| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09513915B2 |
Instruction merging optimization
A computer system for optimizing instructions includes a processor including an instruction execution unit configured to execute instructions and an instruction optimization unit configured to optimize instructions and memory to store machine instructions to be executed by the instruction execution unit. The computer system is configured to perform a method including analyzing machine instructions from among a stream of instructions to be executed by the instruction execution unit, the machine instructions including a memory load instruction and a data processing instruction to perform a data processing function based on the memory load instruction, identifying the machine instructions as being eligible for optimization, merging the machine instructions into a single optimized internal instruction, and executing the single optimized internal instruction to perform a memory load function and a data processing function corresponding to the memory load instruction and the data processing instruction. |
| US09513914B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing an instruction that selects between single and multiple data stream operations with register specifier field control
A technique realizes execution of various combinations of arithmetic operations in, for example, SIMD floating-point multiply-add arithmetic operation, with less instruction kind codes. An arithmetic operating apparatus sets, in one or more unused bits of a single arithmetic instruction, particular instruction information to instruct at least one of arithmetic operators to perform a process different from an ordinary process. |
| US09513911B2 |
Method of detecting stack overflows and processor for implementing such a method
A method of detecting stack overflows includes the following steps: storing in at least one dedicated register at least one data item chosen from: a data item (SPHaut) indicating a maximum permitted value for a stack pointer, and a data item (SPBas) indicating a minimum permitted value for said stack pointer; effecting a comparison between a current value (SP) or past value (SPMin, SPMax) of said stack pointer and said data item or each of said data items; and generating a stack overflow exception if said comparison indicates that said current or past value of said stack pointer is greater than said maximum permitted value or less than said minimum permitted value. A processor for implementing such a method is also provided. |
| US09513910B2 |
Requesting shared variable directory (SVD) information from a plurality of threads in a parallel computer
Methods, parallel computers, and computer program products for requesting shared variable directory (SVD) information from a plurality of threads in a parallel computer are provided. Embodiments include a runtime optimizer detecting that a first thread requires a plurality of updated SVD information associated with shared resource data stored in a plurality of memory partitions. Embodiments also include a runtime optimizer broadcasting, in response to detecting that the first thread requires the updated SVD information, a gather operation message header to the plurality of threads. The gather operation message header indicates an SVD key corresponding to the required updated SVD information and a local address associated with the first thread to receive a plurality of updated SVD information associated with the SVD key. Embodiments also include the runtime optimizer receiving at the local address, the plurality of updated SVD information from the plurality of threads. |
| US09513906B2 |
Vector checksum instruction
A Vector Checksum instruction. Elements from a second operand are added together one-by-one to obtain a first result. The adding includes performing one or more end around carry add operations. The first result is placed in an element of a first operand of the instruction. After each addition of an element, a carry out of a chosen position of the sum, if any, is added to a selected position in an element of the first operand. |
| US09513905B2 |
Vector instructions to enable efficient synchronization and parallel reduction operations
In one embodiment, a processor may include a vector unit to perform operations on multiple data elements responsive to a single instruction, and a control unit coupled to the vector unit to provide the data elements to the vector unit, where the control unit is to enable an atomic vector operation to be performed on at least some of the data elements responsive to a first vector instruction to be executed under a first mask and a second vector instruction to be executed under a second mask. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09513904B2 |
Computer processor employing cache memory with per-byte valid bits
A computer processing system with a hierarchical memory system that associates a number of valid bits for each cache line of the hierarchical memory system. The valid bits are provided for each cache line stored in a respective cache and make explicit which bytes are semantically defined and which are not for the associated given cache line. Memory requests to the cache(s) of the hierarchical memory system can include an address specifying a requested cache line as well as a mask that includes a number of bits each corresponding to a different byte of the requested cache line. The values of the bits of the byte mask indicate which bytes of the requested cache line are to be returned from the hierarchical memory system. The memory request is processed by the top level cache of the hierarchical memory system, looking for one or more valid bytes of the requested cache line corresponding to the target address of the memory request. The valid bytes of the cache line corresponding to the byte mask as stored in cache can be identified by reading out the valid bit(s) and data byte(s) stored by the cache for putative matching cache lines for those data bytes that are specified by the byte mask of the memory request, while ignoring the valid bit(s) and data byte(s) stored by the cache for putative matching cache lines for those data bytes that are not specified by the byte mask of the memory request. Extensions to shared multiprocessor systems is also described and claimed. |
| US09513902B2 |
Automated code coverage measurement and tracking per user story and requirement
Embodiments of the invention relate to automated code coverage measurement and tracking per user story and requirement. An aspect of the invention includes receiving one or more software development requirements. One or more tasks are generated from the one or more software development requirements. A task identifier (ID) is assigned to each of the one or more tasks, and each of the task IDs is assigned to at least one code component. An application is released that includes at least one code components. |
| US09513898B2 |
Systems and methods for updating software in a hazard detection system
Systems and methods for updating software in a hazard detection system are described herein. Software updates may be received by, stored within, and executed by a hazard detection system, without disturbing the system's ability to monitor for alarm events and sound an alarm in response to a monitored hazard event. The software updates may be received as part of a periodic over-the-air communication with a remote server or as part of a physical connection with a data source such as a computer. The software updates may include several portions of code designed to operate with different processors and/or devices within the hazard detection system. The software updates may also include language specific audio files that can be accessed by the hazard detection system to play back language specific media files via a speaker. |
| US09513897B2 |
Portal for automatic software installation and configuration
A portal is established between a software installer and a client to allow on-line management of a software implementation project. The installer of customizable software and the client may communicate through the portal to establish specifications for the software product. The software may be implemented by incorporating preconfigured software components into the software product. A portion of the preconfigured components may be modified based on the specifications of the client. The specifications may be identified by providing the client with a set-up wizard through the portal. The set-up wizard prompts the client for information and the software system may be configured based on logic generated in response to client input. |
| US09513896B2 |
Server, information processing system, and computer product
A server includes a receiver configured to receive, from an information processing apparatus that executes update, an instruction for transmitting metadata of update data used for the update; a determining unit configured to determine whether the update data includes preliminary download data, wherein the preliminary download data has an update date and time later than a current date and time, and the update date and time is a date and time from which the update becomes available; a transmitter configured to transmit, when the determining unit determines that the update data includes preliminary download data, metadata of the preliminary download data to the information processing apparatus via a communication network; and a prohibiting unit configured to prohibit transfer of the metadata of the preliminary download data on the basis of the number of information processing apparatuses that are downloading the preliminary download data. |
| US09513894B2 |
Database software upgrade using specify-validate-execute protocol
A method, system, and computer program product for upgrading high-availability database systems. The method commences by specifying a subject database configuration state (e.g., an initial state) as well as an upgraded database configuration state (e.g., an upgraded state). Then, the method performs operations for compiling the specifications and validating the upgraded database configuration state with respect to the specified subject database configuration state. Compile errors are reported and a user can change the specifications. Once the compiler determines that the upgraded configuration state can be reached from the subject database configuration state, then the method generates an upgrade plan. The upgrade plan is executed by a computer-implemented controller. During execution of the plan, the controller pauses for accepting user intervention at key execution points. The controller monitors state changes to establish checkpoints. In the event of execution errors detected during execution of the plan, corrective action reports are output. |
| US09513892B2 |
Capturing and deploying an operating system in a computer environment
Systems and methods of capturing and deploying the operating system of a computing device. The method comprising: creating a file that contains one or more settings of the operating system of a source computer and storing the file in storage on the source computer, copying an image of the operating system and the file containing one or more settings of the operating system, and deploying the image to one or more target computers. |
| US09513889B2 |
System and method of automating installation of applications
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for automating installation of applications. In one aspect, the system launches an application installer of a software application; identifies control elements in an active window of the application installer, wherein the control elements include at least user interface (UI) elements responsible for transitioning the active window to another window of the application installer; transitions to other windows of the application installer and identifies control elements in all other windows of the application installer until the application is installed; generates an automatic installation rule for the application that automatically activates one or more windows of the application installer and one or more control elements of said window to install the application without a participation of a user. |
| US09513886B2 |
Heap data management for limited local memory(LLM) multi-core processors
A compiler tool-chain may automatically compile an application to execute on a limited local memory (LLM) multi-core processor by including automated heap management transparently to the application. Management of the heap in the LLM for the application may include identifying access attempts to a program variable, transferring the program variable to the LLM, when not already present in the LLM, and returning a local address for the program variable to the application. The application then accesses the program variable using the local address transparently without knowledge about data in the LLM. Thus, the application may execute on a LLM multi-core processor as if the LLM multi-core processor has an unlimited heap space. |
| US09513885B2 |
Web application development platform with relationship modeling
A system and method for dynamically creating web applications from data is described. Simple data is transformed into a declarative application data model that is then parsed by a server and compiled into a functional web application. Application functionality is partly determined by rules applied to web application objects in response to user actions. These rules are triggered by various cues, including user actions and relationships among objects in the web applications. A web application is considered an n-dimensional problem space, and relationships among application objects can be modeled using set theory. The status of a particular relationship among objects and user actions can trigger specific application behavior. Additionally application behavior can be triggered in other ways, like conditions in arbitrary scripts or combinations of multiple triggers combined using logical connectives. |
| US09513883B2 |
Method and apparatus for designing layout for user interfaces
A method is provided that receives an image that includes graphical metadata for specifying alignment information. The method renders the image by using the alignment information. Rendering the image by using the alignment information includes positioning text on the image, aligning the image with another image, and identifying visual boundaries of the rendered image. The graphical metadata includes a geometric shape that specifies a region on the image where the text is to be rendered. The alignment metadata also specifies a maximum size for text rendered on the image. In some embodiments, the image is a multi-layer image that includes a first layer for the image and a second layer for the graphical metadata. In some embodiments, the layer that includes the graphical metadata is designated to include graphical metadata. The graphical metadata is not rendered on a graphical user interface where the image is rendered. |
| US09513881B2 |
System for the discovery and provisioning of artifacts and composites
A system for assisted generation of composite applications which are composed of instantiable components includes a portal system executing in memory of a computer to:a) dynamically access a data source of one or more components being potentially suitable for being used within the composite application,b) parse the data source for a predetermined searched component according to a predetermined functionality specification standard,c) rank found components according to predetermined ranking criteria,d) define a list of selected usable components from the ranking,e) store at least a subset of the selected components locally, and,f) automatically deploy the composite application from the selected components. |
| US09513876B2 |
Access operation with dynamic linking and access of data within plural data sources
A present invention embodiment includes a system with at least one processor for accessing data. The system creates a rule including one or more conditional expressions to link a first data object of a first data source to a second data object of a second data source. Data of the first data object is retrieved from the first data source in accordance with a request for the first data object. The system processes the rule to retrieve data of the second data object from the second data source that satisfies the one or more conditional expressions of the rule. Results for the request are produced by merging the data retrieved from the first and second data objects. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for accessing data in substantially the same manner described above. |
| US09513875B2 |
Processing instruction information
A method and system for processing instruction information. Each instruction information character string of a sequence of instruction information character strings are sequentially extracted and processed. It is independently ascertained for each instruction information character string in the sequence whether to generate a code line for each instruction information character string, by: determining whether a requirement is satisfied and generating the code line and storing the code line in a code buffer if the requirement has been determined to be satisfied and not generating the code line if the requirement has been determined to not be satisfied. The requirement relates to whether the instruction information character string being processed comprises a naming instruction or a generation instruction. It is determined that the requirement is satisfied for one or more instruction information character strings in the sequence. |
| US09513872B2 |
Random number generator
A system is described for generating random numbers. The system may include a plurality of information sources and one or more sampling devices coupled to each of the information sources. Each information source may have a characteristic which may differ from the characteristic of any other information source. The sampling devices may sample the information sources at some sampling interval. A sample value may be captured from each of the information sources by the sampling devices coupled thereto at the sampling interval. An output representative of a substantially random number may be derived from the sample values captured at the sampling interval. |
| US09513871B2 |
Floating point round-off amount determination processors, methods, systems, and instructions
A method of an aspect includes receiving a floating point round-off amount determination instruction. The instruction indicates a source of one or more floating point data elements, indicates a number of fraction bits after a radix point, and indicates a destination storage location. A result including one or more result floating point data elements is stored in the destination storage location in response to the floating point round-off amount determination instruction. Each of the one or more result floating point data elements includes a difference between a corresponding floating point data element of the source in a corresponding position, and a rounded version of the corresponding floating point data element of the source that has been rounded to the indicated number of the fraction bits. Other methods, apparatus, systems, and instructions are disclosed. |
| US09513862B2 |
Detachable machine control panel with display
There is provided a machine control panel with a display connected to a numerical controller of a machine tool. A part of a display section and an operation section are detachable from a main body. When a detachable section configured from the part of the display section and the operation section is detached from the main body, the detachable section is usable as a portable control panel. On the other hand, in a state in which the detachable section is attached to the main body, the display section and another display section fixed to the main body are combined as one screen to perform display. |
| US09513861B2 |
Systems and methods for discovering wireless display devices using inaudible audio signals
The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for wireless display discovery. The method may include receiving, by a computer, a selection to detect wireless display devices. The computer may include one or more processors, a radio transceiver, and a microphone. The method may also include identifying, by the radio transceiver, a plurality of wireless display device and transmitting, by the radio transceiver, respective connection requests to the plurality of wireless display devices. Additionally, the method may include transmitting, by the radio transceiver to the wireless display devices, respective requests for inaudible audio signal transmission. The method may also include receiving, by the microphone, a plurality of inaudible audio signals from the wireless display devices. Further still, the method may include determining, based at least in part on the plurality of inaudible audio signals, whether any of the plurality of wireless display devices are in the same room as the computer. |
| US09513859B2 |
Systems and methods for repositioning on user defined boundaries in a presentation data stream
Systems and methods for repositioning processing of presentation data stream by a presentation device from user defined boundaries. A user may define customizable boundaries, such as mail-piece boundaries when printing mail, chapters when printing books, as well as additional boundaries that logically group or divide a data stream. The user defined boundaries are inserted into the presentation data stream. The operator does not need to guess or go through trial and error processes to determine the reposition point of the data stream. Rather, features and aspects herein allow repositioning of processing of the data stream to occur from user defined boundaries that result in the data stream reposition occurring at uniform restarting points of the data stream. This allow existing repositioning capabilities such as those provided by z/OS ‘backspace’ and ‘forward space’ commands to always land on a mail piece or other appropriate boundary. |
| US09513857B2 |
Approach for processing print data using password control data
A printing device includes a locked print module that is configured to examine print data received by the printing device and determine whether the print data should be processed as locked print data. If so, then the print data is stored on the printing device and not immediately processed for printing. The locked print module also authenticates a user and allows the user to request printing of the print data. The user is queried for a password and if successfully verified, the locked print module determines a password type of the password associated with the print data and identifies password control data stored on the printing device that corresponds to the password type. The locked print module processes the print data based upon the password control data to generate processed print data and causes the processed print data to be printed at the printing device. |
| US09513854B2 |
Network device for handling process request in a folder
A network device that can be used without requiring a device driver dependent upon the environment of an external device, a network printer, and a control method of a network device are provided. A file server has a management unit configured to manage a folder and information; a folder creation unit configured to create on the file server the folder to receive a process request from a client terminal; a process execution unit configured to execute a specific process when the process request is received in the folder; and a process result reporting unit configured to report the process result of the process execution unit to the folder. |
| US09513851B2 |
System and method for user-selectable font substitution to facilitate printing
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided systems and methods that involve providing user-selectable fonts to a printing device so that the printing device can facilitate printing of a print task. In this regard, a representative embodiment of a method and system for printing includes enabling a print file corresponding to a print task to be evaluated, and, if it is determined that a printing device to which the print task is directed is unable to process the print task without performing a font substitution, enabling acquiring of the fonts from a specific user. By using the uploaded fonts, the printing device is able to process the print task without performing a font substitution. |
| US09513850B2 |
Method for mixing paper orientations
A method for loading image receiving material in a printing system, the printing system including a print engine capable of printing on the image receiving material, a control unit for controlling the printing on the image receiving material, at least one input holder for loading the image receiving material, and a user interface for interacting with a user of the printing system, includes the steps of receiving by means of the user interface a setting for a facial orientation of an image receiving material in the at least one input holder, the facial orientation being one out of a face up orientation and a face down orientation, storing the setting of the facial orientation as an attribute of the at least one input holder, and detecting the image receiving material loaded in the at least one input holder. A printing system is configured to execute the method. |
| US09513849B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An information processing apparatus creates drawing data using print setting information and print data. The information processing apparatus includes: a converting module that converts the print setting information to apparatus setting information handled in the information processing apparatus; a control mode determining module that analyzes the print setting information to thereby determine a control mode applicable when the drawing data is created; a drawing data creating module that creates drawing data using the apparatus setting information and the print data; and a creating module control module that controls the drawing data creating module according to the control mode. |
| US09513842B2 |
Writing data in a non-volatile memory of a smart card
A smart card compares an object identification parameter associated with a write command with an object identification parameter stored in the non-volatile memory of the smart card. If the comparison is positive, the data embedded in the write command is written at a at a predefined address whose value is stored in the non-volatile memory, an address corresponding to the sum of the stored predefined address and the size of the written data is calculated, and the calculated address is stored in the non-volatile memory in place of the predefined address. If the comparison is negative, the data is written at a default address, an address corresponding to the sum of the default address and the size of the written data is calculated, and the calculated address is stored in the non-volatile memory as the predefined address. |
| US09513834B1 |
Virtual accounting container for supporting small volumes of data
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for storing small volumes of data within a grid-scale storage system. The method includes creating a container within a storage disk. The method includes distributing data evenly between storage disks. A partition is created within the container. Data is received and stored in the partition, wherein the partition is at least as large as the data. The method may also include setting an offset associated with the partition to allow for partition expansion. |
| US09513833B2 |
Asynchronous processing of mapping information
Functionality is disclosed herein for providing an asynchronous processing service for processing storage mapping information. The asynchronous processing service is configured to receive a storage request including identification of a storage object and a description of a storage operation, perform the storage operation for the storage object in response to receiving the storage request, and asynchronously update mapping information for the performed storage operation. |
| US09513831B2 |
Method and system for atomically writing scattered information in a solid state storage device
Disclosed herein are several methods and systems for handling atomic write commands that reach scattered address ranges. One embodiment includes a method of performing an operation in a data storage device, the method comprising: receiving an atomic write command; obtaining a plurality of ranges of logical addresses affected by the atomic write command; for each of the plurality of affected ranges, assigning metadata information to track completion of a write operation performed at that range; performing the write operations in the ranges of logical addresses; updating the metadata information upon completion of the write operations in the ranges; and deferring an update to a translation map of the data storage device until the metadata information has been updated. |
| US09513824B2 |
Control method, control device, and recording medium
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium has stored therein a program that causes a computer to execute a control process. The control process includes: receiving an access request for a recording device that stores data; determining whether or not index information corresponding to the access request, which is received at the receiving, is stored in a memory that stores index information that is obtained by shortening identification information identifying data from the recording device cached in a non-volatile memory; and accessing the non-volatile memory when it is determined that the index information is stored in the memory and accessing the recording device when it is determined that the index information is not in the memory. |
| US09513822B2 |
Unmap storage space
A system that includes a storage drive and a controller communicatively coupled to the storage drive. The storage drive includes a first region of storage space that is mapped to a virtual volume and at least a second region of storage space reserved for over-provisioning operations. The controller is to unmap an operable portion of the first region of storage space in response to aging of the storage drive so that the unmapped portion can be used for over-provisioning operations. |
| US09513821B2 |
Apparatus and method for indicating flash memory life
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for indicating flash memory life. While data is being stored in a flash memory, the number of writes in a plurality of blocks of the flash memory increases. The amount of flash memory life is calculated on the basis of the number of write times in the plurality of blocks. The calculated amount of life can be transmitted to a host. In addition, when the calculated amount of life is greater than a threshold value, a signal providing notice that the life of the flash memory has reached a dangerous level can be output. |
| US09513815B2 |
Memory management based on usage specifications
A method is provided for managing a memory device including a plurality of physical memory segments. A logical memory space is classified into a plurality of classifications based on usage specifications. The plurality of physical memory segments is allocated to corresponding logical addresses based on the plurality of classifications, and on usage statistics of the physical memory segments. A data structure is maintained recording translation between logical addresses in the logical memory space and physical addresses of the physical memory segments. The plurality of classifications includes a first classification and a second classification having different usage statistic requirements than the first classification. Logical addresses having the second classification can be redirected to physical segments allocated to logical addresses having the first classification, and the data structure can be updated to record redirected logical addresses. A free command can release a physical memory segment allocated for main memory use. |
| US09513814B1 |
Balancing I/O load on data storage systems
A method is used in balancing I/O load on data storage systems. A slice is selected from a first storage container of a storage tier. The storage tier includes a second storage container. The slice is relocated from the first storage container of the storage tier to the second storage container of the storage tier, where I/O load of the first storage container is greater than I/O load of the second storage container. |
| US09513811B2 |
Materializing data from an in-memory array to an on-disk page structure
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for materializing data from an in-memory array to one or more pages. An in-memory array holding a column of data can be maintained. One or more pages can be maintained. Each of the one or more pages can have one or more rows for storing the column of data. At least one of the one or more pages can be marked for materialization. The column of data can be materialized by copying the data from the in-memory array to the one or more rows of the one or more pages. The materializing can be based on the marking. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. |
| US09513810B2 |
Fast accessible compressed thin provisioning volume
A computerized data storage system includes at least one storage device including a nonvolatile writable medium; a cache memory and a data management controller and a storage port. The storage port is operable to receive a request to read data, and, in response to the request to read data, to send the data stored in the data storing area of the cache memory. The storage port is further operable to receive a request to write data, and, in response to the request to write data, to send the write data to the data storing area of the cache memory. The storage system further includes a thin provisioning controller operable to provide a virtual volume, and a capacity pool. The storage system further includes a data compression controller and a data decompression controller. |
| US09513809B2 |
Obtaining additional data storage from another data storage system
A main data storage system has a main computer-implemented storage control and data storage, and a user interface, the main storage control in communication with a local computer-implemented storage control of a local data storage system with local data storage. In response to a request to increase data storage from the user interface, the main storage control determines whether the main data storage is out of space. If so, the main storage control sends a command to the local storage control to create data space in local data storage. The local storage control creates the data space and associates the data space with the main storage control; and, in response to the local storage control creating data space in the local data storage and notifying the main storage control, the main storage control updates its metadata with respect to the data space. |
| US09513803B2 |
Tagging in a storage device
In an embodiment, a command issued by an entity may be acquired by a controller contained in a storage device. The command may be issued by the entity to access a block in the storage device. The entity may be associated with a tag that may identify the entity. The tag may be associated with the block. Information about the association between the tag and the block may be stored in the storage device. |
| US09513802B2 |
Methods for displaying a user interface on a remote control device and a remote control device applying the same
A method for displaying a user interface (UI) of a display apparatus on a remote control and a remote control applying the same are provided. The remote control includes a controlling unit which identifies information regarding a UI where a cursor is located on a screen of the display apparatus, and a display unit, such as a touch screen, which displays an image corresponding to the identified UI information. Accordingly, a user may remotely control the display apparatus more intuitively and delicately using the touch screen display unit on the remote control. |
| US09513796B2 |
Method and device for controlling contents using touch, recording medium therefor, and user terminal having same
The present invention provides a method and a device for controlling contents of a user terminal having a touch screen, a recording medium therefor, and a user terminal having the same. The present invention relates to a method for controlling the contents of a user terminal having a touch screen, wherein, when a touch is detected on the touch screen while executing contents conversion, a part of the contents gets fixed on the basis of the detected location of the touch. Therefore, two or more contents can be easily compared using the fixed contents region as reference contents. |
| US09513792B2 |
Input gesture chart scaling
A system may include presentation of a visualization indicating a first plurality of dimension values and a respective function value for each of the first plurality of dimension values, the function values positioned in accordance with an initial scale of a function value axis, and the first plurality of dimension values positioned in accordance with an initial scale of a dimension value axis, detection of an input gesture to change the indicated first plurality of dimension values, and, before completion of the input gesture, determination of a second plurality of dimension values to indicate in the visualization based on the input gesture, determination of an updated scale of the function value axis based on the respective function values for each dimension value of the second plurality of dimension values, and display of the respective function values for each dimension value of the second plurality of dimension values positioned in accordance with the updated scale. |
| US09513791B2 |
Electronic device system with process continuation mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of an electronic device system includes: detecting a drag performed on a touch screen, the drag having a starting point and an ending point; detecting a stretchable cursor extendable based on the drag, the stretchable cursor having a cursor length, a cursor direction, a starting portion, and an ending portion at the ending point and larger than the starting portion at the starting point; displaying the stretchable cursor on the touch screen; and performing a process routine based on the cursor length and the cursor direction, the process routine continued after the stretchable cursor is pasted with the drag performed on the touch screen. |
| US09513787B2 |
Magnetic-like user interface for combining objects
A methodology for assisting a user in a combination of objects, e.g. functional blocks, through an intuitive user interface which can simulate effect of magnets, and including: representing a high affinity degree between two blocks in a magnetic-like style as a simulated attraction giving a feedback to the user. Such attraction feedback can be represented in different ways, from a simple visual representation to a proper mechanical feedback conveyed to the user through the input device used for making the block selection, e.g. a mouse, a track point, or a joystick. |
| US09513784B2 |
Method and device of controlling input for input boxes
A method and device for controlling information input for text boxes are disclosed. The method includes: at a device having one or more processors, memory, and a display: detecting selection of a text input box in a user interface; in response to detecting the selection of the text input box and prior to receiving input text for the text input box, obtaining a regular expression for acceptable input corresponding to text input box; for each character in the regular expression, determining whether the character belongs to a respective validation filter character set for a predetermined data type; and in response to a determination that all characters in the regular expression belongs to the respective validation filter character set for the predetermined data type, selectively presenting a respective character keyboard corresponding to the predetermined data type to a user for text entry. |
| US09513781B2 |
Expanded search and find user interface
A search and find user interface is provided that is integrated with a data indexing engine to allow efficient and high-speed data search and retrieval across data storage folders associated with a given software module or associated with a number of disparate software modules. An expanded form of the search and find user interface is provided for advanced searching. Where searching is required beyond a present search scope, an automatic “upscoping” mechanism is provided for expanding a search to data storage folders outside a current data storage folder on which an initial search is executed. |
| US09513778B1 |
Defining objects using an object-relationship map
Systems and methods are provided to define an object within an object-relationship map. Relationship information about a relationship between a plurality of objects is used to generate and display an object-relationship map. The object-relationship map may include a graphical representation having nodes corresponding to the objects, and a node connection corresponding to the object relationship. A definition status of an object representing whether the object is definable is indicated by a state of a visual indicator associated with the node corresponding to that object. In response to an indication by the visual indicator state of a node that a corresponding at least one of the objects is definable, a user input indicating interaction with a node is received and responsive to the node interaction, a definition interface, e.g., a pop-up window, is provided to receive object information defining the one or more objects. |
| US09513774B2 |
Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools
A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user, including services for creating playlists, communicating with others, accessing other features, etc. is provided. In some exemplary embodiments, after a user is recognized, the jukebox system allows users to access a special front-end via an Internet-enabled device or on an actual jukebox. Then, the user may, for example, create playlists, share songs with friends, send messages to friends, and access other value-added content. Such a system preferably learns about networks of friends, and enables managers to send similar messages to regular customers and/or others known to the system. In some exemplary embodiments, changes via a first user interface on a first device are reflected on second user interface on other properly-configured devices. |
| US09513773B2 |
Image display system related-information-access tabs
A data processing device for providing access to information related to a digital image record includes a display for presenting the digital image record. A user interface system receives an indication of user interaction with the displayed digital image record. A data processing system responsive to the received indication presents tab on the display. The tab displays or emanates near or from an edge of the displayed digital image record or from an edge of a displayed digital image record container including the digital image record. The tab includes an access point configured to allow a user to access a category of information related to content contained within the digital image record, and the tab is labeled according to the category of information for user access. |
| US09513771B2 |
System for supporting flexible color assignment in complex documents
A system implementable on a computing device for handling color assignment within a complex document includes a user interface to facilitate user modification of at least one first color to at least one second color within a previously chosen color scheme for a component of the document. The color scheme has a predetermined number X of principal colors and a predetermined number Y of associated subordinate colors per principal color. The system also includes a color handler to modify the color scheme to produce an updated color scheme to match a perceived brightness of the at least one second color throughout at least a portion of the updated color scheme and a color processor to process and apply the updated color scheme at least to the component. |
| US09513770B1 |
Item selection
A computing device obtains data representing a plurality of items. A viewport is rendered on a display of the computing device. A portion of a first container element and a portion of a second container element are rendered within the viewport. Selectable visual representations for a first subset of the plurality of items are rendered in the portion of the first container element. The computing device receives a plurality of inputs from the user, each of the plurality of inputs selecting a visual representation of an item from the plurality of items rendered in the first container element. Responsive to receiving each input from the user, another visual representation of each selected item is rendered in the second container element, indicating that the selected item has been selected. |
| US09513769B2 |
Methods and systems for non-linear representation of time in calendar applications
Methods and systems for displaying increments of time in a calendar view. Method receives a selection of commonly-used increments of time for the calendar and allots equal amounts of display space in the calendar view for each commonly-used increment. The method allots less display space for other increments of time that are not commonly-used as compared to space allotted for the commonly-used increments. In another embodiment, a system presents a calendar view having a plurality of increments of time and events in a display. The system includes an input device for receiving a selection of commonly-used increments of time and a processor configured to alter the calendar view by displaying the commonly-used increments of time linearly with equal amounts of display size for commonly-used increments of time and decreasing the size of other increments of time in proportion to their proximity to commonly-used increments. |
| US09513768B2 |
Generation of depth images based upon light falloff
Technologies pertaining to computing depth images of a scene that includes a mobile object based upon the principle of light falloff are described herein. An infrared image of a scene that includes a mobile object is captured, wherein the infrared image has a plurality of pixels having a respective plurality of intensity values. A depth image for the scene is computed based at least in part upon square roots of respective intensity values in the infrared image. |
| US09513762B1 |
Static content updates
Disclosed are various embodiments for an updatable package application. Updated static content elements of the packaged application are obtained from a content delivery service. The content update is verified as a function of the component static content elements and a manifest file. The application is reconfigured to execute as a function of the updated static content elements. |
