| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09535567B1 |
Method for interception and blocking of mouse move and resize events on mobile device
A method and computer program product for intercepting and blocking the mouse move and resize events on mobile devices transmitting remote application. The remote access client installed on the mobile device send the coordinates of user's touches to remote computer. The remote access agent, running on a remote host, blocks the consequences of user finger (or stylus) actions performed on a captured window of the remote application. The method defines the areas and elements of a captured remote application window that are not affected by the move/resize commands emulated by a mobile device user. This functionality is implemented by a control-agent component running on a remote host for receiving and processing the commands from a mobile device and for transmitting video stream and some metadata about remote applications to the mobile device. |
| US09535566B2 |
Method, apparatus and system of displaying a file
A device, method and system of displaying a file on a mobile communication device may comprise duplicating at least a leftmost part of a file to obtain a duplicated leftmost part of the file, and displaying a frame through moving a display window along the frame, the frame comprising a rightmost part of the file and the duplicated leftmost part of the file, wherein the duplicated leftmost part of the file is placed on right of the rightmost part of the file. In some embodiments, the mobile communication device may control the display window to automatically move to a leftmost side of the frame, if the display window moves to a rightmost side of the frame, and further in response to a user instruction of continuing viewing the file. |
| US09535565B2 |
Smart insertion of applications into layouts
Embodiments described herein relate to maintaining a tiled arrangement of application windows as a user inserts application windows into a managed display region. A tiled arrangement is an arrangement where windows do not overlap each other and substantially maximize window occupation of the display region. Generally, when a user inserts an application window the tiled arrangement is maintained by resizing any previously present application windows. Where to insert a window, which displayed windows to resize and to what extent can be determined based on factors such as user input, any prior manual adjustment of the tiled arrangement, and/or minimum window sizes. Whether tile arranging is performed in a managed or curated fashion (e.g., by sharing space equally among windows) or in a semi-curated fashion may be determined by taking into account any of the aforementioned factors. |
| US09535561B2 |
Method for controlling content-sharing, and portable terminal and content-sharing system using same
The present invention relates to a method for controlling content-sharing among a plurality of content-providing devices. The method includes: receiving information on a content from a first content playback device and displaying images corresponding to the content; storing the received content information; and transmitting the stored content information to a second content playback device and ending the displaying of the images corresponding to the content. |
| US09535560B1 |
Methods and systems for facilitating a remote desktop session for a web browser and a remote desktop server
Examples of methods, systems, apparatus, and machine-readable storage media are provided to facilitate access and control of a remote desktop of a remote machine by a web browser of a client device through a web server without installing proprietary plug-ins or protocols on the client device. A web server may translate user input requests from a windows web browser into input calls compatible with a remote desktop display protocol. The web server may receive remote desktop drawing commands from the remote machine and translate the remote desktop drawing commands into web browser drawing updates compatible with the windows web browser. A web server may communicate with the windows web browser and a remote machine via HTTP and a remote desktop display protocol, accordingly. |
| US09535557B2 |
Touch pad with force sensors and actuator feedback
Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters. |
| US09535555B2 |
Micro deflectors on touch sensor
In various embodiments, a touch surface may comprise multiple individual sensors, each of which is capable of mechanical deflection in a direction parallel to the surface, with the device using the touch surface being able to detect such deflection in each sensor. With this capability, the device may be able to detect intended movement of a touch over the touch surface even if no additional sensors are activated by that movement. Such sensors may be useful for detecting very small motions, and may be especially useful for motions in which the shape of the user's thumb results in the same touch area being in contact with the thumb even though the thumb is executing an extension or retraction movement. |
| US09535551B2 |
Mutual capacitance touch sensitive sensing apparatus and system and method thereof
The present invention provides a mutual capacitance touch sensitive sensing method, including: sequentially charging multiple driving electrode sets and detecting the electrical change of multiple sensing electrodes; sequentially charging multiple driving electrodes in a driving electrode set and detecting the electrical change of the sensing electrodes when the electrical change of at least one of the sensing electrodes is detected while driving the driving electrode set; and determining the touch location according to the detected electrical change. |
| US09535548B2 |
Display device
A display device (1) includes (i) a display panel (12) including a polarizing plate (18) on a surface of the display panel (12) and (ii) a touch panel (20) including a birefringent base material (31) on which a Y electrode pattern (32) and an X electrode pattern (33) are provided. Polarized light which has exited from the polarizing plate (18) enters the birefringent base material (31). The display device (1) includes an antireflection layer (28) which reduces reflection of the polarized light. The antireflection layer (28) is provided on a first surface of the touch panel (20) which first surface is opposite to a second surface of the touch panel (20) which second surface faces the display panel (12). |
| US09535535B2 |
Touch point sensing method and optical touch system
A touch point sensing method and an optical touch system are provided. The optical touch system includes a first lens and a second lens. The touch point sensing method includes the following steps. Images including at least two touch objects in a touch detecting area captured by the first lens and the second lens are obtained and analyzed. Based on the obtained images, distance values between the first touch signal group at the first instant and the first and second touch signal groups at the second instant are calculated for determining whether the first and second touch signal groups at the second instant are overlapped. When the first and the second touch signal groups at the second instant are overlapped, locations of the touch signals in the first touch signal groups and in the second touch signal groups are exchanged. |
| US09535534B2 |
Electronic device and control method
An electronic device and a control method are provided. The electronic device includes a display unit, a touch sensing unit, an adjustment unit and a controller. At least a first portion of the display unit is deformable, and the first portion deformed has a deformation distance with respect to a first side or a second side of a plane where the display unit is located. The adjustment unit triggers deformation of the first portion of the display unit. The controller determines a control button in display content and a display position of the control button on the first portion of the display unit, and controls the display unit to be deformed at the display position according to a predetermined deformation rule by means of the adjustment unit. The touch sensing unit detects contact information generated by touching the control button by a user. |
| US09535533B2 |
Touch systems and methods utilizing customized sensors and genericized controllers
Touch sensing circuit arrangements include a touch sensor and a controller board. The touch sensor includes one or more sensing elements to generate touch-related signals responsive to a touch input to the sensor, and a memory device storing computer-executable firmware instructions for determining touch positions based on the touch-related signals. The controller board includes query logic executable by the controller board to cause the controller board to query for the computer-executable firmware instructions stored on the memory device of the touch sensor, and a processor circuit to determine touch positions by executing the firmware instructions loaded onto the generic controller board in response to the query. |
| US09535532B2 |
Method of acquiring data from a matrix touch sensor by performing global measurement and conditional sequential measurement
A method of acquiring data of a matrix touch sensor including a matrix array of cells arranged according to a set of rows and columns, the method including: activating the cells arranged according to a column of at least one subset of columns of the matrix touch sensor; taking an overall measurement of an overall electrical characteristic on all the rows of at least one subset of rows of the matrix touch sensor; taking a sequential measurement of an electrical characteristic successively on each row of the at least one subset of rows, if the overall electrical characteristic has a value representative of a contact on at least one of the cells arranged according to the column; and repeating the overall measurement and sequential measurement after activating the cells arranged according to another column of the at least one subset of columns of the matrix touch sensor. |
| US09535530B2 |
Capacitance sensor with improved noise filtering characteristics, method for noise filtering of capacitance sensor and computer-readable recording medium
Disclosed is a capacitance sensor including: a capacitance-voltage/current converter which converts a capacitance value of a sense capacitor into a voltage signal or a current signal by using an input signal; a multiplier which applies a weight to an output signal of the capacitance-voltage/current converter and outputs the weighted output signal; and an accumulator which accumulates continuously the output signal of the multiplier. |
| US09535526B2 |
Display device including touch panel device, and coupling-noise eliminating method
A display device includes; a touch panel device including; a touch panel and a touch controller connected to the touch panel, the touch controller including; a sampling unit which samples a sensing output signal input thereto from the touch panel to generate a sampled signal, and an analog/digital converter which converts the sampled signal to generate contact information, and a display panel device including; a display panel, a gate driver which applies a gate signal to the display panel, and a data driver which applies a data voltage to the display panel, wherein the sampling unit samples a portion of the sensing output signal which does not include a coupling noise. |
| US09535522B2 |
Flexible organic light emitting diode display device
There is provided a flexible display having a plurality of innovations configured to allow bending of a portion or portions to reduce apparent border size and/or utilize the side surface of an assembled flexible display. |
| US09535520B2 |
Electronic device and method for processing hovering input thereof
An electronic device and a method for processing a hovering input are provided. The method includes displaying a screen; when a hovering input is sensed, detecting a location of the sensed hovering input; analyzing a priority of the hovering input; and determining a position of a hovering pointer from the location of the hovering input having the highest priority. The electronic device includes a touch screen configured to display thereon a screen and to touch sense a hovering input; and a control unit configured, when the hovering input is sensed from the screen, to detect a location of the sensed hovering input, to analyze a priority of the hovering input, and to determine a position of a hovering pointer from the location of the hovering input having a highest priority. |
| US09535518B2 |
Touch screen panel, method of manufacturing the same, and mobile device with the same
A capacitive touch screen panel and a mobile device with the panel are provided. The touch screen panel includes a glass cover for transmitting light and protecting the touch screen panel, a sensor sheet that forms an electrode pattern including first and second electrodes on the upper surface which is attached on the lower surface of the glass cover, and a noise shield sheet, coated on the lower surface of the sensor sheet, for allowing the transmission of light and blocking noise flowing to the electrode pattern. |
| US09535516B2 |
System for projecting content to a display surface having user-controlled size, shape and location/direction and apparatus and methods useful in conjunction therewith
A system having a finger-wearable sleeve having an IR light-emitting diode (LED), an IR camera; and a controller associated with the IR camera. The controller is configured to communicate with a host computer that utilizes a visual content projector to project visual content onto the screen. And based on signals received from the IR camera (1) trigger a first input functionality in the host computer, wherein the first input functionality is based on a location on the screen where an IR beam from the IR laser impinges, and (2) trigger a second input functionality in the host computer, wherein the second input functionality is based on a location on the screen near where an IR beam from the IR LED is emitted. |
| US09535513B2 |
Thin electromagnetic handwriting pen and method of manufacturing the same
A thin electromagnetic handwriting pen includes a casing unit, a circuit unit, an electromagnetic unit and a pen core unit. The casing unit includes a thin pen-shaped casing structure. The circuit unit includes a circuit substrate disposed inside the thin pen-shaped casing structure. The electromagnetic unit includes a hollow holder and an electromagnetic coil wound around the hollow holder. Both the hollow holder and the electromagnetic coil are embedded in the thin pen-shaped casing structure, and the electromagnetic coil is fixed between the thin pen-shaped casing structure and the hollow holder and electrically connected to the circuit substrate. The pen core unit includes a pen core structure movably disposed inside the thin pen-shaped casing structure and passing through the hollow holder, and one portion of the pen core structure is exposed outside the thin pen-shaped casing structure. |
| US09535506B2 |
Efficient gesture processing
Embodiments of the invention describe a system to efficiently execute gesture recognition algorithms. Embodiments of the invention describe a power efficient staged gesture recognition pipeline including multimodal interaction detection, context based optimized recognition, and context based optimized training and continuous learning. Embodiments of the invention further describe a system to accommodate many types of algorithms depending on the type of gesture that is needed in any particular situation. Examples of recognition algorithms include but are not limited to, HMM for complex dynamic gestures (e.g. write a number in the air), Decision Trees (DT) for static poses, peak detection for coarse shake/whack gestures or inertial methods (INS) for pitch/roll detection. |
| US09535505B2 |
User interface control in portable system
This document discloses a portable system comprising a physical activity monitoring device comprising: a wireless proximity detection module configured to detect a proximity of an input control entity with respect to the physical activity monitoring device and output a control signal as a response to the detection, wherein the proximity is a non-zero distance between the input control entity and the training computer; and a user interface controller configured to generate, as a response to the control signal from the wireless proximity detection module, at least one of an audio control function and a display control function. |
| US09535503B2 |
Methods and devices for simultaneous multi-touch input
Methods and device for simultaneous multi-touch input on a touchscreen display are described. In one aspect, the present application describes a method implemented by a processor of an electronic device. The electronic device has a touchscreen display. The method includes detecting a first touch gesture on a first portion of the touchscreen display associated with a first control element and, during the first touch gesture, detecting a second touch gesture on a second portion of the touchscreen display associated with a second control element different from the first control element; and while detecting the first touch gesture and detecting the second touch gesture, simultaneously, causing a first event in the first portion of the touchscreen display in response to the first touch gesture, and causing a second event in the second portion of the touchscreen display in response to the second touch gesture. |
| US09535497B2 |
Presentation of data on an at least partially transparent display based on user focus
In one aspect, a device includes a processor, at least one at least partially transparent display accessible to the processor, at least one eye sensor accessible to the processor, and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to present content at a first location on the at least partially transparent display and, based at least in part on data from the eye sensor, determine whether a user is looking one of at least substantially at the first location and past the first location. The instructions are also executable to, in response to a determination that the user is looking past the first location, remove the content from presentation at the first location. |
| US09535494B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting from a display
The apparatus and method of the disclosure relate to data entry and menu selection. Applications include: (a) data entry for ideographic languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean; (b) fast food ordering; (c) correction of documents generated by optical character recognition; and (d) computer access and speech synthesis by persons temporarily or permanently lacking normal motor capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, each option of a menu is associated respectively with a selectable region displayed adjacent an edge of a display, forming a perimeter menu and leaving a region in the center of the perimeter menu for the output of an application program. Selectable regions may be on the display, outside the display, or both. A menu option may be selected by clicking on the associated selectable region, by dwelling on it for a selection threshold period or by a cursor path toward the selectable region, or by a combination thereof. Remaining dwell time required to select a selectable region is preferably indicated by the brightness of the selectable region. Submenus of a perimeter menu may also be perimeter menus and the location of a submenu option may be foretold by the appearance of its parent menu option. Menu options may be ideographs sharing a sound, a structure or another characteristic. Ideographs, which may be homophones of one another, may be associated with colored indicating regions and selection of an ideograph may be made by speaking the name of the associated color. |
| US09535492B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method, and computer-readable recording medium
An information processing apparatus includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to: determine whether or not a difference between a total of power consumption values of physical or virtual computers and a preset upper-limit value satisfies a certain condition; select, in ascending order of priorities stored in a first storage and set based on details of processing executed by the computers, any of the computers as a target whose power consumption is to be reduced, when the difference satisfies the certain condition; and switch the computer selected to a state in which the power consumption is reduced. |
| US09535484B2 |
Extending RunTime with battery ripple cancellation using CPU throttling
Methods of extending runtime with battery ripple cancellation in a CPU based system by providing a CPU that includes an input pin capable of throttling the power consumed by the CPU responsive to the input of a throttling signal, sensing a ripple in the form of a decrease in voltage or an increase in current responsive to a load on a CPU power supply, and when the ripple exceeds a predetermined limit, providing a throttling signal to the input pin to throttle the CPU to reduce the ripple. |
| US09535483B2 |
Adaptively disabling and enabling sleep states for power and performance
Methods and systems may provide for determining whether a runtime disablement condition is met with respect to a sleep state and disabling the sleep state if the runtime disablement condition is met. Additionally, the sleep state may be enabled if a runtime reinstatement condition is met. In one example, determining whether the runtime disablement condition is met includes determining a false entry rate for the sleep state, and comparing the false entry rate to an energy-based threshold, wherein the sleep state is disabled if the false entry rate exceeds the energy-based threshold. |
| US09535482B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for controlling processor card power consumption in a network test equipment chassis that includes a plurality of processor cards
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for controlling processor card power consumption are disclosed. In one example, the method is conducted in a network test equipment chassis that includes a plurality of processor cards that implements network testing functions. The method includes detecting an event or status associated with one of the plurality of processor cards and determining whether the event or status satisfies a condition of at least one power management rule. In response to determining that the event or status satisfies a condition of the at least one power management rule, the method further includes adjusting power consumption of the processor card in the network test equipment in accordance with the at least one power management rule. |
| US09535477B1 |
Power management of iterative data processing systems
A method for controlling an amount of power consumed by an integrated circuit. The method includes decoding a plurality of information units by performing a number of decoding iterations on each of the plurality of information units, and generating a moving average of decoding iterations performed when decoding a selected number of information units of the plurality of information units. The method further includes adjusting the number of decoding iterations based on (i) the moving average of decoding iterations performed in decoding the selected number of information units of the plurality of information units and (ii) the amount of power consumed by the integrated circuit. |
| US09535476B2 |
Apparatus and method to transfer data packets between domains of a processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes a first domain to operate according to a first clock. The first domain includes a write source, a payload bubble generator first in first out buffer (payload BGF) to store data packets, and write credit logic to maintain a count of write credits. The processor also includes a second domain to operate according to a second clock. When the write source has a data packet to be stored while the second clock is shut down, the write source is to write the data packet to the payload BGF responsive to the count of write credits being at least one, and after the second clock is restarted the second domain is to read the data packet from the payload BGF. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09535475B2 |
System and method for creating high powered EMC compliant power supply for industrial and military applications
The present invention is an apparatus and method for provisioning a compact power filter connection to a well-grounded connector in such a way as to include a capacitive and inductive circuit connection, extremely near the connector and filter, such that EMC compatibility is created in a space roughly 30% of traditional mechanisms and design approach to satisfy the aforementioned needs, provide the previously stated objects, include the above-listed features, and achieve the already articulated advantages. The present invention is carried out in a “post-internal ferrite bead re-radiation noise-less” manner, in a sense that ability to have noise introduced back onto a post-ferrite bead line has been greatly reduced. |
| US09535472B1 |
Redundant power backplane for NAS storage device
The present invention relates to methods and systems for providing reliable power to a storage device, such as a network attached storage. In one embodiment, the storage device employs a redundant power backplane design using a DC-to-DC converter per drive in the backplane. Each drive is thus provided its own independent power interface to the power backplane. One embodiment may employ DC-to-DC converters having integrated N-channel MOSFETs to provide overcurrent and thermal protection. In addition, an embodiment may employ a staggered startup procedure to manage peak power draw. |
| US09535468B2 |
Server
A server includes a storage module, a first expander board, a second expander board, a first mother board, and a second mother board. The storage module includes a plurality of storage units. The second mother board includes at least one second central processing unit. The plurality of storage units are coupled with the first expander board and the second expander board. The first expander board and the second expander board are coupled with the first mother board and the second mother board. When at least one of the first and the second mother board operates normally and at least one of the first and the second expander board operates normally, the at least normally-operating one of the first and the second mother board accesses the storage module through the at least normally-operating one of the first and the second expander board. |
| US09535465B2 |
Hinge electrical interconnection guide
In embodiments of a hinge electrical interconnection guide, a portable device includes a first housing integrated with a display device, and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing. A hinge assembly includes a hinge link to couple hinge mechanisms that are movably operable to open and close the first and second housings of the portable device relative to each other. An electrical interconnection guide is integrated with the hinge link and designed to route an electrical interconnection in a first configuration between the first and second housings of the device when closed relative to each other. The electrical interconnection guide is also designed to route the electrical interconnection in a second configuration between the first and second housings of the device when open relative to each other. |
| US09535462B2 |
Information processing device and method of manufacturing information processing device
There is provided an information processing device including a casing in which a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces are integrally formed, and an opening portion which is formed in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the side surfaces and through which each component to be mounted inside the casing is inserted. |
| US09535454B2 |
Computing module with serial data connectivity
A computing module includes an interface to asynchronously, serially exchange parallel system bus data with one or more other modules of a computer system that includes the computing module. The computing module can asynchronously, serially transfer first parallel bus data to another module of the computer system, and can asynchronously, serially receive second parallel bus data from another module of the computer system. |
| US09535450B2 |
Synchronization of data streams with associated metadata streams using smallest sum of absolute differences between time indices of data events and metadata events
Synchronizing a data stream with an associated metadata stream by receiving a data stream and a metadata stream having a plurality of metadata events associated with the data stream, identifying within the data stream a plurality of data events, matching each of the data events to one of the metadata events in accordance with a matching criterion, and synchronizing the data stream with the metadata stream by effecting a relative time shift between the metadata stream and the data stream in accordance with a time shift adjustment value that results in the smallest sum of absolute differences between time indices of each matched data event and metadata event. |
| US09535448B2 |
Chromatic mainframe
A chromatic processor and a computational process which includes the steps of assigning values to wavelengths of a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum; using electromagnetic emitters for emitting waves having some of those wavelengths; expanding the number of waves available to the computational process by controlling the electromagnetic emitters input to a blended wave output; and combining some of the available waves in order to obtain new wave(s) representing new value(s). |
| US09535446B2 |
System and method for power trimming a bandgap circuit
Techniques to perform bandgap circuit trimming that maximize the operating range and minimize the trimming time at which the bandgap will be accurate. A bandgap circuit output voltage may be trimmed by heating the circuit, supplying increasing input power to the bandgap circuit, and adjusting operational parameters of the bandgap circuit to generate a constant bandgap circuit output voltage. When the bandgap circuit output voltage may remain constant, a constant input power may be applied to the bandgap circuit and its output voltage may be adjusted to a predetermined voltage level. |
| US09535442B2 |
Method and apparatus for energy control in an energy storage
A method, performed in an apparatus for energy control in an energy storage, for determining a composition of energy in the energy storage using a data storage holding information of a determined composition of the energy in the energy storage. The composition of energy comprises one or more energy types and a proportion of each energy type. The method includes measuring a quantity of energy provided in the energy storage, obtaining from the energy provider data indicative of a property of the energy, calculating a proportion of each energy type in the energy based on the obtained data, determining the composition of energy based on the calculated proportion of each energy type in the energy in the energy storage and the measured quantity of energy, and storing the determined composition in the data storage. |
| US09535436B2 |
Control device for hybrid electric power system
A electric power control device for a hybrid electric power system according to the present disclosure includes an electric power measuring unit that is configured to measure output electric power of the electric power system, and a controller that is configured to control operations of a first electric power generator and a second electric power generator of the electric power system based on a preset control mode and the measured output electric power, wherein the controller controls an output voltage of the first electric power generator to be a first offset voltage corresponding to an output of the second electric power generator for a first time when the output of the second electric power generator is controlled to be switched from an ON state into an OFF state. |
| US09535435B2 |
Power adapter for dynamically adjusting output voltage and power supply system with the same
A power adapter includes a power converting circuit, a current detecting circuit, and a controlling unit. A charging voltage with a constant voltage level is provided by the hub through the connecting ports. The current detecting circuit is used for detecting a load current and outputting a corresponding current detecting signal. The load current is transmitted from the power converting circuit to the hub through the power cable. A look-up table is stored in the controlling unit for recording a relationship between the load current and a voltage drop across an impedance of the power cable. According to the current detecting signal and the look-up table, the controlling unit issues a feedback signal to the power converting circuit. According to the feedback signal, a level of the output voltage is dynamically adjusted to be equal to the sum of the voltage drop and the charging voltage. |
| US09535432B2 |
Cooling system control apparatus
A control apparatus is configured for adjusting a control value for a refrigerating machine of a cooling system and performing control of the cooling system in conformity with an environmental condition. A controller has a data base having environmental condition cells in which control values for the refrigerating machine are respectively registered in association with respective environmental conditions. The control apparatus outputs a control value suitable for the present cooling state to the refrigerating machine, registers the control value in an environmental condition cell conformed with the present environmental condition and changes the control value to construct the data base when the environmental condition varies, the controller refers to an environmental condition cell conformed with the environmental condition, corrects a control value registered at the environmental condition cell in accordance with a tendency that the control value has been changed, and outputs the corrected control value to the refrigerating machine. |
| US09535431B2 |
Air-conditioning system and air-conditioning method
An air-conditioning system comprises portable devices including measurement units that measure temperature or humidity. In addition, the air-conditioning system comprises a transmitter mounted in indoor equipment that transmits light or electromagnetic waves to the portable devices, and a receiver mounted in the indoor equipment that receives detected intensity information expressing the intensity of the light or the electromagnetic waves detected by the portable devices. Furthermore, the air-conditioning system comprises a detector that detects the distance from the indoor equipment to the portable devices based on the detected intensity expressed by the detected intensity information, and a controller that controls the air-blowing state of the indoor equipment based on the detected distances and the measured temperature or humidity. Thus, the temperature or the humidity at a specified location can be adjusted more accurately. |
| US09535423B1 |
Autonomous vehicle with improved visual detection ability
The invention provides an autonomous vehicle capable of driving independently through a path of intense traffic and transporting objects or people, even on rough surfaces, while ensuring safety of the vehicle and general road safety. The autonomous vehicle includes at least one variable pitch camera for producing images to be used for a computer vision to control the autonomous vehicle. The invention facilitates changing the pitch of the variable pitch camera to maximize camera image clarity and/or resolution as the autonomous vehicle moves. The images can be used for lane detection, pedestrian detection, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of an environment and/or pothole detection. With the invention, at least one image from the variable pitch camera is used in controlling the movement and/or the trajectory of the autonomous vehicle. |
| US09535422B2 |
Method for controlling the path of an autonomous vehicle having steered wheels
A method for controlling the position and speed of a vehicle having steered wheels includes, determining an overall path comprising a plurality of points and defining the course of the vehicle between a starting point and an endpoint; determining the current position of the vehicle; if the current position does not correspond to a point on the overall path, generating a local path connecting the current position of the vehicle to a point on the overall path; and generating control signals in order to steer the steered wheels and control the speed of the vehicle so that the vehicle moves along the local path. The control signals are generated by convex optimization of linear matrix inequalities. |
| US09535421B1 |
Mobile delivery robot with interior cargo space
A mobile robot can include an elongated body disposed in a vertical direction and having an approximately cylindrical shape; a user interface within an upper 20 centimeters of the body and inclined to be accessible from above and in front of the robot; at least one depth sensor that is mounted at or near a top of the body and having at least one field of view; at least one container formed within the body; and a drive mechanism disposed within the body. |
| US09535419B2 |
Device and method for the residual analysis of a residuum to detect system errors in the system behaviour of a system of an aircraft
The present invention provides a device and a method for the residual analysis of a residuum to detect system errors in the system behavior of an aircraft. The device for the residual analysis of a residuum comprises an apparatus to generate the residuum at least dependent on the reference variable and the system output variable, a comparator unit to provide an analytical result by comparing the residuum to a given threshold, a first unit to provide a constant threshold portion, a second unit to provide an adaptive threshold portion at least dependent on the reference value, which can change over time, and a third unit to provide the threshold by linking the constant threshold portion to the adaptive threshold portion. |
| US09535413B2 |
Automatic device parameter binding method and system
The present invention provides techniques for automatically binding device parameters to an input and output interface. Doing so enables dynamic parameters to be available to the core firmware engine. More specifically, there is no input and output data in the configuration software domain required for mapping the parameters. Rather, the configuration software may directly access the device parameters during the logic execution. This is achieved in a library by representing the parameter repository and the EPATH pointing to each parameter from the configuration software domain. |
| US09535403B2 |
Device for securing a timepiece dial
A watch is delimited by a case formed of a back cover and of a middle part. A timepiece movement is disposed in a casing ring housed inside the watch case. The watch also includes a dial disposed on top of the casing ring and held by a fixing ring. The fixing ring has an S-shaped cross-section. An upper branch of the fixing ring is supported on the dial and a lower branch of the fixing ring is supported on the casing ring. The lower branch of the fixing ring is clamped between the middle part and the casing ring, so as to grip the dial between the upper branch of the fixing ring and the casing ring. |
| US09535402B2 |
Timepiece capable of indicating the sunrise and sunset at every point of the globe
A timepiece indicates the sunrise and sunset taking into account seasonal variations. The timepiece includes a sphere representing the Earth, a shell arranged concentrically to the sphere and arranged to delimit a part of the globe where it is night time from another part where it is daytime by indicating the position of the Earth's terminator. The shell can pivot around the globe along two perpendicular axes. The shell is driven by the movement in order to revolve at the rate of one revolution every 24 hours around the polar axis. A differential mechanism is controlled by a year cam that has a profile representing the inclination of the sun in relation to the equatorial plane. The differential mechanism controls the inclination of the shell around the axis by a drive shaft concentric to the polar axis. |
| US09535399B2 |
Image forming device
An image forming device includes: a fixing unit fixing a toner image to a paper sheet after image formation; a conveying path conveying the paper sheet toward and from the fixing unit; a cooling fan disposed at a position facing the conveying path that is downstream relative to the fixing unit in a paper conveying direction; a casing where the cooling fan is accommodated; a first discharge port discharging cooling air from the cooling fan toward a part of the conveying path that is upstream in the paper conveying direction relative to an end portion of the conveying path in the conveying path, which is downstream relative to the fixing unit; and a duct guiding the cooling air from the cooling fan in a direction toward the end portion of the conveying path, which is different from a direction that the cooling air flows in the first discharge port. |
| US09535397B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a support body provided in an apparatus body to be drawn out from the apparatus body while supporting a supported body, and having a support portion on a front side of the supported body in a drawing direction, and an image forming body on which an image to be transferred on the supported body or a recording medium transported by the support body is formed, the image forming body being provided in the apparatus body to be drawn out from the apparatus body in the drawing direction of the support body and being positioned relative to the apparatus body in an intersecting direction intersecting the drawing direction with an end portion on a front side in the drawing direction abutting on the support portion in the intersecting direction. |
| US09535393B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a recording medium storage unit that stores therein a recording medium; an image forming unit that is arranged above the recording medium storage unit and that forms an image on the recording medium transferred from the recording medium storage unit; a storage-unit exterior member that covers a front side of the recording medium storage unit; an image-forming-unit exterior member that covers a front side of the image forming unit and that protrudes forward relative to the storage-unit exterior member; and a fresh air supply path that is arranged on a back side of the image-forming-unit exterior member, through which fresh air introduced from outside the image forming apparatus flows. |
| US09535391B2 |
Image forming apparatus having detachable developing cartridge
An image forming apparatus is provided with: an apparatus body; a photosensitive member; a developing cartridge configured to have a developer supporting body; a cleaner configured to collect developer remaining on the photosensitive member; and a waste developer container configured to contain developer collected by the cleaner. The apparatus body is configured to have an installment passage, through which the developing cartridge passes when the developing cartridge is installed into and removed from the apparatus body. The waste developer container is configured to be movable between a first position at which at least a part of the waste developer container is located within the installment passage and a second position at which the waste developer container is located away from the installment passage. |
| US09535387B2 |
Printing system, printing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium storing program
If a sheet is jammed while conveyed, whether the jammed sheet and a sheet preceding the jammed sheet have been generated by cutting an uncut sheet from which the jammed sheet is derived is determined. If generated, a printing apparatus re-prints a plurality of images including an image of the jammed sheet on a sheet, and the cutting apparatus cuts the re-printed sheet. If the jammed sheet and the preceding sheet have been generated, the printing apparatus re-prints a plurality of images including an image of the jammed sheet on a sheet, the cutting apparatus cuts the re-printed sheet, and a sheet that includes the same image as the preceding sheet is discharged to a different discharge destination from that of the preceding sheet. |
| US09535385B2 |
Method to adjust the print quality of print images in an electrophoretic digital printer
In a method to adjust print quality of print images in an electrophoretic digital printer with at least one print group, the print group generates charge images of the print images. The charge images are developed with a developer station into toner images using liquid developer having carrier fluid and toner. The toner images are transfer-printed onto a carrier medium in a transfer station. A first control marking is generated on the recording medium with elements of the first control marking being aligned transverse to a printing direction. A shape of the elements of the first control marking is measured to generate a first measurement signal. The first measurement signal is compared with a predetermined nominal value, and given a difference, an adjustment signal is generated via which an amount of the carrier fluid in the liquid developer is modified so that the first measurement signal approaches the predetermined nominal value. |
| US09535384B2 |
Printing apparatus, method for controlling the same, program, and storage medium
In a case where a sheet for sample printing is fed from a feeding deck after an instruction for executing the sample printing is received, a long period of time is required to discharge the sheet which has been subjected to the sample printing to a sample tray. Control is performed such that the sample printing is performed on a specific one of a plurality of sheets fed from sheet holding units for executing main printing, when an instruction for executing the sample printing is received from the user. |
| US09535381B2 |
Electrophotographic member and method for producing the same
An electrophotographic member includes a rubber layer having a lightness of 15 or less and including a marked portion formed so as to have a depth of 35 μm or more and 100 μm or less, a fluorine-based resin layer having a light transmittance of 60% or more, and an adhesive layer disposed between the rubber layer and the fluorine-based resin layer. The adhesive layer has a lightness of 60 or more and has a thickness of 3 μm or more and 10 μm or less in a portion surrounding the marked portion. |
| US09535375B2 |
Image forming apparatus with transfer output device outputting superimposed bias as transfer bias
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer bias output device and an information receiving device. The transfer bias output device outputs a transfer bias including a superimposed bias composed of an AC bias superimposed on a DC bias to form a transfer electric field in a transfer nip between an image bearing member bearing a toner image and a nip forming member, to transfer the toner image onto a recording medium in the transfer nip. A controller operatively connected to the information receiving device and the transfer bias output device causes the transfer bias output device to change a target output of a peak-to-peak voltage of the AC bias based on information received by the information receiving device that affects transfer of the toner image and to reduce a target output of the DC bias as the target output value of the peak-to-peak voltage of the AC bias increases. |
| US09535374B1 |
Positioning mechanism for a roller of an intermediate transfer member module
