
High thermal resistance and permeance insulation material
A low-emittance material having improved energy efficiency protection against air infiltration and moisture build-up in buildings is disclosed. The aforementioned low-emittance material utilizes existing framing openings or without increasing the wall profile of a building. The present invention provides a low-emittance material which may be implemented on traditional 2×4 framing having R-15 mass insulation material within existing or newly constructed framing cavities. The material of the present invention also meets requirements for serving as a water resistive barrier as defined by ICC AC38. |
| US09499970B2 |
Method and apparatus for building a structure
A shelter assembly has a frame having a plurality of fillable support members, each having a hollow portion for receiving a filling material. The support members are configured to form a structure wherein the support members form walls of the structure. The shelter assembly has a plurality of columns which form corner posts of a structure and a plurality of walls which are removably attached to a pair of adjacent columns. The walls have support members to which at least one panel is attached. The support members are secured to a pair of adjacent columns via fasteners. An upper portion forms a roof of the structure wherein the columns are attached to coupling members of the upper portion. |
| US09499967B2 |
Air suction spray nozzle
An air suction spray nozzle includes a spray pipe and a nozzle component. A spray pole at the end of the spray pipe is inserted to the nozzle component. The nozzle component includes a spray nozzle housing, a spray nozzle set and a rectifying core. One end of the spray nozzle housing is disposed with an open window. The spray nozzle housing is disposed with flushing holes at the area of the open window. The rectifying core is disposed between the spray pole and the flushing holes. The spray nozzle set is locked and assembled to the open window. Water sprays out of the outlet hole of the rectifying core from the spray pole, and then sprays out of the flushing holes. A vent cavity is disposed between the outlet hole and the flushing holes and is connected to the air through the clearance of the spray nozzle housing and the rectifying core and then through the open window. |
| US09499966B2 |
Internally vented toilet with dedicated exhaust system
This invention pertains to an internally exhausted toilet bowl which employs basic principles of fluid flow to provide reliable, more efficient, and more effective removal of noxious toilet odors while reducing energy consumption when compared to current art. This is accomplished during all conditions of normal operation. In case of toilet overflow or condensate buildup, the impact on the vent exhaust path from these upset conditions can be resolved easily, and normal operation can be restored without damage to any components. Additionally, this invention includes maintenance features that would provide means for back flushing the annulus vent line and orifices if clogging ever were to occur. |
| US09499958B2 |
Replaceable wear member and replaceable wear member system
A wear member of a mechanically attached wear plate system having a mounting base for attachment to a wear surface and a retainer member adapted to retain the wear member in an engaged position on the mounting base. The wear member is coupled to the mounting base by a rotary movement to engage an engagement surface of a dovetail flange extending from a wear member mounting side with a mounting base engagement surface. Abutment surfaces of the wear member and mounting base are disposed abutting opposite sides of the retainer member positioned in the retainer opening of the mounting base. |
| US09499954B2 |
Tower support structure
A foundation for a tower, the foundation including a main pedestal support structured to engage to a base of the tower. A floor structure surrounds and is secured to the main pedestal support. A wall structure surrounds the floor structure proximate a perimeter thereof, secured to the perimeter of the floor structure and extending upwardly from the floor structure. The main pedestal support is located generally centrally in the floor structure. |
| US09499951B2 |
Self-drilling rock bolt assembly and method of installation
A self-drilling rock bolt assembly (1) including a drill head mechanism (100) and a fluid delivery system (300) operatively associated with each other and adapted in use to secure a self-drilling rock bolt (200) into a strata (2). The rock bolt (200) having a shaft (210) having a cutting end (220) and a driving end (230). The drill head mechanism (100) having a bolt coupling portion (130) to releasably engage with the driving end (230) of the rock bolt (200). Wherein rotation of the bolt coupling portion (130) rotates the rock bolt. A central hollow portion (111) provides access to a fluid connection port (232) of the rock bolt and a nut coupling portion (120) releasably engages with a nut element (250) located on the shaft of the rock bolt. Wherein rotation of the nut coupling portion rotates the nut element. The fluid delivery system (300) has an injection nozzle (320) in communication with one or more sources of fluid for delivering measured quantities of one or more fluids to a predetermined location about said assembly. Each source of fluid including a reservoir (310, 311, 312) in fluid communication with a pump (313, 314, 315). The pump being in fluid communication with the injection nozzle so that said fluid from said reservoir is adapted to be pumped to said predetermined location. Whereby in use said drill head mechanism drives the rock bolt into the strata by rotating in a drilling direction the rock bolt and nut element at the same rate such that the nut element remains in the same position relative to the shaft of the rock bolt. |
| US09499950B1 |
Revetment block mat with linear sides
Positive interlocking revetment blocks adapted for providing a matrix having one or more linear borders. Disclosed are border blocks that each have one side without an interlocking arm or socket, thus providing part of a linear side of the matrix. Disclosed also are corner blocks that each have two sides without an interlocking arm or socket, thus providing part of linear sides to the matrix. Interior interlocking blocks are constructed for interlocking with the border blocks and the corner blocks, and with each other to form a matrix that has one or more linear sides. Also disclosed is a universal mold having removable arm members and socket members that can be configured to fabricate the border blocks, the corner blocks and the interior blocks. |
| US09499947B2 |
Drive system, in particular for a self-propelled construction machine, especially a soil compactor
A drive system, in particular for a self-propelled construction machine, especially a soil compactor, comprising a drive unit, at least one hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic pump drivable by the drive unit, as well as a hydraulic drive support unit with a hydraulic pump/motor assembly and at least one compressed fluid reservoir, wherein the hydraulic pump/motor assembly is, or can be, drivingly coupled to the drive unit and/or to at least one hydraulic circuit, wherein the hydraulic pump/motor assembly can be operated in a charging operating mode as a pump by means of the drive unit and/or by means of at least one hydraulic circuit for charging at least one compressed fluid reservoir, and which is drivable in a drive support state as a motor to provide a drive support torque for the hydraulic pump of at least one hydraulic circuit, is characterized in that a maximum drive torque provided by the drive unit is smaller than a maximum request torque to be applied for operating at least one hydraulic circuit. |
| US09499946B2 |
Method of sealing between adjacent components of a load-supporting surface with at least one closed-cell compressible rubber seal
Method of sealing the gap between adjacent mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes placing an elongated closed-cell compressible sponge rubber seal member along the edge of the first side of a first mat. The third side of a second mat is positioned adjacent to the first side of the first mat, wherein the main body of the seal member is sandwiched between the respective aligned edges of the adjacent mats. At least one locking pin hole of the second mat is aligned over a locking pin hole of the first mat and a locking pin is secured therein. |
| US09499944B2 |
Wet strength treated paper and paperboard
A process for improving the wet strength of paper or paperboard is disclosed, and compositions, methods, and products related to improved wet strength paper or paperboard are provided. The process includes, for example, contacting at least one side of the paper or paperboard with water or an aqueous composition to wet the paper or paperboard, contacting the wet paper or paperboard with a wet strength resin composition followed by drying the paper or paperboard. The resulted treated or coated paper or paperboard has comparable wet strength properties to that of paper or paperboard containing wet strength resin from a conventional wet end application. |
| US09499941B2 |
High strength macroalgae pulps
Novel pulps comprising conventional papermaking and macroalgae fibers are provided. By combining conventional papermaking fibers with never-dried macroalgae fibers, rather than dried macroalgae fibers, the disclosure provides pulp sheets having improved characteristics such as tensile and burst strength, with minimal deterioration in freeness. |
| US09499939B2 |
Equipment protecting enclosures
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, in a vault in which the equipment is protected from radiation and hazardous gases by equipment enclosures. The equipment enclosures may be purged with gas. |
| US09499937B2 |
Heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling fabrics and methods of making and using the same
A method for labeling fabrics, such as fabric garments, and a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in said method. In one embodiment, the heat-transfer label comprises (i) a support portion, the support portion comprising a carrier and a release layer; (ii) a wax layer, the wax layer overcoating the release layer; and (iii) a transfer portion, the transfer portion comprising an adhesive layer printed onto the wax layer and an ink design layer printed onto the adhesive layer. Preferably, at least a portion of the ink design layer is printed using a variable printing technique, such as thermal transfer printing. |
| US09499934B2 |
Laundry treating appliances and methods of controlling the same to determine an end of-cycle condition
Laundry treating appliances and methods of controlling the same to determine an end-of-cycle condition are disclosed. An example method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment, and a heated air system having a supply conduit coupled to the treating chamber and an exhaust conduit coupled to the treating chamber includes supplying heated air to the treating chamber via the supply conduit, exhausting air from the treating chamber via the exhaust conduit, repeatedly determining exhaust air temperatures of the air exhausted from the exhaust conduit, determining a windowed derivative of the exhaust air temperature values, determining a zero crossing of the windowed derivative, and initiating the termination of the supplying of heated air in response to the determination of the zero crossing. |