| US09513760B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel, a first film-like printed circuit board including a first terminal portion, the first film-like printed circuit board extending from one side of the display panel in a direction away from the display panel, a touch panel provided so as to be opposed to the display panel, and a second film-like printed circuit board including a second terminal portion, the second film-like printed circuit board extending from one side of the touch panel in the direction away from the display panel, the one side of the touch panel corresponding to a side parallel with and adjacent to the one side of the display panel. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are provided so that a connecting direction of the first or second terminal portions is different from a connecting direction of the second or first terminal portions. |
| US09513756B1 |
Providing near field communication through a touch screen
Embodiments of the present invention enable near field communication (NFC) through a touch display. Some embodiments include specialized touch displays with lower electromagnetic dissipation factors than standard touch displays. Some embodiments include methods and devices for detecting the activation or deactivation of NFC communication using the touch display and adapting the touch display to that activation or deactivation. Disclosed techniques for adapting the touch display include optimizing the behavior of the touch display for operation in the face of electromagnetic interference when NFC is activated and conducting a partial recalibration of the touch display when NFC is deactivated. |
| US09513753B2 |
Touch-sensor-embedded display panel, display device provided therewith, and method for driving touch-sensor-embedded display panel
There is provided a touch-sensor-embedded display panel with reduced decrease in aperture ratio and reduced increase in frame area, with lowered power consumption and improved operation performance.A driving pixel (21) is constituted by: a thin film transistor (T1); a pixel electrode (Epix1); a driving common electrode (COM1); and a liquid crystal capacitance (Clc1) which is formed between the pixel electrode (Epix1) and the driving common electrode (COM1). A sensing pixel (22) is constituted by a thin film transistor (T2), a pixel electrode (Epix2), a sensing common electrode (COM2), and a liquid crystal capacitance (Clc2) which is formed between the pixel electrode (Epix2) and the sensing common electrode (COM2). Neither the driving pixel (21) nor the sensing pixel (22) include an auxiliary capacitance. The thin film transistors (T1, T2) have their channel layers formed of IGZO. |
| US09513750B2 |
Asymmetrical link aggregation
According to one embodiment, an apparatus and method for asymmetrical link aggregation is disclosed, wherein the method is implemented in an access switch, the access switch connects to at least two aggregation switches through a first set of ports and respective links, the access switch connects to an external network through a second set of ports, and the at least two aggregation switches connects to an internal network, the method comprising: in response to receiving a frame from one of the second set of ports, selecting one of the first set of ports based on the source address of the frame; and sending the frame using the selected one of the first set of ports. |
| US09513749B2 |
Touch-sensor device, display device, and electronic device
In relation to touch sensors, technique capable of shortening total touch drive time and a touch detection period or suppressing increase thereof are provided. In a panel unit of a touch-sensor device, a touch drive unit generates a first pulse to an M-th pulses which are pulses of a plurality of types having mutually different cycles in accordance with differences in time constants with respect to paths including wirings of a peripheral area, touch drive electrodes, units of touch detection, touch detection electrodes, and wirings of the peripheral area through which pulses of touch drive signals to the plurality of touch drive electrodes are transmitted in a touch detection area in which the plurality of units of touch detection formed by pairs of the plurality of touch drive electrodes and the plurality of touch detection electrodes are formed like a matrix, and the touch drive unit applies the pulses. |
| US09513748B2 |
Combined display panel circuit
Combined display panel circuit techniques are described herein. In one or more implementations, a combined panel circuit of a display device is configured to enable functionality for both recognition of touch inputs and functionality to update images output by the display device. The combined panel circuit, for instance, may include an electrode arrangement in conductive layers that sandwiches display particles used to form images for the display device. The display particles may be manipulated under the influence of a threshold voltage applied to the electrode arrangement that is sufficient to cause the display particles to transition between states. Capacitance sensing indicative of touch inputs may occur under the influence of a different voltage that is not sufficient to manipulate the display particles. The different voltages are selectively applied at different times to update displayed images through manipulation of the display particles and sense capacitance to recognize touch inputs. |
| US09513742B2 |
Touch sensing system
A touch sensing system includes a charge distributor, a pre-amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a temperature compensating device. The temperature compensating device varies one or more of a first reference voltage supplied to the charge distributor, a second reference voltage supplied to the pre-amplifier, and the capacitance of the charge distributor, in response to temperature data from a temperature sensor. |
| US09513740B2 |
Chip architecture in improve the sensing latency time in projected capacitance touch
An IC architecture improving the sensing latency time in Projected Capacitance Touch comprises a sensor, a touch control integrated circuit, a sensing bus, a driving bus, the sensor comprising a plurality of sensing electrodes, and a plurality of driving electrodes. The driving electrodes comprise a selected driving electrode. The sensing electrodes are scanned and the capacitance change in each is recorded while a driving electrode is selected as said selected driving electrode. The touch control integrated circuit comprises a sensing IC, a driving IC, and a micro-programmed control unit (MCU), wherein the sensing IC comprises a module on receiving sensing electrode signal. The module on receiving sensing electrode signal comprises two sets analog latches and two sets analog multiplexers. The two sets analog latches comprising first stage analog latches and second stage analog latches and the two sets analog multiplexers comprising first stage analog multiplexers and second stage analog multiplexers. |
| US09513739B2 |
Backlight and ambient light sensor system
Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting or input of a display control parameter, and causing or altering, based on the user setting or input, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. The user input may be an unlock of a touch screen input capability of the display device, and a wake of the display device from inactivity dim. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display brightness or contrast output level. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described. |
| US09513737B2 |
Touch-sensitive display with optical sensor and method
An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a sensor configured to detect a force that results in depression of the touch-sensitive display. The sensor includes an optical device that receives a reflection of an optical signal, wherein the force affects the reflection. |
| US09513735B2 |
Touch display device with first and second adhesive assemblies
A touch display device is disclosed. The touch display device includes a touch-display module, a supporting element, a first adhesive assembly and a second adhesive assembly. The touch-display module includes a touch panel and a display panel. The supporting element supports the touch panel and the display panel. The first adhesive assembly is disposed between the touch panel and the display panel, and includes a first adhesive element and a second adhesive element. The first adhesive element and the second adhesive element are located adjacent to each other and have a gap therebetween. The second adhesive assembly is disposed between the touch panel and the display panel and adhered to the supporting element. The second adhesive assembly includes a third adhesive element and a fourth adhesive element. |
| US09513734B2 |
Touch display device
A touch display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a number of first sensing electrodes formed on the first substrate, a number of second sensing electrodes formed on the second substrate, a touch integrated circuit set on the first substrate, and a number of connecting wires formed on the first substrate. The touch integrated circuit includes a number of first pins correspondingly connected to the first sensing electrodes and a number of second pins correspondingly connected to the second sensing electrodes. The connecting wires correspondingly connect two opposite terminals of the first sensing electrodes with two opposite ends of the first pins. A part of connecting wires are arranged between the first pins and the second pins. The first substrate includes a shielding sheet formed in the first substrate and located above the part of the connecting wires arranged between the first pins and the second pins. |
| US09513732B2 |
Capacitive in-cell touch-screen panel and display device
The present invention discloses a capacitive in-cell touch-screen panel and a display device, comprising: a touch scanning line, implemented by at least one gate line of a TFT array substrate; and a touch driver circuit connected with the touch scanning line and adapted to load touch scan signals to the touch scanning line. Compared with that an existing GOA is used to provide touch scan signals to touch scanning lines of a small-sized touch-screen panel, that a separate touch driver circuit is used to provide touch scan signals to a gate line acting as a touch scanning line can avoid a signal-delay problem. |
| US09513731B2 |
Touch display device and a driving method thereof
The present application relates to a touch display device and a driving method for the same, which can improve the report rate of the touch display device. The driving method for the touch display device comprises: setting a display period to at least comprise two sub-display periods and a touch period to at least comprise two sub-touch periods, and arranging the sub-display periods and the sub-touch periods so that there is one sub-touch period interleaved between two adjacent sub-display periods; by a control signal, controlling the touch display device to enter the sub-touch periods from the sub-display periods, and controlling the touch display device to send out a touch signal; and by the control signal and a driving signal, controlling the touch display device to enter the sub-display periods from the sub-touch periods, and thus enabling the touch display device to display a display picture. |
| US09513728B2 |
Touch sensor applied on large size display
A touch sensor includes a substrate, a touch sensing layer, a first processor and a second processor. The substrate includes a first area and a second area. The first area and the second area are on the same surface of the substrate. The touch sensing layer is disposed on the substrate, and includes a first group of conductive patterns and a second group of conductive patterns. The first group of conductive patterns is disposed on the first area, and includes a plurality of first conductive patterns. The second group of conductive patterns is disposed on the second area, and includes a plurality of second conductive patterns. The first processor is electrically connected to the first conductive patterns. The second processor is electrically connected to the second conductive patterns. |
| US09513727B2 |
Touch input surface microphone
Processing an audio signal is disclosed. The audio signal is received from a sensor coupled to a touch input medium. An indication of an event where the touch input medium has been contacted at a location on the touch input medium is received. The event has been captured as an audio signal component of the received audio signal. At least a portion of the audio signal component is reduced from the audio signal. |
| US09513726B2 |
Illumination based user motion tracking devices and methods
A device, for example a mouse pad, configured to illuminate, fluoresce, or glow depending upon user input or user motion. The pattern, format, shape, and/or direction of illumination by the mouse pad depend upon user-directed motion of an input source relative to the mouse pad. For example, the illumination pattern or profile of the mouse pad can depend on user-directed motion of an illumination source, for example a LED source carried by an optical mouse, relative to the mouse pad. The mouse pad includes a first layer that includes a first luminescent composition and a second layer that includes a second luminescent composition. The first luminescent composition and the second luminescent composition can have different luminescent properties or characteristics. The first luminescent composition and the second luminescent composition can be selected for establishing or providing the mouse pad with a desired, intended, or target set of illumination characteristics. The ratio of the first luminescent composition to the second luminescent composition can also be selected and/or varied to provide the mouse pad with a desired, intended, or target set of illumination characteristics. |
| US09513720B2 |
Stylus detecting device and stylus detecting method
A stylus detecting device detects a pointed position which is a position pointed to by a stylus, and includes a first camera; a second camera; and a control unit including an axis detecting unit that detects a three-dimensional position and attitude of an axis of the stylus by using two images captured respectively by the first and second cameras, and a pointed position detecting unit that calculates as the pointed position a point of intersection between a straight line indicated by the axis of the stylus whose three-dimensional position and attitude have been detected by the axis detecting unit and a target plane having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first and second cameras. |
| US09513717B2 |
Input device and computer-readable storage medium storing input program for the input device
An input device, including: an input acceptance portion configured to accept an input with respect to a display; and a controller configured to perform: a processing selecting process in which at least one processing is selected from among a plurality of executable processing on the basis of a movement direction of a continuous input from a start position, where the input acceptance portion accepts the continuous input; a processing-range setting process in which a range specified by the start position and an end position in the continuous input is set as a processing range for the at least one processing selected in the processing selecting process, where the input acceptance portion accepts the continuous input; and a processing executing process in which the at least one processing selected in the processing selecting process is executed with respect to data in the processing range set in the processing-range setting process. |
| US09513708B2 |
Tactile sense presentation device, electronic apparatus, and tactile sense presentation method
The tactile sense presentation device, capable of effectively presenting a tactile sense (a sense of texture) on a touch panel, includes: a supporting substrate; a plurality of X-electrodes and Y-electrodes extended in parallel to each other on the supporting substrate; and driving circuits (X-electrode driving circuit, Y-electrode driving circuit) which apply a first-frequency voltage signal to the X-electrode corresponding to information regarding a target region inputted from outside among the plurality of X-electrodes, and applies a second-frequency voltage signal to the Y-electrode corresponding to information regarding the target region inputted from outside among the plurality of Y-electrodes to generate electric beat oscillation in the target region by an absolute value of a difference between the first and second frequencies. |
| US09513697B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication method, and computer readable recording medium
A communication apparatus includes a transceiving unit that transmits content data to a portable apparatus and receives temporal change information of a touch position from the portable apparatus, and a transmission control unit that establishes wireless communication between the portable apparatus and the communication apparatus and causes the transceiving unit to transmit the content data to the portable apparatus when the temporal change information of the touch position received by the transceiving unit is substantially identical with preset setting information. |
| US09513692B2 |
Heterogenous memory access
A memory controller operable for selective memory access to areas of memory exhibiting different attributes leverages different memory capabilities that vary access speed, retention time and power consumption, among others. Different areas of memory have different attributes while remaining available to applications as a single contiguous range of addressable memory. The memory controller employs an operating mode that identifies operational priorities for a computing device, such as speed, power conservation, or efficiency. The memory controller identifies an area of memory based on an expected usage of the data stored in the area, for example an access frequency indicating future retrieval. The memory controller therefore selects areas of memory based on the operating mode and the expected usage of data to be stored in the area according to a heuristic that favors areas of memory based on those exhibiting attributes having a high correspondence to the expected usage of the data. |
| US09513689B2 |
Controlling processor performance scaling based on context
In an embodiment, a processor includes a core to execute instructions, a power controller to control an operating frequency of the core, and a context filter logic coupled to the power controller to prevent a performance state change request from being granted by the power controller based at least in part on a context of a system including the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09513686B2 |
Context based power saving
One aspect provides a method, including: displaying, on a display device, display data; implementing, using a processor, a first power setting for the display device; accessing, using a processor, context data associated with the display data during use of the first power setting; mapping, using a processor, the context data to a predetermined display context, the predetermined display context being associated with a display setting; and switching, using the processor, the first power setting to the display setting of the display context. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09513685B2 |
Measuring method of a processing load of a processor including a plurality of cores
A method of measuring a processing load of a processor in executing a thread. When the load is above a threshold, measuring repeatedly at a first time interval, and when lower than the threshold, measuring repeatedly at a second, longer time interval. |
| US09513679B2 |
Electronic control unit
An electronic control unit includes a microcomputer and a monitoring section. The monitoring section monitors an operation of the microcomputer and outputs a reset signal to the microcomputer when determining that an abnormality occurs in the microcomputer. The microcomputer includes an acquisition section, a determination section, and a time calculation section. The acquisition section acquires time information from outside the microcomputer. When the microcomputer starts up, the determination section determines whether the microcomputer stopped the operation due to unknown cause. When the determination section determines that the microcomputer stopped the operation due to unknown cause, the time calculation section calculates stop time information based on the time information acquired by the acquisition section before the microcomputer stopped the operation and the time information acquired by the acquisition section after the microcomputer starts up, and stores the stop time information in a time storage portion. |
| US09513678B2 |
Electronics enclosure with redundant thermal sensing architecture
Described herein is a system and method for downstream redundant thermal sensing in a computer system. The system may determine that a component temperature of a component of the computer system has surpassed a first temperature threshold. The system may determine a downstream thermal sensor that is downstream from the component, wherein downstream is based on airflow through the computer system. The system may determine a downstream temperature at the downstream thermal sensor. The system may determine whether the downstream temperature exceeds a second temperature threshold. In response to determining the downstream temperature exceeds the second temperature threshold, the system may determine whether other thermal sensors detect elevated operating temperatures. In response to determining the other thermal sensors do not detect elevated operating temperatures, the system may initiate cooling. |
| US09513675B2 |
Passive cooling and EMI shielding system
An electronics enclosure is disclosed that provides passive cooling of electronic components while reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. The electronics enclosure includes an electronics assembly with at least one electronic component and a heat sink coupled to the electronics assembly. The heat sink has a base portion configured to thermally couple to the at least one electronic component when the heat sink is coupled to the electronic assembly. The electronics enclosure also includes a conductive enclosure forming an enclosed volume around the electronics assembly. The enclosure has a first opening configured to fit around the heat sink and at least one second opening. All non-conductive passages from the volume to the external environment have at least one cross-sectional opening having a continuous conductive perimeter with a maximum linear length within the opening of less than one quarter wavelength of a determined maximum shielding frequency. |
| US09513670B2 |
Touch panel and manufacturing method of touch display panel
A touch panel including a substrate, at least one touch-sensing unit, at least one connecting pad, at least a testing line, at least one ESD protection circuit, and a first isolation layer is provided. The touch-sensing unit is disposed on the substrate. The connecting pad is disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the touch-sensing unit. The testing line is disposed on the substrate, electrically connected to the connecting pad, and extends to at least an edge of the substrate. The ESD protection circuit is disposed in the edge of the substrate and electrically connected to a ground voltage, wherein a vertical projection of the testing line to the substrate and that of the ESD protection circuit to the substrate is at least partially overlapped. The first isolation layer is disposed between the testing line and the ESD protection circuit. |
| US09513669B2 |
Foldable display device
A display device includes: a display substrate configured to be folded along a folding line; a driver detachably coupled to the display substrate; and a pad on at least one surface of the display substrate, the pad being configured to transmit a plurality of signals received from the driver to the display substrate, wherein the driver comprises an integrated circuit configured to supply the signals, a coupling portion configured to couple the driver to the display substrate, and a connector configured to couple the pad and the integrated circuit to each other. |
| US09513668B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal disclosed herein includes a main body having front and side surfaces, a window curved from the front surface toward the side surfaces on a top of the main body to define at least a part of the side surfaces, a touch sensor curved along a shape of the window on a rear surface of the window, a display curved along a shape of the touch sensor on a rear surface of the touch sensor, a frame provided on a rear surface of the display and having a shape corresponding to the display for support, a rear case covering a rear surface of the main body, and a decoration member located at a lower or upper end of the window, and having a main surface portion covering a part of the front surface of the main body, and curved portions each extending from the main surface portion to cover a part of each side surface of the main body. |
| US09513654B2 |
Method for performing a switching process in an on-load tap changer
The invention relates to a method for performing a switching process in an on-load tap changer between winding taps of a tapped transformer. The switching process for an on-load tap changer is subdivided into a plurality of phases according to the reactor switching principle. In these phases, the switching contacts in use are monitored during the actuation and are completely opened or closed by capacitors in the controller in the event of failure of the energy supply. Thereby critical switching states are prevented. |
| US09513653B2 |
Method and apparatus for control of a switched current circuit
An apparatus and corresponding method are provided to control a switched current circuit by switching the switched current circuit into an ON-state, waiting an amount of waiting an amount of time tB after the current within the switched current circuit increases above a current threshold, and switching the switched current circuit into an OFF-state after waiting the time tB. Further, a duration of time tA1 between switching the switched current circuit in the OFF-state and the point at which the current within the switched current circuit decreases below the current threshold is determined, and the method includes waiting a time tA2 after the current within the switched current circuit decreased below the current threshold, the time tA2 based at least in part on the time tA1, after which the switched current circuit is switched into the ON-state. |
| US09513652B2 |
Electrical power multiplication
A power multiplier and method are provided. The power multiplier includes a power multiplying network that is a multiply-connected, velocity inhibiting circuit constructed from a number of lumped-elements. The power multiplier also includes a launching network, and a directional coupler that couples the launching network to the power multiplying network. The power multiplier provides for power multiplication at nominal power generation frequencies such as 50 Hertz, 60 Hertz, and other power frequencies, in a compact circuit. |
| US09513651B2 |
Delta-sigma modulator
A system and method to achieve low power and/or low supply operation of a delta-sigma modulator by taking advantage of the inherent virtual ground of the delta-sigma loop to make the input to a low power integrator small and largely independent of the input signal. This results in improved linearity of the integrator and relaxed constraints on the supply for the first stage integrator. The architecture also enables direct access to the quantization error of the feedback loop and thus can be used to either/or: 1. Calibrate the modulator, 2. Achieve reduced quantization noise, 3. Stabilize the loop by compensating for excess loop delay. Low voltage common-mode-feedback is also achieved using the techniques described. |
| US09513650B2 |
Method in an electric power system, controller, computer programs, computer program products and electric power system
The invention relates to a method in an electric power system including one or more power generation source(s) and a dynamic power compensator having a battery energy storage. The method includes the steps of: detecting a frequency disturbance within the electricity power system requiring an additional power generation source to be connected to the electricity power system in order to meet a power demand; and controlling the power output from the battery energy storage of the dynamic power compensator during start-up of the additional power generation source thereby limiting the frequency disturbance within the electric power system. The invention also relates to a controller, computer program, computer program products and electric power system. |
| US09513648B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for electric power grid and network management of grid elements
Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators. |
| US09513647B2 |
DC linear voltage regulator comprising a switchable circuit for leakage current suppression
The present invention relates in one aspect to a DC linear voltage regulator circuit for generating a regulated DC output voltage based on a DC input voltage. The DC linear voltage regulator circuit comprises a DMOS pass transistor comprising drain, gate, source and bulk terminals wherein the drain terminal is connected to a regulator output which is configured to supply the regulated DC output voltage and the source terminal is connected to a regulator input for receipt of the DC input voltage. The DC linear voltage regulator circuit comprises a switchable leakage prevention circuit, connected to the bulk terminal of the DMOS pass transistor, and configured to automatically detect and interrupt a flow of leakage current from the regulator output to the bulk terminal. |
| US09513646B2 |
Low dropout regulator
A low dropout regulator and system for supplying power to a card are provided. A low dropout regulator includes a reference voltage supply circuit configured to output a reference voltage based on an input supply voltage. An error amplifier has a first input, a second input, and a single-ended output. The first input is coupled to the reference voltage, and the second input is coupled to an output node of the low dropout regulator via a first feedback resistor. A pass transistor includes a control electrode connected to the single-ended output of the error amplifier, a first electrode connected to a ground node, and a second electrode connected to the output node of the low dropout regulator. A first power supply terminal of the error amplifier is connected to the output node, and the output node provides an output voltage of the low dropout regulator that powers the error amplifier. |
| US09513645B2 |
Managed multi-phase operation
Systems and methods for maximum deviation multi-phase operation provide techniques for controlling voltage regulators and tap changers in a multi-phase system to operate within a maximum deviation window. The maximum deviation window comprises a low boundary value and a high boundary value. In an example embodiment, systems and methods provide techniques for setting the low boundary value and the high boundary value. In another example embodiment, systems and methods provide techniques for optimized power factor correction in a multi-phase system. |
| US09513643B2 |
Building device cluster data display with thumbnail graphical display interface
A system and method for display of multiple data sets related to building systems is provided. A first building system includes a first sensor that generates first operating data corresponding to the first building system. A second building system includes a second sensor that generates second operating data corresponding to the second building system. A data server stores the first operating data and the second operating data. A user terminal accesses the first operating data and the second operating data, receives user input selecting the first operating data and the second operating data for display, and displays the first operating data and the second operating data together in a graphical display. |
| US09513642B2 |
Flexible functionality partitioning within intelligent-thermostat-controlled HVAC systems
The current application is directed to an intelligent-thermostat-controlled environmental-conditioning system in which computational tasks and subcomponents with associated intelligent-thermostat functionalities are distributed to one or more of concealed and visible portions of one or more intelligent thermostats and, in certain implementations, to one or more intermediate boxes. The intelligent thermostats are interconnected to intermediate boxes by wired and/or wireless interfaces and intelligent thermostats intercommunicate with one another by wireless communications. Wireless communications include communications through a local router and an ISP, 3G and 4G wireless communications through a mobile service provider. Components of the intelligent-thermostat-controlled thermostat-controlled environmental-conditioning system may also be connected by wireless communications to remote computing facilities. |
| US09513634B2 |
System and method for behavior based control of an autonomous vehicle
System and method for behavior based control of an autonomous vehicle. Actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle lever, steering gear, tie rods, throttle, brake, accelerator, or transmission shifter) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Behaviors that characterize the operational mode of the vehicle are associated with the actuators. The behaviors include action sets ranked by priority, and the action sets include alternative actions that the vehicle can take to accomplish its task. The alternative actions are ranked by preference, and an arbiter selects the action to be performed and, optionally, modified. |
| US09513614B2 |
Auxiliary electric power system and method of regulating voltages of the same
An electric power system for a wind turbine includes at least one auxiliary load bus configured to transmit electric power to auxiliary equipment. The auxiliary load bus is further configured to receive electric power having a voltage within a first predetermined tolerance range. The system also includes at least one motor-generator set coupled to the auxiliary load bus. The motor-generator set is configured to receive electric power having a voltage within a second predetermined tolerance range and transmit electric power to the auxiliary load bus in the first predetermined tolerance range. |
| US09513612B2 |
Integrated remote control system and control method thereof
An integrated remote control system controls a plurality of peripheral electronic devices by a certain integrated operation to provide use convenience of the electronic devices. The integrated remote control system includes an integrated control device configured to store control codes of the peripheral electronic devices and provide the at least one control code of the peripheral electronic devices according to a request. The integrated remote control system also includes a user remote control device configured to request the integrated control device to transmit the control code for controlling the peripheral electronic device, receive the requested control code, and control the at least one of the peripheral electronic devices. |
| US09513611B2 |
Adjusting environmental variables in an adaptive parameter adjustment runtime environment
Adjusting environmental variables in an adaptive parameter adjustment runtime environment, including: executing a parallel program by the adaptive parameter adjustment runtime environment, including beginning operations with a set of default global parameter values; maintaining a list of configurable parameters; changing a parameter value for a parameter in the list of configurable parameters; determining whether an effect of changing the parameter value is positive, negative, or neutral; responsive to determining that the effect of changing the parameter value is positive, changing the parameter value for the parameter; responsive to determining that the effect of changing the parameter value is negative, changing the parameter value for the parameter to a previous value; and responsive to determining that the effect of changing the parameter value is neutral, performing a list management operation on the list of configurable parameters. |
| US09513608B2 |
Device and method for operating an electromechanical adjustment device
A device and a method for operating an electromechanical adjustment device having an electric drive device, include a control unit that detects the reaching of a mechanical end stop of the adjustment device and controls and/or regulates the electric drive device. After a mechanical end stop of the adjustment device is reached, a change in the direction of rotation is automatically actuated in the electric drive device for a predefinable period of time or a predefinable traveling distance. |
| US09513602B1 |
Waking alarm with detection and aiming of an alarm signal at a single person
An alarm clock is mounted above a bed and uses a thermal sensor to identify the location of each person sleeping in the bed and to direct light and sound to only one of them for the purpose of selectively waking only that individual. A platform is driven to scan across the bed, and has an infrared sensor creating a temperature profile with a thermal signature indicating the position of each occupant. Platform electronics generate a narrow beam LED light, and an array of ultrasonic speakers serves as a parametric speaker producing a narrow sound beam heard only by the targeted sleeper. At a preset time the alarm is triggered and the platform is pointed at the targeted sleeper identified by his or her infrared thermal signature. The LED light is driven from low to high to simulate dawn. Following maximum brightness, the parametric speaker emits a wake-up audio. |
| US09513594B2 |
Protective layer forming device and image forming apparatus
A protective layer forming device, including: a powdery image bearer protecting agent formed of a granulated product containing a fatty acid metal salt and an inorganic lubricant; and a roller-shaped protecting agent supplying member configured to supply the powdery image bearer protecting agent to a surface of an image bearer. |
| US09513588B2 |
Image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material
An image forming apparatus includes a curved conveyance path being formed by an outer guide and an inner guide, and a control unit configured to control a first conveyance unit disposed on upstream of the conveyance path and a second conveyance unit disposed on downstream of the conveyance path such that a conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit is set greater than a conveyance speed of the second conveyance unit, in a case where an image surface of the recording material on which an image is formed faces the inner guide, and perform control of the first and the second conveyance units in such a manner that the conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit is set less than the conveyance speed of the second conveyance unit, in a case where the image surface of the recording material on which the image is formed faces the outer guide. |
| US09513582B2 |
Transfer assist members
A transfer assist member comprising a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers being a check film layer comprised of a crosslinked alkoxyalkylated polyamide. |
| US09513581B2 |
Transfer device, image forming apparatus
A transfer device (35) includes a conveyance belt (351), a transfer roller (352), and a stretch roller (354). The conveyance belt (351) is in contact with an image carrier (31) that carries a toner image, and conveys a sheet via a contact position with the image carrier (31). A voltage having a polarity opposite to a charging polarity of toner that forms the toner image is applied to the transfer roller (352), and the transfer roller (352) transfers the toner image carried by the image carrier (31) onto the sheet at the contact position. The stretch roller (354) is in an insulated state, and stretches the conveyance belt (351) at a separation position in which the sheet is separated from the conveyance belt (351) and which is downstream of the contact position in a conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed by the conveyance belt (351). |
| US09513580B2 |
Image forming apparatus with fall path of developer
An image forming apparatus includes: a displacement member supported so as to be displaceable; and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is a mechanism configured to displace the displacement member between a first position away from a fall path of a movement path for a powdery developer and a second position at which at least a part of the displacement member enters the fall path. |
| US09513579B2 |
Developer replenishing apparatus including container having moving wall
A developer replenishing apparatus includes a developer housing container and a sensor. The developer housing container includes a container main body having a wall that partitions an internal space, a shaft section arranged so as to extend in a first direction in the internal space, a moving wall which moves from an upstream side to a downstream side in the first direction along the shaft section and which conveys the developer, and a developer discharge port which is arranged near a downstream end in the first direction of the container main body. The sensor is arranged at a position that enables the sensor to generate different outputs between before and after the moving wall reaches a prescribed position on a movement route. The determining unit determines a state where there is no developer in the developer housing container when the sensor generates an output determined in advance. |
| US09513575B2 |
Removable device and image forming apparatus
A removable device is removably attachable to an image forming apparatus main body. The removable device includes an information storage device, a holder, and a low frictional structure. The information storage device includes: an information storage unit that stores information to be communicated between the apparatus main body and the removable device; a terminal to be contacted with an apparatus main-body terminal, for communicating information with the apparatus main body; and a substrate that holds the information storage unit and the terminal and that includes a guide to be fitted to a protrusion provided on the apparatus main body. The holder holds the substrate such that the substrate can move, when the removable device approaches the apparatus main-body terminal, on a virtual plane intersecting with a moving direction of the removable device. The low frictional structure is arranged on a contact area between the substrate and the holder. |
| US09513573B2 |
Image forming method, image forming apparatus, and printed matter production method
An image forming method includes exposing a surface of an image bearer with light according to an image pattern including an image portion and a non-image portion, the image portion constituted of a plurality of pixels, to form an electrostatic latent image correspondent to the image pattern, comparing the image pattern adjacent to each of the pixels with a comparison pattern constituted of a plurality of pixels to specify at least a group of pixels existing at a boundary with respect to the non-image portion as a group of non-exposure pixels among the pixels constituting the image portion, and executing determination of specifying at least a group of pixels adjacent to the group of non-exposure pixels as a group of high power exposure pixels exposed with light of a higher light power than a predetermined light power required for exposing the image portion among the pixels constituting the image portion. |
| US09513570B2 |
Electrostatic charge image developer, developer cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic charge image developer contains toner including toner particles, and strontium titanate particles having a volume average particle diameter of 3 μm to 7 μm. The electrostatic charge image developer also contains a carrier including core particle, and a coating layer that coats the core particle and contains a cyclohexyl methacrylate resin. |
| US09513569B2 |
Optical collector for collecting extreme ultraviolet radiation, method for operating such an optical collector, and EUV source with such a collector
An optical collector (15) for collecting extreme ultraviolet radiation or EUV light generated at a central EUV production site comprises a reflective shell (25). To cope with thermal loading of the collector and avoid deformations, the reflective shell (25) is mounted on a support structure (24), such that a cooling channel (29) is established between the back side of the reflective shell (25) and the support structure (24), the thickness of the reflective shell (25) is substantially reduced, such that the convective heat transfer between the back side of the reflective shell (25) and a cooling medium (26) flowing through the cooling channel (29) dominates the process of removing heat from the reflective shell (25) with respect to heat conduction, and a cooling circuit (33) is connected to the cooling channel (29); to supply a cooling medium (26) to the cooling channel (29) with a controlled coolant pressure and/or mass flow. |
| US09513567B2 |
Exposure apparatus and exposure method
To provide a mask aligner that can appropriately manage very small-quantity production and multiproduct production. The present invention is a mask aligner 1 that exposes a wafer W in a predetermined size through a mask M, and has a configuration that includes: a conveying device 5 for conveying the wafer W and the mask M; an exposure stage 3f on which the wafer W conveyed by the conveying device 5 is installed; a mask holder 3b that is mounted to face the exposure stage 3f and on which the mask M conveyed by the conveying device 5 is installed; and an LED light source 8c mounted to face the exposure stage 3f via the mask holder 3b. |
| US09513566B2 |
Lithographic apparatus
A lithographic apparatus injects gas between a reticle (MA) and reticle blades (REB-X, REB-Y) to protect the reticle from contamination. The gas may be injected either into the space defined between the reticle and the closest pair of reticle blades, or into the space defined between the two pairs of reticle blades. |
| US09513565B2 |
Using wafer geometry to improve scanner correction effectiveness for overlay control
Systems and methods for providing improved scanner corrections are disclosed. Scanner corrections provided in accordance with the present disclosure may be referred to as wafer geometry aware scanner corrections. More specifically, wafer geometry and/or wafer shape signature information are utilized to improve scanner corrections. By removing the wafer geometry as one of the error sources that may affect the overlay accuracy, better scanner corrections can be obtained because one less contributing factor needs to be modeled. |
| US09513564B2 |
Exposure method, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