An ITM module for an imaging device, including a frame; a tension roll disposed in the frame; an ITM belt rotatably coupled to the frame and formed as an endless loop around rolls of the ITM module, including the tension roll; and an adjustment mechanism coupled to an end portion of the frame and to the tension roll, the adjustment mechanism setting an amount of skew of the tension roll relative to the frame. The amount of skew is in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a process direction of the ITM belt. The adjustment mechanism includes a cam member rotatably coupled to the frame and having a cam surface coupled a first end portion of the tension roll such that rotating the first cam member sets an amount of elevation of the first end portion of the tension roll relative to the frame. |
| US09535370B2 |
Developing device, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a developer storage chamber configured to store developer to be supplied to the development chamber, a partition configured to separate a development chamber and the developer storage chamber and having an opening allowing communication between the developer storage chamber and the development chamber, and a protruding portion configured to protrude toward the inside of the developer storage chamber from the partition on a downstream side of the opening in the rotation direction of a rotating shaft, and within one turn of rotation of the rotating shaft, a receiving member moves while contacting the protruding portion according to the rotation of the rotating shaft. |
| US09535369B2 |
Developer supply container and developer supplying system
A developer supply container and a developer supplying system include a feeding portion 2c for feeding a developer T in a developer accommodating portion 2 toward a developer discharging portion 4c in accordance with rotation, a gear portion 2d for receiving a rotational force for rotating a feeding portion 2c, a pump portion 3a provided to act at least toward the developer discharging portion 4c and having a volume with changes with reciprocation, a drive converting portion for converting the rotational force inputted to the gear portion 2d into a force for operating the pump portion 3a, a reciprocating member 3b provided at the drive converting portion and reciprocable to convert to the rotational force into a force for operating the pump portion 3a, a rotation regulating portion 3f for regulating movement in a direction crossing with a direction in which the reciprocating member 3b reciprocates, an elastically deformable urging portion 3g1, 3g2, provided on the reciprocating member 3b, for urging the reciprocating member 3b toward the rotation regulating portion 3f. |
| US09535368B2 |
Toner supply device comprising toner case mounting member having a movable portion and image forming apparatus including the same
A toner supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a toner case configured to contain toner; and a mounting member on which the toner case is detachably mounted. The mounting member includes: a toner receiving portion configured to receive the toner discharged from the toner case; and a toner holding portion configured to hold the toner received by the toner receiving portion. The toner holding portion includes a movable portion disposed below the toner receiving portion. The movable portion is provided so as to be able to lift and lower relative to the toner receiving portion. |
| US09535367B2 |
Developing cartridge including first frame and second frame melt-bonded to first frame
A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller; a first frame; and a second frame. The first frame includes: a first melt-bonding surface extending in a first direction; and a second melt-bonding surface positioned closer to the developing roller than the first melt-bonding surface. The second melt-bonding surface forms an obtuse angle with the first melt-bonding surface. The second frame is melt-bonded to the first frame. The second frame includes: a first wall having a third melt-bonding surface melt-bonded to the first melt-bonding surface and extending in parallel to the first melt-bonding surface; a second wall having a fourth melt-bonding surface melt-boned to the second melt-bonding surface and extending in parallel to the second melt-bonding surface; and a protruding portion having a surface intersecting the fourth melt-bonding surface and protruding in the first direction from the second wall toward the developing roller. |
| US09535359B2 |
Method and system for active decrease of ghost appearance
A system and method to compensate for ghost appearances on a print due to a previous job, the method comprising defining areas in which ghosting is expected or detected and recording the image on a photoreceptor by selectively changing the parameters of the system as a function of position, to compensate for the effects of ghosting in ex-image and ex-nonimage areas. |
| US09535357B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a voltage application unit for applying a voltage to a developing roller and a charger
An image forming apparatus has an image carrier, a charger, a developing device, a voltage application unit, and a controller. The developing device includes a developing roller. The voltage application unit applies a voltage to the developing roller and to the charger. The controller controls the voltage application unit. The controller controls the voltage application unit such that a developing bias having an AC voltage superposed on a DC voltage is applied to the developing roller and a charging bias including at least a DC voltage and having superposed thereon a compensation AC voltage with an opposite phase to an AC voltage induced in the charger by the developing bias is applied to the charger. |
| US09535353B2 |
Formulation for a developer mix having tribocharge uniformity across different temperature and humidity conditions
A developer mix formulation having tribocharge uniformity across varying temperature and humidity conditions is provided. A developer mix used in a dual component development (DCD) system is a mixture of toner particles and magnetic carrier particles. Tribocharge uniformity is achieved in the developer mix by using magnetic carrier particles having surface additives on its surface. Surface additives include but are not limited to silica, titania and alumina. |
| US09535350B2 |
Method for producing ground toner
Toner of one aspect of the present invention has a weight average molecular weight Mw of 30,000≦Mw≦95,263 as determined from a molecular weight distribution based on GPC, includes a THF-insoluble gel component at a weight proportion of less than 5%, and includes components each having a molecular weight of 500 to 1500 which components have an area occupancy of 4% to 10% on a chart of the molecular weight distribution based on GPC. |
| US09535348B1 |
Continuous coalescence process for sustainable toner
A continuous coalescence process for preparing a sustainable toner is described which features toner with lowered melt properties and higher toner surface carbon to oxygen (C/O) ratios than previously described sustainable resins coalesced in a batch reactor. |
| US09535347B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
In order to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member with which a ghost is suppressed even under a low temperature and low humidity environment, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the electrophotographic photosensitive member has a support, an undercoat layer formed on the support, and a photosensitive layer formed on the undercoat layer and comprising a charge generating material and a hole transporting material, wherein the undercoat layer comprises a particular amine compound. |
| US09535345B2 |
Solution of gallium phthalocyanine method for preparing the same method for producing gallium phthalocyanine crystal method for purifying composition containing gallium phthalocyanine and method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member
A solution of a gallium phthalocyanine contains a compound of formula (1) and a gallium phthalocyanine of formula (2), H2N—CH2—R1—CH2—NH2 (1) wherein R1 represents a single bond, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 10 main-chain carbon atoms, a substituent of the substituted alkylene group is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and being substituted with an amino group, or a hydroxy group, one of the carbon atoms in the main chain of the alkylene group may be replaced with an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a bivalent group represented by the formula —NR2—, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and being substituted with an amino group, and wherein X1 represents a chlorine atom or hydroxy group. |
| US09535340B2 |
Support for a movable element and lithography apparatus
A support for a movable element includes a stator element, a gravity compensator field inducing element mounted on the stator element, the gravity compensator field inducing element configured to apply a translational force to the movable element by controlling a magnetic field in a gap between the stator element and the movable element, and a plurality of torque compensator field inducing elements mounted on the stator element, the torque compensator field inducing elements configured to apply a torque to the movable element by controlling a magnetic field in the gap between the stator element and the movable element, the torque being about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of the translational force applied by the gravity compensator field inducing element. |
| US09535338B2 |
Metrology method and apparatus, substrate, lithographic system and device manufacturing method
A metrology target formed by a lithographic process on a substrate includes a plurality of component gratings. Images of the target are formed using +1 and −1 orders of radiation diffracted by the component gratings. Regions of interest (ROIs) in the detected image are identified corresponding the component gratings. Intensity values within each ROI are processed and compared between images, to obtain a measurement of asymmetry and hence overlay error. Separation zones are formed between the component gratings and design so as to provide dark regions in the image. In an embodiment, the ROIs are selected with their boundaries falling within the image regions corresponding to the separation zones. By this measure, the asymmetry measurement is made more tolerant of variations in the position of the ROI. The dark regions also assist in recognition of the target in the images. |
| US09535336B2 |
Microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A microlithographic projection exposure apparatus has a mirror array having a base body and a plurality of mirror units. Each mirror unit includes a mirror and a solid-state articulation, which has at least one articulation part that connects the mirror to the base body. A control device makes it possible to modify the alignment of the respective mirror relative to the base body. Mutually opposing surfaces of the mirror and of the base body, or of a mirror support body connected to it, are designed as corresponding glide surfaces of a sliding bearing. |
| US09535335B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An apparatus which projects a pattern of an original onto a substrate by a projection optical system within a chamber to expose the substrate, comprises a measurement unit which performs measurement to calculate a deformation amount of the original, and a controller which calculates a predicted deformation amount of the original and corrects a projection magnification of the projection optical system so as to correct the predicted deformation amount, based on information representing a relationship between the deformation amount with reference to a shape of the original at a certain temperature and a time for which the original receives exposure light, a deformation amount of the original before exposure determined based on a measurement value obtained by measuring, by the measurement unit, the deformation amount of the original loaded into the chamber and unused for exposure, and the time for which the original receives the exposure light. |
| US09535333B2 |
Maskless exposure device and maskless exposure method using the same
A maskless exposure device includes a plurality of exposure heads, each exposure head including a digital micro-mirror device configured to scan an exposure beam to a substrate, the exposure heads being disposed in staggered first and second rows, a plurality of reflecting members disposed on side surfaces of the exposure heads and having reflecting surfaces parallel with each other, a light emitting part configured to light to the reflecting members, and a light receiving part configured to receive light via the reflecting members. |
| US09535331B2 |
Optical system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
An optical system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus has an optical axis, at least one mirror arrangement having a plurality of mirror elements that are adjustable independently of one another for altering an angular distribution of the light reflected by the mirror arrangement, and a deflection device which includes, relative to the optical beam path downstream of the mirror arrangement, at least one deflection surface at which a deflection of the optical axis occurs. The at least one deflection surface has refractive power. |
| US09535329B2 |
Grapho-epitaxy method for making patterns on the surface of a substrate
A method for making patterns on a substrate, includes forming an assembly guide on first and second areas of the substrate, the assembly guide having, compared to a reference surface, openings with an opening ratio in the first area greater than that of the second area; depositing a block copolymer layer on the substrate to entirely fill the assembly guide and form an over-thickness on the reference surface; assembling the block copolymer, resulting in an organised portion of the block copolymer layer inside the openings; thinning uniformly the block copolymer layer, until a thickness corresponding to the organised portion of the block copolymer layer is reached; eliminating one of the phases of the assembled block copolymer, resulting in a plurality of initial patterns extending into the layer of block copolymer; and transferring the initial patterns of the block copolymer layer into the substrate to form the final patterns. |
| US09535325B2 |
Onium salt, chemically amplified positive resist composition, and patterning process
The present invention provides the onium salt comprises the material represented by the following general formula (0-1), wherein Rf represents a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethyl group; Y represents a cyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, the hydrogen atom in the cyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted by a hetero atom itself or a monovalent hydrocarbon group which may be substituted by a hetero atom(s), and the hetero atom(s) may be interposed into the cyclic structure of the cyclic hydrocarbon group and the monovalent hydrocarbon group; and M+ represents a monovalent cation. There can be provided an onium salt which can improve resolution at the time of forming a pattern and give a pattern with less line edge roughness (LER) when it is used in a chemically amplified positive resist composition. |
| US09535324B2 |
Heat-sensitive recording medium, and coating liquid for forming heat-sensitive color-developing layer
A heat-sensitive color-developing layer of a heat-sensitive recording medium and a coating liquid for forming the heat-sensitive color-developing layer each contain a leuco dye, a color developing agent and a polyvinyl alcohol resin containing an acetoacetyl group and a sulfonic acid group or a combination of a polyvinyl alcohol resin containing an acetoacetyl group and a polyvinyl alcohol resin containing a sulfonic acid group. Therefore, the heat-sensitive recording medium and the coating liquid for forming the heat-sensitive color-developing layer are excellent in light resistance, and free from unintended color development and discoloration even when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. |
| US09535315B2 |
Method of fabricating a color filter array using a multilevel structure
A method of fabricating a color filter array including providing substrate, forming a multilevel structure that is attached to the substrate, etching the multilevel structure to expose first wells in the multilevel structure, filling at least the first wells in the multilevel structure with the first color component, curing the first color component, etching the multilevel structure to expose second wells in the multilevel structure, filling at least the second wells in the multilevel structure with a second color component, and curing the second color component. |
| US09535312B2 |
Projector with a lens shift mechanism configured to move a projection lens
A lens shift mechanism includes a movable portion configured to support a projection lens and movable in two directions orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis; first and second operating units configured to generate drive forces for moving the movable portion in the two directions, respectively, first and second rotating portions to which the drive forces generated by the first and second operating units are transmitted, and a lock mechanism configured to be capable of switching between a locked state in which the two operating units are locked and an unlocked state in which the two rotating portions are rotatable, and the lock mechanism includes first and second locking members configured to lock the first and second rotating portions respectively and a lever mechanism configured to move the two locking members. |
| US09535311B2 |
Monitoring device arrangement
A monitoring device arrangement is disclosed comprising a mounting rail, and at least two fixed monitoring devices, said fixed monitoring devices each being mounted on a respective holder, said holders being arranged on said mounting rail, wherein each said holder comprises a lock device locking said holder in a determined position on said mounting rail, and wherein said lock device is releasable to allow sliding repositioning of said holder on said mounting rail. |
| US09535309B2 |
Compensator system and method for compensating angular dispersion
The invention relates to a compensator system adapted to compensate for the angular dispersion of electromagnetic beams deflected by at least one acousto-optic deflector of an optical system, wherein the angular dispersion of each deflected beam is dependent on the deflection angle obtained by the deflecting acoustic frequency of the acousto-optic deflector, characterized in that the compensator system comprises: —a first lens group for spatially separating the deflected beams of different deflection angle and angular dispersion by focusing the beams substantially into the focal plane, —a compensator element having a first surface and a second surface, and being arranged such that the first surface of the compensator element lies substantially in the focal plane of the first lens group, and the first and second surfaces of the compensator element have nominal radiuses R1 and R2 that together work as prisms with tilt angles β and prism opening angles αp that vary with the distance from the optical axis so as to compensate for the angular dispersion of the spatially separated deflected beams, —a second lens group arranged so as to substantially parallelize the different wavelength components of each deflected beam exiting the compensator element while maintaining the angular variation of the beams deflected at different acoustic frequencies. The invention further relates to method for compensating for the angular dispersion of electromagnetic beams deflected by at least one acousto-optic deflector of an optical system, wherein the angular dispersion of each deflected beam is dependent on the deflection angle obtained by the deflecting acoustic frequency, characterized by —spatially separating the deflected beams of different deflection angle and angular dispersion by focusing the beams via a first lens group substantially into the focal plane of the first lens group, —compensating for the angular dispersion of the spatially separated deflected beams in accordance with the angular dispersion of the given beam, —substantially parallelizing the spectral components of each deflected beam while maintaining the angular variation of the beams deflected at different acoustic frequencies. |
| US09535304B2 |
Stable electrochromic module
Electrochromic module including first and second substrates is provided in which the first and/or second substrate are/is electrically conductive or are/is equipped with an electrically conductive coating. A first electrochromic polymer coating is arranged on the first substrate or the conductive coating, an ion-storage or charge-compensating layer is arranged on the second substrate or the conductive coating, and a polymer gel electrolyte is disposed between the electrochromic coating and the ion-storage or charge-compensating layer. The electrochromic polymer, a polymer of tetraarylbenzidine and (hetero)aromatic diol, is colorless in one redox state and colored in at least two redox states. The ion-storage or charge-compensating layer is formed from material selected from the group comprising cerium oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, nickel oxide, molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide and mixtures thereof or redox-active polymer. The inventive modules achieve a large number of switching cycles, a high electrochromic contrast and a high electrochromic efficiency. |
| US09535303B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display device comprising an upper polarizer, a lower polarizer and a first liquid crystal cell arranged between the upper polarizer and the lower polarizer, wherein a second liquid crystal cell is further arranged between the upper polarizer and the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a first liquid crystal layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first liquid crystal layer being a blue phase liquid crystal layer, the first electrode and the second electrode being used for forming a vertical electric field. The present invention can realize switching between a wide view mode and a narrow view mode of the liquid crystal display device. |
| US09535301B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display is presented that includes: an auxiliary electrode protruding from a gate line; a third gate electrode protruding from the gate line; a first source electrode and a second source electrode connected to a data line and overlapping the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode, respectively; a first drain electrode overlapping the first gate electrode and the auxiliary electrode; a second drain electrode overlapping the second gate electrode; a third source electrode overlapping the third gate electrode; a third drain electrode overlapping the third gate electrode and connected to a storage electrode line; first and second subpixel electrodes connected to the first and second drain electrodes, respectively, wherein a connection between the first drain electrode and the first subpixel electrode and a connection between the second drain electrode and the second subpixel electrode are adjacent to each other. |
| US09535293B2 |
Sealed transparent liquid crystal display assembly
A sealed, transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) assembly is disclosed. The assembly preferably contains a front and a rear glass panel. The assembly also preferably has a spacer element that is positioned around a perimeter of, and sandwiched between, the front and rear glass panels, thereby providing a gaseous seal. The LCD panel is positioned between the front and rear glass panels. In an exemplary embodiment, a two way light guide would be used within the assembly. |
| US09535292B2 |
Substrates comprising at least one blocking member wherein an inside of the at least one blocking member is hollow and under negative pressure and liquid crystal panel comprising the same
A substrate is provided, in a non-display area, with at least blocking member that is used to form at least one enclosed space with negative pressure together with another substrate; in the liquid crystal panel formed by cell assembling of the substrate and the other substrate, the two substrates after cell assembling are tightly bonded together due to the at least one enclosed space formed by the substrates and the at least one blocking member pressed by external atmospheric pressure. The design of the substrate and the liquid crystal panel in the embodiments of the present invention can avoid occurring of mis-alignment of substrates and improve the product yield rate of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US09535279B2 |
Liquid crystal display including nanocapsule layer
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device that may include a first substrate; a first electrode on the first substrate, the first electrode including a plurality of first inclined planes; a nanocapsule liquid crystal layer on the first electrode, the nanocapsule liquid crystal layer including a plurality of nano-sized capsules dispersed in a buffer layer, each of the plurality of nano-sized capsules including nematic liquid crystal molecules having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy; and a second electrode on the nanocapsule liquid crystal layer, the second electrode including a plurality of second inclined planes facing the plurality of first inclined planes, wherein the nanocapsule liquid crystal layer is substantially, optically isotropic in a normal state, and is optically anisotropic when a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes. |
| US09535278B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device with a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal interposed between the first and the second substrates, and a detection circuit. The second substrate includes a detection electrode for a touch panel. The respective pixels have pixel electrodes and counter electrodes. The counter electrode divided into a plurality of blocks is provided common to the respective pixels on a plurality of consecutive display lines. The counter electrode divided into blocks serves as the scanning electrode for the touch panel. The detection circuit includes a calibration capacity element provided for each of the detection electrodes, having one end connected to the detection electrode, and supplies a calibration voltage to the other end of the calibration capacity element in a touched position detection process. |
| US09535277B2 |
Conductive oxide film, display device, and method for forming conductive oxide film
One embodiment of the present invention provides a conductive oxide film having high conductivity and high transmittance of visible light. The conductive oxide film having high conductivity and high transmittance of visible light can be obtained by forming a conductive oxide film at a high substrate temperature in the film formation and subjecting the conductive oxide film to nitrogen annealing treatment. The conductive oxide film has a crystal structure in which c-axes are aligned in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the film. |
| US09535276B2 |
Liquid crystal panel motherboard needing slicing and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal panel motherboard need slicing is proposed. The liquid crystal panel motherboard includes a main substrate disposed at one side of a CF (2) and a main substrate disposed at one side of a TFT (1). The liquid crystal panel motherboard can be sliced to be at least two liquid crystal panels including a CF substrate (20) and a TFT substrate (10). Metallic terminal parts are formed on each TFT substrate (10). A soft protective film (24) is disposed on a touching area (22) connected to each metallic terminal part of the TFT substrate (10) connected to the CF substrate (20). The soft protective film (24) has a certain thickness and leans against its corresponding metallic terminal part on a main substrate at the side of the TFT (1). A manufacturing method of the liquid crystal panel motherboard needing slicing is also proposed. The present invention has an advantage of preventing the metallic terminal part of the TFT substrate from being scraped when the liquid crystal panel motherboard is sliced, thereby improving the production yield rate. |
| US09535273B2 |
Apparatus for viewing through optical thin film color filters and their overlaps
An optical apparatus for creating an image of object features buried underneath color filters. The apparatus includes: an illumination light source producing an illuminating light, the illumination light source incorporating at least three laser light emitters operating at different wavelengths, the illuminating light being a combination of light signals produced by the at least three light emitters; an electronic control module coupled to each of the at least three laser light emitters and configured to drive each of the at least three laser light emitters using a pulsed driving signal with controllable amplitude and temporal pulse parameters; an illumination optical path delivering the illuminating light from the illumination light source to the object; an image sensor for creating the image of the object using light collected from the object; and an imaging optical path for delivering the light from the object to the image sensor. The three laser light emitters are operated in a saturation mode to reduce the illumination light coherence and eliminate the resulting speckle. |
| US09535269B2 |
Eyeglass frame shape measuring apparatus
There is provided an eyeglass frame shape measuring apparatus includes an eyeglass frame holding unit which holds an eyeglass frame, and a measuring unit which measures a shape of a rim of the eyeglass frame by tracing a contour of the rim of the eyeglass frame. The measuring unit includes a tracing stylus which is inserted into a groove of the rim, a tracing stylus moving unit which moves the tracing stylus in a radial direction of the rim, and a rotating unit which rotates the tracing stylus moving unit about a first axis set to pass through an inside of the contour of the rim such that the tip of the tracing stylus traces the rim along the contour of the rim, and which is disposed on a rear side of the eyeglass frame held by the eyeglass frame holding unit. |
| US09535264B2 |
Fluid lenses, lens blanks, and methods of manufacturing the same
A lens blank for a fluid lens includes a rigid lens and a semi-flexible inflatable membrane attached to the rigid lens. The lens blank is divided into a cavity zone and a bonded zone. The cavity zone extends radially outward from a central area of the lens blank and a cavity is formed between the membrane and the rigid lens within the cavity zone. The bonded zone extends radially outward from the cavity zone and the membrane is bonded and fluidly sealed to the rigid lens throughout the bonded zone. The bonded zone is dimensioned to be trimmed to accommodate a plurality of frame shapes and sizes. Methods of manufacturing lens blanks are also provided. Arrays of lens blanks and fluid lenses are also provided. |
| US09535263B2 |
Lenses, devices, methods and systems for refractive error
The present disclosure is directed to lenses, devices, methods and/or systems for addressing refractive error. Certain embodiments are directed to changing or controlling the wavefront of the light entering a human eye. The lenses, devices, methods and/or systems can be used for correcting, addressing, mitigating or treating refractive errors and provide excellent vision at distances encompassing far to near without significant ghosting. The refractive error may for example arise from myopia, hyperopia, or presbyopia with or without astigmatism. Certain disclosed embodiments of lenses, devices and/or methods include embodiments that address foveal and/or peripheral vision. Exemplary of lenses in the fields of certain embodiments include contact lenses, corneal onlays, corneal inlays, and lenses for intraocular devices both anterior and posterior chamber, accommodating intraocular lenses, electro-active spectacle lenses and/or refractive surgery. |
| US09535262B2 |
Optical member and method of manufacturing optical member
To provide an optical member, formed without generating cracks in a hard coat layer of desired film thickness, and a method of manufacturing an optical member that permits the manufacturing of the above optical member.The optical member of the present invention is characterized by comprising a lens substrate having a curved surface, a porous intermediate layer formed so as to cover an edge portion of the lens substrate in a planar view along an optical axis of the optical member, and a hard coat layer formed so as to cover the lens substrate and the intermediate layer in the planar view; as well as characterized in that the hard coat layer comprises a thick film portion, formed on the edge portion of the hard coat layer and thicker than a center portion of the hard coat layer in the planar view, and when a maximum film thickness of the intermediate layer is denoted as A (μm) and a maximum film thickness of the thick film portion is denoted as B (μm), a relation of A/B being equal to or greater than 3% but equal to or less than 20% is satisfied. |
| US09535261B2 |
Eyeglass temple having an auxiliary cushion frame
An eyeglass temple includes a main frame adapted for connection with a lens unit, and an auxiliary cushion frame disposed behind the main frame. The auxiliary cushion frame includes an ear engaging portion, a main connecting portion extending forwardly from the ear engaging portion to connect with the main connecting portion, an abutment portion extending forwardly from the ear engaging portion and adapted to be disposed between the main connecting portion and the wearer's head, and at least one resilient connecting portion connected between the main connecting portion and the abutment portion and adapted for biasing the abutment portion away from the main connecting portion toward the wearer's head. |
| US09535260B2 |
Adapter having tilt-shift unit, and camera system
A camera system includes an interchangeable lens including an image-pickup optical system, a camera body including an image sensor, and an adapter attached between the interchangeable lens and the camera body. The adapter includes a lens side mount to which the interchangeable lens is detachably attached, a camera side mount detachably attached to the camera body, and a tilt-shift unit configured to provide at least one of a tilt operation and a shift operation. A flange focal length of the interchangeable lens is longer than a flange focal length of the camera body. A length of the adapter from the lens side mount to the camera side mount in an optical axis direction is equal to or smaller than a difference between the flange focal length of the interchangeable lens and the flange focal length of the camera body. |
| US09535259B2 |
Optical unit and method for producing same
An optical unit may include a movable body holding an optical element; a fixed body surrounding the movable body; a plate-shaped spring member with a fixed body side connection part, a movable body side connection part, and an arm part which connects the fixed body side connection part with the movable body side connection part; and a drive mechanism to displace the movable body. The cover may be provided with a side plate part. The fixed body side connection part may include a frame part; and a plurality of protruded parts protruded from the frame part. The protruded parts may be separately provided from each other for every welding portion and an entire tip end side of the protruded part is formed as a melted part by welding. |
| US09535258B1 |
Method and apparatus for correcting chromatic aberrations in a telescope
Methods and systems for correcting chromatic aberrations in a telescope incorporating a diffractive primary optical element are provided. In particular, a corrective optic assembly that includes a corrector diffractive optical element (DOE) is described. The corrective optic assembly provides light to the corrector DOE at a high incidence angle. Moreover, light is reflected from the corrector DOE at a high exit angle comprising a cylindrical Littrow configuration allowing for greater bandwidth and smaller size. |
| US09535256B2 |
Polarizing beam splitters providing high resolution images and systems utilizing such beam splitters
Polarizing beam splitters and systems incorporating such beam splitters are described. More specifically, polarizing beam splitters and systems with such beam splitters that incorporate multilayer optical films and reflect imaged light towards a viewer or viewing screen with high effective resolution are described. |
| US09535251B2 |
HMD apparatus with adjustable eye tracking device
An HMD apparatus with an imaging optical system for each one of the eyes of a user, which includes at least one display unit to be viewed by the respective eye, and with a device for the acquisition of the viewing direction of at least one eye within a field of view of the display unit by means of an eye camera, wherein the eye camera is provided with a camera holder, which can be adjusted in terms of a peripheral angle around a viewing central axis of the field of view and in terms of a setting angle with respect to the viewing central axis. |
| US09535250B2 |
Head mounted display device and method for controlling the same
A head mounted display (HMD) device according to one embodiment comprises a communication unit configured to transmit and receive data; a display unit configured to display visual information; a camera unit configured to capture an image; and a processor configured to control the communication unit, the display unit and the camera unit, wherein the processor is further configured to: detect an object image from a first image, which includes the object image, the first image being displayed in an external device located in an angle of view area of the camera unit, display information related to the object image, and display the first image in addition to the information when detecting that the first image is switched to a second image, which does not include the object image. |
| US09535247B2 |
Interferometric focusing of guide-stars for direct wavefront sensing
Interferometric focusing (IF), rather than conventional geometric focusing, of excitation light onto a guide-star that is embedded deeply in tissue, increases its fluorescence intensity. The method can extend the depth of wavefront measurement and improve correction inside of tissues because of its ability to suppress both scattering of diffuse light and aberration of ballistic light. The results showed more than two times improvement in SNR and RMS error of the wavefront measurement. Although only ballistic light in the excitation path is corrected, the intensity after wavefront correction increased by 1.5 times. When applying IF to a two-photon microscope with a near infra-red laser, this method would further extend the measurement depth and achieve high SNR for the wavefront sensor. |
| US09535245B1 |
Methods and apparatus for deceiving optical augmentation
In one example a method of deceiving an optical augmentation device includes receiving an interrogation beam at an optical system from the optical augmentation device, encoding the interrogation beam with a false signature mis-identifying the optical system, and retro-reflecting the encoded interrogation beam to the optical augmentation device, without retro-reflecting the original interrogation beam. |
| US09535240B2 |
Zoom optical system
Provided is a zoom optical system which includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having negative refractive power and other lens groups, and in which an interval between each lens group changes upon zooming, wherein the first lens group includes a first negative lens which is disposed closest to the object and has a diffractive optical element on an image side lens surface, and a positive lens disposed closer to the image than the first negative lens, and the glass material used for the positive lens satisfies the following conditions expressions: ν1p≦35 and Δ(θg, F)≧0.007, where ν1p denotes an Abbe number, based on the d-line, of the glass material used for the positive lens of the first lens group, and Δ(θg, F) denotes a deviation of the partial dispersion ratio of the glass material, which is used for the positive lens, from a standard line that connects a glass type A and a glass type B in a graph of which abscissa is an Abbe number νd based on the d-line, and the ordinate is the partial dispersion ratio (θg, F)=(ng−nF)/(nF−nC), with the Abbe number νd and the partial dispersion ratio (θg, F) of the glass type A and the glass type B being as follows: Glass type A: νd=60.49, (θg, F)=0.5436; glass type B: νd=36.26, (θg, F)=0.5828. |
| US09535239B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens consists of, in order from the object side, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a negative third lens group, a negative fourth lens group, a positive fifth lens group, and a positive sixth lens group. The first lens group and the sixth lens group are fixed with respect to an image plane, and a distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, a distance between the second lens group and the third lens group changes, and a distance between the third lens group and the fourth lens group changes, and a distance between the fourth lens group and the fifth lens group changes, and a distance between the fifth lens group and the sixth lens group changes during magnification change from a wide angle end to a telephoto end. |
| US09535235B2 |
Imaging lens composed of six optical elements
A compact low-profile low-cost imaging lens with an F-value of 2.5 or less and a wide field of view which corrects aberrations properly. Its elements are arranged from an object side: a first positive optical element group including a first positive lens having a convex object-side surface and a second negative lens having a concave image-side surface; a second positive optical element group including a third positive lens having a convex image-side surface; and a third negative optical element group including a fourth negative double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface and a fifth double-sided aspheric lens having a concave object-side surface. The fourth lens image-side surface has at least one pole-change point off an optical axis. A double-sided aspheric aberration correction optical element with virtually no refractive power is located in an air gap between the first and second optical element groups. |
| US09535233B2 |
Optical imaging lens and electronic device comprising the same
An optical imaging lens includes a first, second, third and fourth lens element, and an aperture stop positioned between the second and third lens elements. The first lens element has an object-side surface with a convex portion in a vicinity of its periphery, the second lens element has an image-side surface with a concave portion in a vicinity of the optical axis, the third lens element has an image-side surface with a convex portion in a vicinity of the optical axis, the fourth lens element is made of plastic and has an object-side surface with a concave portion in a vicinity of the optical axis, and the optical imaging lens set does not include any lens element with refractive power other than said first, second, third and fourth lens elements. |
| US09535230B2 |
Integrated fiber optic cable fan-out connector
An integral fan-out connector assembly for fiber optic cables includes a connector housing that provides an integrated fan-out housing and connection adapter. The fan-out connector housing may be configured with a variety of cable adapters, and may be installed as a ‘plug and play’ type solution where it will be ready to accept a feed cable for use when needed. |
| US09535229B2 |
Fiber optic cassette, system, and method
A fiber optic cassette including a body defining a front and an opposite rear and an enclosed interior. A cable entry location is defined in the body for a cable to enter the interior of the cassette. The cable which enters at the cable entry location is attached to the cassette body and the fibers are extended into the cassette body and form terminations at connectors. The connectors are connected to adapters located at the front of the cassette. A front side of the adapters defines termination locations for cables to be connected to the fibers connected at the rear of the adapters. A cable including a jacket, a strength member, and fibers enters the cassette. The strength member is crimped to a crimp tube and is mounted to the cassette body, allowing the fibers to extend past the crimp tube into the interior of the cassette body. A strain relief boot is provided at the cable entry location. |
| US09535228B2 |
Optical fibre installation apparatus
A blowing head for installing blown cable, comprising a low-inertia motor using electrical current, operable to obtain the advance of the cable within the blowing head, adjusting means operable to vary the level of current of the motor, and low-inertia sensing means to sense movement and changes in the level of movement of the cable within the blowing head, wherein in use the adjusting means varies the level of current used by the motor in response to changes in the level of movement sensed by the sensing means, and wherein the varying level of current does not exceed a maximum current level. |
| US09535224B2 |
Optical fiber cable
An optical fiber cable has a sectional area of Ac [μm2] and housing a number N of optical fibers. A transmission loss αdB [dB/km], a mode field diameter W [μm], an effective area Aeff [μm2], an effective length Leff [km], and a wavelength dispersion D [ps/nm/km] of each of the optical fibers at a wavelength of 1550 nm satisfy a predetermined equation. |
| US09535223B2 |
Optical alignment system
An optical alignment system for aligning an optical component is provided. The system includes an alignment component configured to be moveable in a plane and in a fixed relationship with the optical component. Typically the alignment component houses an optical fiber MT ferrule. One or more driving components are further provided typically in the form of a ball headed adjustment screw. The driving components are configured to be moveable, relative to the alignment component, in a first linear direction. At least a component of the first linear direction is parallel with the normal of the plane. The driving component, when forced along the first linear direction and in contact with the alignment component, imparts a force upon the alignment component, in the plane, to move the optical component in the plane. An alignment frame accommodating the driving components may also be provided. |
| US09535221B2 |
UltraHigh-density fiber distribution components
A pre-terminated distribution module is provided with a set of multicore fiber (MCF) connector adapters at its front end and a set of multifiber MCF connector adapters at a second end. The MCF connector adapters and multifiber MCF connector adapters are connected to each other within the module housing by means of an MCF fanout. The MCF connector adapters are configured to provide core-aligned connection for MCF jumper cables that are plugged into the front end of the module. The MCF jumper cables are configured to provide connectivity to an array of optical devices. The multifiber connector adapters are configured to provide core-aligned connectivity for multifiber MCF cables that are plugged into the back end of the module. The multifiber cables are configured to provide connectivity between the module and a trunk (backbone) cable. Further described are pre-terminated trunk (backbone) cables and pre-terminated fiber optic jumper cables (i.e., patchcords). |
| US09535219B2 |
