| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09542109B2 |
Method for selectively performing a secure data erase to ensure timely erasure
A method and computer program product are provided to ensure a timely secure data erase by determining an erasure deadline for each physical volume of a plurality of physical volumes and calculating a remaining time for each physical volume. The remaining time is calculated for each physical volume by comparing a current date to the erasure deadline of each physical volume respectively. A secure data erase is performed on the plurality of physical volumes in an order based on the calculated remaining time, where the secure data erase is performed on the physical volume with a shortest calculated remaining time first. |
| US09542108B2 |
Efficient migration of virtual storage devices to a remote node using snapshots
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for performing fast migration of a virtual resource from one node to another node. The method includes the steps of receiving a first request to migrate a resource from a first node to a second node, transmitting a second request to the second node to create a new instance of the resource, collecting a set of changes associated with the resource in a data structure, and transmitting the data structure that includes the set of changes to the second node. The second node generates the new instance of the resource based on a snapshot of the resource captured by the first node at a previous point in time and updates the new instance of the resource based on the set of changes such that the new instance of the resource on the second node matches the resource on the first node. |
| US09542105B2 |
Copying volumes between storage pools
Methods, apparatus and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include defining a source data volume including a first multiple of source snapshots, and storing the first multiple of the source snapshots in a first storage pool including a second multiple of storage regions having respective identifiers. Upon receiving a request to copy the source data volume to a target data volume in a second storage pool, a first given source snapshot including a first set of the storage regions is accessed, and a second given source snapshot preceding the first given source snapshot is identified, the second given source snapshot including a second set of the storage regions. A set difference of the second and the first sets of the storage regions is identified, and respective identifiers of the set difference are stored to the target volume. |
| US09542104B2 |
System and method for controlling a storage device
A method of controlling a storage device includes detecting a cumulative usage condition associated with the storage device, comparing the cumulative usage condition to a usage value, and adjusting the operation of the storage device based on the comparison. Another method of controlling a storage device includes detecting an operating condition associated with the storage device, comparing the operating condition to a warranty condition, and limiting the operation of the storage device to read-only operation based on the comparison. |
| US09542098B2 |
Display control apparatus and method of controlling display control apparatus
A display control apparatus includes a reading unit configured to read allocation data in which categories of images to be displayed in a slide show are associated with display periods, a display control unit configured to display a selection screen that allows selection of a plurality of images for each of the categories based on the allocation data read by the reading unit, a selection unit configured to select images to be allocated to each of the categories based on a user operation performed on the selection screen, and a playing unit configured to sequentially play a plurality of images based on the images allocated to each of the categories in the selection and also based on the allocation data. |
| US09542091B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for navigating through a user interface using a dynamic object selection indicator
A device that is in communication with a display and a touch-sensitive surface sends instructions to the display for displaying at least a portion of a user interface, the user interface having one or more selectable objects. The device receives an input that corresponds to a first gesture detected on the touch-sensitive surface; and sends instructions to the display for displaying an object selection indicator. In response to receiving the input that corresponds to the first gesture: the device searches for a target selectable object; and sends instructions to the display for moving the object selection indicator. When a target selectable object is identified, the device moves the object selection towards the target selectable object. When a target selectable object is not identified, the device moves the object selection indicator in accordance with the first gesture. |
| US09542090B2 |
Electronic device, processing module, and method for detecting touch trace starting beyond touch area
The present invention provides a method for detecting a touch trace starting beyond a touch area. The method comprises the following steps: receiving touch events happened in the touch area detected by a touch module; plotting a touch trace according to the touch events outputted from the touch module; determining whether a first touch trace beginning with a first point as the touch trace starting beyond the touch area; and determining whether a second touch trace beginning with a second point as the touch trace starting beyond the touch area, wherein the first point is within a first range to a boundary of the touch area and the second point is within a second range to the boundary, and the second range is larger than the first range. |
| US09542088B2 |
Digital device and method for controlling the same that enable touch recognition from front and rear sides of the digital device
A digital device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, in which a scroll bar different from that provided when a user input for a front side is detected is provided to control the front side if a digital device, which enables double-sided touch recognition, detects a user input for a rear side. |
| US09542087B2 |
Information processing device, display method, and program
An information processing device is provided that includes a display portion, a user recognition portion, a button selection portion, and a display control portion. The display portion displays at least one function button that is related to a function that the information processing device is capable of performing. The user recognition portion recognizes a user who is operating the information processing device. The button selection portion selects, from among the at least one function button that is displayed on the display portion, at least one function button that corresponds to the user who has been recognized by the user recognition portion. The display control portion moves the function button that has been selected by the button selection portion from an initial position on a display screen of the display portion such that the function button is close to a specified position on the display screen. |
| US09542084B1 |
System and method for generating vias in an electronic design by automatically using a hovering cursor indication
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for electronic design automation. The method may include providing, using one or more computing devices, an electronic design. The method may further include receiving an indication that a cursor is hovering over an overlap associated with the electronic design and in response to receiving the indication, computing one or more via parameters, based upon, at least in part, a topology associated with the overlap. The method may also include displaying, at a graphical user interface, a potential via and allowing, at the graphical user interface, adjustments to the one or more via parameters. |
| US09542080B2 |
User interface virtualization of context menus
User interface virtualization describes a technique for providing a user with access to one computing device from another computing device, while translating the ergonomics of one computer's user interface style into the ergonomics of the other's. An agent running on a remote desktop may use an interface interaction API or software framework to programmatically open and manipulate a context menu on the remote desktop, and act as a proxy for a corresponding client running on a client device that accepts a “touch and swipe” style input. The client constructs and displays a native graphical user interface element at the client device that is a virtual representation of the context menu at the remote desktop. |
| US09542079B2 |
System and method for scaling digital images
Methods, computer devices, and computer readable media containing instructions for executing such methods are provided for the modification of digital images having a plurality of visual elements. |
| US09542076B1 |
System for and method of updating a personal profile
A living address book allows subscribers to define their own personas as collections of information which define the users. Subscribers can then publish their persona(s) to their friends' and associates' mobile phones and update the others' address books with the subscriber's contact information. Users can also specify different personas to be presented to different users. The living address book graphical user interface allows more efficient and easier access to data. |
| US09542074B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing an interactive voice response (IVR) system
Current interactive voice response (IVR) systems only allow customers to interact with a company's database using a telephone keypad or by speech recognition. Such IVR systems require a customer to listen to and remember instructions or options presented by the IVR system. The instructions may be complicated, or there may be many options. An embodiment of the present invention enhances an IVR system by composing visual representations of states of the IVR system to display to the customer and enabling the customer to interact with the IVR via the visual representations. The use of the visual representations enables a user to interact with the IVR in a simplified and more expedient manner in part because a linear set of options is presented in a randomly-accessible list or tree structure format. |
| US09542072B2 |
List display apparatus, list display method and graphical user interface
A list display apparatus includes: a picture generating unit for generating a three-dimensional list picture, the three-dimensional list picture having a plurality of lower item cards having a respective lower items in a hierarchical structure being unfolded and expanded in a bellows configuration when shifting from an upper level to a lower level of the hierarchical structure, or the plurality of lower item cards being folded and collapsed in a bellows configuration when shifting from the lower level to the upper level of the hierarchical structure; and a control unit for outputting the three-dimensional list picture to a predetermined display unit, thereby displaying the three-dimensional list picture. |
| US09542069B2 |
System and method for creating on-demand products
A method of creating three-dimensional products customized with user-selected images is described. The method includes storing definitions of products comprising components, receiving indication of selection by a user of a product, receiving indication of selection by a user of at least one image for printing on the product, receiving information regarding placement of the selected image on components of the product, preparing a two-dimensional representation of the components of the product with the image arranged thereon, and causing the printing of the two-dimensional representation on a material. |
| US09542064B2 |
Information pinning for contexual and task status awareness
A method, system, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for accessing historic information during exploration and production (E&P) tool sessions of a field. Accessing historic information includes identifying an E&P tool configured to perform a plurality of E&P tool sessions based on a subterranean formation field data set, receiving an annotation input from a user while the user is performing a task using one of a plurality of windows that are created during at least a first one of the plurality of E&P tool sessions, wherein the task is performed based on the subterranean formation field data set, and generating, by a computer processor and in response to the annotation input, a pinned annotation that is pinned to the one of the plurality of windows, wherein the task performed based on the subterranean formation field data set is facilitated using the pinned annotation. |
| US09542055B2 |
Self-capacitive touch screen and display device
A self-capacitive touch screen and a display device are disclosed. The self-capacitive touch screen includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other. A conductive layer and a plurality of first touch electrodes are provided on the first substrate. The conductive layer includes a plurality of hollow areas distributed in a matrix. The first touch electrodes are in one-to-one correspondence with the hollow areas, and orthographic projections of the first touch electrodes on the first substrate are disposed in orthographic projections of the hollow areas on the first substrate. Second touch electrodes are formed in areas, which correspond to the conductive layer, on the second substrate. The second touch electrodes and the first touch electrodes are configured for the touch-control of the touch screen in the touch process. |
| US09542054B2 |
Touch module and manufacturing method thereof
A touch module and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The touch module includes a substrate, at least two first touch electrodes, at least two second touch electrodes, at least one conductive residual material, at least one electrode channel, and at least one bridge. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are opposite to each other. The conductive residual material is formed on the second surface of the substrate. All of the first touch electrodes, the second touch electrodes, and the electrode channel are embedded in the substrate. The electrode channel is configured to electrically connect the second touch electrodes to each other. The bridge is disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and configured to electrically connect the first touch electrodes to each other. The first touch electrodes are isolated from the second touch electrodes. |
| US09542053B2 |
Touch screen, touch panel, display, and electronic apparatus
A touch screen according to the present invention includes a transparent substrate, a first detection electrode formed on the transparent substrate, a second detection electrode disposed to sterically cross the first detection electrode via an interlayer insulating film, and a polarizing plate bonded to cover the second detection electrode. Each of the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode includes, as a repetition unit, thin wire electrodes that incline in different directions and cross each other. The thin wire electrodes are formed of a combination of a plurality of conductive thin wires extending in a direction inclined 10 degrees or less from a transmission axis direction or an absorption axis direction of the polarizing plate. |
| US09542052B2 |
Method for manufacturing touch screen panel and touch screen panel
Provided herein is an electrostatic capacitive type window integrated touch screen panel and a method for manufacturing a touch screen panel thereof, the method comprising: forming an oxide metal oxide (OMO) hybrid electrode on a strengthened substrate; and etching the OMO hybrid electrode and forming a pattern, and forming a pattern insertion layer on the pattern, wherein the OMO hybrid electrode is formed by depositing a bottom-layer, metal-layer and top-layer on top of the strengthened substrate, and the pattern insertion layer is formed based on an oxide having a refractive index of a certain range. |
| US09542049B2 |
Touch sensing circuit and method, touch screen and display device
The invention provides a touch sensing circuit and method, a touch screen and a display device, the touch sensing circuit comprises: a touch sensing unit, an output control unit and a detection unit; the touch sensing unit is configured for providing a touch current, and transmitting the touch current to the output control unit; the output control unit is connected with a second control line, a read-out line, the touch sensing unit and the detection unit, for outputting the touch current to the detection unit; the detection unit is connected with a reference voltage terminal, an output terminal, the read-out line and the output control unit, for detecting significant change in the voltage output by the output control unit, thereby determining the location where the touch occurs. The detection accuracy of the detection sensing circuit in determining the occurrence of touch is improved. |
| US09542042B2 |
Scanning a single-layer capacitive sense array
A method performs a scan operation for a single-layer sensor array that includes transmit (TX) electrodes and receive (RX) electrodes. The method includes determining whether to include a signal value for an RX electrode in a computation of a slope parameter value for a TX electrode. The method computes an index sum based on an index of the RX electrode when the signal value for the RX electrode is included in the computation of the slope parameter value for the TX electrode. The method computes a signal sum based on the signal value for the RX electrode when the signal value for the RX electrode is included in the computation of the slope parameter value for the TX electrode. The method then computes the slope parameter value for the TX electrode based on the signal sum and the index sum. |
| US09542040B2 |
Method for detection and rejection of pointer contacts in interactive input systems
A method comprising obtaining a first location of a first pointer contact on an input surface; calculating a restricted area proximate the first location; processing the first pointer contact; and inhibit processing of a second location of a second pointer contact within the restricted area. |
| US09542039B2 |
Display screen device with common electrode line voltage equalization
A display screen has pixels, gate lines, data lines, and a number of common electrode lines. Each of the common electrode lines is coupled to a respective group of the pixels. Switch circuits are coupled to the common electrode lines. A control circuit controls the switch circuits so as to equalize the voltages of the common electrode lines to a known voltage when the display screen is turned off. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US09542038B2 |
Personalizing colors of user interfaces
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for creating customized color schemes for user interfaces are disclosed. An avatar editing environment associated with a user is provided and user input specifying colors for the avatar is received. A color profile of the avatar can be created based on the colors associated with the avatar. Customized color schemes associated with a software application can be created based on the color profile of the user's avatar. An application selection interface can present a respective user interface element for each application available for selection. The application selection interface and user interface element for each available application can be rendered in a respective color scheme selected based on the color profile of the user's avatar and one or more characteristic colors extracted from an icon of the application. |
| US09542036B2 |
Combination touch and transducer input system and method
A combination touch and transducer input system is provided, which facilitates user input into an electronic system with a finger and/or a transducer (e.g., a stylus). The system includes a transducer configured to generate an electric field, and a sensor including an array of electrodes and a controller. The transducer is configured to transmit digital data, such as pen pressure data and switch status data, to the sensor. For example, the transducer comprises electronic circuitry configured to encode the digital data in a signal for transmission to the sensor. The sensor controller is configured to operate both in a touch sensing mode and in a transducer sensing mode. During the touch sensing mode, the controller determines a position of a proximate object (e.g., a finger) by capacitively sensing the object with the array of electrodes. During the transducer sensing mode, the controller determines a position of the transducer based on a signal received by the array of electrodes from the transducer, and also receives and decodes the digital data encoded in the received signal. Digital data can be encoded in a signal using any suitable digital modulation techniques, such as a Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) technique. |
| US09542035B2 |
Method for controlling a capacitive touch pad
The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a capacitance of a pair of electrodes including charging the pair of electrodes and transferring the charge between the pair of electrodes and a sampling capacitor, and a measuring step representative of the capacitance of the pair of electrodes according to the voltage at the terminals of the sampling capacitor according to the number of cycles executed so that the voltage at the terminals of the sampling capacitor reaches a threshold voltage. According to the present disclosure, the method comprises an initial step of charging the sampling capacitor between a first voltage and a second intermediate voltage in between the first voltage and a third voltage greater than or equal to a ground voltage, the pair of electrodes being charged between the second voltage and the third voltage. The present disclosure applies in particular to the control of a touch pad. |
| US09542030B2 |
Display device with integrated touch screen having varied touch driving time and method of driving the same
Disclosed is a display device with integrated touch screen that may include a panel including a plurality of electrodes; a touch IC that applies a touch scan signal to the plurality of electrodes during a predetermined period of an n−1th frame (‘n’ is an integer above 2), and checking whether or not there is a touch input in the panel through the use of information received from the plurality of electrodes; and a display driver IC that applies a common voltage to the plurality of electrodes during a first period of an nth frame if there is the touch input in the panel, and applying the common voltage to the plurality of electrodes during a second period of the nth frame if there is no touch input in the panel, wherein the second period is longer than the first period. |
| US09542029B2 |
Vehicle multi-mode vertical-split-screen display
A vehicle information system includes a “portrait” in-dash touchscreen display for simultaneously displaying both vehicle-specific and application-specific information as vertically-stacked “landscape” renderings, or for displaying a selected one of either the vehicle-specific or application information as a single “portrait” rendering. A further region of the touchscreen's active surface, preferably along its upper margin, is reserved as a fixed command bar to facilitate manual “touch” selection of the information to be displayed on the remainder of the touchscreen's active surface, while the system further dynamically responds to vehicle and operational parameters to select the information for display as appropriate, for example, based on vehicle operation conditions. |
| US09542028B2 |
Temperature compensating transparent force sensor having a compliant layer
An optically transparent force sensor that may compensate for environmental effects, including, for example, variations in temperature of the device or the surroundings. In some examples, two force-sensitive layers are separated by a compliant layer. The relative electrical response of the two force-sensitive layers may be used to compute an estimate of the force of a touch that reduces the effect of variations in temperature. In some examples, piezoelectric films having anisotropic strain properties are used to reduce the effects of temperature. |
| US09542024B2 |
In-cell touch display panel, method for manufacturing the same and display device
An in-cell touch display panel, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device are disclosed. The in-cell touch display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, a driving electrode layer disposed on the first substrate and comprises a plurality of driving electrodes, a sensing electrode layer disposed on the second substrate and comprises a plurality of sensing electrode groups, each of the sensing electrode groups comprises at least two sensing electrodes, the sensing electrodes in each of the sensing electrode groups are disposed intercross with the driving electrodes, wherein the adjacent sensing electrodes in each of the sensing electrode groups are connected with each other by sensing electrode connecting wires arranged with an interval, and a projection of the sensing electrode connecting wires on the first substrate is not overlapped with the driving electrodes. |
| US09542021B2 |
Touch screen sensor substrate, touch screen sensor, and panel comprising same
The present invention relates to a touch screen sensor substrate, to a touch screen sensor, and to a touch screen panel comprising same. The touch screen sensor substrate according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of sensing units formed of electrodes connected into a pattern of a predetermined direction at one surface of a base; and a connection unit which is formed of electrodes connected into a pattern of a direction which is the same as or similar to the direction of the pattern of the sensing units, and which connects the sensing units. |
| US09542017B2 |
Illumination display switching device
An illumination display switching device includes a switch knob slidable with respect to a push button-type switch. The switch knob includes a display operation part including a display design and a non-display design, a lock arm that is vertically hung from a central portion of the display operation part and connected to the push button-type switch, a light guide member that is vertically hung from the display operation part positioned near the light source, and an interconnection light guide member that interconnects the light guide member, a base of the lock arm and the display design. The display design is illuminated from a backside by emission light of the light source through the light guide member and the interconnection light guide member. The lock arm, the light guide member and the interconnection light guide member are integrally molded with the display design by the light-transmitting resin. |
| US09542014B1 |
Low power detection of stylus touch down