Provided is an exposure method that includes setting a first exposure condition so as to calculate a coefficient for predicting the fluctuation in the imaging characteristics of the projection optical system under a certain exposure condition; determining the coefficient and a permissible value calculated from aberration measurement reproducibility based on a fluctuation characteristic model; calculating a predicted amount of the fluctuation in the imaging characteristics under the first exposure condition based on the coefficient; determining whether or not the predicted amount is less than the permissible value for each time instant; and starting calculation of the predicted amount of the fluctuation in the imaging characteristics under a second exposure condition at the time at which it is determined by the determining that the predicted amount is less than the permissible value. |
| US09513560B2 |
Illumination optical assembly, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An illumination optical system can form a pupil intensity distribution with a desired beam profile. The illumination optical system for illuminating an illumination target surface with light from a light source is provided with a spatial light modulator which has a plurality of optical elements arrayed on a predetermined surface and individually controlled and which variably forms a light intensity distribution on an illumination pupil of the illumination optical system; a divergence angle providing member which is arranged in a conjugate space including a surface optically conjugate with the predetermined surface and which provides a divergence angle to an incident beam and emits the beam; and a polarizing member which is arranged at a position in the vicinity of the predetermined surface or in the conjugate space and which changes a polarization state of a partial beam of a propagating beam propagating in an optical path. |
| US09513557B2 |
Method for manufacturing reflective mask and apparatus for manufacturing reflective mask
According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a reflective mask includes: forming a reflection layer on a major surface of a substrate; forming a capping layer containing ruthenium on the reflection layer; forming an absorption layer on the capping layer; forming a pattern region in the absorption layer; removing a first resist mask used in forming the pattern region; and forming a light blocking region surrounding the pattern region in the absorption layer, the capping layer, and the reflection layer. The removing the first resist mask used in forming the pattern region includes: performing dry ashing processing using a mixed gas of ammonia gas and nitrogen gas or only ammonia gas. |
| US09513553B2 |
Methods of providing patterned epitaxy templates for self-assemblable block copolymers for use in device lithography
A method is disclosed to form a patterned epitaxy template, on a substrate, to direct self-assembly of block copolymer for device lithography. A resist layer on a substrate is selectively exposed with actinic (e.g. UV or DUV) radiation by photolithography to provide exposed portions in a regular lattice pattern of touching or overlapping shapes arranged to leave unexposed resist portions between the shapes. Exposed or unexposed resist is removed with remaining resist portions providing the basis for a patterned epitaxy template for the orientation of the self-assemblable block copolymer as a hexagonal or square array. The method allows for simple, direct UV lithography to form patterned epitaxy templates with sub-resolution features. |
| US09513551B2 |
Process for producing a photomask on a photopolymeric surface
A process is provided for printing a high resolution pattern on a photopolymeric surface. |
| US09513550B2 |
Positive resist composition and pattern forming process
A positive resist composition comprising an organosiloxane-modified novolak resin, a photosensitive agent, and an organic solvent is provided, the resin comprising structural units having formula (1) wherein R1 is an organosiloxy group, and R2 is hydrogen or alkyl. The composition is photosensitive, turns alkali soluble in the exposed region, eliminates any film thickness loss after development, and displays improved resistance to electrolytic plating and O2 dry etching. |
| US09513549B2 |
Compound, resin, photoresist composition, and method for producing photoresist pattern
A compound represented by formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a C1-C6 alkyl group which may have a halogen atom; R2 and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group, and R4 represents a C1-C6 monovalent saturated linear hydrocarbon group, a C3-C6 monovalent saturated branched hydrocarbon group, a C5-C12 monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C5-C12 monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon-containing group, or R3 and R4 represent a C2-C6 heterocyclic ring together with an oxygen atom and a carbon atom; A1 represents a single bond, or *-A2-X1-(A3-X2)a— where A2 and A3 each independently represent a C1-C6 alkanediyl group, X1 and X2 each independently represent an oxygen atom, a carbonyloxy group or an oxycarbonyl group, and “a” represents 0 or 1; A4 represents a C1-C6 alkanediyl group; Ad represents a divalent adamantanediyl group. |
| US09513540B2 |
Laser projection display and method for aligning color of the same
There is disclosed a laser projection display including a light source unit for emitting light laser light; a light resolution unit for resolving the laser light into a first light and a second light; an optical scanner for realizing an image by scanning the resolved first light to a screen; a sensing unit for sensing the resolved second light; and an alignment compensation unit for calculating location variation of the second light sensed by the sensing unit and compensating color alignment to correspond to the calculated location variation value, wherein a distance between a light emitting surface of the light resolution and a light incidence surface of the optical scanner is equal to a distance between a light emitting surface of the light resolution unit and a light incidence surface of the sensing unit. |
| US09513536B2 |
Camera rig
A device comprising a harness, an arm, and an extendable string. The arm may include a first portion being fixed in relation to the harness and a second portion for supporting of the string. The string may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the string being arranged for fastening of an optical instrument. The device may include an adjustable counter force device, and the second portion of the string may be attached to the adjustable counter force device for providing a counter force on the string. The adjustable counter force device may include a spring, a lever arm, and a support. The counter force exerted by the counter force device on the string may be adjustable. |
| US09513533B2 |
Focal plane shutter and optical apparatus provided with same
A focal plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; a leading blade and a trailing blade opening and closing the opening; a trailing blade actuator driving the trailing blade; a drive member driving the trailing blade by receiving driving force of the trailing blade actuator; and a buffering member abutting with the drive member in a state where the trailing blade recedes away from the opening, wherein the trailing blade actuator causes the drive member to move away from the buffering member from an abutting state therewith and to abut therewith again in a charging operation, and then starts an exposure operation. |
| US09513528B2 |
Display device and method of fabricating the same
A constitution of the display device of the invention is shown in the following. The display device includes a pixel unit including TFTs of which the active layer contains an organic semiconductor material for forming channel portions in the opening portions in an insulating layer arranged to meet the gate electrodes. The pixel unit further includes a contrast media formed on the electrodes connected to the TFTs for changing the reflectivity upon the application of an electric field, or microcapsules containing electrically charged particles that change the reflectivity upon the application of an electric field. The pixel unit is sandwiched by plastic substrates, and barrier layers including an inorganic insulating material are provided between the plastic substrates and the pixel unit. The purpose of the present invention is to supply display devices which are excellent in productivity, light in weight and flexible. |
| US09513527B2 |
Color display device
The present invention provides a full color display device in which each pixel can display multiple high-quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises four types of particles, dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture and each pixel can display at least five different color states. |
| US09513526B2 |
Fine electret particles and process for producing same
The present invention provides uniformly electrified electret fine particles having excellent electrophoretic properties. Specifically, the present invention provides a core-shell electret fine particle comprising a core part and a shell part, the core part containing a material that has an ability to disperse a pigment therein, the shell part containing an electret resin, and the electret resin being a fluorine-containing resin and being electretized by electron ray irradiation, radial ray irradiation, or corona discharge treatment. |
| US09513525B2 |
Electrochromic window fabrication methods
Methods of manufacturing electrochromic windows are described. An electrochromic device is fabricated to substantially cover a glass sheet, for example float glass, and a cutting pattern is defined based on one or more low-defectivity areas in the device from which one or more electrochromic panes are cut. Laser scribes and/or bus bars may be added prior to cutting the panes or after. Edge deletion can also be performed prior to or after cutting the electrochromic panes from the glass sheet. Insulated glass units (IGUs) are fabricated from the electrochromic panes and optionally one or more of the panes of the IGU are strengthened. |
| US09513524B2 |
Wide band variable transmittance optical device
We describe a wide band variable transmission optical device having an electronically active cell comprising a guest-host mixture of a liquid crystal host and a dichroic guest dye material contained between a pair of plastic substrates. The liquid crystal host has an axis orientation that is alterable between a clear state orientation and a dark state orientation and the dichroic guest dye material includes one or more dichroic dyes. The optical device is characterized in that it exhibits a wide absorption band that is greater than 175 nm within a visible wavelength range of 400-700 nm, has a clear state transmission equal to or above 30% and a dark state transmission equal to or below 40%. |
| US09513523B2 |
Thin film transistor array substrate and method of fabricating same
A thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate includes a first substrate, a plurality of TFTs formed on the first substrate, a color filter layer covered on the TFTs, and a plurality of pixel electrodes corresponding to the TFTs. The color filter layer is directly formed on the TFTs. The color filter layer includes a plurality of photoresist units. Each of the pixel electrodes is to electrically connected to a drain of the TFT via an opening. |
| US09513516B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having a plurality of comb-shaped portions protruding from an electrode base portion and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate that face each other; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a first electrode and a second electrode provided between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The first electrode includes: an electrode base portion that extends in a first direction; and a plurality of comb-shaped portions that protrude from the electrode base portion at a fixed distance away from each other, and extend in a second direction different from the first direction. Each of the comb-shaped portions is configured such that a width thereof at a protrusion start position of the electrode base portion is smaller than a number obtained by multiplying an array pitch of adjacent comb-shaped portions by 0.5. |
| US09513513B2 |
Liquid crystal device and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a gate line disposed on a first substrate; a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line; a semiconductor layer disposed on the gate insulating layer; a data line disposed on the semiconductor layer and including a source electrode; a drain electrode disposed on the semiconductor layer and facing the source electrode via the semiconductor layer interposed therebetween; a passivation layer disposed on the data line and the drain electrode; a pixel electrode disposed on the passivation layer and connected to the drain electrode; a first alignment pattern layer disposed on the pixel electrode; and a first alignment layer disposed on the pixel electrode and the first alignment pattern layer and made of a photoalignment material, wherein the first alignment pattern layer includes a plurality of first alignment patterns separated with a predetermined interval, and the first alignment layer has a concave-convex shape including grooves and protrusions of the first alignment layer. |
| US09513509B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other. A color filter is positioned on the first substrate. A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first polarizer is positioned on an outer surface of the first substrate. A first compensation film is positioned on an outer surface of the first polarizer. A second compensation film is positioned on an outer surface of the second substrate. A third compensation film is positioned on an outer surface of the second compensation film. A second polarizer is positioned on an outer surface of the third compensation film. The second compensation film includes a negative C-plate, and the third compensation film includes a biaxial film. |
| US09513504B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate; a column spacer disposed on the first substrate; a light blocking member disposed on the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The light blocking member includes a dome shaped portion having a concave surface. |
| US09513503B2 |
Display apparatus and polarizer for multi-domain vertical aligned liquid crystal display apparatus
A display apparatus and a polarizer for multi-domain vertical aligned liquid crystal display apparatus are provided. The display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display device, a first polarizer, a second polarizer and a diffractive optical element. The first polarizer is disposed on the first substrate. The second polarizer is disposed between the second substrate and the backlight module. The diffractive optical element includes a first diffraction grating and is disposed on a light emitting side of the first polarizer. An azimuth angle the first diffraction grating is counted from an absorbing axis of the first polarizer as standard. |
| US09513501B2 |
Touch panel, touch screen structure thereof, and touch display device thereof
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a touch screen structure used in a touch panel. The touch screen structure comprises a protection cover and at least one color changeable decoration layer. The color changeable decoration layer is made of thermochromic material or photochromic material, located at a side region of the lower surface of the protection cover, and the region at which the color changeable decoration layer is located defines a non-visible region of the touch panel. |
| US09513499B2 |
Laser repairing apparatus
The present invention discloses a laser repairing apparatus for a display panel, which comprises a laser generating device, a bearing device, a backlight, a first polarizer, a second polarizer and an image generating device, the laser generating device is located above the bearing device, the first polarizer is located between the backlight and the bearing device, and the second polarizer is located between the image generating device and the bearing device. In the technical solution of the present invention, the first polarizer and the second polarizer are used to control the amount of light transmittance of the transmission light, and the human eye can identify the exact positions of the defective pixels quickly and accurately by means of the transmission image having overall low brightness, and consequently, the time required for the whole repairing process is shortened. |
| US09513498B2 |
Detector remodulator
A detector remodulator comprising a silicon on insulator (SOI) waveguide platform including: a detector coupled to a first input waveguide; a modulator coupled to a second input waveguide and an output waveguide; and an electrical circuit connecting the detector to the modulator; wherein the detector, modulator, second input waveguide and output waveguide are arranged within the same horizontal plane as one another; and wherein the modulator includes a modulation waveguide region at which a semiconductor junction is set horizontally across the waveguide. |
| US09513495B2 |
Illuminated eyewear
There is provided illuminated eyewear having one or more light sources mounted thereto to project light forwardly thereof. The illuminated eyewear includes a cross-frame member or portion and temple arm members or portions extending rearwardly therefrom in a use configuration. The illuminated eyewear may include a pass-through portion of the cross-frame member that is oriented to be forwardly of the light source to allow light projected from the light source to pass therethrough to an area forwardly of the cross-frame member. |
| US09513493B2 |
Ophthalmic lens supply system and related methods
A system for the supply of ophthalmic lenses and related methods for providing ophthalmic lenses for enhanced experience based on right-handedness and left-handedness. |
| US09513492B2 |
Shake correction apparatus and control method
An shake correction apparatus includes a correcting unit configured to optically correct an image shake based on an output of a shake detecting unit; a moving member configured to hold the correcting unit; and a control unit configured to perform initialization driving of the correcting unit by driving the moving member during a start-up of the shake correction apparatus. The control unit converts at least one of a driving amplitude and a driving speed of the initialization driving of the moving member in response to the start-up mode of the shake correction apparatus. |
| US09513484B2 |
Method and device for focusing laser light
A device focuses laser light into a working plane. The device contains a deflection mirror and a cylindrical lens. A lens apex of the cylindrical lens has an offset and which has a first transmission portion and a second transmission portion different from the first transmission portion. The device further has retroreflector device with an optical axis. The deflection mirror is arranged in the beam path of the device such that it can deflect the laser light during the operation of the device such that the light can propagate substantially parallel to the optical axis of the retroreflector device and can be transmitted through the first transmission portion of the cylindrical lens, and can then be reflected back by the retroreflector device such that the laser light can be transmitted through the second transmission portion of the cylindrical lens and can be focused into the working plane. |
| US09513483B2 |
Beam shaper system for laser diode array
Proposed is a beam shaper for beams emitted from at least one laser-diode bar and consisting of a fast-axis collimator composed of a common cylindrical lens with an aspherical profile, an array of spherical/aspherical telescope units formed from a pair of microlenses, where each individual telescope unit is shifted in accordance with a predetermined law to a certain distance relative to a neighboring individual telescope unit, an array of cylindrical lenses shifted relative to each other in accordance with another predetermined law, and a system of collimation lenses that collimate the beams of the predetermined spatial pattern into a two-dimensional pattern having a less discrete and more uniform distribution of light intensity and a shape more convenient for subsequent coupling, e.g., for focusing into the end face of an optical fiber of a light transmission system. |
| US09513479B2 |
Virtual image display apparatus
With respect to an emitting side optical axis, which is an optical axis on a first surface, a sight line reference axis which is assumed as a sight line axis of the eyes of an observer extends in a slightly inclined direction. In particular, the emitting side optical axis with respect to the sight line reference axis is configured to approach the eyes from the outside (that is, a corner of the eyes) of the eyes. In addition, a long image in a vertical direction which is perpendicular to an alignment of the eyes rather than in the horizontal direction which corresponds to the alignment of the eyes, is displayed. |
| US09513478B2 |
Mirror system and control method therefor
In a mirror system for displaying an image on a mirror surface, a mirror reflects incident light from an object facing its front surface side to present a reflected image, and transmits incident light from its rear surface. A display unit generates a presentation image to be superimposed on the reflected image. An optical unit is arranged between the display unit and the rear surface of the mirror, and images the presentation image. An acquisition unit acquires distance information between the object and the mirror. A controller controls the imaging point of the presentation image by the optical unit according to the distance information. |
| US09513476B2 |
Microelectromechanical component and corresponding production method
A micro-electromechanical component includes: an electrically conductive substrate having an upper side and an underside; a structured electrically conductive first functional layer fashioned on the upper side of the substrate; an elastically deflectable actuator device suspended via a spring device fashioned in the first functional layer; a movable first electrode device extending vertically through the substrate and connected to the actuator device; and a stationary second electrode device extending vertically through the substrate, at a distance from the first electrode device, the actuator device being configured to be deflected through the application of an electrical voltage between the first and the second electrode device. |
| US09513474B2 |
Electrowetting element
An electrowetting element includes a surface having a display area; a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid; and a non-switchable color filter for further determining the display effect. A configuration of the first and second fluids is switchable, using an applied voltage, to determine a size of area that the first and second fluids adjoin the display area, which thereby determines a display effect provided by the electrowetting element. An extent of the non-switchable color filter in a plane parallel to a plane of the display area is smaller than the display area. |
| US09513468B2 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises five lens elements positioned sequentially from an object side to an image side. Though controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces and/or the refracting power of the lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened. |
| US09513464B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system, sequentially including a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element and a fourth lens element from an object side to an image side, is disclosed. The first lens element has positive refractive power. The second lens element, the third lens element and the fourth lens element have refractive power respectively. At least one of the image side surface and the object side surface of each of the four lens elements are aspheric. The optical lens elements can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09513462B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
The lens barrel includes a stationary tube, a cam ring, and a rectilinear motion tube. The rectilinear motion tube is moved by the rotation of the cam ring in the optical axis direction. A lens frame holding a lens is moved by a driving unit (feed screw and a motor) in the optical axis direction. The stationary tube includes a main guide bar in the optical axis direction. The rectilinear motion tube includes another main guide bar in the optical axis direction. The lens frame includes first and second fitting portions slidably supported by the main guide bars in the optical axis direction, and the first and second fitting portions are disposed separately in the optical axis direction, and the main guide bars are disposed in different positions around the optical axis. |
| US09513459B2 |
Driving apparatus, optical apparatus and imaging apparatus
A driving apparatus includes a first axial member that is arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction, where the predetermined direction is the axial direction of the first axial member, and a driving unit that is configured to generate a first driving force in the axial direction and a second driving force in a direction intersecting the axial direction, where the first and second driving forces are to be applied to the first axial member. |
| US09513456B2 |
Lens driver circuit with ringing compensation
A lens driver circuit determines the resonant frequency at a number of positions that a lens can move to so that the lens can move from an old position to a new position in two steps where the second step occurs a delay time after the first step. The delay time can be one-half of the period of the resonant frequency at the new position. |
| US09513453B2 |
Ball cage assemblies for centration of axially thick lenses and related methods and systems
A ball cage centered lens assembly is provided including an axially thick lens; an outer mechanical cell; an intermediate cage positioned between the axially thick lens and the outer mechanical cell; a plurality of deformable elements positioned within the cage, between the axially thick lens and the mechanical cell, and in contact with the axially thick lens and the outer mechanical cell. |
| US09513449B2 |
Optical fiber cable with protective translucent outer layer
An optical communication cable is provided. The optical communications cable includes a cable body having an outer surface, an inner surface and a channel defined by the inner surface. An optical transmission element is located in the channel. The cable includes an ink layer positioned on the outer surface of the cable body, and the ink layer is formed from charged ink droplets adhered to the outer surface of the cable body. The cable also includes a translucent layer coupled to the outer surface of the cable body over the ink layer such that the ink layer is located between the outer surface of the cable body and an inner surface of the translucent layer. |
| US09513444B2 |
Female hardened optical connectors for use with male plug connectors
A female hardened fiber optic connector for terminating an end of a fiber optic cable that is suitable for making an optical connection with another hardened cable assembly and cable assemblies using the same are disclosed. The female hardened fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly, a crimp body, a connector sleeve, and female coupling housing. The connector sleeve has one or more orientation features that cooperate with one or more orientation features inside the female coupling housing. The crimp body has a first shell and a second shell for securing the connector assembly at a front end of the shells and a cable attachment region rearward of the front end for securing a cable. |
| US09513441B2 |
Polarizing splitter and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a polarizing splitter includes providing a substrate including a top surface; forming a ridged asymmetric Y-shaped waveguide and a base by etching the substrate from the top surface into an inner region, the base includes an upper surface paralleling with the top surface, the ridged asymmetric Y-shaped waveguide projects from the upper surface of the base, and includes an input section configured for transmitting both a transverse electric wave and a transverse magnetic wave, a first branch configured for transmitting the transverse magnetic wave only, and a second branch configured for transmitting the transverse electric wave only, the first and the second branches branch from the input section; and forming a pair of strip-shaped first electrodes on the upper surface of the base, the strip-shaped first electrodes arranged at opposite sides of the input section and parallel with a central axis of the input section. |
| US09513437B2 |
Photonic integrated circuit incorporating a bandgap temperature sensor
An optical device that includes means for thermal stabilization and control is described. The optical device can be a ring resonator, or another device that requires accurate control of the phase of the optical signal. In an example involving an optical resonator, a thermal stabilization system includes a temperature sensor, a control circuit, and a heater local to the resonator. The temperature sensor can be a bandgap temperature sensor formed of a pair of matched p/n junctions biased in operation at different junction currents. |
| US09513436B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device (1) for use in at least an optical application comprising: at least an optically passive aspect (2) that is operable in substantially an optically passive mode, and at least an optically active material (3) comprising at least a material that is operable in substantially an optically active mode, wherein: the optically passive aspect (2) further comprises at least a crystalline seed layer (4), the optically active material (3) being epitaxially grown in at least a predefined structure (5) provided in the optically passive aspect (2) that extends to at least an upper surface (4′) of the crystalline seed layer (4), and the optically passive aspect (2) is structured to comprise at least a passive photonic structure (6), wherein the crystalline seed layer (4) comprises a crystalline wafer and wherein the optically active material (3) comprises at least one of: a III-V material and a II-VI material. |
| US09513432B2 |
Fiber optic cantilever acoustic vector sensor
An apparatus includes a rigid support and a first cantilever including a first optical fiber and a first rigid ribbon. The first optical fiber and the first ribbon, together include a first neutral surface. The first optical fiber is connected to the rigid support. The first optical fiber includes at least one first wave-guiding core running parallel to the first neutral surface. Each of the at least one first wave-guiding core includes at least one first reflector. The first rigid ribbon is affixed to the first optical fiber and to said first rigid support. The apparatus further includes a first membrane surrounding the first cantilever. |
| US09513426B2 |
Light down conversion film and display backlight unit using the same
The disclosure provides a display backlight unit and its light down conversion film. The light down conversion film may include a quantum-dot layer sandwiched between input substrate and an exit substrate. First and second refractive asymmetric micro-prisms are disposed on two opposite input and first exit surfaces of the input substrate, respectively. On the input surface of the input substrate, multiple arrays of the asymmetric refractive asymmetric micro-prisms preserve the large off-axis angle of incident light with first wavelength. On the first exit surface of the input substrate, multiple arrays of the refractive asymmetric micro-prisms increase the reflectance of the large incident angle light. A second exit surface of the exit substrate includes refractive symmetric micro-prisms. The refractive asymmetric micro-prisms of the input substrate and the refractive asymmetric micro-prisms of the exit substrate have rounded tips and valleys for enhancing refraction of the first light and the second light. |
| US09513425B2 |
Backlight module including a quantum dot enhancement film and display device using the same
The invention provides a backlight module including: a planar illuminant portion having a first surface and emitting light from the first surface; an optical film assembly adhered to the first surface of the planar illuminant portion and having a bottom optical film and at least an upper optical film layered above the bottom optical film; and a ring-shaped frame surrounding the planar illuminant portion and having a first extension portion extending along a direction parallel to the first surface, wherein the bottom optical film extends toward the ring-shaped frame more than the upper optical film such that the first extension portion covers at least an edge of the bottom optical film. |
| US09513423B2 |
Methods and apparatus for power-equalized optical frequency comb generation
An optical device for generating a frequency comb includes an optical source and a first waveguide comprising a nonlinear optical medium operable to mix at least two input optical waves to generate a plurality of first optical waves. The optical device also includes a second waveguide concatenated to the first waveguide and characterized by a first dispersion characteristics and operable to compress the waveforms of the plurality of first optical waves and to reduce a frequency chirp introduced by the first waveguide. The optical device additionally includes a third waveguide concatenated to the second waveguide. The third waveguide comprises a nonlinear optical medium and is operable to mix the plurality of first optical waves to generate a plurality of second optical waves and to increase a total number of second optical waves with respect to a total number of first optical waves. |
| US09513422B2 |
Optical-compensation film, optical-compensation polarizing sheet and liquid crystal display
An optical-compensation film, an optical-compensation polarizing sheet and a liquid crystal display are disclosed. The liquid crystal display comprises: a liquid crystal unit as well as a first polarizing sheet and a second polarizing sheet each provided at either side of the liquid crystal unit, in which absorption axes of the first and second polarizing sheets are perpendicular to each other; the liquid crystal unit comprises: a counter substrate and an array substrate as well as a liquid crystal layer lying between the two substrates, in which, the array substrate comprises a pixel electrode and a common electrode; the first polarizing sheet comprises: a first optical-compensation film, which is provided facing the liquid crystal unit; an absorption axis of the first polarizing sheet and an initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer are both perpendicular to a slow axis of the first optical-compensation film; the second polarizing sheet comprises: an isotropic protective film, which is provided proximate to a side of the liquid crystal unit where the array substrate is located. The liquid crystal display has improved contrast in an oblique plane and expanded viewing angles. |
| US09513420B2 |
Low layer count reflective polarizer with optimized gain
Multilayer reflecting polarizing films are disclosed having increased in-plane refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along both the pass and block axis, and having negative refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along the thickness or z-axis. Major front and back surfaces of the film exposed to air provide a Fresnel reflectivity component to the pass axis reflectivity, and the microlayers provide a microlayer component to the pass axis reflectivity, such microlayer component preferably having a reflectivity of p-polarized light that increases with incidence angle faster than the Fresnel reflectivity component decreases so as to substantially avoid off-axis gain peaks for p-polarized light. The films preferably utilize a relatively small total number of microlayers, arranged in a single coherent stack with monotonic optical repeat unit thickness profile, and at least some microlayers preferably include polyethylene naphthalate or a copolymer thereof. |
| US09513416B2 |
Pane construction
The present invention refers to a pane construction, particularly to be used in a motor vehicle, comprising transparent panes, layers and/or foils made of glass, ceramic, plastic or organic material, which are connected in a layered manner in a laminate, wherein the pane construction has transparent infrared (=IR) filtering layer means or a IR filtering foil for filtering of infrared (IR) radiation of the sunlight impinging the pane construction. |
| US09513413B2 |
Display device, color filter substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A color filter substrate is provided, comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of pixel regions arranged in matrix; a color resin layer formed in each of the pixel regions on the substrate; and a transparent pillar formed on the substrate and located in the color resin layer. In addition, a manufacturing method for the color filter substrate is also provided. |
| US09513405B2 |
Biopolymer photonic crystals and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a biopolymer photonic crystal includes providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, providing a substrate, casting the matrix solution on the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer film. A surface of the film is formed with a nanopattern, or a nanopattern is machined on a surface of the film. In another embodiment, a plurality of biopolymer films is stacked together. A photonic crystal is also provided that is made of a biopolymer and has a nanopatterned surface. In another embodiment, the photonic crystal includes a plurality of nanopatterned films that are stacked together. |
| US09513403B2 |
Methods and systems for displaying customized icons
A method (and system for practicing the method) for processing and reporting a characteristic of a resource for a domain (e.g., weather forecast for a flight route). A request is sent to a server for customized data for the resource, preferably containing at least a unique application identifier. Customized data is received from the server, wherein said data contain a plurality of customized conditional result values of characteristics of the resource at a multiplicity of domain values, generated using values of the characteristics of the resource at various domain values and conditionals specific to the application identifier. A graphical chart (often in the form of a circle or spiral) is displayed based on the received customized data, wherein the location of the graphical chart on the display device corresponds to said resource, and furthermore wherein the colors of the chart at each of a plurality of points upon the chart are each determined based on the customized conditional result value of the characteristics of the resource for a domain value (e.g., time), said domain value corresponding to the rotational angle of said point upon the chart. |
| US09513402B2 |
Estimating fracture dimensions from microseismic data
Method for imaging of a hydraulic fracture generated by fluid injection. Microseismic data of the hydraulic fracture treatment is collected and analyzed for the location and magnitude of microseismic events. The seismic energy or moment of the micro seismic events is calculated (11) and plotted with the size of events scaled by their energy or moment (12). The cumulative seismic energy or moment is calculated as a function of distance from the perforation point (13). The fracture dimensions are determined by applying cut-offs, based on selected criteria, to the cumulative energy or moment estimates (14). |
| US09513401B2 |
Systems, machines, program products, transmitter assemblies and associated sensors to explore and analyze subterranean geophysical formations
Systems, methods, and transmitter assemblies for exploring geophysical formations at great depths. In order to explore the formation, transmitter assemblies with a size less than 500 nanometers are inserted into the formation. The transmitter assemblies include sensors and propel through the formation, analyzing fluids and conditions as each moves through the formation. The transmitter assemblies can communicate with a machine on the surface via a series of receivers and transmitters located in the wellbore. The machine on the surface is able to combine and analyze the data from the nanorobots to create a three dimensional map of the formation. The map shows the locations of pathways through the formation, pockets of hydrocarbons within the formation, and the boundaries of the formation. |
| US09513393B2 |
System and technique to suppress the acquisition of torque noise on a multi-component streamer
A technique includes distributing particle motion sensors along the length of a seismic streamer. Each particle motion sensor is eccentrically disposed at an associated angle about an axis of the seismic streamer with respect to a reference line that is common to the associated angles. The sensors are mounted to suppress torque noise in measurements that are acquired by the particle motion sensors. This mounting includes substantially varying the associated angles. |
| US09513391B2 |
Acquiring near-zero offset survey data
To acquire near-zero offset survey data, a survey source and a first streamer attached to the survey source are provided, where the first streamer has at least one survey receiver. A second streamer separate from the survey source and the first streamer includes survey receivers. Near-zero offset data is measured using the at least one survey receiver of the first streamer. |
| US09513390B2 |
Compensating for space and slowness/angle blurring of reflectivity
Systems and methods for compensating for spatial and slowness or angle blurring of plane-wave reflection coefficients in imaging. A wave field may be determined at a reference depth proximate to a reflector for a shot record. A receiver-side blurring function may be determined at the reference depth. An aggregate blurring function may be constructed based at least partially on the source wave field and the receiver-side blurring function. A plane-wave reflection coefficients may be determined based at least partially on the aggregate blurring function. |
| US09513389B2 |
Coupled time-distance dependent swept frequency source acquisition design and data de-noising
Acquisition of data by managing crosstalk interference with sector designs and unique sweeps is conducted and the resultant data are processed in 3D common receiver domain to attenuate crosstalk noise while preserving the signals for high source and receiver density acquisition designs. High-amplitude spectral amplitudes are attenuated and inter-ensemble statics or structural time delays are applied to achieve optimum filter performance. If the spectral amplitudes have been attenuated to a level consistent with non-simultaneous acquisition, conventional surface consistent processing can be performed to correct for statics and amplitude variations. A 3-point filter in different frequency bands may then be applied to remove any remaining residual crosstalk noise. |
| US09513386B2 |
Reading device and method for measuring energy and flight time using silicon photomultipliers
This invention is about a readout apparatus and method for time-of-flight and energy measurements with silicon photomultipliers (SIPM) coupled to a scintillator. The timing measurement can be as accurate as 50 ps or below, after calibration. The energy is measured using a time-over-threshold technique, and the energy resolution is only constrained by the scintillation statistics. In order to achieve low power of 10 mW per channel, a low impedance input amplifier and analog time-to-digital converters (TDCs) based on time interpolation are used. The readout circuit can be triggered by a single photoelectron (p.e.) with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) above 20 dB. The said readout circuit operates with SiPMs of different gain, polarity and matrix size. The preferred embodiment of the readout apparatus is a multi-channel application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with 64 channels. |
| US09513384B2 |
Seamless tiling to build a large detector
A detector tile and a detector panel arrangement for providing a seamless detector surface with a continuous pixel array and with a reduced gap appearance includes a detector tile having a flat primary substrate and a surface layer with a circuitry arrangement. The surface layer is arranged on a front side of the primary substrate covering the primary substrate. The circuitry arrangement includes detector pixels providing a pixel array, where a connection opening is provided in the surface layer and the flat primary substrate at least at one edge of the detector tile. The connection opening is leading from the surface layer to the rear of the substrate for guiding electrical connection elements between the front side and a rear of the detector tiles. The connection openings on opposing edges of the detector tile alternate, and the connection openings on adjacent edges of detector tiles alternate. |
| US09513383B1 |
Scintillator sealing with foil
A scintillator device includes a scintillator layer on a substrate and a foil layer that covers the scintillator layer. The foil layer overlaps an outer edge of the scintillator layer and is adhered to a portion of the substrate surrounding the scintillator layer to form at least part of a first moisture barrier between the scintillator layer and the surrounding environment. A sealant overlaps an outer edge of the foil layer onto a portion of the substrate surrounding the foil layer to form at least part of a second moisture barrier between the scintillator layer and the surrounding environment. |
| US09513379B2 |
Radiographic image capture device, system, program storage medium and method
A radiographic image capture device includes a radiation detector, an application section and a controller. The radiation detector includes plural detection pixels that detect a radiation application state and plural imaging pixels that capture a radiographic image. The application section applies a bias voltage to each of the plural detection pixels and to each of the plural imaging pixels. The controller effects control such that, if the radiation application amount detected by the detection pixels is equal to or greater than a first threshold value during a first state in which the bias voltage is applied to the plural detection pixels, the application section is caused to transition to a second state in which the bias voltage applied to the detection pixels is reduced. |
| US09513366B2 |
Method for detecting, over several antenna revolutions, slow-moving targets buried in the radar clutter, using a mobile radar having a rotary antenna