| US09499932B2 |
Detergent drawer
According to one aspect a detergent drawer for a washing machine is disclosed, the detergent drawer comprising a linear guiding, a first holder for a detergent container, a second holder for a front plate and a front plate arranged at the second holder, wherein the linear guiding provides a displacement of a movable portion of the detergent drawer relatively to the washing machine and at least approximately perpendicular to an operating panel of the washing machine in a direction of motion, wherein the detergent drawer has a driving mechanism configured to automatically open the detergent drawer using a mechanically generated force when a user applies a pushing force to the front plate and then releases the front plate. |
| US09499929B2 |
High-loft nonwoven including stabilizer or binder
The present invention is directed to a high-loft nonwoven including a binder or stabilizer including a polyurethaneurea composition that provides flexibility and compression recovery to the nonwoven structure. Included is a polyurethaneurea dispersion as a stabilizer or binder for the short-length fibers which create the high-loft nonwoven structure. The invention is useful as an improved alternative for such things as polyurethane foam in applications such as bra cups. |
| US09499928B2 |
Polyester fiber suitable for air bag and method for producing the polyester fiber
A polyester fiber suitable for an airbag fabric has an elongation of 0.8 to 2.0% under a tensile strength of 1.0 g/d at the room temperature, and an additional elongation of 1.5 to 5% under a tensile strength of 8.8 g/d to the maximum. The polyester fiber secures low initial Young's modulus and good mechanical properties and can be used in an airbag fabric not only to provide excellences in air sealing effect as well as packing property and dimensional stability but also to minimize collision impacts on occupants, thereby protecting the occupants with safety. |
| US09499925B2 |
Group III nitride crystal substrate, epilayer-containing group III nitride crystal substrate, semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A group III nitride crystal substrate is provided in which a uniform distortion at a surface layer of the crystal substrate represented by a value of |d1−d2|/d2 obtained from a plane spacing d1 at the X-ray penetration depth of 0.3 μm and a plane spacing d2 at the X-ray penetration depth of 5 μm is equal to or lower than 1.9×10−3, and the main surface has a plane orientation inclined in the <10-10> direction at an angle equal to or greater than 10° and equal to or smaller than 80° with respect to one of (0001) and (000-1) planes of the crystal substrate. A group III nitride crystal substrate suitable for manufacturing a light emitting device with a blue shift of an emission suppressed, an epilayer-containing group III nitride crystal substrate, a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same can thereby be provided. |
| US09499923B2 |
Method for the preparation of doped garnet structure single crystals with diameters of up to 500 mm
Preparation of lutetium and yttrium aluminate single crystals doped with rare earth oxides and transition elements consists in the preparation of oxide mixture sinter which is melted throughout and homogenized for a period of at least one hour. The crystal growth rate and broadening of the crystal cone are maintained uniform at an angle of at least 60° from the crystal axis up to a diameter of at least 80% of the crucible diameter which is at least 100 mm. The completion of the process occurs by separating the crystal from the melt while the crystal continues to be positioned inside the crucible in the zone wherein it was grown, and wherein final tempering of the crystal also takes place. |
| US09499920B2 |
Methods for producing rectangular seeds for ingot growth
A method of producing rectangular seeds for use in semiconductor or solar material manufacturing includes connecting an adhesive layer to a top surface of a template, the template including a plurality of parallel slots, and drawing alignment lines on the adhesive layer, the alignment lines aligned with at least some of the parallel slots. The method also includes connecting quarter sections to the adhesive layer such that an interface between a rectangular seed portion and a curved wing portion of each quarter section is aligned with at least one of the alignment lines drawn on the adhesive layer, and slicing each of the quarter sections to separate the rectangular seed portions from the curved wing portions. |
| US09499919B2 |
Electrolyte solution and electrochemical surface modification methods
An aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 982 g/L and an effective concentration of ammonium bifluoride (ABF), and being substantially free of a strong acid. Methods of treating the surface of a non-ferrous metal workpiece include exposing the surface to a bath of an aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid less than or equal to about 300 g/L and a concentration of ammonium bifluoride greater than or equal to about 10 g/L, and having no more than about 3.35 g/L of a strong acid, controlling the temperature of the bath to be greater than or equal to about 54° C., connecting the workpiece to the anode of a DC power supply and immersing a cathode of the DC power supply in the bath, and applying a current across the bath. |
| US09499917B2 |
Non-Faradaic electrochemical promotion of catalytic methane reforming for methanol production
A method of converting methane to methanol at low temperatures utilizes a reactor including an anode, a cathode, a membrane separator between the anode and cathode, a metal oxide catalyst at the anode and a hydrogen recovery catalyst at the cathode. The method can convert methane to methanol at as rate exceeding the theoretical Faradaic rate due to the contribution of an electrochemical reaction occurring in tandem with a Faradaic reaction. |
| US09499916B2 |
Molecular molybdenum persulfide and related catalysts for generating hydrogen from water
New metal persulfido compositions of matter are described. In one embodiment the metal is molybdenum and the metal persulfido complex mimics the structure and function of the triangular active edge site fragments of MoS2, a material that is the current industry standard for petroleum hydro desulfurization, as well as a promising low-cost alternative to platinum for electrocatalytic hydrogen production. This molecular [(PY5W2)MoS2]x+ containing catalyst is capable of generating hydrogen from acidic-buffered water or even seawater at very low overpotentials at a turnover frequency rate in excess of 500 moles H2 per mole catalyst per second, with a turnover number (over a 20 hour period) of at least 19,000,000 moles H2 per mole of catalyst. |
| US09499912B2 |
Copolymers of diglycidyl ether terminated polysiloxane compounds and non-aromatic polyamines
Copolymers of diglycidyl ether terminated polysiloxane compounds and non-aromatic polyamines are used in the preparation of dielectric materials for electroless metal plating. The copolymers may be used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards such as in cleaning and conditioning through-holes prior to electroless metallization. |
| US09499908B2 |
Atomic layer deposition apparatus
A thin film deposition system for depositing a thin film on a moveable substrate using atmospheric pressure atomic-layer deposition includes a chamber and a moveable substrate having a levitation stabilizing structure located on the moveable substrate that defines an enclosed interior impingement area of the moveable substrate. A stationary support, located in the chamber, supports the moveable substrate. The stationary support extends beyond the enclosed interior impingement area. A pressurized-fluid source provides a fluid flow through the stationary support that impinges on the moveable substrate within the enclosed interior impingement area of the moveable substrate sufficient to levitate the moveable substrate and expose the moveable substrate to the fluid while restricting the lateral motion of the moveable substrate with the levitation stabilizing structure. |
| US09499905B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the deposition of materials on a substrate
Methods and apparatus for deposition of materials on substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a process chamber having a substrate support; a heating system to provide heat energy to the substrate support; a gas inlet port disposed to a first side of the substrate support to provide at least one of a first process gas or a second process gas across a processing surface of the substrate; a first gas distribution conduit disposed above the substrate support and having one or more first outlets disposed along the length of the first gas distribution conduit to provide a third process gas to the processing surface of the substrate, wherein the one or more first outlets are substantially linearly arranged; and an exhaust manifold disposed to a second side of the substrate support opposite the gas inlet port to exhaust the process gases from the process chamber. |
| US09499904B2 |
Method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes
The disclosed method of manufacturing carbon nanotubes includes the steps of growing CNTs on a substrate 12 and cleaning the inside of a growth furnace 13 by supplying a cleaning gas that contains water into the growth furnace 13. In the cleaning step, the cleaning is performed such that 0.7≦(2[CO2]+[CO])/[H2]≦1.3 is satisfied, where [H2], [CO2], and [CO] denote the concentrations of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, respectively, in a gas within the growth furnace 13. |
| US09499900B2 |
Ion milling device
The present invention advantageously provides an ion milling device that can set a high-precision processing area with a simple structure. The ion milling device includes a sample holder that holds a sample and a mask partially restricting irradiation of the sample with an ion beam. The sample holder includes a first contact surface that contacts an end surface of the sample located on a passing orbit side of the ion beam, and a second contact surface that contacts an end surface of the mask so that the mask is located at a position spaced apart from the ion beam more than the first contact surface. |
| US09499895B2 |
Reactive materials and thermal spray methods of making same
The present invention relates to reactive materials formed by thermal spray techniques. The thermally sprayed reactive materials have low porosity and high structural integrity. The reactive materials are useful for applications such as shaped charges, thermite welding, near net shaped components and the like. |
| US09499893B2 |
Method of processing titanium
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing titanium-alloy articles that includes, before machining, heat treating a slug of titanium-alloy at a temperature sufficient to form a layer of alpha case on the surface of the slug of titanium-alloy, then, after heat treating, machining the slug of titanium-alloy to form a finished part while removing material from all surfaces of the slug of titanium-alloy.Also disclosed is an article of manufacture made with the described method. |
| US09499891B2 |
Zirconium-based alloy metallic glass and method for forming a zirconium-based alloy metallic glass