A stylus device is disclosed that provides a low power and low latency methodology of detecting a touch down event. In an aspect, the stylus device monitors an output of a pressure sensor of the stylus device using an analog comparator, a low power consumption component. When the output of the pressure sensor is greater than a first threshold value, thus indicating physical contact between the tip of the stylus device and a surface, the stylus device determines the output of the pressure sensor using an analog-to-digital converter, a higher power consumption component, to obtain a more accurate measurement of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. When the output of the pressure sensor is less than a second threshold value, for example, indicative of non-use, the stylus device reverts back to monitoring the output of the pressure sensor using the analog comparator. |
| US09542012B2 |
System and method for processing a pointer movement
A system 100 for real-time processing of a pointer movement provided by a pointing device, the system comprising an output 130 for displaying a pointer 162, 164 at a first position p1 in an image 152, 154, 156, the image comprising a contour; a user input 110 for obtaining pointer movement data 112 from a pointing device 140 operable by a user, the pointer movement data being indicative of a pointer movement v of the pointer from the first position to a second position p2 in the image; and a processor 120 for (i) dampening the pointer movement by reducing the pointer movement along a direction orthogonal 172 to the contour, and (ii) establishing a third position p3 of the pointer based on said dampened pointer movement vd. |
| US09542010B2 |
System for interacting with objects in a virtual environment
A system that facilitates interaction with a 3-dimensional (3-d) virtual environment is described. In this system, a controller device provides information associated with the 3-d virtual environment to a first display. Furthermore, the system includes at least one portable electronic device, which includes a second display and a 3-d motion sensor that detects motion of the portable electronic device, such as: linear motion, rotational motion and/or a gesture. This portable electronic device communicates the detected motion to the controller device. In response, the controller device provides a subset of the 3-d virtual environment and associated context-dependent information to the portable electronic device, which are displayed on the second display. |
| US09542009B2 |
Knob based gesture system
A knob or joystick apparatus detects gesture based actions of a user's fingers and/or hand. A user grasps the knob or joystick and moves the knob or joystick in either rotational direction, e.g., clockwise or counter clockwise, moves the knob or joystick horizontally/vertically or any combination thereof, and/or presses or pulls the knob or joystick in or out. Capacitive sensors are used in combination with a digital device, e.g., microcontroller, for detecting, decoding and interpreting therefrom various gesturing movements. A user may grasp a knob and either moves his/her fingers in a rotational, horizontal/vertical, and/or in/out movement(s) along an axis of the knob. During the motion(s) of the user's fingers, portions of an outer covering of the knob are deflected inwards toward capacitive sensors, wherein the movement(s) of the deflected portion(s) of the outer covering are detected, decoded and interpretations are made therefrom of various gesturing movements. |
| US09542007B2 |
Systems and methods for dual use remote-control devices
Various embodiments provide a dual use remote-control device. In one embodiment, a dual use remote-control device may include a first set of input controls such as buttons positioned on a top side of the housing, a second set of input controls positioned on a bottom side of the housing including a QWERTY keyboard and an optical sensor to remotely control movement of a cursor on a display by the optical sensor detecting movement of a user's finger across the optical sensor or movement of the optical sensor across an object such as a table, arm of a chair or user's lap. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US09542005B2 |
Representative image
A system including a display, a sensor and a controller. The sensor can detect an object and generate data related to the object. The controller can determine a first pose of the object from the data and display a first representative image on the display. The controller can determine a second pose of the object and display a second representative image on the display, wherein the second representative image is associated with a displayed element. |
| US09542004B1 |
Gesture-based flash
Examples of performing an update of a display device are described. In some implementations, user gesture data may be received in response to a user gesture being performed on a touch sensitive surface of the display device. In response to determining that the user gesture data is unrecognized, performing one or more default actions, including performing an update of the display device. The update may include performing a flash of the display device. The user gesture data may be associated with the one or more actions automatically or in response to the user providing input to associate the user gesture data with the one or more actions. The user gesture and the associated one or more actions may be stored such that the update of the display device may be performed when the user gesture is subsequently performed. |
| US09541994B2 |
System and method of biomechanical posture detection and feedback including sensor normalization
A system and method are described herein for a sensor device which biomechanically detects in real-time a user's movement state and posture and then provides real-time feedback to the user based on the user's real-time posture. The feedback is provided through immediate sensory feedback through the sensor device (e.g., a sound or vibration) as well as through an avatar within an associated application with which the sensor device communicates. The sensor device detects the user's movement state and posture by capturing data from a tri-axial accelerometer in the sensor device. Streamed data from the accelerometer is normalized to correct for sensor errors as well as variations in sensor placement and orientation. Normalization is based on accelerometer data collected while the user is wearing the device and performing specific actions. |
| US09541993B2 |
Mobile device operation using grip intensity
Mobile device operation using grip intensity. An embodiment of a mobile device includes a touch sensor to detect contact or proximity by a user of the mobile device; a memory to store indicators of grip intensity in relation to the touch sensor; and a processor to evaluate contact to the touch sensor. The processor is to compare a contact with the touch sensor to the indicators of grip shape and firmness to determine grip intensity, and the mobile device is to receive an input for a function of the mobile device based at least in part on determined grip intensity for the mobile device. |
| US09541991B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing computing system power
An apparatus may include first circuitry coupled to one or more platform components, the first circuitry operative to receive an unfiltered input voltage signal, compare a first voltage level of the unfiltered input voltage signal to a first reference voltage level, and generate a control signal operative to lower operation power of one or more of the one or more platform components when the first voltage level is less than the first reference voltage level. |
| US09541988B2 |
Data storage devices with performance-aware power capping
Systems, methods, and firmware for power control of data storage devices are provided herein. In one example, a data storage device is presented. The data storage device includes a storage control system to identify a power threshold for the data storage device. The data storage device determines power consumption characteristics for the data storage device and enters into a power controlled mode for the data storage device that adjusts at least a storage transaction queue depth in the data storage device to establish the power consumption characteristics as below the power threshold for the data storage device. |
| US09541983B2 |
Controlling reduced power states using platform latency tolerance
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores and power management logic. The power management logic may be to, in response to a first break event during a reduced power state in the processor, set an exit timer based on a platform latency tolerance, block a first plurality of break events from interrupting the reduced power state, and in response to a expiration of the exit timer, terminate the reduced power state. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09541979B2 |
Method for determining an optimal frequency for execution of a software application
A method for determining an optimal frequency (fo) for the execution of a software application on an information processing system. The method includes a first execution of said application at a predetermined frequency (fd), making it possible to determine an overall execution time (Tg) and an overall energy consumption (Eg) and a second execution of said application at the same frequency by means of a measurement tool, making it possible to determine measurements (TMPI*, TIO*, Tg*) on said execution; a step of determining a first law providing an execution time (t(f)) as a function of the frequency (f), and a second law providing an energy consumption (E(f)) as a function of the frequency (f); and a step of determining said optimal frequency (fo) as the frequency optimizing a criterion (C(f)) combining said execution time and said energy consumption, as a function of the frequency. |
| US09541978B2 |
Redundancies for reconstruction in mass data storage systems
A mass data storage system includes a redundancy manager that uses a physical position map to select a subset of storage resources having a physical distribution satisfying at least one resource distribution rule. The physical position map identifies physical positions of storage resources relative to a number of power supply units. A read/write manager writes data redundancies to select storage resources of the selected subset to provide a predetermined level of data protection that allows for reconstruction of lost data in a number of diverse circumstances. |
| US09541977B1 |
Computer-implemented method and system for automated claim charts with context associations
A computer-enabled system, method, and medium is provided to correlate intellectual property analysis, for example, patent claim charts, with respect to the analyzed intellectual property and a target product or other intellectual property. Analysis are stored in a manner that enables searching across multiple analysis, and creating reports over multiple analysis. Units of the analysis are associated with a context, inherited, e.g., from the intellectual property document's assignment to a relative role within the organizational hierarchy; and associated with a context derived from the analysis itself. The analysis and respective documents and/or targets of the analysis can be searched/retrieved/analyzed from the hierarchical analysis, the context analysis, and/or the content of the analysis. This obviates the need to store each analysis as a separate document. The representation of the analysis may be static or dynamic. The target or annotations may be visually represented by an item such as a thumbnail or hyperlink, and the system automatically associates the item with the appropriate application program. |
| US09541976B1 |
Systems and methods for management of an information handling system having no alternating current power source
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include powering on a management controller for providing out-of-band management to an information handling system using electrical energy provided by an external device via an external port, receiving a management task from the external device via the external port for coupling an external device to the management controller for communication of data between the external device and the management controller, calculating an additional amount of power required to perform the management task, instructing a controller coupled between the management controller and the external port to negotiate for the additional amount of power from the external device, and responsive to the controller successfully negotiating for the additional amount of power, performing the management task. |
| US09541973B2 |
Digitally calibrated voltage regulators for power management
A computer provides a graphical user interface for displaying a virtual representation of a voltage regulator and for accepting a user requirement for the voltage regulator. The computer automatically determines an internal calibration setting of the voltage regulator that meets the user requirement. The computer simulates operation of the voltage regulator as calibrated with the internal calibration setting. The internal calibration setting is downloaded to the voltage regulator. A calibration controller of the voltage regulator receives the internal calibration setting and outputs digital calibration bits in accordance with the internal calibration setting. The digital calibration bits works in conjunction with interface circuits to adjust circuits of a voltage regulator core to digitally calibrate the voltage regulator. |
| US09541966B2 |
Systems and methods for utilizing acceleration event signatures
Systems and methods are described for utilizing acceleration event signatures. One method for utilizing acceleration event signatures in an electronic device comprises receiving, by the electronic device, one or more acceleration events. The method further comprises determining whether the received one or more acceleration events correspond to one or more predefined signature definitions and invoking one or more functions based on the one or more acceleration events. |
| US09541965B1 |
Cover assembly for a display stack
Describe herein are electronic devices that includes a display stack having a cover component atop a lightguide component and a display component below the lightguide component. In some instances, the cover component including an antiglare layer having at least some antiglare properties applied to a top surface of a substrate and a touch pattern applied to a bottom surface of the substrate. In some cases, the touch pattern is a single layer multi-touch pattern connected to a touch controller to from a touch sensor capable of detecting the location of an object proximate to antiglare layer. |
| US09541962B2 |
Mobile computing device having a flexible hinge structure
Techniques involving a mobile computing device having a flexible hinge structure are described. In one or more implementations, a mobile computing device includes a plurality of housings, a display device that is flexible, and a flexible hinge structure. The flexible hinge structure secures the plurality of housings to each other, permits the plurality of housings to rotate about an axis in relation to each other, and supports a continuous viewing area of the display device that extends across the plurality of housings and the flexible hinge structure. |
| US09541959B1 |
Harvesting waste light in a portable computing device
An electronic device is disclosed that redirects light escaping from a display assembly light source to an illuminable region of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a light guide panel arranged along a rear surface of the display assembly and configured to receive light escaping from a lateral side of the light source. The light guide panel can then be arranged to transport that light to a position behind the illuminable region and emit it back out in a focused beam having a size about the same as the illuminable region. In some embodiments the illuminable region can be a logo or device identifier. |
| US09541952B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display module including a flexible display panel for displaying an image, and a variable member for varying a shape of the flexible display panel. The variable member includes a variable section capable of bending in shape. The variable member also includes a driver for supplying mechanical energy to bend the shape of the variable section, where the flexible display panel is varied in shape by the bending in shape of the variable section. |
| US09541946B2 |
Quantum clocks for a master/slave clock architecture
Embodiments of quantum clocks for a master/slave architecture are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a coupled pair of entangled particles is generated using a particle source. A first of the entangled particles of the coupled pair is used as a master clock. A second of the entangled particles of the coupled pair is used as a slave clock. Quantum states of the first entangled particle of the coupled pair associated with the master clock and the second of the entangled particles of the coupled pair associated with the slave clock are entangled by an Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) link. |
| US09541942B2 |
Aircraft electric taxi control interface and system
A control interface for an aircraft electric taxi system (ETS) may be incorporated in a housing positioned in a flight deck of the aircraft. The control interface may include an actuator, an electronic control sensor interconnected with the ETS to provide speed and direction signals to the ETS and an extendable shaft interposed between the actuator and the electronic control sensor. The actuator may be configured to rotate around an axis of the shaft between a first rotational position, in which the actuator is stowed within the housing, and a second rotational position in which the actuator is outside of the housing. |
| US09541941B2 |
Energy harvesting interface with improved impedance matching, method for operating the energy harvesting interface, and energy harvesting system using the energy harvesting interface
An energy harvesting interface receives an electrical signal from an inductive transducer and supplies a supply signal. The interface includes an input branch with a first switch and a second switch connected together in series between a first input terminal and an output terminal. The interface further includes a third switch and a fourth switch connected together in series between a second input terminal and the output terminal. A first electrical-signal-detecting device, coupled across the second switch, detects a first threshold value of an electric storage current in the inductor of the transducer. A second electrical-signal-detecting device, coupled across the fourth switch, detects whether the electric supply current that flows through the fourth switch reaches a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value. The second threshold is derived from the electric storage current. |
| US09541939B2 |
Switching current source circuit and control method thereof
A switching current source circuit is provided. A current source drains a bias current from a power supply via a first mirror transistor. A second mirror transistor has a source coupled to the power supply, a gate coupled to the gate of the first mirror transistor, and a drain for providing an output current. A switch is coupled between the gates of the first and second mirror transistors, and has a control terminal for receiving a control signal. A first capacitor is coupled between the gate of the second mirror transistor and the voltage generating unit. A second capacitor is coupled between the gate of the second mirror transistor and a ground. The voltage generating unit selectively provides a first voltage or a second voltage different from the first voltage to the first capacitor according to the control signal. |
| US09541938B2 |
Network architecture for data communication
This invention relates to a network architecture for data communication between data sources and data destinations via network nodes and at least one data concentrator. According to the invention the nodes (2, 4) are conceived to communicate with a data concentrator (1) in both directions either via a permanently operative network (8) in the multihop mode or via an occasionally operative network (5) in wireless connection with mobile user nodes (6) in the nomadic mode. Means for commutation are provided to detect faulty multihop nodes and to activate nomadic nodes instead until the fault disappears, in order to maintain the overall functionality of the network. Moreover the network according to the invention allows the data collected by mobile users to be shared with other mobile users, thus forming a peer-to-peer network. |
| US09541928B2 |
Power supply device, and vehicle-mounted apparatus and vehicle using same
A power supply device includes: a comparator that compares an error voltage and a slope voltage to generate a comparison signal; a PWM pulse generation portion that generates a PWM pulse based on a clock signal and the comparison signal; an on-time fixed pulse generation portion that uses the comparison signal as a trigger to generate an on-time fixed pulse where an on-time and an on-time number are constant; a one shot pulse generation portion that generates once, when a soft start voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a one shot pulse where the on-time and the on-time number are constant; and a selector that selects any one of the PWM pulse, the on-time fixed pulse and the one shot pulse. |
| US09541925B2 |
Dynamic pressure registration device for internally registered actuators and overpressure protection devices
A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet. An actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and includes a valve disc that displaces between a closed position and an open position. The device also includes an overpressure protection device adapted to stop flow from the inlet to the outlet when pressure in a control cavity reaches a predetermined level. The overpressure protection device includes a sensing tube having a first end in fluid communication with the control cavity and a second end in fluid communication with the outlet. The sensing tube has a first portion extending parallel to the flow axis. One or more apertures are disposed in the sensing tube adjacent to the second end, and each of the apertures has a centerline that is perpendicular to the flow axis. |
| US09541921B2 |
Measuring performance of an appliance
A computer program product and apparatus measure performance of an information appliance. The computer program product comprises code for: a test module receiving, from a client, and recording a request for processing of a sample data by an information appliance. The test module sends the sample data received from the client to the information appliance for processing. If a request to a backend application is present, the test module also sends the request to the backend application for processing and receives and records a response from the backend application. The test module sends the response from the backend application to the information appliance for processing. A generated correlation ID is used to update a performance data table with start time and a stop time of a response for transaction sample data processed by the information appliance. |
| US09541917B2 |
Processing information acquisition system in processing machine supplying processing point with energy or material
A processing information acquisition system in a processing machine which feeds a processing point energy or material, the processing information acquisition system provided with a position information acquisition unit which acquires position information of a feed unit of energy or material, a feed rate control unit which receives a feed condition command of energy or material, converts the feed condition command to a control command which controls a feed of energy or material, and uses the converted control command to control a feed rate of energy or material from the feed unit, a feed rate estimation unit which acquires the control command from the feed rate control unit and calculates an estimated feed rate of energy or material which is fed to a processing point based on the control command, and an output unit which outputs the position information which the position information acquisition unit acquired and the estimated feed rate which the feed rate estimation unit calculated when the feed unit is located at a position corresponding to the position information. |
| US09541913B2 |
Non-orthogonal six-rod satellite communication in motion servo system and control method
A non-orthogonal six-rod satellite communication in motion servo system and a control method. The system comprises a measurement feedback unit, a control unit, a drive unit and a servo antenna, wherein the measurement feedback unit further comprises an azimuth angle encoder, a pitch position encoder, a roll position encoder, a polarization angle encoder and a data collection card; the control unit further comprises an ACU, a strapdown inertial measurement unit and a six-axis movement control and drive module; and the drive unit further comprises a linear motor, an azimuth turbine worm, a polarization turbine worm and an electric push rod, wherein the linear motor further comprises a first linear motor and a second linear motor; and the electric push rod further comprises a first electric push rod, a second electric push rod, a third electric push rod and a fourth electric push rod. |
| US09541912B1 |
Synchronization of appliances to a schedule of a user
A method and system are provided that synchronize one or more appliances to one or more users' schedules. Sensor data may be obtained from a sensor. The sensor data may indicate a state of a first appliance. A user location may be determined. A first characteristic of the first appliance may be obtained. Based upon the user location and the sensor data, a schedule indicating when the user will desire a state change of the first appliance may be determined. A feature of the first appliance may be dynamically modified to cause the first appliance to operate according to the schedule. A notice may be sent to the user that contains information about the first appliance. |
| US09541906B2 |
Controller capable of achieving multi-variable controls through single-variable control unit
A controller includes a control unit, at least one DOF (Dynamic Offshoot Factor) unit, and a compensation unit. The control unit produces an output signal for a process according to a measured signal and a reference signal, so that the measured signal can be changed to approach the reference signal. The DOF unit receives a selection signal corresponding to a variable of the process that affects the measured signal or is affected by the control unit. Also, the DOF unit produces a DOF signal according to short-time and long-time average values of the selection signal. The compensation unit incorporates the DOF signal into one of the measured signal, the reference signal, and the output signal to obtain a compensation signal being sent back to the control unit, instead of the measured signal, the reference signal or the output signal, to facilitate controlling the process. |
| US09541899B2 |
Fast generation of pure phase digital holograms