A method for detecting targets using a mobile radar having a rotary antenna, notably small targets buried in radar clutter, without increasing the number of false detections, includes determining pre-detections during N antenna revolutions, including determining pre-detections revolution by revolution, each pre-detection being stored in a grid of cells centered on the position that the radar occupied at the start of the current revolution, each grid cell corresponding to an azimuth range and a distance range. This step also includes, at the end of each revolution, a step of shifting all the pre-detections stored in the grid during the previous revolutions by the movement undergone by the radar during the last revolution. The method also includes determining detections, a target being detected from the moment that a set of pre-detections stored in the grid has its distances to the radar which constitute a linear progression during the N antenna revolutions. |
| US09513365B2 |
Radar system
Respective sector radars generate first and second transmission signals by multiplying any one Spano code sequence and any one orthogonal code sequence, selected among 2(N+1) first and second Spano code sequences which are different from each other and 2(N+1) first and second orthogonal code sequences which are different from each other, in a predetermined order in each transmission period, where N is an integer of 1 or greater. Respective sector radars convert the first and second transmission signals into first and second high frequency signals, and transmit the first and second high frequency signals through first and second transmission antennas. The 2(N+1) first orthogonal code sequences and the 2(N+1) second orthogonal code sequences used in the respective sector radars are orthogonal over transmission periods of M multiples of 2(N+1), where M is an integer of 2 or greater. |
| US09513362B2 |
Method for enhancing positioning measurement and communications apparatus utilizing the same
A method for enhancing positioning measurement and a communications apparatus are disclosed. The method includes receiving an observed mobility difference of arrival (OTDOA) request and a search list of cells provided by a network at a second time point, comparing the received search list to a stored search list of cells which is received from the network at a first time point and stored in a database, searching at least one of the cells from the received search list by using different search ranges adjusted according to the comparison result, and storing the at least one of the cells in the database, and performing OTDOA measurements from the at least one of the cells. The corresponding communications apparatus includes a receiving module, a comparing module, a searching module, and a measuring module, configured to carry out the above-identified operations. |
| US09513361B1 |
Direction finding BAVA array with integrated communications antenna system and related method
A system and related method is disclosed including a symmetrical array of Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) elements. Within the array a plurality of dual polarization sub-arrays comprised of individual BAVA elements oriented in a first polarization and individual BAVA elements oriented in a second polarization. The plurality of sub-arrays maintains low mutual coupling and cross polarization rejection between sub-arrays within the array and between elements within the sub-array. As a signal is received by each of the individual BAVA elements, signals from each first polarized BAVA element and each second polarized BAVA element of a sub-array are combined to produce a single signal of the first polarization and a single signal of the second polarization per sub-array. A DF processor receives the two signals and determines the angle of arrival of the signal. A communications link within the array sends and receives information and commands for array operation. |
| US09513360B2 |
Method for testing mainframe performance of different types of partial discharge detectors based on analog voltage signal injection
A method for testing mainframe performance of different types of PD detectors based on analog voltage signal injection, the method comprises: using a function generator (19) with an adjustable output frequency of 0 to 3.5 GHz and an adjustable output amplitude of 0 to 10V, directly injecting or injecting via a DC blocking element (28) with a frequency band of 10 kHz to 10 MHz equivalent analog voltage signals generated by said function generator (19) based on PD waveforms actually tested by a pulse current PD detection sensor (6), an ultrasound PD detection sensor (12,13) and a UHF PD detection sensor (9) into mainframes of a pulse current PD detector, an ultrasound PD detector and a UHF PD detector respectively. The advantages are that the test method is universalized and standardized, the test result is reproducible and measurable, the application scope of the test object is wide, and the test content is comprehensive. |
| US09513351B2 |
Magnetic resonance coil with overlapping coil elements
A magnetic resonance coil for transmitting and/or receiving magnetic resonance signals is provided. The magnetic resonance coil includes at least two overlapping coil elements. Coil conductors of the at least two overlapping coil elements intersect in intersection regions and are arranged on a support. Mutually overlapping coil elements of the at least two overlapping coil elements are arranged on different sides of the support. The support is formed from at least three layers of a support material. A cavity that is filled with air or a filler material, the dielectric constant of the filler material being lower than the dielectric constant of the support material, is provided in the intersection regions in a middle layer of the at least three layers. |
| US09513350B2 |
Radio frequency coil device and magnetic resonance imaging system
An RF coil device and an MRI system are provided. The RF coil device includes m coil elements, where m is an integer greater than 1. The RF coil device also includes an RF switch control unit including n output terminals and m input terminals connected to the m coil elements, respectively, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than m. The RF coil device includes a decoder for outputting a control signal to the RF switch control unit according to a received control command. The RF switch control unit connects each of not more than n input terminals to a different output terminal according to the control signal. |
| US09513349B2 |
Scissor type magnetic sensor with high magnetic moment bias structure for reduced signal asymmetry
A scissor type magnetic sensor having a magnetic bias structure extending from the back edge of first and second magnetic free layers. The magnetic bias structure is constructed of a magnetic material having a high magnetic moment, such as NiFe with a high Fe content or CoFe. The high magnetic moment bias structure reduces magnetic signal asymmetry while also maintaining high signal amplitude. |
| US09513348B2 |
Hall electromotive force signal detection circuit and current sensor thereof
A Hall electromotive force signal detection circuit combines offset cancellation means by a spinning current method of a Hall element with a continuous-time signal processing circuit. A Hall element includes first to fourth terminals, and generates a Hall electromotive force signal voltage Vhall1. Another Hall element generates another Hall electromotive force signal voltage Vhall2. A first switching circuit selects a terminal position for applying a drive current from the four terminals of the Hall element. A second switching circuit selects a terminal position for applying a drive current from the four terminals of the another Hall element, which is different from the terminal position selected by the first switching circuit. A chopper clock generation circuit supplies a chopper clock signal φ1, φ2 having two different phases to the switching circuit, and also supplies the chopper clock signal φ1, φ2 to the first and second switching circuits. |
| US09513343B2 |
Measuring system
A measuring system having a magnetic device for generating a magnetic field and having a magnetic field sensor for detecting a flux density of the magnetic field at least in a first spatial direction, whereby the magnetic field sensor is fixedly positioned relative to the magnetic device. The magnetic device has at least two main poles for generating a main magnetic field and at least two secondary poles for generating a secondary magnetic field. The magnetic field in the magnetic field sensor is formed by superposition of the main magnetic field and the secondary magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor is designed to measure the flux density of the superposition in the first spatial direction, and, in the magnetic field sensor, the secondary magnetic field compensates at least partially the main magnetic field in the first spatial direction. |
| US09513342B1 |
Method for small-signal stability assessment of power systems within instability borders using source side and load side perturbations
A novel method for real-time small-signal stability analysis within the instability borders for power electronic-based components in a power system. The method may be used to monitor a power system in real-time by perturbing the source side of an electronic-based component of the power system of about 0.5 to 1 percent of a nominal current of the power system at the source side, and perturbing the load side of the power electronic-based component by varying the voltage at the load side. Time-domain results of the perturbations may be transferred to frequency-domain results and the stability of the power system may be monitored by obtaining a Nyquist contour and employing unit circuit criterion or Generalized Nyquist Criterion. |
| US09513340B2 |
Power information display device, power information display system and power information display method
A power information display device includes: a power information acquisition unit which acquires information relating to a remaining capacity of a storage battery, and information relating to power consumption of devices that use power of the storage battery; and a display unit which displays usable time of the storage battery when a plurality of devices are operating, and usable time when at least one of the plurality of devices has stopped. |
| US09513339B2 |
Device and method for equalizing current drain from a battery stack
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a battery monitor for a battery system that avoids current loops. A battery monitor may be provisioned as an integrated circuit and may include a pair of supply pins for reception of power to the integrated circuit, a third high impedance pin, and a voltage regulation circuit. When the circuits are deployed, the supply pins of several battery monitors may be connected to each other to form a stack. The high impedance inputs of each battery monitor may be coupled to low voltage terminals of an associated battery cell. A voltage reference circuit within the battery monitor may maintain the voltage at a low voltage supply of the monitors at a level that matches the voltage present on the high impedance input. Thus, the voltages on the monitors' low voltage supplies may be regulated. As a result, no current should flow through the high impedance pins of the battery monitor. All current flow should occur through a single loop that extends through the entire stack of battery monitors. |
| US09513337B2 |
Circuits and methods for fault testing
An integrated circuit sensor includes circuitry and methods for generating a high speed delay fault test clock signal. A trimmable oscillator generates a master clock signal for use by an output protocol processor to provide the sensor output signal. A fault test clock signal generator is responsive to the master clock signal and to a test trigger signal for generating the test clock signal having a launch pulse and a capture pulse, each having edges substantially coincident with like edges of pulses of the master clock signal and a spacing between launch and capture pulses established by the trimmable master clock signal. |
| US09513333B2 |
Test interface board and test system including the same
A test interface board includes a substrate including a power plane electrically connected to at least one power terminal of a semiconductor device under test, and a ground plane electrically connected to at least one ground terminal of the semiconductor device under test, and a voltage regulator arranged on the substrate and configured to supply, via the power plane and the ground plane, to the semiconductor device under test, a driving voltage. |
| US09513326B2 |
System and method for monitoring electrical ground condition between a marine vessel and a loading-offloading facility
A Ship Board Ground Monitor System measures an antistatic bond between a ship and a loading-off-loading facility during operation and an earth ground while in the process of loading or unloading flammable materials. The system ensures that a maximum adjustable, preset resistance between the ship transport and safety ground is not exceeded. Should this resistance be exceeded, the control apparatus within the system will activate audible and visual annunciation and provide a contact output, which may be used to disable pumping systems. |
| US09513325B2 |
Matrix key input interface
A matrix key input interface has key common signal lines and key data signal lines wired in a matrix and key switches disposed at positions where the key common signal lines intersect the key data signal lines. The key data signal lines are periodically monitored while key scan signal is not output to any of the key common signal lines. Based on the results of monitoring, an earth fault is detected in key common signal lines or key data signal lines. |
| US09513324B1 |
System and method of load testing multiple power converters without dedicated test equipment
A test system includes a first, second, and third power converter and a data collection system. The test system performs load testing on the second and third power converters without requiring any external load. The first power converter is supplied by an Alternating Current (AC) source. During a test cycle, the first, second, and third power converters are controlled such that the second power converter is supplied by an output current of the first power converter and a feedback current output by the third power converter. The third power converter receives current output by the second power converter and outputs the feedback current onto the second power converter. The data collection system receives power converter test characteristics (voltage, current, and temperature information) during the test cycle without any power being dissipated by an external load. Test information is used to determine whether the second and third power converters are defective. |
| US09513317B2 |
Current detection structure
A current detection structure includes a busbar to flow a current therethrough, a magnetic detection element to detect a strength of a magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the busbar, and a current detecting portion to determine the current flowing through the busbar based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection element. A through-hole is formed penetrating the busbar such that a current path is formed on both sides of the through-hole. The magnetic detection element is disposed in the through-hole. The current detecting portion determines the current flowing through the busbar based on a strength of a synthetic magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection element. The synthetic magnetic field is produced by combining a magnetic field that is generated by a current flowing through the current path on the both sides of the through-hole. |
| US09513315B2 |
Electro optical voltage transducer signal processing system
A system that measures a high electric voltage on an electrical transmission line has an electro optical voltage transducer sensor connected between the electrical transmission line and ground for providing in response to the measured high electric voltage a Sin optical intensity signal and a Cos optical intensity signal. The system also has a signal processor that operates in a first state to digitally process samples of the Sin and said Cos optical intensity signals. The process samples are used to provide a representation of the high electric voltage on the transmission line. The representation can be used for one or more of metering, relaying and transient capture. |
| US09513305B2 |
Multiple cleaning stations for a dispensing probe
An automatic analysis apparatus according to an embodiment incudes a dispensing probe, a cleaning unit, and a driving mechanism. The dispensing probe performs a dispensing operation for sucking a sample and discharging the sample into a reaction container. The cleaning unit cleans the dispensing probe. The cleaning unit includes a first cleaning position at which the dispensing probe is cleanable using a first cleaning liquid, and a second cleaning position which is located at a position lower than the first cleaning position and at which the dispensing probe is cleanable using a second cleaning liquid. The driving mechanism stops the dispensing probe at at least one of the first cleaning position and the second cleaning position. |
| US09513303B2 |
Light-blocking system for a diagnostic analyzer
A diagnostic analyzer includes a track, a light-blocking member, a motor, and an optical testing device. The track moves a reaction vessel held by the track. The light-blocking member is disposed adjacent to the track. The light-blocking member moves from a first position apart from the track to a second position closer to the track. When the light-blocking member is disposed in the first position a sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is exposed to light. When the light-blocking member is disposed in the second position the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is blocked from exposure to the light. The motor moves the light-blocking member between the first and the second positions. The optical testing device is disposed adjacent to the track for optically testing the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track when the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the second position. |
| US09513302B2 |
Reagent transfer device
The automatic analyzer includes: a first reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a regent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent from a reagent container stored in the first reagent container storage section; a second reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a reagent container transfer mechanism for transferring a reagent container selected from among reagent containers stored in the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section; and a controller configured to control the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer a reagent container from the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section on the basis of a predetermined priority condition. The predetermined priority condition is one of a reagent provided with an effective calibration curve result, a number of remaining tests, and an expiration date of a reagent. |
| US09513299B2 |
Methods for the detection and diagnosis of malaria using an electrochemical sensor
Disclosed are apparatuses for detecting hemoglobin in patient samples. The apparatuses include a primary electrode and a reference electrode. The apparatus is configured to measure current or voltage generated between the primary electrode and the reference electrode in response a redox reaction catalyzed by hemoglobin. The apparatuses can detect a variety of hemoglobins, including dimeric hemoglobin associated with malaria. Also disclosed are biosensor systems including the apparatuses and methods of using the biosensor systems. |
| US09513297B2 |
Methods for measurement of inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in skin
Provided herein are methods for evaluating the effect of 2-(tert-butylamino)-4-((1R,3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-4-methylcyclohexylamino)-pyrimidine-5-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomer, tautomer, solid form, polymorph, salt, hydrate, clathrate, or solvate thereof in a patient with an assay based on UVB-irradiation and phosphorylated c-Jun expression. The analyzes allow for evaluation of dose-response and identification of patient populations who are sensitive to 2-(tert-butylamino)-4-((1R,3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-4-methylcyclohexylamino)-pyrimidine-5-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomer, tautomer, solid form, polymorph, salt, hydrate, clathrate, or solvate thereof. |
| US09513296B2 |
Specific and high affinity binding proteins comprising modified SH3 domains of Fyn kinase
The present invention relates to a method for the production of a library comprising recombinant derivatives of the SH3 domain of the Fyn kinase of SEQ ID NO: 1 as well as a method for selecting from a library comprising recombinant derivatives of the SH3 domain of the Fyn kinase of SEQ ID NO: 1 one or more of said derivatives having a specific binding affinity to a protein or peptide. |
| US09513295B2 |
Method for detecting protein that interacts with target substance
The present invention provides a method for detecting an interaction, which method can solve not only the problem of false negatives but also the problem of false positives. This method is a method for detecting a protein(s) that interact(s) with a target substance(s), the method comprising repeating a (1) transcription step, (2) assignment step, (3) selection step, and (4) amplification step, wherein: (a) in each of a plurality of times of preparation of a cDNA library among the initial preparation of a cDNA library and the round(s) of preparation of a cDNA library in the later amplification step(s), the cDNA library is prepared using a primer(s) having a sequence(s) specific to the time of preparation; (b) the cDNA libraries prepared using the primers having sequences specific to the times of preparation are mixed, and sequences in the cDNA library mixture are determined; (c) the determined sequences are subjected to measurement of the number(s) of molecules encoding the same candidate protein(s) for each time of preparation based on the sequence(s) specific to the time of preparation; and (d) a candidate protein(s) encoded by a molecule(s) that significantly increase(s) as the preparation rounds proceed is/are detected as the protein(s) that interact(s) with the target substance(s). |
| US09513294B2 |
Megastokes amino-triazolyl-BODIPY compounds and applications to live neuron staining and human serum albumin FA1 drug site probing
A library of novel amino-triazolyl-BODIPY compounds is described. Particular compounds of the library serve as selective fluorescent probes for human serum albumin (HSA) and for live primary neurons. The fluorescent probe for HSA binds uniquely and specifically to the fatty acid site 1 of HSA, and thus proves a valuable and unique probe for drugs that bind to such a site on HSA. Methods of synthesis for the library compounds are also described. |
| US09513292B2 |
Method for diagnosing cancer by detecting GPC3
Provided is a method for diagnosing cancer by detecting a novel cancer marker. Cancer can be diagnosed by detecting soluble glypican 3 in a test sample. |
| US09513289B2 |
Isoform-selective inhibitors and activators of PDE3 cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases
The present invention concerns methods and compositions related to type 3 phosphodiesterases (PDE3). Certain embodiments concern isolated peptides corresponding to various PDE3A isoforms and/or site-specific mutants of PDE3A isoforms, along with expression vectors encoding such isoforms or mutants. In specific embodiments, methods for identifying isoform-selective inhibitors or activators of PDE3 are provided, along with methods of use of such inhibitors or activators in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension and/or other medical conditions related to PDE3 effects on cAMP levels in different intracellular compartments. |
| US09513285B2 |
Global proteomic screening of random bead arrays using mass spectrometry imaging
Methods for proteomic screening on random protein-bead arrays by mass spec is described. Photocleavable mass tags are utilized to code a protein library (bait molecules) displayed on beads randomly arrayed in an array substrate. A library of probes (prey) can be mixed with the protein-bead array to query the array. Because mass spec can detect multiple mass tags, it is possible to rapidly identify all of the interactions resulting from this mixing. |
| US09513281B2 |
Methods, compositions and kits for assaying mitochondrial function
The invention provides methods, compositions, devices, and kits relating to the use of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (e.g., PFOs) for measuring intracellular mitochondrial activity. |
| US09513276B2 |
Method and apparatus for optical imaging via spectral encoding
Exemplary method, apparatus and arrangement can be provided for obtaining information associated with a sample such as a portion of an anatomical structure. The information can be generated using first data, which can be based on a signal obtained from a location on the sample, and second data, where the second data can be obtained by combining a second signal received from the sample with a third reference signal. An image of a portion of the sample can also be generated based on the information. For example, the first data can be associated with spectral encoding microscopy data, and the second data can be associated with optical coherence tomography data. |
| US09513275B2 |
System and process of utilizing oil quality analysis and dissolved gas analysis to detect early stage problems in oil filled electrical apparatuses
A system and a process for detecting early stage electrical components problems with an analysis system is disclosed. The system process includes determining an oil quality of the oil of an electrical component using the analysis system. The system the process further including determining dissolved gases in the oil of the electrical component using the analysis system, processing and analyzing the oil quality and the dissolved gases using the analysis system, and determining whether there are problems in the electrical component using the analysis system. |
| US09513274B2 |
Determining acid concentration by boiling point
There is provided a method for determining Total Acid Number (TAN) in a fluid fossil fuel, such as a crude oil, comprising: separating said fluid fossil fuel by liquid chromatography into a plurality of fractions, comprising at least one acidic fraction; determining boiling point distribution of said crude oil, of said acidic fraction, and of said polyacidic fraction by simulated distillation (SD); and correlating said boiling point distributions to acid molecular weights to determine the TAN. |
| US09513268B2 |
Analysis system and management device
This invention is to make it possible for the analysis system to conduct the minimum operation of the management device or monitoring a movement of the analysis device continuously while preventing an unexpected operation by an unauthorized user. In order to attain this object, the access level is automatically changed to the smaller operable range in case that the operation conducted based on a certain access level is interrupted for a certain period of time. |
| US09513266B2 |
Gas chromatograph-ion mobility spectrometer system
A GC-IMS system is disclosed. The system includes a sample transfer device. The sample transfer device connects the gas chromatograph to the reaction region and, the sample from the gas chromatograph is transferred to the reaction region by the sample transfer device. With the GC-IMS system, generation of sample molecular ion fragments can be avoided so that the spectrum is easily identified; moreover, the application field of the GC-IMS system is extended to a range of analysis of organic macromolecule samples which have a high polarity, are difficult to volatilize, and are thermally instable. On the other hand, the GC-IMS system overcomes the defect of ion destruction due to neutralization reaction among positive and negative ions so as to evade the detection. |
| US09513259B2 |
Solid contents verification systems and methods
Solid contents verification systems and methods are provided. The system includes a contents sensor unit, a container-carrying unit and a control unit. The contents sensor unit has at least one contents sensor configured to send and receive sonic pulses to determine a state of contents in a container. The contents sensor unit is configured to send a signal communicating a state of the contents in a container. The container-carrying unit is configured to hold a container in substantial alignment with the contents sensors to expose the contents to the sonic pulses. The control unit is operatively connected to the contents sensor unit. The control unit is configured to receive the signal communicating the state of the contents and to compare the state of the contents with a desired state of the contents. |
| US09513254B2 |
Microfluidic sensor package structure and method
In one embodiment, a microfluidic sensor device includes microfluidic sensor mounted on and electrically connected a micro lead frame substrate. The microfluidic sensor is molded to form a package body. The package body includes a molded panel portion and, in some embodiments, a mask portion having one or more open channels, sealed channels, and/or a sealed chamber exposing an active surface of the microfluidic sensor. The molded panel portions and mask portions are configured to allow a material to dynamically or statically contact the microfluidic sensor for analysis. |
| US09513253B2 |
Droplet actuators and techniques for droplet-based enzymatic assays
Droplet actuators and techniques for droplet-based assays are provided. A method of conducting an assay comprises: incubating a droplet in oil, the droplet comprising an umbelliferone substrate, a sample potentially comprising an enzyme which cleaves the umbelliferone substrate, and a zwitterionic surfactant; and detecting a signal emitted from the droplet. |
| US09513244B2 |
Ultra-compact, passive, varactor-based wireless sensor using quantum capacitance effect in graphene
An electrical device includes at least one graphene quantum capacitance varactor. In some examples, the graphene quantum capacitance varactor includes an insulator layer, a graphene layer disposed on the insulator layer, a dielectric layer disposed on the graphene layer, a gate electrode formed on the dielectric layer, and at least one contact electrode disposed on the graphene layer and making electrical contact with the graphene layer. In other examples, the graphene quantum capacitance varactor includes an insulator layer, a gate electrode recessed in the insulator layer, a dielectric layer formed on the gate electrode, a graphene layer formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the graphene layer comprises an exposed surface opposite the dielectric layer, and at least one contact electrode formed on the graphene layer and making electrical contact with the graphene layer. |
| US09513242B2 |
Humidity sensor
A humidity sensor may include a first substrate having a recess formed in a first side, a second substrate and an insulating layer supported by the second substrate. The second substrate and the insulating layer may be supported by the first side of the first substrate and extend over the recess to form a diaphragm with the insulating layer facing the recess. The diaphragm may be at least partially thermally isolated from a remainder of the second substrate. A resistive heater element may be supported by the diaphragm. A pair of sensing electrodes are electrically separated from each other and supported by the diaphragm. A sensing material is disposed over the pair of sensing electrodes, wherein an electrical property of the sensing material changes in response to a change in moisture content of the sensing material. |
| US09513231B2 |
Tracking enabled multi-axis tool for limited access inspection
A multi-axis tool may include, in some embodiments, a gimbal adapted to be positioned adjacent an opening in a wall; an extended-reach device having first and second ends and an end effector adjacent the first end, the extended-reach device engaging the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening such that the end effector is positioned on a side of the wall opposite the second end; a sensor system configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach device relative to the gimbal, and a position and spatial orientation of the end effector relative to the opening; and a computer control connected to receive signals from the sensor system to determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the end effector relative to the opening. |
| US09513223B2 |
Scanning observation apparatus
A high-resolution fluorescence image in which an afterimage is suppressed is obtained, even when a fluorescence detection interval is shortened. Provided is a scanning observation apparatus including a scanning unit that spatially scans pulsed excitation light emitted from a light source at prescribed time intervals on a specimen; a fluorescence detecting unit that detects fluorescence generated by exciting a fluorescent substance inside the specimen with the excitation light scanned by the scanning unit, in synchronization with the emission of the excitation light; and a fluorescence correcting unit that subtracts, from a fluorescence intensity detected by the fluorescence detecting unit, an afterimage fluorescence component calculated on the basis of time-sequential fluorescence detected by the fluorescence detecting unit prior thereto, at each scanning position, to correct the fluorescence intensity at the scanning position. |
| US09513222B2 |
Scalable liposome microarray screening
A method comprising the following steps: (a) contacting a topographically structured stamp to an array of spots comprising lipid ink on a palette to force the lipid ink of each of the spots into recesses of the topographically structured stamp, (b) removing the palette from the topographically structured stamp so that at least some the lipid ink from each of the spots is retained in the recesses of the topographically structured stamp, and (c) printing the lipid ink in each of the recesses on a substrate as an array of stamped spots using the topographically structured stamp to thereby form a patterned substrate, wherein the recesses have one or more recess patterns, wherein each stamped spot of the array of stamped spots comprises lipid multilayer structure, and wherein the patterned array is based on the one or more recess patterns. |
| US09513220B1 |
On-chip molecule fluorescence detection
A semiconductor device used for fluorescent-based molecule detection and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device has a fluid channel layer defining a fluid channel through which a sample stream flows. A target cell coupled with a fluorescent source is contained by the sample stream. The semiconductor device also has an excitation light source for generating excitation light that reaches the target cell coupled with the fluorescent source to generate fluorescent light. The semiconductor device also has a light filter layer for permitting the fluorescent light to pass through and to block the excitation light and a light detection layer for detecting the fluorescent light. The functional components of the device are highly integrated. Leakage of the excitation light and background noise into the light detection component can be minimized to improve the quality of detection. |
| US09513217B2 |
Non-invasive method and apparatus for screening high-quality seeds
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive selection of high-quality seeds, based on optical coherence tomography, by which pathogen-infected and pathogen-free seeds can be discriminated in a non-invasive manner. The apparatus is operated by the processes of scanning a seed of diagnostic interest in a non-invasive manner using an optical coherence tomographic unit; processing interference signals of the scanned tomographic images to produce tomographic image data of the seed of diagnostic interest; analyzing the tomographic image data; comparing the analyzed tomographic image data with preset reference tomographic image data; diagnosing the seed of diagnostic interest as a pathogen-infected or pathogen-free seed according to the comparison data; and selecting high-quality seeds according to the diagnosis data. It can screen high-quality seeds with rapidity, convenience, and accuracy at a low cost and is industrially applicable, making a great contribution to agricultural quarantine inspection. |
| US09513216B2 |
Optical sensor and image forming apparatus
In an optical sensor, a light emission system emits an irradiated light of a linear polarization in a first polarization direction toward a surface of a target object having a sheet shape from an incident direction which is inclined with respect to a normal direction of the surface. A first light detection system includes a first light detector arranged on a first light path of a specular reflected light, which is emitted from the light emission system and is specularly reflected from the target object. A second light detection system includes a second light detector arranged on a second light path of a diffuse reflected light which is diffusely reflected from an incident plane on the target object. The second light detector receives second light passed by an optical element which passes a linear polarization component of a second polarization direction perpendicular to the first polarization direction. |
| US09513215B2 |
Surface features by azimuthal angle
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a photon emitter configured to emit photons onto a surface of an article at a number of azimuthal angles; and a processing element configured to process photon-detector-array signals corresponding to photons scattered from surface features of the article and generate one or more surface features maps for the article from the photon-detector-array signals corresponding to the photons scattered from the surface features of the article. |
| US09513211B1 |
Method for estimating carboxylic acid gas concentration and soldering apparatus
To provide a method for estimating a concentration of carboxylic acid gas, which is capable of measuring safely the concentration of carboxylic acid gas such as formic acid gas or the like in a chamber of a soldering apparatus in real time, and a soldering apparatus capable of estimating the concentration of the carboxylic acid gas in the chamber. The method includes the steps of measuring a surface temperature of a same object placed in the chamber at a same point in time by using a thermometer (first thermometer) for measuring a temperature without any influence of infrared absorption by carboxylic acid, and a radiation thermometer (second thermometer) for measuring a temperature by infrared in a wavelength region that the carboxylic acid absorbs, and estimating the concentration of the carboxylic acid gas in the chamber on the basis of a temperature difference (ΔTx) between temperatures indicated by the first and second thermometers. The soldering apparatus includes a heating stage (30), a gas introducing part (25) for introducing a mixed gas of an inert gas and a carboxylic acid gas, a gas discharging part (26), first thermometer (37) and second thermometer (38). |
| US09513208B2 |
Filter cake drag tester
A method that includes pulling a sled disposed on a trough across a first filtercake at a constant speed, measuring a force versus distance or time based on the pulling; and outputting a frictional force curve is described. An apparatus that includes a base, a pulley attached to the base, a trough attached to the base, a sled disposed on the trough, a cable connecting the pulley and the sled, the cable connected to an arm capable of being moved at a constant speed, and a system to measure the force required to move the sled is also described. |
| US09513207B2 |
Emulsion
The present invention provides an emulsion for sorting droplets in a microfluidic device, the emulsion comprising: a discontinuous aqueous phase; and a continuous oil phase; wherein said aqueous phase comprises at least one analyte, said oil phase comprises a fluorous oil and a refractive index modifying compound comprising at least one aromatic ring, and the refractive index of said aqueous phase and the refractive index of said oil phase are substantially matched. |
| US09513206B2 |
Particle measuring apparatus
A particle measuring apparatus comprising a flow cell configured to flow a specimen, a first light source configured to emit light having a first wavelength, a second light source configured to emit light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, an irradiation optical system configured to irradiate the flow cell with light emitted from the first light source and the second light source, a first light receiving portion configured to receive scattered light obtained by irradiating a measurement particle passing through the flow cell with light from the first light source, and a second light receiving portion configured to receive scattered light obtained by irradiating a measurement particle passing through the flow cell with light from the second light source. |
| US09513205B2 |
Devices and methods for manipulating components in a fluid sample
Devices for sorting components (e.g., cells) contained in a liquid sample are provided. In certain aspects, the devices include a magnetic separation device and an acoustic concentrator device fluidically coupled to magnetic separation device. Aspects of the invention further include methods for sorting cells in a liquid sample, and systems, and kits for practicing the subject methods. |
| US09513204B2 |
Device and method for monitoring rooms equipped with high-voltage apparatuses
A monitoring device for determining the concentration of a dielectric insulation fluid such as a perfluoroketones in a room housing at least one high-voltage electrical apparatus and being accessible by humans essentially without modifying the room conditions, for example the room being a part of an air-insulated substation, with the monitoring system including one or more sensors for determining an emission and/or absorption of the dielectric insulation fluid molecules at at least one wavelength or wavelength band of the electromagnetic wave spectrum. |
| US09513198B2 |
Residue concentration measurement technology
A method and apparatus for measuring dissolved residue concentrations and particulate residue particle concentrations and size distribution in liquids, particularly colloidal suspensions. The method involves separating dissolved and particulate residues in liquids for subsequent analysis of the residue species. The method includes the steps of forming an aerosol from the liquid sample to be analyzed, evaporating the droplets in the aerosol to dryness, detecting and sizing the particles, and determining the liquid volumetric inspection rate. An apparatus for separating dissolved and particulate residues in liquids for determination of the concentrations of the two residue species as well as the size distribution of the particulate species is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a droplet former, a dryer communicatively connected to the droplet former, and a detector communicatively connected to the evaporator for detecting and sizing particles. |
| US09513192B2 |
Method and device for estimating a profile depth of a tire
A method and a device estimate a profile depth of a tire of a vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The method measures signals from a piezoelectric element which is disposed on an inner side of the tire in a region which deforms in the event of tread shuffle. The measured signals or actual data derived from the signals are compared with comparison data. The comparison data contain data sets which each indicate signals to be expected for a profile depth or actual data which are to be expected. The profile depth is then estimated on the basis of the comparison of the signals or of the actual data with the comparison data. |
| US09513186B2 |
Method for diagnosing a single-flow or dual-flow ventilation unit and associated ventilation unit
A method for diagnosing a single flow or dual flow ventilation unit, the method making it possible to diagnose the permeability and installation of each conduit of the ventilation unit by means of measuring devices and a control unit. |
| US09513185B2 |
Inflatable detecting element, modular detection cable and detection system for detecting leaks of nonconductive liquid
A detecting element is provided for detecting leaks of an electrically nonconductive liquid, in particular of hydrocarbons, as well as a detection cable and a detection system using such a detecting element. The detecting element includes a detection member made of a material which inflates upon contact with the liquid and which is loaded with electrically conductive particles, to be conductive when not contaminated by the liquid, and to lose the conductivity when inflating from contact with the liquid. The detection member is electrically connected to an electronic management module, which is arranged for detecting the presence of the liquid by noticing a decrease in the conductivity of the detection member. In a preferred embodiment, the detection cable includes four insulated conductive wires, one of which is embedded in the detection member which is itself protected by an inflatable casing, which is also insulating and water-proof. |
| US09513183B2 |
Process isolation diaphragm assembly for metal process seal
A process fluid pressure transmitter includes a sensor body having a pressure sensor and electronics coupled to the pressure sensor to obtain an indication of pressure from the pressure sensor. At least one process fluid isolation assembly is fluidically coupled to the pressure sensor and is configured to receive a process fluid. The process fluid isolation assembly includes an isolation diaphragm welded to a weld ring. The weld ring has a sealing surface on a first side adapted for contact with a metal sealing ring and a weld portion welded to the sensor body on a second side. The sealing surface and the weld are substantially aligned with one another. |
| US09513181B2 |
Flat covered leadless pressure sensor assemblies suitable for operation in extreme environments
This disclosure provides example methods, devices and systems associated with flat covered leadless pressure sensor assemblies suitable for operation in extreme environments. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a semiconductor substrate having a first side and a second side; a diaphragm disposed on the first side of the semiconductor substrate; a first cover coupled to the first side of the semiconductor substrate such that it overlays at least the diaphragm, wherein a pressure applied at the first cover is transferred to the diaphragm; and a sensing element disposed on the second side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the sensing element is used to measure the pressure. |