A class of alloys is provided that form metallic glass upon cooling below the glass transition temperature Tg at a rate below 100° K/sec. The alloys have a high value of temperature difference (DT) between the crystallization temperature (Tx) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the intermetallic alloy. Such alloys comprise zirconium in the range of 70 to 80 weight percent, beryllium in the range of 0.8 to 5 weight percent, copper in the range of 1 to 15 weight percent, nickel in the range of 1 to 15 weight percent, aluminum in the range of 1 to 5 weight percent and niobium in the range of 0.5 to 3 weight percent, or narrower ranges depending on other alloying elements and the critical cooling rate and value of DT desired. Furthermore, methods are provided for making such metallic glasses. |
| US09499890B1 |
High-strength, high-toughness steel articles for ballistic and cryogenic applications, and method of making thereof
According to exemplary practice of the present invention, a steel composition includes, by weight, 0.07 to 0.15% C, 9 to 11% Ni, 0.8 to 1.2% Mo, 0.05 to 0.10% V, and further includes additives and/or impurities, with the balance being Fe. An iron alloy having such composition is produced and then undergoes heat treatment that includes quenching, lamellarization according to a 30 minute holding duration and a temperature span of 625° C. to 665° C., and tempering according to a 60 minute holding duration and a temperature span of 575° C. to 605° C. Exemplary embodiments of the inventive steel afford superior material properties including yield strength of at least 129 ksi, tensile strength of at least 157 ksi, elongation of at least 23%, and Charpy impact energy of at least 112 foot-pounds at −120° F. |
| US09499889B2 |
Stainless steel alloys, turbocharger turbine housings formed from the stainless steel alloys, and methods for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is an ferritic stainless steel alloy that includes, by weight, about 20% to about 22% chromium, about 0% to about 0.5% nickel, about 0.5% to about 1.0% manganese, about 1.0% to about 2.5% silicon, about 1.5% to about 2.2% tungsten, about 1.3% to about 1.8% niobium, about 0.35% to about 0.45% carbon, and a balance of iron. The alloy is suitable for use in turbocharger turbine housing applications for temperature up to about 1050° C. |
| US09499885B2 |
Cu—Si—Co alloy for electronic materials, and method for producing same
A Cu—Co—Si alloy having an improved balance between electrical conductivity and strength is provided. Disclosed is a copper alloy for electronic materials, which contains 0.5% to 4.0% by mass of Co and 0.1% to 1.2% by mass of Si, with the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities, and in which the mass % ratio of Co and Si (Co/Si) is 3.5≦Co/Si≦5.5, an area ratio of discontinuous precipitation (DP) cells is 5% or less, and an average value of a maximum width of discontinuous precipitation (DP) cells is 2 μm or less. |
| US09499884B2 |
Cermet
A titanium based carbonitride alloy containing Ti, Nb, Ta, W, C, N and Co, contains: Co 7 to 21 wt % W 14 to 20 wt % Ta 5 to 11 wt % Nb 2 to 7 wt % and, Ti 33 to 50 wt % whereby the overall N/C weight ratio is 0.6 to 0.75, the Ta/Nb weight ratio 1.8 to 2.1, the relative saturation magnetization 0.60 to 0.90 and the magnetic coercivity Hc=(18.2−0.2*Co wt %) +/− E kA/m, where E is 2.0. A method of making the alloy is also described. |
| US09499880B2 |
System and process for production of magnesium metal and magnesium hydride from magnesium-containing salts and brines
A system and process are disclosed for production of consolidated magnesium metal products and alloys with selected densities from magnesium-containing salts and feedstocks. The system and process employ a dialkyl magnesium compound that decomposes to produce the Mg metal product. Energy requirements and production costs are lower than for conventional processing. |
| US09499877B2 |
Method for producing high-purity calcium
The present invention provides a method for producing high-purity calcium, the method being characterized by the following: performing first sublimation purification by introducing calcium starting material having a purity, excluding the gas components, of 4N or less into a crucible of a sublimation vessel, subjecting the starting material to sublimation by heating at 750° C. to 800° C., and causing the product to deposit (evaporate) onto the inside walls of the sublimation vessel; and then, once the calcium that has been subjected to first sublimation purification is recovered, performing second sublimation purification by introducing the recovered calcium again to the crucible to the sublimation vessel, heating the recovered calcium at 750° C. to 800° C., and causing the product to similarly deposit (evaporate) on the inside walls of the sublimation vessel thereby recovering calcium having a purity of 4N5 or higher It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology with which calcium that has been brought to a high-purity can be obtained with stability to be used for the production of high-purity lanthanum, as well as to be used as a reducing agent for other rare earth elements, a desulfurizing or deoxidizing agent for metals, or a getter for high-vacuum pumps. |
| US09499873B2 |
Steel plate having yield strength of 670 to 870 N/mm2 and tensile strength of 780 to 940 N/mm2
In a steel plate according to the present invention, a chemical composition is within a predetermined range, an α value is 0.13 to 1.0 mass %, a β value is 8.45 to 15.2, an yield strength is 670 to 870 N/mm2, a tensile strength is 780 to 940 N/mm2, an average grain size at ½t of the steel plate is 35 μm or less, and a plate thickness is 25 to 200 mm. In the steel plate according to the present invention, in a case where SR is performed on the steel, a charpy absorbed energy at −40° C. in an area in which SR is performed may be 100 J or more. |
| US09499872B2 |
Iron reduction process and equipment
Iron production furnace equipment includes a melting reactor into which iron oxide-containing raw material and slag formers are added. A melter arrangement melts the iron oxide-containing raw material and transforms the melted raw material into liquid slag. A smelting reduction reactor is connected to the melting reactor by a slag transfer arrangement. The smelting reduction reactor includes a heater arrangement for heating the slag, a port for supplying a reductant for reducing the iron oxide in the slag into a liquid iron melt and produces a combustible gas mixture including at least one of CO and H2. A gas connection is provided between the smelting reduction reactor and the melter arrangement. The melter arrangement in turn comprises a combuster combusting the gas mixture for purpose of melting the raw material. |
| US09499871B2 |
Pelt board with expansion means
A pelt board is disclosed for stretching and drying of tubular pelts, the pelt board having a tip end (13) from which the pelt is drawn onto the pelt board and a foot end (11), the pelt board comprising two broad elongated side surfaces (14, 15), wherein the pelt board comprises expansion means (3, 6) defining a narrow elongated side surface extending between side edges (4, 5, 7, 8) of the two broad elongated side surfaces (14, 15), and activation means (9) for selectively moving the expansion means (3, 6) to an expanded position and locking the expansion means (3, 6) in the expanded position, or unlocking the expansion means (3, 6) so that the expansion means (3, 6) are movable to a non-expanded position in which the outer cross-sectional circumference of the pelt board is reduced as compared to the expanded position. |
| US09499870B2 |
Cell free DNA diagnostic testing standards
Embodiments of the invention include methods and compositions for producing proficiency testing standards for noninvasive prenatal genetic diagnostics and for the detection and monitoring of cancer. The compositions can include a plurality of different nucleosomal DNA fragments derived from either primary cells or cell lines. The amount of the different nucleosomal DNA fragments can be varied so as to simulate naturally occurring cell free DNA samples obtained from the blood of the pregnant woman or naturally occurring cell free DNA samples obtained from the blood of cancer patients. |
| US09499869B2 |
MicroRNA-based methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of ovarian cancer using a real-time PCR platform
Methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of ovarian cancer are disclosed. |
| US09499867B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and assessing risk of developing glomerulosclerosis
This document features method related to variants in the Inverted Formin 2 (INF2) gene that are susceptibility to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). For example, methods of using such variants for risk assessment and for diagnosing and optimizing treatment of FSGS are provided. |
| US09499865B2 |
Detection and measurement of tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes
The present invention is drawn to methods for measuring numbers, levels, and/or ratios of cells, such as lymphocytes, infiltrated into a solid tissue, such as a tumor or a tissue affected by an autoimmune disease, and to methods for making patient prognoses based on such measurements. In one aspect, methods of the invention comprise sorting lymphocytes from an accessible tissue, such as peripheral blood, into functional subsets, such as cytotoxic T cells and regulatory T cells, and generating clonotype profiles of each subset. An inaccessible disease-affected tissue is sampled and one or more clonotype profiles are generated. From the latter clonotype profiles, levels lymphocytes in each of the functional subsets are determined in the disease-affected tissue by their clonotypes, which are identified from lymphocytes sorted into subsets from the accessible tissue. |
| US09499863B2 |
Reducing GC bias in DNA sequencing using nucleotide analogs
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for long fragment read sequencing. The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for preparing long fragments of genomic DNA, for processing genomic DNA for long fragment read sequencing methods, as well as software and algorithms for processing and analyzing sequence data. |
| US09499857B2 |
Selection of triploid CHO cells and cell lines expressing recombinant polypeptides as high producers
The present invention relates to a method for selecting for cells or cell lines that produce a recombinant protein/polypeptide in high yields, the method allowing for the selection of high producer cells or cell lines in an early phase of cell line development, the method comprising the step of determining the nuclear DNA content of the cells or cell lines, wherein the level of the nuclear DNA content of the cells or cell lines positively correlates with the capacity of the cells or cell lines to produce the recombinant protein/polypeptide. |
| US09499844B2 |
Compositions and methods for making and modifying oils
The invention provides novel methods for making or modifying oils, e.g., plant animal or microbial oils, such as vegetable oils or related compounds, that are low in a particular fatty acid(s), for example, low linoleic oils, linolenic oils, low palmitic oils, low stearic oils or oils low in a combination thereof. |
| US09499842B2 |
Altering the interface of hydrocarbon-coated surfaces
Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or to benefit pipeline maintenance. |
| US09499837B2 |
Methods and compositions for producing male sterile plants