Fast processing of information represented in digital holograms is provided to facilitate generating a phase-only hologram for displaying 3-D holographic images representative of a 3-D object scene on a display device. A holographic generator component (HGC) can receive or generate visual images, comprising depth and parallax information, of a 3-D object scene. A hologram processor component can downsample an intensity image of a visual image of the 3-D object scene using a uniform or random lattice to facilitate converting the intensity image to a sparse image. The hologram processor component can generate a complex 3-D Fresnel hologram, comprising the depth and parallax information, based on the sparse image using a fast hologram generation algorithm. The hologram processor component modify the magnitude of the pixels of the complex hologram to a defined homogeneous value to facilitate converting the complex hologram to a phase-only hologram. |
| US09541898B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming station configured to form an image on a recording material; an electric circuit configured to operate the image forming station; a casing configured to accommodate the electric circuit; a recess provided on the casing; a voltage source input portion provided on a wall surface of the recess and configured to supply electric power to the electric circuit from an outside of the casing; and an air vent opening formed in a wall surface of the recess for permitting air flow between an inside and an outside to cool an inside of the casing. |
| US09541892B2 |
Image forming apparatus including fixing device
An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a conveying member, a nip member, an urging member, a changing portion, a first transmission portion, a motor, a second transmission portion, and a switching member. The urging member is configured to urge one of the conveying member and the nip member. The changing portion is configured to change an urging force of the urging member. The opening/closing member is configured to generate a moving force when being moved. The second transmission portion is configured to transmit drive force of the motor to the first transmission portion to generate the moving force. The switching member is configured to switch to one of a transmitting state and a cutoff state. The switching member interrupts the transmission of the drive force from the second transmission portion to the first transmission portion in the cutoff state. |
| US09541887B2 |
Cleaning blade, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
A cleaning blade includes an image region and a non-image region in which Young's moduli at positions separated by a distance of L μm from an edge portion in contact with an photosensitive drum are respectively defined as YL and Y′L, Y0 and Y′0 are 10 mgf/μm2 or more and 400 mgf/μm2 or less, Y50/Y0 is 0.5 or less, [{(Y0−Y20)/Y0}/(20−0)] is equal to or more than [{(Y20−Y50)/Y0}/(50−20)] and, the Young's modulus Y50 ≦the Young's modulus Y′L where L satisfies 0≦L ≦100 μm. |
| US09541881B2 |
Recording medium conveying device with a separation support roller and image forming apparatus incorporating the same
A recording medium conveying device includes an endless belt to convey a recording medium, a plurality of support rollers around which the belt is wound, to rotate the belt, and a cleaner in contact with the belt to clean the belt. One of the plurality of support rollers is a separation support roller, mounted on a tiltable rotary shaft, to separate the recording medium from the belt using a curvature of the separation support roller. The separation support roller includes a contact member to contact an edge of the belt when the belt laterally moves toward one side of the belt. |
| US09541876B1 |
Imaging device with diagnostic testing for fatal errors
A method and system are disclosed for detecting a fatal error condition in a printing device having an intermediate transfer member for facilitating toner transfer, including sensing a reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at a first predetermined time; comparing the sensed reflectance value at the first period of time to a predetermined threshold; sensing a reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at a second predetermined time after the predetermined first time; and comparing the sensed reflectance value of the intermediate transfer member at the second period of time to the predetermined threshold. If each of the sensed reflectance value at the first predetermined time and the sensed reflectance value at the second predetermined time is greater than the predetermined threshold, the method includes selectively suspending further printing operations until the imaging device is serviced. |
| US09541874B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus having a movable pressing unit
A fixing device includes a heating unit, an endless belt body that follows rotation of the heating unit, and a pressing unit that faces the heating unit with the endless belt body interposed therebetween. The pressing unit includes a retaining body that rotatably retains the endless belt body, a pressing-area-forming portion that is a part of the retaining body, and a pressing member provided on an upstream side of the retaining body with respect to the pressing-area-forming portion in a direction of rotation of the endless belt body, the pressing member being a metal plate that is bent along a line extending in a longitudinal direction thereof. The pressing unit is movable relative to the heating unit between a position where a pressing area is formed by the pressing-area-forming portion and the pressing member and a position where the pressing area is formed by the pressing member. |
| US09541865B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a controller to control an alternating transfer bias
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer; a transfer device; a transfer bias power source; and a controller to control the transfer bias power source. The transfer bias power source outputs the voltage that alternates between a transfer-directional voltage and a return-directional voltage. The transfer-directional voltage having a polarity transfers the toner image from a side of the image bearer to a side of the recording medium. The return-directional voltage has an opposite polarity to the polarity of the transfer-directional voltage. The controller reduces a frequency of the output voltage as a value of a ratio of A to B decreases while changing the value of the ratio of A to B. In this case, A is a time period of application of the return-directional voltage within one cycle of the output voltage, and B is a time period of the one cycle of the output voltage. |
| US09541864B2 |
Image-forming apparatus
A transfer device can make more stable contact with a belt, thus yielding preferable transfer performance. In an image-forming apparatus in which the transfer device has a sheet member, the sheet member includes a conductive sheet, and an electrical connection path section (power source connecting section) for supplying voltage to the conductive sheet from the primary transfer power source, and the power source connecting section is arranged outside an image formation enabling region where a toner image can be formed on a photosensitive drum, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the intermediate transfer belt. |
| US09541862B2 |
Toner container including a cap with two shoulders and image forming device
A system with a container including a protrusion, and a receiver to receive the container. The receiver includes a slide block that is movable relative to a body of the receiver, the slide block including two surfaces, a first surface, initially contacted by the protrusion of the container during insertion of the container into the receiver, having a first slope to resist movement of the container towards the receiver, and a second surface, subsequently contacted by the protrusion of the container during the insertion of the container into the receiver, having a second slope to interact with the protrusion of the container to assist movement of the container towards the receiver. This construction provides the user with a changing insertion force to indicate proper mounting of the container. |
| US09541859B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, toner cartridge for the same, imaging cartridge for the same, and method of controlling toner level in developing chamber of the same
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus may include an imaging cartridge and a toner cartridge that are detachably attached to a main body, a first optical sensor that is mounted in the imaging cartridge and detects a toner level in a development chamber, and a second optical sensor that is mounted in the toner cartridge and detects a toner level in the development chamber. |
| US09541856B2 |
Image forming apparatus with function of setting appropriate development bias
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developer carrier, a bias applying section, a leakage detecting section, and a bias controlling section. The developer carrier carries developer in the form of a layer of magnetized filaments to supply toner to the image carrier. The bias applying section applies to the developer carrier a development bias including a direct current voltage VmagDC and an alternating current voltage VmagAC superposed on each other. The leakage detecting section causes a discharge between the image carrier and the developer carrier and detects a leakage voltage when the discharge occurs. The leakage detecting section performs the leakage voltage detection in a blank region of the image carrier bearing no electrostatic latent image. The bias controlling section determines an alternating current voltage VmagAC according to a detected leakage voltage, and a frequency of the alternating current voltage VmagAC according to the voltage VmagAC. |
| US09541855B2 |
Signal processing device, signal processing method, and image forming apparatus
A signal processing device that generates an output signal from image data by using a clock corresponding to the pixels of the image data, the signal processing device includes: a delayed signal group generating unit that generates a group of delayed signals with a delay element group formed with stages of delay elements; a clock adjusting unit that generates a modulation/synchronization clock from the group of delayed signals by referring to phase data matching the clock with a predetermined phase and frequency modulation coefficient data converting the clock to a predetermined frequency; and a PWM processing unit that generates a PWM signal from the group of delayed signals by referring to the phase data, the frequency modulation coefficient data, the modulation/synchronization clock, and the image data, the PWM signal having a pulse width corresponding to the value of the image data. |
| US09541853B2 |
Magnetic carrier, two-component developer, replenishing developer, and image forming method
A magnetic carrier includes resin-filled magnetic core particles including porous magnetic particles whose pores are filled with a resin, and resin coating layers on the surfaces of the resin-filled magnetic core particles. The porous magnetic particles have specific electrical properties. |
| US09541851B2 |
Low energy consumption monochrome particle for single component development system
A low energy consumption monochrome particle includes a core latex having a core a glass transition temperature and a weight average molecular weight. A shell encapsulates the core and includes a shell latex having a shell glass transition temperature and a weight average molecular weight. The glass transition temperature of the shell latex is higher than the glass transition temperature of the core latex. The weight average molecular weight of the shell latex is lower or higher than the weight average molecular weight of the core latex. The low energy consumption monochrome particles are suitable for high speed printing in SCD systems while decreasing minimum fusing temperature, maintaining excellent hot offset and storage, and exhibiting a matte finish. |
| US09541850B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
A photosensitive layer includes a gallium phthalocyanine crystal and 0.2% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less of an arene compound based on the gallium phthalocyanine crystal, and the arene compound has a halogen atom or a halogen-substituted alkyl group, and a sulfonic acid group or a sulfonic acid salt group, as a substituent. |
| US09541848B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor
The electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present invention at least includes a charge-generating layer, a charge-transporting layer, and a surface protective layer sequentially deposited on an electroconductive support, wherein the charge-transporting layer contains a charge-transporting material having an ionization potential (IPA); the surface protective layer contains a binder resin and a metal oxide microparticle having an ionization potential (IPB); and the ionization potential (IPA) and the ionization potential (IPB) satisfy the relationship represented by Expression (A): −0.4 eV≦(IPA−IPB)≦0.4 eV. |
| US09541847B2 |
Imprint method and imprint system
According to one embodiment, an imprint method comprises coating a photo-curable organic material on a film to be processed, bringing a concave-convex pattern of a template into contact with the photo-curable organic material, applying a force to the template in such a state that the template is brought into contact with the photo-curable organic material, curing the photo-curable organic material by irradiating light onto the photo-curable organic material, in such a state that the template is brought into contact with the photo-curable organic material, and releasing the template from the photo-curable organic material after the light irradiation. The force applied to the template corresponds to a gap between a surface of the film to be processed and the template. |
| US09541842B2 |
Reflective image-forming optical system, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A reflective imaging optical system which forms, on a second plane, an image of a pattern arranged on a first plane and illuminated with light from an illumination optical system includes a plurality of reflecting mirrors including first and second reflecting mirrors by which the light reflected by the first plane is reflected first, second, respectively. An area on the first plane illuminated with the light from the illumination optical system is an illumination objective area, the illumination objective area is positioned on a predetermined side of an optical axis of the reflecting mirrors, and reflection areas of the first and second reflecting mirrors are positioned on the predetermined side of the optical axis of the reflecting mirrors; and the first and second reflecting mirrors are arranged so that an optical path of the light from the illumination optical system is positioned between the first and second reflecting mirrors. |
| US09541841B2 |
Imaging optical system and projection exposure installation for microlithography including same
An imaging optical system has a plurality of mirrors which image an object field in an object plane into an image field in an image plane. The imaging optical system has a pupil obscuration. The last mirror in the beam path of the imaging light between the object field and the image field has a through-opening for the passage of the imaging light. A penultimate mirror of the imaging optical system in the beam path of the imaging light between the object field and the image field has no through-opening for the passage of the imaging light. The imaging optical system has precisely eight mirrors. The result is an imaging optical system which exhibits a favorable combination of small imaging errors, manageable production and good throughput. |
| US09541838B2 |
Method of temperature compensation in high power focusing system for EUV LPP source
Method of temperature compensating a focusing system in which a temperature of a thermal lens compensation plate is regulated based on an optical absorption of the thermal lens compensation plate with optical absorption being determined based at least in part on an expected end-of-lifetime value for focus lens optical absorption. A value representative of cumulative time in use of the focusing systems is determined and the temperature of the thermal lens compensation plate is increased to a temperature based at least in part on said cumulative time in use. |
| US09541831B2 |
Positive resist composition and method of pattern formation with the same
A positive resist composition comprising: (A) a resin which comes to have an enhanced solubility in an alkaline developing solution by an action of an acid; (B) a compound which generates an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or a radiation; (C) a fluorine-containing compound containing at least one group selected from the groups (x) to (z); and (F) a solvent, and a method of pattern formation with the composition: (x) an alkali-soluble group; (y) a group which decomposes by an action of an alkaline developing solution to enhance a solubility in an alkaline developing solution; and (z) a group which decomposes by an action of an acid. |
| US09541826B2 |
Photocurable composition and method of manufacturing film using the composition
A photocurable composition of the present invention to be used for manufacturing a film with high productivity is a photocurable composition to be used for manufacturing a film having a predetermined pattern shape by curing the photocurable composition with light under a state where the photocurable composition is brought into contact with a mold having concavo-convex on a surface thereof, the photocurable composition including: a polymerizable compound; a photopolymerization initiator; a photosensitive gas generating agent for generating a gas through light stimulation; and a gas generation promotor for increasing an aggregation rate of the gas generated from the photosensitive gas generating agent at an interface between the mold and the photocurable composition, in which the gas generation promotor includes a fluorine atom-containing surfactant that is free of a polymerizable substituent. |
| US09541824B1 |
Method and system for fast inspecting defects
A method and system for inspecting defects saves scanned raw data as an original image so as to save time for repeated scanning and achieve faster defect inspection and lower false rate by reviewing suspicious defects and other regions of interest in the original image by using the same or different image-processing algorithm with the same or different parameters. |
| US09541820B2 |
Light source unit including an area of luminescent material emitting luminescent light in green wavelength range on part of member situated on optical path of light in blue wavelength range and projector
A light source unit includes a solid light emitting element that emits light in the blue wavelength range, a luminous light emitting portion on which a luminescent material layer is laid out, the luminescent material layer using the light emitted from the solid light emitting element as excitation light to emit light in a wavelength range of which wavelengths are longer than a wavelength of the excitation light, and a light transmitting portion that transmits the light emitted from the solid light emitting element, and an area of a luminescent material that emits luminous light in the green wavelength range is provided at part of the light transmitting portion. |
| US09541815B2 |
Actuator for motion control in miniature cameras
A device can comprise an outer frame, a platform, and a motion control mechanism. The motion control mechanism can be adapted to permit movement of the platform in a desired direction with respect to the outer frame and inhibit rotation of the platform with respect to the outer frame. An actuator can be contained at least partially within the motion control mechanism. |
| US09541813B2 |
Image display device with memory
An image display device having improved image retention capability by analyzing the mechanism behind the creation of an unwanted electric field applied to an element after a power supply is turned off, and devising a drive method and so forth for compensating for the same, is provided. Electrophoretic particles contain three types of charged particles, C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) that are mutually different in color and threshold voltage for starting electrophoresis. When the threshold voltages of C (cyan), M (magenta) and Y (yellow) are respectively Vth3, Vth2, and Vth3, these satisfy the relationship |Vth3|<|Vth2|<|Vth1|. Further, a voltage application unit applies a voltage (VE) different from a reference potential during the final period of image update period. The voltage (VE) is a compensation voltage that suppresses the movement of charged particles. |
| US09541811B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor array panel includes: a gate line and a data line on a substrate, insulatively crossing each other; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and to the data line; a first color filter overlapping the thin film transistor; a second color filter overlapping the first color filter; a passivation layer covering the first color filter and the second color filter; a first pixel electrode on the passivation layer, the first pixel electrode overlapping the first color filter and the second color filter; and a second pixel electrode on the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode overlapping the first color filter and the second color filter and connected with a drain electrode of the thin film transistor. |
| US09541809B2 |
Array substrate and display apparatus having the same
An array substrate includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gamma lines, a repair pad, a repair line, an inspection pad and an inspection line. The data lines transmit a data voltage to an active region. The gamma lines apply a gamma reference voltage to generate the data voltage. The repair pad repairs the data line. The repair line extends from the repair pad. The repair line is disposed adjacent to the gamma line. The inspection pad applies an inspection signal. The inspection line extends from the inspection pad. The inspection line is connected to the data lines. The gamma lines are connected to the inspection line. |
| US09541806B2 |
Method for forming thin film pattern
A method for forming a thin film pattern includes: forming a first resist pattern on a substrate; forming a second resist pattern on the substrate and the first resist pattern, forming a first metal layer overlapping an exposed portion of the substrate and exposed portions of the first and second resist patterns; removing the second resist pattern and a portion of the first metal layer, through a first lift-off process to expose portions of the substrate and the first resist pattern; forming a second metal layer overlapping portions of each of the substrate, the first resist pattern and the first metal layer; and removing the first resist pattern and the first and second metal layers, through a second lift-off process, to form first and second metal patterns from remaining portions of the first and second metal layers. The first and second resist patterns have different dissolution characteristics. |
| US09541805B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including shield electrodes and light shielding films and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates; gate wirings disposed on the second substrate; source wirings disposed to intersects with the gate wirings; light shielding films provided to cover the source wirings; a first insulating film provided to cover the gate wirings, the source wirings and the light shielding films; signal electrodes provided on the first insulating film, each of which is located in a region surrounded with the gate wirings and the source wirings; a common electrode provided on the first insulating film so as not to be overlapped on the signal electrodes; and shield electrode disposed between each of the signal electrodes and each of the source wirings, the respective shield electrodes being overlapped on the light shielding films. |
| US09541802B2 |
TFT array substrate used in a dual domain liquid crystal display panel and a dual-domain liquid crystal display panel
The present invention discloses a TFT array substrate and a display panel. Multiple pixel electrodes structured with at least one domain are arranged in each pixel area, and the angle/angles of at least one deflection in the same-sided deflections of the pixel electrodes of the same domain in the pixel area in the direction parallel to the initial arrangement direction of liquid crystal not driven by a voltage to rotate is different from the angles of other deflections. Through the design of different deflection angles of the pixel electrodes of the same domain, even under a low gray scale, since the rotating angles of liquid crystal molecules driven by different pixel electrodes are different, the inner parts of the liquid crystal molecules driven by the pixel electrodes may be relatively completely compensated. |
| US09541801B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel wherein heights of spacers within a central region are larger than heights of spacers within a peripheral region and display device
The embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel comprising an array substrate and an opposite substrate arranged opposite to each other, and spacers provided between the array substrate and the opposite substrate; the liquid crystal display panel includes a central region and a peripheral region; heights of the spacers within the central region without extending and contracting are set as a first height; heights of the spacers within the peripheral region without extending and contracting are set as second heights; and the first height is larger than the second heights. |
| US09541800B2 |
Display panel
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a display medium layer, a plurality of first spacers and a plurality of second spacers. The first substrate has a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The display medium layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first spacers and the second spacers are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and are located corresponding to the non-display area. The first spacers and the second spacers are correspondingly located at two opposite sides of the display area and arranged along a first direction. An extending line along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction passes through one of the first spacers and the interval between any two adjacent second spacers. |
| US09541798B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display panel
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided, which comprises steps of: manufacturing an array substrate; manufacturing a color film substrate; coating a pixel alignment film on the pixel electrode layer; performing a first optical alignment process on the pixel alignment film; coating a common alignment film on the common electrode layer; performing a second optical alignment process on the common alignment film; and performing an encasing alignment process on the array substrate and the color film substrate. This solves the technological problem of white dropouts on the screen from certain viewing angles. |
| US09541797B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for producing same