Single molecule spectroscopy using photothermal tuning of optical microcavities
A method comprises exposing the surface of an optical microcavity characterized by at least one resonance frequency to a sample such that a single particle or molecule from the sample adsorbs onto the surface of the microcavity; evanescently coupling a probe laser beam into the microcavity, the wavelength of the probe laser beam substantially matching the at least one resonance frequency; illuminating the surface of the microcavity with a free space pump light beam and moving the focal spot of the free space pump light beam such that the focal spot substantially overlaps with the single particle/molecule; and detecting light from the probe laser beam. The wavelength of the free space pump light beam generates sufficient heat via energy absorbed by the single particle/molecule to induce a shift in the at least one resonance frequency, thereby providing a change in an optical characteristic of the detected light. |
| US09535213B2 |
Optical module with cover material covering part of electrode portion and signal line
An optical module includes: a substrate; a wiring pattern; and a cover material. The wiring pattern includes, on the substrate, an electrode portion having a predetermined width and a signal line having a width smaller than the predetermined width and connected to the electrode portion. The cover material covers a part of the electrode portion and the signal line. |
| US09535210B2 |
Optical hollow waveguide assembly
An optical hollow waveguide assembly (1) includes an optical hollow waveguide (2) for guiding illumination light (3). The hollow waveguide (2) has a tubular main body (6) with a continuous waveguide cavity (7). The waveguide cavity has an illumination light inlet (8) and an illumination light outlet (9). A cavity inner wall (10) of the waveguide cavity (7) is configured to be highly reflective for the illumination light (3) under grazing incidence. A gas source (12) has a fluid connection (13) to the waveguide cavity (7). The resulting hollow waveguide assembly exhibits a reduced risk of contamination of the hollow waveguide. |
| US09535208B2 |
Bendable display apparatus having a guide unit which guides a light guide plate
A display apparatus in which a display module in a state of a curved surface is provided. The display apparatus includes: a display panel configured to display an image and which is bendable; a light guide plate which guides light toward the display panel; and a guide unit which guides the light guide plate to be maintained in a state of a curved surface, wherein the guide unit includes a shape of a curved surface in which both ends of the guide unit protrude forward relative to a center portion of the guide unit. |
| US09535204B2 |
Illumination apparatus having light guide plate with curvedly tapered light coupling portion
An illumination apparatus includes a light source, and a light guide plate having an emitting surface and a light incident portion including a curved surface, and decreasing in thickness from the light source side towards the emitting surface. The curved surface has an S-shape as viewed from a side, with a convex portion on the light source side and a concave portion on the emitting surface with an inflection point in between, but closer to the emitting surface than to the source side. |
| US09535200B2 |
Complete-stokes fourier-domain imaging polarimeter
An apparatus for simultaneously measuring linear and circular polarization components of light is provided, and contains no moving parts. The apparatus may include a prism assembly configured to receive collimated light and splits the light into different directions according to its polarization state. The apparatus may also include lenses configured to collimate light from an image plane to be analyzed by the prism assembly, or direct the light that is split by the prism assembly to different detectors or locations on an image plane. |
| US09535193B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
An image capturing apparatus includes: an imaging element; a main lens that condenses light from a subject toward the imaging element; a micro lens array that is configured by a plurality kinds of micro lenses with different focal lengths that is disposed between the imaging element and the main lens and causes light transmitted through the main lens to form an image on the imaging element; and a CPU that, in response to receiving a designation of a distance to a side of a subject that is photographed, performs weighting for each image that is imaged by the plurality kinds of micro lenses of the imaging element based on the distance so as to constitute one captured image. |
| US09535191B2 |
Optical element, method for producing the same, and display apparatus
An optical element having an anti-reflection function includes a base having a main surface, and a plurality of projecting or recessed structures arranged on the main surface of the base at a fine pitch equal to or less than the wavelength of visible light, wherein the main surface of the base, the main surface having the structures thereon, has hydrophilicity, and a contact angle of the main surface of the base, the main surface having the structures thereon, to pure water is 30° or less. |
| US09535182B2 |
Marine seismic surveying with towed components below water surface
A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source (e.g., air gun array) of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and the source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes or other issues encountered at the water's surface. The floatation device has a depth controlled float and one or more adjustable buoyancy floats. The controlled float has its buoyancy controlled with pressurized gas used for the air gun source and actively controls the depth of air gun source in the water. Each of the adjustable float connects in line with the controlled float with flexible connections. Each adjustable float has its buoyancy preconfigured to counterbalance the weight in water of the air gun or portion of the source that the float supports. |
| US09535181B2 |
Device and method for wave-field reconstruction
Computing device, computer instructions and method for processing input seismic data d. The method includes a step of receiving the input seismic data d recorded in a first domain by seismic receivers that travel in water, the input seismic data d including up-going and down-going wave-fields; a step of generating a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and a step of processing with a processor the model p to obtain an output seismic dataset indicative of the down-going wave-field and substantially free of the up-going wave-field. |
| US09535177B2 |
Gamma-ray spectrometry
A calibration source for a gamma-ray spectrometer is provided, comprising a scintillator body having a cavity in which a radioactive material is received. A scintillator body may be cuboid and the cavity may be a hole drilled into the scintillator body. The radioactive material comprises an isotope having a decay transition associated with emission of a radiation particle and a gamma-ray of known energy. A photodetector is optically coupled to the scintillator body and arranged to detect scintillation photons generated when radiation particles emitted from the radioactive material interact with the surrounding scintillator. A gating circuit is arranged to receive detection signals to generate corresponding gating signals for a data acquisition circuit of an associated gamma-ray spectrometer to indicate that gamma-ray detections in the gamma-ray spectrometer occurring within a time window defined by the gating signal are associated with a decay transition in the radioactive isotope. |
| US09535176B2 |
Radiation image capturing apparatus
Disclosed is a radiation image capturing apparatus including the following. A sensor panel includes a plurality of radiation detecting elements aligned two-dimensionally. A case stores the sensor panel. A ventilation hole is provided in the case. A ventilation filter is provided in the ventilation hole and prevents infiltration of liquid into the case. Air flows in and out of the case through the ventilation hole and a thickness of the case is maintained at a predetermined thickness when outside pressure changes. |
| US09535171B2 |
Radiation detector with steering electrodes
The invention relates to a radiation detector (100) and an associated method for the detection of (e.g. X or γ-) radiation. The detector (100) comprises a converter element (110) in which incident photons (X) are converted into electrical signals, and an array of anodes (130) for generating an electrical field (E) in the converter element (110). At least two anodes are associated with two steering electrodes (140) to which different potentials can be applied by a control unit (150). Preferably, each single anode or small group of anodes is surrounded by one steering electrode. The potentials of the steering electrodes (140) may be set as a function of the potentials that are induced in these electrodes when an operating voltage is applied between the anodes and a cathode (120). Moreover, a grid electrode (160) may be provided that at least partially encircles anodes (130) and their steering electrodes (140). |
| US09535167B2 |
High flux photon counting detector electronics
An imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (108) that emits radiation that traverses an examination region, a paralyzable photon counting detector pixel (110) that detects photons traversing the examination region and arriving at an input photon rate and that generates a signal indicative thereof, high flux electronics (122) that produce a total time over threshold value each integration period based on the signal, a reconstruction parameter identifier (124) that estimates the input photon rate based on the total time over threshold value and identifies a reconstruction parameter based on the estimate, and a reconstructor (130) that reconstructs the signal based on the identified reconstruction parameter. |
| US09535166B2 |
Method for simultaneously measuring the individual outputs of particle detectors in an array using charge division electronics
A detector arrangement for detecting at least one of rays, ions and particles includes a plurality of detectors. Each detector has a respective anode output and the detectors are arranged with the respective anode outputs being in an electrical series. The arrangement includes a plurality of resistive elements interspersed in the electrical series. The arrangement includes a first measurement point at a first end of the electrical series and a second measurement point at a second end of the electrical series. The arrangement includes electrical circuitry, electrically connected to the first and second measurement points for receiving electrical signals/pulses from the first and second measurement points, and for using the electrical signals/pulses from the first and second measurement points to determine which of the plurality of detectors has detected the at least one of rays, ions and particles. |
| US09535163B2 |
Method to optimize providing assistance information to GPS
Methods and apparatus to provide assistance data for satellite navigation in a wireless communication device are disclosed. Processing circuitry in the wireless communication device determines whether to obtain assistance data for navigation based on a set of criteria. The set of criteria include one or more of a property of a geographic region in which the wireless communication device operates, a satellite signal quality estimate measured by the wireless communication device, and a user setting of the wireless communication device. When the set of criteria indicates that assistance data for navigation is beneficial for satellite navigation in the wireless communication device, the processing circuitry obtains one or more sets of assistance data. The processing circuitry configures operation of the wireless communication device for navigation based at least in part on the one or more sets of assistance data obtained. |
| US09535151B2 |
Coded aperture beam analysis method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for determining the range, radial velocity, and bearing angles of scattering objects reflecting RF signals or for determining the range, radial velocity, and bearing angles of sources RF signals. An array of antenna elements is utilized, the array of antenna elements each having an associated two state modulator wherein transmitted and/or received energy is phase encoded according to a sequence of multibit codes, the bits of the multibit codes each preferably having two states with approximately a 50% probability for each of the two states occurring within each given multibit code in said sequence of multibit codes, thereby allowing the determination of range, radial velocity, and bearing angles through digital computation after the scattered signals have been received. |
| US09535149B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquisition of magnetic resonance data
In a method and magnetic resonance system for the acquisition of magnetic resonance data in a selected region of an examination subject, magnetic resonance data are acquired more than once using a magnetic resonance system, magnetic resonance data are acquired more than once from a selected partial region the portion of k-space filled with data corresponding to the selected region of the subject, and the multiply acquired magnetic resonance data are processed into a data set, the aforementioned partial region is selected so as to be located decentrally in k-space, meaning that it is asymmetrical relative to the center of k-space. |
| US09535147B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
First and second magnetization vectors are detected for each pixel position in an imaging region including at least part of a subject, the magnetization vector being excited to have a phase difference between a flow portion and a static portion or between a normal portion and an abnormal portion. First and second pixel values at each pixel position are determined as a value proportional to an absolute value of the respectively corresponding amplitudes of the first and second magnetization vectors detected for each of the pixel positions. On the basis of a real part or phase of the magnetization vectors detected for each of the pixel positions, the determined pixel values are corrected so that the difference of pixel values corresponding to third pixel values increases between (a) the flow portion or the abnormal portion and (b) the static portion or the normal portion. |
| US09535146B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method
In the non-Cartesian measurement, image quality is improved while the advantages of non-Cartesian measurement are maintained. To realize the aforementioned, in the non-Cartesian measurement, artifacts caused by non-uniform data density in k-space are reduced. Therefore, each unit k-space is imaged by an inverse Fourier transform, the field of view of the image is enlarged in a direction in which data density is to be increased, and the image after the enlargement of the field of view is Fourier transformed and gridded as unit k-space that has a small k-space pitch in the direction in which the field of view has been enlarged and has an increased amount of data. This processing is repeated for all blades. |
| US09535144B2 |
NMR quantification of TMAO
A defined peak region residing between about 3.2 and 3.4 ppm of a proton NMR spectrum of an in vitro biosample is electronically evaluated to determine a level of trimethylamine-N-oxide (“TMAO”). The biosamples may be any suitable biosamples including human serum with a normal biologic range of between about 1-50 μM or urine with a normal biologic range of between about 0-1000 μM. |
| US09535139B2 |
Magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor of the present invention includes a Hall-effect sensor configured to detect magnetism and an IC being configured to drive the Hall-effect sensor and perform signal processing therefor and having two or more metal interconnection layers. The Hall-effect sensor and the IC are electrically connected to each other via wire interconnections and sealed in one package. Metal interconnections on the IC to input output voltage of the Hall-effect sensor to a signal processing unit of the IC have a grade-separation junction portion in order to suppress an induced electromotive force which a change in the magnetic flux density externally applied generates at output terminals of the Hall-effect sensor, the wire interconnections connected to output electrode pads of the Hall-effect sensor, and the metal interconnections to input the output voltage of the Hall-effect sensor to the signal processing unit of the IC. |
| US09535137B2 |
Membrane based magnetometer
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a magnetometer device to measure oscillation frequency, including a feedthrough loop including an amplifier and a voltage bias connected to a first input of a metallic membrane; a membrane ground connected to a membrane output; a fixed plate including a first fixed plate output connected to a second input of the amplifier, wherein the fixed plate is physically separated from the metallic membrane but connected to the metallic membrane by a Lorentz force, and where the physical separation differs due to an angle of a magnetic field relative to a direction of a current; a second fixed plate output sensitive to the Lorentz force; and a circuit connected to the second fixed plate output to calculate an angle of the magnetic force based upon the Lorentz force. |
| US09535132B2 |
Systems and methods for determining battery system performance degradation
System and methods for determining performance degradation of a battery system are presented. In certain embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods may involve testing, monitoring, and/or modeling of battery system cyclic performance degradation at a single battery system operating temperature. The disclosed systems and methods may offer certain efficiencies over conventional techniques for determining cyclic degradation of a battery system. Such efficiencies may allow the disclosed systems and methods to be implemented in connection with real-time battery state estimation methods. |
| US09535129B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating battery pack capacity during charge sustaining use
System and methods for estimating a capacity of a battery are presented. In certain embodiments, charge and discharge current throughput data may be separately accumulated during operation of a battery system (e.g., during a charge sustaining operation of vehicle associated with the battery system). Charge and discharge voltage-based state of charge movement data may be further separately accumulated. Upon accumulating sufficient data, estimated charge and discharge battery capacities may be determined based on the accumulated data. |
| US09535128B2 |
Test path compensating circuit and test path compensating system
A test path compensating circuit may include a plurality of electrical paths electrically coupling a plurality of test pads to a test target circuit. The test path compensating circuit may include a control voltage generation circuit configured to generate a plurality of control voltages. The test path compensating circuit may include a plurality of voltage-control delay circuits electrically coupled to the plurality of electrical paths, respectively, and configured to control delay amounts of input test signals received from one or more of the plurality of test pads, based on one or more of the plurality of control voltages, and provide output test signals to the test target circuit. |
| US09535127B2 |
Tester, parallel scan paths, and comparators in same functional circuits
An integrated circuit includes combinational logic with flip-flops, parallel scan paths with a scan input for receiving test stimulus data to be applied to the combinational logic, combinational connections with the combinational logic for applying stimulus data to the combinational logic and receiving response data from the combinational logic, a scan output for transmitting test response data obtained from the combinational logic, and control inputs having an enable input and a select input for operating the parallel scan paths, each scan path includes flip-flops of the combinational logic that, in a test mode, are connected in series, compare circuitry indicates the result of a comparison of the received test response data and the expected data at a fail flag output, and one of the scan paths includes a scan cell having an input coupled to the fail flag output. |
| US09535124B2 |
TAP gated updateDR output AUX test control of WSP update
In a first embodiment a TAP 318 of IEEE standard 1149.1 is allowed to commandeer control from a WSP 202 of IEEE standard P1500 such that the P1500 architecture, normally controlled by the WSP, is rendered controllable by the TAP. In a second embodiment (1) the TAP and WSP based architectures are merged together such that the sharing of the previously described architectural elements are possible, and (2) the TAP and WSP test interfaces are merged into a single optimized test interface that is operable to perform all operations of each separate test interface. |
| US09535120B2 |
Integrated circuit and method for establishing scan test architecture in integrated circuit
An integrated circuit and method for establishing scan test architecture in the integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of circuit modules. Each circuit module includes a clock control unit, a first pipeline unit, a serialized compressed scan circuit and a second pipeline unit. The clock control unit generates a scan clock according to a test clock. The first pipeline unit converts a test input signal into first data according to the scan clock. The serialized compressed scan circuit generates second data according to the first data and the test clock. The second pipeline unit converts the second data into a test output signal according to the scan clock. The scan clock of each of the circuit modules is independent from the scan clocks of the other circuit modules, thereby reducing the difficulty and cost of timing analysis and adjustment. |
| US09535118B2 |
TAP addressable circuit with bi-directional TMS and second signal lead
This disclosure describes a reduced pin bus that can be used on integrated circuits or embedded cores within integrated circuits. The bus may be used for serial access to circuits where the availability of pins on ICs or terminals on cores is limited. The bus may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations of an IC or core design. Other aspects of the disclosure include the use of reduced pin buses for emulation, debug, and trace operations and for functional operations. |
| US09535115B2 |
Waveguides for capturing close-proximity electromagnetic radiation transmitted by wireless chips during testing on automated test equipment (ATE)
A test fixture has a flexible plastic cable that acts as a waveguide. The Device-Under-Test (DUT) is a small transceiver and antenna that operate in the Extremely High-Frequency (EHF) band of 30-300 GHz. The size of the DUT transceiver is very small, limiting the power of emitted electromagnetic radiation so that close-proximity communication is used. The envelope for reception may only extend for about a centimeter from the DUT transceiver, about the same size as the test socket. A slot is formed in the test socket very near to the antenna. The slot receives one end of the plastic waveguide. The slot extends into the envelope by the DUT transceiver so that close-proximity radiation is captured by the plastic waveguide. The waveguide has a high relative permittivity and reflective metalized walls so that the radiation may be carried to a receiver that is outside the envelope. |
| US09535114B2 |
Testing device
A testing device comprises a first probe member, a second probe member, and an insulation member. The first probe member comprises a tip portion for contacting a device being tested. The second probe member also comprises a tip portion for contacting the device being tested. The insulation member is located at or can be moved to a location between the tip portions of the first and second probe members. |
| US09535106B2 |
Leakage current detection device for appliances
A leakage current detection device includes a self-test pulse generating unit, for generating a pulsed triggering signal when the leakage current detection device is initially energized; a self-test unit, for periodically generating simulated leakage current signals, and generating a simulated leakage current signal based on the pulsed triggering signal; and a leakage current detection unit, for detecting the simulated leakage current and actual leakage current faults. An electrical connection device incorporating the leakage current detection device is also disclosed. By providing the self-test pulse generating unit, the self-test unit can be triggered immediately after the device is initially energized to perform a self test, which prevents faults and unsafe conditions before periodic self test starts. By providing a discharge unit, the leakage current detection device is prevented form performing self test under low voltage conditions and accidental tripping can be avoided. |
| US09535105B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring leakage currents on porcelain and glass insulator disc strings
An apparatus and method for accurately detecting and monitoring leakage currents on porcelain and glass insulator disc strings is disclosed. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor unit configured to attach to a cap of an insulator disc string. The sensor unit includes a sensor disc configured to surround the cap and a housing connected to the sensor disc. The sensor disc includes a conducting lower disc set, a conducting upper disc set, an insulating disc set sandwiched between the upper and lower conducting disc sets, and a conducting mesh connected to a bottom of the lower disc set. The housing including electronics configured to measure and communicate leakage currents on an insulator disc. Leakage currents on a surface of the insulator disc are intercepted by the sensor disc and transferred to the housing for processing and communication by the electronics. |
| US09535102B2 |
Test signal supplying device and semiconductor integrated circuit
A test signal supplying device includes a first external terminal, a second external terminal being applied with a predetermined electric potential, an internal load, a first terminal that is connected to the first external terminal through the internal load, a second terminal that is connected to the first external terminal without passing through the internal load, a test signal generating section that generates a test signal and supplies the test signal to the second terminal, a detecting section that detects an amplitude of the test signal, and a controlling section that measures an impedance of an external load connected to the first and second external terminals based on the detected amplitude of the test signal. |
| US09535100B2 |
Beam imaging sensor and method for using same
The present invention relates generally to the field of sensors for beam imaging and, in particular, to a new and useful beam imaging sensor for use in determining, for example, the power density distribution of a beam including, but not limited to, an electron beam or an ion beam. In one embodiment, the beam imaging sensor of the present invention comprises, among other items, a circumferential slit that is either circular, elliptical or polygonal in nature. In another embodiment, the beam imaging sensor of the present invention comprises, among other things, a discontinuous partially circumferential slit. Also disclosed is a method for using the various beams sensor embodiments of the present invention. |
| US09535098B2 |
Current transducer for measuring an electrical current
The present invention concerns current transducers for measuring a current flowing through a cable. The current transducers have a ferromagnetic core providing a substantially ring-shaped portion and at least two legs. The ring-shaped portion has one air gap or two air gaps. A magnetic field sensor is placed in or at each of the air gap(s). The ring-shaped portion forms a magnetic circuit that encloses the cable and guides the magnetic field generated by current to the air gap(s). Each leg extends from the center of the associated magnetic field sensor in a direction that runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cable and has a certain length. The length of the legs is designed so long that at least two magnetic paths are formed which guide a component of an external magnetic field which extends in the direction of the legs around the magnetic field sensor(s). |
| US09535096B2 |
Guide plate for a probe card and probe card provided with same
It is an object of the invention to provide a guide plate for a probe card with fine through holes at tight pitches and with increased strength. The guide plate 100 for a probe card includes a metal base 110; first insulation layers 120; and metal layers 130. The metal base 110 has a plurality of through holes 111 to receive probes therethrough, and inner walls of the through holes 111. The first insulation layers 120 are of tuboid shape and provided on the respective inner walls of the through holes 111 of the metal base 110. The metal layers 130 are provided on the first insulation layers 120. |
| US09535093B2 |
High frequency probe card for probing photoelectric device
A high frequency probe card for probing a photoelectric device includes a substrate having a first opening and at least one first through hole, an interposing plate disposed on the substrate and having a second opening and at least one second through hole, a circuit board disposed on the interposing plate and having a third opening and at least one third through hole, and a probe module mounted to the substrate and having at least one ground probe and at least one high-frequency impedance matching probe having a signal transmitting structure and a grounding structure passing through the at least one first, second and third through holes and being electrically connected with a signal pad and a ground pad of the circuit board, respectively. The first, second and third openings are communicated with each other for light transmission. |
| US09535078B2 |
Thermal-mechanical testing apparatus for electrically conductive specimen testing systems and method for use thereof
A thermal-mechanical testing apparatus for use with an electrically conductive specimen testing system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first compression anvil assembly, a mounting frame coupled to the first compression anvil assembly, and a second compression anvil assembly positioned opposite the first compression anvil assembly and the mounting frame. The first compression anvil assembly includes a mounting plate, a first compression anvil coupled to the mounting plate, and a heating current ground system coupled to the mounting plate. The mounting frame includes a set of conductive end plates, a set of insulating connectors connecting the conductive end plates, and a plurality of mounting components coupled to the insulating connectors. The mounting components are also coupled to the mounting plate. The second compression anvil assembly includes a conductive mounting plate, a second compression anvil coupled to the conductive mounting plate, and a heating current by-pass system coupled to the conductive mounting plate and one of the conductive end plates. |
| US09535071B2 |
Methods and compositions for diagnosis of inflammatory liver disease
The present disclosure provides methods and compositions that find use in facilitating a diagnosis of inflammatory liver disease in a subject. The methods and compositions generally involve detection of eotaxin-3 (E3) levels, either alone or with levels of eotaxin-1 (E1), and optionally, with levels of CCL22 and, further optionally, with levels of IL15. These levels can be used to facilitate a diagnosis of a liver disease of at least one of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and/or to facilitate a differential diagnosis between AIH, PBC, and PSC. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure also find use in facilitating treatment decisions for a subject. |
| US09535069B2 |
Method of measuring cancer related substances by raman spectroscopy
A method for measuring cancer related substances including cancer cell-derived free DNA by Raman spectroscopy, involving steps for preparing a biochip having a meso-crystal region of silver oxides containing a silver peroxide, adding a blood serum or a biological sample solution dropwise onto the meso-crystal region of said biochip, selectively trapping the cancer-related substances having a positive charge in the sample, irradiating the trapped cancer-related substance with an exciting laser light and detecting a surface enhanced Raman scattering therefrom, wherein cancer diseases are evaluated on the basis of the intensity of the Surface Enhance Raman Scattering (SERS). In the carbon-specific D band and G band in the Raman scattering spectrum, a characteristic peak spectrum of the cancer-related substance can be detected in the proximity of the methyl group characteristic of 2900 cm−1. |
| US09535063B2 |
High-sensitivity nanoscale wire sensors
One aspect of the invention provides a nanoscale wire that has improved sensitivity, for example, as the carrier concentration in the wire is controlled by an external gate voltage. In one set of embodiments, the nanoscale wire has a Debye screening length that is greater than the average cross-sectional dimension of the nanoscale wire when the nanoscale wire is exposed to a solution suspected of containing an analyte. In certain instances, the Debye screening length associated with the carriers inside nanoscale wire may be adjusted by adjusting the voltage, for example, a gate voltage applied to an FET structure. In some cases, the nanoscale wire can be operated under conditions where the carriers in the nanoscale wire are depleted and the nanoscale wire has a conductance that is not linearly proportional to the voltage applied to the nanoscale wire sensor device, for example, via a gate electrode. |
| US09535062B2 |
Dual-functional nonfouling surfaces comprising target binding partner covalently coupled to polymer attached to substrate
Dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, methods for making dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, and devices that include dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials. The dual-functional surfaces are nonfouling surfaces that resist non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The dual-functional surfaces and materials include covalently coupled biomolecules (e.g., target binding partners) that impart specific biological activity thereto. The surfaces and materials are useful in medical diagnostics, biomaterials and bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. |
| US09535058B2 |
Flow chamber analyte detection method
A flow chamber and method for detecting the presence of one more cell produced analytes under flow conditions. The flow chamber includes two compartments separated by a permeable membrane on which a plurality of cells may be positioned. The permeable membrane shields one or more analyte sensors positioned one compartment from the convective transport forces of a fluid flow within the other compartment to allow reliable and accurate detection of cell-produced analytes and determination of the concentration of cell-produced analytes. |
| US09535052B2 |
Apparatus and method for isolating leukocytes and tumor cells by filtration
The present invention provides novel apparatuses and methods for isolating or recovering a subset of blood cells such as leukocytes and/or circulating tumor cells from blood samples by filtration without changing the intracellular concentration of a therapeutic agent such as an anticancer drug. Contrary to the art, the apparatuses and methods of the present invention advantageously provide cell lysates from recovered cells such as leukocytes and/or circulating tumor cells without substantial dilution of a therapeutic agent such as an anticancer drug. |
| US09535051B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring and recording real time environmental conditions at target shell locations during the shell building process
An investment casting shell substrate sensor method and apparatus comprising a hollow probe 10 having an aperture 30, the aperture 30 covered by a water proof breathable membrane (WPBM) 20 that is constructed and arranged to repel liquid from entering the aperture 30, while remaining permeable so as to allow vapor and air to pass through the aperture 30, thereby creating a liquid free internal void 50 within the hollow probe 10 that receives a sensor 40 for measuring the conditions (i.e. temperature and humidity) within the internal void 50, which are accurately indicative of the conditions at the shell substrate at the aperture 30 location. The disclosed sensor assembly provides target specific information at selected substrates within the shell real time, during the shell building process. |
| US09535050B2 |
Fluid quality monitoring and filtration system
A fluid filtration system may include a fluid filter assembly that includes a filter element configured to filter a fluid and a sensor probe incorporated into the fluid filter assembly. The sensor probe may include a chemically reactive material sensitive to at least one property of the fluid and at least a portion of the sensor probe may be exposed to the fluid. |
| US09535048B2 |
Method for determining number of drops
A method for determining the number of drops metered with a drop frequency into a reactor, especially in a high temperature decomposition system for analyzers, wherein a gas stream is flowing through the reactor. There exists in the reactor a temperature, which is greater than the boiling temperature of the liquid, and a drop metered into the reactor transforms at least partially into the gas phase following entry into the reactor, especially due to heat transfer from contact with a surface within the reactor, especially directly after contact with the surface within the reactor. With a sampling rate, which is greater than the drop frequency, a sequence of pressure signals dependent on pressure within the reactor is registered, and, from the sequence of pressure signals or from values derived therefrom, the number of drops metered into the reactor is ascertained. |
| US09535046B2 |
Solid state sensor for detection of explosives
Functionalized titanium nanotubes can be utilized to detect compounds of interest, for example peroxide-based explosives. The nanotubes may desirably be coated, for example with a silicon oxynitride coating, in order to improve detection performance and/or functionality in the presence of moisture, saline, or other conditions typically unfavorable to titanium nanotube detection devices and methods. Inexpensive, compact, reusable, and responsive sensors may be fabricated from the coated nanotubes. |
| US09535045B2 |
Low pressure biogas sample takeoff and conditioning system
A temperature and pressure regulating biogas sample extraction system and method for providing a conditioned biogas sample for constituent analysis. |
| US09535044B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring aging environment
An aging environment measurement apparatus measures aging environment data within an oak barrel and transmits the measured aging environment data within the oak barrel to a server, and the aging environment measurement apparatus is mounted in a bung of the oak barrel. |
| US09535043B2 |
Color change indicator of biofilm formation
Technologies are generally described for devices for detection of a biofilm by a color change in a moisture-indicating substance, such as a chemical or a dye. The moisture indicating material may be supported by a substrate and sealed to keep moisture from the moisture indicating material. Alternatively, the moisture indicating material may be supported in a pouch and sealed by the pouch. The color change results from an ingress of moisture accompanying growth of a biofilm. The moisture-indicating substance may be used with indwelling or other devices to detect a biofilm. When the biofilm has sufficiently degraded the seal, an ingress of moisture and its accompanying pH may cause a color change in the moisture-indicating substance to signify the presence of the biofilm. Methods of manufacture and use of the disclosed devices are also described. |
| US09535042B2 |
Method and system for monitoring biomolecule separations by mass spectrometry
Monitoring biomolecule separations by mass spectrometry is described. The mixture to be separated is introduced into a first fluidic stream, which then passes through a chromatography column. Small samples are periodically taken from the first fluidic stream as it leaves the chromatography column and injected into a first branch of a second fluidic stream. Low molecular weight components detrimental to the efficient operation of the mass spectrometer are removed by an in-line dialysis cell. A second fraction of the second fluidic stream acts as the dialysate. In a second and preferred system provided in accordance with the present teaching, the first fraction of the second fluidic stream is further split downstream of the sampling mechanism through the use of a three-way connector. Approximately 0.3 to 5 microliters per minute continues through the dialysis cell and thereafter to the electrospray emitter of the mass spectrometer. |
| US09535041B2 |
Propagation rate measurement device, propagation rate measurement program, and propagation rate measurement method
A sonic speed measurement device in which reliability is enhanced while the amount of calculation is minimized is provided. A propagation path postulation component postulates the sonic speed through bone, and calculates propagation paths up until ultrasonic waves transmitted from a wave transmitter are received by oscillators. A postulated propagation time calculator calculates the propagation time it takes for the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the wave transmitter to be received by the oscillators, based on the propagation paths. A Fourier transform component subjects I signals and Q signals of signals outputted by the oscillators to Fourier transform to generate Fourier transform data. A phase shifter shifts the phase of the Fourier transform data for the oscillators in a frequency region according to the propagation time. A sonic speed derivation component determines the validity of the postulated sonic speed based on the Fourier transform data shifted by the phase shifter. |
| US09535034B2 |
Ion chromatograph
A suppressor is structured by an ion exchange section being structured by an eluate path forming member forming an eluate path and a regenerant path forming member forming a regenerant path being stacked across an ion exchange film, and a heat-conductive heat block covering the outside of the ion exchange section. A separation column, the suppressor, and an electrical conductivity meter are accommodated in a common constant temperature bath. The inside of the constant temperature bath is feedback-controlled by a temperature control section so as to be maintained at constant temperature. |
| US09535031B2 |
Molecular receptor-based chemical field-effect transistor (CHEMFET) devices, systems, and methods for in-situ nitrate monitoring in field soils
Embodiments include a method for securing a membrane material to a gate of a molecular receptor-based chemical field-effect transistor (CHEMFET). The method can include casting a membrane material onto an exposed region of the gate, curing the membrane material, placing the CHEMFET into a mold, inserting a single application of impervious electrically insulative resin into the mold, and securing edges of the membrane material by the single application of the impervious electrically insulative resin, thereby physically preventing lifting off of the membrane material from the gate. Embodiments include a sensor module. The sensor module can include a CHEMFET, an amplifier circuit, one or more sensor pins for contacting field ground soil, a data logger, and a wireless transceiver, among other components. |
| US09535030B2 |
Stackable electrochemical analyte sensors, systems and methods including same
In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects. |
| US09535028B2 |
Biosensors and methods of preparing same
A biosensor strip having a low profile for reducing the volume of liquid sample needed to perform an assay. In one embodiment, the biosensor strip includes an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; a sample chamber; and an incompressible element placed between the cover and the electrode support, the incompressible element providing an opening in at least one side or in the distal end of the sample chamber to provide at least one vent in the sample chamber. In another embodiment, the biosensor strip has an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; and a sample chamber, the cover having a plurality of openings formed therein, at least one of the openings in register with the sample chamber. The invention further includes methods for preparing such a biosensor strips in a continuous manner. |
| US09535024B2 |
Sense and hold circuit for hose assembly
A monitoring circuit for detecting degradation of a hose assembly a hose assembly and a hose assembly incorporating such a monitoring circuit are disclosed. The monitoring circuit includes a voltage source connected to a first connection location of a hose assembly. A capacitor is electrically connected between the second connection location connected to the second conductive layer of a hose assembly and a ground. The capacitor is selected such that a change in resistance of the hose assembly changes a voltage carried by the capacitor. The monitoring circuit includes a voltage sampling circuit configured to periodically detect a voltage at the capacitor. Upon detecting a change in the voltage above a predetermined threshold, the voltage sampling circuit generates an alarm indicative of potential failure. |
| US09535020B2 |
Analyzing an object using a particle beam apparatus
Described herein is a method for analyzing an object using a particle beam apparatus, for example an electron beam apparatus and/or an ion beam apparatus, or using an x-ray beam device and a particle beam apparatus or an x-ray beam device, by means of which the method is carried out. In the method, information about the object is loaded from a data memory into a control device. Furthermore, a group of detection units from the multiplicity of detection units is identified using the information loaded into the control device. A first detector segment is formed from the group of detection units using the control device. Interaction particles and/or interaction radiation, which is/are detected, is/are generated by guiding a particle beam onto the object and scanning the object using the particle beam, where a detector segment signal is read from the detector segment. |
| US09535015B2 |
Pattern inspection method and pattern inspection apparatus
A pattern inspection method includes acquiring an image of a pattern in a stripe region concerned, regarding each of stripe regions of the first group each not including an adjacent stripe region in plural stripe regions obtained by virtually dividing an inspection region of a target object on which patterns have been formed into the plural stripe regions each partially overlapping an adjacent stripe region, wherein the acquiring is performed using laser lights or electron beams, in a longitudinal direction of the stripe region of the first group, and acquiring an image of a pattern in a stripe region concerned, regarding each of stripe regions of the second group each not including an adjacent stripe region, in remaining stripe regions other than the first group stripe regions, wherein the acquiring is performed using laser lights or electron beams, in the longitudinal direction of the stripe region of the second group. |