Methods of making a targeted modification in a male fertility gene in the genome of a plant are disclosed. The methods involve contacting a plant cell with an engineered double-strand-break-inducing agent capable of inducing a double-strand break in a target sequence in the male fertility gene and identifying a cell comprising an alteration in the target sequence. Also disclosed are plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising a male fertility gene with an alteration in a male fertility gene. Nucleic acid molecules comprising male fertility genes with at least one targeted modification therein, optimized nucleic acid molecules encoding endonucleases that are engineered double-strand-break-inducing agents and expression cassettes, host cells, and plants comprising one or more of the nucleic acid molecules are further disclosed. |
| US09499836B2 |
Fertilization and fruit size
Plants having modulated expression of a HAF or BEE polypeptide and which modulate aspects of plant fertility, such as parthenocarpy, fertilization efficiency, and/or fruit size, are described. Methods of modulating fertility characteristics in a plant by modulating the expression of a HAF or BEE polypeptide in the plant are also described. |
| US09499832B2 |
Wheat plants having increased resistance to imidazolinone herbicides
The present invention is directed to wheat plants having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. More particularly, the present invention includes wheat plants containing one or more IMI nucleic acids such as a Teal IMI cultivar. The nucleic acids are preferably located on or derived from different genomes. The present invention also includes seeds produced by these wheat plants and methods of controlling weeds in the vicinity of these wheat plants. |
| US09499829B2 |
Processes for producing lipids
The present invention relates to processes for extracting lipid from vegetative plant parts such as leaves, stems, roots and tubers, and for producing industrial products such as hydrocarbon products from the lipids. Preferred industrial products include alkyl esters which may be blended with petroleum based fuels. |
| US09499828B2 |
Protein having glycoalkaloid biosynthetic enzyme activity and gene encoding the same
Disclosed is the provision of a DNA for a glycoalkaloid biosynthetic enzyme in a plant belonging to the family Solanaceae such as potatoes. Also disclosed is a protein having the enzymatic activity of a glycoalkaloid biosynthetic enzyme of a plant belonging to the family Solanaceae such as potatoes and a method for producing and examining a novel organism using a gene encoding this protein. |
| US09499827B2 |
Compositions and methods comprising sequences having meganuclease activity
Compositions and methods comprising polynucleotides and polypeptides having meganuclease activity are provided. Further provided are nucleic acid constructs, yeast, plants, plant cells, explants, seeds and grain having the meganuclease sequences. Various methods of employing the meganuclease sequences are provided. Such methods include, for example, methods for producing a meganuclease with increased activity at a wide range of temperatures, methods for producing a yeast, plant, plant cell, explant or seed comprising a meganuclease with increased activity. |
| US09499826B2 |
Production of proteins in filamentous fungi
The present invention relates to a method for genetically modifying a filamentous fungus host for improved protein production. The method comprises that a filamentous fungus host is genetically modified to be deficient or to overexpress specific genes. The invention relates also to the modified hosts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for improved production or for producing an improved composition of proteins, such as cellulases, hemicellulases, other proteins involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic material, or other proteins, in a filamentous fungus host. |
| US09499825B2 |
Dual inducible system for the condensed single protein production system
The present invention provides a dual inducible system for single protein production, as well as a method of inducing high level protein expression using amino acids. |
| US09499823B2 |
Constructs expressing chimeric receptors and use thereof for the controlled activation of defence response to pathogens in plants
The present invention relates to a construct able to express in at least one plant tissue, a chimeric receptor, said chimeric receptor being essentially made of the extracellular region, comprising the external juxtamembrane portion, of a first kinase receptor R1; and the transmembrane region and the intracellular region, comprising the internal juxtamembrane portion, of a second kinase receptor R2, wherein R1 and R2 are different and uses thereof. |
| US09499821B2 |
Preventing or treating viral infection using an inhibitor of the LSD1 protein, a MAO inhibitor or an inhibitor of LSD1 and a MAO inhibitor
An embodiment of the invention provides a method of preventing or treating a viral infection of a host, comprising administering to the host an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of preventing or treating reactivation of a virus after latency in a host, comprising administering to the host an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of preventing or treating a viral infection in a mammal that has undergone, is undergoing, or will undergo an organ or tissue transplant, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor before, during, and/or after the organ or tissue transplant. The viral infection may be due to a herpesvirus, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV). The viral infection may also be due to an adenovirus, including types 1-5. |
| US09499820B2 |
Methods of eliminating or reducing expression of genes in filamentous fungal strains by transitive RNA interference
The present invention relates to methods of reducing or eliminating expression of a target gene in a filamentous fungal strain by transitive RNA interference. |
| US09499819B2 |
Antisense compositions and methods of making and using same
The present invention provides pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration of antisense oligonucleotides, such as antisense oligonucleotides against SMAD7. The pharmaceutical formulations can be used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. |
| US09499817B2 |
Antisense polynucleotides to induce exon skipping and methods of treating dystrophies
Antisense polynucleotides and their use in pharmaceutical compositions to induce exon skipping in targeted exons of the gamma sarcoglycan gene are provided, along with methods of preventing or treating dystrophic diseases such as Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. One aspect the disclosure provides an isolated antisense polynucleotide wherein the polynucleotide specifically hybridizes to an exon target region of a gamma sarcoglycan RNA, wherein the exon is selected from the group consisting of exon 4 (SEQ ID NO:1), exon 5 (SEQ ID NO: 2), exon 6 (SEQ ID NO: 3), exon 7 (SEQ ID NO: 4) and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the antisense polynucleotide cannot form an RNase H substrate, and in further embodiments the antisense polynucleotide comprises a modified polynucleotide backbone. |
| US09499813B2 |
Systems and methods for amplification and phage display
Embodiments of various aspects described herein are directed to amplification of biological entities, for example, for phage display. In one aspect, members of a library of biological entities are encapsulated in separate compartments (e.g., in separate microfluidic droplets) and amplified. For example, by putting members of a phage display library into microfluidic droplets such that no droplet contains more than one member of the library, the library can be amplified without any substantial changes in population distributions, or other artifacts created due to differences in growth rates or amplification between different members of the library. In some cases, the volume of the compartments can be used to control the copy number of a biological entity during amplification. This can be advantageous, for example, in preserving diversity within a library by preventing rapidly amplifying biological entities from outcompeting slowly amplifying biological entities. |
| US09499809B2 |
CyaA-based chimeric proteins comprising a heterologous polypeptide and their uses in the induction of immune responses
The invention relates to a chimeric protein comprising or consisting of, from N-terminal to C-terminal, (a) a N-terminal part of a Bordetella CyaA protein (b) a heterologous polypeptide, and (c) a C-terminal part of a Bordetella CyaA protein. The invention also relates to a polynucleotide encoding a deleted version of a Bordetella CyaA, as well as a polynucleotide encoding this chimeric protein. A composition comprising at least one chimeric protein(s) of the invention and the prophylactic and/or therapeutic uses of said composition are also part of the invention. |
| US09499807B2 |
Serine protease molecules and therapies
Cell-targeted serine protease constructs are provided. Such constructs can be used in methods for targeted cell killing such as for treatment cell of proliferative diseases (e.g., cancer). In some aspects, recombinant serine proteases, such as Granzyme B polypeptides, are provided that exhibit improved stability and cell toxicity. Methods and compositions for treating lapatinib or trastuzumab-resistant cancers are also provided. |
| US09499802B2 |
Polypeptides having peroxygenase activity
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and 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. A polynucleotide encoding a peroxygenase was isolated from Pestalotiopsis virgatula. |
| US09499801B2 |
Polypeptides having peroxygenase activity
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and 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. A polynucleotide encoding a peroxygenase was isolated from Pestalotiopsis virgatula. |
| US09499800B2 |
Methods of making and using chemically self assembled-nanorings
Provided herein are compounds, conjugates and methods for making lipid-chemically self-assembled nanorings (Lipid-CSANs) and using them to treat diseases and modify cell surfaces. |
| US09499796B2 |
Isolated multipotent mesenchymal stem cell from human adult glomeruli (HGL-MSC), a method of preparing thereof and uses thereof in the regenerative medicine of the kidney
The invention relates to an isolated multipotent glomerular mesenchymal stem cell derived from adult human kidney (hGL-MSC), which is characterized by the marker profile CD133−, CD146+, CD34− and CD105+. A method of preparing the hGL-MSC of the invention form decapsulated glomeruli is also disclosed, as well as the uses of the hGL-MSC of the invention in the regenerative treatment of the kidney, particularly for the treatment of injuries or diseases affecting renal glomeruli. |
| US09499795B2 |
PDX1-expressing dorsal and ventral foregut endoderm
Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells and methods of producing the same. Also disclosed herein are cell populations comprising substantially purified dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells as well as methods for enriching, isolating and purifying dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells from other cell types. Methods of identifying differentiation factors capable of promoting the differentiation of dorsal and/or ventral PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells, are also disclosed. |