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device that can prevent a decrease in the VHR and image sticking on the display screen because of residual DC voltage, and also can produce favorable alignment conditions; and a production method thereof. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a pair of substrates; a liquid crystal layer that contains liquid crystal molecules and is disposed between the pair of substrates; and an alignment film that is disposed on a liquid crystal layer side of at least one of the pair of substrates, the alignment film containing a polyamic acid or a polyimide with an imidization ratio of less than 100%, the liquid crystal display device including a monomolecular film on the alignment film. |
| US09541793B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and display apparatus using the same
In a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel of the present invention, a second substrate comprises a second electrode, wherein the second electrode comprises a trunk portion and plurality of branch portions, and there is a first predetermined angle and a second predetermined angle between the trunk portion and the branch portions, and the predetermined angle is less than or greater than 45 degrees. Quarter wave retarder films are bonded to outer surfaces of a first substrate and the second substrate, respectively. The present invention can improve the color shift problem and the transmittance of the LCD panel. |
| US09541790B2 |
Direct-type backlight module and manufacturing method thereof
A direct-type backlight module and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The direct-type backlight module includes: a rear plate and a backlight source installed therein. The backlight source includes a LED light bar including LEDs. The LEDs have a phosphor layer disposed thereon. The phosphor layer and the LEDs have a colloid material layer sandwiched therebetween for thermal isolation. The present invention disposes the colloid material layer so as to avoid heat generated by the LEDs to be directly transferred to the phosphor layer to cause efficiency reduction, meanwhile there is no need of a large amount of phosphor layer to fabricate a large-sized film sheet and thus the material usage of the phosphor layer is reduced. The present invention can effectively use the phosphor layer to improve color saturation of display while ensuring the efficient use of LED brightness and the life span by the colloid material layer. |
| US09541788B2 |
Display device, display panel and fabricating method thereof
A display device, a display panel and the fabricating method thereof The display panel comprises a first substrate (110) and a second substrate (120) disposed to be cell assembled; and a magnetic unit including a first magnetic subunit (11, 12) disposed on the first substrate (110) and a second magnetic subunit (21, 22) disposed on the second substrate (120) The first magnetic subunit (11, 12) and the second magnetic subunit (21, 22) are disposed to be opposed to each other First magnetic particles (15) are dispersed in the first magnetic subunit (11, 12); and second magnetic particles (25) are dispersed in the second magnetic subunit (21, 22); and the first magnetic particles (15) and the second magnetic particles (25) have opposite magnetic polarities such that the first magnetic subunit (11, 12) and the second magnetic subunit (21, 22) attract each other. |
| US09541782B2 |
Liquid crystal display and electronic device
A liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes a position limiting structure, and further includes a TFT substrate, a CF substrate adhered to an internal surface of the TFT substrate, and an adhesive layer disposed at partial or entire area except a specific area on the internal surface of the TFT substrate. The TFT substrate is fixed on the position limiting structure through the adhesive layer. The internal surface of the CF substrate is adhered to the internal surface of the TFT substrate. The specific area on the internal surface of the TFT substrate includes an overlapped area of the internal surface of the TFT substrate and the internal surface of the CF substrate and an area, for connecting a flexible circuit board, on the internal surface of the TFT substrate. |
| US09541780B2 |
Curved surface backlight unit and curved surface display device including the same
A curved surface backlight unit is disclosed which includes: a light source; a curved surface light guide plate disposed parallel to the light source; first patterns on one surface of the light guide plate; a reflection plate disposed under the light guide plate; optical sheets disposed on the light guide plate; and second patterns formed on one surface of at least one of the optical sheets. |
| US09541776B2 |
Optical assembly for 90° polarization rotation
An optical assembly maintains 90° polarization rotation. In one aspect, an optical assembly includes a polarization beam splitter a rotational element and a path exchange mirror. The temperature, wavelength and manufacturing dependencies of polarization rotation of this optical assembly are minimal to nonexistent compared to conventional Faraday rotation assemblies as the optical fiber accepts only the desired rotation. As such these optical assemblies have no temperature and wavelength dependencies of the polarization rotation angle over broad temperature and wavelength ranges with minimal additional losses. |
| US09541774B2 |
Control device for variable focus lenses, control method for variable focus lenses, and electronic glasses
A control device (4) controls a varifocal lens (2) having a first substrate (20), a second substrate (22) facing the first substrate (20), and a varifocal component (14) disposed between the first substrate (20) and the second substrate (22). When an off signal is inputted to the varifocal component (14), the control device (4) stops applying voltage to the varifocal component (14), then applies voltage for a specific length of time, and finally stops the voltage. This reduces the duration of hazing that occurs during the switching of voltage application to the varifocal component (14). |
| US09541768B2 |
Zoom lens and electronic apparatus
A zoom lens is described. The zoom lens includes, in an order from an object side: a first lens group that comprises at least two negative lenses and a single positive lens, the first lens group having a negative refractive power; a second lens group that comprises a plurality of lenses, at least one correction lens of the second lens group being movable in a surface that crosses an optical axis to perform image-shaking correction, the second lens group having a positive refractive power; a third lens group that comprises a single negative lens, the third lens group having a negative refractive power; and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power. |
| US09541763B1 |
Active HUD alignment
An active HUD boresight alignment system for correcting a boresight of a HUD in an aircraft relative to an aircraft boresight is described. The system has an aircraft IRU, a HUD angular orientation detector and a detector. The aircraft IRU is rigidly coupled with the aircraft and configured to define an aircraft boresight indicative of a three axis angular orientation of the aircraft. The HUD angular orientation detector is rigidly arranged relative to at least one component of the HUD in the aircraft, and configured to determine a HUD boresight indicative of a three axis angular orientation of the HUD. The processor is coupled with the aircraft IRU and the HUD angular orientation detector and configured to determine a boresight angular offset of the HUD boresight to the aircraft boresight for at least one axis of the three axis angular orientation, and to correct for the boresight angular offset based on the determined boresight angular offset. |
| US09541760B2 |
Laser scanning head-up display system for vehicles
A head-up display for a vehicle has a laser and a scanning system. An image, which is to be displayed in the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle and which is composed of individual pixels, is produced pixel-by-pixel by the laser and the scanning system. The head-up display has a projection system having a projection surface and a magnifying optical system. The projection system projects the image to be displayed onto a virtual image plane and magnifies the image in the process. The size of the pixels in the virtual image plane is smaller than the resolving ability of the human eye, which is the case for an angular distance less than 0.5′, for example. |
| US09541759B2 |
Compact and energy-efficient head-up display
The invention relates to a head-up display comprising a group of optical sub-systems (261, 262, 263) formed in a single plane and having dimensions that diminish moving away from the main optical axis of the display. The display also comprises sub-screens (241, 242, 243), the positions and dimensions of which are defined according to: the length of the optical path (D), the dimensions of the optical sub-systems, and a maximum authorized length of movement in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and located at a distance equal to the length of the optical path, such that the information projected by the group of sub-screens can be seen along the entire authorized length of movement. |
| US09541756B2 |
Optical apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image reading apparatus
An optical apparatus includes: a light source including multiple light-emitting points arrayed in a first direction; and an imaging optical system including multiple lens optical systems arrayed in the first direction. The imaging optical system forms images of the multiple light-emitting points on a light-receiving surface. In a first cross-section and in a second cross-section, half-value of a maximum value of angle of divergence of an imaging optical flux input to the light-receiving surface, resolution, and a size of each image of the plurality of light-emitting points formed on the light-receiving surface, satisfy predetermined conditions. |
| US09541754B2 |
Polygon mirror scanner motor
There is provided a polygon mirror scanner motor including: a rotor configured to rotate around a rotation axis; a fitting member configured to be fitted to an outer circumferential surface of the rotor; and a polygon mirror configured to be fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the rotor and bonded with the fitting member, wherein a diameter of the rotor at a part, to which the fitting member is fitted, is configured to be smaller than a diameter of the rotor at a part, to which the polygon mirror is fitted. |
| US09541751B2 |
Method of observation of the emission of light from a sample by dynamic optical microscopy
Method for observing an emission of light from a sample in a medium of refractive index nL disposed against a surface of a transparent support of refractive index nS, greater than nL, the emission of light comprising luminous components oriented toward the support and forming an angle θ and including supercritical luminous components and critical or subcritical luminous components, implementing an observation device applying filters to the signal; and transforming the signal into an image zone of the sample Modulation of the signal is carried out, in which components of the emission of light are allowed to pass through so as to obtain image zones, the modulation pertaining to all or some of the collected signals; and at least one useful image zone of the sample is produced by combining image zones, the combination evidencing differences between the image zones related to the modulation. |
| US09541750B2 |
Telecentric, wide-field fluorescence scanning systems and methods
Wide-field fluorescence imaging systems and methods. A bi-telecentric optical imaging system comprising imaging optics arranged and positioned such that a first telecentric space is created or exists between a sample platform and an entry aperture stop wherein Principal or chief rays from a plurality of field points on the sample platform are parallel to each other when passing through a first filter; and such that a second telecentric space is created or exists between a light detector and an exit aperture stop wherein the Principal or chief rays from the plurality of field points are parallel to each other when passing through a second filter. In this manner, light collected from different points in the field of view pass through the first filter at the same angles and also through the second filter at the same angles to thereby reduce or eliminate angular spectral shifting effects. |
| US09541748B2 |
Surgical microscope objective having an adjustable focal intercept
A surgical microscope objective has an adjustable focal intercept and defines an optical axis. The objective has an objective body wherein a negative member is fixed and in which a positive member can be displaced. The negative member faces toward the object and has a lateral edge. The positive member is held in a frame, which is guided on a first guiding section formed on the objective body so it can move in the direction of the optical axis using a first guiding part. The positive member is guided on a second guiding section, which is formed on the objective body, using a second guiding part connected to the frame of the positive member and movable between the lateral edge of the negative member and the objective body. The second guiding part is offset from the first guiding part in the direction of the optical axis facing the negative member. |
| US09541746B2 |
Optical system and image pickup apparatus having the same
An optical system includes, a front lens unit having a positive refractive power, an aperture stop, and a rear lens unit having a positive refractive power, wherein the front lens unit includes an FB lens system, and an FA lens system, the FB and FA lens systems being configured to move appropriately, when shifting a focus from an object at a long distance to an object at a short distance. A focal length fFB of the FB lens system and a focal length f of the entire optical system are appropriately set. |
| US09541745B2 |
Optical imaging lens and electronic device comprising the same
An optical imaging lens includes: a first, second, third, fourth and fifth lens element, the first lens element has an object-side surface with a convex part in a vicinity of the optical axis and a convex part in a vicinity of its periphery; the second lens element has an object-side surface with a convex part in a vicinity of its periphery; the third lens element has positive refractive power, having an object-side surface with a concave part in a vicinity of its periphery; the fourth lens element has positive refractive power, having an object-side surface with a concave part in a vicinity of its periphery and an image-side surface with a convex part in a vicinity of the optical axis; the fifth lens element has an image-side surface with a concave part in a vicinity of the optical axis and a convex part in a vicinity of its periphery. |
| US09541743B2 |
Projection zoom lens and projection type display device
A projection zoom lens is constituted by: a negative first lens group; a positive moving second lens group; a positive moving third lens group; a positive final lens group; at least one lens group positioned between the final lens group and the third lens group; and an aperture stop provided between adjacent moving lens groups. The aperture stop is a variable stop, of which the aperture diameter changes such that the numerical aperture of the zoom lens becomes constant. The zoom lens satisfies Conditional Formulae below: 2.8 |
| US09541741B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including a deformable mirror
A folded optical zoom lens and an image pickup apparatus including the same are provided. The zoom lens includes a first reflection plate and a second reflection plate having reflection surfaces facing each other; a light incidence region disposed around the second reflection plate; a light exit region disposed in a hole in a center portion of the first reflection plate; and a mirror, which is disposed around the second reflection plate and reflects light incident via the light incidence region toward the first reflection plate. The mirror is configured to change a length of a an optical path of light incident via the light incidence region, reflected between the first reflection plate and the second reflection plate, and exiting the zoom lens via the light exit region. |
| US09541738B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens includes a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having negative refractive power; a third lens having positive refractive power; a fourth lens having at least one aspheric surface; a fifth lens having at least one aspheric surface; a sixth lens having two aspheric surfaces; and a seventh lens having two aspheric surfaces, arranged in this order from an object side to an image plane side. The first lens is formed in a shape so that both surfaces are convex near an optical axis thereof. The fourth lens is formed in a meniscus shape so that a surface thereof on the object side is concave near the optical axis. The seventh lens is formed in a shape so that a surface thereof on the image plane side is concave near the optical axis. |
| US09541735B2 |
Imaging lens
A compact low-priced imaging lens which offers a field of view of about 180 degrees and high optical performance. The imaging lens for a solid-state image sensor includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and an aspheric image-side surface; a second lens with negative refractive power as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave surface on the image side; a third lens with positive refractive power; an aperture stop; and a fourth lens with positive refractive power. The first and second lenses are made of plastic material. The imaging lens satisfies conditional expressions (1) and (2) below: −65.0 |
| US09541732B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus equipped with the imaging lens
An imaging lens is constituted by six lenses, including: a first lens having a positive refractive power and a convex surface toward the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power and a convex surface toward the object side; a third lens having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens having a positive refractive power; a fifth lens having a positive refractive power and a convex surface toward the object side; and a sixth lens having a negative refractive power, provided in this order from the object side. The imaging lens satisfies a predetermined conditional formula. |
| US09541728B2 |
Glasses holder
A glasses holder including: a clamping unit for securing the glasses; a connection unit connected with the clamping unit and an optical device respectively, so that an eyeglass of the glasses secured by the clamping unit is parallel to an incident surface of optical lens of the optical device. The glasses holder is used for testing of related specs on TV performances, and can improve accuracy of test results. |
| US09541725B2 |
Slidable fiber optic connection module with cable slack management
A fiber optic telecommunications device includes a frame and a fiber optic module. The fiber optic module includes a main housing portion defining fiber optic connection locations for connecting cables to be routed through the frame and a cable management portion for guiding cables between the main housing portion and the frame. The main housing portion of the fiber optic module is slidably mounted to the frame, the main housing portion slidable between a retracted position and an extended position in a sliding direction. The cable management portion of the fiber optic module includes a radius limiter slidably coupled to both the main housing portion and the frame, wherein movement of the main housing portion with respect to the frame slidably moves the radius limiter with respect to the main housing portion along the sliding direction. |
| US09541718B2 |
Photoelectric hybrid device and method for manufacturing same
A photoelectric hybrid device includes an optical connector on a flat optical surface at one end of vertical optical waveguides for inputting and outputting an optical signal. Integration of the photoelectric hybrid device into an interposer or the like is standardized. The photoelectric hybrid device includes: conductive pins connected to an electric signal pathway for a photoelectric hybrid substrate; a translucent member having a flat optical surface and a translucent part; and self-organizing optical waveguides that form an optical path between the translucent part and an optical waveguide. The flat optical surface is not lower than the tops of the electrical connection parts on the conductive pins. Collision of the optical connector and the tops of the electrical connection parts can be avoided when an optical connector on which an optical waveguide that transmits an optical signal among the optical waveguides. |
| US09541715B2 |
Optical module, manufacturing method of optical module, and optical device
An optical module includes: a first substrate configured to include an optical waveguide, and a first concave section provided over an end surface side of the optical waveguide; a resin configured to be disposed in the first concave section; an optical component configured to be disposed over the resin; and a second substrate configured to be jointed onto the first substrate, and to include a second concave section corresponding to the end surface in a surface facing the first concave section, the optical component being disposed between the resin and the second concave section. |
| US09541714B2 |
Bidirectional optical transceiver module and method of aligning the same
Disclosed are a bidirectional optical transceiver module and a method of aligning the same. The bidirectional optical transceiver module includes: a package having on one side a cavity; a platform mounted on the package; a transmitter which generates output light; a holder which includes the horizontal portion having the through-hole and disposed on the package to cover the cavity, and the vertical portion which has the inclined surface on one side and the connection hole connected to the through-hole; a receiver which generates an electric signal that corresponds to input light incident into the cavity; and a WDM filter that delivers the output light and the input light. |
| US09541713B2 |
Fiber optic connector with rotational interlock between connector housing and rear insert
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector including a connector housing having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end can form a plug portion adapted for insertion within a receptacle of a fiber optic adapter. A rear insert mounts within the proximal end of the connector housing. An axial insertion/retention interface can be defined between the connector housing and the rear insert. The axial insertion/retention interface can be configured to allow the rear insert to be inserted into and removed from the proximal end of the connector housing along an insertion axis when the rear insert is positioned in a first rotational position about the insertion axis relative to the connector housing. The axial insertion/retention interface can also be configured to prevent the rear insert from being withdrawn from the proximal end of the connector housing along the insertion axis. |
| US09541709B2 |
Optical module protection cover installed at edge of optical modem
Provided is a protection cover for protecting an optical module. The protection cover installed at an edge of an optical modem in which the optical module is randomly separable without opening a case includes a bottom cover including a hinge and screw coupling hole at one end thereof, a pair of side covers extending toward left and right upper sides from the bottom cover, each of the pair of side covers including a hook at one side thereof, a front cover extending toward a front upper side from the bottom cover, the front cover having a U-shaped front groove, and a pair of top cover horizontally extending from the side covers and the front cover, the pair of top covers having trapezoid-shaped top grooves that are spaced apart from each other. |
| US09541703B2 |
Lamp
A lamp comprises a light guide, a light source and a subject member; wherein an exit surface of the light guide is arranged at a position exposed to a front side of the subject member or located on a rear side of the subject member while being visible from the front side; wherein a surface of a light-guiding part about the exit surface located on the rear side is covered with paint or an opaque member so that the exit surface seen from the front side appears to have the same color as with surroundings thereof; wherein the subject member is molded by an opaque material or the rear side about the exit surface is covered with the paint or the opaque member; and wherein the light guide and the subject member are molded integrally with each other. |
| US09541701B2 |
Back-lit transmissive display having variable index light extraction layer
This application describes a back-lit transmissive display including a transmissive display (620) and a variable index light extraction layer (640) optically coupled to a lightguide (630). The variable index light extraction layer has first regions (140) of nanovoided polymeric material and second regions (130) of the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material. The first and second regions are disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. The transmissive display may be a transmissive display panel or a polymeric film such as a graphic. |
| US09541698B2 |
Backlights having selected output light flux distributions and display systems using same
A backlight that includes a front reflector (120) and a back reflector (130) that form a hollow light recycling cavity including an output surface (104) is disclosed. At least a portion of the back reflector is non-parallel to the front reflector. The backlight also includes at least one semi-specular element disposed within the hollow light recycling cavity, and one or more light sources (140) disposed to emit light into the hollow light recycling cavity, where the one or more light sources are configured to emit light into the hollow light recycling cavity over a limited angular range. |
| US09541697B2 |
Transparent display backlight assembly
In embodiments of a transparent display backlight assembly, a backlight panel is operable as a transparent panel, and a light source generates light that the backlight panel directs from the light source to illuminate a display panel of a display device. Light refraction features refract and scatter the light, where the light refraction features are spaced for approximate transparency of the backlight panel and to illuminate the display panel. An active diffuser can be implemented as an additional transparent panel and operable for activation to diffuse the light from the backlight panel that illuminates the display panel. |
| US09541695B2 |
Light source device
Disclosed is a light source device. The light source device includes: a light guide plate; a reflector disposed under the light guide plate; a light source unit optically coupled to the light guide plate; and a photo luminescent film disposed between the light guide plate and the light source unit, wherein the photo luminescent film includes at least two partitioned areas, and wherein a first fluorescent material included in at least one area of the at least two areas is different from a second fluorescent material included in the other areas. |
| US09541692B2 |
Optical retardation film and method of production thereof