| US09535013B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting defect
In inspecting a substrate having a transparent oxide film or a metal film formed on a surface thereof by using a dark field type inspection apparatus installing a laser light source, an illuminating beam having a high coherence causes variations in reflection strength due to multiple interferences within the transparent oxide film or an interference of scattered beams due to the surface roughness of the metal film occurs and which leads to degradation in the sensitivity of defect detection. The present invention solves the problem by providing a low-coherence but high-brightness illumination using a highly directive broadband light source, and a system in which the conventional laser light source is simultaneously employed to selectively use the light sources, thereby enabling a highly sensitive inspection according to the condition of a wafer. |
| US09535009B2 |
Inspection system
To improve sensitivity of a defect inspection, it is required to decrease influence of excessive diffraction from a spatial filter. Further, it is preferable to secure signal intensity from defects and particles as much as possible, while the influence of the excessive diffraction is decreased as much as possible. The present invention is characterized in setting a width of a spatial filter surface such that an unnecessary image caused by diffraction, that is, an intensity of the excessive diffraction is sufficiently small with respect to an intensity of a desired image. In the present invention, an SN ratio that is an index for deciding a width of the spatial filter is calculated from a region subjected to the influence of the excessive diffraction in an inspection image, and a width of a shield unit of the spatial filter is set so as to maximize the SN ratio. |
| US09535006B2 |
Semiconductor nanoparticles and fluorescent probe for biological labeling
Semiconductor nanoparticles of the present invention are particles each having a core-shell structure that includes a core and a shell surrounding the core. The core includes (AgIn)xZn2(1-x)S2 (0.4≦x≦0.95 holds). The shell includes ZnS or ZnO, and the semiconductor nanoparticles each have at least one hydrophilic functional group on a surface of the shell. As the hydrophilic functional group, for example, a carboxyl group or a sulfo group may be mentioned. Since having a low toxicity and a high emission quantum yield, the semiconductor nanoparticles as described above may be used for a fluorescent probe for biological labeling. |
| US09535005B2 |
Electro-optic grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance (EOSPR)
An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or surface plasmon coupled emission on an electro-optic grating-coupled sensor surface is described herein. The sensor chip achieves SPR through a grating-coupled approach, with variations in the local dielectric constant at regions of interest (ROI) at the sensor surface detected as a function of the intensity of light reflecting from these ROI. Unlike other grating-based approaches, the metal surface is sufficiently thin that resonant conditions are sensitive to dielectric constant changes both above and below the metal surface (like the Kretschmann configuration). Dielectric constant shifts that occur as mass accumulates on the surface can be returned to reference intensities by applying voltage across the underlying electro-optic polymer. Approaches to the development of the sensor surfaces are described, as are software and hardware features facilitating sample handling, data gathering, and data analysis by this solid-state approach. |
| US09535002B2 |
Device for inspecting a material provided with a coated surface and related method
A device for inspecting a material with a coated surface includes a light source disposed above the surface that emits light in a wavelength range, at least one first camera for determining a color value of detected light reflected from the surface and an evaluation device. The first camera is disposed above a line located on the surface and configured with a first aperture to detect light from a first point of the line at a first viewing angle and light from a second point separate from the first point at a second viewing angle. The first camera determines a first color value of the first point light and a second color value of the second point light and the evaluation device compares the first and second color values or a color value difference with a predefined color setpoint value or predefined color setpoint value range. |
| US09534993B2 |
Entropy-based impact load identification
Methods and apparatus for identifying the location of the load on a structure. Various embodiments include calculating a plurality of potential loading sites, assessing the statistical order of each of those predictions, and selecting regions of the structure where the load most likely occurred based on the orderliness (or randomness) of the assessments. |
| US09534989B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for elution of particles from flat filters
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using a wet foam elution method for removal of particles from a flat filter. Particles are captured from the atmosphere onto the flat filter. The flat filter is then placed into an extractor which passes a stream of wet foam through the flat filter. Expansion of the foam works to efficiently remove captured particles. The foam flows from the filter along with the captured particles into a sample container. Once in the sample container, the foam quickly breaks down leaving an analysis ready liquid sample. |
| US09534986B2 |
Bicycle rim examination device
A bicycle rim examination device includes a body having a base and two upright side frames extend from the base. Each of the two side frames has a first cylinder, a second cylinder and a third cylinder connected to the top thereof. Each of the second and third cylinders is connected with a roller. A power supply device is located on one end of the body and has transmission shaft which has a roller and is driven by a motor. The transmission shaft is supported by two slides which are movable along two guide frames. A first detector with a first probe and a second detector with a second probe are connected to the body. The bicycle rim examination device examines the tension of the spokes and the roundness of the rim. |
| US09534985B2 |
Fault diagnostic system for internal combustion engine and fault diagnostic method for internal combustion engine
A learning unit learns a difference between a detected value ECT and a detected value RCT when it is determined that the detected value ECT and detected value RCT are stable while an engine is at a stop. A diagnostic unit performs a fault diagnosis for the engine based on the difference between the detected value ECT and detected value RCT having been corrected through use of a learned value learned by the learning unit. Accordingly, a fault diagnostic system for an internal combustion engine and a fault diagnostic method for an internal combustion engine can be achieved in which accuracy in fault diagnosis for the internal combustion engine can be improved and an erroneous diagnosis can be restrained. |
| US09534982B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for minimally intrusive fiber identification
A method, apparatus and system for minimally intrusive fiber identification includes imparting a time-varying modulation onto an optical signal propagating in an optical fiber and subsequently detecting the presence of the time-varying modulation in the optical signal transmitting through the fiber to identify the fiber. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a time-varying curvature is imposed on the fiber to be identified and the presence of the resultant time variation in the transmitted power of a propagating optical signal is subsequently detected for identification of the manipulated fiber. |
| US09534980B2 |
Test method and apparatus for bioreactor containers having reception sheet clamped between bioreactor container and bioreactor container compartment
A method for testing the integrity of a bioreactor container includes providing a bioreactor container having a fluid-tight, at least locally flexible wall and having at least one container opening and providing a test apparatus having a bioreactor container compartment and a fluid-permeable and/or structured reception sheet arranged replaceably on the bioreactor container compartment. The method continues by arranging the bioreactor container in the bioreactor container compartment so that the bioreactor container wall contacts the reception sheet in the bioreactor container compartment, connecting the container opening of the bioreactor container to a fluid source filling the bioreactor container with a fluid from the fluid source to generate a predetermined positive pressure P1 in the bioreactor container at a first time T1 and determining whether the bioreactor container is sufficiently leaktight. |
| US09534976B2 |
Pressure sensor for vehicle in the event of a collision
A pressure sensor includes a sensor housing mounted on a vehicle, a first detector located in the housing and having a first diaphragm facing a sealed space of the vehicle, a second detector located in the housing and having a second diaphragm facing the sealed space, and a protector located in the housing and covering the first and second detectors. A first chamber is formed between the first diaphragm and the housing and isolated from the sealed space so that the first diaphragm can be deformed by a pressure in the sealed space. A second chamber is formed between the second diaphragm and the sensor housing and communicates with the sealed space. The first and second diaphragms produce the same signal when being deformed by the same amount in the same direction. |
| US09534974B2 |
Integrated transducer provided with a temperature sensor and method for sensing a temperature of the transducer
A pressure sensor includes a body made of semiconductor material having a first type of conductivity and a pressure-sensitive structure having the first type of conductivity defining a suspended membrane. One or more piezoresistive elements having a second type of conductivity (P) are formed in the suspended membrane. The piezoresistive elements form, with the pressure-sensitive structure, respective junction diodes. A temperature sensing method includes: generating a first current between conduction terminals common to the junction diodes; detecting a first voltage value between the common conduction terminals when the first current is supplied; and correlating the detected first voltage value to a value of temperature of the diodes. The temperature value thus calculated can be used for correcting the voltage signal generated at output by the pressure sensor when the latter is operated for sensing an applied outside pressure which deforms the suspended membrane. |
| US09534971B2 |
Closed loop load force estimation systems and methods
What is described is a system for determining a force applied to an outer disc of an aircraft brake by an actuator motor. The system includes a current sensor coupled to the actuator motor and configured to detect a detected amount of current applied to the actuator motor. The system also includes a controller coupled to the current sensor. The controller is configured to determine an estimated current. The controller is also configured to receive the detected amount of current. The controller is also configured to determine an adjusted current based on the detected amount of current and the estimated current. The controller is also configured to determine an estimate of the force applied to the outer disc based on the adjusted current. |
| US09534969B1 |
System and method for tactile sensing using thin film optical sensing networks
A system and method for tactile sensing using thin film optical sensing networks is disclosed. A sensing network includes an array of optical pathways arranged in a flexible material. Each optical pathway has an input at a first end and an output at a second end. A light source is coupled to the input of each respective associated optical pathway. Each light source directs a light signal having a first predetermined frequency and characteristic into the associated optical pathway. A light detector is coupled to the output of each respective associated optical pathway. Each light detector receives a light signal from the associated optical pathway and generates an output signal corresponding to the magnitude of the received light signal at a second predetermined frequency. A processor receives the output signals from each light detector and determines an amount of pressure applied to the sensing network based on the received signals. |
| US09534968B2 |
Fault detection method
With a precondition that a cooling water temperature sensor 16 and an intercooler exit gas temperature sensor 18 have been determined normal, whether an EGR cooler efficiency calculated is within a normal range is determined. When within the normal range, whether there is divergence between a calculation value of an intake temperature to be detected by an intake manifold gas temperature sensor 19 and an actual detection value of the sensor 19 is determined. When not in the normal range, whether the calculation value is excessively low is determined; and, just like the above, whether there is divergence between the calculation value and the actuation detection value of the intake manifold gas temperature sensor 19 is determined. Based on the determinations categorized, whether the EGR cooler 14, EGR gas temperature sensor 17 and intake manifold gas temperature sensor 19 are normal is determined. |
| US09534963B2 |
Magnetic nano temperature measurement method using triangle wave excitation magnetic field
Provided is a magnetic nano temperature measurement method under a triangle wave excitation magnetic field relating to a technical field of nano measurement. The method further comprises steps of: (1) positioning a magnetic nano sample at a measured object; (2) applying a triangle wave excitation magnetic field on area of the magnetic nano sample; (3) detecting a triangle wave excitation magnetic field-time curve and a magnetization-time curve of the magnetic nano sample; (4) obtaining a magnetizing curve of the magnetic nano sample, namely excitation magnetic field-magnetization curve, by the triangle wave excitation magnetic field curve and the magnetization curve, and sampling the magnetizing curve to obtain magnetization Mi of the magnetic nano sample under excitation magnetic field Hi; and (5) determining temperature of the measured object by curve fitting with excitation magnetic field Hi as input, magnetization Mi as output, and a relationship between the excitation magnetic field and the magnetization as objective function. The invention obtains a magnetizing curve rapidly using a triangle wave excitation magnetic field, and realizes real-time and precise temperature measurement based on magnetic nanoparticles by inversion algorithms according to the magnetizing curve based on a temperature measurement model of magnetic nanoparticles under a DC magnetic field. |
| US09534962B2 |
Temperature measurement devices
A temperature measurement device is provided to measure an environment temperature and includes a thermistor, a resistor, a determination circuit, and a measurement circuit. The thermistor is coupled to a first node. The thermistor has a specific impedance value at a specific environment temperature point. The resistor has a first terminal coupled to the first node. The determination circuit determines a real impedance value of the resistor. The measurement circuit is coupled to the first node for receiving a measurement value signal generated at the first node and obtains a value of the specific environment temperature point according to the measurement value signal and the real impedance value of the resistor. |
| US09534961B2 |
Metal nitride material for thermistor, method for producing same, and film type thermistor sensor
Provided are a metal nitride material for a thermistor, which has high reliability and high heat resistance and can be directly deposited on a film or the like without firing, a method for producing the same, and a film type thermistor sensor.The metal nitride material for a thermistor consists of a metal nitride represented by the general formula: (M1−vAv)xAly(N1−wOw)z (where “M” represents at least one element selected from Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co, “A” represents at least one element selected from Mn, Cu, Ni, Fe, and Co, which is different from the selected “M”, 0.0 |
| US09534958B1 |
Monitoring using passive infra-red sensing
Detecting infrared radiation from a rodent in a cage using an infrared sensor array with a field of view that corresponds to a moving area of the rodent to determine position, velocity, head position, etc. and determining a behavior of the rodent based on the detected infrared radiation. |
| US09534953B2 |
Laser output measuring apparatus
A laser output measuring apparatus in which an optical separator is disposed in a position that is rotated by a predetermined angle about an optical axis of a laser beam converged by a lens, and further rotated by a predetermined angle about the optical axis of the laser beam and a straight line perpendicular to an incident surface of the laser beam. |
| US09534952B2 |
Integrated parameter monitoring in a fiber laser/amplifier
Techniques are disclosed for monitoring parameters in a high power fiber laser or amplifier system without adding a tap coupler or increasing fiber length. In some embodiments, a cladding stripper is used to draw off a small percentage of light propagating in the cladding to an integrated signal parameter monitor. Parameters at one or more specific wavelengths (e.g., pump signal wavelength, signal/core signal wavelength, etc) can be monitored. In some such cases, filters can be used to allow for selective passing of signal wavelength to be monitored to a corresponding parameter monitor. The filters can be external or may be integrated into a parameter monitor package that includes cladding stripper with integrated parameter monitor. Other parameters of interest (e.g., phase, wavelength) can also be monitored, in addition to, or as an alternative to power. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure (e.g., system-on-chip). |
| US09534951B2 |
Measuring module for remission photometric analysis and method for the production thereof
A measuring module for remission photometric analysis of one or a plurality of specimens is provided with the following features: a transmitter with a transmission channel for transmitting a measuring radiation to location of the specimen; a first focusing device for focusing the measuring radiation on the specimen; a receiver with a receiving channel to receive the radiation reflected by the specimen; a second focusing device made of plastic for focusing the measuring radiation reflected by the specimen onto the receiver, whereby the second focusing device further comprises a filter which is designed to filter a fluorescence radiation from the specimen excited by the measuring radiation. |
| US09534949B2 |
Pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined transducer cell with stress layer
The present invention relates to a pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined transducer cell (10) comprising a substrate (12), and a membrane (14) disposed above a total membrane area (Atotal), wherein a cavity (20) is formed between the membrane (14) and the substrate (12), the membrane comprising a hole (15) and an edge portion (14a) surrounding the hole (15). The cell (10) further comprises a stress layer (17) on the membrane (14), the stress layer (17) having a predetermined stress value with respect to the membrane (14), the stress layer (17) being adapted to provide a bending moment on the membrane (14) in a direction towards the substrate (12) such that the edge portion (14a) of the membrane (14) is collapsed to the substrate (12). The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined transducer cell (10). |
| US09534944B2 |
Method for determining and/or monitoring fill level of a medium in a container
A method for determining and/or monitoring fill level of a medium in a container with a measuring device, which works according to the travel time measuring method, wherein measurement signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received, wherein from the high-frequency total measurement signal, composed by superimposing the transmitted measurement signals, the reflected wanted echo signals and the disturbance echo signals, a raw echo curve or digitized envelope curve is ascertained. The wanted echo signals and/or the disturbance echo signals in the raw echo curve or the digitized envelope curve are ascertained based on an ideal echo curve, which shows the amplitude of the echo signals of an ideal reflector as a function of the distance from the ideal reflector, and based on the ascertained wanted echo signal the fill level is determined. |
| US09534942B2 |
Variable orifice flow sensor utilizing localized contact force
A variable orifice fluid flow sensor is provided that includes a biasing member and a bending member positioned proximate the biasing member. The biasing member includes at least one biasing element extending from the biasing member into contact with a non-flapper portion of the bending member to exert a contact force on the bending member. |
| US09534940B2 |
Resolver
A resolver can have a stator installed in a housing simply, without requiring a special jig. In the resolver including a housing and a stator core fixed in the housing, the stator core is fixed to the inside of the housing by rotating relative to the housing. |
| US09534932B2 |
XMR angle sensor arrangement with safety mechanism and method for monitoring the same
An XMR angle sensor arrangement with a safety mechanism comprises an XMR angle sensor having a sensing area for sensing an in-plane magnetic field and for outputting a sensor signal based on the in-plane magnetic field component sensed in the sensing area; a permanent magnet, which is rotatably arranged with respect to the XMR angle sensor to generate a first in-plane magnetic field component in the sensing area of the XMR angle sensor; an excitation current rail path, which is arranged proximate to the sensing area of the XMR angle sensor; and an excitation current provider configured to provide the excitation current rail path with an excitation signal having a excitation signal strength, wherein the excitation signal strength of the excitation signal is chosen to generate a second in-plane magnetic field component in the sensing area of the XMR angle sensor which results, due to a super position of the first and second in-plane magnetic field components, in an expected change of the direction of the resulting in-plane magnetic field component, wherein the XMR angle sensor arrangement is correctly functioning when the sensed change of direction of the resulting in-plane magnetic field component due to the excitation signal corresponds to the expected change of direction of the resulting in-plane magnetic field component. |
| US09534931B2 |
Encoder, encoder installation method, torque-limiting mechanism, driving apparatus, and robot apparatus
An encoder includes a first rotator connectable to a rotating shaft and including a first pattern, and a first detection unit positioned at a non-rotatory member and configured to detect the first pattern. The encoder also includes a second rotator connectable to an output shaft that is rotatable around a predetermined axis and is configured to output rotation caused by the rotating shaft. The encoder also includes a second detection unit positioned at the non-rotatory member and configured to detect the second pattern, and a reference unit configured to position the first detection unit and the second detection unit by a common position reference. |
| US09534929B1 |
Demand/response mechanism in a wireless sensor network
A wireless sensor network at a monitored location can be configured to generate sensor channel(s) of data to assess operational conditions at the monitored location. Inputs based on the sensor channel(s) of data are provided to a host system for analysis of a demand to one or more resources at the monitored location. Response messages can be generated based on the demand analysis and transmitted to actuator(s) at the monitored location to effect an adjustment to the operational conditions. |
| US09534926B2 |
Method for the autonomous calibration of an inertial rig used in static mode
The invention relates to a method for the autocalibration of an inertial rig comprising an inertial core defining a sensor reference frame, implemented in the course of at least two missions (Mn, Mn+1) each comprising the determination, on the basis of measurements of gyroscopes, of the orientation of the rig in a reference frame comprising the north axis (N) and the vertical axis (Up), the method comprising the implementation:—in the course of a mission (Mn), of an estimation (200) of drift errors of the gyroscopes for the orientation of the rig at least with respect to the north axis (dgyrN); and—in the course of a following mission (Mn+1), of a calculation (400) of corrections of drift errors (DXn) of the sensor reference frame (X,Y,Z), on the basis of the estimated drift errors; and—of a calculation (600) of drift errors (Xn+1), consisting in correcting drift errors (Xn) of the sensor reference frame that were calculated during the previous mission (Mn). |
| US09534925B2 |
Hemitoroidal resonator gyroscope
A method for fabricating a vibratory structure gyroscope is provided herein. An annular cavity is formed in a first surface of a substrate, the annular cavity defining an anchor post located in a central portion of the annular cavity. A bubble layer is formed over the first surface of the substrate and over the annular cavity. The substrate and the bubble layer are heated to form a hemitoroidal bubble in the bubble layer over the annular cavity. A sacrificial layer is deposited over the hemitoroidal bubble of the bubble layer and an aperture is formed in the sacrificial layer, the aperture disposed over the anchor post in the annular cavity. A resonator layer is deposited over the sacrificial layer and the sacrificial layer between the bubble layer and the resonator layer is removed. |
| US09534923B2 |
Sensor device with sampling function, and sensor data processing system using same
The sensor device includes a counter for counting the number of count commands used to perform measurements while maintaining among multiple sensor devices the ratio of measurement intervals; a ratio-holding-unit for setting the ratio to a desired ratio and holding respective values of the ratio for each of the multiple sensor devices; a sampling-timing-generating-unit for receiving a count value of the counter and the setting value of the ratio held by the ratio-holding-unit, and for generating a sampling timing signal based on the comparison result between the count value and the setting value; and a sampling-unit for sampling a detection signal detected by the detecting unit, by using the sampling timing signal generated by the sampling-timing-generating-unit. |
| US09534922B1 |
Aircraft recording system, device, and method responsive to a new command not stated in a flight plan
Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for recording a modification of an existing route plan are disclosed. The disclosed system may be comprised of a flight management system (“FMS”), at least one human-machine interface (“HMI”) device, at least one display unit, and a route modification generator (“RMG”). The disclosed device may be comprised of the RMG configured to perform the disclosed method, where such method may be comprised of receiving a request to modify an existing route plan; retrieving the route plan from the FMS; generating a message data set representative of one or more pre-formatted messages having one or more visually-conspicuous, user-interactive variable fields; updating the message data set in response to a user's selection of each field; sending the updated data set to the display unit; receiving a pilot's authorization to modify the route plan, and sending the accepted, modified flight plan to the FMS. |
| US09534920B2 |
Information processing cooperation system, information processing terminal and computer readable medium for the same
An information processing cooperation system, comprising: a first information processing terminal mounted on a vehicle; a second information processing terminal having a plurality of types of applications, wherein the first information processing terminal comprises: a condition determination unit configured to determine current conditions of at least one of the vehicle and a user riding on the vehicle; and an activation control unit configured to transmit, depending on the current conditions determined by the condition determination unit, an activation request for activating at least one of the plurality of types of applications to the second information processing terminal, wherein the second information processing terminal comprises: an application activation unit configured to activate an application corresponding to the activation request received from the activation control unit; and an application execution unit configured to execute the activated application in cooperation with the first information processing terminal. |
| US09534919B2 |
Method and apparatus for presenting a travel metric
An apparatus includes a navigation device having a display device and a processing device coupled thereto and configured to present on the display device an indicator of a legend location, determine at least one travel metric corresponding to at least one legend location, and present the at least one travel metric in tandem with the indicator of the legend location. The at least one travel metric includes one or more of the following: a travel route distance to the legend location from a current physical location, an estimated time of arrival at the legend location, and an estimated duration of travel to the legend location from the present physical location. A corresponding method is also provided. |
| US09534918B2 |
Determining and displaying auto drive lanes in an autonomous vehicle
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to identifying and displaying traffic lanes that are available for autonomous driving. This information may be displayed to a driver of a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode, in order to inform the driver of where he or she can use the autonomous driving mode. In one example, the display may visually distinguishing between lanes that are available for auto-drive from those that are not. The display may also include an indicator of the position of a lane (autodrive or not) currently occupied by the vehicle. In addition, if that lane is an autodrive lane the display may include information indicating how much further the vehicle may continue in the autonomous driving mode in that particular lane. The display may also display information indicating the remaining autodrive distance in other lanes as well as the lane with the greatest remaining autodrive distance. |
| US09534914B1 |
Cognitive needs-based trip planning
A route-determination module (RDM) is provided, with the RDM having as input one or more cognitive preferences of a traveler. Further, the RDM receives input on a current or a forecasted cognitive state of the traveler, along with the cognitive load associated with one or more potential routes for traveling to a destination. A recommended route is determined based on the preference(s), state, and/or cognitive load. |
| US09534911B2 |
Method and apparatus for route determination based on one or more non-travel lanes
An approach is provided for determining one or more non-travel lanes in at least one route segment. The approach involves obtaining data from a location database, the data comprising information with respect to at least one route segment including, at least in part, information on travel and non-travel lanes within the at least one travel route segment. The approach then involves determining one or more non-travel lanes in the at least one route segment based, at least in part, on the data. The approach further involves determining whether to include the at least one route segment in a navigation route based, at least in part, on a minimization of a risk of being blocked by the one or more non-travel lanes during a time a user is projected to travel. |
| US09534908B2 |
GPS data repair
Repairing GPS data is disclosed. Repairing GPS data includes repairing an effort, comprising determining that the effort includes inaccurate GPS data; and adjusting the effort using a repaired base map. Repairing GPs data includes repairing a segment, comprising determining an inaccurate shape data in the segment; and adjusting shape data for the segment based on a repaired base. |
| US09534907B2 |
Location-based services
A location tracking unit for use with a location based service system is presented. The location tracking unit comprises: a navigation receiver adapted to implement a location tracking function; data processing means adapted to determine an occupied location according to a first location matching process, the first location matching process using navigation data from the navigation receiver and a first set of geographic data; and data processing means adapted to verify the integrity of the first location matching process based on a second location matching process using navigation data and a second set of geographic data. |
| US09534904B2 |
Electronic device and navigation method for indoor escaping
A navigation method for indoor escaping is executed by at least one processor of an electronic device. At least three message transmitters fixed in a building around the electronic device are connected with the electronic device. Messages are received from each message transmitter. The messages include location information of each message transmitter and a floor plan of the building. A current position of the electronic device is determined according to the location information of each message transmitter and signal strength of each connection between the electronic device and each message transmitter when receiving a fire alarm and a position of the fire. An optimal escape route is calculated according to the floor plan of the building, the position of the electronic device, and the position of the fire. Navigation is provided to a user of the electronic device to escape from the building. |
| US09534903B2 |
Management of annotated location aware assets
A method may include storing a plurality of floor maps, each floor map indicating a structural layout of a respective physical location, storing a plurality of point-of-interest (POI) data structures, each POI data structure including a physical location of an associated POI that is associated with the respective POI data structure, receiving a floor map request, the floor map request including a requested location, based upon the location included by the floor map request, selecting a floor map and a subset of the plurality of POI data structures, for each of the subset of the plurality of POI data structures, receiving metadata from the associated POI, the metadata indicating a status of the associated POI, and transmitting, to the client computing device and in response to the floor map request, the selected floor map and the selected POI data structures. |
| US09534899B2 |
Re-localization of a robot for slam
Vector Field SLAM is a method for localizing a mobile robot in an unknown environment from continuous signals such as WiFi or active beacons. Disclosed is a technique for localizing a robot in relatively large and/or disparate areas. This is achieved by using and managing more signal sources for covering the larger area. One feature analyzes the complexity of Vector Field SLAM with respect to area size and number of signals and then describe an approximation that decouples the localization map in order to keep memory and run-time requirements low. A tracking method for re-localizing the robot in the areas already mapped is also disclosed. This allows to resume the robot after is has been paused or kidnapped, such as picked up and moved by a user. Embodiments of the invention can comprise commercial low-cost products including robots for the autonomous cleaning of floors. |
| US09534895B2 |
Vibrating element, angular velocity sensor, electronic apparatus, and moving object
A vibrating element includes a vibration portion including a first main surface, a second main surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, and extending in a first direction. The vibration portion includes a first groove formed in the first main surface and a second groove formed in the second main surface, and in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first main surface, the first groove and the second groove are provided to shift in opposite directions from each other, in a second direction. |
| US09534894B2 |
Resonator element, gyro sensor element, electronic device, electronic apparatus, and moving object
In order to provide a resonator element having high production efficiency and low impedance in a small size, the resonator element includes a base portion, and a driving arm which extends from the base portion and includes a through hole, in which the driving arm vibrates along an in-plane direction, and includes a plurality of broad portions of which a width in the in-plane direction is broad and a plurality of narrow portions of which a width in the in-plane direction is narrow which alternate with each other, and the through hole is disposed in the broad portion. |
| US09534892B2 |
Distance measuring system
A distance measuring system comprises a radiation source, a radiation detector, a measuring lens system, a first damping filter, a second damping filter and an actuator. The radiation source is constructed to emit optical radiation and the radiation detector is constructed to detect optical radiation. The measuring lens system is designed to project optical radiation to a target and to conduct optical radiation reflected by the target to the radiation detector. The first damping filter has a constant damping and can be arranged in a beam path between the radiation source and the measuring lens system. The second damping filter has an adjustable damping and can be arranged in a beam path between the measuring lens system and the radiation detector. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the first and also to the second damping filter and is constructed to move the first and the second damping filter in common. |
| US09534888B2 |
Detection apparatus, measurement apparatus, exposure apparatus, method of manufacturing article, and measurement method
The present invention provides a detection apparatus which detects an original mark on an original and a substrate mark on a substrate, the original mark and the substrate mark being arranged via a projection optical system, the apparatus comprising an optical system including an imaging device and configured to form an image of the original mark and an image of the substrate mark onto the imaging device, wherein the optical system includes a detection reference member having a first mark and a second mark, and is configured to form an image of the first mark onto the original, form an image of the second mark onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the original, and form the image of the first mark, and the image of the second mark onto the imaging device. |
| US09534886B1 |
Laser measuring system for joints of pipes
A laser measuring system for continuous measurement of at least one join of pipe being inserted into or removed from a wellbore. The laser measuring system can have a laser housing with a laser surface velocimeter. The laser housing with a laser arm can be connected to a support member with an upper mounting member and an upper rubber pipe wiper and a lower plate with a lower rubber pipe wiper. The laser surface velocimeter can communicate via a network to a computer processor and data storage for measuring pipe joint length in real time. A pressurized gas port can pressurize the laser housing above ambient pressure to keep a laser beam clear of particulate and well fluids. The laser beam used to detect and calculate length and quantity of joints of pipe moving past the laser beam transmitting the information to the computer processor real time. |
| US09534885B2 |
Apparatus for determining a vertical position of at least one interface between a first component and at least one second component and laboratory automation system
An apparatus for determining a vertical position of an interface between a first component and a second component comprising different layers in a sample container comprises a first unit comprising a first emitting light, a first optics, and a first detector; a second unit vertically spaced from the first unit comprising a second emitting light, a second optics, and a second detector; a driving unit to move the first unit and the second unit relative to the sample container; a position sensing unit to output a position sensing signal indicative of a vertical position of the sample container; and a vertical position determining unit to calculate the vertical position of the interface. |
| US09534884B2 |
Coded localization systems, methods and apparatus
A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively image at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Output digital images from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively image partially polarized data onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Output digital images from the detectors are processable, to determine a polarization pattern for a user of the system. |
| US09534883B1 |
Methods for determining error in an interferometry system
Polarization based interferometric methods suffer from errors caused by the internal instrument birefringence. Disclosed herein are methods for using dual interferometric measurements allow separating the influence of instrument errors (e.g., due to geometry and birefringence errors) and the measured part. The interferometric system error in an interferometry system having two light sources orthogonally polarized with respect to each other wherein each light source reflects from a reference surface and a test surface, creating four reflected beams (Wr, Vr, Wt, Vt), may be determined by performing a first interference measurement (M1) from Wr-Vt. A second interference measurement (M2) from Wt-Vr is performed and a third measurement (M3), indicative of the interferometric system error, is calculated by averaging the first and second measurements ([M1+M2]/2). |
| US09534882B2 |
Device and method for driving a door
To improve the energy efficiency of electrical drive systems for doors, the electric motor is actuated position-dependently, the electrically driven door is disconnected from the supply network in a resting position, a change of position of the door performed in the state of being disconnected from the grid is detected by a position encoder unit that is independently supplied with power by an energy store, and the change of position is used for position-dependently actuating the electric motor after the supply voltage has been reapplied. |
| US09534875B2 |
Initiator
An initiator including a housing adapted to be received in an igniter or rocket motor, at least one charge at a distal end of the housing, an electro-explosive device behind the charge for detonating the charge when subject to a voltage HV, and a pressure bulkhead behind the electro-explosive device. An electronic subsystem in the housing is connected to the electro-explosive device through the bulkhead and includes a lead for providing the voltage HV to the electro-explosive device to initiate it, and a switch in the lead which does not conduct if errant voltages are present on the lead to prevent initiation of the electro-explosive device until the correct voltage HV is present. |
| US09534870B2 |
Shock transfer armor
An armor system includes an appliqué comprising a high fluid retaining material (HFRM) and a plate configured to hold the appliqué against a compartment, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast wave upon the plate, the HFRM is vented away from the compartment. The armor system may be adapted to a vehicle. In another embodiment, an armor system includes a plate operably connected to a plunger, one or more rods of brittle material operably contained within a tube, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast shock wave upon the plate, the plate transfers the blast shock wave to the plunger and then to the contents of the tube. Optionally, the tube also contains HFRM. |
| US09534869B2 |
Method and device for improving the inertial navigation of a projectile
A method for the inertial navigation of a projectile equipped with a mediocre-quality inertial init that is fired from a carrier equipped with a precision inertial unit includes, before firing the projectile, the biases of the accelerometers and of the gyrometers of the inertial unit of the projectile are determined using the inertial unit of the carrier. During the inertial navigation of the projectile, the measurements of the accelermeters and of the gyrometers output by the inertial unit of the projectile are corrected by the biases determined before launching. |
| US09534868B1 |
Aerodynamic conformal nose cone and scanning mechanism
An aerodynamic conformal nose cone and scanning mechanism is disclosed. Laser energy, from within a body of a missile, is directed through a solid, optically transparent nose cone. A detector in the body detects reflected laser energy that passes through the solid, optically transparent nose cone. |
| US09534863B2 |
Electromagnetic device and method to accelerate solid metal slugs to high speeds
A device and method to accelerate solid metal slugs to high speeds. In one embodiment, a large electric current is passed through an outer cylindrical metal tube enclosing in part a metal slug, a central electrode, and a conducting tail coupled at opposite ends to the. metal slug and the central electrode. Electromagnetic forces accelerate the metal slug to a point high enough to mechanically separate the conducting tail. On separation, a plasma is generated by the passage of electric current though a gas produced by vaporization of the conducting tail and nearby materials. An insulator enclosed within the tube prevents the plasma from shorting to the outer tube until the current flow has produced a sufficient magnetic field to contain the plasma. The metal slug is then accelerated to high speed by a combination of electromagnetic forces and mechanical pressure from the hot gas through which the electric current is passing. |
| US09534847B2 |
Firing containers
Firing containers for firing an electrode active material include one or more through openings, and protrusions protruding from an outer surface of sidewalls of each of the firing containers. The protrusions allow adjacent firing containers to be spaced apart from each other and guide the adjacent firing containers during alignment. |
| US09534846B2 |
Method for manufacturing a melt launder and a melt launder
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a melt launder to be used for transferring molten phase such as slag, matte, or metal formed in a process for the production of metals. The invention also relates to a melt launder to be used for transferring molten phase such as slag, matte, or metal formed in a process for the production of metals. The melt launder comprises a launder body of metal, a flow channel for molten phase, a refractory lining for lining the launder body of metal so that the refractory lining at least partly forms a flow surface for molten phase in the flow channel for molten phase, and a layer of steel between the launder body of metal and the refractory lining. |