| US09499794B2 |
Maintenance of differentiated cells with laminins
The present disclosure describes methods of maintaining the phenotype of differentiated cells. Generally, the natural environment of the body is replicated for the differentiated cell. The differentiated cell is plated on a cell culture substrate comprising a laminin, such as laminin-521 or laminin-511. The substrate may also contain a cadherin. This maintains the phenotype of the differentiated cell. |
| US09499791B2 |
Skeletal muscle augmentation utilizing muscle-derived progenitor compositions, and treatments thereof
The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells (MDCs) that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating MDCs. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising MDCs for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. The invention also relates to uses of MDCs for the treatment of cosmetic or functional conditions, including, but not limited to skeletal muscle weakness, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, spasticity, myoclonus and myalgia. The invention also relates to the use of MDCs for the increase of skeletal muscle. |
| US09499788B2 |
Cell line of lymphocytes comprising gamma-delta T cells, composition and production method thereof
The present invention relates to a cell line of lymphocytes comprising γδ T cells, composition and production method thereof, and medical use namely for the use in medicine, namely in cancer immunotherapy.The cell line comprise a sample of human peripheral blood Vδ1+ γδ T cells expressing functional natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs). These Vδ1+ NCR+ T lymphocytes can directly mediate killing of leukemia cell lines and chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient neoplastic cells.The present invention shows that human Vδ1+ NCR+ T cells can be differentiated and expanded from total γδ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), upon regular in vitro or ex vivo stimulation with γδTCR agonists and γc-family cytokines. This subset surprisingly expresses NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46, and high levels of Granzyme B that associate with highly enhanced cytotoxicity against lymphoid leukemias. |
| US09499772B2 |
Methods of decontaminating surfaces and related compositions
A composition of matter includes water, at least one acid, at least one surfactant, at least one fluoride salt, and ammonium nitrate. A method of decontaminating a surface includes exposing a surface to such a composition and removing the composition from the surface. Other compositions of matter include water, a fatty alcohol ether sulfate, nitrilotriacetic acid, at least one of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, ammonium nitrate, and gelatin. |
| US09499771B2 |
Fabric and surface care formulations containing tertiary amino modified cellulose derivatives
Described are fabric and surface care compositions comprising a tertiary amine substituted cellulose derivative and at least one surfactant. |
| US09499767B2 |
Biorefining of crude tall oil
A process for pre-treatment of a crude tall oil (CTO) for removal of impurities is disclosed. The process comprises a first pre-treatment step involving a CTO wash and a separation of a first oil phase comprising refined CTO and an aqueous phase holding impurities, and a second step involving a separation of a second oil phase from the aqueous phase. A process for refining of crude tall oil (CTO) is also disclosed. The process comprises fractionation under vacuum of a refined CTO into at least one stream of refined tall diesel (RTD) or tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) and at least one stream of resin acid(s) (RA). The stream of RTD or TOFA is deoxygenated forming hydrocarbon compounds in a subsequent step. This invention also relates to a refined tall diesel. Furthermore, a process for the production of a refined tall diesel (RTD) composition, wherein crude sulphate turpentine(s) (CST) is added to the refined tall diesel (RTD) composition, is described. |
| US09499762B2 |
Additive compositions with a friction modifier and a detergent
A lubricating composition comprising a major amount of base oil and a minor amount of an additive package, wherein the additive package comprises (A) a friction modifier component selected from: (a) one or more a reaction products of an alcohol with a compound of the formula IV: and (b) one or more compounds of the Formulae II-III: wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated, unsaturated, or partially saturated hydrocarbyl having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C18 hydrocarbyl groups, and C1-C18 hydrocarbyl groups containing one or more heteroatoms; and X is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium cation and n is the valence of cation X; and (B) at least one detergent. |
| US09499761B2 |
Additive compositions with a friction modifier and a metal dialkyl dithio phosphate salt
A lubricating composition comprising a major amount of base oil and a minor amount of an additive package, wherein the additive package comprises: (A) a friction modifier component selected from: (a) one or more a reaction products of an alcohol with a compound of the formula IV: and (b) one or more compounds of the Formulae II-III: wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated, unsaturated, or partially saturated hydrocarbyl having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C18 hydrocarbyl groups, and C1-C18 hydrocarbyl groups containing one or more heteroatoms; and X is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium cation and n is the valence of cation X; and (B) at least one metal dialkyl dithio phosphate salt. |
| US09499744B2 |
Dihydropyran compound, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal compound is provided that satisfies at least one physical property, including high stability to ultraviolet light and heat, a high clearing point, low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition is also provided. The composition contains the compound, and the liquid-crystal display device includes the composition: wherein, for example, Ra and Rb are alkyl; rings A1, A2, A3 and A4 are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; and P is a divalent group represented by formula (pr-1) or (pr-2): wherein, for example, Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 are a single bond or alkylene; and a, b, c and d are 0, 1 or 2, and a sum of a, b, c and d is 5 or less. |
| US09499741B1 |
Water-in-oil micro-emulsion compositions and use of same for minimizing changes in cellulosic materials
This invention describes a treatment for wood and other cellulosic materials for minimizing the net dimensional change in the wood and/or cellulosic material between cycles of shrinking and swelling. Cycles of shrinking and swelling compromise the integrity of cellulosic materials, including wood. The water-in-oil composition disclosed herein can be used as a treatment to reduce the magnitude of the dimensional change, thereby mitigating stress and reduce cracking. |
| US09499737B2 |
Method for treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations with fluorinated amine
A method of modifying a surface of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is disclosed. The method includes contacting the surface of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation with a fluorinated amine, and the surface of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation includes a carbonate. The method can typically include introducing a treatment composition comprising solvent and at least one of the fluorinated amine or a salt thereof into the carbonate hydrocarbon-bearing formation. Hydrocarbon-bearing formations treated according to the method are also disclosed. Certain fluorinated amines useful for treating carbonate hydrocarbon-bearing formations and methods of making them are also disclosed. |
| US09499734B2 |
Water blockage agents using hydrolyzed canola protein hydrogels
Conformance fluids comprising a base fluid; and a canola protein-based hydrogel comprising a copolymer of a water-swellable polymeric material grafted onto a hydrolyzed canola protein backbone, wherein the canola protein-based hydrogel is present in the conformance fluid in an amount in the range of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the conformance fluid. |
| US09499732B2 |
Methods for cementing in a subterranean formation using a cement composition containing a set retarder of a polyester
A cement composition for use in an oil or gas well, the cement composition comprises: cement; water; and a polymer, wherein the polymer: (i) comprises a monomer or monomers capable of forming a polyester; and (ii) is capable of providing a thickening time of at least 2 hours at a temperature of 400° F. (204.4° C.) and a pressure of greater than about 500 psi (3.4 MPa) for a test composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; and the polymer, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set. |
| US09499730B2 |
Elastomeric composition with improved thermal conductivity
A rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a filler that contains carbon black and an inorganic filler, and a crosslinking system, wherein the inorganic filler content is greater than or equal to 5 parts by weight per hundred parts by weight of elastomer, phr, and represents at most 50% as a weight fraction of the whole of the total filler of the composition, and wherein the carbon black includes at least one acetylene-derived carbon black, with a content of greater than 3 phr, the amount of acetylene-derived carbon black representing more than 50% of the carbon black present in the composition as a weight fraction, and wherein the composition contains a plasticizing oil or a plasticizing resin with a total content of plasticizing oil and plasticizing resin of less than 30 phr. |
| US09499729B2 |
Compositions and methods containing fluorine substituted olefins
Various uses of fluorinated alkenes, particularly HFO-1234 and HFCO-1233zd in a variety of applications, including refrigeration, foams, blowing agents, aerosols, propellants, solvent compositions, fire extinguishing and suppressing agents, extraction agents and catalyst deposition are disclosed. |
| US09499728B2 |
Two-component tissue adhesive and method for producing same
The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a two-component tissue adhesive having high adhesive strength and high biocompatibility; and a method for producing the two-component tissue adhesive. The present invention involves a two-component tissue adhesive comprising hydrophobically-modified gelatin as a first agent and a cross-linking reagent as a second agent. The hydrophobically-modified gelatin is provided with an amino group and a hydrophobic group on the side chain thereof, and the cross-linking reagent has two or more active ester groups or anhydrides within a single molecule. |
| US09499723B2 |
Polyolefin-based compositions, adhesives, and related multi-layered structures prepared therefrom
The present disclosure provides a polyolefin-based composition suitable for use as adhesives and/or tie-layer adhesive compositions as well as multi-layered structures made from and/or containing the polyolefin-based composition. The polyolefin-based composition is made from and/or contains (a) a grafted polyolefin composition, (b) a linear low density polyethylene composition made from and/or containing metallocene-catalyzed linear low density polyethylene having a melt index from about 2 to about 10 grams per 10 minutes, (c) an elastomer composition made from and/or containing an polyethylene elastomer, (d) a hydrocarbon-based tackifier, and (e) optionally, an additives composition having one or more additives. |