The present invention relates generally to the field of organic chemistry and particularly to the optical retardation films for liquid crystal displays. The present invention provides an optical film comprising a substrate having front and rear surfaces, and at least one solid retardation layer on the front surface of the substrate. Said solid retardation layer comprises rigid rod-like macromolecules comprising n organic units of the first type having general structural formula I and k organic units of the second type having general structural formula II |
| US09541688B2 |
Polarization film having black strip for applying to a patterned retarder type 3D display device
The present disclosure relates to a polarization film having a black strip for applying to a patterned retarder type 3D display device. The present disclosure suggests a polarization film for a patterned retarder type display device comprising: a polarization base film; a upper base film disposed on a upper surface of the polarization base film; a lower base film disposed on a lower surface of the polarization base film; and a black strip formed one of a upper side of the polarization base film and a lower side of the polarization base film. According to the present disclosure, the 3D display device can be manufactured in the simple processing and can reduce 3D cross-talk problem by having the double black strip structure. |
| US09541683B2 |
Curved reflective mirror and manufacturing method thereof
A curved reflective mirror includes a flat glass structure, an intermediate adhesive layer, and a flat glass mirror. The intermediate adhesive layer is positioned between the flat glass structure and the flat glass mirror. The flat glass structure, the intermediate adhesive layer, and the flat glass mirror are curved and deformed in a mechanical manner with the support of a mold. The curved and deformed flat glass structure, intermediate adhesive layer, and flat glass mirror are solidified and bonded together in a heating and/or ultraviolet (UV) light radiation and/or room temperature solidification manner to form a composite curved structure. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a curved reflective mirror. The curved reflective mirror can be widely applied in the fields of solar thermal collection and concentration and solar thermal power generation. |
| US09541675B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, light blocking layer using the same, and color filter
Disclosed are a photosensitive resin composition including (A) a copolymer resin represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein in Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is the same as defined in the detailed description; (B) a colorant including a pigment dispersion solution; (C) a photopolymerizable compound; (D) a photopolymerization initiator; and (E) a solvent, and a color filter using the same. |
| US09541674B2 |
Photonic balls containing a microstructure of core-shell particles exhibiting angularly-independent structural color
A photonic assembly for observing a preselected color includes an assembly of colloidal particles in a continuous liquid phase, the colloidal particles comprising a core scattering center and a shell layer surrounding the core, wherein the core scattering center is selected to scatter light having a predetermined wavelength, and wherein the shell has a thickness selected to provide an overall colloidal particle size that is about the same dimension as the wavelength of preselected color to be observed. |
| US09541673B2 |
Space weather monitoring system for polar routes
A space weather monitoring system for polar routes includes: a satellite which flies over polar routes; a route-information providing server which receives data collected by the satellite monitoring the polar routes and generates various pieces of information about space weather; a flight vehicle which makes a request for information about the polar routes of the flight to the route-information providing server, and flies over the polar routes based on the received information; and a network which relays data among the satellite, the route-information providing server and the flight vehicle, so that an aurora-distribution map needed for an aircraft flight, an electromagnetic wave absorption map based on the ionosphere, information about space weather, and the situation and forecast of the space weather can be provided to an airline, thereby having effects on allowing the airline to check the information about the space weather in real time and fully considering a user who is unfamiliar to the space weather. |
| US09541671B2 |
Method and system for evaluation of gamma-gamma well logging data in mineral exploration
A calibration site for a gamma-gamma well logging tool for use in mineral exploration, the calibration site having a column consisting of a plurality of blocks of known densities; and a borehole through the column configured to accept the gamma-gamma well logging tool. Further, a method for calibrating a gamma-gamma well logging tool at the calibration site, the method including lowering the gamma-gamma well logging tool into a column consisting of a plurality of blocks of different known densities and having a borehole therein to receive the gamma-gamma well logging tool; raising the gamma-gamma well logging tool at a set rate; capturing a radiation count at a sensor of the gamma-gamma well logging tool; converting the radiation count to a recorded density for a particular depth at a computing device; and comparing the recorded density at each position of the column with the known densities. |
| US09541665B2 |
Fluid determination in a well bore
A fluid measurement system (10, 110, 210) and method of fluid mix determination over a sampling length (25) in a well bore (12). A pulse generator is run in the well bore from which is suspended a cable (24) with two conductors having a length equal to the sampling length. A high frequency pulse is injected along the cable and from the detected response average propagation velocities over the various reflections are used to determine the mixture of fluids. Embodiments are described which improve the determination such as using a cable with sections of alternating impedance, helically wound cable, providing multiple signal generators, incorporating a mathematical model, analyzing the analog signal response, providing a reference cable and incorporating an optical distributed temperature sensor. |
| US09541664B2 |
Wide activation angle pinch sensor
In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor. |
| US09541656B2 |
System and method for compensating temperature gain variation in radiation detectors
In accordance with the present approach, a dark current is measured for one or more detector elements and used to determine a gain or gain compensation for the respective detector elements. In certain embodiments, the dark current is used to determine a temperature for the respective detector element and the temperature is used to determine the gain or gain compensation. In other embodiments, the dark current is used to calculate the gain or gain compensation for the respective detector element without calculating an intermediate temperature value, such as via the use of a transfer function. |
| US09541651B2 |
Tapered coherent integration time for a receiver of a positioning system
Approaches to signal processing using tapered coherent integration time period durations. In this regard, signal processing of received signals (e.g., received satellite navigation signals) may be received at a receiver. The received signals may be processed in a coherent integration process whereby the duration of subsequent coherent integration time periods are reduced in response to errors resulting from frequency instability that grows in time. As such, relatively long durations for coherent integration times may result in improved signal to noise ratios (SNRs) for integrated signals in initial coherent integration time periods. However, as errors that are introduced into the signal processing due grow over time, the durations of subsequent coherent integration time periods may be reduced, thus reducing the effect of the error in a SNR of resulting integrated signals. In turn, receiver sensitivity may be improved. |
| US09541650B2 |
Satellite positioning method, satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus and satellite pseudorange calculation method
A satellite positioning method, a satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus and a satellite pseudorange calculation method thereof are provided. The satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus is used for calculating a pseudorange between a satellite and a satellite positioning receiving device, wherein the pseudorange includes an integer code value and a fractional code value. The satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus comprises a receiver and a processor electrically connected with the receiver. The receiver is configured to receive a code phase from a satellite signal acquisition unit, and the processor is configured to calculate the fractional code value according to the code phase. The receiver is further configured to define an approximation position and calculate the integer code value according to the approximate position and the fractional code value. The satellite positioning method is used for positioning the satellite positioning receiving device. |
| US09541647B2 |
Range finding device background of the invention
A range finding device includes a transmission module, a linked movement module and a range finding module. The linked movement module is connected to and driven by the transmission module. The transmission module driven by an external driving module enables the linked movement module. The range finding module has one plane which is connected with a plane of the linked movement module and further includes a transmitting portion for transmission of a measurement signal and a receiving portion for reception of the reflected measurement signal, each of which is configured on one side of the range finding module. |
| US09541643B2 |
Downscan imaging sonar
A downscan imaging sonar utilizes a linear transducer element to provide improved images of the sea floor and other objects in the water column beneath a vessel. A transducer array may include a plurality of transducer elements and each one of the plurality of transducer elements may include a substantially rectangular shape configured to produce a sonar beam having a beamwidth in a direction parallel to longitudinal length of the transducer elements that is significantly less than a beamwidth of the sonar beam in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the transducer elements. The plurality of transducer elements may be positioned such that longitudinal lengths of at least two of the plurality of transducer elements are parallel to each other. The plurality of transducer elements may also include at least a first linear transducer element, a second linear transducer element and a third linear transducer element. |
| US09541638B2 |
MIMO radar system
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method for detecting an object using radar system having M transmit antennas, N receive antennas, and a processor, including: receiving, by the processor, N×M digital signals, wherein the N receivers receive M received signals corresponding to M sequences of encoded transmitted signals resulting in N×M digital signals; processing the N×M digital signals to produce N×M first range/relative velocity matrices; applying a phase compensation to N×(M−1) first range/relative velocity matrices to compensate for a difference in range between the N×(M−1) first range/relative velocity matrices and the Mth range/velocity matrix; decoding the M phase compensated range/relative velocity matrices for the N receivers using an inverse of the transmit encoding to produce M decoded phase range/relative velocity matrices for the N receivers; detecting objects using the M range/relative velocity matrices for the N receivers to produce a detection vector. |
| US09541627B2 |
Data processing system
A data processing system includes a distribution apparatus and a communication terminal. The distribution apparatus includes a distribution unit that distributes a wireless signal containing unique data unique to the distribution apparatus. The communication terminal receives the wireless signal distributed by the distribution apparatus. A position data indicating a position of the distribution apparatus and a predetermined threshold value pertaining to a signal strength of the wireless signal received by the communication terminal are identifiable based on the unique data. The communication terminal includes a determination unit that determines whether to indicate that a current position of the communication terminal is the position data by referring to the predetermined threshold value. |
| US09541626B2 |
Globally referenced positioning in a shielded environment
A method, apparatus and system for globally referenced positioning in a shielded environment includes integrating and correlating information from a UWB receiver, a GPS receiver, and a bent-path GPS receiver adapted to extract a GPS radio frequency wave from a heterodyned GPS signal. The method, apparatus, and system is resistant to interference and can be used in a shielded environment such as indoors or behind a line-of-sight barrier. |
| US09541625B2 |
Emergency resource location and status
Augmented reality techniques are employed to improve emergency response and related tasks based upon data gathered from wireless monitoring of emergency equipment. |
| US09541622B2 |
Method for determining a position-dependent attenuation map of surface coils of a magnetic resonance/PET apparatus
A method is disclosed for determining a position-dependent attenuation map of at least one surface coil of a combined magnetic resonance/PET apparatus. In an embodiment, the method includes acquiring magnetic resonance image data by way of the at least one surface coil during a magnetic resonance/PET examination of a patient; reconstructing the position of the at least one surface coil on the basis of the acquired magnetic resonance image data; and determining the position-dependent attenuation map of the at least one surface coil on the basis of the reconstructed position of the at least one surface coil. A magnetic resonance/PET apparatus and a computer program product, embodied to perform the method, are also disclosed. |
| US09541620B2 |
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. |
| US09541619B2 |
Balancing out a field inhomogeneity in a magnetic resonance tomography system and shim coil arrangement
In order to balance out a field inhomogeneity, a value for a coil current is determined by a controller as a function of an item of information relating to the field inhomogeneity and an item of information relating to a position of at least one balancing or shim coil arranged in the magnetic field. The value is to be supplied to the at least one shim coil in order to generate a magnetic balancing field to balance out the field inhomogeneity. A control signal for at least one shim current source and for at least one switching matrix coupling the at least one shim current source to the at least one shim coil is generated as a function of the at least one value. |
| US09541616B2 |
Low field magnetic resonance imaging methods and apparatus
According to some aspects, a laminate panel is provided. The laminate panel comprises at least one laminate layer including at least one non-conductive layer and at least one conductive layer patterned to form at least a portion of a B0 coil configured to contribute to a B0 field suitable for use in low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). |
| US09541611B2 |
Structure for mounting hall effect sensor of motor
A structure for mounting a Hall effect sensor, the structure including: a mounting bracket, a mounting plate, a left supporting column, a right supporting column, and a first supporting column. The left supporting column and the right supporting column are protruded upwards from top surfaces of two adjacent teeth at the inner side of a certain winding slot, respectively. The first supporting column is protruded upwards from the top surface of the circular yoke at the outer side of the winding slot. The mounting plate is disposed on top surfaces of the first supporting column, the left supporting column, and the right supporting column. The mounting bracket is installed at the bottom of the mounting plate. The Hall effect sensor is installed in the mounting bracket. |
| US09541603B2 |
Method and apparatus for power glitch detection in integrated circuits
A method and apparatus for power glitch detection in IC's is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes a detection circuit in an IC detecting a voltage transient wherein a value of a supply voltage has at least momentarily fallen below a reference voltage value. Responsive thereto, the detection circuit may cause a logic value to be stored in a register indicating that the detection circuit has detected the supply voltage falling below the reference voltage. The IC may include a number of detection circuits coupled to the register, each of which may provide a corresponding indication of detecting the supply voltage falling below the reference voltage. The detection circuits may be placed at different locations, and thus reading the register may yield information indicating the locations where, if any, such voltage transients occurred. |
| US09541602B2 |
Electronic component inspection apparatus and method
An electronic component inspection apparatus includes a light source arranged in a mounting area where at least one electronic component is mounted to a board and a light-receiving sensor arranged outside the mounting area to detect an intensity of a light received from the light source. A computer executes a program to perform a process of determining a state of joining parts in the mounting area based on a result of comparison of the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving sensor with an intensity of distribution previously acquired. |
| US09541597B2 |
Diagnostic testing of an electric meter socket
An embodiment of an electric meter socket testing system features a plurality of tester line terminals adapted to connect with line terminals of an electric meter socket; a plurality of tester load terminals adapted to connect with load terminals of the electric meter socket; and a test module adapted to control input of voltage from the line terminals to the load terminals; and an indication interface configured to output whether the electric meter socket is determined to be safe for connecting an electric meter. Accordingly, the test module may further be adapted to check for a short circuit in an electrical distribution wiring network coupled to the line terminals in at least one diagnostic procedure. |
| US09541592B1 |
Noise parameter measurement system
A noise parameter test setup allows accurately measuring the four noise parameters (Fmin, Rn, Γopt) of microwave transistors over a wide frequency range using two wideband directional couplers, instead of SPDT switches, to merge the s-parameter (signal) measurement path and the noise measurement path, avoiding thus the uncertainty of the switching repeatability of the SPDT switches and improving the measurement accuracy. Calibration of the system is the same as when using switches. Additional power control precautions of the VNA sources are necessary to avoid injecting large signal power into the sensitive noise receiver during s-parameter measurements and jamming the weak noise power during noise measurement. |
| US09541587B2 |
Inverting apparatus for avoiding misjudgement of maximum power point tracking operation and control method thereof
An inverting apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The inverting apparatus includes an inverting circuit, a detection circuit, and a control circuit. The inverting circuit converts a DC input power into an AC output power. The detection circuit detects an input voltage and an input current. The control circuit provides a control signal for disturbing the input voltage, such that a voltage value of the input voltage is adjusted to a command voltage represented by the control signal. The control circuit calculates an input power corresponding to each of time points, calculates a power variation between the disturbed power and the undisturbed power, then determines whether the power variation is larger than a predetermined variation, and sets a disturbance voltage according to the determination result, based on an MPPT operation or based on a disturbance direction of the command voltage of the previous time point. |
| US09541585B2 |
Method and system for identifying at least one electrically powered device by a power supply device via a powerline connection
A method for identifying at least one electrically powered device by a power supply device via a powerline connection, includes: a) connecting the at least one electrically powered device via a powerline to core power supply; b) sensing that a powerline connection is available by the at least one electrically powered device; c) generating a specific load by modulation of the power according to a unique identifier of the at least one electrically powered device on the powerline connection; d) sensing the generated specific load by the power supply device connected to the powerline connection; and e) extracting the unique identifier information from the specific load by the power supply device. An electrically powered device, a power supply device, a power distribution unit, and a corresponding system are also described. |
| US09541576B2 |
Electrochemical force microscopy
A system and method for electrochemical force microscopy are provided. The system and method are based on a multidimensional detection scheme that is sensitive to forces experienced by a biased electrode in a solution. The multidimensional approach allows separation of fast processes, such as double layer charging, and charge relaxation, and slow processes, such as diffusion and faradaic reactions, as well as capturing the bias dependence of the response. The time-resolved and bias measurements can also allow probing both linear (small bias range) and non-linear (large bias range) electrochemical regimes and potentially the de-convolution of charge dynamics and diffusion processes from steric effects and electrochemical reactivity. |
| US09541572B2 |
Motion detection device and motion analysis device
A motion detection device includes: a base on which an electronic component is loaded; and a holder installed on a sporting equipment. A fitting portion where the base and the holder can be attached to and removed from each other is provided. The fitting portion is provided with a recessed part provided on the base or the holder, and a protruding part provided on the other and fitting with the recessed part. |
| US09541567B2 |
Sample analyzer with liquid aspirating unit and liquid surface detector
A sample analyzer is configured to execute a liquid surface detection of detecting a liquid surface in a container by a liquid surface detector prior to a lowering operation of an aspirating tube for aspirating the liquid if a liquid level information is not stored in a memory, and store a liquid level information of a container in the memory based on a detection result by the liquid surface detection. Also, a liquid aspirating method by a sample analyzer. |
| US09541566B2 |
Accommodating magazine
An accommodating magazine for accommodating a plurality of sample carriers in a sample holder for use in an input or output area of an automated sample handling device. The magazine comprises a magazine panel, a detection device for detecting whether the panel is filled with sample holders or sample carriers during movement of the panel between a loading position and a ready position. The detection device includes at least one contactless detector for detecting the presence of objects in a sensor area, a path sensor, which detects a displacement path or current position of the panel during displacement of the panel between the loading and ready positions; and an evaluating unit in which the detector data and the path sensor data are merged and are evaluated. |
| US09541559B2 |
Collection and methods for its use
The present disclosure enables collections of variable heavy chain and variable light chain pairs comprising, in part, germline protein sequences that are pre-selected for functional properties relevant to developability, wherein the collections may be used to select against any antigen using, for example, phage display. |
| US09541556B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing glycemic control
Methods to provide glycemic control and therapy management based on monitored glucose data, and current and/or target Hb1AC levels are provided. Systems to provide glycemic control and therapy management based on monitored glucose data, and current and/or target Hb1AC levels are provided. Kits to provide glycemic control and therapy management based on monitored glucose data, and current and/or target Hb1AC levels are provided. |
| US09541551B2 |
Anti-GAP43 antibody
An anti-GAP43 antibody which is capable of distinguishing a non-phosphorylated threonine residue at position 89 (T89) from a phosphorylated threonine residue at position 89 (pT89) of mouse GAP43 set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, and which is capable of specifically detecting a growth cone; an anti-GAP43 antibody which is capable of distinguishing a non-phosphorylated serine residue at position 96 (S96) from a phosphorylated serine residue at position 96 (pS96) of mouse GAP43, and which is capable of specifically detecting a growth cone; an anti-GAP43 antibody which is capable of distinguishing a non-phosphorylated threonine residue at position 172 (T172) from a phosphorylated threonine residue at position 172 (pT172) of mouse GAP43, and which is capable of specifically detecting a growth cone; and an immunological analysis method using these anti-GAP43 antibodies. |
| US09541547B2 |
Fusion antibodies
The present invention provides novel antibodies. In particular, the present invention provides fusion antibodies comprising antibody heavy and light chain fusions. The present invention further provides multivalent antibodies comprising multiple fusion antibody chains. The present invention further provides methods of generating splice resistant antibody genes. |
| US09541546B2 |
Method of promoting excitatory synapse formation with an anti-Ephexin5 phospho-Y361 antibody
The invention provides methods of screening a compound that can increase spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers. The compound is identified by contacting Ephexin5 with a test compound and selecting the compounds that inhibit Rho GEF activity of Ephexin5. Additionally, the invention also provides methods for increasing spine/excitatory synapse formation and/or numbers by contacting a neuron with an Ephexin5 inhibitor. |
| US09541545B2 |
Fluorescent neutralization and adherence inhibition assays