| US09513180B2 |
Sliding piston pressure indicator
A fluid pressure indicating device is disclosed. The pressure indicating device includes a housing defining a cylindrical bore therein, and a piston movably disposed within the cylindrical bore. The housing includes a first portion that is permeable to visible light, a first end member, and a second end member opposite the first end member. A first variable volume is defined by the cylindrical bore, the piston, and the first end member of the housing. An inlet port is defined by the first end member of the housing and is in fluid communication with the first variable volume. A piston bypass channel is disposed outside the cylindrical bore and is in fluid communication with the inlet port. An outlet port is defined by the second end member, such that the outlet port is in fluid communication with the piston bypass channel. |
| US09513177B2 |
System and method for rapid data collection from pressure sensors in a pressure sensing system
A system and method for the management of data collection from a pressure sensing apparatus. The system allows rapid measurement of pressure exerted upon a surface and may be useful in preventing bed sore development in a bed bound subject. |
| US09513175B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting high-energy radiation
An apparatus for spatially correcting an image frame is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus stores a frame of pixel values and scans a multi-pixel correction window across the frame. Spatial correction is performed on pixels within the window at correction positions during the scan. The spatial correction comprises estimating pixel values at value estimation positions based on one or more pixel values within the window for pixels satisfying a logical condition. The value estimation positions correspond to pixel values which do not fall within the window again during the scan. Further disclosed is an apparatus for detecting high-energy radiation, in which integration circuitry is used for integrating charge responsive to radiation photon interaction events. The circuits are controllable in accordance with an exposure control signal to vary an exposure window duration according to an operating parameter of the apparatus. |
| US09513170B2 |
Spectral color sensor and image forming apparatus
A spectral color sensor including a spectroscopic unit that disperses reflected light from a measurement target, and a light detection element that detects the dispersed light from the reflected light, comprises: a storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between a pre-measured wavelength of the dispersed light projected on the light detection element and a projection position, as well as a stray light component; a first correction unit that, based on a measurement result when a color is measured, corrects the correspondence relationship between the wavelength of the dispersed light projected on the light detection element and the projection position stored in the storage unit; and a second correction unit that carry out wavelength correction on the stray light component stored in the storage unit using the corrected correspondence relationship between the wavelength and the projection position. |
| US09513167B2 |
Adaptation of field use spectroscopy equipment
A spectrometer configurable for field analyses of chemical properties of a material is provided. The spectrometer includes: at least one sensor adapted for providing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) surveillance and at least another sensor for providing Raman spectroscopy surveillance. The spectrometer can be provided with a user accessible instruction set for modifying a sampling configuration of the spectrometer. A method of determining the most likely composition of a sample by at least two technologies using the spectrometer is also provided. |
| US09513165B2 |
Spectroscopic measurement device
A spectroscopic measurement device includes a dark filter that is arranged on an optical path between an imaging optical system and a light detection unit and includes a plurality of regions having different transmittances, the filter being configured such that a fixed reflected measurement light and a movable reflected measurement light that are guided to a same point by the imaging optical system and form interference light are transmitted through a same region; and an arithmetic processing unit that obtains an interferogram of the measurement light at a transmittance corresponding to each of two or more regions from a detection signal of each pixel of a light detection unit when a movable reflection unit is moved, and obtains a spectrum of the measurement light based on the interferogram. |
| US09513163B2 |
Optical design techniques for multilayer thin film devices in compact optical systems
Methods and systems for designing an integrated computational element (ICE) device are provided. The method includes generating a plurality of ICE device models with a design suite, each ICE device model being configured to detect a characteristic of interest of a sample, and including one or more layers. Further determining at least one transmission spectrum for each theoretical ICE device model for at least one distribution of incident light angles and at least one performance criteria for each ICE device model for the at least one of distribution of incident light angles. Also, ranking the ICE device model based on the at least one performance criteria of each ICE device model at the at least one distribution of incident light angles, and selecting for fabrication one or more ICE device models based on favorable angular tolerance. An optical system including an ICE device as described above is also provided. |
| US09513162B2 |
Tunable multi-band spectro-polarimeter
Methods and apparatus for remote, passive detection of underwater objects using combined spectral and polarimetric imaging. In one example, a tunable multi-band spectro-polarimeter includes an imaging detector array that receives electromagnetic radiation from a viewed scene, a plurality of tunable spectral filters configured to filter the electromagnetic radiation into at least first and second spectral bands, and a plurality of polarization filters configured to filter each of the first and second spectral bands into at least two different polarization states, a first region of the detector array receiving the first spectral band and producing first polarimetric image data, and a second region of the detector array simultaneously receiving the second spectral band and producing second polarimetric image data, and a controller that receives and processes the first and second polarimetric image data to detect a target object in the viewed scene. |
| US09513157B2 |
Selective audio/sound aspects
Certain aspects relate to providing an at least one audio source to at least one user. Certain aspects relate to selectively modifying an at least one first sound source to be provided to the at least one user, wherein the at least one first sound source is combined with an at least one second sound source, and wherein the selectively modifying is performed relative to the at least one audio source based at least in part on at least some specific information of the at least one first sound source. Other aspects relate to selectively modifying the at least one first sound source to be provided to the at least one user relative to the at least one second sound source based at least in part on at least some specific information of the at least one first sound source. |
| US09513156B2 |
System and method for determining a property of an object, and a valve
A system (100) for determining a property of an object (106) comprises an inducing arrangement (102), a detector (104) and a processor. The inducing arrangement (102) is configured to generate an impulse of fluid and for directing the impulse of fluid towards the object to induce a physical vibration of the object (106). The inducing arrangement (102) does not contact the object 106 when inducing the physical vibration of the object (106). The detector (104) is configured to detect the physical vibration of the object (106). The detector (104) does not contact the object 106 when detecting the physical vibration of the object (106). The processor is coupled to the detector (104) for determining the property of the object (106) based on at least the detected physical vibration. |
| US09513155B2 |
Apparatus and method for volume and mass estimation of a multiphase fluid stored at cryogenic temperatures
An apparatus and method estimate fluid mass in a cryogenic tank that holds a multiphase fluid comprising a liquid and a vapor. The apparatus comprises a level sensor, a pressure sensor and a computer. The level sensor provides a parameter representative of a level of the liquid. The pressure sensor provides a pressure signal representative of vapor pressure inside the cryogenic tank. The computer is operatively connected with the level sensor and the pressure sensor to receive the parameter and the pressure signal, and is programmed to determine the level from inputs comprising the parameter, to calculate a first volume of the liquid from inputs comprising the level, and to calculate a first mass of the liquid from inputs comprising the first volume and the pressure signal. |
| US09513151B2 |
Fuel waste variable identification and analysis system
A novel fuel waste variable identification and analysis system is capable of analyzing real-time on-board diagnostics (OBD) information of a vehicle from a remote monitoring station unit. This novel system analyzes, quantifies, and/or predicts various fuel waste variables for a particular vehicle and its driver. Preferably, various fuel waste variables are normalized with a novel metric called “RPG,” or “engine rotation per minute per gallon of fuel.” Utilizing the RPG as a normalizing factor for fuel waste variable measurements uniquely enables a realistic representation of a driver's fuel wasting behaviors in context of the particular vehicle's inherent, native, and average fuel consumption characteristics. Furthermore, the RPG-normalized fuel waste variables can be quantified as gallons of “wasted fuel” in computer-generated driving pattern analysis reports from the fuel waste variable identification and analysis system to motivate the vehicle operators and the drivers for higher operational fuel efficiencies. |
| US09513150B2 |
Method for operating a coriolis mass flowmeter
A method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter that has at least one measuring tube, at least one oscillation generator, at least two oscillation sensors and at least one evaluation unit, wherein the oscillation sensors and/or oscillation generator has at least one coil, wherein the oscillation generator excites the measuring tube to oscillation, wherein the oscillation sensors detect the oscillations of the measuring tube, wherein the temperature of the measuring tube is determined and wherein the evaluation unit processes the detected oscillation signals and determines state variables of the Coriolis mass flowmeter. The electric impedance of the coil of the oscillation generator and/or the electric impedance of at least one coil of the oscillation sensors is determined and the evaluation unit calculates at least one temperature-dependent state variable which is based on the temperature of the measuring tube and which is corrected based upon the determined impedance of the coil. |
| US09513148B2 |
Nuclear magnetic flow meter and method for operation of nuclear magnetic flow meters with an additional measuring device operating on a different principle
A nuclear magnetic flow meter for measuring the flow rate of a multiphase medium which is flowing through a measuring tube with a nuclear magnetic measurement device, the nuclear magnetic measurement device being located around the measuring tube. The accuracy of the measurement of the flow rate for the gaseous phase is achieved in that, in addition to the nuclear magnetic measurement device, there is a further measurement device which implements another measurement principle, e.g. a differential pressure flow rate measurement device for measuring the differential pressure of the medium in the measuring tube. At least one pressure gauge at each of two measurement sites which are different in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube. |
| US09513147B2 |
Flowmeter comprising piezoelectric sensor
The present invention is directed to a flowmeter comprising a piezoelectric sensor. The flowmeter is configured so that fluid flow through a channel, typically either a fluid conduit or a housing in which the sensor is oriented, produces oscillating stresses in a piezoelectric material. The oscillating stresses produce an electric signal. Characteristics of the electric signal, such as the magnitude of the signal at particular frequencies, can be measured and used to determine the rate of fluid flow through the channel. |
| US09513142B2 |
Device for detecting multi-turn absolute rotation angle and method for detecting the same
There is provided a method for calculating with high accuracy a multi-turn absolute rotation angle of a motor rotating shaft coupled to a motor output shaft. In a rotation angle detection device according to this invention, a rotation angle θn of an n-th rotating shaft satisfies the relationship with a rotation angle θ1 of the motor rotating shaft: θn=(−(m±1)/m)n−1×θ1. The rotation angle detection device as an embodiment of a mechanism satisfying the relationship includes a gear mechanism in which a gear having (m±1) teeth meshes with a gear having m teeth between each adjacent two of first to n-th rotating shafts. A multi-turn rotation angle of the first rotating shaft is expanded to a detected value p1 of the first rotating shaft which is a rotation angle of the first rotating shaft and R0×m0+R1×m1+ . . . Rn−2×mn−2 corresponding to the number of revolutions of the first rotating shaft, coefficients R0 to Rn−2 are obtained on the basis of detected values from angle detectors of the respective shafts, and the multi-turn rotation angle of the first rotating shaft is calculated. Detection errors generated in the angle detectors of the second and subsequent rotating shafts can be effectively reduced, and a high-accuracy multi-turn rotation angle can be calculated. |
| US09513140B2 |
Handheld measuring device
A handheld measuring device includes at least one locating sensor provided for locating at least one object in a measured object, and has a protective circuit that comprises at least one object sensor provided for registering at least one object parameter which at least depends on an alignment of the locating sensor to the measured object. The protective circuit has at least one operator sensor provided for registering at least one operator parameter dependent on an operator. |
| US09513129B2 |
Low authority GPS aiding of navigation system for anti-spoofing
A method and apparatus for generating navigation solutions. A global positioning system based navigation solution unit; an inertial navigation solution unit; a correction unit, a limiter, and an adding unit. The global positioning system based navigation solution unit is capable of generating a first navigation solution. The inertial navigation solution unit is capable of generating a second navigation solution. The correction unit is capable of generating a raw correction. The limiter is capable of selectively modifying the raw correction to fall within a selected range of corrections to form a correction. The adding unit is capable of adding the correction to the second navigation solution to form a navigation solution. |
| US09513128B1 |
System and method for identifying heading of a moving vehicle using accelerometer data
A method for determining a yaw angle estimate or vehicle heading direction is presented. A potential range of yaw angles is generated based on a plurality of primary telematics data. One or more yaw angle estimates are generated from the potential range of yaw angles. A driving pattern is determined based on at least one of the yaw angle estimates. The primary telematics data is a plurality of telematics data originated from a client computing device. The effects of gravity have been removed from the plurality of telematics data in a first primary movement window. |
| US09513126B2 |
Auxiliary guiding device and system for the blind
An auxiliary guiding device includes a processor, a storage unit, a data obtaining unit, and an indication unit. The auxiliary guiding device communicates with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having an identification number. The storage unit stores navigating information corresponding to the identification number. The data obtaining unit receives the identification number of the RFID tag. The indication unit is directed by the processor to output the navigating information. |
| US09513120B2 |
Workflow improvements for stakeout
A navigational apparatus includes a visual display, first and second imaging devices, and one or more processors. The first imaging device has an optical axis extending in a first direction and is configured to obtain first image data. The second imaging device has an optical axis extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and is configured to obtain second image data. When the visual display is displaying first image data, the one or more processors are configured to superimpose a first navigational graphic on the visual display overlaid on a portion of the first image data associated with the point of interest. When the visual display is displaying second image data, the one or more processors are configured to superimpose a second navigational graphic on the visual display overlaid on a portion of the second image data associated with the point of interest. |
| US09513119B2 |
Device and method for multifunction relative alignment and sensing
A tiltmeter-integrated two element optical relative alignment monitor provides relative alignment and contact sensing and can provide precise information regarding the nature of physical contact experienced by objects being monitored. A computer monitor can display the information in real time, in an intuitive manner. This system can provide all the information with good resolution in a low-cost, easily installable package for a wide variety of research, high energy physics applications, and industrial uses. A projector unit is mounted on one component containing a diffuse light source, a coded mask, and a lens. The projector is aligned with a camera to receive the focused image. Shifts in the image of the mask indicate relative motion between the camera and the projector unit. A tiltmeter is affixed to either the camera or projector, to distinguish between image shifts due to translational movement and image shifts due to rotation or tilting. |
| US09513115B2 |
Method and apparatus for optical non-contact scanning of surfaces
In order to be able to test completely transparent surfaces (22) as well as mirror surfaces (22) with optical testing methods in which light (3) is radiated onto the surface (22) to be tested and the light reflected by the surface (22) is checked by an optical test unit (6a, b) a precipitation of moisture is generated on the surface before optical testing, wherein the precipitation is generated in the form of plural small liquid droplets (8) on the surface (22) which causes a diffuse reflection of the irradiated light. |
| US09513108B2 |
Sensor system for determining distance information based on stereoscopic images
A distance measurement method determines the distance of a sensor system to a physical object. The method includes obtaining at least a pair of stereoscopic images including the physical object, and applying to each element of at least a portion of a first image of the pair of stereoscopic images and to each element of at least a portion of a second image of the pair of stereoscopic images at least two differently shaped or sized filters, respectively. Correlation values for each filter applied to the first and second image are determined, and, combined correlation values are determined for the applied filters by combining the determined correlation values for each applied filter. The combined correlation values are evaluated for different disparities for an extremum value of the combined correlation values. A distance value to the physical object is calculated and output based on a disparity value at which the extremum occurs. |
| US09513103B2 |
Hitch angle sensor assembly
In one embodiment, a hitch angle sensor assembly includes a spacer fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on a vehicle. An element is rotatably coupled with the spacer about a vertical axis defined by the hitch ball, and connecting member secures the element to a trailer. A hall sensor is coupled with the spacer and senses a magnetic portion of the element to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer. This and other embodiments of the hitch angle sensor assembly may be used independently or in combination with other hitch angle sensors or systems to estimate the hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer, which may be advantageously used for operation of the vehicle with a trailer backup assist system. |
| US09513099B2 |
Device and method for checking the wear of roller chains
A device and method of checking wear on roller chains enables a quantitative statement to be made about the state of wear of a fitted roller chain. A device for tensioning a portion of the roller chain with a defined measuring load and a device for measuring the spacing between a given number of chain links are provided, the device for measuring the spacing having two contact pins, each of which is configured for positioning between two rivet heads or on a rivet head of a link plate, and a device for measuring and displaying the distance between the two contact pins. An accurate, quantitative measurement of the wear on a roller chain in the fitted state is obtained quickly and easily. |
| US09513098B2 |
Explosive matrix assembly
The present disclosure is an explosive matrix assembly that has a single detonating cord formed into a grid. The grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane, and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. Additionally, the explosive matrix comprises a sheet of adhesive material coupled to the grid to retain a grid shape of the detonating cord. |
| US09513096B2 |
Method of making a polymer ammunition cartridge casing
One embodiment of the present invention provides methods of making a polymeric ammunition cartridge. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface. The substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body includes a substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end and a substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end connected by a powder chamber, wherein the substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end extends over the substantially cylindrical coupling element and covers a circumferential surface of the primer flash hole. |
| US09513095B2 |
System and method for measuring parameters of motion of a projectile as it exits the muzzle of a gun
A system and method for providing information regarding the trajectory of a projectile is disclosed. The system comprises two subsystems: a non-magnetic sleeve designed to fit over the barrel of a gun, with a series of rings of magnetic material disposed thereupon, and an onboard measurement and control system comprising at least one magnetic sensor and control electronics, located within a projectile. As the projectile passes through the sleeve, the magnetic sensors within the projectile produce signals as the projectile passes through the magnetic rings. From the time profile of the signals thus produced, the projectile's linear and angular muzzle velocities are determined. |
| US09513089B2 |
Unobtrusive high-end ready to wear concealable body armor
A bullet resistant garment is provided for in the current invention having a pliable protective insert contained within a concealed carrier shell that is integrated into an outer-garment. In certain embodiments, interconnecting seams and or darts may be incorporated into the pliable protective insert and/or carrier shell to provide a comfortable and protective three-dimensional shape to bullet resistant garment, especially for women. |
| US09513085B2 |
Automatic pin adjustment for archery sights
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure deal with an archery sight mounted or mountable on an archery bow. The sight incorporates an indicator or adjustment assembly to indicate or control the desired position of a sight pins based on a previous sighted in position of the sight pin. |
| US09513081B2 |
Paintball ejecting apparatuses and methods therefor
A paintball ejecting apparatus includes a current control mechanism to control current flow to a motor, the current control mechanism including a switch activator having at least a first state and a second state. The switch activator in the first state is physically forced by a paintball to occupy a first position to cause the switch to not permit a current to flow to the motor when the switch activator is in the first state. The switch activator in the second state is not physically forced by any paintball, thereby occupying a second position that results in the switch permitting current to flow to the motor when the switch activator is in the second state. |
| US09513080B1 |
Reverse style crossbow
A reverse style crossbow preferably includes a bow riser, a barrel, a latch, a first limb, a second limb, a first cam, a second cam, a first string pulley, a second string pulley and a bowstring. The riser is attached to the barrel at substantially a middle thereof. The first limb extends from a first end of the riser and the second limb extends from a second end of the riser. The first cam is pivotally retained on a distal end of the first limb and the second cam is pivotally retained on a distal end of the second limb. The latch is attached to a top of the barrel. The riser may be located in front of the latch, behind the latch or under the latch. The first string pulley extends from one side of the barrel and the second string pulley extends from an opposing side thereof. |
| US09513068B2 |
Reactive solid/heat-transport gas reactor including a helical duct in which the solid and the gas flow in opposite directions
A solid/heat-transport and reactive gas reactor, including: a helical duct including an inlet and an outlet, the helical duct defining a helical bottom track on which a solid reagent can slide from the inlet to the outlet of the helical duct; a mechanism for bringing the solid reagent to the inlet of the helical duct; a mechanism for causing a heat-transport gas to flow in the helical duct, from the outlet to the inlet of the helical duct; a reservoir of solid reagent under the outlet of the helical duct; and a conveyor for conveying the reagent from a low point of the reservoir to the bringing mechanism. |
| US09513067B2 |
Convection based temperature assured packaging system
A packaging system for a temperature sensitive payload is provided. The system includes insulative panels, including side panels and end panels, forming a product compartment. Cooling layers within the product compartment are located below and above the payload. Vertical posts disposed between the side panels and the payload and between the end panels and the payload create spaces and channels for convective air movement. |
| US09513059B2 |
Radial-flow heat exchanger with foam heat exchange fins
A radial flow plate-fin heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange units connected together to form an annular shaped core. The core has a plurality of first fluid passageways that are circumferentially spaced from one another and that extend generally axially from a first end of the core to a second end. Each of the first fluid passageways is defined at least in part by a plurality of fins that include graphite foam. The core also has a plurality of second fluid passageways that are circumferentially spaced from one another and that extend generally radially from the central fluid passageway through an exterior wall of the core. The second fluid passageways are separated from the first fluid passageways so that a first fluid that flows through the first fluid passageways does not mix with a second fluid that flows through the second fluid passageways. |
| US09513057B2 |
Radiant convection oven
A radiant convection oven for baking a coating on an article which includes an oven enclosure receiving coating articles, a fan receiving fresh air and directing the fresh air to a burner or burners, a plurality of heat radiators each having an internal chamber receiving heated fresh air from the burner. The radiators are located within the oven opposite a coating article, radiating heat energy to the coated article, and a plurality of nozzles connected to the internal chamber of the radiators directing fresh heated onto the article, transferring convection heat energy to the coated article. In the disclosed embodiment, the radiators include radiating side and bottom walls having a relatively shallow depth, increasing the flow rate through the radiators, reducing the size and cost of the radiators and the fan. |
| US09513055B1 |
Systems and methods for changing the chemistry in heaps, piles, dumps and components
A system for changing the properties of materials in a pile including a power section, an air movement, and a downwell section installed into a well of the pile that includes a drill casing having one or more perforated casing sections, a pipe/hose having a perforated section aligned with the one or more perforated casing sections, and an isolation mechanism configured to seal the drill casing above and below the perforated section so as to isolate the flow of air through the perforated section. The system dries an impacted zone when air is pumped into the downwell section through the perforated section of the pipe/hose into the pile. The system removes moistures from the pile when air is pulled from the pile into the downwell section through the perforated section of the pipe/hose. |
| US09513054B2 |
Fan for drying of lumber
Provided are a fan for use in a kiln and a method of using a fan in a kiln. The fan is connected to a motor using a hollow shaft and universal joints. An expansion joint is used to allow the hollow shaft to contract and expand during use. The bearings are sealed against corrosion caused by an environment within the kiln. |
| US09513045B2 |
Heater-less ice maker assembly with a twistable tray
An ice maker is provided that includes a tray having recesses that can include ice-phobic surfaces. The ice-phobic surfaces may include ice-phobic coatings, textured metal surfaces, hydrophobic coatings or other surfaces configured to repel water and ice. The tray can be formed from metal material and may exhibit a fatigue limit greater than about 150 Megapascals (MPa) at 105 cycles. The ice maker further includes a frame body coupled to the tray, and a driving body that is rotatably coupled to the tray. The driving body is further adapted to rotate the tray in a clockwise and/or counter-clockwise cycle such that the tray presses against the frame body in a manner that flexes the tray to dislodge ice pieces formed in the recesses of the tray. |
| US09513043B2 |
Fault detection and diagnosis for refrigerator from compressor sensor
A refrigerator, a sealed refrigerant system, and method are provided where the refrigerator includes at least a refrigerated compartment and a sealed refrigerant system including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, a controller, an evaporator fan, and a condenser fan. The method includes monitoring a frequency of the compressor, and identifying a fault condition in the at least one component of the refrigerant sealed system in response to the compressor frequency. The method may further comprise calculating a compressor frequency rate based upon the rate of change of the compressor frequency, wherein a fault in the condenser fan is identified if the compressor frequency rate is positive and exceeds a condenser fan fault threshold rate, and wherein a fault in the evaporator fan is identified if the compressor frequency rate is negative and exceeds an evaporator fan fault threshold rate. |
| US09513036B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a first refrigerant flow switching device, a plurality of intermediate heat exchangers, a first expansion device, and a heat-source-side heat exchanger, through all of which a refrigerant circulates and all of which in combination form a refrigeration cycle; and a heat medium circuit including the plurality of intermediate heat exchangers, a pump, and a plurality of use-side heat exchangers, through all of which a heat medium circulates. The air-conditioning apparatus further includes a heat medium energy storage that is connected to the heat medium circuit and stores the heat medium; and an intra-storage heat exchanger that is connected to the refrigerant circuit and heats or cools the heat medium in the heat medium energy storage by using the heat-source-side refrigerant supplied thereto. |
| US09513034B2 |
Multi-type air conditioner
A multi-type air conditioner includes an outdoor unit disposed at an exterior space, a plurality of indoor units disposed at interior spaces, and a mode conversion unit connected to the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units through refrigerant pipes to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units. The mode conversion unit includes a plurality of subcooling units which are configured to subcool a refrigerant before the refrigerant is introduced to the plurality of indoor units, using a subcooling refrigerant pipe which sequentially passes through at least one of the plurality of subcooling units, so that a refrigerant after having passed through the subcooling unit, is in a state of pure gas while ensuring a desired subcooling degree that is suitable for each indoor unit. |
| US09513031B2 |
Unit for harnessing solar power
A unit for harnessing solar power for heating water at high pressure, in which the circuit is exposed to freezing, comprising: a heat exchanger made as a single piece for a hydraulic circuit, made up of parallel polymer pipes (1) connected at one end thereof to a main branch-off pipe (2, 3) and, at the other end thereof, to a main collector pipe (2, 3); a sealed box (4) for a whole number of units connected in series, having a profile of regular section (5), reinforced by brackets that can be inserted in corners, with a translucent face (6), the other face having an insulated cover (7); the profile having a geometry suitable for connecting the box to a support structure; the profile having a geometry suitable for holding the insulating material (8) and the rubber seals on the inner part of the translucent face (9); the profile being such that complementary profiles (10) may be assembled thereon, by snap-fitting, and the complementary profiles have a housing for rubber seals (11) on the outer part of the translucent face (6); means for connecting a water supply pipe (12) to the main branch-off pipe(s) and means for connecting a discharge pipe (13), in the direction of water consumption, to the main collector pipe(s). Use of the unit with direct connection to a pressurized water heater located on the unit, for heating the water of the water heater by means of circulation by convection. Use of the unit with direct connection to a pressurized water heater, which is in an arbitrary position with respect to the unit, with circulation by a hydraulic pump. |
| US09513028B2 |
Fan assembly
A fan assembly for creating an air current includes an air outlet mounted on a stand. The stand includes a base and a body tiltable relative to the base. Each of the base and the body has an outer surface shaped so that adjoining portions of the outer surfaces are substantially flush when the body is in the untilted position. |
| US09513027B2 |
Air vent
An air vent is provided having a housing, an air inlet opening located in the axial direction with respect to the housing and an air discharge opening opposite the air inlet opening, an air-conveying element located in the housing having a first air-conveying surface and a second air-conveying surface, which is opposite the first air-conveying surface, wherein a first air channel is formed by the housing and the first air-conveying surface and a second air channel is formed by the housing and the second air-conveying surface, wherein the first air channel is configured to transport to the air discharge opening a first volume flow of air that can flow into the housing through the air inlet opening, wherein the second air channel is configured to transport to the air discharge opening a second volume flow of air that can flow into the housing through the air inlet opening, and a first wing, wherein the first wing is arranged movably on the end of the air-conveying element facing the air inlet opening, wherein the movability of the first wing is configured such that the ratio of first volume flow to second volume flow can be adjusted on account of the position of the first wing, wherein the second air-conveying surface may be symmetrical with respect to the first air-conveying surface. |
| US09513023B2 |
Management apparatus for air-conditioning system
A management apparatus for an air-conditioning system is obtained which can divide a layout drawing into regions for each monitored space and establish correspondence between each equipment device arranged in individual regions and its block identification information. On the basis of positional information and block information, block information for a region corresponding to an installation position is assigned to each equipment device and a plurality of equipment devices are divided for each piece of the block information to perform at least one of monitoring of status and control of an operation. |
| US09513015B2 |
Oven with control panel cooling system
A cooking oven controlled by an included retail-grade control device having a capacitive glass touchscreen and running a specialized cooking and controlling app, such as an Android tablet. A cooling system for the oven provides a reverse air flow cooling system that pulls air in from the top front of the oven rather than pushing it out. A single cooling fan provides adequate cooling to the control device, as well as providing cooling to a front door of the oven and also convective flow through the heating chamber. The control device is mounted in an upper control bezel which has a series of lateral air intake openings on a rear wall. The cooling fan actively cools the control device by pulling air into the intake openings and through a lower exhaust opening. |
| US09513008B2 |
Combustor for gas turbine engine
A combustor with a liner where each of the walls has a respective circumferential row of dilution holes defined therethrough adjacent a junction between the primary zone and the dilution zone. In the primary zone, the inner surface of each of the walls is covered by at least one heat shield attached thereto and spaced apart therefrom to allow air circulation between the inner surface and the at least one heat shield, the walls each having a plurality of cooling holes defined therethrough having a smaller diameter than that of the dilution holes. In the dilution zone, the inner surface of each of the walls is free of heat shields, and the walls each have a plurality of effusion cooling holes defined therethrough and having a smaller diameter than that of the dilution holes. |
| US09513007B2 |
Electrical isolation device
An isolation device is fitted to a mains electrical supply for a hydrocarbon burning appliance and is adapted to operate in response to an audible alarm signal emitted by a separately located detector, typically a carbon monoxide detector, to disconnect the power supply and thereby shutdown the operation of the hydrocarbon burning appliance. This can halt a potentially dangerous build up of CO in the vicinity of the appliance. The device includes a microphone circuit, a lock-in amplifier operable to lock on to a potential alarm signal within the audio signals detected by the microphone circuit, a processing unit operable to monitor the output of the lock-in amplifier so as to compare the potential alarm signal to a stored reference to determine whether it is an alarm signal and a relay operable in response to disconnect the electrical supply of the hydrocarbon burning apparatus. |
| US09513003B2 |
Combustion apparatus, method for combustion control, board, combustion control system and water heater
A combustion apparatus includes combustion means generating combustion exhaust by combustion of fuel, heat exchange means exchanging heat of the combustion exhaust, and exhaust dilution unit supplying dilution air after the heat exchange by the heat exchange means and diluting the combustion exhaust after the heat exchange, and controls a temperature of the combustion exhaust after the heat exchange below a predetermined temperature by dilution by air supply. |
| US09513001B2 |
Oxy-fired boiler unit and method of operating the same
An oxy-combustion boiler unit is disclosed which includes a furnace for combusting fuel and for emitting flue gas resulting from combustion. The furnace has first, second and third combustion zones, and an air separation unit for separating oxygen gas from air and providing a first portion of the separated oxygen to a first oxidant flow, a second portion to a second oxidant flow, and a third portion of the separated oxygen gas to the first, second, and third zones of the furnace. A controller can cause the separated oxygen gas to be distributed so that the first and second oxygen flows have a desired oxygen content, and so that the first, second, and third zones of the furnace receive a desired amount of oxygen based on a combustion zone stoichiometry control. |
| US09513000B2 |
Oxygen combustion system and method for operating same
An oxygen combustion system includes a boiler to burn fuel using combustion gas composed of oxygen-rich gas and circulating flue gas, a dust remover disposed in a flue through which flue gas discharged from the boiler flows, a second flue leading the combustion gas to the boiler, the combustion gas being made by mixing the circulating flue gas extracted downstream of the dust remover with the oxygen-rich gas, a combustion gas heater exchanging heat between the flue gas flowing between the boiler and dust remover and the combustion gas flowing through the second flue, and a flue gas cooler disposed between the heater and the dust remover to cool the flue gas. A control unit controls at least one of a flow rate and cooling medium temperature of the flue gas cooler such that temperature of the flue gas introduced into the dust remover will be between 90° C. and 140° C. |
| US09512999B2 |
High pressure direct contact oxy-fired steam generator
A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor (10) and a steam generator (70) and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor (10) is delivered to the direct contact steam generator (70) at pressure, and upon direct contact with water, produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial applications. The combustor (10) can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements. The removal of solids from the combustor (10) at its second end (62) as well as at the second end of the steam generator (70) as at (78), the use of water injection-type steam quality control and a steam feedback inlet (46) to the combustor (10) from the steam generator (70) enhance the efficiency of the apparatus. |
| US09512996B2 |
Light source unit of semiconductor-type light source of vehicle lighting device and vehicle lighting device
A capacity of a sealing member is reduced to its required minimum. The present invention provides: a board 3; light emitting chips 40 to 44; a control element; wiring elements 51 to 56, 61 to 65, and 610 to 650; a bank member 18; and a sealing member 180. The sealing member 180 is injected into the bank member 18, and the light emitting chips 40 to 44 and a part of the wiring elements are sealed. The present invention is capable of reducing the capacity of the sealing member 180 to its required minimum by means of the bank member 18. |
| US09512995B2 |
LED ring assembly
Disclosed is a lighting device that includes a heat sink coupled to a heat dissipation structure. The heat dissipation structure can include heat conduits operatively coupled to the LED to receive and emit heat from the LED. The heat conduits conduct heat from the LED to the heat sink that is distally disposed relative to the LED to protect the internal components of the lighting device. |
| US09512992B1 |
Solid-state drive
A solid-state drive is provided, including: a substrate, a flash memory module, at least one light-emitting portion and at least one light-guiding portion. The substrate has a transmit port. The flash memory module is disposed on the substrate, and the flash memory module is electrically connected with the transmit port. The at least one light-emitting portion is disposed on the substrate, and the at least one light-emitting portion is electrically connected with the transmit port. The at least one light-guiding portion at least partially covers the at least one light-emitting portion. |
| US09512989B2 |
Lamp arrangement
In various embodiments, a lamp arrangement with a lamp including a base which is able to be inserted into a socket for establishing contact with the lamp, wherein the lamp arrangement has at least one operating element for setting a property of the lamp, wherein the at least one operating element is not accessible when the lamp is being used in the intended manner. |
| US09512983B2 |
Lamp
A luminaire including a luminaire housing and a transparent or translucent cover. The illuminants and associated electric or electronic components can be arranged in the luminaire housing and the cover is detachably connected to the luminaire housing. A filter for spectrally filtering the light emitted by the illuminants is assigned to the cover. The spectral filtering is adapted to filter light in at least a certain spectral range, in which a certain animal is more sensitive than a human being. |
| US09512982B2 |
Backlight assembly
A backlight assembly includes a light source unit configured to supply light, a light guide plate configured to guide light incident from the light source unit to an upper surface thereof, a reverse prism sheet disposed on the light guide plate and having a prism-shaped lower surface and an auxiliary film disposed between the light guide plate and the reverse prism sheet, in which the light guide plate includes a light-incident portion on which light is incident from the light source unit and a light-facing portion facing the light-incident portion. |
| US09512980B2 |
Laminated glass panel including phosphors
A glazing unit includes sheets of glass and of plastic laminated between the glass sheets, and luminophores, wherein the glazing unit includes at least three glass sheets and at least two plastic films inserted in alternation between the glass sheets. |
| US09512977B2 |
Reduced contrast LED lighting system