| US09499722B2 |
Method for producing bonds
The invention relates to a method for producing a bonding of two substrates of which at least one is transparent and of which at least one has a surface having a surface energy (measured according to test method C) of 40 mN/m at maximum, comprising the use off a double-sided adhesive product having a first and a second adhesive surface, wherein the first adhesive surface is covered by a first separating layer and the second adhesive surface is covered by a second separating layer, wherein the pull-off force of the first separating layer from the first adhesive surface, AZK1, is less than the pull-off force of the second separating layer from the second adhesive surface, AZK2, and wherein the ratio of adhesion force of the fresh bond of the first adhesive surface on a surface having a surface energy (measured according to test method C) of 40 mN/m at maximum (KKfresh, measured according to test method B) to the pull-off force (measured according to test method A) of the second separating layer from the second adhesive surface, KKfresh: AZK2, equals at least 13.5, comprising the following step: (a) removing the first separating layer from the first adhesive surface and bringing the first adhesive surface into contact with the surface having a surface energy (measured according to test method C) of 40 mN/m at maximum. |
| US09499718B2 |
Process for the production of an OEM base coat/clear top coat multi-layer coating
A process for the production of an OEM base coat/clear top coat multi-layer coating wherein a waterborne base coat composition is spray-applied by electrostatically-assisted high speed rotary atomization is provided. The waterborne base coat composition comprises binder solids comprising about 20 to about 100 wt. % of an aqueously dispersed polyurethane urea resin with a carboxyl number of 10 to 50 mg KOH/g. |
| US09499713B2 |
Resin particle aggregate, method for manufacturing same and application of same
A resin particle aggregate is the resin particle aggregate formed by aggregating a plurality of resin particles including a polymer of a vinyl monomer, includes 100 parts by mass of the resin particles and 1 to 5 parts by mass of a surfactant. The resin particles are cross-linked by a cross-linkable monomer in an amount of 10 to 50% by mass relative to the total mass of the resin particles, the resin particle aggregate contains an inorganic component in an amount of 0.5% by mass or less, the resin particles have a volume average particle diameter D1, particles contained in a dispersion liquid of the resin particle aggregate in water have a volume average particle diameter D2, and the ratio of D2/D1 is 15 or less. |
| US09499711B2 |
Treatment liquid and recording method
There is provided a treatment liquid which is used in a recording method in which recording is performed using an ink for ink jet recording containing a coloring material on a non-absorbent recording medium, the treatment liquid contains water, a coagulant coagulating components of an ink, and two or more types of organic solvents, the organic compounds do not contain the coagulant, a surfactant, and a resin, when calculating the product of a log P value and the content (% by mass) included in the treatment liquid for each of the organic compounds, the summation is equal to or less than −10, and among the organic compounds, the content of a first organic compound of which the log P value is greater than 0 is 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass with respect to the total mass of the treatment liquid. |
| US09499708B2 |
Encapsulated fluorescent and photochromic dye polyurethane dispersion
The present disclosure provides an encapsulated dye dispersion and an inkjet ink comprising an ink vehicle and an encapsulated dye dispersion thereof. In particular, the encapsulated dye dispersion includes a fluorescent and/or photochromic dye. The present disclosure also provides a process for producing the encapsulated dye dispersion. |
| US09499706B2 |
Pigmented cyan inkjet ink
The present disclosure pertains to a cyan pigmented inkjet ink and uses thereof in inkjet ink sets and inkjet printing. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to an ink that is cyan in color and comprises a mixed pigment colorant. |
| US09499702B2 |
Transfer image recording method and ink
In transfer image recording with the use of an intermediate transfer body whose surface on the side where an intermediate image is to be formed has a polyalkylsiloxane structure, an ink is used that contains at least a pigment, water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a polyether-modified siloxane compound. Good and poor solvents for the polyether-modified siloxane compound are contained as the water-soluble organic solvent. The content of the polyether-modified siloxane compound in the ink is 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less based on the total mass of the ink. |
| US09499701B2 |
Water-dilutable inks and water-diluted radiation curable inks useful for ink-based digital printing
An ink composition useful for digital offset printing applications includes a colorant and a radiation-curable water-dilutable compound. A process for variable data lithographic printing includes applying a dampening fluid to an imaging member surface; forming a latent image by evaporating the dampening fluid from selective locations on the imaging member surface to form hydrophobic non-image areas and hydrophilic image areas; developing the latent image by applying an ink composition including an ink component to the hydrophilic image areas, the ink composition having a radiation-curable water-dilutable compound, a colorant component, and water; and transferring the developed latent image to a receiving substrate, wherein the ink transfer efficiency is 90% or higher. |
| US09499696B2 |
Colored metallic pigment and method for producing the same
A colored metallic pigment of the present invention includes a metallic pigment, a first coating layer formed on the surface of the metallic pigment, and a coloring pigment adhered to the surface of the first coating layer. The first coating layer is formed from radical-polymerizable resin or a first compound, and the first compound is an oxide or a hydroxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ti, Cr, Zr, Mo and Ce. |
| US09499692B2 |
Composites and epoxy resins based on aryl substituted compounds
Compositions and methods for forming epoxy resin are provided, and compositions and methods for forming epoxy resin composites are provided. In one embodiment, a composite comprises an epoxy resin composition comprising an epoxy resin component comprising a glycidyl ether of an aryl substituted phenolic compound, a curing agent component, and a substrate. In one embodiment, a composite comprises an epoxy resin composition comprising an epoxy resin component and a curing agent component comprising an aryl substituted phenolic compound, and a substrate. |
| US09499691B2 |
Dispersion of adsorbing emulsion polymer particles
The present invention relates to a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles with structural units of a) a phosphorus acid monomer or a salt thereof; b) a carboxylic acid monomer or a sulfur acid monomer or a salt thereof or a combination thereof; c) a multiethylenically unsaturated monomer; and d) an acrylate monomer, wherein the polymer particles have a solids content in the range of 30 to 50 percent and a particle size of from 40 nm and 100 nm. |
| US09499690B2 |
EIFS formulations with enhance rain resistance
The present invention provides shelf-stable, non-cementitious dry mix compositions of inorganic non-cementious materials, such as sand, and water redispersible polymer powder (RDP) containing particles of a multi-stage acrylic copolymer having a calcium methacrylate salt group containing alkali-soluble resin outer stage and one or more inner stage, the particles further containing each of one or more nucleating agent having a boiling point of 150° C. to 500° C. and a water solubility of 3.5% or less, and one or more colloidal stabilizer, wherein the colloidal stabilizer and the multi-stage acrylic copolymer are contained in the same RDP particle. |
| US09499689B2 |
Carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene resin composition with excellent molding property
The present invention provides a carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene resin composition with improved molding property. In particular, provided is a carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene resin composition with significantly improved molding property, tensile strength, flexural strength and the like by adding a modified polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer to a polypropylene resin to reinforce the carbon fiber. |
| US09499685B2 |
Polyurethane flame retardant formulation
The invention relates to a formulation suitable to provide polyurethane, the formulation comprising (a) at least one polyurethane forming mixture; (b) at least one phosphate component selected from the group consisting of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and melamine phosphates, and mixtures thereof, and; (c) at least one metal or metalloid oxide particle having a maximum particle size of less than 300 μm, wherein the metal or metalloid is selected from the group consisting of Mg, and Al, and wherein said at least one phosphate component is present in an amount ranging from 20 to 45% by weight based on 100% by weight of the formulation. |
| US09499684B2 |
Alkyl or dialkyl-semicarbazone as a hardener for epoxy resin
The invention relates to the use of alkyl or dialkyl-semicarbazone as a hardener for hardening epoxy resin and to a method for controlling the hardening of epoxy resin and epoxy resin compounds. |
| US09499675B2 |
Method for producing resin foam, and resin foam
A method for producing resin foam including: melting a resin composition including a polyolefin resin and a thermoplastic elastomer; impregnating the molten resin composition with a material that is a gas at normal temperature and normal pressure, in a supercritical state, under a condition in which the supercritical state of the material is maintained; foaming the resin composition impregnated with the material by arranging the resin composition under a condition in which the supercritical state of the material is not maintained; and hot-pressing the foamed resin composition. |
| US09499670B2 |
Composition for the production of silicone rubber materials
The present invention relates to a catalyst for the cross-linking of silicone rubber materials. In particular, the present invention provides a composition for the production of a silicone rubber material, wherein the composition comprises a catalyst, which comprises at least two compounds, which are different from each other and which are selected independently of each other from metal salts of carboxylic acids. In addition, the present invention provides a use of the catalyst according to the invention for the cross-linking of a silicone rubber material, as well as a use of the composition according to the invention for the production of a silicone rubber material, especially for the use as a sealant, an adhesive, or a coating agent. |