The present invention comprises rugged, inexpensive, reliable, and sensitive laboratory assays of antibody-based viral neutralization activity and antibody-based viral adherence inhibition activity. The assays use inactivated, fluorescently-labeled virus, allowing the tests to be performed without extensive safety precautions. The interaction of the labeled virus with target cells is monitored using flow cytometric methods. A preferred embodiment uses simple and inexpensive flow cytometry methodologies and equipment, such as bead array readers used as simplified flow cytometers. The assays are rapid, taking no longer than a few hours and are readily conducted by a trained technician. The assays are sensitive because they use labeled viruses at low concentrations and determine neutralizing and blocking capacity of sera and antibody at low concentrations. The methods are appropriate for high-throughput screening of large panels of samples. |
| US09541542B2 |
Method of detecting filarial larvae in blood
Disclosed is a method of detecting filarial larvae in blood. The method comprises preparing a measurement sample from a blood sample collected from an animal; flowing the prepared measurement sample through a flow cell; irradiating light on the measurement sample flowing through the flow cell; detecting light given off from the irradiated measurement sample; and detecting filarial larvae contained in the measurement sample based on characteristic parameter of the detected light. |
| US09541539B2 |
Dissolved oxygen sensor
Embodiments of a dissolved oxygen sensor are disclosed herein. Embodiments as disclosed herein may include a window of optically transparent material disposed in an opening in a fluid flow path, where a luminophor is attached to the side of the window exposed to the fluid in the flow path. An optical probe may be disposed opposite the window from the fluid flow path on an axis at an angle to the window fluid flow path. The optical probe includes an excitation light source for illumination of the luminophor and a reference light source. An optical reception guide is configured to conduct light from the luminophor to a photodiode adjacent to the end of the optical reception guide distal the window when the luminophor is illuminated by the excitation light source. The optical probe is configured to determine a measure of oxygen concentration of the fluid in the flow path. The optical reception guide and photodiode may be aligned on axis, where the axis may be substantially parallel with the axis on which the optical probe is aligned. |
| US09541532B2 |
UV/Vis HPLC photometer
An ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV/Vis) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) photometer includes a nano flow cell in which a light source feeds a reference light channel and a sample light channel, a reference photodiode for evaluating the reference light channel, and a sample photodiode for evaluating the sample light channel, which extends through the nano flow cell. To create a photometer whose signal evaluation is improved, respective effective exposure times of the sample photodiode and the reference photodiode are settable separately from one another. |
| US09541530B2 |
Method and system of deterministic fatigue life prediction for rotor materials
A method of fatigue life prediction including: calculating a critical crack size of an object of interest; identifying a first flaw in ultrasound data of the object of interest; determining that the first flaw interacts with a second flaw, the first flaw is to be merged with the second flaw, or the first flaw is isolated; calculating an initial crack size based on the determination; and calculating an increase in the initial crack size due to fatigue and creep to determine a number of load cycles until the initial crack size reaches the critical crack size. |
| US09541525B2 |
Substances detection system and method
A system and methodology for the detection of threat substances is described. The detector system consists of a method to evaporate the sample into a primary separator and thermal release of trapped target materials into a secondary separator like conventional GC. The GC column is thermally ramped to elute all substances and the end of the column terminates into an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source of an axial ion mobility spectrometer (AIMS). Both polarity ions are pulsed into a single construction separator tube at different timing. Their arrival time is detected on a collector plate, which allows registering their ion mobility spectra of both polarities for a single GC peak. |
| US09541523B2 |
Sensor control apparatus and gas detection system
A sensor control apparatus (2) of a gas detection system (1) includes a first low-pass filter (46), a second low-pass filter (48), and a multiplexer (50) so as to provide different time constants for detection of a sensor output signal Vs1 and for detection of a response signal Vs2. When the sensor output signal Vs1 is detected, a signal whose frequency band is the same as that of Vs1 is input to the analog-to-digital conversion section (31) through the first low-pass filter (46). Therefore, the detection accuracy of Vs1 is increased. When Vs2 is detected, a signal whose frequency band is the same as that of Vs2 is input to the analog-to-digital conversion section (31) through the second low-pass filter (48). |
| US09541519B2 |
Amperometric sensor electrodes
Embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their electrochemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors. |
| US09541518B2 |
Electrochemical detector and method for producing same
An electrochemical detector is an electrochemical detector for detecting a substance in a liquid by generating a redox cycle, the electrochemical detector comprising: a first working electrode having a first electrode surface, a second working electrode having a second electrode surface, and a plurality of insulating spacer particles, wherein the first and second electrode surfaces are placed so as to face each other so that an electric field is formed between the first and second electrode surfaces, and the plurality of spacer particles are placed along the first and second electrode surfaces so as to separate the first and second electrode surfaces from each other. |
| US09541517B2 |
Low concentration ammonia nanosensor
An electrochemical sensor for sensing a gaseous analyte includes a substrate having at least two electrodes disposed thereon, and a carbon nanotube-polyaniline (CNT/PANI) film disposed on the substrate and in contact with at least two electrodes. The CNT/PANI film includes carbon nanotubes coated with a thin layer of polyaniline. The thickness of the polyaniline coating is such that electron transport can occur along and/or between the carbon nanotubes. |
| US09541512B2 |
Multi-color nanoscale imaging based on nanoparticle cathodoluminescence
Multi-color CL images of nanoparticle samples may be generated, by irradiating with a scanning electron beam a nanoparticle sample that containing a plurality of spectrally distinct optical emitters configured to generate CL light at respective different color channels, then detecting the CL light from the nanoparticles to generate multi-color NP-CL images of the nanoparticle sample. In some embodiments, SE (secondary electron) images of the sample may be acquire, substantially simultaneously with the acquisition of the CL images, so as to generate correlative NP-CL and SE images of the nanoparticle sample. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may be surface-functionalized so that the nanoparticles selectively bind only to particular structures of interest. |
| US09541510B2 |
System and methods for multi-beam inspection of cargo in relative motion
X-ray inspection of moving cargo based on acquiring multiple image lines at one time or substantially at one time. An X-ray source with multiple-beam electron beam targets creates multiple parallel X-ray fan beams. X-ray inspection systems and methods employ such multiple-beam sources for purposes of inspecting fast moving cargo. |
| US09541506B2 |
Container inspection arrangement for inspecting glass and/or plastic containers and a method of inspecting glass and/or plastic containers
A container inspection arrangement for inspecting glass and/or plastic containers, and a method of inspecting glass and/or plastic containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. |
| US09541505B2 |
Automated postflight troubleshooting sensor array
The advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus for identifying anomalies on an object comprising a sensor system and an analysis process. The sensor system is configured to detect a presence of the object, identify a speed of travel for the object, and determine a scan rate for the object using the speed of travel to generate scan results. The analysis process is configured to analyze the scan results and determine whether a number of maintenance anomalies are detected on the object using the scan results. |
| US09541501B2 |
Scattered-light smoke detector with a two-color light-emitting diode
A scattered-light smoke detector includes a detector unit that operates according to the scattered-light principle. The detector unit includes a light-emitting diode (LED) to irradiate particles to be detected and a spectrally sensitive photosensor to detect the light scattered by the particles. The LED and photosensor are aligned such that a principal optical axis of the LED and a principal optical axis of the photosensor define a scattered-light angle. The LED includes a first and a second LED chip for emitting first and second light beams with light in a first wavelength range and a different second wavelength range, and an LED chip carrier arranged orthogonally to the principal optical axis. The two LED chips are arranged side-by-side on the LED chip carrier. The LED is rotated such that a chip axis extending through the two LED chips is orthogonal to an angle plane defined by the two optical axes. |
| US09541497B2 |
Measurement device and method for analyzing a sample gas by infrared absorption spectroscopy
A measurement device and a method for analyzing a sample gas by infrared absorption spectroscopy are described. The measurement device comprises a narrowband laser having a line width of less than 0.2 cm−1 and being smaller than a width of an infrared absorption line to be measured of a sample gas. The measurement device is suited and can be arranged to measure the respiratory gas of a human or animal as sample gas, wherein the respiratory gas exchanges in the measurement chamber only by the respiration of the human or animal, and the respiratory resistance of the measurement device is less than 60 mbar. |
| US09541494B2 |
Apparatus and method to measure display quality
A method for measuring a quality parameter, such as luminance uniformity, of a video display, according to some embodiments of the present invention, includes providing a plurality of pattern images to be displayed sequentially on the video display, measuring the amount of light produced by each pattern image using a wide-angle light sensor, and calculating the video display quality parameter using the measured light values corresponding to each displayed pattern. Each pattern used in accordance with this method is derived from an orthogonal matrix, resulting in each pattern having a high average brightness, thereby eliminating the need to use a narrow-angle, spot light meter, and instead allowing measurements to be made using a simple, wide-angle, incident-light or reflected-light photometer. This method is compliant with the relevant SMPTE measurement standard for measuring luminance uniformity. Additionally, some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for practicing this method. |
| US09541489B2 |
Optical measuring apparatus and specimen discriminating and dispensing apparatus
The invention provides an optical measuring apparatus having a plurality of measuring sections each having a light irradiating section for irradiating light to specimens and a light receiving section for receiving optical data acquired by irradiating the light to the specimens and a flow rate calculating section for calculating flow rate values of the specimens based on a difference of measured times of the optical data measured by the plurality of measuring sections with respect to the specimens and a distance between the plurality of measuring sections. The optical measuring apparatus measures the optical data of the specimens by irradiating light to the specimens, i.e., the objects to be measured, dispersed within a sample fluid flowing through a flow passage. The optical measuring apparatus further includes a flow rate graph generating section for generating flow rate graph data in which the values of flow rate of the specimens calculated by the flow rate calculating section are arrayed in order of calculation in time-series manner and for outputting the generated flow rate graph data to a displaying section. |
| US09541488B2 |
Particle sampling and measurement in the ambient air
An apparatus and method for sampling and measuring air born particulate matter includes an inlet for the particulate containing gas to enter. A mechanism then removes coarse particles larger than a selected size while permitting filtered particles of less than the selected size to pass through. A chamber containing a quartz crystal sensor permits the filtered particles that have passed through to deposit to create an output signal in response to the deposited particle mass. |
| US09541487B2 |
Method of managing decontamination and decontamination management apparatus for use in the method
It is determined that indoor condensation of hydrogen peroxide vapor is to occur, if there is a solution with which both (Equation 1): PT·y1=P01·x1·γ1 and (Equation 2): PT·y2=P02·x2·γ2 hold. With this, it is possible to accurately determine whether indoor condensation of hydrogen peroxide vapor is to occur or not in decontamination. |
| US09541485B1 |
System for testing stress corrosion cracking
The system for testing stress corrosion cracking (SCC) includes an autoclave having at least one heating element selectively actuated to heat the interior portion of the autoclave, the autoclave being configured for receiving a liquid and/or gas and for forming a corrosive fluid. The system also includes a circulation assembly having a flow line and a test section line. A plurality of test sections is positioned in series along the test section line and configured for receiving the corrosive fluid via the test section line once the required temperature is reached to expose the specimens directly to the corrosive fluid, the fluid flowing through a section of the flow line parallel to the test section line until the required temperature is reached. The circulation assembly includes a circulating pump, a flowmeter positioned along the flow line, and a pressure assembly mounted on the autoclave. |
| US09541474B1 |
Seawater surface sampling device
The seawater surface sampling device is a buoyant device for sampling the topmost layer of water in a body of water in order to study water properties specific to depths of only about 0.5 cm. The seawater sampling device includes a buoyant housing having an open upper end, a lower wall and at least one sidewall. The lower wall has a concave contour, and an aperture is formed through the lower wall at an apex of the concave contour. A pump is mounted on an upper surface of the lower wall, within the buoyant housing, and is in fluid communication with the aperture for extracting the water sample therethrough. A sample holder is also mounted on the upper surface of the lower wall, within the buoyant housing, for removably receiving a sample collection bottle. |
| US09541466B2 |
Leak test apparatus and leak test method
A leak test apparatus that tests for a leak in a workpiece includes a plate; a seal that is able to move relative to the plate and is supported by the plate; a driving portion that supports the plate and moves the plate; and a pressure chamber that is surrounded by the plate and the seal. The seal is formed in a shape that enables the pressure chamber to be communicated with an outside. |
| US09541462B2 |
Pressure sensor including deformable pressure vessel(s)
Techniques are described herein that perform pressure sensing using pressure sensor(s) that include deformable pressure vessel(s). A pressure vessel is an object that has a cross section that defines a void. A deformable pressure vessel is a pressure vessel that has at least one curved portion that is configured to structurally deform (e.g., bend, shear, elongate, etc.) based on a pressure difference between a cavity pressure in a cavity in which at least a portion of the pressure vessel is suspended and a vessel pressure in the pressure vessel. |
| US09541461B2 |
Ceramic pressure sensor and method for production thereof
A method for production of a pressure sensor including a flat flexible membrane made of a ceramic material and a flat rigid support thereof made of a ceramic material is provided. Steps include: —establishing an electric circuit on the membrane; —establishing an electric contact with the outside on the support; —depositing an electrically conductive material on the support; —establishing an electrical and mechanical coupling between the membrane and the support. The electrical coupling between the membrane and the support are performed by deposition and sintering of at least one layer of an electrically conductive sinterable electrical connection material. The mechanical coupling between the membrane and the support are performed by deposition and sintering of at least one layer of sinterable mechanical connection material that is electrically insulating and/or isolated from the layer of sinterable electrical connection material. The layer of sinterable electrical connection material and the layer of sinterable mechanical connection material undergo re flow together in a single step in a sintering furnace. |
| US09541456B2 |
Reference voltage generator for temperature sensor with trimming capability at two temperatures
A temperature sensor circuit has a reference voltage generator that is trimmable at two temperatures for increased accuracy. The reference voltage generation section generates a reference voltage, the level of which is trimmable. A voltage divider section is connected to receive the reference voltage from the reference voltage generation section and generate a plurality of comparison voltage levels determined by the reference voltage and a trimmable resistance. An analog-to-digital converter can then be connected to a temperature dependent voltage section to receive the temperature dependent output voltage, such as a proportional to absolute temperature type (PTAT) behavior, and connected to the voltage divider section to receive the comparison voltage levels. The analog to digital converter generates an output indicative of the temperature based upon a comparison of the temperature dependent output voltage to the comparison voltage levels. |
| US09541455B2 |
Device for localizing hot spots with heat flow meters
The electronic device comprises a substrate provided with a surface comprising a region of interest, the thermal behavior of which is to be monitored, and a system for detecting hot spots located in the region of interest. The system for detecting hot spots comprises at least three separate heat flow meters arranged on the surface of the substrate outside of the region of interest. |
| US09541450B2 |
Radiation detector having a bandgap engineered absorber
A radiation detector is provided that includes a photodiode having a radiation absorber with a graded multilayer structure. Each layer of the absorber is formed from a semiconductor material, such as HgCdTe. A first of the layers is formed to have a first predetermined wavelength cutoff. A second of the layers is disposed over the first layer and beneath the first surface of the absorber through which radiation is received. The second layer has a graded composition structure of the semiconductor material such that the wavelength cutoff of the second layer varies from a second predetermined wavelength cutoff to the first predetermined wavelength cutoff such that the second layer has a progressively smaller bandgap than the first bandgap of the first layer. The graded multilayer radiation absorber structure enables carriers to flow toward a conductor that is used for measuring the radiation being sensed by the radiation absorber. |
| US09541449B2 |
Method for correcting for dark current variation in TEC cooled photodiodes
An optical power meter including a photodiode having a surface for receiving a beam of light, a thermo-electric cooler for maintaining the photodiode at a predetermined temperature, and a current monitor for measuring a drive current passing through the thermo-electric cooler allows dark current drift arising from a varying thermal gradient across the active region of the photodiode to be corrected, thus improving stability of the optical power meter. More specifically, by monitoring the TEC drive current, and applying a correction factor to the optical power readings, the stability of optical power readings is improved by an order of magnitude. |
| US09541446B2 |
Occupant determination apparatus using load sensor
An occupant determination apparatus includes a load sensor and a determination section. The load sensor detects a load of an occupant seated in a seat of a vehicle to provide the detected load as a load signal. The determination section determines presence or absence of the occupant and a physical size of the occupant by classifying the load signal into a subject class among a plurality of classes that are ordered from small to large according to the physical sizes based on predetermined threshold loads. The subject class is stored as a determined class. The determination section permits the determined class to transition from a present class to an immediately adjacent larger class when the load signal equal to or larger than a threshold load between the present class and the immediately adjacent larger class continues being received for a threshold time. |
| US09541445B2 |
Optical level sensor for reflective liquids
An optical sensor enables a level of reflective fluid to be detected. The optical sensor includes a prism mounted at one end of a housing. The prism has an exterior surface that is parallel to the end of the housing and a width that corresponds to a width of the end of the housing. A photoemitter and a photodetector are mounted at another end of the housing to enable light emitted by the photoemitter to be reflected by the prism when the prism contacts reflective fluid and to enable light emitted by the photoemitter to pass out of the sensor when the prism is in contact with air. |
| US09541443B2 |
Guided wave radar level gauging with probe retaining element
A GWR level gauge system for determining a filling level in a tank. The system comprises a tank, a transceiver, a surface waveguide comprising a single conductor transmission line probe, connected to the transceiver, arranged extending vertically into the tank and configured to guide the electromagnetic transmission signals towards the surface and to guide the reflected electromagnetic signals back to the transceiver; processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filing level based on received reflected electromagnetic signals; a plurality of retaining elements arranged in fixed positions in relation to an inside of the tank and spaced apart along the probe, wherein each of the retaining elements circumscribes the probe, and is configured to allow movement of the probe in a vertical direction relative the retaining element, and to restrict movement of the probe in a horizontal direction relative the retaining element. |
| US09541442B2 |
Fill level monitoring
Fill level monitoring relates to a method for controlling the fill level of a collecting vessel, wherein the collecting vessel could be filled with a dielectric medium. A fill level is monitored by a monitoring circuit with a measuring capacitor, the capacity of which changes steadily in correlation with the fill level, at least beyond a fill level range of the collecting vessel. The method includes: determining a capacity of the measuring capacitor; determining the quality of the measuring capacitor; determining a permittivity of the dielectric medium on the basis of the quality of the measuring capacitor; determining a fill level of the collecting vessel on the basis of the determined capacity of the measuring capacitor and the permittivity of the dielectric medium; and fill level-dependent drainage of the dielectric medium from the collecting vessel. |
| US09541441B2 |
Integrated measuring scoop apparatus
An integrated measuring scoop apparatus includes a mounting ring with at least a first mounting protrusion extending inwardly from an inner surface of the mounting ring; a measuring scoop having a bowl and an handle; and a recessed area in an exterior surface of the bowl and terminating in an upper support surface being arranged for engagement with the mounting protrusion and the handle being arranged for engagement with the mounting protrusion. |
| US09541440B2 |
Dosing cup for a detergent composition
A dosing cup having a longitudinal axis includes a base; an opening opposing the base, wherein the opening is circumscribed by a rim; and a sidewall extending from the base to the rim. The sidewall includes a first portion extending from the rim toward the base. The first portion has a projection with a dosing indicium. The projection is defined by a length extending axially along the sidewall and a width that is perpendicular to the length. The width of the projection is less than the length of the projection. The sidewall includes a second portion extending from the base toward the rim. The second portion has a recess. The projection of the first portion mates with the recess of the second portion. The first portion has a first translucency and the second portion has a second translucency, wherein the first translucency is different than the second translucency. |
| US09541430B2 |
Electromagnetic flow meter having an earth ring with a ring plate part and a wall part formed along an outer periphery
An electromagnetic flow meter includes a measurement tube having a flange part, the flange part being configured to be coupled to a piping-side flange by a bolt fastening, a lining material configured to cover an inside of the measurement tube and an inner periphery area having a predetermined diameter of a coupling-side surface of the flange part, and an earth ring configured to be placed between the flange part and the piping-side flange. The earth ring has a ring plate part and a wall part formed along an outer periphery of the ring plate part. |
| US09541426B2 |
Optical sensor and method of use
An interferometer apparatus for an optical fiber system and method of use is described. The interferometer comprises an optical coupler and optical fibers which define first and second optical paths. Light propagating in the first and second optical paths is reflected back to the optical coupler to generate an interference signal. First, second and third interference signal components are directed towards respective first, second and third photodetectors. The third photodetector is connected to the coupler via a non-reciprocal optical device and is configured to measure the intensity of the third interference signal component directed back towards the input fiber. Methods of use in applications to monitoring acoustic perturbations and a calibration method are described. |
| US09541424B2 |
Circuits and methods for processing signals generated by a circular vertical hall (CVH) sensing element in the presence of a multi-pole magnet