| US09534844B2 |
Method for the continuous sintering of mineral material and sintering equipment
The invention relates to a method and equipment for the continuous sintering of mineral material in a sintering furnace (S). In the method, a material bed (2) is formed on a conveyor base (1), the material bed (2) is conveyed by the conveyor base (1) through the process zones (I-VII) of the sintering furnace that have different temperatures, the zones including at least one drying zone (I), at least one cooling zone (VII), and at least one other process zone (II, III, IV, V, VI) between the said drying zone and cooling zone, and gas is conducted through the conveyor base and the material bed (2), when the material bed travels through the process zones (I-VII), and gas is circulated in a circulation gas duct (3) from the last cooling zone (VII) to the drying zone (I). Part of the gas flow that is conducted to the drying zone (I) in the circulation gas duct (3) is removed as an exhaust gas flow (B) by the exhaust gas blower (5) of an exhaust gas duct (4). The volume flow of the exhaust gas flow (B) is regulated by regulating the blowing power of the blower (5) to control the temperature of the gas flow travelling through the material bed in the drying zone. |
| US09534842B1 |
Kiln cart pusher
Embodiments of a pusher device may include a frame, guide rails coupled to the frame, a carriage slideable along the guide rails, and a linear positioner coupled to the carriage and frame and operable to move the carriage along the guide rails. Two or more lugs may be mounted to the carriage and rotatable between a resting position, in which the forward ends of the lugs can contact the transverse supports of a tram above the carriage, and a lowered position in which the lugs can pass below the transverse supports. In the resting position, the longitudinal axis of each lug may be inclined from rear to front, such that the lugs contact the tram with the front end (as opposed to a longitudinal side) of the lugs. The lugs be generally triangular, trapezoidal, or concave polygonal in profile. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed herein. |
| US09534841B2 |
Phase change material injection device and structure for removing moisture of head lamp with the same
Disclosed is a phase change material injection device, which is disposed in a housing or a vehicle headlamp in which a predetermined heat source is provided. The phase change material injection device is configured to eject a phase change material, which has been changed into a gas from liquid by heating of the heat source, into the housing, and may include: i) a container storing the phase change material in a liquid state; ii) a discharge unit disposed at the container for discharging a predetermined amount of the phase change material in a gas state; and iii) a valve unit having an ejection port connecting the discharge unit with the inside of the housing, disposed at the container, the valve unit selectively opening and closing the ejection port based on the internal temperature of the housing. |
| US09534840B2 |
Method and device for moisture determination and control
The present invention relates to a method for moisture determination and control using real time measurement of the moisture content of the material being processed. The present invention also provides a device that is used for moisture determination and control based on real time measurement of moisture content of a material being processed. The present invention is particularly suitable for controlling the moisture content of a material in a drying process, such as in a drying hopper, where the material moisture content is measured at an inlet and an outlet of the drying process. The drying process is further controlled by anticipating the drying load by measuring the moisture content of the incoming material to be dried. |
| US09534834B1 |
Elevating shelf system
An elevating shelf system having a shelf assembly with a three-sided frame, a top panel and a bottom panel that fits inside an open-top enclosure. Also included is a lifting assembly. The shelf assembly can be raised or lowered within the enclosure while the lifting assembly imparts an upward vertical force on the shelf assembly to make lifting easier. Attached in the frame are channel shaped brackets which hold extendable shelves. The lifting assembly includes friction adjustable struts which are protected by side walls of the enclosure. The top panel includes a lifting handle as well as a transparent inventory holder for retaining an inventory of items in the elevating shelf system. The elevating shelf system also includes a locking mechanism to look the shelf assembly at a desired height. |
| US09534833B2 |
Basket for refrigerator
Provided is a basket for a refrigerator. The basket for a refrigerator, which defines a receiving space for a food includes a partition member disposed in the basket to partition an inner space of the basket, a pair of guide slots respectively defined in both side surfaces of the basket and opened along a moving direction of the partition member, the pair of guide slots guiding movement of the partition member, and a guide member disposed outside the basket, the guide member being coupled to the partition member through the guide slots. The partition member partitioning the inside of the basket may smoothly move to improve manipulation feeling and convenience in use. |
| US09534829B2 |
Refrigeration appliance
A refrigeration appliance includes a body; a door hinged to the body and closing an interior of the refrigeration appliance; a seal disposed between the door and the body; and a control unit for actuating an opening mechanism acting on the door whose control signal, which triggers the opening of the door, is configured to be generated by at least one sensor which cooperates with a plunger and operates based on a piezoelectric effect, wherein the refrigeration appliance has a sensor unit in which the plunger is axially movably supported and indirectly coupled to the sensor by a biased spring element. |
| US09534828B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator preventing a door thereof from drooping downward and allow the door to be automatically closed. The refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment provided in the body, a front thereof being open, a door rotatably coupled to the body to open and close the storage compartment, a support unit coupled to a center of a lower portion of the body, the support unit including at least one rotating member arranged to protrude from a front of the body to correspond to a position of the lower portion of the door, and at least one droop prevention unit coupled to the lower portion of the door at a position corresponding to the rotating member, and supported by the rotating member to prevent the door from drooping downward, the droop prevention unit cooperating with the rotating member to support the door in an upward direction when the door is closed. |
| US09534827B2 |
Air heat exchanger
Provided is an air heat exchanger capable of preventing an increase in ventilation resistance and a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to condensation water generated on surfaces of heat transfer fins, without increasing thermal resistance of flat tubes and the heat transfer fins, and preventing scattering of water droplets downwind from the heat transfer fins. In the air heat exchanger including a plurality of flat tubes 2 and heat transfer fins 5 provided between the flat tubes 2 and on which air is blown, the flat tubes 2 include water draining grooves 4 on side surfaces on which the heat transfer fins 5 are provided and the heat transfer fins 5 include water guiding grooves 6 communicating with the water draining grooves 4. At least a groove wall 40 on the upwind side of an air blowing direction 10 among groove walls forming the water guiding grooves 6 is provided from a position of the upwind side from the water draining grooves 4 to the water draining grooves 4. The water guiding grooves 6 extend toward the water draining grooves 4 along the groove wall 40 on the upwind side and an area of a cross section perpendicular to an extension direction decreases toward the water draining grooves 4. |
| US09534826B2 |
Refrigerator having a defrost heater
A refrigeration appliance includes an evaporator and a defrost heater which periodically subjects the evaporator to a defrost process, A temperature sensor is disposed at least in proximity to the evaporator and is adapted for switching off the defrost heater once the temperature sensor detects a predetermined defrost temperature. The temperature sensor provides a predetermined defrost temperature profile having first, second and third time segments. A first defrost temperature during the first time segment changes to a second defrost temperature during the second time segment, and holds the second defrost temperature during the third time segment. |
| US09534825B2 |
Refrigerator with easy access drawer
A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with a pantry compartment that is accessible from outside the refrigerator by pulling open an easy access pantry drawer without the need to first open the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment. A divider between the pantry compartment and the fresh food compartment is formed by a secondary mullion and a transparent shelf. The secondary mullion is provided with a light source for illuminating the contents of the pantry drawer. A light source at the rear of the pantry compartment shines generally forwardly and upwardly to illuminate the fresh food compartment. |
| US09534823B2 |
Motor driving device and air conditioner including the same
A motor driving device and an air conditioner including the same are disclosed. The motor driving device includes a rectifier to rectify input AC power, a boost converter to boost power rectified by the rectifier, a capacitor to store a pulsating voltage from the boost converter, an inverter comprising a plurality of switching elements, the inverter transforming AC power, using a voltage across the capacitor, and outputting the transformed power to a motor, a regenerative power consuming unit arranged between the capacitor and the inverter, to consume regenerative power from the motor, and a switching driving unit to output a switching control signal to a switching element in the regenerative power consuming unit while outputting an operation control signal to an inverter controller when the voltage across the capacitor is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage. |
| US09534822B2 |
Staging active cooling start-up
A novel process for activating available compressors in multiple compressor air conditioning systems, using an Optimum Stage-Up Process. This process is programmed into a controller as an algorithm, to provide a process for fast compressor start. This process shortens the time to initiate operation of compressors in a multi-compressor air conditioning system required to meet the demand call under any load condition, and hence shortens the time required for the actual sensed interior region air temperature to reach the interior region temperature set point. The Optimum Stage-up Algorithm estimates the number of compressor stages or steps that must be initiated, based on sensed or measured values, to meet the demand at any load condition. These measured values include the sensed temperature of the interior region being cooled, which is compared to the temperature set point of this interior region as well as measured mixed air temperature and supply air temperature. |
| US09534819B2 |
System for fast and accurate filling of a two-phase cooling device, notably a heat pipe, adapted for use in an automated process
The current invention relates to a system for fast and accurate filling of a two-phase cooling device, comprising a binding device (30) intended to be hermetically mounted onto the cooling device, the binding device (30) comprising a through-hole (32) able to be in fluid contact with the cooling device, said through-hole (32) being extending between a lower surface adapted to the cooling device's surface, and an essentially plane upper surface, the binding device (30) further comprising a gripping head essentially level with said upper surface, allowing for a filling tool (400) to be put in hermetic contact with said upper surface. In a preferred embodiment, the through-hole (32) can be hermetically sealed by forced insertion of a pin-shaped plug (33). The invention also relates to the filling tool (400) to be used in combination with the binding device (30), allowing gas removal from the cooling device, filling of a working fluid, and hermetic sealing of the cooling device. The invention also relates to the high accuracy of filling by using zero dead volume valves. The binding device (30) is notably particularly well adapted for use in an automated process. |
| US09534817B2 |
Conduction based magneto caloric heat pump
A heat pump is provided that uses multiple stages of MCMs to cause heat transfer between a heat receiving end and a heat transmitting end. Thermal blocks are placed along the direction of heat transfer at locations in the heat pump that preclude the transfer of heat in a direction from the heat transmitting end towards the heat receiving end. The heat pump can be, for example, part of a refrigeration loop or can be connected directly with the object for which heating or cooling is desired. An appliance incorporating such a heat pump is also provided. |
| US09534816B2 |
Thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus with bypass valve
A thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus includes: a magnetic element having a Curie temperature distribution in a distribution direction. A magnetic-field supplier supplies an external magnetic field to the magnetic element. A pump pumps heat transport medium to flow forward and backward in the distribution direction. The heat transport medium transports heat of the magnetic element. A shift device causes a position of a high temperature end and/or a low temperature end of the magnetic element to move. |
| US09534814B2 |
Magneto-caloric effect type heat pump apparatus
A magneto-caloric effect type heat pump apparatus includes a magneto-caloric element which generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied to and which absorbs heat when the external magnetic field is removed from; a magnetic field switcher which switches the applying and the removal of the external magnetic field from each other; a pump pumping a heat transport medium between a low-temperature end and a high-temperature end of the magneto-caloric element; and an auxiliary heat source device which supplies heat of a heating element to the magneto-caloric element. |
| US09534813B2 |
Cryogenic refrigerator
A cryogenic refrigerator includes a Scotch yoke mechanism including a Scotch yoke and a bearing movably engaged with the Scotch yoke, and a displacer caused to reciprocate in a cylinder by the Scotch yoke mechanism, so that a refrigerant gas inside an expansion space formed in the cylinder is expanded by the reciprocation of the displacer to generate cold temperatures. The Scotch yoke includes a concave part at a position corresponding to a top dead center of the displacer. |
| US09534812B2 |
Solar concentrator, and heat collection apparatus and solar thermal power generation apparatus including same
A center of gravity Q1 of a mirror structure 31, which has a plurality of mirrors 32, is located between the plurality of mirrors 32. A driving mechanism 40 that rotates the mirror structure 31 includes a first rotational shaft 52 that has a first rotational axis A1 as a central axis and is supported by a supporting base 80 to be rotatable, a first drive device 60 that rotates the first rotational shaft 52, a second rotational shaft 42 that has the mirror structure 31 fixed thereto, has a second rotational axis A2 which is orthogonal to the first rotational axis A1 as a central axis, and is mounted on the first rotational shaft 52 to be rotatable, and a second drive device 45 that rotates the second rotational shaft 42. The center of gravity Q1 of the mirror structure 31 is located in the first rotational shaft 52 and in the second rotational shaft 42. |
| US09534811B2 |
Solar fluid preheating system having a thermosiphonic aperture and concentrating and accelerating convective nanolenses
In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a solar fluid preheating system having a storage heater tank configured to store fluid which is in the process of being heated. The storage heater tank is encased by a cover, thereby creating an aperture extending therebetween. In another aspect, the solar fluid preheating system includes a nanoimprint lithographic layer having a plurality of nanolenses configured to concentrate and accelerate solar radiation rays. In a further aspect, the solar fluid preheating system includes a fluid vacuum system in fluidic commutation with the storage heater tank. |
| US09534807B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus with primary and secondary heat exchange cycles
An air-conditioning apparatus has a controller that sets the target value of a difference between the temperatures of a secondary-side heat transfer medium at positions before and after a plurality of use side heat exchangers during a rated operation in a heating operation so as to have a larger magnitude than a target value of the difference between the temperatures of the secondary-side heat transfer medium at positions before and after the plurality of use side heat exchangers during a rated operation in the cooling operation. |
| US09534806B2 |
Controller for a chiller and a method for controlling a chiller
A controller for a chiller and a method for controlling a chiller are provided. The method may include receiving, by a controller, a target value of a control factor of the chiller; comparing, by the controller, the received target value with a current value of the control factor of the chiller; transmitting, by the controller, a control factor value change command to the chiller if the received target value is not equal to the current value of the control factor of the chiller; receiving, by the controller, a changed current value of the control factor from the chiller; updating, by the controller, the current value of the control factor on a management screen with the received changed current value of the control factor; and comparing, by the controller, the received target value with the current value of the control factor again. |
| US09534800B2 |
Biofilters for living spaces
Techniques described herein are generally related to a biofilter for living spaces. The biofilter may include an organic biofilter medium to serve as a growth base for both plants and one or more microbial colonies. Example embodiments include systems, articles, methods and apparatus, as well as other embodiments that are described and claimed. |
| US09534798B2 |
Coupled air-conditioning device
A coupled air-conditioning device including a dehumidification system and a vapor compression-type refrigeration system which are connected through a pipeline. The vapor compression-type refrigeration system is a closed circuit including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve. The dehumidification system includes a desiccant-wheel with a regeneration area and a processing area, a processing air blower, a regeneration air blower and an electric motor driving the desiccant-wheel to rotate. The processing air blower and the regeneration air blower are provided with an exhaust port. The condenser includes a phase-change condensation heat exchanger and a refrigerant gas cooler. The refrigerant gas cooler operates to cool the overheated refrigerant discharged from the compressor into a saturated refrigerant in gas state, employing a structural form of a tube-fin heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange tube and a fin piece. |
| US09534797B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
Provided is an easy-to-design, inexpensive air-conditioning apparatus in which an external static pressure and an airflow are calculated without using a static-pressure detector and an indoor-unit-side fan is controlled using those values. An air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that a control unit (indoor-unit-side control unit) stores an external static pressure of an indoor unit calculated from a rotation speed of an indoor-unit-side fan when the airflow of the indoor-unit-side fan is controlled to a predetermined rated airflow and controls the rotation of the indoor-unit-side fan so that the external static pressure of the indoor unit obtained thereafter from the rotation speed of the indoor-unit-side fan approaches the stored external static pressure. |
| US09534792B2 |
Burner for a gas cooktop
A burner for a gas cooktop comprising a main body provided with a first plurality of holes capable of producing first flames at a first angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane, and a second plurality of holes capable of producing second flames at a second angle with respect to said horizontal plane, which is smaller than the first, said first and second pluralities of holes consisting of corresponding groups of holes, each group being associated with the same flame and each group consisting of at least one hole, characterized in that the total cross-sectional area of each group of holes of the second plurality of holes is greater than the total cross-sectional area of each group of holes of the first plurality of holes, such that the second flames are more powerful than the first flames. |
| US09534789B2 |
Two-branch mixing passage and method to control combustor pulsations
A gas turbine engine combustion system including a mixing duct that separates into at least two branch passages for the delivery of a fuel and working fluid to distinct locations within a combustion chamber. The residence time for the fuel and working fluid within each of the two branch passages is distinct. |
| US09534787B2 |
Micromixing cap assembly
A system includes a combustor cap assembly for a multi-tube fuel nozzle. The combustor cap assembly includes a support structure defining an interior volume configured to receive an air flow, a plurality of mixing tubes disposed within the interior volume, wherein each of the plurality of mixing tubes comprises a respective fuel injector and is individually removable from the combustor cap assembly, an air distributor disposed within the interior volume and configured to distribute the air flow received by the interior volume to each of the plurality of mixing tubes, and a combustor cap removably coupled to the support structure. |
| US09534786B2 |
Combustor heat shield
There is provided a combustor comprising a dome and a shell extending from the dome defining a combustion chamber. A dome heat shield is mounted to the dome inside the combustion chamber. A front heat shield is mounted to the shell and spaced therefrom. The dome heat shield has a lip extending generally away from the dome heat shield and generally parallel to the shell and spaced inwardly of the front heat shield to define a gap between the lip and the front heat shield. The front heat shield has a leading edge opposite the lip. The combustor has impingement holes extending through the shell and disposed to direct impingement cooling jets to the upstream portion of the front heat shield. The leading edge, of the front heat shield has at least one scallop defining an opening and disposed to allow the impingement cooling jets to impinge directly on a portion of the peripheral lip adjacent the scallop. |
| US09534784B2 |
Asymmetric combustor heat shield panels
A combustor heat shield assembly comprises a circumferential array of heat shield panels individually mounted to an inner surface of a combustor shell. Each heat shield panel has opposed front and back faces, the back face facing the inner surface of the combustor shell and being spaced therefrom to define an air gap. The front and back faces have a perimeter including opposed lateral edges extending between opposed circumferentially extending edges. The lateral edges of adjacent heat shield panels have complementary non-linear profiles defining an asymmetric heat shield panel interface. |
| US09534775B2 |
LED light fixture
An LED light fixture including a housing portion and a base together defining an open space therebetween permitting air/water-flow therethrough. The housing portion forms a chamber enclosing at least one driver. The base extends from the housing portion and supports at least one LED illuminator outside the chamber. The housing portion and the base may each be formed as part of a one piece with the open space along at least three sides of the base. Alternatively, the base may be a separate structure secured with respect to the housing. Such base may be a single-piece extrusion supporting a plurality of LED modules or comprise a plurality of extruded heat sinks. Each heat sink may support one or more LED modules. |
| US09534773B1 |
2-D lamp with integrated thermal management and near-ideal light pattern
A lamp is provided. The lamp includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) and an electronic circuit configured to provide power to the at least one LED. The lamp includes at least one flat circuit board having mounted thereto the at least one LED and the electronic circuit. The at least one flat circuit board acts as a heatsink to dissipate heat from the at least one LED and acts as a plurality of circuit paths for the electronic circuit and the at least one LED. |
| US09534771B2 |
Waveguide luminaire with guide imbedded activity sensor
An edge-fed waveguide luminaire includes a light waveguide having a planar body, a waveguide edge support structure, and an anchor opening in the planar body of the light waveguide, which is displaced from said waveguide edge support structure. A sensor is fixed in the anchor opening of said light waveguide so as to be responsive to conditions in the space below the luminaire. The sensor, which will have minimal impact on the aesthetic qualities of the luminaire, is in communication with light switching means for adjusting the light output from the luminaire in response to changes in conditions in the space below the luminaire. |
| US09534768B2 |
Light convergence module with heat dissipation function
A light convergence module with a heat dissipation function is revealed. It comprises a substrate, an assembling unit, a light convergence lampshade, and a heat sink, wherein the assembling unit with a first surface assembling to the substrate and a second surface assembling to the light convergence lampshade comprises a locating block and a plurality of position limiting blocks for respectively engaging with a locating slot and a plurality of position limiting slots of the substrate, and two buckles for correspondingly clasping two concave slots of the substrate to limit the substrate in position, and wherein the heat sink comprises a plurality of interspaces formed between every two adjacent heat dissipation fins for securing the buckles of the assembling unit and allowing the heat sink to closely dispose on the substrate. |
| US09534763B2 |
Light-enhancing component and photographic device having the same
The disclosure provides a light-enhancing component and a photographic device having the same. The light-enhancing component includes a light reflective unit and a light source. The light reflective unit includes a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface. The light source is disposed between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface. An inclination of the first reflecting surface is different from an inclination of the second reflecting surface. |
| US09534762B2 |
Touch key control and icon display apparatus
A touch key control and icon display apparatus includes a first substrate, a light-emitting element, a second substrate, and a body portion. The light-emitting element is disposed adjacent to the first substrate. The second substrate includes a circuit layer configured to sense a touch. The body portion is disposed between the first and second substrates and includes a reflective surface that defines a chamber. The chamber is formed through the body portion and configured to receive the light-emitting element. The circuit layer includes an icon disposed adjacent to an opening of the chamber. A portion of light, from the light-emitting element, incident on the circuit layer can pass through the circuit layer, and another portion of the light can be reflected by the circuit layer. |
| US09534761B2 |
Lens plate for illumination lamp, and illumination lamp
A lens plate and an illumination lamp which are not affected by heat from a light source even if the lens plate is small. The lens plate for an illumination lamp has the lens part covering the light source, and the lens part is formed in such a way that a concentric lens pattern is separately formed on an outer central part and an inner peripheral part so as not to be overlapped. |
| US09534758B2 |
Method and device for setting a pivot angle of a headlamp when negotiating a bend
A method for setting a pivot angle of a headlamp with an asymmetrical low beam when a vehicle is negotiating a bend, wherein a course of a highway line is determined, a contact point is determined, wherein a tangent from the headlamp to the contact point makes contact with the highway line, and the headlamp is adjusted such that a projection of an intersection of a horizontal portion of a cut-off line of the headlamp and an ascending branch of the cut-off line of the headlamp in a plane in front of the vehicle and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle on the highway falls within a circle of predetermined radius around the contact point. |
| US09534756B2 |
Light-emitting device, floodlight, and vehicle headlight
A light-emitting device includes a light-emitting section, a lens, and a movement control section, the movement control section changing an illumination position and a spot size of a laser beam in the light-emitting section by changing a relative position of the lens with respect to the light-emitting section. |
| US09534750B2 |
Multi-directional flashlight
There is provided a hand held flashlight having different intensity and direction of projected light controlled by switches which function independently or pently. |
| US09534744B2 |
Light emitting apparatus
Provided is a light emitting apparatus. The light emitting apparatus includes a substrate; a light emitting device on the substrate; a fluorescent layer formed on the substrate and the light emitting device to surround the light emitting device; an encapsulant resin layer formed on the substrate and the fluorescent layer to surround the fluorescent layer; and a lens disposed on the light emitting device and supported by the substrate, wherein the lens includes a lens body having a first recess formed at a center of a top surface of the lens body and a second recess formed at a center of a bottom surface of the lens body, and a lens supporter provided at the bottom surface of the lens body to support the lens body such that the lens body is spaced apart from the substrate. |
| US09534742B2 |
Light bar structure
A light bar structure is provided, including a longitudinal circuit board, a plurality of light-emitting elements, and a power-input terminal. The circuit board includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged along a longitudinal axis of the circuit board, wherein the second segment is between the first segment and the third segment. The light-emitting elements are disposed on the circuit board. The power-input terminal is disposed on the second segment and electrically connected to the light-emitting elements in parallel. |
| US09534739B2 |
Multiple-ply solid state light fixture
A multiple-ply solid state light fixture is disclosed. A panelized, solid state light fixture includes combined layers of material chemically bonded together without a traditional mechanical housing and with relatively few or no fasteners. In example embodiments, the solid state light fixture includes an LED mounting substrate, a thermal material on a non-LED side of the LED mounting substrate, and an optical material on the LED side of the LED mounting substrate. A plurality of LEDs are disposed or mounted, with or without additional packaging, on the LED side of the LED mounting substrate. A chemical bond is created between the substrate and the other layers. This chemical bond can be created, for example, through use of applied fluid or gelatinous compounds that are then solidified, or through the use of adhesives. |
| US09534735B2 |
Pressure-locking nozzle for dispensing gaseous fluid
A high pressure dispensing nozzle for providing fuel from an inlet reserve to a connector of an outlet receptacle, including a generally tubular nozzle construction having an outer sleeve extending from adjacent a proximal end towards a distal end of the nozzle construction, an internal passageway construction disposed within the outer sleeve, and a plurality of radially movable jaw members disposed between the internal passageway construction and the outer sleeve extending to near the distal end of the tubular construction, wherein the internal passageway construction includes interacting components responsive to insertion of the connector into the distal end and engagement thereof with the internal passageway construction to effect movement of the jaws to lock the connector in engagement and to establish a fuel passageway through the nozzle construction for the delivery of fuel therethrough and wherein the internal passageway construction components include a pistonably slideable outlet tube construction that not only serves as part of the fuel delivery passageway through the nozzle construction but also both as a control for locking the jaws and the outer sleeve in a fueling configuration and as a valve construction for allowing and preventing fuel flow through the nozzle construction. The nozzle preferably is also responsive to the introduction of fuel thereinto to pressure lock the outer sleeve in a fueling configuration and additionally operates to prevent the dispensing of fuel in the event that a proper and correct connector is not locked into engagement for fuel dispensing. |
| US09534732B2 |
Sensor mounting bracket
The invention relates to a sensor mounting bracket comprising a base portion and at least one side wall upstanding from the edge of the at least one base portion; at least one sensor attachment fixture located on the base portion and configured to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a sensor mounting fixture, and at least one mounting element extending outwardly from the side wall configured to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a load bearing plate or a sensor support structure. The invention further relates to a symmetrical mounting bracket comprising a pair of sensor mounting brackets combined one above the other in parallel orientation. |
| US09534729B2 |
Tray devices with multimedia holders
A device having a tray and a multimedia holder is provided. A representative device comprises a base that is configured to couple to an arm rest of a chair; a tray arm that is mechanically coupled to the base at a distal end of the tray arm; a tray that is mechanically coupled to the tray arm at a proximal end of the tray arm; and a multimedia holder that is coupled to the distal end of the tray arm. |
| US09534725B1 |
Noise-attenuation apparatus for pressure regulators
Noise attenuation apparatus for pressure regulators are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first noise attenuator disposed at a first position in a fluid passageway of a pressure regulator and a second noise attenuator disposed at a second position in the fluid passageway. The second position is spaced apart from the first position along the fluid passageway. The example apparatus also includes fasteners extending between the first noise attenuator and the second noise attenuator to position the first noise attenuator at the first position and the second noise attenuator at the second position. The fasteners are to couple to peripheral portions of the noise attenuators. |
| US09534719B2 |
Flexible pipe end fitting
An outer collar member of an end fitting for a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises an outer collar body portion and an outer collar neck portion extending away from the outer collar body portion. The neck portion is arranged to be secured to a portion of flexible pipe body in a slotted position between layers of the flexible pipe body. The position is located between an outer sheath of the flexible pipe body and at least one armour layer of the flexible pipe body wherein the outer collar body portion comprises a curved inner surface region for determining a radius of curvature of wires of the armour layer bent away from an axis of the flexible pipe bodies and supported by the curved inner surface when the pipe body is mounted in the end fitting. |
| US09534712B2 |
Multi-layered fuel feed pipe
Multi-layered fuel feed pipe, wherein the feed pipe comprises at least five layers with the following layer structure from the inside to the outside: an innermost layer consisting of at least one polymer from the group “polyamide, fluoropolymer, polyphenylene sulfide, polybutylene naphthalate”, a first support layer consisting of polyamide, a barrier layer, a second support layer consisting of polyamide, an outer layer consisting of at least one polymer from the group “polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalamide”. |
| US09534709B2 |
Plumbing bracket assembly
A plumbing bracket assembly has a plastic main bracket body and a telescoping bracket. The telescoping bracket runs through the main bracket body, and is able to extend to allow the bracket assembly to be secured to structure (such as studs) at both ends, over a range of distances between structure elements. The bracket body is initially able to slide along the telescoping bracket, for desired positioning, but may be locked in place using screws on the main bracket body. Hardware, such a hose clamp and multiple pipe clamps, is initially coupled to the main bracket body. The main bracket body may have a central depression for receiving a relatively large pipe run, and notches or depressions on opposite sides of the central depression, for receiving smaller pipe runs. |
| US09534701B2 |
Opening or closing a fluid flow path using a material that expands or contracts via a change in temperature
A device for opening or closing a fluid flow path comprises: a fluid inlet, wherein the fluid inlet comprises one end of the fluid flow path; an inlet covering, wherein the inlet covering is adjacent to the fluid inlet; and a material, wherein the material is capable of expanding or contracting via a change in temperature; wherein the expansion or contraction of the material causes movement to the inlet covering, and wherein the movement of the inlet covering either opens or closes the fluid flow path. A method for opening or closing a fluid flow path using the device comprises: allowing or causing a change in temperature to the material. |
| US09534699B2 |
Lower effort quick-connect coupler
A sealing member, whose unique manner of movement provides an improvement to a quick-connect valve assembly, for fluid control. A coupling force, required to couple the quick-connect valve assembly, containing the sealing member, is substantially reduced, resulting in an improvement to a typical quick-connect valve assembly (prior-art). The quick-connect valve assembly is comprised of at least a male coupler, a female coupler and the sealing member. During the resultant coupling, the sealing member's features ensure that said sealing member is firstly moved in a rotational manner and then secondly, if desired, in a more typical translational manner. The sealing member design allows backward compatibility with the typical quick connect valve assemblies. This backward compatibility allows a simple one-part replacement of a typical sealing member (prior-art) with said sealing member in order to benefit from this improvement. |
| US09534695B2 |
Multi-position valves
Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of multi-position valves, such as for drinking from a portable fluid container. Disclosed valves allow for manual actuation of the valve between three or more positions, including a closed position, a selectively open position where a user can obtain fluid through the valve by selectively actuating a bite valve, and a fully open position where the bite valve is disengaged to permit free flow of fluid through the valve. |
| US09534693B2 |
Valve with a hinged valve core
The present invention relates to a valve with a hinged valve core. The valve comprises a valve body, a valve core, an operating mechanism, a motion-transferring device and a locking device. The valve body is a housing. The housing is formed with a operating hole used to partially accommodate the operating mechanism and a channel having an inlet and an outlet. The valve core is connected with the valve body through a hinge. The operating mechanism is used to operate the valve core to be rotated around the central axis of the hinge to open/close the valve. The motion-transferring device is used to transfer actions on the operating mechanism to the valve core, and when the valve is closed or open, the valve core is locked on the valve body through the locking device. The valve of the present invention has a compact structure, is easy to operate, requires a small torque for opening and allows a large flow when opened. |
| US09534691B2 |
Packing assembly for a pump
A header ring for use in a stuffing box comprising an annular body portion of an elastomeric material, an annular radially inward projecting sealing lip portion formed on said body portion and an annular, axially facing pedestal portion formed on said body portion, said pedestal portion defining an annularly extending radially inwardly facing pedestal surface, the sealing lip portion defining an annularly extending, radially inward facing sealing surface, the sealing surface and the pedestal surface forming a juncture, at least a portion of the pedestal portion adjacent the juncture and forming the pedestal surface and at least a portion of the sealing lip portion adjacent the juncture and forming a portion of the sealing surface being comprised of a layer of reinforced elastomeric material bonded to the body portion. |
| US09534689B2 |
Metal seal ring
A metal seal ring disclosed herein includes a front side surface having a plurality of first sealing areas and second sealing areas, and a back side surface having a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions having a radially innermost surface located at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the seal and a first axial distance from an axis of symmetry of the seal. The back side also includes a plurality of recesses located between one of the protrusions and the axis of symmetry, each recess having a radially outermost surface located at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis and a second axial distance from the axis of symmetry. A ratio of the second axial distance to the first axial distance falls within the range of about 0.38-0.63, and a ratio of the second radial distance to the first radial distance falls within the range of about 0.79-1.32 |
| US09534688B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder assembly, a cylinder for a piston rod-cylinder hydraulic assembly and use of a hydraulic cylinder assembly
A hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and a piston rod. The cylinder has an opening and upper and lower inner walls formed by a bore. An end of the piston rod is received in the bore through the opening and travels reciprocally through the opening in response to volume change of a hydraulic fluid in the cylinder. The cylinder has a first section adjacent the opening provided with a narrow passage of the piston rod close to the cylinder upper inner wall. The cylinder has further a second section spaced apart from the opening and provided with a clearance between the piston rod and the lower inner wall forming a chamber for the hydraulic fluid. The inner upper wall at the first section is provided with circumferential camberings. |
| US09534684B2 |
Shift device having rotational free travel for the shift shaft, and motor vehicle transmission having such shift device
A shift device for a motor vehicle transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle automatic transmission, includes a shift shaft operatively connected to the transmission and a shift lever for actuating the shift shaft, wherein the shift shaft and the shift lever are connected to one another by way of a spline connection. The spline connection is formed with rotational play, permitting a restricted rotational free travel of the shift shaft when the shift lever is stationary. A motor vehicle transmission having a shift device of this type is also disclosed. |
| US09534683B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for transmissions
Provided is a hydraulic circuit for transmissions with which, while suppressing the hydraulic circuit from becoming complicated, it is possible to suppress an operational failure and a drop in the oil pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and to stabilize an oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit. The CVT 1 includes a part to be lubricated and a hydraulic control part for controlling transmission. The hydraulic circuit for transmissions includes a hydraulic oil pathway 3 for supplying oil from the pump apparatus 8 to the hydraulic control part 2, and a lubricating oil pathway 5 for supplying oil containing an air bubble to the part to be lubricated 4. The pump apparatus 8 includes a multi-stage trochoid pump 9 and has an air bubble-containing oil discharging part 11 for discharging the oil containing an air bubble to the first stage trochoid pump part 6. The air bubble-containing oil discharging part 11 is connected to the lubricating oil pathway 5. The second stage trochoid pump part 7 increases pressure of the oil discharged from the first stage trochoid pump part 6, and discharges it from the high-pressure oil discharging part 13. The hydraulic oil pathway 3 is connected to the high-pressure oil discharging part 13. |
| US09534680B2 |
Differential gear for a motor vehicle
A motor vehicle differential gear has at least one housing part as a first gear part, and a crown wheel as a second gear part. The first and second gear parts are connected via respective first connection surfaces running in the axial direction by a press fit, and via respective second connection surfaces running at an angle to the axial direction, forming a welding seam. One of the gear parts is formed from a steel and the other gear part from a cast iron material, as well as such a differential gear in which the second connection surfaces connect directly to the first connection surfaces. |
| US09534675B2 |
Transmission with reverse for vehicle
A main shaft side sprocket wheel and a countershaft side sprocket wheel are provided for relative rotation on the shafts with a chain wrapped around and extended between the sprocket wheels. One of the driven gears is a floating gear provided for relative rotation on the countershaft. The countershaft side sprocket wheel is provided for integral rotation with the floating gear. The main shaft includes a main shaft inner shaft which includes the main shaft side sprocket wheel, and an outer pipe disposed coaxially on the outer side of the main shaft inner shaft in a diametrical direction and capable of being placed into and out of integral rotation with the main shaft side sprocket wheel. A reverse transmission gear for meshing with a driven gear is provided on the outer pipe. A reduction gear ratio by the floating gear or the reverse transmission gear is set higher than 1. |
| US09534668B1 |
Multi-stage transmission for vehicle