A reduced contrast LED lighting system is disclosed. A plurality optical elements in a fixture is arranged to produce a light pattern with reduced visible contrast between the various areas where light can be perceived leaving the fixture. In some embodiments of the invention the LED light source is disposed at the reflector, and in some such embodiments a partially reflective lens plate is disposed opposite the LED light source. In some embodiments the LED light source is placed opposite the reflector. The lighting system can include a lens arrangement with a partially reflective lens plate connected to a heatsink, or two lens plates adjacent to the LED light source and the heatsink. The fixture can include a plurality of light pipes or slots to direct light into spaces between the lens plates and the heatsink. |
| US09512974B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp (1) including a lamp easing (4) formed by a lamp housing (2) having an opening (2a) on at least one side and a cover (3) attached to the lamp housing and closing the opening, and a tight source unit (6) disposed in the lamp casing and having a light source (8) that emits light, wherein the light source unit has a wiring board (7) that has a first surface (9a) and a second surface (10a) which face different directions and an electronic part that is mounted at least on the first surface and includes the light source, and a holding protrusion (11) that holds the electronic part is provided on the first surface of the wiring board. |
| US09512973B2 |
Shield apparatus for low-beam head lamp
A shield apparatus for a low-beam head lamp may include a projection reflector equipped with a light source therein, a shield body having a through hole being formed in the shield body towards a lens, wherein the shield body may be coupled to a front surface of the projection reflector, and wherein the through hole includes a high beam distribution area and a lower beam distribution area, and a plurality of blind shields coupled to the shield body to cover the low-beam distribution area of the through hole and arranged one above another other, wherein the blind shields may be inclined at a predetermined angle to guide an irradiation direction of light outputted from the light source towards the low-beam distribution area. |
| US09512971B2 |
Electronic lighting device and method for manufacturing same
An electronic lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic lighting device may comprise a core, which may comprises an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure. The light-emitting element may be installed on the enclosure. A light outgoing direction of the light-emitting element may be intersected with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light of the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. |
| US09512970B2 |
Photoluminescence wavelength conversion components
A photoluminescence wavelength conversion component comprises a first portion having at least one photoluminescence material; and a second portion comprising light reflective material, wherein the first portion is integrated with the second portion to form the photoluminescence wavelength conversion component. |
| US09512969B1 |
Modular LED lamp fixtures and associated accessories
A lamp fixture includes a light emitting diode supported on a front surface of a printed circuit board. A reflector and heat sink includes a rear surface disposed adjacent the front surface of the printed circuit board and an opposing reflective surface defining a reflector dish. An aperture through the reflector and heat sink allows the light emitting diode to extend from the printed circuit board into the reflector dish. An epoxy lens is disposed over and seals the reflector surface and the light emitting diode. A assembly including a base and an inner casing extending from the base supports the printed circuit board and the reflector and heat sink. An outer casing encloses the inner casing and includes an aperture for outputting light transmitted through the epoxy lens from the light emitting diode and the reflective surface. |
| US09512967B2 |
Straight type lamp
Disclosed therein is a straight type lamp including: a lamp body; and a pair of sockets fit to both ends of the lamp body. At least one of the sockets includes: a socket housing; a plurality of terminal pins, each of which includes an input terminal protruding to one side of the socket housing and an output terminal arranged inside the socket housing; a push button protruding to one side of the socket housing; and a plurality of elasticity switches, each of which is electrically connected with the terminal pin when the push button moves backwardly and which is electrically disconnected from the terminal pin when the push button returns to its original position. |
| US09512966B2 |
Lamp holder and lamp socket and system with lamp holder and lamp socket and method for supporting a lamp socket in a lamp holder
A lamp socket including socket contacts for electrically contacting lamp holder contacts, the lamp socket including a mounting dome that is insertable into a lamp holder and includes a support pin that is linked in a spring elastic manner so that the support pin mechanically anchors the lamp socket in the lamp holder, wherein the mounting dome includes support surfaces which form a movement path along which the support pin is moveable, wherein the movement path displaces the support pin from an idle position in a first direction through a displacement section while building up a spring load during a relative movement of the lamp socket and the lamp holder, wherein the movement path returns the support pin through a return section towards an idle position of the support pin partially reducing the spring load during a relative movement of the lamp socket and the lamp holder. |
| US09512963B2 |
Lubricant vent valve with stepper motor drive
A lubrication system vent valve includes a valve body having a flow passage with an inlet fluidly coupled with a supply and an outlet fluidly coupled with a dispenser, and a vent passage with an inlet port fluidly coupled with the flow passage and an outlet port. A closure element disposed within the vent passage has a threaded portion and is linearly displaceable between an open position where the vent ports are fluidly coupled to permit lubricant flow from the primary passage and out of the body through the vent outlet port, and a closed position at which fluid flow between the vent ports is substantially prevented. A motor has a shaft with a threaded portion engaged with the closure element such that shaft rotation in one direction displaces the closure element toward the closed position and shaft rotation in an opposing direction displaces the element toward the open position. |
| US09512962B2 |
Grease gun with sensing capability
Systems, methods, and apparatus for dispensing a lubricant are provided, in which, for example, the apparatus includes a chamber having an inlet through which the lubricant is received and an outlet through which the lubricant is ejected. The apparatus also includes a piston movably positioned in the chamber to take lubricant into the chamber and eject it therefrom. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to take a measurement of a condition related to a force applied to the piston to move the piston in the chamber. The apparatus additionally includes a controller coupled with the sensor so as to receive data related to the measurement from the sensor. The controller is configured to determine, using the measurement, an amount of lubricant ejected by the piston. |
| US09512960B2 |
Rotational support mechanism
A rotational support mechanism includes: a fixing member that holds a support subject unit; an inner chassis that supports the fixing member so that the fixing member is rotatable in a vertical plane via a tilt shaft structure that is formed between the fixing member and the inner chassis; an outer chassis that is formed so as to cover the inner chassis from outside; a pedestal that supports the inner chassis and the outer chassis so that the inner chassis and the outer chassis are rotatable in a horizontal plane via a swivel shaft that is formed between a combination of the inner chassis and the outer chassis and the pedestal; and a first rotatable range restricting unit that is detachable and restricts a horizontal rotatable range of the support subject unit. |
| US09512958B2 |
Visco-elastic support with added dynamic stiffness
A visco-elastic damping assembly includes a mount housing having first and second ends and a hollow interior. A piston assembly disposed within the mount housing includes axially opposed first and second piston rod ends in which the first piston rod end is defined by a first diameter and the second piston rod end is defined by a second diameter substantially larger than the first diameter. A high pressure hydraulic reservoir is defined within the mount housing wherein an applied load component acting on the second piston rod end causes corresponding movement of the piston assembly against fluid retained in the hydraulic reservoir, enabling a first static spring rate as well as a second higher dynamic spring rate. |
| US09512954B2 |
Device base
Embodiments for a base and an assembly of a device and the base are provided. The assembly includes a device having at least one device alignment magnet along a surface of the device, and a base having, along an upper surface of the base, at least one base alignment magnet configured to act on the at least one device alignment magnet to align the device on top of the base, and at least one insert orthogonally plungable through the upper surface of the base. In a first position, the insert is below the upper surface of the base. In a second position, the insert protrudes the upper surface of the base and is contact with the device. |
| US09512952B2 |
Lateral reinstatement cutter and single access point method of use
A pivot drive, a pivot, a cutter drive, a cutting head, and a camera are mounted to a base, and a remote control system operates the pivot drive to pivot the cutter drive from a stored to a use position, operates the cutter drive to rotationally drive the cutting head, and operates the camera to provide images of the cutting head used to cut out blockages at lateral connections of relined pipes. The camera and the cutting head are positioned in a spaced apart relationship facing each other, with the base extending beyond the cutting head sufficiently to provide this spacing. Optionally, the camera is mounted to a trailing portion of the base and the cutter drive is mounted to a leading portion, with control lines for the pivot and cutter drives routed back past but retained separated from the cutting head to avoid damage. |
| US09512950B1 |
Method and apparatus for uniformity of spills from fluid-entry faces of a panel bed
The instant invention achieves uniformity of spills of granular material from fluid-entry faces of a panel bed by fixing the bed's position in space, and providing a constant push in a vertical direction on a deflector (preferably downward), the deflector moving in contact with the panel bed's fluid-exit wall when the bed is employed for filtration or countercurrent contacting. The constancy of the push causes the deflector's motion to occur at a constant combination of speed and displacement of the fluid-exit wall toward the fluid-entry faces of the panel bed, the combination causing a body movement of the granular material toward the fluid-entry faces, thereby causing spills of granular material to occur from the faces, renewing the faces. The constancy of the combination in the deflector's motion guarantees that the spills are uniform. |
| US09512947B2 |
Safety connector
A connector for use with a coupled first hose and second hose, the second hose including a hose fastener is provided including a connector body configured to mount to a first hose end. An arm extends generally perpendicularly from the connector body. A front side of the arm has a first end arranged at an angle to the arm. The first end of the arm is configured to engage a portion of the hose fastener. A back side of the arm has a biasing mechanism extending therefrom. The arm is pivotally mounted to the connector. |
| US09512946B2 |
Joint
A joint that connects pipelines, a pipeline with a fluid control device, or a pair of fluid control devices is provided therein with a pipe functional component. Examples of the pipe functional component include various valves such as a diaphragm valve, a check valve, a branch valve, a relief valve, a ball valve and a bellows valve, or a filter. |
| US09512945B2 |
Non-metallic expansion/deflection coupling modules
An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits. |
| US09512940B2 |
Mount for cable harness
The present application relates to a mount (10) for mounting a cable harness to a support. The mount (10) comprises a harness receiving portion (42), and a fastener attachment portion (80) from which a fastener for securing the mount (10) to a support is extendable. The mount (10) orientates a fastener extending from the fastener attachment portion (80) to extend about the harness receiving portion (42) to secure a cable harness to the mount (40) when the mount is secured to a support by the fastener. The present application also relates to a mount assembly and a method of mounting a cable harness to a support. |
| US09512939B2 |
Method of laying a pipeline
A method of laying a pipeline (100) on a seabed (9), said method comprising the steps of; constructing a section of pipeline (6) by interconnecting pipe sections (31), positioning the section of pipeline on an underwater storage surface (74), and recovering the section of pipeline from the under water storage surface and spooling the section of pipeline on a reel (2) provided on a vessel (15). |
| US09512937B2 |
Method and apparatus for digging and installing curved sewers
A system for digging sewer pipe trenches without the need of manholes, including a pair of oppositely disposed parallel elongated sidewalls defining a work volume therebetween, at least one support member extending between the sidewalls, and a location guidance assembly positionable within. The guidance assembly includes a pair of spaced parallel elongated positioning members, at least one elongated connection member extending between the positioning members, a GPS sensor operationally connected to each positioning member, a laser support member connected to one of the elongated positioning members, a mounting connection connected to the laser support member; and a laser connected to the laser support member. A movement actuator is coupled to the location guidance assembly, wherein energization of the actuator moves the laser between a first position and a second position in the working volume. |
| US09512936B2 |
Three-port microvalve with improved sealing mechanism
A microvalve includes a first plate having an inner surface, a recessed region provided within the inner surface, a normally open fluid port and a normally closed fluid port provided within the recessed region. A first sealing structure extends about the normally open fluid port, and a second sealing structure extends about the normally closed fluid port. A second plate defines a non-movable portion and a movable portion. A surface of the non-movable portion abuts the inner surface of the first plate, the non-movable portion having an opening formed therethrough. The movable portion is formed within the opening, has an axis, and defines a displaceable member connected to the non-movable portion by a convoluted spring formed in the opening. The displaceable member is slidingly and axially movable within the opening between a first position, wherein the displaceable member cooperates with the second sealing structure to prevent fluid communication through the normally closed fluid port, and a second position, wherein the displaceable member does not cooperate with at least a portion of the second sealing structure to prevent fluid communication through the normally closed fluid port. |
| US09512933B2 |
Valve assembly with integral sensors
A valve assembly includes an electronics housing and a valve housing assembly engaged to the electronics housing. The valve housing assembly includes a valve body defining a plurality of fluid ports in fluid communication with the valve bore. A plurality of fluid dampeners is disposed in the fluid ports. A sensor plate is engaged to the valve body. The sensor plate defines a plurality of sensor ports that are generally aligned with the fluid ports of the valve body. At least four fluid sensors are disposed in the plurality of fluid ports of the valve body. A cover is engaged to the sensor plate. The cover defines a cavity. A circuit board is disposed in the cavity of the cover. The circuit board is in electrical communication with the fluid sensors. |
| US09512928B2 |
Valve and construction machine with the same
Provided is a valve restrained from unintentional close. The valve includes a valve element formed with a flow-path hole, a holding member having inlet and outlet ports and holding the valve element while permitting its rotational movement in first and second directions, and a rotational restriction section. The valve element has an open position for making communication between the ports through the flow-path hole and a close position for blocking between the ports. The rotational restriction section restricts the rotational movement so as to stop the rotational movement thereof in the first direction at the open position where a specific part of the outer peripheral surface of the valve element overlaps the inlet port and receives pressure of the liquid to allow the pressure to impart a rotational bias in the first direction to the valve element in the open position. |
| US09512927B2 |
Pneumatic gate valve with integrated pressurized gas reservoir
A rapid-closure gate valve (10) comprising pressurized gas reservoirs (37, 39) that are integrated with the valve body (12). Pressurized gas stored in the reservoirs (37, 39) is utilized to shift a gate member (20) from a valve open position to a valve closed position upon actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve is achieved by an actuator assembly (14) coupled with the valve body. The actuator assembly is configured to initiate a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoirs into a chamber (48) which effects shifting of the gate member. |
| US09512925B2 |
Manual balancing valve
Disclosed is a manual balancing valve having an upstream end and a downstream end, and a first equalizing ring (500a) and a second equalizing ring (500b) configured at the upstream end and the downstream end, respectively. Each of the first and the second equalizing rings comprises an annular body (505) defined between an inner peripheral edge portion (510) and an outer peripheral edge portion (515), an annular chamber (520) configured adjacent to the inner peripheral edge portion, a plurality of holes (525) configured on the inner peripheral edge portion and in fluid communication with the annular chamber, and a pressure tap (T) in fluid communication with the annular chamber and extending radially outward of the annular body. The first and the second equalizing rings are adapted to provide static pressure value at each of the upstream and the downstream ends so as to measure differential pressure therebetween and control the fluid flow rate through the valve. |
| US09512922B2 |
Sealing apparatus and engines
Sealing apparatus and engine are provided. A sealing apparatus includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate spaced apart from the first cover plate, and a sealing element disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate and including at least two diaphragm members, wherein a first diaphragm member has a first stiffness and a second diaphragm member has a second stiffness that is different than the first stiffness. The sealing apparatus may be disposed in an engine. |
| US09512921B2 |
Gasket for an electrical connection
An annular gasket for an electrical connection of the kind comprising a socket-outlet casing (6) and a plug casing (7), said gasket extending in an axial direction (X) and comprising a cylindrical base (2) surmounted by a skirt (3) extending axially from the base (2), the skirt (3) presenting an inner wall (3b), an outer wall (3a), and a rounded free edge (4), each of the inner wall (3b) and of the outer wall (3a) presenting, a continuously curved shape in radial section view, the thickness of the skirt (3) decreasing in continuous and non-linear manner from the base (2) towards the free edge (4), the skirt (3) presenting a concavity oriented towards the inside of the gasket, whereby the skirt (3) folds over onto itself when axial stress is exerted on the free edge (4). |
| US09512919B2 |
Transmission hydraulic control system
An automatic transmission uses 6 shift elements applied in combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The automatic transmission uses a hydraulic control system to control engagement of the six elements, control engagement of a torque converter bypass clutch, control engagement of a parking pawl, and to provide fluid for a hydrodynamic torque converter and for lubrication. The parking pawl is disengaged in response to engagement of two of the six shift elements and remains disengaged in response to engagement of other shift elements. A single valve controls several different functions associated with the two-pass torque converter. Pressurized fluid is provided by a variable displacement engine driven pump and also by an electric pump. A priority valve reduces lubrication flow when other fluid demands are high as indicated by the pump displacement control circuit. |
| US09512910B2 |
Actuator including handling-proof position feedback mechanism
An actuator includes a housing assembly, an actuator shaft, an actuation member, and an anti-rotation rod. The actuator shaft is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate. The actuation member is mounted on the actuator shaft, and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The anti-rotation rod is coupled to the actuator housing and extends therefrom. The anti-rotation is rod configured to at least selectively engage, and thereby prevent rotation of, the actuation member. |
| US09512909B2 |
Actuator assembly for translating a movable element of a driveline component
An actuator assembly with first and second sleeves, a barrel, a follower, a groove, a spring, and an output member that is coupled to the second sleeve. The first sleeve has a first externally toothed body, a first flange, which extends radially outwardly from the first body, and a first bore. The barrel is received in the first bore and is rotatable therein. The follower is fixed to one of the barrel and the first sleeve and is received in the groove, which is formed in the other one of the barrel and the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a second body with an internally toothed second bore. The second sleeve is disposed about the first sleeve such that internal and external teeth are meshed to axially slidably but non-rotatably couple the first and second sleeves. The spring is disposed between the first flange and the second sleeve. |
| US09512906B2 |
Transmission device
A feature for joining gear wheels includes a disk portion 21 and external cogs 22 provided to an input means 12, a second cylindrical guiding portion 31 provided on one side of an internal/external gear wheel 15 and coaxial with a first cylindrical guiding portion 30, an external gear wheel 18 rotatably fit in and attached to the input means 12 and having external cogs 38 having a same shape as the external cogs 22 of the input means 12 and engaging with internal cogs 33 of the gear wheel 15, and an internal gear wheel 19 having the internal cogs 40 engaging with the external cogs 22 and the external cogs 38, having an annular guiding portion 39 to be guided by the second cylindrical guiding portion 31, arranged in between the disk portion 21 and the internal/external gear wheel 15, and revolving along with the gear wheel 15. |
| US09512903B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft into which power of an engine is input, an output shaft that outputs the shifted power, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotational shaft selectively connected to a transmission housing, a second rotational shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a third rotational shaft, a fourth rotational shaft, a fifth rotational shaft selectively connected to the first rotational shaft and the second rotational shaft, a sixth rotational shaft directly connected to the output shaft, and selectively connected to the fourth rotational shaft, a seventh rotational shaft selectively connected to the transmission housing, an eighth rotational shaft selectively connected to the fifth rotational shaft, and six friction elements. |
| US09512901B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces up to nine forward and one reverse speed ratios by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Each disclosed transmission includes four planetary gear sets and six elements. Two of the arrangements feature planetary gear sets that are separated radially and are particularly suited to applications that require reduced axial length. |
| US09512900B2 |
Planetary gear mechanism with reduced gear lash
The present teachings provide for a transmission including a planetary gear set and a first displacement device. The planetary gear set can include a sun gear, ring gear, planet carrier, first planet gear and second planet gear. The sun gear, ring gear, and planet carrier can be disposed about a first axis. The first planet gear can meshingly engage with the sun gear and the ring gear, and can be coupled to the planet carrier for rotation relative thereto about a second axis. The first planet gear can be axially slidable relative to the planet carrier. The second planet gear can meshingly engage with the sun gear and the ring gear, and can be coupled to the planet carrier for rotation relative thereto about a third axis. The first displacement device can be configured to displace the first planet gear axially relative to the second planet gear. |
| US09512897B2 |
Crankshaft pendulum assembly having kidney-shaped track
A pendulum crankshaft assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a pendulum carrier, a pendulum and rolling pins. The carrier and the pendulum have kidney-shaped rolling pin tracks. The rolling pin tracks are kidney-shaped and thus are defined by opposed curved side walls and opposed end walls. The pendulum carrier has an ear extending therefrom to which the pendulum is attached. The pendulum comprises a first half and a second half, each half being positioned on the sides of the ear. At any given time in operation, the gap between the rolling pin and the opposed walls of the rolling pin tracks is never greater than 0.5 mm. The pendulum carrier is attached to a cheek of the crankshaft by a pair of opposed fasteners. |
| US09512896B2 |
Reducing vibration of a cantilevered patient support surface
A system and method for reducing vibration of a cantilevered patient support surface are provided herein. A system includes a spring and roller coupled with the spring. The spring creates an upwards spring bias on the patient support surface. The roller is coupled with the spring via a roller lever arm. A frictional resistance at the roller arm and an upward directed spring bias enables the roller to maintain constant contact with the patient support surface. |
| US09512895B2 |
Air spring having hybrid bellows
An air spring assembly for a motor vehicle, including an air spring, a rolling piston, a tubular rolling air spring bellows arranged concentrically about a central longitudinal axis of the air spring, and an air spring cover. A first partial air spring bellows has a first embedded textile reinforcement and a second partial air spring bellows has a second embedded textile reinforcement The first textile reinforcement has first reinforcing threads, the preferred axis of which extends parallel or nearly parallel to the axis of the central longitudinal axis of the air spring The second textile reinforcement has second reinforcing threads, the first preferred axis of which extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the air spring and the second preferred axis of which extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the air spring, wherein the first and the second preferred axis are at an angle to each other. |
| US09512894B2 |
Tunable passive vibration suppressor
An apparatus and method for vibration suppression using a granular particle chain. The granular particle chain is statically compressed and the end particles of the chain are attached to a payload and vibration source. The properties of the granular particles along with the amount of static compression are chosen to provide desired filtering of vibrations. |
| US09512893B2 |
Tubular vibration-damping device
A tubular vibration-damping device including an outer tube member made of synthetic resin, which includes a locking part having a locking projection. An abutting part is provided on an inner circumference side of the locking part across a recess. An axial tip end of the abutting part is aligned with or outward beyond an axial tip end of the locking part in an axial direction. A distance between facing surfaces of the locking part and the abutting part is set to not less than a projecting height of the locking projection. A restricting mechanism to prevent the locking projection from being displaced circumferentially inward beyond the outer tube member is provided by, through abutment of the locking part against the abutting part, restricting an amount of deformation of the locking part due to an external force exerted on the locking projection. |
| US09512889B2 |
Control of a transmission friction element using an adaptive transfer function
A transmission clutch control method includes defining a transfer function relating clutch torque to a control signal under transmission operating conditions; determining a target clutch torque for current operating conditions; determining the target control signal from the transfer function to produce target torque at the clutch; correcting clutch torque on the basis of a difference between the target clutch torque and the actual torque at the clutch by adjusting the control signal; calculating actual clutch torque with reference to transmission input torque and transmission output torque; computing a clutch torque error as a difference between calculated clutch torque and the target clutch torque; and repetitively adjusting the transfer function on the basis of the clutch torque error. |
| US09512888B2 |
Dual piston actuator
A power transmitting component can include a friction clutch, hydraulic ram, and an actuator. The actuator can include first and second pistons, and a resilient member. The resilient member can translate the first piston to provide a high volume of fluid at low pressure to the ram when a pressure in a first chamber is less than a predetermined pressure and the second piston is translated in a first direction. The resilient member can compress between the first and second pistons to permit relative motion between the pistons when the pressure is equal to, or greater than, the predetermined pressure and the second piston is translated in the first direction. The second piston provides a low volume of fluid at high pressure to the ram when pressure in the first chamber is equal to, or greater than, the predetermined pressure and the second piston is translated in the first direction. |
| US09512883B2 |
Method for manufacturing a wheel bearing apparatus
A method for manufacturing a wheel bearing apparatus by measuring a distance Ho, Hi and Hh. A difference ΔH=(Hi+Hh−Ho) is compared with a reference value of a model article. Rolling elements are selected with each having an optimum diameter to correct the difference ΔH between the measured values and the reference values. |
| US09512882B2 |
Bearing system and cage for bearing
A bearing system and a cage for a bearing are provided. The bearing system includes a bearing, the bearing including: an outer race; an inner race; a roller which is disposed between the outer race and the inner race in a radial direction of the bearing; and a cage which is also disposed between the outer race and the inner race in the radial direction of the bearing and used for keeping the roller. The bearing system further includes a condition monitoring system, the condition monitoring system including: an RFID chip which is fixed to the cage; a printed circuit wire with which the RFID chip is electrically connected, and which is disposed along a circumferential body of the cage and remains conductive so long as a portion of the cage covered by the printed circuit wire is kept intact; and an RFID reader which can communicate with the RFID chip through a radio frequency signal to monitor a condition of the cage. The technical solution of the invention can monitor the condition of the bearing cage more effectively and reliably. |
| US09512879B2 |
Tilting pad bearing device
An object is to provide a tilting-pad bearing device whereby it is possible to levitate a rotation shaft with a low supply-oil pressure. A tilting-pad bearing device includes a plurality of bearing pads disposed around a rotation shaft so as to support the rotation shaft rotatably, a support member interposed between the plurality of bearing pads and a bearing housing supporting the plurality of bearing pads, the support member supporting each of the plurality of bearing pads pivotably, and an oil-supply mechanism configured to supply a lubricant oil to at least one oil groove formed on a bearing surface of at least one of the plurality of bearing pads. The at least one oil groove is disposed inside and outside a contact area of the bearing surface which is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft when the rotation shaft is stopped. |
| US09512878B2 |
Method of injection molding a sealing member for a fluid dynamic bearing
A weld line formed by injection molding of a sealing member is formed at a circumferential position out of deepest portions of axial grooves, which form thinned portions of the sealing member (optimally, in a region of a cylindrical surface between the axial grooves in a circumferential direction). Thus, the sealing member is prevented from being provided with parts having locally markedly low strength, and hence damage to be caused by press-fitting is prevented. |
| US09512876B2 |
Latch guide assembly
The present invention relates to a latch guide assembly configured on the bottom of a wafer carrier. The latch guide assembly comprises a guide module having at least one guiding groove, a latch module having at least one side plate and at least one recess on the at least one side plate, and at least one rolling unit configured between the at least one guiding groove and the at least one recess. The latch module combines with the guide module via the at least one rolling unit and moves along with the guide module. The latch guide assembly provides a precise moving mechanism to lock/unlock the wafer carrier and reduces both the failure rate and dust production. |
| US09512875B2 |
Bearing unit
A bearing unit including an outer guide sleeve having an opening, as well as an inner receiving sleeve that is rotatably arranged inside the outer guide sleeve opening and that includes a recess. A rotational axis of the inner receiving sleeve in the outer guide sleeve and a central axis of the recess in the inner receiving sleeve are arranged at a distance from each another about an eccentricity. The bearing unit allows the position in which securing elements are mounted to be adapted in a simple and reproducible manner, and which is formed from just a few components so as to permit simple and cost-effective assembly. A device is provided between the outer guide sleeve and the inner receiving sleeve for the purpose of force and/or form-fittingly securing an adjusted receiving sleeve position relative to the guide sleeve. |
| US09512874B2 |
Bearing device and turbomachine having a bearing device
A bearing device with an arrangement of at least two bearings is provided. A filling made of an amorphous/solid active medium as a mechanism of compensating for axial loads is arranged between a bearing race of at least one of the bearings and a surrounding component of the bearing arrangement. |
| US09512871B2 |
Variable area journal bearing
A method of adjusting a load-bearing capacity of a hydrodynamic plain journal bearing for a journal is provided comprising providing a hydrodynamic plain journal bearing having a circumference, wherein a load-bearing capacity of the journal bearing varies around the bearing circumference; providing the hydrodynamic plain journal bearing in a journal bearing support structure, wherein the support structure supports the hydrodynamic plain journal bearing around the journal; and rotating the hydrodynamic plain journal bearing within the support structure to change a position of the load-bearing capacity of the journal bearing relative to the journal. |
| US09512868B2 |
Anchor fastening element
Anchor fastening element for fastening an object to a wall having a drilled hole, which comprises a threaded bolt having a threaded portion at one end and an anchor portion at the other end and also having a shank portion in between. The threaded portion and the anchor portion have a low ductility and the shank portion has a higher ductility. |
| US09512865B2 |
Telescopic tube, walking stick with the telescopic tube, and clothes pole with the telescopic tube
A telescopic tube has a tube assembly and a connecting assembly. The tube assembly has a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, and a fourth rod. The second rod, the third rod, and the fourth rod are mounted respectively around outer surfaces of the first rod, of the second rod, and of the third rod respectively. The connecting assembly has a first connecting unit, a second connecting unit, and a third connecting unit. The first connecting unit links together the first rod and the second rod. The second connecting unit links together the second rod and the third rod. The third connecting unit links together the third rod and the fourth rod. The telescopic tube is applied on a walking stick or a clothes pole which ensures that the walking stick or the clothes pole has a small size when retracted and ease of use when extended. |
| US09512861B2 |
Component maintenance action identification
An example method of initiating a maintenance action on a component includes monitoring an electrical current required to maintain a steady state position. The method then initiates a maintenance action on the component based on the monitored current. |
| US09512859B2 |
Hydraulic transmission circuit with multiple capacities
A hydraulic transmission circuit comprising three or four coupled hydraulic elementary motors, each elementary motor having a first and a second secondary enclosure. The circuit includes four distribution valves for which the respective outlet channels may be selectively connected to two main conduits for supplying fluid to and discharging fluid from the circuit. The outlet channels of the first and second valves are connected to at least one of the first secondary enclosures; those of the third and fourth valves are connected to at least one of the second secondary enclosures. Each of the elementary motors has a first secondary enclosure connected to a single valve from among the first or second valve and a second secondary enclosure connected to a single valve from among the third or fourth valve. The valve pairs thereby connected to said elementary motors respectively, are all distinct, two by two. |
| US09512858B2 |
Ejector
An ejector includes (i) a body part including a depressurizing space in which a refrigerant flowing out of a swirling space is depressurized, a suction passage that draws a refrigerant from an external, and a pressurizing space in which a jet refrigerant jetted from the depressurizing space and a suction refrigerant drawn from the suction passage are mixed with each other to be pressurized, (ii) a conical passage formation member which is arranged inside the body part, and (iii) a swirling promotion part. A nozzle passage is provided in the depressurizing space on an outer peripheral surface of the passage formation member, and a diffuser passage is provided in the pressurizing space on the outer peripheral surface of the passage formation member. The swirling promotion part includes a flow regulation plate that promotes a swirling flow of the refrigerant flowing in the diffuser passage. |
| US09512855B2 |
Ceiling fan
A ceiling fan includes a motor, a bracket unit connected fixedly on the motor and including a plurality of angularly spaced-apart blade-installation members, a plurality of blades and a mounting unit. Each blade has a locking segment registered with a respective one of the blade-installation members and a covering wing registered with a respective one of the blade-installation members. The locking segment and the covering wing of each of the blades are registered with two adjacent ones of the blade-installation members. The mounting unit includes a plurality of fastener sets, each securing the locking segment of a respective blade to a corresponding blade-installation member, and having a bottom end that is covered by a corresponding covering wing. |
| US09512853B2 |
Turbine cap for turbo-molecular pump
A turbine assembly mounted to a pump rotor via mounting bolts. The turbine includes fins extending therefrom for pumping gasses and suspended particles from a semiconductor processing chamber. The tops of the bolts are recessed from the top surface of the turbine in a bolt cavity having an open end. A cap member is mounted over and seals the open end of the bolt cavity via a center bolt. The cap member has a shaped upper surface (conical, parabolic, squared, rounded) for deflecting particles away from the center of the turbine and toward the turbine's fins. The cap member's upper surface can include particle deflecting features such as fins, channels or asymmetric shapes to enhance particle deflection as the cap member rotates. The cap member can include a compressible o-ring for a friction fit mounting to the turbine. |
| US09512850B2 |
Air circulator powered by an electronically commuted motor (ECM) and associated method of use
An air circulator that includes an electronically commuted motor that is devoid of a transformer and utilizes line voltage as the signal voltage. The motor includes a rotatable blade assembly having at least one blade, wherein the blade assembly is connected to the electronically commuted motor, a housing that is operatively connected to the electronically commuted motor and having a line voltage input, and a switch that is secured to the housing and electrically connected to a signal voltage input of the electronically commuted motor and the line voltage input. |
| US09512849B2 |
Multi-stage integrally geared compressor
A multi-stage integrally geared compressor includes a first process stage, a second process stage and a gearbox for coupling the two process stages to each other at different rotational speeds. The gearbox further couples a compressor drive shaft to the two process stages at a further rotational speed, which is different from the rotational speeds of the process stages. |
| US09512845B2 |
Positive and negative rotation control circuit and fan system
The present disclosure provides a positive and negative rotation control circuit and fan system, which can positively or negatively rotate a fan motor according to an end connecting to different external components or being floating. When the end generates an oscillatory fan signal, the positive and negative rotation control circuit negatively rotates the fan motor for a period of time after the positive and negative rotation control circuit is started for a delay time, to execute the operation of exhausting the accumulated dust, so that a fan connecting to the fan motor may exhaust the accumulated dust from an electronic device. Then the control circuit positively rotates the fan motor to execute the operation of dissipating heat, so that the fan may dissipate heat in the situation of having less dust within the electronic device. Accordingly, the heat dissipation effect of the fan may be enhanced. |
| US09512836B2 |
Fuel pump for an internal combustion engine
A high-pressure fuel pump for an internal combustion engine. The high-pressure fuel pump includes an improved configuration that beneficially simplifies certain features of the high-pressure fuel pump. The fuel pump possesses an inlet check valve positioned along an inlet fuel circuit and an outlet fuel circuit of the high-pressure pump that provides a path for a low-pressure inlet fuel flow to and a path for a high-pressure output fuel flow from a pumping chamber of the fuel pump. Because of the configuration of the inlet check valve and the outlet check valve, the complexity of high-pressure fuel pump is beneficially reduced, decreasing the cost of components and assembly and improving the life and reliability of high-pressure fuel pump. |
| US09512828B2 |
Bi-field solar geothermal system
A bi-field solar geothermal system and method. A ground source geothermal heat pump system comprises two discrete hot and cold loops operated in conjunction with solar panels. Heat acquired from the solar panels is stored in a hot geothermal loop for use during colder weather. The alternative use of cooled fluid, passed through the solar panels, enables removal of heat from a cooled geothermal loop for use during hot summer months. The system comprises a valve system in working communication with the hot geothermal loop and the cold geothermal loop and a control system for controlling the operation of valves and determining when to switch from the hot geothermal loop to the cold geothermal loop. The system further may comprise a hydronics system, an energy recovery ventilation system, sensors for measuring temperature, dew point, flow rates, humidity, occupancy, light levels and other system data and for automatically balancing system operations for maximum efficiency and radiant panels for providing radiant heat to the building or absorbing radiant heat from sources in a structure. |
| US09512827B2 |
Steam or vapour condensing system
A steam or vapor condensing system (10) for use with radiant solar energy collecting apparatus (17) of the type having solar energy concentrators (20) and in which steam or vapor is generated for supply to a load such as to a steam turbine, the system (10) using the solar energy concentrators (20) to directly or indirectly radiate heat energy of exhaust steam or vapor from the load. The collecting apparatus (17) may float on a body of liquid (19) and heat energy of the exhaust steam or vapor is transferred to the body of liquid for example by being passed through a duct (23) in the body of liquid (19) and heat energy transferred to the body of liquid (19) is radiated by the concentrators (20). |
| US09512826B2 |
Power plant and heat supply method