Described embodiments provide a magnetic field sensor has a circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing element with a plurality of vertical Hall elements disposed over a common implant region in a substrate. The magnetic field sensor generates output signals responsive to a magnetic field generated by a multi-pole magnet having a plurality of north poles and also a plurality of south poles. An angle sensor generates an angle signal representative of an angle of a direction component of the magnetic field. A pole pair counter generates a count signal representative of a count of a number of the pole pairs of the multi-pole magnet that move past the CVH sensing element. An angle interpolation module generates a reconstructed angle signal representative of an angular position of the multi-pole magnet relative to the CVH sensing element based upon the count signal and the angle signal. Corresponding methods are also described. |
| US09541421B2 |
In-premises management of home area networks
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing in-premises management of home area networks. An example management includes a network interface device, a processor in communication with the network interface device, and a transceiver device in communication with the processor. The network interface device can establish a paired communication link with a computing device that is in communication with a head-end system. The processor can receive a command originating from the head-end system and communicated to the management device from the computing device via the paired communication link. The processor can identify a terminal device of the home area network that can perform a function in response to the command. The processor can generate a message for the terminal device including the command. The transceiver device can transmit the message from the processor to the terminal device via a wireless communication link of the home area network. |
| US09541420B2 |
System for determining error in a sensed machine position
A system for determining an error in a sensed position of a machine includes a position sensing system, a dead reckoning system, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a difference between a sensed position and a calculated position determined by dead reckoning. The difference is compared to an error threshold defining a maximum acceptable distance between the sensed position of the machine and the calculated position of the machine and an error signal generated if the difference exceeds the error threshold. A pair of offset dead reckoning processes may be used. |
| US09541412B1 |
Method, computer readable storage medium and system for providing a safe mobility area
Various embodiments relate to computing and displaying a safe mobility area for a user that allows the user to arrive at a final destination by a certain time after visiting one or more points of interest that are within the safe mobility area. |
| US09541409B2 |
Marker aided autonomous vehicle localization
A method and apparatus for marker aided autonomous vehicle localization are disclosed. Marker aided autonomous vehicle localization may include an autonomous vehicle identifying transportation network information, identifying an origin, identifying a destination, generating a plurality of candidate routes from the origin to the destination based on the transportation network information, wherein each route from the plurality of routes indicates a distinct combination of road segments and lanes, generating an action cost probability distribution for each action in each candidate route, generating a route cost probability distribution based at least in part on the action cost probability distribution, identify an optimal route from the plurality of candidate routes based at least in part on the route cost probability distribution, and operate the autonomous vehicle to travel from the origin to the destination using the optimal route. |
| US09541407B1 |
Emergency mapping system
A unified, weighted, and common language mapping system and method for disaster response is described, with the ability to overlay infrastructure damage, responder assets, data source, and weighting factors including the ability to redact such maps for dissemination to media, the public, or the like. The system and method described herein also enable the real-time updating of maps with social media information and the like. |
| US09541405B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method for the mobile terminal
The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal capable of providing POI information suitable to user environments and a control method thereof, and a mobile terminal according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display unit configured to display map data; and a controller configured to detect user preference information associated with a place from the plurality of communication terminals, detect POI information from a server, detect candidate POI information based on the detected POI information and the user preference information, detect representative POI information from the candidate POI information based on user schedule information, and display the representative POI information on the map data. |
| US09541404B2 |
System for determining the location of entrances and areas of interest
In one aspect, GPS data, ambient signal data, radio frequency data and/or other types of data are used to determine the location of an entrance to an area or a building. In another aspect, sequential trajectory data is collected and the data is analyzed and/or processed to determine the location of an area of interest. |
| US09541402B2 |
Hybrid navigation system with location based services and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a hybrid navigation system includes: providing a position information for locating a first device; linking a second position to the position information, the second position for locating a second device; generating a planned route with the position information refined by the second position for transferring over a regional network to the first device or the second device; and storing saved route information from the planned route for displaying on the first device when the regional network is not available. |
| US09541400B2 |
Fiber optic gyroscope sensing coil and method of fabricating the same
A fiber optic gyroscope sensing coil, with which winding process of optical fiber may be simplified, crosstalk due to winding deficiencies may be reduced, and temperature sensitivity of gyroscope may be reduced.A coil body 13 includes two potted coils 12 having respective windings of optical fiber which are wound in an aligned winding configuration while the same tension is applied to optical fiber and at the same feed speed of optical fiber between the two potted coils and encapsulated within a potting material 16. The potted coils 12 are united together to form the coil body 13 by adhering the potted coils with each other at respective one side faces 12b thereof by using the potting material 16 as adhesive, and the tip ends of respective first fiber end sections 12c of optical fiber 14 of the potted coils 12, which are guided out from respective outermost layers of the windings of the potted coils 12, are connected with each other by fusing to form a continuous length of optical fiber of the coil body 13 wound in one direction. |
| US09541399B2 |
Fiber optic gyroscope with front end polarizer
A fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) is provided. The FOG comprises a depolarizer that receives light from a light source, a multifunction integrated optic chip (MIOC) and a sensing coil coupled to outputs of the MIOC. The FOG also includes a polarizer coupled between an output of the depolarizer and an input of the MIOC. The polarizer mitigates polarization non-reciprocity (PNR) bias error and enhances the polarization extinction ratio (PER) of the FOG. |
| US09541398B2 |
Chip-scale atomic gyroscope
Apparatuses and methods for sensing rotations are provided. One embodiment provides an apparatus including a cell containing alkali and active nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) isotope(s) atoms, a magnet providing a first magnetic field, a light source emitting diverging light that passes through the cell, and optics which circularly polarize the diverging light. A longitudinal component of the diverging light optically pumps the alkali atoms and, in conjunction with a second magnetic field orthogonal to the first magnetic field or a modulation of the diverging light, causes the alkali and NMR isotope atoms to precess about the first field. A transverse component of the diverging light acts as a probe beam for observing the precession. The apparatus further includes a polarizing beam splitter to split light that has passed through the cell into orthogonally polarized components detected by respective photodetectors and used to determine rotations relative to an inertial frame. |
| US09541396B2 |
Multi-axis integrated inertial sensing device
A system comprising an integrated multi-axis MEMS inertial sensor architecture. The system can include a MEMS gyroscope having a MEMS resonator and a MEMS accelerometer overlying a CMOS IC substrate. The CMOS IC substrate can include low noise Charge Sense amplifiers to process the sensed signals, programmable gain amplifiers, a demodulator, mixer, an AGC loop circuit coupled to the MEMS gyroscope to drive MEMS resonator. The CMOS IC also includes programmable Quadrature cancellation, Analog and digital phase shifters are implemented in the architecture to ensure quadrature cancellation and demodulation to achieve optimal performance. The AGC loop acts in a way such that generated desired signal amplitude out of the drive signal maintains MEMS resonator velocity at a desired frequency and amplitude while consuming low power. The MEMS gyroscope and accelerometer can be coupled to an input multiplexer configured to operate in a time-multiplexed manner. |
| US09541395B2 |
Strain decoupled sensor
A sensor comprises a substrate (16) and a sensor element (20) anchored to the substrate (16), the substrate (16) and sensor element (20) being of dissimilar materials and having different coefficients of thermal expansion, the sensor element (20) and substrate (16) each having a generally planar face arranged substantially parallel to one another, the sensor further comprising a spacer (26), the spacer (26) being located so as to space at least part of the sensor element (20) from at least part of the substrate (16), wherein the spacer (26) is of considerably smaller area than the area of the smaller of face of the substrate (16) and that of the sensor element (20). |
| US09541394B2 |
MEMS gyros with quadrature reducing springs
Spring set configurations that include an advantageous combination of spring geometries are disclosed. Spring elements having curved and straight sections, orientation of spring element anchor points with respect to the common radius, orientation of spring element segments with respect to a specific axis, balance of the length of spring elements about the common radius, and mass balance about the common radius can be used to mitigate unwanted out of plane motion. The spring set provides planar motion while reducing undesired out of plane motion making MEMS devices substantially insensitive to the process-induced etch angle variations of the spring elements. The spring set can be used in a MEMS gyro device which maintains the desired resonant modes and consistently low quadrature error even with process variations in manufacturing causing undesirable etch angles. |
| US09541392B2 |
Surveying system and method
Surveying system for measuring the position of a measuring point on the ground is disclosed. The surveying system may include a survey pole with a body having a pointer tip for contacting the measuring point and position giving means for making available the coordinative determination of a referenced position, being placed on the body with a defined spatial relationship relative to the tip. Determination means may be included for repeatedly determining the referenced position of the position giving means. Evaluation means may also be included for deriving the position of the measuring point. In some embodiments, the survey pole may also include an inertial measuring unit placed on the body with a defined spatial relationship relative to the position giving means. |
| US09541391B2 |
Geodetic instruments and methods of operating geodetic instruments
Embodiments provide for a geodetic instrument comprising a scanning head, a reflecting optical element, a radiation source, a control unit and an electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit. The scanning head is rotatable about a first axis. The reflecting optical element mounted in the scanning head and rotatable about the same first axis. The radiation source is adapted to emit light to be output along a light beam path from the geodetic instrument via light reflection against the reflecting optical element. The control unit is adapted to adjust an angular displacement profile of the reflecting optical element about the first axis relative to an angular displacement profile of the scanning head such that an angular displacement of the light beam path about the first axis as a function of time presents a stair-like profile. The EDM unit is adapted to determine a distance to a target during a flat portion of the stair-like profile. |
| US09541384B2 |
Method and system for optical camber measurement of flat sheet membranes, films, and webs
A system, method, and device for measuring camber in a film is disclosed. The system generally includes: a flat surface with a longitudinal axis, at least three sensors spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, and a computing device operatively connected to each sensor. When the film is positioned in relationship to the sensors, the computing device computes the camber of the film. The flat surface may be a table with a film holder. At least one of the sensors may be a LED sensor. The computing device may have an output means, such as a monitor, a printer, or both. The computing device defines a straight line between the first and third sensor based on the position of the film, and the camber is a deviation of the film, measured by the second sensor, from the straight line. |
| US09541383B2 |
Optical system having a return planar waveguide
A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip. |
| US09541382B2 |
Rotation angle detecting apparatus and surveying instrument
A rotation angle detecting apparatus comprises a bearing holder, a rotation shaft rotatably supported by the bearing holder, a shaft portion space formed in the rotation shaft, a bearing holder space formed in the bearing holder, an angle detection pattern in the shaft portion space, a reference pattern and an image sensor in the bearing holder space, an optical system which exists across the shaft portion space and the bearing holder space and forms a projection image of the angle detection pattern and a projection image of the reference pattern on the image sensor, a photodetection switching means for selectively projecting the projection images of the angle detection pattern and the reference pattern onto the image sensor, and an arithmetic device for calculating a rotation angle of the rotation shaft based on a deviation between the reference pattern and the angle detection pattern received by the image sensor. |
| US09541381B2 |
Surface topography interferometer with surface color
Systems and methods for generating 3D representations of shape and color texture of a test surface are described. In one aspect, surface topography interferometers are equipped with a multi-element detector and an illumination system to produce a true-color image of the measured object surface. Color information can be presented as a true-color two-dimensional image or combined with topography information to form a three-dimensional representation of the shape and color texture of the object, effectively creating for a human observer the impression of looking at the actual part. |
| US09541380B2 |
Shape measuring method and device
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a shape inspection device that improves, without making the device larger, durability and measurement precision by measuring a plurality of points with a single distance sensor. The present invention provides a shape measuring device that measures the shape of an object to be measured and that comprises: a distance sensor that calculates the distance to the object to be measure by irradiating a measurement light toward the object to be measured and detecting the reflected light from the object to be measured; a separating unit that separates the measurement light from the distance sensor into a plurality of measurement light rays to be irradiated onto a plurality of measuring points; and a selecting unit that selects, from the plurality of measurement light beams separated by the separating unit, the measurement light to irradiate the object to be measured. |
| US09541379B2 |
Displacement detection device and power saving method thereof
A displacement detection device includes an image sensor, a light source and a processing unit. The image sensor is configured to successively capture images. The light source provides light with an emission frequency and an emission duration for the image sensor in capturing the images. The processing unit is configured to calculate a displacement according to the images and to adjust both the emission frequency and the emission duration according to the displacement. |
| US09541376B2 |
Chromatic confocal sensor and measurement method
Provided is a chromatic confocal sensor including: a light source section that emits a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths; an optical head that includes an objective lens that converges the plurality of light beams at different focal positions and selects, as measurement light, light reflected by an object to be measured at the focal position out of the plurality of light beams; a spectroscope including diffraction gratings that split the selected measurement light into a plurality of diffracted light beams and a sensor that receives two or more of the plurality of diffracted light beams; and a signal processing/control section that calculates a position of the object to be measured based on a difference between light reception positions of the two or more diffracted light beams received by the sensor. |
| US09541373B2 |
Magnetic detector equipped with rotor including signal generation unit
A magnetic detector includes a rotor including a signal generation unit in a surface perpendicular to a rotary shaft and configured to rotate around the rotary shaft, and a detection unit configured to detect a rotational angle of the rotor by using magnetism via the signal generation unit. A plurality of concave and convex portions of the signal generation unit is formed by electroforming or sintering. In the surface, a projection portion is preferably disposed radially inside or outside the rotor with respect to the signal generation unit. |
| US09541372B2 |
Eddy current-based angle sensor
The invention relates to an inductive angle sensor that includes a measuring element able to be positioned, within an angle measurement range, in different angle-positions about a rotational axis, as well as a coil that is at a distance from said measuring element. The surface of the measuring element is at a different distance from the coil in each angle-position, within said angle measurement range. |
| US09541364B2 |
Adaptive electronically steerable array (AESA) system for interceptor RF target engagement and communications
An adaptive electronically steerable array (AESA) system comprises a plurality of arrays, each comprising a plurality of radiating elements, each array configured for placement on a forward-facing surface of a different one of a plurality of aerodynamic control surfaces on an interceptor. A plurality of radio frequency (RF) transmissive radome elements, each having an aerodynamic shape complementary to the aerodynamic control surface, are placed over one of the arrays. Control circuitry configures the arrays, independently or in concert, for RF target engagement and communication. Additional arrays may be positioned on side or aft-facing surfaces of the aerodynamic control surfaces for RF communication. The AESA system may be paired with an IR system for dual-mode operation. |
| US09541363B2 |
Controlled fragmentation of a warhead shell
A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along predetermined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected toward the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation. |
| US09541361B2 |
Shell
Provided is a shell including: a shell body; a steering wing including a drive shaft and that mounted on an external surface of the shell body; an auxiliary wing including a shaft connection portion which is connected to the drive shaft and moving in the lengthwise direction of the drive shaft within the drive shaft to be inserted into and be spread outward from within the steering wing; an auxiliary-wing holding unit including a holding protrusion which is fixedly arranged in a direction of intersecting the shaft connection portion to selectively hold the auxiliary wing in place; and an auxiliary-wing spreading unit installed within the drive shaft, and that provides driving force for spreading the auxiliary wing outward from within the steering wing when the holding protrusion is disengaged with the shaft connection portion. |
| US09541358B2 |
Blow pipe dart
An elastomeric blow pipe dart (10) including: a generally circular body portion (12); a tapered portion (16) extending from the generally circular body portion (12); and a nose (18) having a smaller diameter than the tapered portion (16) and extending from the tapered portion (16) to a tip (20). The blow pipe dart (10) may comprise a soft rubber, and the nose (18) may define an end bore (26) so that air passes through the nose (18) when the dart (10) is launched. |
| US09541356B2 |
Portable rotary target apparatus
A portable rotary target apparatus that allows a person with a projectile device to improve their accuracy. The apparatus comprises at least one projectile actuated rotary target mechanism that comprises three elements, a rotary plate, a non-rotary pressure-actuated plate, and a portable frame attached to a constant tension device and a contacting device. |
| US09541353B2 |
Temporary offense for ultimate control against harm
The device is a self-contained-defense-system. The entire unit is housed inside a blended set of athletic gloves and emits an electrical charge against an unwanted attacker. It can be utilized by men or women, both young and old, for personal safety. The electrical charge emitted is not strong enough to kill, but the voltage can be increased in order to assist the military and the police. |
| US09541351B2 |
Material sheet and process for its preparation
The invention relates to a material sheet comprising at least one monolayer, wherein at least one monolayer comprises a plurality of drawn unidirectional polymer fibers having a strength of greater than 1.2 GPa, characterized in that the at least one monolayer has a thickness of less than 100 μm and the material sheet comprises a bonding agent of less than 13 wt % relative to the total weight of the material sheet. |
| US09541343B2 |
Interchangeable chamber and barrel system
An interchangeable chamber and barrel system for allowing an end user to easily change a chamber body and/or a barrel for a firearm without the assistance of a gunsmith. The interchangeable chamber and barrel system generally includes an interchangeable chamber body having a chamber that is removably connectable to a receiver of a firearm and an interchangeable barrel that is removably connected to the chamber body opposite of the receiver. The chamber body and/or the barrel may be changed on the firearm at any time based on the preference of the end user. |
| US09541342B1 |
Trigger travel adjustment insert
A threaded trigger travel adjustment insert to be located in the existing grip screw hole of a lower receiver commonly associated with a rifle or a pistol to connect the hand grip to the receiver. The trigger travel adjustment insert has a trigger contact tip at one end thereof for receipt within the fire control cavity of the lower receiver at which to contact the trigger tang of the weapon. Rotating the threaded trigger travel adjustment insert through the grip screw hole causes the trigger contact tip of the insert to elevate the trigger tang resulting in a corresponding reduction in the overlap between the trigger sear and the hammer sear notch prior to the trigger being pulled. Accordingly, the distance traveled by the trigger through the fire control cavity after the trigger is pulled and released is advantageously shortened to improve trigger predictability and reliably, thereby facilitating improved accuracy. |
| US09541339B2 |
Ambidextrously operable firearm receiver assembly
A firearm receiver assembly that includes a magazine release assembly, a bolt release assembly, a safety switch assembly, and a charging handle assembly and wherein at least one of the magazine release assembly, the bolt release assembly, the safety switch assembly, and the charging handle assembly are ambidextrously operable from each of a right hand side and a left hand side of the resultant firearm. |
| US09541328B2 |
Power supplies for lighted shelves in a refrigerator
Illustrative embodiments of systems and methods for powering lighted shelves in refrigerator appliances are provided. In one embodiment, a refrigerator appliance may comprise a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a shelf ladder disposed at least partially in the temperature-controlled compartment and providing a plurality of shelf mounting positions, the shelf ladder comprising an electrical bus including first, second, and third conductors, the second conductor configured to supply power at a first current level when electrically coupled to the first conductor, the third conductor configured to supply power at a second current level when electrically coupled to the first conductor, and a first adjustable shelf carrying a first lighting device, the first adjustable shelf being removably mountable in one of the plurality of shelf mounting positions such that the first lighting device is electrically coupled between the first conductor and the second conductor. |
| US09541327B2 |
Ice dispenser for a refrigeration device
An ice dispenser for a refrigerator is provided. The ice dispenser includes an ice storage container housing and an ice generator having a hollow mold which is filled with water. The ice storage container housing and the ice generator are combined into one modular unit. |
| US09541324B2 |
Low temperature cooling and dehumidification device with reversing airflow defrost for dehumidification and water generation applications where cooling coil inlet air is above freezing
A low temperature cooling and dehumidification system uses a reverse airflow arrangement to defrost a frosted cooling coil while not interrupting operation. Automatic air dampers are used to reverse the airflow at the proper time to initiate defrost of that section of frosted cooling coil. This system is useful for low temperature cooling and dehumidification in situations where the inlet air is above freezing, however exiting air below freezing can be supplied if desired. It is advantageous for operation if the coolant flow and temperature internal to the cooling coil are regulated to create the conditions for frost formation to begin closer to the air leaving side of the active cooling coil. The dehumidified generated condensate can be collected and used as grey water and/or potable water. |