| US09499668B2 |
Controlled release amine-catalyzed, Michael addition-curable sulfur-containing polymer compositions
Compositions comprising sulfur-containing polymers such as polythioethers, Michael acceptors, and controlled release amine catalysts employing Michael addition curing chemistries useful in aerospace sealant applications are disclosed. The compositions exhibit extended pot life and the rate of curing can be tailored for specific applications. |
| US09499667B2 |
Biodegradable surfactant, preparation method and use thereof
The invention provides a methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) block copolymer capped with phenylalanine group. The block copolymer is represented by formula (I), wherein R is acyl amine group, a=20-200, b=5-50; and molecular weights of the ethoxypoly(ethylene glycol) block component and the poly(lactide) block component respectively range from 1000-5000 and 1000-10000. The preparation method and use of the block copolymer are also provided. |
| US09499665B2 |
Block copolymers for stable micelles
The present invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and more particularly to multiblock copolymers and micelles comprising the same. Compositions herein are useful for drug-delivery applications. |
| US09499664B2 |
Polyimide polymer, polyimide film having the same and polyimide laminate having the same
A polyimide polymer, polyimide film and polyimide laminate plate including the same are provided. The polyimide polymer includes Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (III). In Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (III), A is an aromatic group with fluorine, B, B′, and B″ are aromatic groups different from one another. B/(B+B′+B″), B′/(B+B′+B″), and B″/(B+B′+B″) are larger than 0. The polyimide film includes a film layer which includes the above polyimide polymer. The film layer optionally includes colorants or inorganic nanoparticles. Therefore, the thermal resistance and the transparency of the polyimide film are improved, and a polyimide film with high thermal resistance and different colors is available. The polyimide solution can also be applied on metal film to form polyimide laminate plate. |
| US09499656B2 |
Urethane-based optical member and method for producing same
Provided are a urethane optical member that has excellent transparency without turbidity or fog and a high refractive index, and a method for producing the same. A urethane optical member including at least one kind of structures represented by the formula (1) or (2) in a structure constituting the optical member, and a method for producing the same. |
| US09499655B2 |
Polyurethane resin for moisture-permeable water-proof materials, and polyurethane resin composition
The present invention aims to provide a polyurethane resin for moisture-permeable waterproof materials which is excellent in all of the moisture permeability, waterproofness, and resistance to washing. The polyurethane resin for moisture-permeable waterproof materials according to the present invention is a polyurethane resin for moisture-permeable waterproof materials, obtainable by reacting an active hydrogen component (A1) with an organic polyisocyanate component (B), wherein the active hydrogen component (A1) includes an oxyethylene group-containing high molecular weight diol (a1), and a compound (S1) containing at least one active hydrogen atom and being represented by the following formula (1): wherein X1 represents a residue produced by removing c piece (s) of active hydrogen atom(s) from an active hydrogen-containing compound having a valence of m, the c representing an integer satisfying the inequality: 1≦c≦m, the m representing an integer of 1 to 20; X2 represents a residue produced by removing one piece of active hydrogen atom from an active hydrogen-containing compound, and a plurality of X2s may be the same as or different from one another; X1 and X2 may be the same as or different from each other; Y represents a residue produced by removing all of carboxyl groups from an aromatic polycarboxylic acid having a valence of 3 or more, wherein an aromatic ring in Y consists of carbon atoms, the carbon atoms are each optionally bound to a halogen atom and/or a substituent other than a carboxyl group, and at least one of the carbon atoms has no substituent; a represents an integer of not smaller than 1; b represents an integer of not smaller than 0; and a and b satisfy the inequality: 2≦a+b≦d−2, wherein d represents the number of hydrogen atoms bound to the carbon atoms forming the aromatic ring of the aromatic polycarboxylic acid when all of substituents including a carboxyl group in the aromatic polycarboxylic acid are substituted by hydrogen atoms, i.e., the number of substitutable sites on the aromatic ring. |
| US09499654B2 |
Aqueous urethane resin composition
To provide an aqueous urethane resin composition with high reactivity, excellent drying characteristics, and the like, even under low-temperature environment.Provided is an aqueous urethane resin composition consisting mainly of the following (A) component and containing the following (B) and (C) components:(A) Hydrophilic polyol,(B) Water dispersible polyisocyanate,(C) Aspartic acid ester having a secondary amino group |
| US09499653B2 |
Curing agents for epoxy resins
The present invention relates to new mixtures containing cyanamide and a urea derivative, to liquid curing agents for curing polymer resins, in particular epoxy resins, and to epoxy resin compositions comprising liquid curing agents for producing fibre composite materials. |
| US09499651B2 |
Copolymers of conjugated dienes and vinyl organophosphines prepared by anionic polymerization
A process for preparing a copolymer including one or more phosphorus-containing mer units, the process comprising anionically polymerizing conjugated diene monomer, vinyl organophosphine monomer, and optionally monomer copolymerizable therewith. |
| US09499640B2 |
Preservation of biomass material comprising polysaccharide and method for extracting polysaccharide from preserved biomass material
A process for preserving biomass material comprising polysaccharide, the process comprising contacting the biomass material with a preserving composition comprising alcohol to form a preserved biomass material and storing the preserved biomass material for at least 24 hours. At least a substantial amount of the polysaccharide may be extracted from the preserved biomass material with yields comparable to or improved over extraction from fresh non-preserved biomass material. |
| US09499639B2 |
LPS extraction process
The present invention provides a method of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extraction from gram negative bacterial cells comprising the step: extracting LPS from the cell culture in a composition (LPS extraction composition) comprising water, an alcohol and a further organic solvent. |
| US09499638B2 |
Polysaccharide derivative and separating agent for optical isomer containing the same
The present invention provides: a polysaccharide derivative containing a structure wherein hydrogen atoms in a hydroxyl group at the 2-position and the 3-position of a structure unit of polysaccharide are substituted with different substituents respectively represented by a specific general formula and a separating agent for optical isomers which contains such a polysaccharide derivative. The present invention can provide a novel polysaccharide derivative which has excellent optical isomer separating ability, making it suitable as a separating agent for optical isomers, and can provide a separating agent for optical isomers which contains the polysaccharide derivative. |
| US09499637B2 |
Nanocellulose compositions and processes to produce same
A composition comprising nanocellulose is disclosed, wherein the nanocellulose contains very low or essentially no sulfur content. The nanocellulose may be in the form of cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, or both. The nanocellulose is characterized by a crystallinity of at least 80%, an onset of thermal decomposition of 300° F. or higher, and a low light transmittance over the range 400-700 nm. Other variations provide a composition comprising lignin-coated hydrophobic nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose contains very low or essentially no sulfur content. Some variations provide a composition comprising nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose contains about 0.1 wt % equivalent sulfur content, or less, as SO4 groups chemically or physically bound to the nanocellulose. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose contains essentially no hydrogen atoms (apart from hydrogen structurally contained in nanocellulose itself) bound to the nanocellulose. Various compositions, materials, and products may incorporate the nanocellulose compositions disclosed herein. |
| US09499631B2 |
Dosages of immunoconjugates of antibodies and SN-38 for improved efficacy and decreased toxicity
The present invention relates to therapeutic immunoconjugates comprising SN-38 attached to an antibody or antigen-binding antibody fragment. The antibody may bind to EGP-1 (TROP-2), CEACAM5, CEACAM6, CD74, CD19, CD20, CD22, CSAp, HLA-DR, AFP or MUC5ac and the immunoconjugate may be administered at a dosage of between 4 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg, preferably 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, or 16 mg/kg. When administered at specified dosages and schedules, the immunoconjugate can reduce solid tumors in size, reduce or eliminate metastases and is effective to treat cancers resistant to standard therapies, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. |
| US09499629B2 |
Use of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cells to treat cancer
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes relates to administering a genetically modified T cell to express a CAR wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory signaling region, and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. |
| US09499628B2 |
Method of boosting the immune response in neonates
In an aspect, a method of augmenting an immune response in a subject in need thereof, comprising identifying the subject, and treating the subject to inhibit the immune suppressive effect of CD71+ cells is provided. Further provided is a method of preventing, treating or ameliorating an infection in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an agent that reduces the level of CD71+ cells in the subject. |
| US09499621B2 |
Felinized antibodies and methods of treating retroviral infections in felines
Provided are felinized antibodies and methods for treating or reducing the likelihood of developing a retroviral infection in a feline, decreasing retroviral virion entry into a feline cell, decreasing retroviral virion budding from a feline cell, or decreasing syncytium transmission in a feline. These methods require the administration of at least one felinized antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to CD11a and/or CD18, or ICAM-1, and/or decreases or prevents the binding of LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18 heterodimer) to ICAM-1. Also provided are veterinary compositions and methods of identifying candidate agents useful for treating or reducing retroviral infection in a feline, decreasing retroviral virion entry into a feline cell, decreasing retroviral virion budding from a feline cell, or decreasing syncytium transmission in a feline. |