According to one embodiment, a power plant includes a solar heat collector which collects solar heat and then supplies the solar heat to a heat medium. The power plant includes a heat exchanger which changes a secondary medium into steam by heat exchange with the heat medium. The power plant includes a turbine. The power plant includes a temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the heat medium. The power plant includes and a controller which supplies the heat medium with heat obtained by the conversion of an output variation component having a period shorter than a predetermined value in electricity generated by a wind power generator when the temperature does not satisfy a predetermined condition associated with the driving of the turbine. |
| US09512823B2 |
Nacelle construction for a wind turbine
A heli-hoist pad (18) that is incorporated into a wind turbine nacelle (12) in a manner that is optimized for helicopter approach and positioning of the heli-hoist pad (18), such as by being located within a recess (20) in an upper surface (28) of the wind turbine nacelle (12). Heat exchangers (50) may also be positioned within the free flow of wind outside of a nacelle (12) in manners that provide for serviceability while also allowing for optimal positioning of a heli-hoist pad (18). |
| US09512821B2 |
Active bleed for airfoils
An airfoil active bleed system and related method. A housing includes an induction wall, an exhaust wall having one or more exhaust ports, and a chamber between the induction and exhaust walls. Zero-net-mass-flux actuators are located in the chamber and configured and positioned to collectively induct fluid through the induction wall and selectively exhaust fluid through the exhaust port(s). |
| US09512819B2 |
Balancing of wind turbine parts
A wind of the type having a tower and a nacelle with a rotor rotatably connected to the nacelle for rotating about a rotor axis and having a plurality of equally spaced blades has the rotor balanced by firstly taking a measurement of torsional vibration and then by using photographic techniques to analyze dynamic imbalance caused by differences in the angle of attack of the blades. The torsional vibration is detected using two sensors at positions mirrored exactly in distance to the left and right of the rotor axis and detecting vibration in the axial direction. The angle of attack is measured by analyzing images of the tip of the blade where, during the analysis, distortion in angles at different locations in the image are corrected, in dependence upon a prior analysis of an image taken by the camera relative to a known image. |
| US09512818B2 |
Low-cost molded wind turbine blade
An optimally-shaped single part molded wind turbine blade is provided for small wind turbines. Two mold bodies are brought together to form a cavity, and a third retractable mold body is inserted into the cavity. A flowable material such as filled thermoplastic resin is introduced into the space between the mold bodies and solidified. The retractable mold body is retracted and the mold is opened to reveal a single-part wind turbine blade with a hollow root region. |
| US09512817B2 |
Diffuser augmented wind turbines
An example wind turbine diffuser has an expanded outlet area where the diffuser outlet area is greater than it's cross sectional area. The diffuser may be formed of one or more diffuser rings, at least one of which may form a turbine cowling. Each diffuser ring may have an inlet area that is smaller than the outlet area of the directly upstream ring. The portion of an upstream ring outlet which is not occluded by the downstream ring may form a diffuser outlet such that the total outlet area of the diffuser is larger than the cross-sectional area. In another example, the diffuser may comprise at least one diffuser ring and one or more suction slots that are each connected to a vent, which allows air to be removed from the diffuser system. |
| US09512816B2 |
Systems and methods to generate electricity using a three vane water turbine
According to some embodiments, a drum may be submerged in water and extend horizontally along a center axis between a first point on a first side of the drum and a second point on a second side of the drum opposite the first side. Three curved vanes may be attached to the drum such that the vanes, when acted upon by a water flow perpendicular to the axis, are operable to cause rotation about the axis, wherein an edge portion of each vane, located substantially opposite the drum, defines a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the drum located between the edge portion and the axis. An electrical generator coupled to the drum may convert rotational energy produced by the rotation about the axis into electrical energy. |
| US09512815B2 |
Multipurpose rotary device and generating system including same
A multipurpose rotary device includes a rotor configured to include a plurality of blades in a circumferential direction; and a load guide body configured to guide a flow of fluids flowing into the inside of the rotor, wherein the load guide body includes an upper support member and a lower support member configured to be disposed to face each other at the upper and lower sides thereof and connected to one another such that the rotor is rotatably installed; load guide plates configured to correspond to the blades and are rotatably installed between the upper and lower support members in a longitudinal direction; and stop pins configured to be formed on inner surfaces facing the upper and lower support members to control a rotational angle of the load guide plates. |
| US09512809B2 |
Utility vehicle
A utility vehicle that includes: a chassis (1); a seat (6) provided on the chassis; a cargo bed (8) provided behind the seat; an engine (11) provided on the chassis; an intake device (101) for supplying combustion air to the engine; and a storage box (30) for storing equipment of the engine. The intake device has: an air intake duct (15) connected to the engine; an air cleaner device (21) connected to an air-intake upstream end of the air intake duct and stored in the storage box; and an extended air intake duct (16) connected to an air inlet of the air cleaner device. An air inlet (16A) of the extended air intake duct is located above a lower face (81) of the cargo bed and between the seat and the cargo bed. |
| US09512802B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine having two or more cylinders to which fuel can be supplied via an injection valve, it being possible to carry out a measurement injection for a cylinder in order to determine and/or adapt a characteristic quantity of the injection valve, and all the cylinders being ignited in the course of an ignition cycle. To improve the operating characteristics, a measurement injection is carried out for those cylinders that are contained in a specifiable selected set selected from all the cylinders. |
| US09512801B2 |
Fuel injection controller
A fuel injection controller is provided with a detection control portion which detects a valve-opening time. The detection control portion supplies the low valve-opening voltage to the fuel injector from a low voltage supply. An electric current flowing through a coil is gradually increased. When the fuel injector is fully opened, an inflection point appears on a waveform of an electric current. A valve-open detecting portion detects the inflection point and identifies a valve-opening time. A correction-amount computing portion computes a correction amount of a fuel injection quantity due to an error of the valve-opening time. In a succeeding fuel injection, the correction portion corrects an electric supply period. As a result, the error of the fuel injection quantity due to an error of valve-opening time is corrected. |
| US09512800B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly suitable for use as an inlet metering valve of a fuel injection system comprises an inlet opening, an outlet aperture, and a valve element arranged to control fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture. The valve element is moveable in response to an applied control signal to a closed position and to a fully-open position, and is biased to return to a rest position when the control signal is absent. When the valve element is in the rest position, fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture is permitted at a relatively low rate. When the valve element is in the closed position, fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture is substantially prevented. When the valve element is in the fully-open position, fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet aperture is permitted at a relatively high rate. |
| US09512796B2 |
Exhaust purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
An object of the present invention is to increase opportunities that a filter is regenerated. Provided is an exhaust purification apparatus for a spark ignition type internal combustion engine, the apparatus including a catalyst and a filter in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, and a control device that prohibits fuel cut when thermal degradation of the catalyst is predicted to advance in the case of implementing a fuel cut. The control device executes the fuel cut even where thermal degradation of the catalyst is predicted to advance, when regeneration of the filter, which is processing of removing particulate matter trapped in the filter, is needed. |
| US09512792B2 |
Internal combustion engine control apparatus
An internal combustion engine control apparatus is provided that can prevent the operation of an internal combustion engine from becoming unstable even when the ignition apparatus fails, that can prevent the components of the exhaust gas from being deteriorated, and that can suppress the exhaust amount of environmental load substances from increasing. A diagnosis unit is provided that determines whether or not an energy supply unit is normally supplying energy to a conductive path formed in the gap of an ignition plug; a control unit controls an EGR unit in accordance with the result of a diagnosis by the diagnosis unit so as to control the amount of burned gas to be recirculated to the internal combustion engine. |
| US09512791B1 |
Systems and methods for operating an evaporative emissions system
Methods and systems are provided for selectively cooling a fuel vapor canister based on vehicle operating conditions, or in response to an anticipated or requested refueling event. In one example, canister cooling elements are powered by solar cells coupled to the vehicle, thereby cooling the canister during conditions wherein bleed emissions are likely to occur. In this way, canister cooling may reduce hydrocarbon vapor bleed emissions without draining the vehicle battery, and may further provide opportunities to advantageously conduct leak tests on the evaporative emissions system. |
| US09512790B2 |
System and method for air handling control in opposed-piston engines with uniflow scavenging
In an air handling system of a uniflow-scavenged, two-stroke cycle opposed-piston engine, repeatable trapped mass and composition are achieved by determining provision of air handling setpoints that control operation of the engine's air handling system components. In some aspects, these setpoints govern operations of the air handling system by actively controlling the intake manifold pressure (IMP), EGR flow, and exhaust channel backpressure. |
| US09512789B2 |
Supercharging engine
A supercharging engine supplying compressed air to a combustion chamber as intake air may include at least two cylinders, a deactivation cylinder being at least one of the cylinders, and selectively deactivated, a compressed air tank adapted to store compressed air supplied from a combustion chamber of the deactivation cylinder, a compressed air storage passage formed to communicate the compressed air tank with the combustion chamber of the deactivation cylinder, an intake manifold selectively communicating with the compressed air tank, and a compressed air valve selectively opening/closing the compressed air storage passage, in which compressed air may be transmitted from the combustion chamber of the deactivation cylinder to the compressed air tank as the compressed air valve is opened in a compression stroke during deactivation of the deactivation cylinder. |
| US09512786B2 |
Valve actuation mechanism and automotive vehicle equipped with such a valve actuation mechanism
A valve actuation mechanism includes a rocker adapted for opening a cylinder valve, via an activation piston movable in a piston chamber of the rocker under action of a fluid pressure raise in the piston chamber, from a first position in which an engine operating function is deactivated to a second position, in which the engine operating function is performed, the rocker including a controlled blocking valve, wherein the control of the blocking, valve between its open state and its blocking state is performed by action of a force exerted by the fluid pressure in the piston chamber on a valve member of the blocking valve which is exposed to the fluid pressure in the piston chamber. |
| US09512785B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine
It is intended to provide an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of suppressing HC emission increase and raising the temperature of an exhaust gas purifier at an early stage while maintaining stable combustion during the warm-up operation such as immediately after the engine starting. The system is provided with: an air flow control unit 50 for reducing a flow rate of air supplied to the engine 1 to raise a temperature of the exhaust gas exhausted from the engine 1; and an activation timing control unit 52 for controlling a timing of activating the air flow control unit 50, and the activation timing control unit is configured to control the timing of activating the air flow control unit 50 so that a combustion state in the engine 1 does not become unstable when the air flow control unit 50 is activated and the air to be supplied to the engine 1 is reduced. |
| US09512776B2 |
Device for cooling charge air, system for conditioning charge air, and intake module for an internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to a device for cooling charge air for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The device comprises a plurality of first coolant pipes for conducting a first coolant and a plurality of second coolant pipes for conducting a second coolant, wherein the first coolant pipes and the second coolant pipes extend in a longitudinal extension direction of the device and the plurality of first coolant pipes is arranged adjacent to the plurality of second coolant pipes in a transverse extension direction of the device. |
| US09512775B2 |
Cooling system for engine
A cooling system for an engine is provided. The cooling system includes an EGR device including an EGR passage for recirculating exhaust gas into an intake passage, an EGR valve for adjusting a flow rate of the recirculating exhaust gas, and an EGR cooler for cooling the recirculating exhaust gas, an EGR valve controller for controlling the EGR valve, coolant flow paths including a first flow path and a second flow path and where coolant circulates, a coolant pump for circulating coolant within the coolant flow paths, a flow rate control valve for adjusting a flow rate of the coolant through the second flow path, a temperature detector for detecting a coolant temperature within the first flow path, and a valve controller for adjusting a flow rate control valve opening based on the detected temperature. |
| US09512771B2 |
Exhaust system structure in internal combustion engine for vehicle
A catalytic device connected to an exhaust muffler from the front of the exhaust muffler to form substantially the shape of a T as viewed in plan is provided between an exhaust pipe and the exhaust muffler. One end portion of a reinforcing cover covering the catalytic device is fixed to an upstream end portion of the catalytic device, and another end portion of the reinforcing cover is fixed to the exhaust muffler. An extending portion extending rearwardly upward along the outer periphery of the exhaust muffler is formed integrally with the rear portion of a first heat insulating member covering the reinforcing cover from above. A second heat insulating member integrally having a cover portion covering the extending portion from above and inclined rearwardly upward is disposed so as to cover the exhaust muffler from above. |
| US09512770B2 |
Sensor element including an air introduction portion with a cross section having specified aspect ratio and area and sensor including the same
Disclosed is a sensor element for detecting a specific gas component in a gas under measurement. The sensor element is plate-shaped in a longitudinal direction thereof and has a detection portion located on a front end side of the sensor element and an air introduction portion adapted as a longitudinal hole extending in the longitudinal direction to a position of the detection portion so as to introduce air thereinto. The detection portion includes a measurement electrode exposed to the gas under measurement, a reference electrode arranged in the air introduction portion and a plate-shaped solid electrolyte member held in contact with the measurement electrode and the reference electrode. The air introduction portion has a cross section with an aspect ratio of 0.0082 to 0.0800 and an area of 0.015 to 0.147 mm2 when taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a position of the reference electrode. |
| US09512769B2 |
Urea water supply system
A pump share-type urea water supply system includes a first supply valve and a second supply valve. A urea water tank is connected with the respective supply valves by a urea water supply path that includes a first supply path for the first supply valve and a second supply path for the second supply valve. The second supply path has a larger capacity than the first supply path by a predetermined volume. A suck-back control controls opening and closing of the respective supply valves such that a first estimated valve-opening time of the first supply valve for suck-back control in the first supply valve and supply path is shorter than a second estimated valve-opening time of the second supply valve for suck-back control in the second supply valve and in-the-second supply path by at least a first control time corresponding to the predetermined volume. |
| US09512768B2 |
Device for supplying a liquid additive and motor vehicle having the device
A device for supplying a liquid additive for a motor vehicle includes a tank for storing the liquid additive and a delivery unit for delivering the liquid additive out of the tank. A sensor emits and receives waves and is configured to measure a fill level of the liquid additive in the tank by way of a propagation time measurement of the waves along a measurement path to a liquid surface in the tank and back to the sensor. The measurement path runs at least partially through a measurement duct. At least one back-flushing line ends in the measurement duct so that flushing of the measurement duct to the tank can be performed, in such a way that the measurement duct is kept clean and/or is cleaned. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided. |
| US09512765B2 |
Method for the load dependent reduction of fuel consumption following deceleration fuel cut out
A method for controlling a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and a catalytic converter is disclosed. The method includes: determining an oxygen storage value, which is a dimension for oxygen stored in the catalytic converter, detecting an engine load, carrying out a part evacuation of the oxygen from the catalytic converter with a fuel enrichment when the oxygen storage value exceeds a trigger evacuation threshold value and when the engine load is below a low-load threshold value. |
| US09512762B2 |
Internal combustion engine having dedicated cylinder(s) for generation of both EGR and exhaust aftertreatment reductant for NOx-reducing catalyst
An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for an internal combustion engine having dedicated EGR and operating at a lean air-fuel ratio. In such engines, one or more cylinders is operable as a dedicated EGR cylinder, such that all of the exhaust produced by the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) may be recirculated to the engine's main (non dedicated) cylinders. Because the engine is lean burn, its exhaust aftertreatment system has a NOx-reducing device. An EGR loop is configured to recirculate EGR from the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) to the engine's intake manifold. A diversion line connects the EGR loop to the exhaust aftertreatment system, thereby delivering EGR as syngas for the NOx-reducing device. The syngas is used either directly as a reductant or to a catalyst that reduces the syngas to ammonia for use as a reductant. |
| US09512759B2 |
System and method for catalyst heat utilization for gas turbine with exhaust gas recirculation
A system includes a turbine combustor, a turbine, an exhaust gas compressor, a flow path, and at least one catalytic converter. The turbine is driven by combustion products from the turbine combustor. The exhaust compressor is configured to compress and route an exhaust gas from the turbine to the turbine combustor. The flow path leads from the exhaust gas compressor, through turbine combustor, and into the turbine. The catalytic converter is disposed along the flow path. |
| US09512756B2 |
Proportional heater control for diesel emission system for marine powered generator set
A proportional heater controls a marine diesel powered generator with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). A proportional control is applied to the heater based upon exhaust temperature. The heater heats exhaust gas to a regeneration temperature to remove soot and sulphur from the processed gas when the diesel fuel has a sulphur content exceeding 1,000 ppm. The heater is supplied power via SCRs to reduce electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. A manual override permits the operator to set a temperature setpoint, force the heater to meet a certain temperature and establish a load bank for diesel engine electrical generator set. |
| US09512754B2 |
Blowby gas processing device of internal combustion engine
A blowby gas processing device including a cylinder block, a cylinder head, a cylinder head cover, an oil separator and a flow velocity amplification device is provided. The cylinder block contains an inter-block passage constituting part of a blowby gas passage passing the blowby gas through in a crank case of an internal combustion engine and introducing the gas into an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The cylinder head cover contains an in-head passage constituting part of the blowby gas passage provided in at least one of the cylinder head or the cylinder head cover. The oil separator is provided in the inter-block passage and configured to separate and remove oil from the blowby gas. The flow velocity amplification device increases the flow velocity of blowby gas flowing at a bottommost portion provided in the vicinity of the lowest position in the in-head passage. |
| US09512749B2 |
System and method for calibrating a valve lift sensor and evaluating a valve lift sensor and a hydraulic valve actuator
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a valve control module and a fault detection module. The valve control module controls a valve actuator to actuate a valve of an engine from a first lift position to a second lift position that is different from the first lift position. The valve includes at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve. The fault detection module detects a fault in at least one of a valve lift sensor and the valve actuator based on input received from the valve lift sensor when the valve is adjusted to the first lift position and when the valve is adjusted to the second lift position. |
| US09512748B2 |
Continuous variable valve duration apparatus and engine provided with the same
A continuous variable valve duration apparatus includes a camshaft. A slider, which is mounted to the camshaft, has a camshaft sliding key and a cam portion of which a cam and a cam sliding key are formed thereto. The camshaft is inserted into the cam portion, and a relative phase between the cam and the camshaft is variable. A roller ring is connected with the camshaft sliding key and the cam sliding key. The roller ring is rotatably inserted into a roller ring guider, and the roller ring guider slidably inserted into a cylinder head. A control portion selectively changes a position of the roller ring guider to control a rotation center position of the roller ring. |
| US09512747B2 |
Valve train layout structure including cam phaser and camshaft-in-camshaft
A valve train layout structure may comprise a non-control camshaft connected to a chain sprocket rotating in line with engine timing and adapted not to vary opening/closing timing of a valve, a control camshaft including an outer shaft, a first cam fixed to an outer shaft, an inner shaft rotatably inserted in an outer shaft, and a second cam fixed to an inner shaft and adapted to vary opening/closing timing of at least one of a valve activated by a first cam and a valve activated by a second cam by varying a phase between a first cam and a second cam, and a cam phaser including a rotor and a stator rotatable relatively to each other. One of a rotor and a stator may be operatively connected to the outer shaft and the other of a rotor and a stator is operatively connected to the inner shaft such that the cam phaser can vary the phase between the first cam and the second cam. |
| US09512746B2 |
Apparatus and system comprising collapsing and extending mechanisms for actuating engine valves
An apparatus and system for actuating at least one engine valve includes a rocker arm having a collapsing mechanism and an extending mechanism. The rocker arm may be configured as an exhaust rocker arm or an intake rocker arm. The collapsing mechanism is disposed at a motion receiving end of the rocker arm and is configured to receive motion from a primary valve actuation motion source. The extending mechanism is disposed in the rocker arm and configured to convey auxiliary valve actuation motions to the at least one engine valve. In a first embodiment, the extending mechanism is disposed at a valve actuation end of the rocker arm, whereas in a second embodiment, the extending mechanism is disposed at the motion receiving end of the rocker arm. Supply of fluid to a first and a second fluid passage controls operation of the extending and collapsing mechanisms, respectively. |
| US09512744B2 |
Rocker arm clip retention feature
A rocker arm assembly including a rocker arm with an end portion including a socket portion on a top surface and a groove formed on the socket portion is provided. A clip having a generally C-shaped cross-section is provided. The clip includes a first leg with an opening that defines an inner edge that at least partially engages the groove on the socket portion of the rocker arm. The clip includes an intermediate leg including an opening through which a protrusion on the axial end of the rocker arm extends. The clip includes a second leg including first and second leg portions that engage the bottom surface of the rocker arm. |
| US09512738B2 |
Internally cooled spoke
A turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor section in fluid communication with the compressor section, a high pressure turbine in fluid communication with the combustor, a low pressure turbine in fluid communication with the high pressure turbine, and a mid turbine frame located axially between the high pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine. The mid turbine frame includes an outer frame case, an inner frame case, and a plurality of hollow spokes that distribute loads from the inner frame case to the outer frame case. The spokes are hollow to allow cooling airflow to be supplied through the spokes to the inner frame case. |
| US09512733B2 |
Diffuser/rectifier assembly for a turbine engine with corrugated downstream walls
A diffuser-nozzle assembly for mounting at an outlet from a compressor in a turbomachine, the assembly including a nozzle including two substantially cylindrical walls, a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall that are connected together by radial vanes. The walls of the nozzle are extended downstream beyond the radial vanes and the radial spacing therebetween varies downstream from the vanes to be at a minimum substantially in register with the vanes and at a maximum between the vanes. |
| US09512731B2 |
Ni based forged alloy, and turbine disc, turbine spacer and gas turbine each using the same
The Ni based forged alloy has a composition containing, on the basis of mass percent, Al: 0.5 to 1.0%, Cr: 17 to 21%, Fe: 17 to 19%, Nb: 4.5 to 5.5%, Ti: 0.8 to 1.3%, W: 3.0 to 6.0%, B: 0.001 to 0.03%, C: 0.001 to 0.015%, and Mo: 1.0% or less, the balance being Ni and inevitable impurities. The alloy includes carbide grains of the contained elements. The carbide grains have an average grain diameter of 20 μm or less. Thus, a Ni based forged alloy is provided which is excellent in high-temperature fatigue property and has a moderate macrosegregation property. |
| US09512730B2 |
Method for manufacturing a turbine engine part by injection of resin under pressure
A method for manufacturing a thick turbine engine part in a composite material by injection of resin under pressure. A fiber preform is positioned in a mold, a resin composition is injected into the mold, the resin composition is polymerized in the mold so as to obtain the part, and the part is removed from the mold. Prior to the injection of the resin composition, a mold release shim is inserted between the fibrous preform and a wall of the mold, and between the polymerization of the resin composition and the removal of the part from the mold, the mold release shim is extracted. |
| US09512726B2 |
Impeller and method for driving fluids using the same
Disclosed are mechanisms for an impeller (10, 20, 40) and method of reducing noise levels while driving fluids with impellers. Exemplary implementations include a hub (21, 41) and multiple blades (22) separably attached to or inseparably formed on the hub. The hub may be used to effectively reduce noise levels during operations of the impeller by having a first cylindrical feature (261), a first number of first ribs (27, 47, 706), and a second number of second ribs (281, 48, 708), while maintaining substantially similar mechanical properties or operational characteristics. The hub may further optionally include a second substantially cylindrical feature (704) that is separably attached to or is inseparably formed on the hub to further enhance one or more properties or characteristics of the hub while serving to reduce the noise level of the impeller. |
| US09512713B2 |
Well access tools
A telebending tool for conveying a logging tool into a wellbore includes a tool body having a central axis. In addition, the tool also includes a cam housing coupled to the tool body and a nose moveably coupled to the tool body through a pivoting member. Further, the telebending tool includes a compression spring positioned between the nose and the pivoting member, and a camming arm coupled to the nose. The camming arm extends coaxially through the pivoting member to selectively engage a cam pathway of the cam housing. The nose has a first position with a central axis of the nose coaxially aligned with the central axis of the body and a second position with the central axis of the nose oriented at an angle less than 180° relative to the central axis of the body. |
| US09512709B2 |
Multiphase flow metering system
A multi-phase flow metering system for measuring a multi-phase fluid including oil, water, and gas, includes a Coriolis mass flow meter adapted to measure mass flow rate and density of the multi-phase fluid. The system has a water cut meter adapted to measure the water cut of the multi-phase fluid. A processor is configured to determine the oil mass flow rate of the oil, water mass flow rate of the water, and gas mass flow rate of the gas using the mass flow rate and density from the Coriolis meter and the water cut from the water cut meter. The processor is further configured to determine dynamic estimates of the uncertainty of each of the oil mass flow rate, water mass flow rate, and gas mass flow rate. |
| US09512700B2 |
Subsea fluid processing system and an associated method thereof
A subsea fluid processing system is provided containing a liquid reservoir, an inlet tank, a pump, an outlet system, and a fluid re-circulation loop. The liquid reservoir circulates a primer liquid stream to the inlet tank via the fluid re-circulation loop. The inlet tank further receives a first production fluid stream and mixes it with the primer liquid stream to produce thereby a second production fluid stream having a reduced gas volume fraction (GVF) relative to the first production fluid stream. The pump receives the second production fluid stream from the inlet tank and increases its pressure. Further, the outlet system containing the liquid reservoir receives the second production fluid stream from the pump and separates at least a portion of the primer liquid stream from a principal production stream. The primer liquid includes at least one exogenous liquid not derived from the first production fluid stream. |
| US09512699B2 |
Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process
Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process. The methods may include producing a product fluid stream from an active pyrolysis region of a subterranean formation. The methods further may include detecting a concentration of a first component in the product fluid stream and/or detecting a concentration of a second component in the product fluid stream. The concentration of the first component may be indicative of an intensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The concentration of the second component may be indicative of an extensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The methods further may include regulating at least one characteristic of the pyrolyzed fluid production system based upon the concentration of the first component and/or based upon the concentration of the second component. The systems may include systems that are configured to perform the methods. |
| US09512697B2 |
Downhole tool coupling and method of its use
A downhole tool coupling (10) comprises first (11) and second (12) downhole tool elements that are securable one to the other in a releasably locking manner by moving the tool elements from a longitudinally relatively less proximate, especially overlapping position into longitudinally relatively more overlap with one another. The first downhole tool element (11) supports a first inductive, capacitative and/or magnetic energy coupler (23) and the second downhole tool element (12) supports a second inductive, capacitative and/or magnetic energy coupler (24). The first and second energy couplers (23, 24) are movable from an energetically uncoupled position when the tool elements (11, 12) are in the longitudinally relatively less overlapping position to an energetically coupled position when the first and second downhole tool elements (11, 12) overlap relatively more. |
| US09512694B2 |
Downhole flow control using porous material
A flow control assembly can be disposed in a wellbore and can include a porous material. The porous material can be a temporary plug in a flow path. The porous material may respond to stimuli in a wellbore by creating a flow path, or otherwise allowing fluid to flow in a flow path. The porous material may be located in a port of tubing or proximate, such as adjacent, to an opening in the port. |
| US09512688B2 |
Arm assembly
A downhole tool extending in a longitudinal direction includes a tool housing, an arm assembly movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing, the arm assembly having an arm member connected with the tool housing in one end, an arm activation assembly arranged in the tool housing for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position, and a pump for circulating hydraulic fluid. The arm assembly has a hydraulic mechanism arranged in connection with the arm member, and a fluid influx channel provided in the arm member, the fluid influx channel being in fluid communication with the hydraulic mechanism for supplying hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic mechanism. |
| US09512685B2 |
Cable protector system
A technique provides a cable protector in the form of a modular unit having a protector shell and at least one removable insert. The removable insert is constructed with gaps which are sized to grippingly engage a cable. Accordingly, a properly sized removable insert is selected for use with a given cable and then inserted into the protector shell. The cable protector may then be secured to a tubing, e.g. a well tubing, by an appropriate tubing coupling. In some embodiments, the tubing coupling is coupled about the tubing via a threaded fastener which may be held in place by a back off preventer. |
| US09512679B2 |
Methods and apparatus for removal and control of material in laser drilling of a borehole
The removal of material from the path of a high power laser beam during down hole laser operations including drilling of a borehole and removal of displaced laser effected borehole material from the borehole during laser operations. In particular, paths, dynamics and parameters of fluid flows for use in conjunction with a laser bottom hole assembly. |
| US09512678B2 |
System and method of executing an underwater well drilling program in the bed of a body of water, and auxiliary floating unit
A system configured to execute an underwater well drilling program in the bed of a body of water has a jack-up having a floating structure and a drilling installation supported on the floating structure; and an auxiliary floating unit connectable selectively to the jack-up to enable transfer of the jack-up over the body of water, even in very shallow water. |
| US09512677B2 |
System and method for creating lateral heat transfer appendages in a vertical well bore
A process is shown to efficiently drill multiple, short-length, medium-radius lateral holes from a vertical well shaft. The disclosed process may be performed without the need to repeatedly pull down-hole equipment for every lateral hole drilled so as to make the lateral hole drilling process efficient. A heat pipe assembly is shown inserted into each drilled hole. The disclosed drilling and heat pipe insertion may be performed multiple times at a given vertical depth location in the well shaft. The process may be performed without the need to repeatedly pull down-hole equipment for insertion of multiple heat pipes at a same vertical level in the well level for each lateral hole drilled at that level so as to make for an efficient heat pipe insertion process. The described process may be performed multiple times at a large number of vertical depth locations. |
| US09512676B2 |
Mast leg pulley
A mast system includes a first leg of a mast pivotally connected to a pivot support and a second leg of the mast pivotally connected to a leg support. The leg support has a first support end with a surface connector to attach to a rig surface and a second support end with a leg connector to connect to the second leg to form a joint. A cable with a first cable end is attached to the leg support, and a force is exerted on the leg support through the cable that causes the leg support to rotate about the joint when the mast is lowered. |
| US09512675B1 |
Leveling hunting ladder
Ladder modules are provided in manageable length sections. The first section is secured at the top with a multi-hole horizontal mounting bar that is secured by a ratchet strap with hooks. The bottom of the first section rests firmly on the ground with a cleat at the bottom to secure the ladder section and prevent shifting. The second section contains a ball on the bottom of the structure that is mounted onto the first section by placing the ball into the receiving end of the first section, which allows the second section to pivot 360 degrees and lean and tilt fore and aft. This section is also secured to the tree with a ratchet strap and hooks, and is safe to climb to the next section after tightening the ratchet strap. Additional sections can be added in the same manner as the second section to pivot and level as needed. |
| US09512674B2 |
Expandable fence gate frame assembly
An expandable fence gate frame assembly for providing an expandable frame for constructing a fence gate includes a first end assembly, a second end assembly, and an expansion assembly coupled between the first end assembly and the second end assembly such that the first end assembly and the second end assembly are positionable at a selectable distance apart with the expansion assembly extending between the first end assembly and the second end assembly. A first board connector is coupled to the first end assembly and a second board connector is coupled to the second end assembly such that the first end assembly and the second end assembly are designed to support a cross board extending between the first end assembly and the second end assembly. |
| US09512673B2 |
Apparatus for mounting a screen guide rail
Apparatus 50 for mounting a rail 52 for guiding one lateral side of a zip-like screen, comprises an elongate body 60, comprising a first elongate part 62 and a second elongate part 64, having a channel 66 for receiving the rail 52. The channel 66 has an open top 68 extending in a first direction 70 along the elongate body (i.e. perpendicular to the page as shown in FIG. 2), and a depth extending in a second direction 72 perpendicular to the first direction 70, from the open top 68 towards the opposing base 74 of the channel 66. The rail 52 is supported in the channel 66 by a support mechanism 80 comprising at least one support member 82 having a plurality of profiles 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D spaced in the second direction 72 when positioned in the channel 66. Each profile 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D is configured to support the rail 52 at a different depth in the channel 66. |
| US09512672B2 |
Covering for architectural openings with coordinated vane sets
A covering for an architectural opening including a roller, an end rail, and a panel rotatable onto the roller and spanning between the roller and the end rail. The panel includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and a cell spanning between the front and rear sheet. When the front sheet is at a first position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is open. When the front sheet is at a second position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is closed. |
| US09512665B2 |
Universal fenestration cap system and method
In an exemplary embodiment, a window sill comprises a structural base having a first side and a second side, a fenestration cap attached to the structural base, a window frame mounted on the fenestration cap and finish elements applied to the structural base and adjacent to the fenestration cap. The window frame may be removed from the fenestration cap without disturbing the finish elements. Alternatively, a method of installing a window in a window opening comprises providing a window opening and preparing the window opening for receiving a fenestration cap, installing a fenestration cap by placement within and attachment to the window opening in a primary step, and installing a window within the window opening by placement within and attachment to the fenestration cap in a secondary step. |
| US09512662B1 |
Ice breaking strategy for vehicle side windows
Described herein is a vehicle side window system and method for implementing an ice breaking strategy. The ice breaking strategy receives and analyzes sensor information from one or more environmental sensors to determine when to preemptively implement an ice breaking routine. The ice breaking strategy is also capable of monitoring one or more components of the vehicle side window system to determine when to cease the ice breaking routine. |
| US09512661B2 |
Rain onset detection glazing auto-close
A vehicle system may include a plurality of exterior capacitive sensors, such as door handles, and a controller in communication with the plurality of capacitive sensors. The controller may be configured to identify a rain condition based on sensor data received from at least one of the exterior capacitive sensors of the vehicle; ensure an absence of a key fob in proximity of the at least one locked handle and an absence of a subsequent door opening occurrence when unlocked to confirm the rain condition; and initiate a closure action to a power actuator associated with an open vehicle window for a confirmed rain condition. |
| US09512660B2 |
Force profiling barrier operator systems
Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter. |
| US09512658B2 |
Device for opening and closing a pivoting wing
A device for opening and closing a pivoting wing, comprising: a stationary support intended to be attached to a fixed frame, a slide movable relative to the stationary support along a rectilinear direction between an open wing position and a closed and locked wing position, a pivoting arm articulated to the stationary support about an articulation axis, and having a distal end intended to be connected to the wing, a transmission mechanism associated with the slide and the arm, comprising an essentially L-shaped cam engaged by a control pin, the transmission mechanism being configured to transform the rectilinear movement of the slide along said rectilinear direction into a pivoting movement of the arm about said pivot axis. |
| US09512653B2 |
Adjustable cam for cam lock
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for fine tuning the fit and function of a cam lock used to secure an enclosure or similar. A cam lock is provided with a cam and a set of variously sized adjustment pads that may be individually secured at one end of the cam. The adjustment pads each differ in thickness, and are installable on the cam without the need of tools. The variously sized adjustment pads allow field installation and adjustment of the position of cam contact surfaces to easily and quickly adjust positioning for spacing variations due to manufacturing tolerances. Such customized installation provides improved security, reduced noise and rattle of the enclosure door, and a more professional aspect to the installation. |
| US09512650B2 |
Hood latch release system
A hood latch release system for a vehicle. The hood latch release system may have a cable and a linkage. Deflection of the cable may actuate the linkage to unlatch the hood latch. |
| US09512647B2 |
Multiple lock system for a luggage case
An apparatus for selectively securing at least a first zipper closure mechanism (25) and a second zipper closure mechanism (135) of a luggage case (100), may include a lock device (145) coupled to the luggage case (100). The lock device (14) includes a lock mechanism (158) operable between a locked and unlocked configuration, at least two securing recesses (151, 152, 153, 154) for releasable receipt of at least a portion of each of the respective first and second zipper closure mechanisms (125, 135), and at least one release member (160) for actuating the lock mechanism (158). |
| US09512645B2 |
Locking device with integrated circuit board