A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle includes an input shaft, an output shaft, first to fourth planetary gear devices disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotary forces and each of them having three rotary elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotary elements of the planetary gear devices. Of the first planetary gear device, the first rotary element is permanently connected to the input shaft and a second rotary element of the third planetary gear device, a second rotary element is installed to be fixable by any one of the shifting elements and variably connected to a first rotary element of the second planetary gear device, and a third rotary element of the first planetary gear device is permanently connected to a second rotary element and variably connected to a first rotary element of the fourth planetary gear device. |
| US09534665B1 |
Electrical all-wheel drive
A number of variations may include a product that may include an axle assembly with an electrical machine that may be interconnected with the axle assembly. A power transfer unit may be connected between the electrical machine and the axle assembly. The power transfer unit may include a planetary gear set and may include an engagement mechanism that in combination may provide a low range, a neutral mode and a high range between the electrical machine and the axle assembly. A first gear set may be engaged between the electrical machine and the power transfer unit and a second gear set may be engaged between the power transfer unit and the axle assembly. |
| US09534662B2 |
Chain
An object of the present invention is to provide a chain that employs simple structures so as to establish contact surface pressures in accordance with various conditions of use, for the purpose of reducing frictional loss and preventing wear or damage to a chain guide member, as well as reducing order-related noise. The chain 100 is formed by inner links 101 and outer links 102 alternately and pivotably coupled together in a longitudinal direction of the chain. The plurality of inner plates 110 include an asymmetrical inner plate 110x having different edge shapes on upper and lower sides in a height direction of the chain. |
| US09534661B2 |
Articulated chain with low-friction link plate back
An articulated chain having alternating inner and outer chain links connected by hinge, having a running direction, each inner link comprising a link plate and each outer link comprising two link plates and two hinge pins interconnecting, each hinge pin rotationally fixed in an opening of the associated outer link plates and extending through an opening of the associated inner link to form a chain hinge, the links having plate backs for contact with a tensioning or guide rail. The link plate back comprises a leading area viewed in the running direction and an adjoining trailing area, the leading area extending substantially parallel to a plane projected between center lines of pin openings and hinge openings, respectively, and the trailing area extending from a part of the link plates at an angle to the plane projected between the center lines, the vertex of the angle pointing in the running direction. |
| US09534660B2 |
Clamping members and clamping devices
A clamping arrangement which includes an elongate member having a plurality of strands wound around one another in a plurality of turns of each strand. The clamping arrangement further includes a clamping device which includes a clamping member for clamping the elongate member. The clamping member has an engaging means for engaging the elongate member. The engaging means is configured to engage half or more of the total number of strands forming the elongate member. The clamping device further includes a fixed reaction member, and urging means to urge the clamping member towards the reaction member. When the elongate member is received between the clamping member and the reaction member, the reaction member provides a reaction against the elongate member to clamp the elongate member in the clamping device. |
| US09534658B1 |
Energy storage device
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an energy storage device comprising a housing, at least one flywheel disposed in the housing, and at least one stabilizing element disposed in the housing configured to stabilize the flywheel. There can be at least one cooling element for cooling a region interior of the housing to a preset temperature. In at least one embodiment, the stabilizing element comprises a magnet. In at least one embodiment the stabilizing element can be orientated at a position offset from a horizontal axis. In at least one embodiment the stabilizing element is orientated at a position offset from a vertical axis In at least one embodiment the stabilizing element is orientated at a position between a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. In at least one embodiment, the stabilizing element comprises at least one magnet coupled to the flywheel orientated at a first angle and at least one magnet coupled to the housing orientated at an angle substantially parallel to said first angle of orientation of the magnet coupled to the flywheel. |
| US09534650B2 |
Friction material
A friction material containing, as a binder, a lignin-phenol resin having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 or less or a cardanol-modified lignin-phenol resin having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 or less. The friction material is produced by a method including: reacting a lignin having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 or less, a phenol, an aldehyde, and optionally a cardanol, in the presence of an acid catalyst. |
| US09534647B2 |
Torque limiting clutch for orthotic and prosthetic devices
A torque limiting assembly for use with an actuator having a torque transfer output, the assembly comprising a brake pad, a band connected at a first extremity to a first extremity of the brake pad and a cam linking a second extremity of the band to a second extremity of the brake pad. The brake pad and the band are configured to wrap around the a torque transfer output and the positioning of the cam in a first position frictionally engages the brake pad and the band with the a torque transfer output while the positioning of the cam in a second position disengages the brake pad and the band with the a torque transfer output. |
| US09534646B2 |
Method of adjusting clutch characteristics of DCT vehicle
A method of adjusting clutch characteristics of a Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) vehicle may include determining whether gear shifting has been initiated, updating a T-S curve of a release-side clutch by a transmission torque that is determined using an equation of motion of an engine and a clutch, when a condition in which a difference between an engine speed and a speed of a release-side input shaft is satisfied to be above a first predetermined reference value during a first reference period of time when the gear shifting is determined to have been initiated, and when a torque handover has not been initiated, updating the T-S curve of a connection-side clutch by the transmission torque that has been determined using the equation of motion during a period of time from completion of torque handover to completion of the shifting of gears. |
| US09534644B2 |
Magnetorheological rotorcraft actuation system
In some embodiments, an actuation system includes a plurality of threaded member portions, a plurality of roller nuts, a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a plurality of driven members, and a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the plurality of driven members and at least one braking surface. An output member may be coupled between the rotor system and either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts and configured to translate linearly in response to the threaded member portions advancing or receding within the roller nuts. |
| US09534643B2 |
Liquid friction clutch
A liquid friction clutch (1) having a housing (2, 3), a clutch disc (4)—rotatable relative to the housing (2, 3) and which is rotatably arranged on an end (5) of a shaft (6) which is mounted centrally within the housing (2, 3), which shaft (6) bears on its other end (8) a driveable active element (7). A working chamber (9) is positioned between the housing (2, 3) and the clutch disk (4). A storage chamber (10) is provided for the clutch fluid. A supply duct (11) leads from the storage chamber (10) to the working chamber (9). A stationary clutch part (13) relative to which the housing (2, 3) is rotatable, wherein a rotatably mounted pump element (14) is provided which, with the housing (2, 3), defines a shear gap (12). |
| US09534642B2 |
Opposed iron core, manufacturing method thereof, and electromagnetic fan clutch using opposite iron core
Provided are an opposed iron core transmitting rotation motion, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electromagnetic fan clutch formed by the opposed iron core. The opposed iron core includes iron core grooves (12; 13) axially arranged in a back-to-back manner on an electromagnetic iron core body (11). The manufacturing method of the opposed iron core includes: directly drawing the iron core body (11) to form the iron core grooves arranged in the back-to-back manner, or directly spinning the iron core body (11) to form the iron core grooves arranged in the back-to-back manner. The electromagnetic fan clutch formed by the opposed iron core has a first actuation gap (841) and a second actuation gap (842) respectively on two sides of the electromagnetic iron core body (11) of an opposed iron core apparatus. |
| US09534641B2 |
Folded seal retention plate with thrust surface
A seal retention plate for a torque converter, the plate comprising: an annular body portion having a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; an interior portion having at least one first hole; at least one radially outer tab extending from the interior portion and folded to contact the second surface so as to provide a thrust surface; and a center opening. |
| US09534638B2 |
Retention means for a seal boot used in a universal joint in a downhole motor driveshaft assembly
A driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor comprises a housing and a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the housing. The driveshaft has a central axis and a first end. Further, the driveshaft assembly comprises a driveshaft adapter having a first end coupled to the first end of the driveshaft with a universal joint. The first end of the driveshaft adapter includes a counterbore. The first end of the driveshaft and the universal joint are disposed in the counterbore. Still further, the driveshaft assembly comprises an end cap disposed about the driveshaft and coaxially coupled to the adapter. Moreover, the driveshaft assembly comprises a seal boot disposed about the driveshaft and adapted to restrict fluid flow through a annular gap positioned between the driveshaft and the end cap. The driveshaft assembly also comprises a locking assembly adapted to restrict the end cap from moving axially relative to the adapter. |
| US09534637B2 |
Trailing edge cooling on hydrodynamic bearings
A trailing edge cooled bearing provides an illustrative embodiment of an apparatus for increasing heat transfer in various bearings, including but not limited to radial and axial tilting pad bearings. In the illustrative embodiment, the trailing edge cooled bearing may comprise at least one journal pad having a leading and trailing edge. The trailing edge may include a trailing edge face having one or more grooves formed therein. A spray bar may having one or more apertures formed therein may be positioned adjacent the trailing edge face to deliver fluid thereto. |
| US09534631B2 |
Clam shell linear motion bearing assembly
A linear motion bearing assembly comprising a rolling element retainer structure and an outer housing sleeve enclosing substantially all of an exposed exterior surface of said rolling element retainer structure. A bearing block effective to enclose substantially all of an exposed exterior surface of the outer housing sleeve, the bearing block including a first bearing block segment effective to enclose a first part of the outer housing sleeve; and a second bearing block segment effective to enclose a second part of the outer housing sleeve, wherein the first bearing block segment and the second bearing block segment include first elements and second elements effective to interlock with each other when the bearing block encloses the outer housing sleeve. |
| US09534629B1 |
Compound air and mechanical bearing system and method
A bearing system and method may include a first bearing assembly that may have an inner race. An outer race may be disposed around the inner race and may be rotatable relative to the inner race. A second bearing assembly may be disposed around the first bearing assembly. The second bearing assembly may be an air bearing. The outer race may be engageable with the inner race through the engagement mechanism that acts on the outer race so that the inner and outer races rotate together. |
| US09534628B1 |
Folding device for baby carriage
A folding device for a baby carriage has an operating arm, a first cover, an engaging unit, an elastic unit, a first abutting unit, a second abutting unit, and a second cover. The operating arm has two opposite ends. The first cover is connected to one of the two opposite ends of the operating arm. The first cover and the second cover are pivotally mounted with each other. The engaging unit, the elastic unit, the first abutting unit, and the second abutting unit are received in the first cover and the second cover. The folding device for a baby carriage not only avoids dust or foreign objects accumulating on the inner structures received inside the first cover and the second cover, but also prevents fingers from accidentally pinching. |
| US09534624B2 |
Adapter
An adapter for mounting an implement to a working arm of a working machine includes an acentric hole for an implement attachment. The adapter comprises a base element having one or more movement restricting formations, a shaft having a threading, and a nut for tightening the adapter to the implement attachment. |
| US09534622B2 |
Side bracket for holding sprinkler joint
Provided is a side bracket for holding a sprinkler joint by clamping a square bar to two channeled rails, the channeled rails being arranged in parallel at regular intervals so as to hold ceiling boards, with horizontal wings provided along opposite side edges of each of the channeled rails, and the square bar crossing the two channeled rails. The side bracket includes: a pair of support sides; an upper connection part connecting upper ends of the support sides; clamp parts provided on lower ends of the support sides so as to be clamped to a channeled rail; and a space adjustment unit provided on lower parts of the support sides of the side bracket. The side bracket can be easily and simply clamped to a wing of a channeled rail while providing a firm clamping structure. |
| US09534617B2 |
Electropneumatic position regulator
The invention relates to an electropneumatic position controller having a controllable valve group (9, 10, 13) arranged in the position controller and having at least one valve (9, 10), by means of which in normal operation either compressed air supplied by means of a compressed air supply line (6) can be fed to an exhaust connection (8) or air fed by means of the exhaust connection (8) can be discharged to the outside, depending on the actuation of the valve group. In order for the valve group to be brought in a safe position, even in the event of a leak in one of the components thereof, said group is arranged in a gas-tight housing (14) within the position controller and means (15) are provided for monitoring the pressure in the housing (14) and for actuating the valve group (9, 10, 13) such that if the pressure in the housing (14) exceeds a predefined threshold value, said group is brought in the predefined safe position. |
| US09534616B2 |
System for estimating a sensor output
A system for determining an estimated output from a variable displacement hydraulic pump includes a prime mover, a torque sensor, a pressure sensor, and a displacement sensor. A controller is configured to determine the output torque from the prime mover, determine an input torque to the variable displacement hydraulic pump based upon the output torque, determine an output from one of the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor based upon the signals. The controller is further configured to determine a failure of another of the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor and determine an estimated output from the another of the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor based upon the input torque to the variable displacement hydraulic pump and the output from the one of the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor. |
| US09534615B1 |
Hydraulic pump and motor module for use in a vehicle
A module for use in connection with a dual pump apparatus, where each pump is hydraulically connected to a separate hydraulic motor. The module may include motors and/or an engine for ease of installation in a vehicle, providing flexibility for different applications. Various brackets, stabilizers and other elements are provided to assist in securing the module to the vehicle. |
| US09534614B2 |
Safety device for pressure-medium-containing tanks
A safety device for closure elements (1) on pressure-medium-containing tanks, in particular on hydropneumatic devices such as hydraulic accumulators, has a screw connection provided as a closure device on a filling or checking port. The screw connection has a closure screw (1) threadedly engaged on the port (3) and blocking the port (3) when the screw connection is tightened and opens the port (3) when a flow path is released. A device (25) limits the free movement path of the closure element (1) when moved out of a closed position as a result of occurring overpressure. |
| US09534610B2 |
Fan discharge duct having a scroll section
A fan assembly for generating an air flow within a room includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to draw an air flow into the fan assembly, and a casing having an interior passage with a scroll section having a cross-sectional area that decreases from a scroll inlet section to a scroll outlet section. The scroll inlet section has an inlet port for receiving the air flow and the scroll outlet section has an outlet port for returning a first portion of the air flow to the scroll inlet section. The scroll section includes an air outlet for emitting a second portion of the air flow from the casing. The casing defines a bore through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air emitted from the air outlet. |
| US09534609B2 |
Method for predicting a rotation fault in the rotor of a vacuum pump, and associated pumping device
The invention pertains to a method for predicting a failure in the rotation of the rotor of a vacuum pump, comprising the following steps: sequences of events related to the change over time of the vacuum pump functional signals are recorded (101), a match is sought between at least one sequence of events and at least one pre-established association rule precursory pattern of a vacuum pump behavior model within the recorded sequences of events, said pre-established association rule's precursory patterns involving a failure in the rotor rotation (102), and a time prediction window is deduced during which a failure in the rotor rotation will occur in a vacuum pump (103). The invention also pertains to a pumping device comprising: a vacuum pump (7) comprising at least one rotor and one pump body, said rotor having the potential to be driven rotationally within said pump body by a motor of said pump (7), a functional signal sensor (9) of said pump (7), and a means of predicting (10) a time prediction window during which a failure in the rotor rotation will occur in the vacuum pump (7), said means for prediction (10) calculating the predictive time window based on measurements provided by said functional signal sensor (9). |
| US09534607B2 |
Compressor of use in gas turbine engine
Provided is a compressor for use in a gas turbine engine, capable of preventing a creation of rust on an inner surface of the compressor casing, without complicating assembling process. The casing 15 of the compressor 3 accommodates rotor and stator blade wheels 13 and 17. The stator blade wheels 17 are supported on the inner surface of the casing 15 through outer flanges 30 thereof. Seal rings 52 are provided at inner surface portions of the casing 15 opposing the radially outward ends of the rotor blade wheels 13. The inner surface of the casing 15 is covered by the seal rings 52 and the outer flanges 30 of the stator blade wheels 17. |
| US09534606B2 |
Test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation including trend analysis of pump performance
An automated system for testing and monitoring a sump pump installation includes an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid to the sump container in response to a valve control signal. A test control module actuates the valve to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the sump container to cause the liquid level in the container to rise to a predetermined level, after which the pump, if functional, discharges liquid from the container until the liquid level falls to a lower level and the test cycle is terminated. The test control module includes an indicator circuit which indicates in response to completion of the test cycle whether the test was successful or unsuccessful. A processor circuit records the elapsed time of successive test cycles and the current supplied to the sump pump motor to identify trends or anomalies in the operation of the pump and provide an output signal indicative thereof. |
| US09534605B2 |
System and method to provide lubrication for a plug-in hybrid
In hybrid electric vehicles having increased battery storage capacity and plug-in capability, electric-only operation of significant duration is available. To supplement lubrication for the electric and mechanical components provided in a fluid circuit by an engine-driven mechanical pump, an electric pump is provided in parallel to the mechanical pump. When the electric pump is operating, a diagnostic can be performed to determine system integrity. According to one embodiment, an actual quantity provide to the circuit is determined; an expected quantity is estimated; and a fault is determined when the actual and expected quantities differ by more than a predetermined amount. The fault may indicate a leak or plug in the fluid circuit or a failure of a component in the fluid circuit. |
| US09534601B2 |
Pump
A pump varies output flow. For all cross-sections, which are vertical to the axis of rotation between axial outer positions for the cross-sectional areas of flow at the periphery of the impeller, the inner wall of the pump housing forms approximately circular profiles. The approximately circular profiles are mainly concentric and have a continuously increasing radius from one toward the other one of the axial outer positions. A tongue, which truncates the outlet or diffuser of the pump from an annulus of the pump housing, does not contact the circular profiles between the axial outer positions. |
| US09534597B2 |
Vane pump with multiple control chambers
A variable capacity vane pump for an automobile includes a pump control ring positioned within the housing to move about a pivot. A rotor is positioned within a cavity of the control ring such that a position of the control ring determines an offset between a center of the cavity and an axis of rotation of the rotor. A first control chamber is provided between the pump housing and a first outer surface of the control ring. The first outer surface is positioned on an opposite side of the control ring as the working fluid chambers within the cavity. A second control chamber is provided between the pump housing and a second outer surface of the control ring. A return spring biases the control ring toward a position of maximum volumetric capacity against the forces created by the pressurized fluid within the first and second control chambers. |
| US09534594B2 |
Rotary piston machine, especially rotary engine
A rotary piston machine is disclosed. In one aspect, the machine includes a piston chamber that is defined in a housing by a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a peripheral wall interconnecting these sidewalls and a rotary piston that is rotatably arranged in the piston chamber and has a first face and a second face. The first face of the rotary piston faces an interior of the first sidewall of the piston chamber and the second face of the rotary piston faces an interior of the second sidewall of the piston chamber. at least one ventilation bore is provided in the first and/or the second sidewall of the piston chamber and connected to at least one ventilation channel, wherein the at least one ventilation bore is arranged at a location that radially lies within at least one first lateral seal. |
| US09534588B2 |
Gravity-assisted rotational mechanism and generator device cooperating therewith
A gravity-assisted rotational mechanism and a generator device cooperating therewith. The gravity-assisted rotational mechanism includes multiple concentric rotational members having different sizes and rotatable about the same rotational center, several link members having equal weights for driving the same, and at least one connection member for pivotally connecting the rotational members with the link members. The rotational members can symmetrically push/pull each other. The link members and connection member are respectively mounted on interference sections of at least some of the rotational members to absorb gravitational energy. The energy of the link members is transmitted via the interference sections to the rotational members to form a cycle of energy storage and transmission. The generator device serves to convert the gravitational energy and minimize the rotational inertia loss and increase yield rate of electrical energy. |
| US09534585B2 |
System using natural resources to generate electricity from a pressurized fluid
A system is provided for generating electricity from a fluid pressurized via a natural resource such as air compressed through a windmill, the compressed air stored in tanks by a windmill operated compressor, where the stored compressed air is then used to operate a turbine. The turbine has a nozzle configured to increase velocity of the compressed air entering the turbine. The rotor of the turbine has flat annular discs each set apart from one another by spacers to form a rotor stack with no central shaft. Permanent magnets are positioned radially about the end of the rotor stack. The magnets are arranged such that their poles radially alternate to interact with static wire coils positioned about the ends of the rotor stack to produce alternating current electricity. The compressed air enters the turbine at a tangent along the outer periphery of the rotor and exit axially through a central exhaust port. |
| US09534584B2 |
Wind turbine electric generator with torque limiting brake
A wind turbine system includes turbine blades (16) that turn a low speed shaft (18). A shrink disc coupling (24) radially connects the low speed shaft to a low speed gear box input shaft (22). A brake (26) for the gear box input shaft is operatively connected with the coupling. At least one circuit including a processor controls the brake to keep torsional force on the gear box input shaft below a threshold. The at least one circuit is associated with sensors that can sense conditions away from the gear box input shaft. The at least one circuit can determine when a current condition exists which can cause the threshold to soon be exceeded if preventive braking is not timely applied to the gear box input shaft. The current condition can include a sensed weather condition that is approaching the wind turbine system. |
| US09534579B2 |
Device for generating hydroelectric energy
Device for generating hydroelectric energy making use of the current of a river (11), estuary or similar, and this device comprises a paddlewheel (2) that can freely turn in two directions around a shaft X-X′, and comprises at least one electricity generator set (4) whose drive shaft (8a) is coupled to the shaft (3) of the paddlewheel, whereby the device (1) is further provided with means to keep the paddlewheel (2) in place against the current, characterized in that the paddlewheel (2) is self-floating. |
| US09534577B2 |
Apparatus for downhole power generation
Apparatus is provided for use in power generation, including a fluid-flow-driven power generator for use in a fluid-containing pipe such as a drill pipe as used in oil and gas exploration and extraction. Parts of the generator are removable from the pipe—for example while a drill pipe is downhole within a drilling well—to leave a clear through bore for survey and fishing operations and to enable replacement of the removed parts. The flow-driven generator comprises an impeller connected to a magnet assembly to rotate the magnet assembly when fluid flows past the impeller. This causes relative movement between the magnet assembly and an adjacent electrical coil assembly, the relative movement and magnetic coupling generating an electrical current in the coil assembly. This generated electrical current is used to power electrical devices within the pipe. |
| US09534574B2 |
Vehicle, control apparatus and control method
A vehicle comprises: a storage battery configured to store electric power; an internal combustion engine configured to be started with electric power supplied from the storage battery; an electric auxiliary configured to operate with the electric power supplied from the storage battery; and a stop start controller configured to perform a stop control of stopping the internal combustion engine according to a driving condition of the vehicle and a restart control of restarting the internal combustion engine that has been stopped by the stop control. The stop start controller includes: an auxiliary voltage acquirer configured to obtain a measured auxiliary voltage value that denotes a voltage of the electric auxiliary measured on occasion of start of the internal combustion engine; and a feasibility determiner configured to determine whether the stop control is feasible, based on the measured auxiliary voltage value. |
| US09534573B2 |
Fuel injection valve
An object of the invention is to provide a fuel injection valve that applies a swirl to an upstream side of a seat section to shorten spray penetration.When flows into injection hole entries are indicated by arrows 101a to 106a and injection hole exit directions are indicated by arrows 201 to 206, an angle α defined by the inflow direction 101a and the exit direction 201 of an injection hole 71 can be increased. In a method for applying the twisted angle α, a side groove 15a on an outer peripheral side of a guide member 12a is set to be accompanied with a twist with respect to an axis O1. Furthermore, a flow passage area of the side groove 15a is set smaller than a flow passage area on an upstream side of the guide member 12a and is also set larger than a flow passage area of a seat section 7B that is constructed by a gap between a valve body 7 and an orifice cup 7. |
| US09534571B2 |
Intake device and intake control valve
An intake device includes: a plurality of intake ports which are adjacent to each other with a partition wall interposed therebetween; a valve body provided for each of the plurality of intake ports; a rotating shaft which rotates along with the valve body; and a bearing member which is disposed between the intake ports adjacent to each other and rotatably supports the rotating shaft of the valve body, wherein the bearing member includes a bearing main body having a bearing hole which rotatably supports the rotating shaft, and an arm portion which extends in a length larger than an inner diameter of the bearing hole from the bearing main body along the partition wall between the intake ports adjacent to each other and configures a bearing-side welding portion. |
| US09534568B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation valve for vehicle
An exhaust gas recirculation valve for a vehicle may include a housing having a flow path through which an exhaust gas flows, a shaft installed in the housing to be rotatable, a flap valve provided to be rotatable about the shaft and configured to open and close the flow path, a bushing provided on the shaft, an anti-wear washer installed on the shaft between the flap valve and the bushing, and a spring means installed on the shaft and configured to elastically support the bushing. |
| US09534566B2 |
Fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus
The invention refers to a fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus (1) comprising at least one main vapor storage compartment (3) filled with an adsorbent material, at least one vapor inlet port (7), at least one atmospheric vent port (8) and at least one purge port (9), said vapor inlet port (7) being connectable to a fuel tank venting line and said purge port (9) being connectable to an engine air intake line, wherein said main vapor storage compartment (3) comprises a purge buffer zone (14) as well as first and second fuel vapor distribution chambers (10, 24) not filled with an adsorbent material. Said first fuel vapor distribution chamber is arranged upstream said purge buffer zone (14) and communicates with said fuel vapor inlet port (7). Said second fuel vapor distribution chamber (24) is arranged downstream said purge buffer zone and communicates with said purge port (9). |
| US09534562B2 |
System and apparatus for a thrust reverser
A thrust reverser system includes a translating cascade, a blocker door, and a drive link. The drive link may be pivotably coupled to the translating cascade and the blocker door. The translating cascade may be coupled to a translating sleeve of a nacelle. The drive link may cause the blocker door to deploy in response to the translating cascade moving in an aft direction. The blocker door may be pivotably coupled to a fixed aft portion of the nacelle. |
| US09534555B2 |
Control device and method for internal combustion engine
It is an object of the invention to provide an at of realizing good combustion by lowering a combustion critical temperature below a temperature of intake air sucked into a cylinder, in the case where a first fuel that is difficult to ignite and a second fuel that is easy to ignite are supplied into the cylinder. The invention is a control device for an internal combustion engine that includes a control unit that supplies a first fuel that is difficult to ignite and a second fuel that is easy to ignite into a cylinder, and burns the first fuel that is difficult to ignite as well by igniting the second fuel that is easy to ignite, wherein the control unit carries out at least one of a reduction in a supply amount of the first fuel that is difficult to ignite and an increase in a supply amount of the second fuel that is easy to ignite, if a temperature of intake air sucked into the cylinder falls below a combustion critical temperature. |
| US09534553B2 |
Method and system for engine unburned hydrocarbon control
Methods and systems are provided for detecting hydrocarbon ingestion into an engine based on the simultaneous monitoring of cylinder imbalance and an elevated exhaust exotherm. Crankshaft acceleration data is monitored during steady-state and transient engine conditions while exhaust temperatures are estimated during non-regeneration conditions. Engine speed and load is limited to reduce further hydrocarbon ingestion. |
| US09534547B2 |
Airflow control systems and methods
An engine control system for a vehicle, includes a delay and rate limit module, a throttle control module, a phaser control module, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control module. The delay and rate limit module applies a delay and a rate limit to a first torque request to produce a second torque request. The throttle control module determines a target throttle opening based on the second torque request and selectively adjusts a throttle valve based on the target throttle opening. The phaser control module determines target intake and exhaust phasing values based on the second torque request and selectively adjusts intake and exhaust valve phasers based on the target intake and exhaust phasing values, respectively. The EGR control module determines a target EGR opening based on the first torque request and selectively adjusts an EGR valve based on the target EGR opening. |
| US09534546B2 |
System and method for operating engine
A method of operating an engine includes determining an intake air temperature and an engine speed. The method includes selectively initiating one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode and a third operating mode based on at least the intake air temperature and the engine speed. The first operating mode includes increasing the engine speed progressively by an incremental speed value. The second operating mode includes deactivating at least one Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cylinder of the engine. The third operating mode includes shutting down the engine. |
| US09534545B2 |
Method for protecting engine from short circuiting and wire failure of fan clutch, and device thereof
The present invention relates to a method for protecting an engine from short circuiting and wire failure of a fan clutch, and a device thereof wherein the method for protecting an engine comprises: a step of sensing the temperature of a coolant if a fan rotates at a set minimum rpm by the short circuiting and wire failure of a fan clutch; a step of comparing the sensed coolant temperature and a set danger temperature; and a step of defaulting if the sensed coolant temperature is lower than the set danger temperature and reducing the engine rpm if the sensed coolant temperature is equal to or higher than the set danger temperature according to a result of the comparison such that overheating of the engine can be prevented. The engine rpm is gradually lowered so as to protect the engine at a first stage if the fan operates at the minimum rpm due to the cable short cut and failure of the fan clutch, and the engine is forcedly stopped so as to protect the engine at a second stage if the overheating of the coolant is serious, thereby ensuring durability of the engine. |
| US09534544B2 |
Electric hybrid powertrain regeneration efficiency improvement
A method and system for increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration by reducing engine pumping losses. The method includes a controller that reduces fuel delivery to the engine and closes an engine throttle during deceleration. The controller identifies the maximum kinetic energy available during deceleration and opens an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and engine throttle as necessary to reduce a vacuum in an engine intake manifold, thus minimizing engine pumping losses and increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration while ensuring that a catalyst temperature is above a catalyst temperature threshold. |
| US09534543B2 |
Systems and methods for inhibiting DFCO
A system including a DFCO module. The DFCO module is configured to operate in a DFCO mode to deactivate fuel to a cylinder of an engine. A first flow rate module is configured to determine a reaction gas flow rate. An offset module is configured to determine a temperature offset value based on the reaction gas flow rate. A first temperature module is configured to estimate a first temperature of a catalyst of an exhaust system of the engine. A summer is configured to sum the temperature offset value and the first temperature to generate a summation value. A second temperature module configured to estimate a second temperature of the catalyst based on the summation value. A comparison module is configured to perform a first comparison between the second temperature and a threshold and generate an inhibit signal to inhibit operation in the DFCO mode based on the first comparison. |
| US09534536B2 |
Turbine flow modulation for part load performance
Turbine airflow is modulated to improve performance during part load operation in a turbomachine. The turbomachine includes a compressor, a turbine with a plurality of stages, and a diffuser. Modulating the airflow includes extracting airflow from an upstream component of the turbomachine, admitting the extracted airflow into a rear stage of the plurality of stages. Admitting airflow into the rear stage serves to increase rear stage loading and alter an energy distribution in the rear stage during part load operation. |
| US09534535B2 |
Four-stroke engine
A four-stroke engine for a working machine with a rod is provided, where a tool is attached to one end of the rod in a longitudinal direction and the four-stroke engine is fixed to the other end of the rod in use. The four-stroke engine includes: an oil circulation pathway; and a gas-liquid separating chamber configured to separate oil from blowby gas. The gas-liquid separating chamber includes: an inflow part into which the blowby gas is introduced from the oil circulation pathway; oil discharge parts configured to flow the oil separated from the blowby gas back to the oil circulation pathway; and a blowby gas discharge part configured to discharge the blowby gas not containing oil mist from the gas-liquid separating chamber and supplies the blowby gas to an intake passageway to a combustion chamber. |
| US09534530B2 |
Dedicated-EGR cylinder with variable charge motion
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting charge motion control devices coupled to a series of cylinders organized into cylinder groups, one of the cylinder groups including a dedicated EGR cylinder group wherein the cylinders are the only engine cylinder routing exhaust to an engine intake. In one example, a first cylinder group may be a dedicated cylinder group recirculating exhaust to the intake manifold while a second cylinder group may be a non-dedicated cylinder group routing exhaust to a turbine. A method may include adjusting a first charge motion control device coupled to the first cylinder group and a second charge motion control device coupled to the second cylinder group to vary a charge motion level between the first and second cylinder groups. |
| US09534529B2 |
Exhaust gas heat exchanger with an oscillation attenuated bundle of exchanger tubes
A heat exchanger is disclosed for the exhaust gas train of a motor vehicle. The heat exchanger includes a bundle of separately formed exhaust gas carrying exchanger tubes that is disposed in a closed housing formed separately, a coolant flowing through the housing and around the outside of the exchanger tubes. A bandage is disposed on the bundle of exchanger tubes mechanically connecting a plurality of the exchanger tubes to militate against an oscillation of the exchanger tubes. |
| US09534527B2 |
Thermostat failure detection device and thermostat failure detection method
A thermostat failure detection device sequentially calculates a normal-time minimum water temperature on an assumption that a thermostat is normal and an internal combustion engine is operated in a state where the engine water temperature is less likely to rise, sequentially calculates a failure-time maximum water temperature on an assumption that the thermostat is in a stuck-open failure state and the internal combustion engine is operated in a state where the engine water temperature is likely to rise, determines the failure of the thermostat if the engine water temperature is lower than the normal-time minimum water temperature, determines the normality of the thermostat if the engine water temperature is higher than the failure-time maximum water temperature, and determines neither the normality nor the failure if the engine water temperature is between the normal-time minimum water temperature and the failure-time maximum water temperature. |
| US09534526B1 |
Apparatuses for cooling exhaust components of marine engines
An elongated exhaust conduit comprises a first end receiving hot exhaust gas from a marine engine and a second end discharging the exhaust gas. An elongated cooling water jacket extends adjacent to the exhaust conduit. The cooling water jacket conveys the raw cooling water adjacent to the exhaust conduit to thereby cool the exhaust conduit and warm the raw cooling water therein and discharges the warmed cooling water to cool the marine engine. The cooling water jacket comprises first and second channels that are separate from each other. The cooling water is oriented in a helical flow around the exhaust conduit. |
| US09534524B1 |
Dual rate diesel particulate filter leak monitor
Methods and systems are provided for detecting leaks in a diesel particulate filter (DPF). In one example, a faster leak detection routine may be performed during a single drive cycle to detect large leaks in the DPF. However, if there are no large leaks in the DPF, a slower leak detection may be performed over a plurality of drive cycles, to detected smaller leaks in the DPF. |
| US09534517B2 |
Systems and methods for a modified cylinder firing interval in a dedicated EGR engine
Methods and systems are provided for operating exhaust valves of an engine to create more even exhaust pulses to a turbine. More specifically, the engine may include one or more dedicated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cylinders routing exhaust to an engine intake and one or more non-dedicated EGR cylinder routing exhaust to the turbine. In one example, a method may include operating a first set of exhaust valves of a group of non-dedicated EGR cylinders to have no exhaust valve opening overlap and operating an exhaust valve of a dedicated EGR cylinder so that opening of the second exhaust valve overlaps with opening of exhaust valves of two cylinders of the group of non-dedicated EGR cylinders. |
| US09534516B2 |
Guide shoe
An object of the present invention is to provide a guide shoe that can prevent a shortage of lubricating oil and supply the lubricating oil onto a sliding surface of the shoe in a favorable manner. To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a guide shoe 120 that has a shoe surface 121 for slidably guiding a running chain CH. An oil guide part 124 with a pair of guide walls 124a is provided in the shoe surface 121. The pair of guide walls 124a are each formed such as to face a rear side in a chain running direction D and converge to each other toward a front side in the chain running direction D. |
| US09534515B2 |
Camshaft phaser
A camshaft phaser having a vane-type phaser having a central-position locking device having locking pins lockable in a locking slot stationary with respect to the stator and locking in the locking slot from different directions. A locking pin has a blocking portion and a flow-through pressure medium conduit, by which a fluid connection between two working chambers of different directions of action can be established or blocked in the different positions of the first locking pin. The working chambers-of the different directions of actions are capable of being short-circuited by a switching device. At least one pressure medium conduit fluidically connectable to the pressure medium circuit by the flow-through pressure medium conduit of the locking pin has a check valve therein which allows the pressure medium to flow into one of the working chambers whose volume is increased during a rotation of the rotor from either of the advance or retard stop positions toward the central locking position, while at the same time preventing backflow from the same working chamber. |
| US09534514B2 |
Camshaft adjusting system
A camshaft adjusting system (1) having a camshaft adjuster (2) and a camshaft (3), wherein the camshaft adjuster (2) has a drive element (4) and an output element (5) which is disposed so as to be pivotably movable with respect to the drive element (4), wherein the output element (5) is non-rotatably connected to the camshaft (3), wherein a cover element (6) is fastened non-rotatably to the output element (5) and the hub (9) of the cover element (6) is disposed between the output element (5) and the camshaft (3), wherein the radial direction of extension of the cover element (6) is greater than the diameter of the contact surface (10) of the hub (9) of the cover element (6) to the camshaft (3). |