| US09499619B2 |
Polyclonal bispecific antibody compositions and method of use
The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating a host infected with a pathogen. The composition comprising a population of polyclonal bispecific binding molecules that can target and eliminate a host cell infected with the pathogen. Methods for activating and arming cytotoxic immune cells with the composition for use in treating a patient infected with a pathogen are also provided. |
| US09499612B2 |
Antigen binding constructs
The present invention is directed to antigen binding constructs comprising one or two epitope binding domains separated by a single chain Fc region of an antibody, wherein each epitope binding domain in capable of binding to VEGF, to dimers comprising two antigen binding constructs of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said dimers and their use in the treatment of diseases associated with VEGF signalling, such as diabetic macular edema (DME), wet age-related macular degeneration (Wet AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and corneal neovascularization, and polynucleotide sequences encoding said antigen binding constructs. |
| US09499605B2 |
Multivalent heteromultimer scaffold design and constructs
Provided herein are multifunctional heteromer proteins. In specific embodiments is a heteromultimer that comprises: at least two monomeric proteins, wherein each monomeric protein comprises at least one cargo polypeptide, attached to a transporter polypeptide, such that said monomeric proteins associate to form the heteromultimer. These therapeutically novel molecules comprise monomers that function as scaffolds for the conjugation or fusion of therapeutic molecular entities resulting in the creation of bispecific or multivalent molecular species. |
| US09499602B2 |
Non-hemolytic LLO fusion proteins and methods of utilizing same
The present invention provides recombinant proteins or peptides comprising a mutated listeriolysin O (LLO) protein or fragment thereof, comprising a substitution or internal deletion of the cholesterol-binding domain or a portion thereof, fusion proteins or peptides comprising same, nucleotide molecules encoding same, and vaccine vectors comprising or encoding same. The present invention also provides methods of utilizing recombinant proteins, peptides, nucleotide molecules, and vaccine vectors of the present invention to induce an immune response to a peptide of interest. |
| US09499600B2 |
Long-acting single-chain insulin analogues
A single-chain insulin analog containing a basic side chain at position A8 (Arginine, Histidine, Lysine, or Ornithine), a basic side chain at position B29 (Arginine, Histidine, Lysine, or Ornithine), and a foreshortened C-domain of length 6-11 residues is provided. Residues C1 and C2 of the C-domain have a net negative charge of −1 or −2; C3 is chosen from a group consisting of Gly, Ala, Pro, or Ser; and the remaining C-domain segment is successively derived from the C-domain of IGF-II (RRSR (SEQ ID NO: 18), SRRSR (SEQ ID NO: 17), VSRRSR (SEQ ID NO: 16), RVSRRSR (SEQ ID NO: 15), or SRVSRRSR SEQ ID NO: 13). A method of treating a patient with diabetes mellitus or obesity comprises administering a physiologically effective amount of the insulin analog or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof to a patient. |
| US09499598B2 |
Mutants of IL-29
Homogeneous preparations of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 have been produced by mutating one or more of the cysteine residues in the polynucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteins. The cysteine mutant proteins can be shown to either bind to their cognate receptor or exhibit biological activity. One type of biological activity that is shown is an antiviral activity. |
| US09499596B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of immune related diseases
The present invention relates to compositions and methods of using those compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of immune related diseases. |
| US09499592B2 |
Transcription activator-like effectors
Provided herein are compositions, kits and methods useful in the construction of designer transcription activator-like effector (dTALE) polypeptides. |
| US09499586B2 |
Anticancer and anti-obesity cyclic peptide agents
A compound having formula (I) or formula (II): for use in anticancer or anti-obesity. |
| US09499582B2 |
Compositions and methods for increasing carnitine level in muscle tissue
Compositions and methods utilizing thiol-containing short peptides having the sequence Cys-Lys-Met-Cys (SEQ ID NO: 1) and optionally N- and C-terminal modifications are described, for increasing carnitine level in muscle tissues, and treating or preventing diseases or disorders affecting muscle tissue. |
| US09499575B2 |
Synthesis of carbohydrate-based surfactants
The present invention provides carbohydrate-based surfactants and methods for producing the same. Methods for producing carbohydrate-based surfactants include using a glycosylation promoter to link a carbohydrate or its derivative to a hydrophobic compound. |
| US09499571B2 |
Germanium- and zirconium-containing compositions for vapor deposition of zirconium-containing films
Disclosed are Germanium- and Zirconium-containing precursors having one of the following formulae: wherein each R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 is independently selected from H; a C1-C5 linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group; and a C1-C5 linear, branched, or cyclic fluoroalkyl groups. Also disclosed are methods of synthesizing the disclosed precursors and using the same to deposit Zirconium-containing films on substrates via vapor deposition processes. |
| US09499570B2 |
Boron containing small molecules
Compounds, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of treating anti-inflammatory conditions and/or helminth-associated diseases are disclosed. |
| US09499568B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and use thereof
Provided is a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof, which has an AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor potentiating action. The compound of the present invention is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the like. |
| US09499567B2 |
Piperidine/piperazine derivatives
The invention further relates to a DGAT inhibitor of formula including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein A represents CH or N; the dotted line represents an optional bond in case A represents a carbon atom; X represents —NRx—C(═O)—; —Z—C(═O)—; —Z—NRx—C(═O)—; —S(═O)p-; —C(═S)—; —NRx—C(═S)—; —Z—C(═S)—; —Z—NRx—C(═S)—; —O—C(═O)—; —C(═O)—C(═O)—; R1 represents a 5-membered monocyclic heterocycle containing at least 2 heteroatoms; a 6-membered aromatic monocyclic heterocycle; or a 5-membered heterocycle containing at least 2 heteroatoms fused with phenyl, cyclohexyl or a 5- or 6-membered heterocycle; wherein each of said heterocycles may optionally be substituted; R2 represents R3; R3 represents C3-6cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphtalenyl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl or a 6-membered aromatic heterocycle containing 1 or 2 N atoms, wherein said C3-6cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphtalenyl, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle may optionally be substituted; a N-oxide thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof. The invention further relates to methods for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as well as the use as a medicine of said compounds. |
| US09499565B2 |
Cocrystal of piperacillin sodium and sulbactam sodium and preparation method thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same and uses thereof
Provided in the present invention are a cocrystal of piperacillin sodium and sulbactam sodium and preparation method thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and uses thereof in treating infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, such as a “super bacterium” producing NDM-1 and the like. The cocrystal of piperacillin sodium and sulbactam sodium contains diffraction angles of 14.24°, 16.58°, 16.79°, 17.77°, 19.20°, 20.21°, 20.39°, 23.06°, 27.86° and 32.16° represented by 2θ in an X-ray powder diffraction analysis spectrum. |
| US09499561B2 |
Fused pyrimidine compound, and preparation method, intermediate, composition, and uses thereof
Disclosed are a fused pyrimidine compound as represented by formula I, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate and solvate thereof, an optical isomer or a prodrug thereof, as well as a preparation method, an intermediate, a composition and uses thereof. The fused pyrimidine compound according to the present invention can inhibit activity of PI3 kinase, and can be used to treat diseases such as cancer caused by abnormal activity of the PI3 kinase, or can be used to prepare medicine for treating these diseases. |
| US09499558B2 |
Compounds and methods for treating HIV
Inhibitors of HIV-1 protease and compositions containing them are described. Use of the inhibitors and compositions containing them to treat HIV, AIDS, and AIDS-related diseases is described. |
| US09499557B2 |
Transition metal-catalyzed processes for the preparation of N-allyl compounds and use thereof
The present disclosure provides processes for the N-dealkylation of tertiary amines and the use of transition metal catalysts to prepare tertiary N-allyl amine derivatives and secondary amine derivatives thereof. The tertiary amines can be alkaloids and, more particularly, the tertiary amines can be opioids. In specific embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for use in processes for the synthesis of naloxone and naltrexone from oripavine. |
| US09499550B2 |
Hepatitis C virus inhibitors
Hepatitis C virus inhibitors having the general formula (I) are disclosed. Compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds to inhibit HCV are also disclosed. |
| US09499547B2 |
Amino-substituted imidazopyridazines
The present invention relates to amino-substituted imidazopyridazine compounds of general formula (I): in which A, R1, R3 and n are as defined in the claims, to methods of preparing said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, in particular of a hyper-proliferative and/or angiogenesis disorder, as a sole agent or in combination with other active ingredients. |
| US09499546B2 |
Process for the preparation of chiral 8-(3-aminopiperidin-1-yl)-xanthines
The invention relates to an improved process for preparing enantiomerically pure 8-(3-aminopiperidin-1-yl)-xanthines. |
| US09499544B2 |
Nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds
Compounds of Formula (I), their preparation and use in preventing or treating bacterial infections are disclosed. |
| US09499540B2 |
Purified pyrroloquinolinyl-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione compositions and methods for preparing and using same
The present invention relates to a (±)-trans-3-(5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-1-yl)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione dichloromethane. |
| US09499536B2 |
Tetrahydro-pyrido-pyrimidine derivatives
The invention relates to substituted tetrahydro-pyrido-pyrimidine derivatives of the formula (I), wherein Y, R1, R2 and m are as defined in the description. Such compounds are suitable for the treatment of a disorder or disease which is mediated by the activity of the PI3K enzymes. |