A locking device includes an integrated circuit board specially shaped to fit the locking device and to bring a sensor on the circuit board adjacent to a moving lock component. The circuit board is preferably routed to form a convex shape that matches the locking device and provides printed circuit wiring to connect one or more sensors or other components to an external wiring harness, thereby reducing point-to-point wiring within the lock. Multiple different circuits may be provided on the same circuit board, which are automatically selected by the connectors used on different corresponding wiring harnesses and/or actuators. The design reduces assembly costs and allows rapid electrification of existing mechanical locking devices with minimal modification. |
| US09512644B2 |
Lock assembly
A lock assembly (10) including an orientation sensor (26) and at least one component operable in two modes (32). The orientation sensor (26) is adapted to indicate at least two orientations of the orientation sensor (26). The at least one component (32) is operable in a predetermined one of the at least two modes responsive to an indication of one of the at least two orientations from the orientation sensor (26) and is operable in a predetermined other of the at least two modes responsive to an indication of the other of the at least two orientations from the orientation sensor (26). |
| US09512643B1 |
Door unlocking systems and methods
A door unlocking system includes a receiver adapted to detect wireless signals having a signal ID emitted by at least one mobile device to be carried by an authorized person; a microcontroller interfacing with the receiver, the microcontroller programmed to store a valid signal ID and compare the signal ID of the wireless signals to the valid signal ID; a lock operating mechanism interfacing with the microcontroller; and a door lock interfacing with the lock operating mechanism, the microcontroller programmed to unlock the door lock via the lock operating mechanism when the signal ID of the wireless signals corresponds to the valid signal ID. A door unlocking method is also disclosed. |
| US09512640B2 |
Padlock protector
The invention relates to a padlock protector including a shackle protector. The shackle protector is composed from two parts. The parts are to be placed to the opposite sides of the shackle, and they are formed into the shape of the loop and surface of the shackle. The side edges of the parts are jigsaw puzzle edges in their shape. |
| US09512637B2 |
Snap fastener
A snap fastener which secures a first thin wall with a through-opening. A base part includes a plate which overlaps the longitudinal edges of the through-opening. A head part is provided as a housing with fastening projections such as fastening cams or leaf spring devices having flexible fastening surfaces. The housing is snapped into the through-opening so that it grips only the first thin wall. Unlocking devices are provided in the housing, via which the push elements can be pulled back into the housing from the front, and the housing can be disengaged from the other thin wall (e.g., a wall support). The dimensions between (1) the holding area of the fastening projections and the push members, and (2) the supporting plane of the base part are selected in such a way that, when the push elements are pulled back, the fastening projections lie on the front panel with clearance. |
| US09512636B2 |
Paddle handle with cable eye
A paddle handle assembly includes a tray, a handle pivotally mounted to the tray, a spring for urging the handle toward an unactuated position with respect to the tray, and an arm integrally formed with the handle. The arm extends through the tray. A distal end of the arm includes a cable eye connector integrally formed with the arm for actuating a securing mechanism on a rear side of the tray. |
| US09512635B2 |
Knob structure of glove box for vehicle
A knob structure of a glove box for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a push-type knob unit which is coupled to a glove box by a first fixed hinge, and operated by being pushed; a pull-type knob unit which is coupled to the glove box by a second fixed hinge, and operated by being pulled; and a rod unit which is connected to the push-type knob unit and the pull-type knob unit, and converts rotational motion by an operation of the push-type knob unit or the pull-type knob unit into rectilinear motion so as to open and close the glove box. |
| US09512632B2 |
Method and apparatus for a portable enclosure
A method and apparatus for enclosing a user is provided. The user is shielded from the ambient conditions existing outside a portable enclosure. The enclosure includes an insulation system. The insulation system includes a radiant barrier. |
| US09512630B2 |
Automated swimming pool cleaner having and angled jet drive propulsion system
A self-propelled cleaning apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a pool or tank includes a housing having a front portion as defined by the direction of movement of the apparatus when propelled by a water jet, an opposing rear portion and adjoining side portions defining the periphery of the apparatus, and a baseplate with at least one water inlet. Rotationally-mounted supports are coupled proximate the front and rear portions of the housing to enable movement of the apparatus over the submerged surface. A water pump is configured to draw water and debris from the pool through the inlet for filtering. A stationary directional discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump and has at least one discharge opening through which a pressurized stream of water forming the water jet is directionally discharged at an acute angle with respect to the surface over which the apparatus is moving. |
| US09512628B2 |
Concrete dispensing boom for concrete pumps
A concrete dispensing boom for stationary and mobile concrete pumps has a plurality of boom arms, connected to one another at joints, and a concrete conveying line consisting of a plurality of pipe segments preferably connected to one another in an articulated manner via pipe bends and rotary couplings. Said pipe segments run along the individual boom arms and are attached to these boom arms. At least one of the boom arms has a hollow chamber profile which has at least two hollow chambers separated from one another by a separating wall, at least one of which chambers is a closed chamber and one is open at the periphery. The pipe segment allocated to the boom arm concerned is disposed on the opening side outside, partially inside or inside the open hollow chamber. |
| US09512625B2 |
Grout removal and masonry trenching tool
A tool for dislodging grout from a joint between two adjacent planar surfaces, or for removing a strip of material from a masonry surface including, a generally elongate body having a lower portion dimensioned to fit at least partially within a channel created by a first cutting tip of a first blade or edge, the first cutting tip forwardly facing for impinging upon and dislodging material, a guide forward of said first blade or edge for controlling the depth to which said first blade or edge penetrates said grout or said masonry surface, and a front portion of said tool being curved upwardly, said front portion including a second blade or edge having a leading secondary cutting tip, whereby the rear of the tool may be pivoted upward about the leading edge of said tool to utilise said secondary cutting tip to dislodge said material without being inhibited or obstructed by said guide. |
| US09512624B2 |
Wall trim finishing apparatus
A wall trim finishing apparatus includes a base member having a bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to mate with, and apply relatively even force to, at least one curve or crevice of a front surface of a piece of wall trim. The bottom surface may be configured to receive a piece of sandpaper or absorbent material between the bottom surface of the base member and the front surface of the wall trim. Sandpaper coupled to the bottom surface of the base member creates a sanding apparatus. The bottom surface may be divided into a first portion and a second portion by a channel defined therebetween that is configured to accumulate sanding residue generated when the bottom surface is mated to and moved along the front surface of the wall trim. Sand paper is adhesively adhered to both portions. |
| US09512621B1 |
Structure connection system
A structure connection system is described that connects an exterior façade to an exterior framing. The structure connection system comprises a first section and a second section. The first section includes exterior sheathing, insulation sheathing and a plurality of batten plates. The exterior sheathing is adapted to connect to an exterior framing of an existing structure. The insulation sheathing is a thermal rigid insulation board sheathing. Each batten plate of the plurality of batten plates is a right angle elongate plate. Each batten plate has a first flat elongate leg and a second flat elongate leg. The second leg is inserted into the insulation sheathing and the first leg is positioned against the front planar surface of the insulation sheathing. Each batten plate of the plurality of batten plates is located in fixed spaced separation from the adjacent batten plate. A plurality of fasteners connect the first section into an integrated assembly. The fasteners connect to the batten plates and the first section adapted to connect to the exterior framing. The fasteners place the first section under compression and connect the first section in position on the exterior framing 3 as a cantilevered structure. An external façade is connected to the first section that provides a weatherproof external barrier. |
| US09512620B2 |
Active fire-blocking wind deflector
A rooftop photovoltaic solar system is disclosed. The solar system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules forming a rooftop array, the rooftop array having at least one edge and a wind deflector positioned along the edge of the rooftop array, the wind deflector constrained in a first configuration by a fuse. In the first configuration the wind deflector comprises a deflecting portion adapted to deflect wind blowing on the rooftop above the rooftop array and a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings, the openings positioned to permit airflow under the rooftop array. The wind deflector assumes a second configuration upon release of the fuse. In the second configuration, the deflecting portion is elevated from the first configuration and the ventilation portion is positioned to permit less airflow through the plurality of openings than in the first configuration. |
| US09512618B2 |
Rigidly foldable array of three-dimensional bodies
Rigidly foldable, foldable multi-body arrays or systems that may include three-dimensional bodies connected together by multiple hinges and reconfigurable between unfolded and folded configurations. |
| US09512616B2 |
Framing structure
A framing structure includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding core. The elements include a hollow-interior column having an opening in a wall that allows access to the interior and a beam having a cavity that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material. The beam is positioned with respect to the column such that the cavity is aligned with the opening. Flooring sections are supported by the beams. |
| US09512614B2 |
Insulating sealing element for construction joints
A sealing element for sealing a gap or joint between a support structure and a track is disclosed. The track includes a web and legs that extend vertically from the web. The sealing element includes a cover layer and an insulating strip disposed on the cover layer. The insulating strip includes a portion with a round, an oval, or a triangular cross-section. |
| US09512612B2 |
Retainer inserts for barriers
An arrangement includes a retainer and an insert. The insert has a pair of opposing walls. The opposing walls are spaced apart. The insert includes a cavity. The insert is partially received in a cavity in the retainer. The retainer arrangement can be used to retainably engage a barrier. At least a portion of an edge region of the barrier can be received in the cavity in the insert, and the barrier can pass through the spacing between the opposing walls of the insert. |
| US09512611B2 |
Expandable, modular information technology building infrastructure with removable exterior expansion wall
An Expandable Modular Information Technology (IT) Building Infrastructure (EMITBI) supports a large-scale modularly-constructed information handling system (LMIHS). The EMITBI includes: a base pad providing a fixed area of usable space on which one or more modular sub-components of the LMIHS can be placed; and a plurality of exterior walls extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the base pad and connected to a roof structure, the plurality of exterior walls and roof structure collectively providing an initial outer enclosure of the EMITBI, within which a first maximum number of modular IT components can be housed. The plurality of exterior walls includes at least one exterior wall that is constructed as a removable expansion wall (REW) that enables later expansion of the EMITBI to occur. The REW remains physically in place to shield the IT modules located within the first section of the EMITBI during construction of an adjoining expansion section. |
| US09512609B2 |
Device and a method for controlling a flow of liquid
A device (10) for controlling a flow of liquid, comprising a well (11) having an inlet tube (12) and an outlet opening (13), wherein the inlet tube (12) is arranged with an inlet opening (14) and a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the device further comprises a closing device (19) for at least partially closing the inlet opening (14), and a movable floating body (20), wherein the inlet tube (12) or the closing device (19) is operatively connected to the floating body (20) to control the closing of the inlet opening (14) by means of the closing device (19). The inlet opening (14) is arranged in an angle (a) to the outlet opening (13) of the well (11) to prevent a substantial part of the liquid from passing directly from the inlet opening (14) to the outlet opening (13) of the well (11). The invention also relates to a method for controlling a flow of liquid. |
| US09512608B2 |
Ground water collection system
The ground water collection system is a filtering system for removing debris from ground water prior to drainage into a sewer line. The ground water collection system includes a basin having a drainage outlet formed through at least one sidewall. A filter shell is removably inserted within the basin, and a filter basket is removably inserted within the filter shell. A funnel member includes at least one funnel sidewall formed from mesh and opposed open upper and lower ends. An angled rim extends about the open upper end for funneling ground water through a central portion of the funnel member and into the filter basket. The funnel member is removably inserted within the filter basket so that the at least one funnel sidewall is positioned adjacent the open upper end of the filter basket. A grate removably covers an open upper end of the basin. |
| US09512607B2 |
Catch basin baffle insert
A baffle insert is disclosed for a catch basin having a sump, a plurality of walls defining a passage to the sump, and an outlet. The insert comprises a ramp for positioning in the passage to partially occlude the passage and direct inflowing fluid downwardly and toward a wall of the basin. A grate is positioned below the ramp to intercept fluid falling from the ramp and direct it toward the basin outlet. The grate forms a barrier above the sump and has a plurality of apertures for permitting fluid to communicate with the sump. The ramp and the grate mounted to an post that rests on the bottom of the sump. The post is extendible to adjust the heights of the ramp and the grate above the sump. |
| US09512606B2 |
Bioretention swale overflow filter
An apparatus and method for use in conjunction with grassy swales to collect and filter or otherwise treat dirty or polluted storm water runoff or other fluid is disclosed. The swale overflow screen device is used in connection with a catch basin. One or more swale overflow screen devices are installed within a bioretention swale, such that during periods of routine flow, at least a portion of storm water runoff or other passing fluids can enter the swale overflow screen device, through the catch basin, and be released to a drainage system. |
| US09512604B1 |
System and method of use for removing waste odor proximate a toilet
A toilet odor removal system and method of use uses an air intake member connected to an air exit member with a fan member attached to the air exit member. When installed, the air intake member is inside the toilet tank and the air exit member is outside of the toilet tank so that the air in the toilet tank and toilet bowl may be evacuated therefrom by activating the fan member to draw the air from both the toilet tank and toilet bowl via the passageway from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl or water overflow tube in communication with a toilet tank. A toilet tank water supply line runs through the air intake member and air exit member. |
| US09512602B2 |
Single push button multi-function water output switching structure
A single push button multi-function water output switching structure, comprising: an outer shell, and a water output panel, a seat body, and an inner sleeve disposed in the outer shell. Wherein, the seat body is provided with three through hole channels, while inside the three through hole channels are each provided with a set of water output guiding sleeve and a core plug. The water output panel is provided with three sets of independent water output channels, and a water output end surface of the water output guiding sleeve is provided with water output hole corresponding to and in communication with the water output channels. An inner sleeve is sleeved in a cavity in rear portion of the seat body. The switching structure is simple in structure, optimal in design, and is capable of achieving various different water outputs through pressing a single push button. |
| US09512599B2 |
Retention device for male and female components in excavator machines
The invention relates to a retaining device, a retaining system between a female part and a male part, and a female part and male part to assure the retention between a wear element or tooth and an adaptor element or tooth bar used in excavators and the like. The female part, which can be a wear element or tooth, or an adaptor element or tooth bar, comprises, auto-fixed thereto, a retaining device which participates in the coupling with a pin of the female part with a male part, and prevents the pin from coming out of its blocking position, maintaining the fixing between the two parts, i.e., male part and female part. The coupling between both parts is detachable, allows removing the pin from the coupling and replacing the female part or male part together with the retaining device. Said retaining device is formed by one or more attached tightening elements |
| US09512597B2 |
Device to actuate a fluidconnector contamination cover
A device to actuate a contamination cover on a machine bracket is disclosed. The device may include a first transition cylinder mounted on the machine bracket and connected to the contamination cover, a transition circuit connected to the first transition cylinder for transmission of hydraulic pressure to the first transition cylinder; and a transition sensor coupled to the transition circuit to control the transmission of hydraulic pressure to the first transition cylinder. The activation of the transition sensor may permit the transmission of hydraulic pressure to drive the first transition cylinder for transition of the contamination cover from a close to an open position. |
| US09512592B2 |
Silt fence installation equipment and method
An equipment for installing silt fencing includes a motive vehicle with an attached trencher to cut a trench having a predetermined depth and width. The trencher includes a cutting wheel and a trenching foot having a predetermined width for determining a width of a trench cut with the trenching assembly. The trencher is vertically positionable and a gauge is provided to the operator for controlling the depth of the trench as terrain and soil condition varies. The cutting wheel and trenching foot are also rotatable to control the orientation of the trench with respect to plumb. The equipment may also include a silt fence installation station including a power hammer on a positionable boom for another operator to use to drive the silt fence stakes into the ground. The equipment may also include a back filler on a side opposite the trencher for backfilling the trench. |
| US09512591B2 |
Cleaning device for cleaning a bottom of a borehole and method for creating a foundation element
The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a bottom of a borehole in the ground and also to a method for creating a bored pile in a borehole. The cleaning device has a pumping means, through which sedimented ground material in the region of the bottom of the borehole can be sucked away via a suction opening and can be discharged from the borehole via a suction line. At least one flushing nozzle is provided, through which a flushing jet can be produced, which exits the cleaning device and flushes sedimented ground material from the bottom of the borehole. A bored pile can then be produced in a thus cleaned borehole. |
| US09512576B2 |
Auxiliary drive
A construction machine for the treatment of ground surfaces includes a machine frame, a drive motor, a work drum supported from the machine frame and including exchangeable tools fastened to the work drum, a belt drive and an auxiliary drive. The belt drive includes a motor-side pulley connected to the drive motor, a drum-side pulley connected to the work drum, and at least one drive belt connecting the motor-side pulley to the drum-side pulley. The auxiliary drive may be permanently coupled to the belt drive, or the auxiliary drive may include an adjustment mechanism for moving the auxiliary drive between a coupled and an uncoupled position. |
| US09512571B2 |
Device and method for cutting to size coated decorative paper web sections and use of a device
A device (100) for the cutting to size of coated decorative paper web sections (5, 6), with a processing line (10) with units (11 to 13) for purposes of decorating and impregnating a continuous paper web (15) to form a decorative paper web (1), and at least one transverse cutting unit (30, 31) for purposes of cutting off decorative paper web sections (5, 6) of defined length (l1, l2) from the decorative paper web (1). In accordance with the invention provision is made for at least one longitudinal cutting unit (18) to be arranged ahead of the at least one transverse cutting unit (30, 31) in the direction of feed, for purposes of separating the decorative paper web (1) into at least two continuous decorative paper web lengths (2, 3), and provision is made for at least one deflection unit (25), which spaces the two decorative paper web lengths (2, 3) apart from one another and feeds each of them to a separate transverse cutting unit (30, 31). |
| US09512570B2 |
Sheet having a tactile effect and an interferential effect and security document comprising the same
A sheet including a substrate and a security device including at least one area having an interferential effect. The security device further includes at least one tactile recognition member provided in the same region as the area having an interferential effect. A security document and an article to be authenticated including the sheet are also provided. |
| US09512568B2 |
Methods for increasing retention and drainage in papermaking processes
Disclosed herein are methods of increasing retention and drainage in papermaking processes using high molecular-weight, water-soluble polymers. |
| US09512566B2 |
Method for adjusting a papermaking process
A method for adjusting a papermaking process for producing rolls of convolutely wound web material having a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) coplanar and orthogonal thereto is disclosed. The process improves the operating life of a papermaking belt used therefor. |
| US09512563B2 |
Surface treated modified cellulose from chemical kraft fiber and methods of making and using same
A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them. |
| US09512562B2 |
Modified cellulose from chemical kraft fiber and methods of making and using the same
A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them. |
| US09512561B2 |
Modified cellulose from chemical kraft fiber and methods of making and using the same
A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them. |
| US09512558B1 |
Animated clothes container
An amusement system and method for adding an element of playfulness to placing used/soiled clothing within a hamper or other clothing container. A non-motorized mechanical flapper mechanism is rotationally coupled to an opening of a clothing hamper. The flapper mechanism is biased into a reception mode such that placement of soiled clothing on a target panel rotates the target panel to deposit the clothing into the hamper and the biasing mechanism returns the target panel to the reception mode automatically after deposit. An F/X module may be used to add effects to the transitions of the target panel. |
| US09512554B2 |
Device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser device
A device that has a component within a process air circuit of a washer dryer or tumble dryer; a condensate water trough in which condensate water is collected that is formed in the process air circuit as a result of drying damp laundry; and a first lever arm rotatably fastened to a rinse tank above the component. The component is to be cleaned and the condensate water is conducted from the condensate water trough to the rinse tank. Further, the condensate water is dispensed from an outlet opening of the rinse tank to the component. The rinse tank has a closure to selectively open and close the outlet opening and an actuator to actuate the closure. Also, the closure has a sealing head that is connected to the first lever arm and that closes the outlet opening. |
| US09512551B2 |
Washing machine to produce three-dimensional motion
A washing machine includes a main body defining an outer appearance, a tub disposed within the main body, a main drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a sub drum mounted in the main drum to be relatively rotatable with respect to the main drum, an outer shaft for rotating the main drum, an inner shaft for rotating the sub drum, being disposed inside the outer shaft, and a driving motor having a stator, an outer rotor connected to the inner shaft that is rotatable outside the stator, and an inner rotor connected to the outer shaft that is rotatable inside the stator, wherein the driving motor independently drives the main drum and the sub drum. |
| US09512550B2 |
Method for washing
A method for washing of the present invention, comprises: a turbo wash setting step of setting turbo wash for spraying water into a drum through a spiral nozzle, when laundry rotates while being attached to the drum by a rotation of the drum; a continuous water supply step of supplying water into a tub; and a regular washing step of canceling the turbo wash when a time taken for a water level inside the tub to reach a target level is longer than a target time so that the water is not sprayed through the spiral nozzle when the laundry rotates while being attached to the drum by the rotation of the drum. |
| US09512542B2 |
Bulk silicon carbide having low defect density
A method of producing silicon carbide is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a sublimation furnace comprising a furnace shell, at least one heating element positioned outside the furnace shell, and a hot zone positioned inside the furnace shell surrounded by insulation. The hot zone comprises a crucible with a silicon carbide precursor positioned in the lower region and a silicon carbide seed positioned in the upper region. The hot zone is heated to sublimate the silicon carbide precursor, forming silicon carbide on the bottom surface of the silicon carbide seed. Also disclosed is the sublimation furnace to produce the silicon carbide as well as the resulting silicon carbide material. |
| US09512534B2 |
Copper filling-up method
There is provided a method of well filling copper in a conductivity-rendered non-through hole having an aspect ratio (depth/hole diameter) of 5 or more on a substrate in a short period of time, and the method comprises using an acidic copper plating bath comprising a water-soluble copper salt, sulfuric acid, chlorine ion, a brightener and a copolymer of diallylamines and sulfur dioxide and filling copper in the non-through hole by periodic current reversal copper plating. |
| US09512533B2 |
Electroplating equipment capable of gold-plating on a through hole of a workpiece
The electroplating equipment disposes a hollow first ring between a first mold and a through hole of a workpiece, and a hollow second ring between a second mold and the through hole of the workpiece, such that the first ring and the second ring provide substantially equivalent channel as the openings of the through hole when the first mold and the second mold are set to hold tight the workpiece. The first ring and the second ring, along with an injection channel of the first mold and a recycling channel of the second mold and the through hole of the workpiece, form a seamless flow channel for an electroplating fluid to flow and be electroplated on the wall of the through hole. |
| US09512530B2 |
Molten salt bath, deposit, and method of producing metal deposit
A molten salt bath includes at least two types selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium; at least one type selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine; at least one element selected from the group consisting of scandium, yttrium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, technetium, rhenium, and lanthanoid; and an organic polymer having at least one type of a bond of carbon-oxygen-carbon and a bond of carbon-nitrogen-carbon. A deposit obtained using the molten salt bath, and a method of producing a metal deposit using the molten salt bath are provided. |
| US09512527B2 |
Reinforced porous metal foil and process for production thereof
A reinforced porous metal foil is provided including a porous portion comprising a two-dimensional network structure composed of a metal fiber and a reinforced portion which is substantially non-porous or less porous than the porous portion. The reinforced portion is composed of the same metal the metal fiber and is continuous and integral with the porous portion. Accordingly, it possible to provide a porous metal foil having superior properties at a low cost in a highly productive manner that is also suitable for continuous production. |
| US09512526B2 |
Water oxidation catalyst including lithium cobalt germanate
The present disclosure provides a method or process, apparatus and/or composition for catalyzing the oxidation of water to generate hydrogen ions and oxygen. The catalyst includes lithium cobalt germinate. |
| US09512524B2 |
Can pretreatment for improved coat adhesion
The invention relates to use of an aqueous composition for pretreating can body stock, whereby an inorganic-organic conversion layer is formed, which effects outstanding sliding behavior of the shaped can body stock and in addition offers an outstanding holding primer for subsequent coating. The invention comprises a process in which can body stock which is deep-drawn to form a half-open can cylinder, before further shaping processes, is contacted with an acidic aqueous composition which contains water-soluble inorganic compounds of Zr, Ti, Si, Hf or Ce, water-soluble polymers having carboxyl groups or hydroxyl groups and also a dispersed wax. Both outer and inner surfaces of metallic can cylinders can be pretreated in the process. The invention also relates to an acidic aqueous composition for use in the pretreatment process, which contains water-soluble polymers selected from condensation products of glycoluril and aldehydes. |
| US09512522B2 |
Method of metalizing surface and article obtainable
A mthod of metalizing a surface of an insulation substrate includes: applying an ink composition onto the surface to form an ink layer; subjecting the insulation substrate to heat treatment at a temperature of about 500 to 1000 degrees Celsius in a non-reactive atmosphere; plating a metal layer on the ink layer. The ink composition comprises a metal compound and an ink vehicle. The metal compound includes at least one selected from a group consisting of a nano-copper oxide, a nano-cuprous oxide, a compound of formula I, and a compound of formula II, TiO2-σ(I), M1M2pOq (II), 0.05≦σ<1.8, where, M1 is at least one element selected from a group consisting of groups 2, 9-12 of the periodic table, M2 is at least one element selected from a group consisting of groups 3-8, 10 and 13 of the periodic table, 0 |
| US09512514B2 |
Method for masking and coating cutting tool and cutting tool having wear-resistant coating in selected locations
A method in which a cutting tip is ground to form an intermediate cutting tool; a first predetermined portion of the intermediate cutting tool is masked; a wear-resistant material is deposited onto the exposed portion of the intermediate cutting tool to form a sharpened cutting tool; and a workpiece is cut with the sharpened cutting tool. |
| US09512509B2 |
Duplex stainless steel
A duplex stainless steel containing, by mass %: C: not more than 0.03%, Si: not more than 0.3%, Mn: not more than 3.0%, P: not more than 0.040%, S: not more than 0.008%, Cu: 0.2 to 2.0%, Ni: 5.0 to 6.5%, Cr: 23.0 to 27.0%, Mo: 2.5 to 3.5%, W: 1.5 to 4.0%, and N: 0.24 to 0.40%, the balance being Fe and impurities, wherein a σ phase susceptibility index X (=2.2Si+0.5Cu+2.0Ni+Cr+4.2Mo+0.2W) is not more than 52.0; a strength index Y (=Cr+1.5Mo+10N+3.5W) is not less than 40.5; and a pitting resistance equivalent PREW (=Cr+3.3(Mo+0.5W)+16N) is not less than 40. This duplex stainless steel is excellent in corrosion resistance and embrittlement cracking resistance. |
| US09512503B2 |
Method for neutralizing sulfuric acid acidic solution and hydrometallurgical method for nickel oxide ore
A hydrometallurgical method for nickel oxide ores, whereby the pH of a neutralized solution can be stabilized. The hydrometallurgical method comprises a sulfuric acid leaching step of leaching an ore slurry of a nickel oxide ore with sulfuric acid, a neutralization step of neutralizing a crude nickel sulfate aqueous solution by adding a neutralizing agent thereto, and a dezincification step of removing zinc as zinc sulfide by adding a sulfurizing agent to a neutralized solution; wherein in the neutralization step, the amount of the neutralizing agent added is adjusted using, as an index, a neutralizing agent addition ratio that indicates the amount of the neutralizing agent added relative to the amount of free sulfuric acid in the crude nickel sulfate aqueous solution. |
| US09512501B2 |
Hypereutectoid-head steel rail
A method of making a hypereutectoid, head-hardened steel rail is provided that includes a step of head hardening a steel rail having a composition containing 0.86-1.00 wt % carbon, 0.40-0.75 wt % manganese, 0.40-1.00 wt % silicon, 0.05-0.15 wt % vanadium, 0.015-0.030 wt % titanium, and sufficient nitrogen to react with the titanium to form titanium nitride. Head hardening is conducted at a cooling rate that, if plotted on a graph with xy-coordinates with the x-axis representing cooling time in seconds, and the y-axis representing temperature in Celsius of the surface of the head of the steel rail, is maintained in a region between an upper cooling rate boundary plot defined by an upper line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 775° C.), (20 s, 670° C.), and (110 s, 550° C.) and a lower cooling rate boundary plot defined by a lower line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 750° C.), (20 s, 610° C.), and (110 s, 500° C.). |
| US09512500B2 |
Non-oriented electrical steel sheet, method of manufacturing the same, laminate for motor iron core, and method of manufacturing the same
When contents of Ti, V, Zr, Nb, and C (mass %) are represented as [Ti], [V], [Zr], [Nb], and [C] respectively, a value of a parameter Q represented by “Q=([Ti]/48+[V]/51+[Zr]/91+[Nb]/93)/([C]/12)” is not less than 0.9 nor more than 1.1. A matrix of a metal structure is a ferrite phase, and the metal structure does not include a non-recrystallized structure. An average grain size of ferrite grains constituting the ferrite phase is not less than 10 μm nor more than 200 μm. A precipitate containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Zr, and Nb exists with a density of 10 μm−3 or more in the ferrite grain. An average grain size of the precipitate is not less than 0.002 μm nor more than 0.2 μm. |
| US09512495B2 |
Lignocellulose conversion processes and products
Processes for converting lignocellulose to feedstock and downstream products are disclosed. The processes may include acid treatment of lignocellulose to produce a fermentation feedstock. In various instances, the processes include recovery or recycling of acid, such as recovery of hydrochloric acid from concentrated and/or dilute streams. Downstream products may include acrylic acid-based products such as diapers, paper and paper-based products, ethanol, biofuels such as biodiesel and fuel additives, and detergents. |
| US09512494B2 |
Dual probe assay for the detection of HCV
The present invention relates to a method for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid of HCV in a sample, wherein an amplification of the nucleic acids in said sample is carried out. This amplification involves a polymerase, primers for generating an amplicon and at least two detectable probes specific for different sequence portions of said amplicon. Detection of the obtained amplicon is brought about by detecting hybridization of the probes mentioned above to said different sequence portions of the amplicon.The invention further provides reaction mixtures and kits for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid of HCV involving the use of at least two detectable probes specific for different sequence portions of an amplicon. |
| US09512491B2 |
Detection of digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and biliary tract cancer by gene expression profiling
The present invention provides a method and a reagent for detecting a digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer patient by analyzing genes with expression levels (in peripheral blood) that vary in association with digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer cases, compared with normal healthy subjects. Specifically, the method for detecting a digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer patient based on expression profiles comprises obtaining the expression profile of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of probes corresponding to genes with expression levels (in peripheral blood) that vary in digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and biliary tract cancer cases, compared with normal healthy subjects. The reagent for detecting digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer contains nucleotides or partial sequences thereof consisting of the nucleotide sequence of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of probes with expression levels that vary in digestive organ cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, or biliary tract cancer, or nucleotides containing sequences complementary thereto. |
| US09512488B2 |
Method for multiplex-detecting chronic myelogenous leukemia gene using cleavable probe
One embodiment of the present invention provides a detection kit for detecting a chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) gene expression, wherein the detection kit includes a primer set which is specifically bound to the CML gene; and a cleavable probe which is specifically bound to the inside of a CML gene amplification product which is amplified by the primer set. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of measuring the CML gene expression by using the detection kit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to efficiently detect a low CML gene expression for CML diagnosis and prognosis diagnosis. |
| US09512484B2 |
Methods for determining a prognosis for survival for a patient with breast cancer
A method for determining a prognosis for survival for a patient with breast cancer is described. Also described is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of a course of treatment for a patient with breast cancer, and the use of such a method in a kit. A kit determining the level of RINF is also described. |
| US09512482B2 |
Compositions and methods for detecting allelic variants
The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for discriminating sequence variation between different alleles. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for determining the presence and/or level (e.g., quantitating) of rare (e.g., mutant) allelic variants, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or nucleotide insertions or deletions, in samples comprising abundant (e.g., wild-type) allelic variants with high sensitivity and/or specificity. As such, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a highly selective method for the detection of somatic mutations, e.g., in samples containing abundant levels of a wild-type allele compared to very low levels of a mutant allele. |
| US09512480B2 |
Determination of the depth coverage of the fetal genome
Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining at least a portion of fetal genome are provided. DNA fragments from a maternal sample (maternal and fetal DNA) can be analyzed to identify alleles at certain loci. The amounts of DNA fragments of the respective alleles at these loci can be analyzed together to determine relative amounts of the haplotypes for these loci and determine which haplotypes have been inherited from the parental genomes. Loci where the parents are a specific combination of homozygous and heterozygous can be analyzed to determine regions of the fetal genome. Reference haplotypes common in the population can be used along with the analysis of the DNA fragments of the maternal sample to determine the maternal and paternal genomes. Determination of mutations, a fractional fetal DNA concentration in a maternal sample, and a proportion of coverage of a sequencing of the maternal sample can also be provided. |
| US09512469B2 |
Methods of co-detecting MRNA and small non-coding RNA
Disclosed herein are methods of co-detecting presence of target messenger RNA (mRNA) and small non-coding RNA (for example, miRNA) in a sample. The disclosed methods can be used to simultaneously detect mRNA and small non-coding RNA in a single assay (for example in the same reaction or the same well of a multi-well assay). The methods can include contacting a sample with a plurality of nuclease protection probes (NPPs) including at least one probe which specifically binds to a target mRNA and at least one probe which specifically binds to a target small non-coding RNA, contacting the sample with a nuclease specific for single-stranded nucleic acids, and detecting the NPP, for example on a microarray. |
| US09512468B2 |
Detection method uses magnetic and detectable nanoparticles with oligonucleotides attached thereto
A method and kit for determining a nucleic acid is provided, including: providing magnetic nanoparticles and detectable nanoparticles to the sample, wherein the magnetic nanoparticles and detectable nanoparticles respectively contain oligonucleotides attached thereto, and the detectable nanoparticles contain at least one kind of nanoparticles with detectable signals distinct from the others, and the oligonucleotides attached on each kind of the detectable nanoparticles are complementary to a region of one of the nucleic acids in the sample; reacting the magnetic and detectable nanoparticles with the sample; and detecting signals from each kind of the detectable nanoparticles for determining the nucleic acid for each in the sample. |
| US09512463B2 |
Methods and compositions for assaying the activity of one or more lysosomal enzymes
Methods and liquid compositions for assaying the activity of one or more lysosomal enzymes in a sample are provided. In some embodiments, the assay is a multiplexed assay for the activities of a plurality of lysosomal enzymes in the sample. The compositions and methods can comprise or employ: one or more metal cations effective for precipitating sulfate ions, one or more metal cations effective for precipitating phosphate ions, a maltase glucoamylase inhibitor, a beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase inhibitor, and one or more surfactants. |
| US09512461B1 |
Detection of aflatoxins and aflatoxic aspergilli in natural fungal bouquets
The present invention relates to food safety and to the reliable detection of aflatoxins produced by aflatoxigenic aspergilli in the presence other fungal species in a natural fungal bouquet using volatile emissions as an indicator. |
| US09512460B2 |
Method of studying a cryogenic sample in an optical microscope
The present invention relates to a method of studying a sample using an optical microscope, comprising providing the sample in a sample holder with means to maintain the sample at a temperature below 273 K; providing a microscope objective lens, in a thermally insulating jacket, having an extremal lens element proximal to the sample holder; bringing the lens into a focus position proximal to the sample, which separates the extremal lens element and sample by an intervening space, providing a transparent window in said intervening space, with a gap between the window and the extremal lens element; providing a flow of substantially dry gas in said gap; and tailoring the geometry and velocity of said flow so that, at least in said gap, the flow is non-laminar; and does not excite substantial acoustic vibration in a structure proximal the gap. |
| US09512456B2 |
Enzymes and polymerases for the synthesis of RNA
The invention relates to compositions and methods for the design, evolution, preparation, and/or manufacture of enzymes for use with polynucleotides, primary transcripts and mmRNA molecules. |
| US09512454B2 |
Methods for improvement of enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellullosic material
The present invention relates to a method of enzymatic hydrolysis of a lignocellulosic material, comprising the steps of: a) pretreating the lignocellulosic material to obtain a slurry having a pH of less than 6; b) adding NaOH, Ca(OH)2 and/or CaO to the slurry to increase its pH to at least 8, said addition being carried out at a slurry temperature of at least 60° C.; c) reducing the pH of the slurry to below 7; and optionally cooling the slurry from step b) to a temperature below 60° C.; and d) adding hydrolytic enzymes to the slurry from c) and allowing the slurry to hydrolyze wherein no washing of the slurry is performed prior to step d). |