| US09534513B2 |
Camshaft phaser actuated by an electric motor
A camshaft phaser is provided for controllably varying the phaser relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine which includes a camshaft bearing for supporting the camshaft and which defines a mounting bore for mounting the camshaft phaser to the internal combustion engine. The camshaft phaser includes a housing with a gear drive unit disposed within the housing. The gear drive unit includes an input gear member and an output gear member such that the input gear member is attachable to the crankshaft and such that the input gear member is attached to an output shaft of an electric motor. The output gear member is attachable to the camshaft such that rotation of the input gear member by the electric motor causes relative rotation between the crankshaft and the camshaft. The camshaft phaser is disposed between the mounting bore and the camshaft bearing. |
| US09534511B2 |
Switchable rocker arm with improved switching response time
A rocker arm includes a follower which follows a first lobe of a camshaft and is mounted to a rocker arm body; a lock pin that is selectively moveable in a lock bore between a first position and a second position in order to prevent relative movement between the rocker arm body and the follower in one of the first position and the second position and to permit relative movement between the rocker arm body and the follower in the other of the first position and the second position; and a rocker arm oil passage in fluid communication with the lock bore for communicating oil therethrough to move the lock pin between the first position and the second position. The rocker arm oil passage is elongated in a circumferential direction relative to the lock bore. |
| US09534505B2 |
Integrated nacelle inlet and metallic fan containment case
A fan nacelle includes a metallic fan containment case. A nacelle inlet is secured to the metallic fan containment case by permanent fastening elements. A gas turbine engine includes a metallic fan containment case. A core engine has a static engine structure housing a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. The core engine is configured to receive core airflow. A fan is arranged within the metallic fan containment case. The fan is coupled to the core engine and is arranged in a bypass flowpath provided between the core engine and the metallic fan containment case. A nacelle inlet is secured to the metallic fan containment case by permanent fastening elements. |
| US09534499B2 |
Method of extending the service life of used turbocharger compressor wheels
A method is provided for extending the service life of a used metallic compressor wheel having a damaged surface. The method generally comprises the steps of inspecting the used compressor wheel for material discontinuities such as fatigue cracks and, if fatigue cracks exceeding a predetermined length are not present, renewing the used compressor wheel such as by peening. The inspection process comprises conducting a non-destructive examination of the used compressor wheel to detect cracks larger than those which would fall generally within the compressive stress zone that is generated by peening. |
| US09534495B2 |
Rock anchoring system and method
This invention discloses an underground rock anchoring system comprising a rock bolt having a bolt shaft operatively locatable in an elongate rectilinear hole drilled into a hanging wall such that an end portion of the bolt shaft protrudes from the hole, the bolt shaft having a side wall defining a hollow internal chamber extending along at least part of the length of the bolt shaft, a bearing plate adapted to be fitted over the protruding end portion of the bolt shaft for bearing against a rock surface of the hanging wall; and fastening means for pulling the bearing plate taut against the rock surface of the hanging wall. The invention also extends to a rock anchoring method in which such system is used. |
| US09534489B2 |
Modeling acid distribution for acid stimulation of a formation
A method of evaluating a stimulation operation includes: receiving parameter information for the stimulation operation, the stimulation operation including injecting an acid stimulation fluid into an earth formation along a selected length of a borehole from a tubular disposed in the borehole; and generating, by a processor, a thermal model based on one or more energy balance equations that account for at least a first heat source and a second heat source, the first heat source expected to produce heat during the stimulation by a chemical reaction between an acid in the stimulation fluid and the formation, and the second heat source including expected geothermal heat from the formation. |
| US09534487B2 |
Cement acoustic properties from ultrasonic signal amplitude dispersions in cased wells
Apparatus and methods for characterizing the physical state of a barrier installed in a borehole traversing a formation including locating an ultrasonic tool with a plurality of spaced receivers and a transmitter at a location in the borehole, activating the ultrasonic tool to form ultrasonic waveforms, wherein the spaced receivers record the ultrasonic waveforms, aligning the transmitter and the spaced receivers, wherein the ultrasonic waveforms comprise propagated Lamb modes, processing the ultrasonic waveforms to obtain a first amplitude dispersion plot of attenuation as a function of frequency and first phase dispersion plot of phase velocity as a function of frequency, processing attenuation dispersions to identify discontinuities, and relating the discontinuities to barrier wavespeeds. |
| US09534486B2 |
Method and system for tracking time in a downhole tool without the need for a battery
Time is tracked in a downhole tool to indicate whether timestamps associated with data samples or events in a log indicate either real time or a duration of time since a certain reset, and to indicate whether the timestamps have been synchronized with a master clock in the tool. The log also records the time and offset of each synchronization event. A computer processes the log to convert all of the timestamps to real-time values and to indicate timestamps that have been estimated and timestamps that were never synchronized to a master clock in the tool. The computer determines an associated uncertainty for each of the estimated timestamps. |
| US09534484B2 |
Fracturing sequential operation method using signal responsive ported subs and packers
The method allows a pressure test of a string with external packers without having the packer setting apparatus exposed to tubing pressure so that at a later time and at a lower pressure than the pressure test pressure, the external packers can be set with annulus pressure opened to a piston that references a low pressure chamber. The packers can be set in any desired order. Thereafter, a circulation sub can be triggered to open to allow the fracking to start. Fracking each interval beyond the first in an uphole direction can be accomplished with pumping ever increasing balls to seats associated with sliding sleeves to open the sleeves in order. In cemented completions, after a pressure test, a ported sub can open on a timer or other signal to allow pumping a combination of a bridge plug and a perforating gun to the desired location. |
| US09534482B2 |
Thermal mobilization of heavy hydrocarbon deposits
A method is provided for applying a thermal process to a lower zone underlying an overlying hydrocarbon zone with thermal energy from the thermal process mobilizing oil in the overlying zone. The lower zone itself could be a hydrocarbon zone undergoing thermal EOR. Further, one can economically apply a thermal EOR process to an oil formation of low mobility and having an underlying zone such as a basal water zone. Introduction gas and steam, the gas having a higher density than the steam, into the underlying zone displaces the basal water and creates an insulating layer of gas between the steam and the basal water maximizing heat transfer upwardly and mobilizing viscous oil greatly reducing the heat loss to the basal water, economically enhancing production from thin oil bearing zones with underlying basal water which are not otherwise economic by other known EOR processes. |
| US09534481B2 |
Formation treatment evaluation
Measuring a parameter characteristic of a formation in an oil well with a device configured to generate a sensing field within a volume of the formation and cause a flow through the volume in the presence of the sensing field. The device also comprises sensors responsive to changes in the volume, which indicate existent amounts of fluid, such as hydrocarbon and water saturations and irreducible hydrocarbon and water saturations. Measurements may be made before the flow affects the measuring volume and after onset of the flow through the measuring volume. |
| US09534475B2 |
GUI-facilitated centralizing methods and systems
Graphical User Interface (GUI) facilitated centralization methods and system, including a method that includes displaying a graphical representation of a tubular string within a borehole, accepting an interactive graphical selection of a starting location for a range along the borehole, and accepting an interactive graphical selection of an ending location for the range along the borehole. The method further includes determining string stand-off device positions that provide centralization within the range, and providing said positions to field personnel assembling and placing the tubular string in the borehole. |
| US09534472B2 |
Fabrication and use of well-based obstruction forming object
An apparatus that is usable within a well includes a string and an object. The object is adapted to be communicated into the well through a passageway of the string to form an obstruction downhole in the well. The object includes an inner core; a layer to surround the inner core; and a structure to extend from the layer to support the inner core while the layer is being formed to position the inner core with respect to the layer. |
| US09534469B2 |
Stacked tray ball dropper for subterranean fracking operations
A ball dropper has a stack of trays that have solid portions for supporting a ball and open portions to allow a ball to pass through a tray. Fixed barriers limit the travel of the ball with the rotating tray to allow the ball to become unsupported so that it can be caught on the tray below. A stepper motor precisely makes the required incremental rotation to allow the addition of the next ball at the top. Once the trays are filled or the balls loaded are advanced such that the lead ball is on the last tray any further rotation will start to discharge the balls with each increment of rotation. The device is easy and cheap to fabricate and presents a reliable way to get jam free operation while having a housing that will tolerate the operating pressures in the wellbore. |
| US09534466B2 |
Cap system for subsea equipment
A cap system for subsea equipment that can be employed on various subsea equipment including but not limited to a vertical monobore tree, a horizontal tree, a wellhead and a tubing head spool. The cap system includes a cap assembly that has the flexibility of installation and retrieval for open water as well as a through a riser with a running tool. The cap assembly also does not require any orientation during installation. The cap system includes a debris cap assembly installable in engagement with the cap assembly. The debris cap assembly interfacing with the cap assembly provides the ability to inject and bleed fluids through a main bore and an annulus bore of the subsea tree independently and without removal of the debris cap assembly and cap assembly. |
| US09534464B1 |
Soil sampling assembly
A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The conveyor system includes a central conveyor and a lateral conveyor that feeds the central conveyor. The central conveyor is on a travel track. The soil sampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe. The probe has a tip, and the tip of the probe includes an outer surface defining an outer taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore. |
| US09534454B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing cable in a wellbore
An apparatus for storing cable along a tubular in a wellbore using a first retainer for attachment to the tubular at a first location and a second retainer for attachment to the tubular at a second location. Each retainer is constructed and arranged to reverse the direction of the cable and to at least partially retain the cable due to elastic forces therein. In one embodiment, the cable is formed into a plurality of loops, each having an upper end retained by the first retainer and a lower end retained by the second retainer. |
| US09534453B2 |
Umbilical management system and method for subsea well intervention
An intervention system and method for control of seabed equipment, including a control umbilical connected to a support vessel or rig via a surface winch; a tether connected to underwater seabed equipment; and an umbilical management system unit coupled between the tether and the control umbilical to couple the support vessel or rig to the seabed equipment. The control umbilical and the tether via the umbilical management system unit provide a communications channel for communicating media, including data, electrical power, hydraulic power and/or chemical treatment fluid, from the support vessel or rig to the seabed equipment. The umbilical management system unit allows for easy deployment and management of the control umbilical and tether and can reel in or pay out the tether and/or the control umbilical under remote control or autonomously. |
| US09534450B2 |
Thermally stable polycrystalline compacts for reduced spalling, earth-boring tools including such compacts, and related methods
Polycrystalline compacts include an interface between first and second volumes of a body of inter-bonded grains of hard material. The first volume is at least substantially free of interstitial material, and the second volume includes interstitial material in interstitial spaces between surfaces of the inter-bonded grains of hard material. The interface between the first and second volumes is configured, located and oriented such that cracks originating in the compact during use of the compacts and propagating along the interface generally toward a central axis of the compacts will propagate generally toward a back surface and away from a front cutting face of the compacts at an acute angle or angles. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts involve the formation of such an interface within the compacts. |
| US09534449B2 |
Hydraulic control of drill string tools
A drill string tool has a control mechanism to switch the tool between an inactive condition and an active condition in response to operator-performance of a predefined trigger sequence comprising variations in a drilling fluid pressure differential. The trigger sequence comprises multiple cycles of (a) raising the predefined trigger sequence into, but not above, a predefined pressure range, and (b) lowering the predefined trigger sequence below a lower threshold of the pressure range. Raising of the pressure difference above an upper pressure range threshold results in automatic interruption and resetting of the predefined trigger sequence. |
| US09534443B1 |
Ladder and related methods
A ladder. A step is coupled to a primary leg, an adjustable base is coupled to the primary leg, the adjustable base includes a first base section rotatably coupled to a second base section and the second base section is coupled to the primary leg. An adjuster retains the first base section at one of a plurality of rotations with respect to the second base section. In implementations a secondary leg is coupled to the primary leg proximate a top of the ladder and a movable section is coupled to the primary leg with an arm and further coupled to the secondary leg with an arm, the movable section having a substantially planar upper surface configured to generally face the top of the ladder when the ladder is in an open configuration and configured to generally face the top of the ladder when the ladder is in a closed configuration. |
| US09534441B2 |
Interlocking rolling sheet door system
In accordance with various embodiments, there is provided an interlocking rolling sheet door and a method for assembling the interlocking rolling sheet door. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the interlocking rolling sheet door includes at least one curtain panel. Each curtain panel includes a first curl on a lateral end and a second curl on an opposing lateral end. One of the first curl and the second curl is an interior curl portion, and the other of the first curl and the second curl is an exterior curl portion. The first curl of one curtain panel is configured to rotationally engage an inner portion of the second curl of an adjacent curtain panel, whereby the first curl rotationally engaging the second curl until a distal end of the first curl fouls out against an inner surface of the second curl. The first curl and the second curl are configured to rotationally engage one another to form an interlocking mechanism between adjacent curtain panels to form the interlocking rolling sheet door. |
| US09534437B1 |
Window insulation system
The present invention is directed toward a window or door insulation system including an attachable trim strip, and a securable transparent sheet, to create a removable and auxiliary insulation sheet. The trim strip includes a base attachable to a surface, a cover pivotably connected to the base, and an interior strip pivotably connected to the cover and base. The cover includes a first wall, an intermediate wall transitioning from the first wall, and a second wall transitioning from the intermediate wall. The first wall is pivotably connected to a first side of the base so that the cover is configured to be an open position or a closed position. A gap is defined between the second wall of the cover and the second side of the base when in the closed position. The interior strip is configured to keep the cover opened or closed. |
| US09534436B2 |
Driving device for opening and closing
A driving device for opening and closing an opening/closing body of a vehicle. The driving device comprises a nut member that moves linearly by way of rotation of a rod member and is threadably engaged with the rod member, and an engaging member that can be engaged with an engagement-receiving member provided on the rod member that is moved by way of a link arm linked to actuation of a solenoid such that rotation of the rod member can be stopped. The link arm has a mechanical structure that limits vibrations that change the vibration status of the engaging member. By using this driving device, impact noise during actuation of the driving device can be mitigated, or the pitch of the noise can be altered, so as not to discomfort passengers. |
| US09534435B2 |
Damper for hinges
Damper (1) comprising a cylinder (2) containing a damping fluid, at least one piston (3) translatable within said cylinder and defining two damping chambers (4, 5), and a rod (6) for controlling the movement of said at least one piston (3) within said cylinder (2), said damper further comprising at least one first and at least one second narrow passages (7, 8) through which said damping fluid is forced to pass from one to the other of said two damping chambers (4, 5) when said control rod is controllably moved within said cylinder (2), characterized in that said at least one piston (3) is translatable with respect to said control rod (6) on the basis of the speed of said control rod (6), between a first position (P1), in which said at least one piston (3) prevents said damping fluid from passing through said at least one first narrow passage (7) and a second position (P2) in which said at least one piston (3) allows said damping fluid to pass through said at least one first narrow passage (7), and in that it comprises at least one first elastic member (9) constrained to said at least one piston (3) and deformable and/or displaceable with respect to said at least one piston (3) on the basis of the speed of said at least one control rod (6) to prevent said fluid from passing through said at least one second narrow passage (8), at least when said at least one piston (3) is in said second position (P2). |
| US09534433B2 |
Removable side hinge for appliance
A hinge system for mounting a door to an appliance has an upper hinge bracket having an upper hinge swing element configured to engage a door upper swing element fixed to the door, the engagement of the upper hinge swing element and the door upper swing element allowing the door to swing about a vertical axis between an open position and a closed position, and an upper hinge pivot limiting element configured to engage a frame pivot limiting element fixed to the appliance; a lower hinge bracket having a lower hinge swing element configured to engage a door lower swing element, and a system pivot element configured to engage a frame pivot element such that the upper hinge bracket, the lower hinge bracket, and the door are pivotable about a horizontal axis as a unit relative to the appliance while still being attached to the appliance. |
| US09534432B2 |
Hinge structure
A hinge structure including a first shaft, a second shaft and a moving component is provided. The first shaft and the second shaft respectively have a guiding portion and a first screw thread and a second screw thread located at the guiding portion. Each of the first screw threads is connected to the corresponding second screw thread. The moving component is respectively coupled to the two guiding portions. When the first shaft and the second shaft rotate with each other through the moving component to switch between a first state and a second state, the moving component is guided by the first screw threads and the second screw threads to move along a direction parallel to the first shaft back and forth. |
| US09534427B2 |
Motor vehicle door closure
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door closure, comprising a locking mechanism, an electric drive (3, 4) for the locking mechanism, and a child-restraint element (14) with a corresponding sensor (15). The electric drive (3, 4) can be activated or deactivated in order to open the locking mechanism dependant on the position of the child-restraint element (14), said position being requested using the sensor (15). The activated child-restraint element (14) can be deactivated in an emergency operation by a switch (17), and the locking mechanism can be opened by the electric drive (3, 4). |
| US09534425B2 |
Lock for a motor vehicle
A lock for a motor vehicle includes a locking mechanism with a rotatably mounted rotary catch for receiving a locking bolt, and a pawl with which the rotary catch can be engaged for retaining the locking bolt. The lock further includes a blocking lever that blocks the pawl when the pawl is located in a catching position, and a releasing lever for disengaging the locking mechanism. A first spring interconnects the blocking lever and the releasing lever, wherein the blocking lever and the releasing lever move either together or independently relative to the first spring based on a magnitude of acceleration of the releasing lever. |
| US09534424B2 |
Actuation device for a motor vehicle door lock
The invention relates to an actuation device for a motor vehicle door lock (1), comprising a handle (7), and a locking lever (10) which renders the handle (7) inactive when accelerating forces (a) of a predetermined magnitude occur, for example, in the event of an accident. In the normal operation, the locking lever (10) is displaced when impinged upon by the handle (7) and the handle (7) is simply rendered inactive in the locked operation. |
| US09534423B2 |
Accessory lock for computing device
The described embodiments relate to a locking mechanism for securing a housing of a computing device. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments are configured to both secure the housing of the computing device closed and to provide a means for securing the desktop computing device to a stationary object such as a desk. The locking mechanism can be two separable locking bodies configured to be received by separate openings in a housing of the computing device. Once the separate openings receive both locking bodies, a locking device can engage both pieces of the locking mechanism to lock both pieces to each other and to the housing. |
| US09534420B1 |
Intelligent door lock system retrofitted to existing door lock mechanism
An intelligent door lock system is retrofitted to an existing door lock system that includes a door lock system with a lock and a drive shaft; and an intelligent door lock system. The intelligent door lock system includes, a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device, where the position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device, an engine with a memory, with the engine coupled to the positioning sensing device, a circuit coupled to the engine, an energy source coupled to the circuit, and a device that converts energy into mechanical energy coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft, the device that converts energy being coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source. |
| US09534419B2 |
Decorative door handle
A decorative door handle comprising a flexible material configured in the shape of a door handle and a malleable stiffener material to maintain the handle in a desired useful looking configuration. In one aspect the flexible material is a magnetic vinyl. In another aspect, a decorative door handle comprising molded resin having at least one magnetic insert in the back surface. In another aspect, a decorative hinge element comprising molded resin having at least one magnetic insert in the back surface. |
| US09534408B2 |
System and method for generating waves in multiple directions
Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating waves in multiple directions. Present embodiments may include a wave generation mechanism configured to be positioned centrally within a container filled with water that is sufficiently sized to facilitate recreational activities for patrons within the container. The wave generation mechanism may include at least one actuator configured to activate at least one water-displacement medium to displace the water such that waves are propagated through the water, and a directional feature configured to direct the waves away from the wave generation mechanism after activation of the actuator such that the waves are propagated outward from the wave generation mechanism in multiple directions. |
| US09534404B2 |
Tapering assembly
A tapering assembly compresses a butt end of a barrier into a tapered end for enhanced installation. The barrier includes sheet rock panel. A plurality of rollers and at least one taper roller pass through a front end of a plate portion. The barrier passes through a predetermined distance between the taper roller and the plurality of rollers. The taper roller includes a gradient taper. The plurality of rollers guide the barrier against the taper roller. A rear end of the plate portion includes a bearing that enables the taper roller and plurality of rollers to pass through. A taper roller shaft extends from a rear end of the plate portion. A variable speed drill rotates the taper shaft to provide rotation and torque to the taper roller. The barrier butt end is tapered without causing damage to the barrier from the position and precision calibration of the rollers. |
| US09534403B2 |
Wedge system
A wedge system for creating a tiled surface includes wedge receivers and wedges. Each wedge receiver has a planar element and a hook extending from the planar element in perpendicular relation. The hook is disposed as a tile spacer between a pair of tiles. The planar element is disposed beneath the tiles. Each wedge has a clamping surface and a ribbed gripping surface orientated in angular relation to one another to meet in an edge with the ribs comprising an arcuate arrangement. In use, the wedge extends through the aperture of the wedge receiver such that the clamping surface is positioned in abutting relation against the tiles and the hook is resiliently deformed to provide for a clamped engagement of the tiles between the clamping surface and the planar element, to provide for substantially coplanar relation of the tiles. Further, the gripping surface grips the wedge receiver to resist withdrawal of the wedge and maintain the clamped engagement until the mortar has cured. |
| US09534402B2 |
System, method and apparatus for trim for building products
A trim assembly may include a starter strip having a first fastener hem configured to receive a fastener, a starter flange extending from the first fastener hem, and a first rib extending from the starter flange. A fastener flange having a second fastener hem may be configured to receive a second fastener. The fastener flange can include a second rib extending from the second fastener hem. A trim having a first slot may be configured to receive the first rib and be mounted to the starter strip, and a second slot configured to receive the second rib and be mounted to the fastener flange. |
| US09534397B2 |
Flooring material
A surface element designed to be assembled together with similar surface elements to form a unit of a plurality of joined surface elements; said surface elements comprising a core, a decorative upper surface and edges for joining, including a first and a second edges allowing joining by rotational movement, and a third and a fourth edge allowing joining by vertical movement, wherein two adjacent edges of the surface element at the same time, and concurrently with said rotational movement, is joined with a surface element adjacent to the first edge and a surface element adjacent to the third or fourth edge. |
| US09534395B2 |
Staircase element and method for building a staircase
The invention relates to a staircase element comprising a tubular mast erectable to a vertical position onto the floor or a corresponding surface of a stair hall, and fillable with concrete; stair step elements fastened at their first end stepwise to the mast and branching off radially from the mast; at least one tubular stringer fastened to the second end of the stair step elements, fillable with concrete and connectable with fastening members to at least one wall of the stair hall, for supporting the stair step elements at their second end and for anchoring the staircase element to a building. The invention also relates to a method for building a staircase. |
| US09534393B2 |
Retractable cover
A retractable and stowable cover is provided for use with an open living space. A lifting mechanism moves a center section from a stored position to a second position where the cover can be used for shade. The shade position allows an expandable shade fabric to be deployed from each side of the center section. The lifting mechanism can then move the center section where it comes down and the shade fabric can then cover and secure the open space. |
| US09534389B2 |
Window system for mounting in an inclined surface of a building providing improved load transfer
A window system for mounting in an inclined surface of a building, said window system comprising a frame structure and a sash structure each defining a substantially rectangular unit with an inner opening, and where a transverse element extending between side members of the sash structure forms a yoke (25) in connection with the pane element (1) and acts as a support of the pane element to transfer at least part of the load of the pane element to the side members (22) of the sash structure (2). At least one glazing support (14) may be mounted on the yoke (25), each glazing support (14) preferably comprising a substantially plane abutment portion (141) in contact with the pane element (1) and a first engagement portion (142) adapted to engage the yoke (25). |
| US09534388B2 |
Fixture support for membrane roof
A method for mounting a fixture on a membrane-covered roof involves a bracket with wings coated on upper surfaces with a material rendering the wings heat weldable to roofing membrane. The bracket is placed on the roof membrane, and a transition membrane with a cutout for a raised portion of the bracket is placed over the bracket and heat welded to both the upper wing surfaces of the bracket and to the roof membrane. |
| US09534383B1 |
Ceiling panel system
A panel assembly for a suspended ceiling comprising a sheet metal body and support brackets attached to the body, the sheet metal body having a rectangular generally planar face portion, a side portion along each of four edges of the face portion, the side portions extending upwardly from the face portion edges to side portion edges, and flanges extending inwardly from the side portion edges such that the flanges overlie and are spaced from the face portion, the side portions intersecting at corners of the panel assembly and the flanges being adjacent the corners, a hanger bracket associated with each corner abutting and fixed to the flanges adjacent each corner, the hanger bracket having at least one hole for attaching a suspension wire at a location spaced from said each corner a distance substantially greater than a width of the flanges adjacent said each corner. |
| US09534382B2 |
Lighting assembly
A lighting system for ceiling grid systems advantageously uses a grid member designed to cooperate with a strip light to secure the strip light generally aligned beneath the grid system. The grid system can be initially installed with the cooperating grid members at specified locations. The strip lights can then be installed to the grid system. This arrangement simplifies installation particularly installations in commercial type spaces and larger scale architectural projects. |
| US09534374B1 |
Attic flooring and storage system
An attic flooring and storage system for laying out a support floor in an attic or other framed structure, the system comprising a number of support brackets with a mounting saddle including at least one mounting guide for removably suspending the brackets over a joist type member while disposing the upper surface of at least one laterally projecting support wing to support and align a flooring panel with at least one angular brace constructed to transfer bending forces about a joint between the support wing and the adjacent mounting guide to the joist. |
| US09534370B2 |
Assembly comprising an engine
An assembly includes a combustion engine and a housing to protect an engine, wherein the housing has a first wall and the first wall has a container. |
| US09534367B2 |
Flexible toilet seal and method
The present disclosure generally relates to an improved toilet seal and methods for installing such toilet seals. The toilet seal includes one or more rings disposed circumferentially about a sleeve. The rings are removably attached to the sleeve to provide a manner by which to remove one or more of the rings and thereby adjust the position of the seal relative to adjacent piping. The seal further includes a sealing element that includes a flexible lip, which is adapted to deflect downwardly when engaged by a plumbing fixture. |
| US09534366B2 |
Toilet cleaning device
A toilet cleaning device has an element which closes an outlet pipe of a toilet bowl so that water accumulates in the toilet bowl to clean it and then allows the water to flow out through the outlet pipe, and the element includes a base which closes the outlet pipe of the toilet bowl and a tube connected with the base and capable of being grabbed by a user. |
| US09534356B2 |
Retainer systems for ground engaging tools
Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer system may include a lock having a lock rotation axis and including an outer surface extending about the lock rotation axis. The retainer system may also include a retainer bushing including an inner surface extending about the lock rotation axis, where the inner surface is configured to rotatably receive the outer surface of the lock. The outer surface of the lock and the inner surface of the retainer bushing may be aligned substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis. |
| US09534353B1 |
Machine for digging or refurbishing swales
A machine for forming an elongate swale in an earth surface includes a motor for powering the machine along a predetermined path of travel, a first blade housing, a second blade housing, the first and second blade housings being positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the machine at a predetermined angle with respect to the earth surface. A first disc is rotatably mounted in the first blade housing and a second disc is rotatably mounted in the second blade housing. The first and second discs are counter-rotated by the motor. Each of the discs has at least two blades secured to an outer peripheral edge in diametrically opposed relation to one another. The two blades include a digging blade a sweeping blade. Each digging blade depending downwardly from the plane of the disc and each sweeping blade extending upwardly from the plane of the disc. |
| US09534352B2 |
Boom for working machine with swelling part
Boom for a working machine includes a forked base support pivotally supported by a machine body. A base support of the boom has a hose introduction hole for inserting a hydraulic hose from the machine body into the boom main body. A swelling part extends upward from a fore end side toward a forked side so as to correspond to an inner surface side of an upper wall and skirt parts extend downward from a lateral center of a top part of the swelling part toward upper surfaces of left and right leg parts. |
| US09534351B2 |
Method of installing depressible pavement marker
A retractable, reflective pavement marker for delineating traffic lanes of roadways and a method of installing the same that provides improved protection from potentially damaging vehicle tires, snowplows, and environmental conditions. The marker incorporates a reflector assembly mounted to a piston that is depressible within a housing. A biasing means returns the reflector assembly to its normal position above the road surface. A compliant adhesive cooperates with an adhesive lock formed between the housing and the opening to ensure that the marker is reliably retained within the pavement. The adhesive and a chamfered opening prevent pavement spalling due to external forces. The housing includes a removable retainer through which the piston is reciprocally received. The retainer includes a plurality of coarsely pitched lead-in threads that cooperate with a threaded housing. Multiple lead-in threads provide sufficient thread engagement, while substantially decreasing the number of rotations to achieve full engagement. |
| US09534348B2 |
Paver transition mark reduction
A paving machine for reducing transition marks in a mat. The paving machine may comprise a frame, a tow arm, a screed assembly, a sensor and a controller. The screed assembly includes a main screed plate and an extension plate. The main screed plate is configured to pave a first surface section of the mat. The extension plate includes an extension trailing edge having an inner end. The extension plate is configured to pave a second surface section of the mat. The sensor is configured to sense transition marks in the mat proximal to an intersection between the first and second surface sections and to transmit data indicative of such to the controller. The controller may be configured to determine from the data received from the sensor when the inner end is disposed above or below the first plane, and move the inner end to the first plane. |
| US09534347B2 |
Safety structure for a railway line
Safety structure for protecting a railway line includes a fencing on supports resting on the track bed. These supports are connected to a rail of a railway line. The connection is effected by magnetic force. At their free ends, the supports have permanent magnets having a shape allowing them to engage the web of a rail. Due to the significant length of the supports, it is possible to apply a great torque to the magnets when the other end is engaged, that is to say that end which is turned away from the permanent magnets, as a result of which the magnet slides away along the web and can be detached therefrom. The magnet may consist of a number of magnets stacked on top of one another. The magnet is preferably arranged so as to be slightly displaceable with respect to the support to provide compensation for an uneven surface. |
| US09534345B2 |
Sampling assembly and method
A sampling assembly and a method of operation of a sampling assembly are described. An assembly according to an embodiment includes an inlet, an outlet, a liquid-flowing section disposed between the inlet and the outlet, a vapor-flowing section disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a probe port on the liquid-flowing section. The vapor-flowing section is distinct from and above the liquid-flowing section. A method according to an embodiment includes receiving a liquid chemical interspersed with a gas at an inlet of a sampling assembly and segregating the liquid chemical from the gas. The liquid chemical flows in a liquid-flowing section of the sampling assembly, and the gas flows in a vapor-flowing section of the sampling assembly. The method further includes monitoring a property of the liquid chemical in the liquid-flowing section and releasing the liquid chemical and the gas through an outlet of the sampling assembly. |
| US09534344B2 |
Dyeing method and dyeing apparatus
Disclosed is a dyeing method using a laser beam. The method can dye transparent resins such as plastic lens well. Also disclosed is a dyeing apparatus. The dyeing method comprises heating a plastic lens having a dye-coated surface to fix the dye on the surface of the plastic lens. The method comprises the step of applying a laser beam with a wavelength, which is less likely to be absorbed in the dye but it absorbed in the plastic lens, onto the surface of the plastic lens through the dye. |
| US09534341B2 |
Iron for ironing
An iron having a housing, an electrically heated gliding surface, a power cord having a first end passing through an opening in the housing, a sleeve surrounding a portion of the power cord at the first end, and an indicator including a light source. The sleeve is at least partially transparent and the light source is arranged in connection with the sleeve to transmit light through the sleeve. |
| US09534330B2 |
Household appliance
A household appliance, in particular a water-conducting household appliance, which can be connected to a power supply network of an energy supplier, includes a communication and/or control facility. A bidirectional signal connection connects the communication and/or control facility to the energy supplier for exchange and/or request information, in particular network electricity information relating to electricity tariffs of the energy supplier. |
| US09534325B2 |
Methods of making absorbent members having skewed density profile
Absorbent members and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the absorbent member is a unitary absorbent fibrous web having a density profile through its thickness. In one embodiment, the density profile of the fibrous web is skewed toward one of the surfaces of the fibrous web. In such embodiments, the maximum density of the web may be located outside of the central 30% zone of the thickness of the web. In one embodiment, the method involves subjecting a precursor web to at least one cycle (or pass) through a mechanical deformation process. Typically, the method involves subjecting the precursor web to multiples cycles (or passes) through a mechanical deformation process. |
| US09534323B1 |
Terry fabric weave and resulting terry fabric
A terry fabric having a plurality of longitudinally oriented ground warp yarns pairs, a plurality of longitudinally oriented pile warp yarns, and a plurality of weft yarns oriented substantially perpendicular to the ground warp yarn pairs. The terry fabric includes a repeated weave sequence comprising first and second interlacing arrangements. |
| US09534320B2 |
Method for fabricating fiber products and composites
Method for fabricating fiber and film products and composites includes: introducing an aqueous gel of nanofibrillar cellulose into a volume of organic extraction agent miscible with water so that the aqueous gel is kept as a separate phase and forms one or several discrete physical entities containing the nanofibrillar cellulose within the phase; changing water with the organic extraction agent in said one or several discrete physical entities of nanofibrillar cellulose; and drying the nanofibrillar cellulose by removing the organic extraction agent from the one or several discrete physical entities of nanofibrillar cellulose. In the method the aqueous gel of nanofibrillar cellulose is introduced into the volume of organic extraction agent in the form of one or several elongated elements which form a fiber-like or ribbon-like or film-like product after drying. |
| US09534317B2 |
Seed crystal for SiC single-crystal growth, SiC single crystal, and method of manufacturing the SiC single crystal
A seed crystal for SiC single-crystal growth includes a facet formation region containing a {0001}-plane uppermost portion and n (n>=3) planes provided enclosing the periphery of the facet formation region. The seed crystal for SiC single-crystal growth satisfies the relationships represented by formula (a): Bkk-1<=cos−1(sin(2.3 degrees)/sin Ck), formula (b): Bkk<=cos−1(sin(2.3 degrees)/sin Ck), and formula (c): min(Ck)<=20 degrees. In the formulas, Ck is an offset angle of a k-th plane, Bkk-1 is an angle defined by an offset downstream direction of the k-th plane and a (k−1)-th ridge line, and Bkk is an angle defined by the offset downstream direction of the k-th plane and a k-th ridge line. |
| US09534315B2 |
Diamond producing method and DC plasma enhanced CVD apparatus
Diamond is grown on a substrate (S) from a mixture of a carbon-containing gas and hydrogen gas, by a DC plasma enhanced CVD process of applying a DC voltage between a stage electrode (12) for holding the substrate (S) and a voltage-applying electrode (13). During the step of growing diamond by applying a DC voltage, a single pulse voltage of opposite polarity to the DC voltage for diamond growth is applied between the stage electrode and the voltage-applying electrode at a predetermined timing. Diamond of quality is produced at a stable growth rate. |
| US09534314B2 |
Single crystal ingot, apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a single-crystal ingot manufacturing apparatus, which includes a crucible in which a melt is accommodated, a heater configured to heat the crucible, a heat shield member configured to shield radiant heat from the heater and the melt, and a neck cover configured to encompass a seed crystal unit above the crucible with being introduced into an opening of the heat shield member, the radiant heat being not shielded in the opening, the neck cover being vertically moved in linkage to vertical movement of the seed crystal unit within a predetermined range. |
| US09534307B2 |
Silver-plated product and method for producing same
In a silver-plated product wherein a surface layer of silver is formed on the surface of a base material or on the surface of an underlying layer formed on the base material, the surface layer of silver is formed by electroplating in a silver plating bath which contains 1 to 15 mg/L of selenium and wherein a mass ratio of silver to free cyanogen is in the range of from 0.9 to 1.8, and thereafter, an aging treatment is carried out to produce a silver-plated product wherein an area fraction in {200} orientation of the surface layer is 15% or more. |
| US09534305B2 |
Buffered cobalt oxide catalysts
Disclosed are electrolysis catalysts formed from cobalt, oxygen and buffering electrolytes (e.g. fluoride). They can be formed as a coating on an anode by conducting an electrolysis reaction using an electrolyte containing cobalt and an anionic buffering electrolyte. The catalysts will facilitate the conversion of water to oxygen and hydrogen gas at a range of mildly acidic conditions. Alternatively, these anodes can be used with cathodes that facilitate other desirable reactions such as converting carbon dioxide to methanol. |
| US09534303B2 |
High pressure electrolysis cell for hydrogen production from water
Exemplary embodiments include a method or apparatus for improving the electrolysis efficiency of high-pressure electrolysis cells by decreasing the current density at the anode and reducing an overvoltage at the anode while decreasing the amount of hydrogen permeation through the cell membrane from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber as the high-pressure electrolysis cell is operated. |
| US09534301B2 |
Multi-stage anti-corrosion treatment of metal components having zinc surfaces
The present invention relates to the field of phosphating for corrosion-protective pretreatment of zinc surfaces, being directed toward the use of largely nickel- and cobalt-free zinc phosphating solutions. The present invention makes available an alternative to trication zinc phosphating, in which the zinc surfaces of a component are firstly, before zinc phosphating, passivated with an alkaline composition containing iron(III) ions, and thereby preconditioned for a largely nickel- and cobalt-free zinc phosphating operation. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a component, in particular an automobile body, that comprises at least in part surfaces made of zinc, the zinc surfaces being covered by a two-layer system made up of a first, inner passive layer containing iron and resting on the zinc surface, and a second, outer crystalline zinc phosphate layer resting on the inner layer. |
| US09534297B2 |
Metallic articles having vitreous or glass-ceramic pigmented protective layers having a high chemical resistance
Metallic substrates with a vitreous or glass-ceramic pigmented protective layer are obtainable by applying an alkali metal silicate-containing coating sol to the substrate or a surface thereof and thermally densifying the layer thus obtained, said alkali metal silicate-containing coating sol comprising an oxidic pigment of at least one element selected from the third and fourth main or subgroups of the Periodic Table of the chemical elements and the transition metals Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb and Ta. |
| US09534294B2 |
Cleaning method for thin-film processing applications and apparatus for use therein
According to the present disclosure, a method for cleaning the processing chamber of a flexible substrate processing apparatus without breaking the vacuum in the processing chamber is provided. The method for cleaning the processing chamber includes guiding a sacrificial foil into the processing chamber; initiating a first pump process in the processing chamber; plasma cleaning the processing chamber while the sacrificial foil is provided in the processing chamber; initiating a second pump process in the processing chamber; and guiding a flexible substrate into the processing chamber. |
| US09534292B2 |
Hard-coated tool and its production method
A hard-coated tool comprising a titanium carbonitride layer formed directly on a WC-based cemented carbide substrate by a chemical vapor deposition method; the titanium carbonitride layer having a composition comprising 74-81% by mass of titanium, 13-16% by mass of carbon and 6-10% by mass of nitrogen; the titanium carbonitride layer having a structure comprising columnar crystal grains having an average transverse cross section diameter of 0.01-0.22 μm; a layer of W diffused from the substrate to the titanium carbonitride layer having an average thickness of 30-200 nm; and the titanium carbonitride layer having an X-ray diffraction peak of a (422) plane in a 2θ range of 122.7-123.7°. |
| US09534286B2 |
PVD target for self-centering process shield
In some embodiments, a target assembly, for use in a substrate processing chamber having a process shield, may include a backing plate having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the second side comprises a first surface having a first diameter bounded by a first edge; a target material having a first side bonded to the first surface of the backing plate; wherein the first edge is an interface between the backing plate and the target material; a plurality of slots disposed along an outer periphery of the backing plate extending from the first side of the backing plate toward the second side of the backing plate, wherein the plurality of slots are configured to align the target assembly with respect to the process shield. |
| US09534280B2 |
Austenitic iron-based alloy, turbocharger and component made thereof
An austenitic iron-based alloy containing manganese and at most 10% by weight and in particular at most 5% by weight nickel, based in each case on the overall weight of the iron-based alloy. |
| US09534277B1 |
Method for purification of 225AC from irradiated 226RA-targets
The present invention describes a method for purification of 225Ac from irradiated 226Ra-targets provided on a support, comprising a leaching treatment of the 226Ra-targets for leaching essentially the entirety of 225Ac and 226Ra with nitric or hydrochloric acid, followed by a first extraction chromatography for separating 225Ac from 226Ra and other Ra-isotops and a second extraction chromatography for separating 225Ac from 210Po and 210Pb. The finally purified 225Ac can be used to prepare compositions useful for pharmaceutical purposes. |
| US09534273B2 |
Alkaline and acid pressure oxidation of precious metal-containing materials
The present invention is directed to a precious metal recovery process in which an acid sulfidic feed material is subjected to acid pressure oxidation and an alkaline sulfidic feed material is subjected to alkaline pressure oxidation, with the discharge slurries from the pressure oxidation processes being combined to reduce neutralization requirements prior to precious metal recovery. |
| US09534271B2 |
Hot rolled steel sheet and method for manufacturing the same
A semi-manufactured steel material has a chemical composition including, by mass %, C: 0.055% to 0.15%, Si: not more than 0.2%, Mn: not more than 1.3%, P: not more than 0.03%, S: not more than 0.007%, Al: not more than 0.1%, N: not more than 0.01%, and Ti: 0.14% to 0.30%, the balance comprising Fe and inevitable impurities. In the composition, 1.0≦([C]/12)/([Ti*]/48) is satisfied ([C], [S], [N] and [Ti]: contents (mass %) of the respective elements, and [Ti*]=[Ti]−3.4×[N]−1.5×[S]), and the contents of niobium and boron as impurities are limited to Nb: less than 0.03% and B: less than 0.0005%. |
| US09534270B2 |
High strength steel sheet and method for manufacturing the same
The invention provides a high strength steel sheet which exhibits excellent chemical convertibility and corrosion resistance after electrodeposition coating even in the case where the steel sheet has a high Si content, and a method for manufacturing such steel sheets. The method includes continuous annealing of a steel sheet which includes, in terms of mass %, C at 0.01 to 0.18%, Si at 0.4 to 2.0%, Mn at 1.0 to 3.0%, Al at 0.001 to 1.0%, P at 0.005 to 0.060% and S at ≦0.01%, the balance being represented by Fe and inevitable impurities, while controlling the dew-point temperature of the atmosphere to become not more than −40° C. when the annealing furnace inside temperature is in the range of not less than 750° C. |
| US09534268B2 |
Method for manufacturing a hot press-hardened component and use of a steel product for manufacturing a hot press-hardened component
A method of manufacturing a hot press-hardened component comprises the following production steps: a) providing a steel product produced at least in sections from a stainless steel comprising of the following composition (specified in % wt.) C: 0.010-1.200%, P: up to 0.1%, S: up to 0.1%, Si: 0.10-1.5%, Cr: 10.5-20.0% and optionally one or more elements from the group “Mn, Mo, Ni, Cu, N, Ti, Nb, B, V, Al, Ca, As, Sn, Sb, Pb, Bi, H” with the requirement Mn: 0.10-3.0%, Mo: 0.05-2.50%, Ni: 0.05-8.50%, Cu: 0.050-3.00%, N: 0.01-0.2%, Ti: up to 0.02%, Nb: up to 0.1%, B: up to 0.1%, V: up to 0.2%, Al: 0.001-1.50%, Ca: 0.0005-0.003%, As: 0.003-0.015%, Sn: 0.003-0.01%, Sb: 0.002-0.01%, Pb: up to 0.01%, Bi: up to 0.01%, H: up to 0.0025%, remainder iron and unavoidable impurities; b) heating the steel product to an austenization temperature abovethe Ac3 temperature of the stainless steel; c) hot press-hardening the heated steel product in a pressing die to form the component; and d) cooling at least one section of the component at a cooling rate that is high enough for a martensitic structure to form in each section that is rapidly cooled. |
| US09534266B2 |
Slag-supplying container for use in electric furnace for reduction processing of steel-making slag
This slag-supplying container of an electric furnace for reduction processing of steel-making slag includes: a container body that causes hot steel-making slag to flow to the electric furnace; a slag discharging portion connected with an electric-furnace-side slag-supplying port; a slag receiving portion that receives the hot steel-making slag supplied; a lid that opens and closes the slag receiving portion; an exhausting portion that discharges exhaust gas from the electric furnace; and, a tilting unit that tilts the container body to adjust the amount of inflow of the hot steel-making slag to the electric-furnace-side slag-supplying port. |
| US09534265B2 |
Methods and systems for producing direct reduced iron incorporating a carbon dioxide and steam reformer fed by recovered carbon dioxide
Methods and systems for producing direct reduced iron (DRI), comprising: generating a syngas stream in a carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam reformer; and providing the syngas stream to a direct reduction (DR) shaft furnace as a reducing gas stream. The methods and systems also comprise combining the syngas stream with a recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to form the reducing gas stream. The methods and systems further comprise removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace prior to combining it with the syngas stream to form the reducing gas stream. The methods and systems still further comprise feeding CO2 removed from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to the CO2 and steam reformer. The methods and systems still further comprise feeding recycled off-gas from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to the CO2 and steam reformer. |
| US09534264B2 |
System for energy optimization in a plant for producing direct-reduced metal ores
A system for energy optimization in a plant (3) for producing direct-reduced metal ores (3). The plant (3) has at least one reduction unit (12), a device for separating gas mixtures (7, 7a, 7b) having an associated compressing device (4, 4a, 4b), and a gas-heating device (10) upstream of the reduction unit (12). Part of the process gases (2, 2a, 2b) is fed by a feed line from a smelting reduction plant to the plant for producing direct-reduced metal ores (3). A turbine (8, 8a, 8b) is fit between the device for separating gas mixtures (7, 7a, 7b) and the gas-heating device (10) upstream of the reduction unit (12) such that a pressure drop between the device for separating gas mixtures (7, 7a, 7b) and the reduction unit (12) is converted into forms of energy that can be used to operate additional components (4, 4a, 4b, 15, 15a, 15b) of the plant (3), in particular electrical energy and/or mechanical energy. Energy consumption of the plant (3) is reduced. |
| US09534259B2 |
DOT1 histone methyltransferases as a target for identifying therapeutic agents for leukemia
The present invention provides polypeptides with histone H3 lysine 79 methyltransferase activity as well as nucleic acids encoding the same. Also provided are methods of using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention in screening assays to identify compounds of interest. Further provided are diagnostic methods for leukemia and prognostic methods to predict the course of the disease in a subject. |
| US09534258B2 |
Devices and methods for prognosis prediction for melanoma cancer
The invention relates to prognostic markers and prognostic signatures, and compositions and methods for determining the prognosis of cancer in a patient, particularly for melanoma. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of genetic and protein markers for the prediction of the risk of progression of a cancer, such as melanoma, based on markers and signatures of markers. In various aspects, the invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and devices based on prognostic cancer markers, specifically melanoma prognostic markers, to aid in the prognosis and treatment of cancer. |
| US09534256B2 |
Methods and compositions for correlating genetic markers with risk of aggressive prostate cancer
The present invention provides a method of identifying a subject as having an increased risk of having or developing aggressive prostate cancer, comprising detecting in the subject the presence of various polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of having or developing aggressive prostate cancer. |
| US09534255B2 |
Methods, compositions, and kits for detecting allelic variants
In some embodiments, the present inventions relates generally to compositions, methods and kits for use in discriminating sequence variation between different alleles. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present invention provides for compositions, methods and kits for quantitating rare (e.g., mutant) allelic variants, such as SNPs, or nucleotide (NT) insertions or deletions, in samples comprising abundant (e.g., wild type) allelic variants with high specificity and selectivity. In particular, in some embodiments, the invention relates to a highly selective method for mutation detection referred to as competitive allele-specific TaqMan PCR (“cast-PCR”). |
| US09534252B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules containing recombination sites and methods of using the same
The present invention relates to the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology. In particular, the present invention relates to the construction and use of nucleic acid molecules comprising cloning sites which differ in nucleotide sequence. In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which contain recombination sites with different primer binding sites. These different primer binding sites may be used to sequence different ends of nucleic acid segments located between the two recombination sites. |
| US09534251B2 |
In vitro recombination method
The present invention relates, e.g., to in vitro method, using isolated protein reagents, for joining two double stranded (ds) DNA molecules of interest, wherein the distal region of the first DNA molecule and the proximal region of the second DNA molecule share a region of sequence identity, comprising contacting the two DNA molecules in a reaction mixture with (a) a non-processive 5′ exonuclease; (b) a single stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) which accelerates nucleic acid annealing; (c) a non strand-displacing DNA polymerase; and (d) a ligase, under conditions effective to join the two DNA molecules to form an intact double stranded DNA molecule, in which a single copy of the region of sequence identity is retained. The method allows the joining of a number of DNA fragments, in a predetermined order and orientation, without the use of restriction enzymes. |
| US09534246B2 |
Method for selecting high producing cell lines
The invention provides methods for the rapid identification and selection of cell lines suitable for biopharmaceuticals production, which do no utilize animal derived components. |
| US09534244B2 |
Method of correcting for oxygen effect on test sensors
An electrochemical test sensor is adapted to measure glucose and correct for the oxygen effect in a fluid sample. The test sensor comprises a base, first and second working electrodes, and a counter electrode. The first working electrode includes glucose oxidase, a mediator and peroxidase. The second working electrode includes glucose oxidase and the mediator. The first working electrode, the second working electrode and the counter electrode are located on the base. In other embodiments, an electrochemical test sensor is adapted to measure cholesterol, lactate, pyruvate or xanthine and correct for the oxygen effect in a fluid sample. |
| US09534243B2 |
Nucleotide analogs and process for making same enzyme
A process for making a nucleotide analog includes combining a first substrate that includes a linker and a base with a second substrate to form a substrate composition. An enzyme contacts the substrate composition and catalyzes formation of the nucleotide analog from the first substrate and the second substrate. Additionally, a composition includes the first substrate, second substrate, the enzyme, the nucleotide analog, and optional additives. |
| US09534239B2 |
Glucoamylase variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to glucoamylase variants having reduced sensitivity to protease nicking. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants. |
| US09534235B2 |
Efficient sterilization of fish by disruption of germ cell development
Methods of disrupting germ cell migration and development in a fish embryo by inducing targeted expression of Sdf-1a or Lif and disruption of the Sdf-1a gradient or a Lif signaling pathway in the fish embryo have been developed. Plasmid constructs containing a gene encoding Sdf-1a or Lif and a gene encoding a signaling sequence for targeted expression of Sdf-1a or Lif have been generated. The plasmids will be administered to a fish or a population of fish to reproductively sterilize the population with efficacy of up to 100%. Transgenic fish of this invention are reproductively incompetent of genetically contaminating a wild fish population. |
| US09534234B2 |
Enhanced nucleic acid constructs for eukaryotic gene expression
The present invention provides polynucleotide vectors for high expression of heterologous genes, and methods for constructing such vectors. Some vectors further comprise novel transposons and transposases that further improve expression. Further disclosed are vectors that can be used in a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acids into the DNA of a cell. The gene transfer systems can be used in methods, for example, but not limited to, gene expression, gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, or gene discovery. |
| US09534232B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules that target RPS6 and confer resistance to coleopteran pests
This disclosure concerns nucleic acid molecules and methods of use thereof for control of coleopteran pests through RNA interference-mediated inhibition of target coding and transcribed non-coding sequences in coleopteran pests. The disclosure also concerns methods for making transgenic plants that express nucleic acid molecules useful for the control of coleopteran pests, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby. |
| US09534231B2 |
Gene implicated in abiotic stress tolerance and growth accelerating and use thereof
The present invention provides a method for improving the tolerance of a plant to an abiotic stress and a method for promoting growing of a plant, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the AtSRP (Arabidopsis thaliana stress related protein) of a plant. The present nucleotide sequence is involved in abiotic stress tolerance such as drought, low-temperature and salt stresses of plants. Therefore, the overexpressing transgenic plants have excellent tolerances to these abiotic stresses, whereby they may be useful as novel functional crops which are affected by climates and environments of the cultivated areas. In addition, where the plants are transformed with the present nucleotide sequence, the growth abilities of the transgenic plants are remarkably enhanced, whereby they may effectively used for cultivating the plants with novel function of rapid growing, and biomass. |
| US09534230B2 |
Stress resistant plants
Stress tolerance in plants and plant cells is achieved by using nucleotide sequences encoding enzymes involved in the NAD salvage synthesis pathway and/or the NAD de novo synthesis pathway e.g. for overexpression in plants. |
| US09534229B2 |
Plant homolog to autophagy protein P62
The present invention comprises recombinant DNA molecule, expression cassette, DNA vector, binary plasmid, plant cell and a method of polypeptide production in eukaryotic organism and use thereof. In more details, it provides the means, through using methods of genetic engineering, of obtaining plants with advantageous breeding features, particularly with increased tolerance to abiotic stresses including mineral deficiency or plants useful for monitoring the process of autophagy. |
| US09534227B2 |
Methods for high yield production of terpenes
Provided are enhanced high yield production systems for producing terpenes in plants via the expression of fusion proteins comprising various combinations of geranyl diphosphate synthase large and small subunits and limonene synthases. Also provided are engineered oilseed plants that accumulate monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in their seeds, as well as methods for producing such plants, providing a system for rapidly engineering oilseed crop production platforms for terpene-based biofuels. |
| US09534222B2 |
Morpholinos, morpholino upregulating, and associated methods
Various methods and compositions relating to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) are provided. In one aspect, a method of increasing expression of the soluble form of VEGFR2 (sVEGFR2) in a subject can include binding an antisense morphoiino to an exon13-intron13 splicing site of VEGFR2 mRNA such that the VEGFR2 niRNA is spliced into a sVEGFR2 isoform. |
| US09534220B2 |
Antisense antibacterial method and compound
A method and antisense compound for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacterial cells are disclosed. The compound contains no more than 12 nucleotide bases and has a targeting nucleic acid sequence of no fewer than 10 bases in length that is complementary to a target sequence containing or within 10 bases, in a downstream direction, of the translational start codon of a bacterial mRNA that encodes a bacterial protein essential for bacterial replication. The compound binds to a target mRNA with a Tm of between 50° to 60° C. The relatively short antisense compounds are substantially more active than conventional antisense compounds having a targeting base sequence of 15 or more bases. |
| US09534219B2 |
Methods of treating vascular inflammatory disorders
Provided are methods of treating or delaying the onset of a vascular inflammatory disease (e.g., acute lung injury) in a subject including administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a nucleic acid containing all or a part of the sequence of mature miR-181b (SEQ ID NO: 1). Also provided are methods of decreasing nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κβ) signaling in an endothelial cell including administering to the subject a nucleic acid containing all or a part of the sequence of mature miR-181b (SEQ ID NO: 1). |
| US09534217B2 |
Method of creating a library of bacterial clones with varying levels of gene expression
The present invention relates to a method of creating DNA libraries that include an artificial promoter library and/or a modified ribosome binding site library and transforming bacterial host cells with the library to obtain a population of bacterial clones having a range of expression levels for a chromosomal gene of interest. |
| US09534211B2 |
Polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09534210B2 |
Reverse transcriptase having improved thermostability
The present invention relates to a reverse transcriptase having improved thermostability, more precisely a mutant reverse transcriptase with improved thermostability by substitution of one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of the 63rd glutamine (Q63), the 264th lysine (K264), the 295th lysine (K295), the 306th threonine (T306), the 346th glutamic acid (E346), the 408th proline (P408), the 438th histidine (H438), and the 454th asparagin (N454) of the amino acid sequence of M-MLV originated reverse transcriptase represented by SEQ. ID. NO: 1 with other amino acids. The mutant reverse transcriptase of the present invention demonstrates excellent thermostability, compared with the wild type reverse transcriptase. Therefore, it is advantageous to obtain the target cDNA with stable reverse transcription activity even in the presence of RNA that can form the stable secondary structure at a high temperature. |
| US09534209B2 |
Methods and tools for identification of RSK/MSK kinase inhibitors
The present invention concerns 3D-crystals of complexes of ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK) proteins and their ligands, as well as methods for crystallization, three-dimensional structure determination and structure assisted methods for identifying ligands of said proteins. |
| US09534205B2 |
Combined chemical and genetic approaches for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells
The present invention provides for identification and use of small molecules to induce pluripotency in mammalian cells as well as other methods of inducing pluripotency. |
| US09534203B2 |
Selective cell therapy for the treatment of renal failure
Provided herein are isolated populations of kidney cells harvested from differentiated cells of the kidney, wherein cells have been expanded in vitro. The kidney cells may include peritubular interstitial cells of the kidney, and preferably produce erythropoietin (EPO). The kidney cells may also be selected based upon EPO production. Methods of producing an isolated population of EPO producing cells are also provided, and methods of treating a kidney disease resulting in decreased EPO production in a patient in need thereof are provided, including administering the population to the patient, whereby the cells produce EPO in vivo. |
| US09534196B2 |
Temperature controlled support surfaces for single use flexible wall systems
Disclosed is a heat exchange module for use in a chemical, pharmaceutical or biological reactor system, the module configured to be disposed in the reactor system having a flexible single use container, and including at least one thermally conductive surface adapted to contact the flexible single use container to facilitate heat transfer, and a fluid circulation path through which a heat exchange fluid can be circulated. |
| US09534195B2 |
Automated tissue engineering system
The invention provides systems, modules, bioreactor and methods for the automated culture, proliferation, differentiation, production and maintenance of tissue engineered products. In one aspect is an automated tissue engineering system comprising a housing, at least one bioreactor supported by the housing, the bioreactor facilitating physiological cellular functions and/or the generation of one or more tissue constructs from cell and/or tissue sources. A fluid containment system is supported by the housing and is in fluid communication with the bioreactor. One or more sensors a associated with one or more of the housing, bioreactor or fluid containment system for monitoring parameters related to the physiological cellular functions and/or generation of tissue constructs; and a microprocessor linked to one or more of the sensors. The systems, methods and products of the invention find use in various clinical and laboratory settings. |
| US09534191B2 |
Structured liquid compositions
Microfibrillated cellulose, derived from vegetables or wood, can be used to provide a liquid composition which is compatible with a broad range of ingredients suitable for consumer applications, including enzymes, while still providing good structuring of the liquid composition, without affecting ease of pour. |
| US09534177B2 |
Catalyst, a process for its preparation, and its use
Process for the preparation of a catalyst comprising the steps of (a) preparing a slurry comprising clay, zeolite, and quasi-crystalline boehmite, provided that the slurry does not comprise peptized quasi-crystalline boehmite, (b) adding a monovalent acid to the slurry, (c) adding a silicon source to the slurry, and (d) shaping the slurry to form particles. This process leads to a catalyst with high accessibility and high attrition resistance. |
| US09534176B2 |
Process for depolymerizing coal to co-produce pitch and naphthalene
A method of depolymerizing coal includes preparing a high temperature depolymerizing medium consisting of heavy hydrocarbon oils and mixing it with coal to form a mixture, performing an optional first distillation at a temperature below 250° C. to recover naphthalene, heating the mixture to a temperature between 350° C. and 450° C. to create a digested coal, centrifuging the digested coal to remove ash and obtain a centrate, and distillation of the centrate into separate fractions. The high temperature depolymerizing medium may be a heavy hydrocarbon with a hydrogen to carbon (H/C) ratio higher than 7.0% and may include liquids chosen from the group consisting of: coal tar distillate, decant oil, anthracene oil, and heavy aromatic oils. The high temperature depolymerizing medium may be blended with an oil, preferably with H/C ratio higher than 10.0%, such as soybean oil, other biomass derived oil, lignin, petroleum oil, pyrolysis oil such that the overall hydrogen-to-carbon mass ratio in a digestion reactor is over 7.0% for the mixture of depolymerizing medium and coal. The depolymerized coal is an aromatic liquid that can itself be, either wholly or in part, a depolymerizing medium so that the process can be repeated. |
| US09534170B2 |
Dense high-speed scintillator material of low afterglow
The invention relates to an inorganic scintillator material of formula Lu(2-y)Y(y-z-x)CexMzSi(1-v)M′vO5, in which: M represents a divalent alkaline earth metal and M′ represents a trivalent metal, (z+v) being greater than or equal to 0.0001 and less than or equal to 0.2; z being greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.2; v being greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.2; x being greater than or equal to 0.0001 and less than 0.1; and y ranging from (x+z) to 1. In particular, this material may equip scintillation detectors for applications in industry, for the medical field (scanners) and/or for detection in oil drilling. The presence of Ca in the crystal reduces the afterglow, while stopping power for high-energy radiation remains high. |
| US09534168B2 |
Functionalized nanoparticles and method
A nanoparticle including an inorganic core comprising at least one metal and/or at least one semi-conductor compound comprising at least one metal includes a coating or shell disposed over at least a portion of a surface of the core. The coating can include one or more layers. Each layer of the coating can comprise a metal and/or at least one semiconductor compound. The nanoparticle further includes a ligand attached to a surface of the coating. The ligand is represented by the formula: X-Sp-Z, wherein X represents, e.g., a primary amine group, a secondary amine group, a urea, a thiourea, an imidizole group, an amide group, a phosphonic or arsonic acid group, a phosphinic or arsinic acid group, a phosphate or arsenate group, a phosphine or arsine oxide group; Sp represents a spacer group, such as a group capable of allowing a transfer of charge or an insulating group; and Z represents: (i) a reactive group capable of communicating specific chemical properties to the nanocrystal as well as provide specific chemical reactivity to the surface of the nanocrystal, and/or (ii) a group that is cyclic, halogenated, or polar a-protic. In certain embodiments, at least two chemically distinct ligands are attached to an surface of the coating, wherein the at least two ligands (I and II) are represented by the formula: X-Sp-Z. In ligand (I) X represents a phosphonic, phosphinic, or phosphategroup and in ligand (II) X represents a primary or secondary amine, or an imidizole, or an amide; In both ligands (I) and (II) Sp, which can be the same or different in the two compounds, represents a spacer group, such as a group capable of allowing a transfer of charge or an insulating group; Z, which can be the same or different in the two compounds, is a group chosen from among groups capable of communicating specific chemical properties to the nanoparticle as well as provide specific chemical reactivity to the surface of the nanoparticle. In preferred embodiments, the nanoparticle includes a core comprising a semiconductor material. |
| US09534166B2 |
Families of scale-inhibitors having different absorption profiles and their application in oilfield
The current invention relates to families of scale-inhibitors having different UV/VIS absorption profiles and their application in a method for stimulating an oilfield comprising those families. |
| US09534164B2 |
Cement oil-based mud spacer formulation
A spacer fluid made of a viscosity thinner, a weighting agent, an antifoaming agent, and a non-ionic surfactant in a base aqueous fluid. In some instances, the viscosity thinner is a sulfomethylated tannin, the weighting agent is barium sulfate, the antifoaming agent is a silicone, and the non-ionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol. A method of treating a well bore annulus in preparation of introducing water-based cement slurry into a well bore using the spacer fluid. A method of using the spacer fluid to position a first fluid into a well bore annulus of a well bore containing a second fluid. A method for fluidly isolating at least a portion of a well bore annulus in a well bore containing an oil-based drilling fluid using water-based cement slurry and the spacer fluid. |
| US09534163B2 |
Polyglycolic acid resin short fibers for use in well treatment fluid
Polyglycolic acid resin short fibers for a well treatment fluid, the fibers having the following characteristics of (a) to (e): (a) an outside diameter of 5 to 300 μm; (b) a fiber length of 1 to 30 mm; (c) fineness of 0.1 to 25 D; (d) strength of 1 to 20 gf/D; and (e) a ratio of an area of the polyglycolic acid resin with respect to an area of a circle circumscribing a cross section of the fibers being from 10 to 95%; and a well treatment fluid containing the polyglycolic acid resin short fibers for a well treatment fluid. |
| US09534158B2 |
Curable composition
The present invention provides a curable composition useful as a contact adhesive which has a high rate of initial tack development, high tack strength, and long retention time of the developed tack. The curable composition includes an organic polymer (Q) containing a reactive silyl group, and a linear organic polymer (P) having a number average molecular weight larger than that of the polymer (Q) and having a reactive silyl group containing three hydrolyzable groups at only one terminal. The organic polymer (P) and the organic polymer (Q) are mixed at a mixing ratio (P):(Q), in terms of parts by weight, of 60:40 to 5:95. |
| US09534156B2 |
Linerless record material
The invention describes a composition and method of providing an improved recording material, such as an ink receptive recording material or thermally responsive record material useful for linerless labels. The record material comprises a support having provided thereon on one surface an adhesive material, and on at least one other surface, an ink receptive coating or a heat sensitive imaging coating. The method comprises applying to a first surface a first layer of a coating of an ink receptive material or of a heat sensitive color-forming composition comprising a binder material and a substantially colorless dye precursor and an acidic developer material in substantially contiguous relationship. The adhesive is heat activated. The record material exhibits substantially no tack at 23° C., 40% relative humidity when pressure is applied, however develops high peel strength (300 grams/inch) upon application of 7 mJ/mm2 to 13 mJ/mm2 of heat energy. |
| US09534151B2 |
Sheet and adhesive sheet
A sheet is produced by curing an energy ray curable composition which includes a urethane acrylate oligomer and a compound having a thiol group in the molecule. The sheet has heat resistance to prevent outgassing. |
| US09534148B1 |
Method of polishing semiconductor substrate
A process for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate is provided, comprising: providing the substrate, wherein the substrate has an exposed silicon dioxide; providing a chemical mechanical polishing composition, consisting of, as initial components: water, a colloidal silica abrasive; optionally, a substance according to formula (I); a substance according to formula (II); and, optionally, a pH adjusting agent; wherein a pH of the chemical mechanical polishing composition is ≦6; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad with a polishing surface; dispensing the chemical mechanical polishing composition onto the polishing surface in proximity to an interface between the chemical mechanical polishing pad and the substrate; and, creating dynamic contact at the interface between the chemical mechanical polishing pad and the substrate with a down force of 0.69 to 34.5 kPa; wherein the substrate is polished; wherein some of the exposed silicon dioxide is removed from the substrate. |
| US09534136B2 |
Magnetic steel sheet with semi-organic insulation coating
A semi-organic insulation coating includes an inorganic component and an organic resin, a Zr compound and an Si compound contains a plate-like silica as an inorganic component and are included in a ratio in a dry coating of 20 to 70 mass % of Zr compound (converted to ZrO2) and 10 to 50 mass % of Si compound containing plate-like silica (converted to SiO2), and the remainder is substantially an organic resin, whereby a magnetic steel sheet with a semi-organic insulation coating has no deterioration of corrosion resistance and water resistance without containing a chromium compound and being excellent in powdering resistance, scratch resistance, sticking resistance, TIG weldability, punchability and coating appearance. |
| US09534135B2 |
Composition for pattern formation, and pattern-forming method
A composition for pattern formation includes a block copolymer and a solvent. The block copolymer is capable of forming a phase separation structure through directed self-assembly. The block copolymer includes a first block and a second block. The first block includes a first repeating unit which includes at least two silicon atoms. The second block includes a second repeating unit which does not include a silicon atom. A sum of the atomic weight of atoms constituting the first repeating unit is no greater than 700. |
| US09534134B2 |
Agent for the surface epilamization of an article
The present invention relates to an agent in particular for the surface epilamization of an article comprising one or more molecules having the general formula (1) A-F (1) wherein: A is an anchor group comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of silane groups, hydroxyl groups, catechol groups, phosphate groups, phosphonate groups, carboxylic acid groups, amine groups, thiol groups and any combination of two or more of the aforementioned groups and F is a functionalizing group, wherein the functionalizing group com-prises a branched polymer having a backbone and at least two side groups, wherein at least one of the side groups is a C1-20 hydrocarbon group or a perhalogenated C1-20 hydrocarbon group. The invention pertains to the technical field of epilame for timepiece mechanical parts. |
| US09534133B2 |
Methods for producing an at least partially cured layer
Methods for producing an at least partially cured layer by applying a layer including a (meth)acrylate-functional siloxane to a surface of a substrate, and irradiating the layer in a substantially inert atmosphere with a short wavelength polychromatic ultraviolet light source having a peak intensity at a wavelength of from about 160 nanometers to about 240 nanometers to at least partially cure the layer. Optionally, the layer is at a curing temperature greater than 25° C. In some embodiments, the layer has a thickness of about 0.1 micrometers to about 1 micrometer. In certain embodiments, the layer is substantially free of a photoinitiator and/or an organic solvent. In some particular embodiments, irradiating the layer with a short wavelength polychromatic ultraviolet light source takes place in an inert atmosphere including no greater than 50 ppm oxygen. The substantially cured layer may be a release layer or a low adhesion backsize (LAB). |
| US09534131B2 |
Seed-containing crayon
A seed-containing crayon includes an elongated member formed of a marking composition to leave a colored mark on a surface when the elongated member contacts the surface. The marking composition is formed of a wax, a pigment, and a plant nutrient that is activated by application of water to the elongated member. Plant seeds are embedded in the marking composition of the elongated member. The crayon can include a paper band that at least partially surrounds the elongated member along at least part of the length of the elongated member in which the plant seeds are embedded. |
| US09534121B2 |
Fouling control coating compositions
The present application discloses a fouling control coating composition comprising a polysiloxane-based binder system, 0.01-20% by dry weight of one or more hydrophilic-modified polysiloxanes, and one or more biocides. The hydrophilic-modified polysiloxane may be a poly(oxyalkylene)-modified polysiloxane, e.g. a polysiloxane having grafted thereto poly(oxyalkylene) chains and/or having incorporated in the backbone thereof poly(oxyalkylene) chains. The poly(oxyalkylene) may e.g. be selected from polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene and poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) (polyethylene glycols/polypropylene glycols). The application further discloses a marine structure comprising on at least a part of the outer surface thereof an outermost coating prepared from the coating composition. Moreover, the application discloses the use of the combination of non-reactive hydrophilic-modified polysiloxanes and biocides, wherein the weight ratio between the hydrophilic-modified polysiloxanes and the biocides is in the range 1:0.2 to 1:6, for improving the antifouling properties of a polysiloxane based coating composition. |
| US09534118B2 |
High wet fast disperse dye mixtures
Dye mixtures based on dye(s) of formula (1) and dye(s) of formula (2) formula (3) formula (4) formula (5a) and/or formula (5b) |
| US09534117B2 |
Natural blue-shade colorants and methods of making and using same
Composition having a blue color including a buffer, an anthocyanin, and a divalent ion source. The composition may comprise an anthocyanin and a divalent ion source, wherein the average variation of ΔE*ab of the composition is less than 30% of the average variation of ΔE*ab of a control composition after exposure of the composition and the control composition to a 400 to 765 W/m2 light source for a period of time. The composition may comprise an anthocyanin and a divalent ion source, wherein the composition exhibits a less than 20% change in the area beneath the reflectance colorimeter spectral curve of the composition from 430 nm to 530 nm measured over a period of time. In another aspect, a method of stabilizing a blue colorant is provided. The method may comprise combining a buffer, an anthocyanin, and a divalent ion source. |
| US09534116B2 |
Flame retardant polylactic acid compounds
A significant disadvantage of the use of polylactic acid (PLA), lack of flame retardance, has been overcome by the use of specific combinations of either polycarbonate or polyphosphonate-co-carbonate in combination with non-halogenated flame retardants of polyphosphazene or phosphate ester such as resorcinol bis (diphenyl phosphate) or metal hypophosphite, a drip suppressant, and optionally an inorganic synergist of either zinc borate or talc or both and optionally other ingredients. The compound achieves a UL 94 rating of V-0 or V-1 at 1.6 mm. |
| US09534110B2 |
Rubber composition, vulcanized rubber and tire manufactured using the same
The present invention provides a rubber composition that may improve fracture resistance of the resulting tire while maintaining good drainage performance, and a tire using the same. The rubber composition includes: a rubber component; and a fiber made of a hydrophilic resin. The fiber is formed with a coating layer on its surface. The coating layer is made of a resin having affinity for the rubber component. |
| US09534108B2 |
Flame retardant epoxy resins comprising phosphorus containing flame retardants
Resin compositions, e.g., epoxy resin compositions, comprising flame retardant materials obtained by heating phosphonic acid salts at temperatures above 200° C., have excellent properties and exhibit manageable curing behavior. Laminates, composites, molded articles and the like, which have excellent flame retardant properties and physical characteristics, are readily prepared from the resin compositions of the invention. |
| US09534105B2 |
Stabilized composition comprising homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene and natural antioxidants
Stabilized composition comprising: —at least one homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene; —at least one tocotrienol or at least a mixture of tocotrienol isomers. |
| US09534103B2 |
Support material and applications thereof
In one aspect, support materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a support material comprises a wax component comprising at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol and a viscosity modifying agent, wherein the support material is water dispersible. In some embodiments, the wax component comprises a mixture of at least one fatty alcohol and at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol. |
| US09534101B2 |
Rubber composition for tire
The present technology provides a rubber composition comprising from 30 to 100 parts by weight of a carbon black, and from 10 to 80 parts by weight of an inorganic filler per 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber, wherein the inorganic filler has from 20 to 80% particles of a particle size of at most 5 μm; and when an aluminum content in the inorganic filler is defined as Wal wt. % and a silicon content is defined as Wsi wt. %, the aluminum content Wal is from 11 to 40 wt. %, and a ratio Wal/(Wal+Wsi)×100 of aluminum to a total of aluminum and silicon is from 15 to 38 wt. %. |
| US09534100B2 |
One component spray polyurethane application
Apply a one component spray polyurethane foam formulation through a dispensing accessory that has a removable nozzle by independently feeding the one component spray polyurethane foam formulation and a supplementary propellant into the dispensing accessory so that they combine in the removable nozzle and are expelled from the removable nozzle at a flow rate that is greater than 40 grams of foam formulation per 15 seconds. |
| US09534098B2 |
Enhanced thermally conductive cushioning foams by addition of metal materials
Methods and combinations for making and using one or more thermally conductive cellular foam layers comprising flexible cellular foam and metallic material particulates, and said thermally-conductive cellular foam layers may be located on, under, or in cushioning foams and mattresses or placed between on, under, within, or between other layering substrates to increase the overall cooling capability of the composite. The thermally conductive foam may be used in mattresses, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, and similar materials used in bedding environments. |