| US09541321B2 |
Pan chiller system having liquid coolant in direct contact with dividing walls
A pan chiller system including a refrigeration package having a condensing unit, a heat exchanger and a pump for circulating a chilled liquid coolant, a pan chiller unit in communication with the refrigeration package and having an outer housing and a food well received within the outer housing and a plurality of hollow divider bars arranged within the food well. An opening is defined between adjacent divider bars, wherein each divider bar is configured for directly receiving the liquid coolant chilled and circulated by the refrigeration package. |
| US09541320B2 |
Ice making method
There is provided an ice making method capable of reducing the required number of gyrations of a gyration member used for making ice to have a high level of transparency and determining a point in time at which ice is to be released. The ice making method for making highly transparent ice by revolving a gyration member provided in a tray member in which water is put such that a plurality of dipping members, on which ice is generated or from which generated ice is released, are immersed, wherein a method for driving the gyration member in making ice to be supplied to a user and a method for driving the gyration member in making ice to be used for generating cold water are different in order to reduce the number of gyrations of the gyration member. |
| US09541315B2 |
Electronic expanding valve
An electronic expansion valve is provided, a stop component thereof includes a spindle which is fixed with respect to the valve seat, a spring guide rail sleeved on the spindle, and a sliding ring configured to cooperate with the spring guide rail; one end of the sliding ring extends to form a stop rod, and a top of the magnet is provided with a stop hole, the stop rod passes through the stop hole, and when the sliding ring is at an upper limit position and a lower limit position, the stop rod remains in the stop hole. The structural design of the electronic expansion valve may reduce a number of components, simplify the assembly process of a stop rod, and improve the operational reliability of the stop rod, and reduce a radial dimension of a magnet, thereby saving the material cost and realizing the minimization of the product. |
| US09541310B2 |
Sealed compressor and vapor compression refrigeration cycle apparatus including the sealed compressor
A sealed compressor includes a centrifugal impeller above a rotor to synchronously rotate. A refrigerant rises through a rotor air hole, flows in an upper space, and flows out from a discharge pipe. The centrifugal impeller includes an oil separation plate on the rotor, and plural vanes standing on the oil separation plate, and forms inter-vane flow passages between adjacent vanes, and a vane inner flow passage that guides refrigerant from the rotor air hole to inner entrances of the inter-vane flow passages. Outer exits of the inter-vane flow passages are disposed along an entire circumference, and refrigerant increased in pressure while passing through the inter-vane flow passages flows out from the outer exits to the upper space. The oil separation plate closes a short-circuit passage through which the refrigerant directly flows from the vane inner flow passages to the discharge pipe without passing through the inter-vane flow passages. |
| US09541309B2 |
Geothermal loop in-ground heat exchanger for energy extraction
A geothermal loop in-ground heat exchanger for energy extraction including an outer tubular casing and an inner tubular portion spaced from the outer tubular casing to define an injection space wherein a working fluid is injected into the injection space at a first temperature, T1 while the heat exchanger is located in a geothermal heat reservoir and the working fluid exits through the inner tubular portion at a second temperature, T2 which is greater than T1. |
| US09541308B2 |
Solar roofing system
An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels can be formed flexible or non-flexible solar panels that are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener. |
| US09541305B2 |
Water heater appliance and a method for operating a water heater appliance
A water heater appliance and method for operating a water heater appliance are provided. The method includes measuring a temperature of water within the water heater appliance, operating a heating element of the water heater appliance if the temperature of water within the water heater appliance is less than a threshold temperature and deactivating the heating element of the water heater appliance when the temperature of water within the water heater appliance exceeds the threshold temperature. |
| US09541299B2 |
Setting-independent climate regulator control
Climate regulation within an enclosure (e.g., a server cabinet) may involve a climate regulator device that reports a set of available settings (e.g., fan speeds of a fan array) to a computational unit that selects among the available settings. However, such techniques involve bidirectional communication between the climate regulator device and a computational unit that is capable of utilizing the device-specific settings. Presented herein are climate regulation architectures involving a request from the computational unit as a climate target that is independent of the settings of the climate regulator devices (e.g., an selection on an arbitrary scale from 0 to 100). A climate regulator controller may map the device-independent climate target to a selection among the available settings of the particular climate regulator device(s). Further variations may involve conflict resolution among requests from different computational sub-units, and/or failsafe mechanisms such as default climate regulator device settings to alleviate controller failure. |
| US09541296B2 |
Soot-exhausting device
A soot-exhausting device is provided with a left and a right upright plate. A front end of the left upright plate is bended and extended to form a first upright plate and a left deflection plate. The upper part of the free end of the left deflection plate is bended rightwardly to form a left top plate. A front end of the right upright plate is bended and extended to form a second upright plate and a right deflection plate. The upper part of the free end of the right deflection plate is bended leftwardly to form a right top plate. The bottom of the air-extraction hood is provided with a left and a right air blow groove that are respectively in elongate shape and parallel to top side of the left and the right top plate and located at the rear end of each top side. |
| US09541292B2 |
Combustor for gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine comprises a combustor. The combustor comprises an annular combustor chamber formed between an inner liner and an outer liner spaced apart from the inner liner. An annular fuel manifold has fuel nozzles distributed circumferentially on the fuel manifold, the fuel manifold and fuel nozzles positioned entirely inside the combustion chamber. |
| US09541287B2 |
Combustion furnace auto cleaner
An automatic cleaning assembly for an analytical furnace is detachable from the filter chamber above the combustion tube. The cleaning assembly includes a rotating brush which is lowered through the filter chamber and into the combustion tube while a vacuum is drawn through the lower seal of the combustion tube. This results in a higher vacuum pressure differential and improved flow rate for removing dust from the filter of the furnace and the combustion tube. |
| US09541281B2 |
High-temperature piping product and method for producing same
A high-temperature piping product is configured from a plurality of primary pipe members and a welding material. The primary pipe members are each made from an Ni-based forged alloy containing: Ni, Al, and at least one of Mo and W. The total content of the Mo and the W being 3-8 mass %. The Ni-based forged alloy exhibiting a γ′-phase dissolution temperature of from 920 to 970° C., and the γ′ phase being precipitated in 30 volume % or more in a temperature range of from 700 to 800° C. The welding material is made from an Ni-based cast alloy having a cast structure formed by welding. The Ni-based cast alloy containing: Ni, Al, and at least one of Mo and W, the total content of the Mo and the W being 9-15 mass %, the Ni-based cast alloy exhibiting a γ′-phase dissolution temperature of from 850 to 900° C. |
| US09541279B2 |
Candle dispenser
Devices dispenser air treatment chemicals in response to heat generated by a candle. Heat transfer elements carry flame heat to an impregnated substrate that is positioned mostly or entirely below the candle. The air treatment chemical vapors are kept away from prolonged direct exposure to flame heat, thereby reducing heat degradation of the active. The candle automatically adjusts heat transfer rates to correct for decreasing amounts of active on the substrate as the substrate sears being used up. |
| US09541278B2 |
Ceiling fan structure with led lamp
A ceiling fan structure with an LED lamp includes a ceiling fan main body. An annular lampshade is disposed around the periphery of the fan. The annular lampshade has an annular accommodation space therein. The top of the annular lampshade is formed with an opening corresponding to the accommodation space. Two LED lamp boards are longitudinally disposed in the accommodation space. The opening is provided with a lid. The LED lamp boards of the present invention have a better heat dissipation effect. When in use, the locking parts won't be seen from the bottom of the annular lampshade. The present invention has the advantages of convenient replacement and pleasing appearance. |
| US09541277B2 |
Watertight plastic lamp seal
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a waterproof LED lamp is disclosed. The waterproof LED lamp includes a housing having one or more LEDs disposed within said housing. The housing comprises a housing base including a body with a first opening, the first opening having an edge surrounded by a first sealing portion. The housing further includes an optical cover comprising a shell having a second opening, the second opening having a border surrounded by a second sealing portion. The second sealing portion is configured to be removably inserted into the first sealing portion, forming a water-tight seal between the housing base and the optical cover. |
| US09541276B2 |
LED lamp having a good heat-dissipating function
A LED lamp having a good heat-dissipating function includes a thermal radiator of solid metal including a top surface downwardly sloping from a peak point thereof to the border, a plurality of granular bumps raised from the top surface and defining a plurality of flow paths thereamong, a recess curved inwardly from a bottom surface thereof, an eave surrounding the recess and an inner slope located at the inner side of the eave and obliquely upwardly extended from the lowest edge of the eave to the recess, a vapor chamber bonded with the top surface thereof to the bottom surface of the recess, a circuit module bonded with the top surface thereof to the bottom surface of the vapor chamber, and a LED unit mounted at the bottom surface of the circuit module. |
| US09541273B2 |
Heat dissipation structure of SMD LED
A heat dissipation structure of an SMD LED includes a substrate, an SMD LED and at least one engaging member. A plurality of conductive copper foils is covered on an upper end face of the substrate. Two electrodes are provided on a lower surface of the SMD LED and are respectively connected to two copper foils on the upper end face. An engaging hole extends through one of the copper foils adjacent the SMD LED and through the substrate. The engaging member is made of high thermal conductive metal and is engaged in the engaging hole to combine the copper foil and the substrate. Accordingly, heat generated by the SMD LED can be directly transferred to an exposed lower end face of the substrate through the engaging member for more heat dissipation and less luminance decrease of the SMD LED. |
| US09541272B2 |
Explosion-proof LED module
An explosion-proof LED module has at least one light-emitting diode, a heat sink connected to this and an LED cover that covers the LED at least in the emission direction. The LED cover extends into an insertion recess of the heat sink. In this insertion recess, the LED cover is surrounded by a casting compound resulting in sealing of the LED relative to an outer and possibly explosive atmosphere. As a result, an explosion-proof LED module can be provided whereby the manufacture of said explosion-proof LED module is relatively simple and possible in an economic manner in a short time from prefabricated parts. At the same time, the explosion-proof module is furthermore characterized in that sufficient cooling corresponding to the ignition protection type “intrinsic safety” and an embedding of the component according to ignition protection type “encapsulation” are given. |
| US09541271B2 |
Bulb head structure and LED bulb comprising the same
A bulb head structure and an LED bulb comprising the same are provided. The bulb head structure includes a hollow-shaped member which is a hollow cup-shaped structure, and an outer surface of an end is disposed with a lampholder connecting part, an inner insulating member, a substrate, two flexible electrode members which are respectively disposed at side edge and one end of the substrate, and a conduction member. The inner insulating member and the substrate are disposed in the hollow-shaped member, the inner insulating member is adjacent to one end of the hollow-shaped member, and the substrate and the conduction member are respectively disposed at two sides of the inner insulating member. Wherein, one flexible electrode member contacts with the hollow-shaped member and the other flexible electrode member contacts with the conduction member to enable the substrate electrically connecting to the hollow-shaped member and the conduction member respectively. |
| US09541267B2 |
One-piece sloped ceiling baffle
A one-piece, sloped baffle includes a generally cylindrical central opening having a central axis extending between an open circular end and an open elliptical end. A plane defining the open circular end is perpendicular to the central axis. A plane defining the open elliptical end is at an oblique angle relative to the central axis. The baffle further includes an opening extending between the ends and a pair of opposing edges substantially parallel with the central axis and on opposite sides of the opening. First projections are positioned on opposite sides of the opening and aligned with the opposing edges. Second projections are positioned on opposite sides of the opening at a radial distance from the first projections. The baffle further includes a plurality of grooves that extend circumferentially around an inner surface of the baffle. |
| US09541265B2 |
Mounting device for lighting sources and associated method
A mounting device for mounting on a substrate a plate or board-like lighting source may include a frame member for surrounding the plate or board-like lighting source, anchoring formations for anchoring the frame member onto the substrate while permitting movement of the frame member towards and away from the substrate, elastic means for elastically urging the frame member towards the substrate, and one or more locking members mounted on the frame member and radially displaceable with respect to the frame member between: a radially outward position, in which the plate or board-like lighting source can be inserted into the frame member and positioned between the frame member and the substrate, and a radially inward position, in which the locking member(s) abuts/abut against the plate or board-like lighting source located between the frame member and the substrate, elastically urging the plate or board-like lighting source towards the substrate. |
| US09541263B2 |
Landscape lighting systems having interchangeable light diverting elements and light intensity controllers
A landscape lighting system includes a light fixture having an LED, a first light diverting element having a first light diversion angle associated therewith, and a second light diverting element having a second light diversion angle associated therewith that is different than the first light diversion angle, whereby the first and second light diverting elements are interchangeable and only one of the first and second light diverting elements are secured over the LED at any one time. The system includes a light intensity controller for communicating with the light fixture. The light intensity controller has a control element that is engaged for selectively increasing and decreasing the intensity of the light generated by the LED. |
| US09541262B2 |
Shabbat bulb
A Shabbat bulb and a related method is provided allowing control of illumination without electrical intervention by a person observing strictures of Shabbat orthodox Jewish law. The bulb includes a housing covering an electrically operated light source. A blackout mechanism is attached to but easily separable from the housing and has no operating connection with electrical circuitry. The mechanism includes a disc having at least one disc aperture through which light from the light source is transmitted; and an arm projecting radially outward from the disc. Manual movement of the arm from an open position to a closed position respectively allows full or totally no illumination to exit the bulb via the disc. |
| US09541260B2 |
LED bulb, lamp holder, or adaptor including a module that extends beyond a shade, cover, or other light blocking element to permit signal or light transmission to or from the module
An LED bulb, lamp holder, or adaptor includes a module that extends beyond a shade, cover, or other light blocking element to permit signal or light transmission to or from the module. |
| US09541259B2 |
Illumination apparatus, and liquid crystal display apparatus and television receiver apparatus provided with same
An illumination device (1) includes: a plurality of LEDs (5) that are the light sources, the LEDs being arranged in a row in a circular shape; and a diffusion lens (6) disposed on the light-emitting side of the LEDs (5) in order to diffuse light emitted by the LEDs (5), the diffusion lens (6) being disposed so as to follow an arrangement direction of the LEDs (5) to cover these LEDs. The degree of light diffusion of the diffusion lens (6) towards the direction forming a right angle with the arrangement direction of the plurality of LEDs (5) is larger than the degree of light diffusion towards the arrangement direction of the plurality of LEDs (5). |
| US09541252B2 |
Concentric lighting module with conical mirror
A concentric lighting module with conical mirror for creating of a three-dimensional optical effect, especially in the outer brake and tail lights of a motor vehicle, has in the peripheral region of the conical mirror (3) a cylindrical output part (2c) of a light guide (2) provided by at least one offset (2d) on its outer side, which terminates in an active surface (2e) and which couples in the region beyond the conical mirror (3) to the collimator part (2b) of the light guide (2), formed by a parabolic collimator and a lens and applied by its input part (2a) against the light source (1) of the module, and at the transition between the collimator part (2b) and the output part (2c) of the light guide (2) the module is provided with a total internal light reflection surface (4), whose bottom part also forms an optical prism (4a). |
| US09541249B2 |
Vehicle lighting unit
A vehicle lighting unit can effectively utilize both the portions of the reflector divided by the plane passing through the optical axis even when a light emitting element with directionality like an LED is employed as well as can be provided with an enhanced aesthetic feature. The vehicle lighting unit can include a reflector having, as a front surface, a concave reflecting surface formed on the basis of a revolved parabolic surface with respect to an optical axis serving as a rotational symmetric axis; a reflecting plate disposed along the optical axis in front of the reflecting surface and having a rear edge disposed at or near the focal point of the reflecting surface so as to vertically divide a space in front of the reflecting surface into two regions; a light emitting element disposed in the upper region than the reflecting plate and in front of the focal point, directed to the focal point; and a condenser lens disposed between the light emitting element and the focal point, configured to collect light emitted from the light emitting element to a position at or near the focal point. |
| US09541248B2 |
Lightguide with horizontal cutoff and horizontal spread
An automotive lightguide includes a main guide portion with a light entrance surface and a reflective rear edge surface; and an exit lens joined to the main guide portion, the exit lens having an exit surface with an arcuate exit profile. In use, light rays from a light source enter the main guide portion through an entrance surface, travel through the main guide portion and reflect off the rear edge surface to the exit lens which images the reflected light rays as a light beam pattern having a predetermined sharp horizontal cutoff and a predetermined horizontal spread, the arcuate profile of the rear edge surface determining the horizontal cutoff and vertical spread of the light beam pattern with respect to the horizontal optical axis H-H, and the exit profile of the exit lens determining the horizontal spread of the light beam pattern. |
| US09541246B2 |
Aerodynamic LED light fixture
An LED light fixture having a light-emitting region and a perimetrical structure therearound. The light-emitting region includes at least one LED-array module supported by an LED heat sink open for air/water-flow. The perimetrical structure has first and second opposite substantially-aligned edge-adjacent portions each extending along the light-emitting region and meeting each other at a perimetrical edge. The first and second edge-adjacent portions converge toward each other at positions progressively closer to the perimetrical edge to form aerodynamic-drag-reducing cross-sectional profiles transverse to the fixture plane and extending in substantially all fixture-plane directions from the intersection of its two major principal axes. |
| US09541240B2 |
LED light source
Proposed is a lighting module 100 and an illumination device 200 comprising such a module. The lighting module comprises an array of LEDs 120 mounted on a substrate 110 and an optical structure 130 encompassing the LED array for approximating in operation the LED array as a single homogeneous light source. The optical structure comprises an optical element 140 arranged to provide a luminous intensity profile as a function of a deviation angle a which is substantially constant between −αmax and αmax, wherein αmax is a maximum deviation angle provided by the optical element and substantially zero at angles outside that range. This is especially advantageous for optimizing the trade off between creating a single homogenous light source and maintaining the entendue of the light source. An additional advantage of the optical element 140 is that, except for fresnel reflections on both surfaces, it has no backscattering like a diffuser has, which results in a very low optical loss. |
| US09541239B2 |
Lighting device and corresponding method of assembly
A lighting device includes a lighting source, e.g. a LED lighting source, arranged between a first and a second component with a coupling structure interposed between the first and the second component to sealingly couple them together.The coupling structure includes at least one layer resiliently deformable to permit relative displacement of the first and second components. |
| US09541238B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device, backlight, color image display device and phosphor to be used for them
To provide a semiconductor light emitting device which is capable of accomplishing a broad color reproducibility for an entire image without losing brightness of the entire image.A light source provided on a backlight for a color image display device has a semiconductor light emitting device comprising a solid light emitting device to emit light in a blue or deep blue region or in an ultraviolet region and phosphors, in combination. The phosphors comprise a green emitting phosphor and a red emitting phosphor. The green emitting phosphor and the red emitting phosphor are ones, of which the rate of change of the emission peak intensity at 100° C. to the emission intensity at 25° C., when the wavelength of the excitation light is 400 nm or 455 nm, is at most 40%. |
| US09541231B1 |
Frame support for creating and displaying handmade paper crafts
A frame and frame assembly for paper crafts and paper lanterns that is used to create handmade paper lanterns. Paper or similar material can be secured at various elevations along the frame enabling a variety styles and the ability to incorporate embellishments like small vases and bottles with the paper decoration. A frame assembly that has detachable members that can be used to create a variety of different configurations of lantern frames. Additional embodiments, such as a cage attachment is used to make the frame or frame assembly larger, to accommodate larger paper sizes or fabric. A magnet can be used with all embodiments to attach and/or secure a tea light or LED tea light to frame, to keep it secure. |
| US09541228B2 |
Push-to-connect fitting
A housing for receiving a fluid conduit has an internal annular shoulder. A cylindrical first cartridge is positioned in the housing and has an internal annular groove and an outer annular groove. An O-ring in the internal annular groove provides a seal with a fluid conduit. A second O-ring is positioned within the outer annular groove to provide a seal between the first cartridge and the housing. A gripping ring is positioned adjacent and in contact with the first cartridge and has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing. A second cylindrical cartridge is positioned adjacent the gripping ring on a side opposite the first cartridge. The housing includes a lip at one end to engage the second cartridge for holding the first and second cartridges and the gripping ring against the annular shoulder in the housing. |
| US09541224B2 |
Method of manufacturing coiled tubing using multi-pass friction stir welding
A method for manufacturing a long length of coiled metal tubing or the like using friction stir welding. Successive lengths of metal strip are friction stir welded using a three-pass welding technique to eliminate any edge defects in the resulting strip. The method includes one or more three-pass friction stir welding routines, each of which includes a first pass performed using a tool having a first rotational direction and a spiral bit pattern corresponding to the first rotational direction; a second pass using a tool having a second rotational direction and a spiral bit pattern corresponding to the second rotational direction; and a third pass using a tool having said second rotational direction and a spiral bit pattern corresponding to the second rotational direction. |
| US09541221B2 |
Tube clamp structure of tubing pump
PROBLEM: To reduce occurrence of an error of not closing a tube and to simplify a structure and an operation procedure.SOLUTION: In a tube clamp structure of a tubing pump for closing a tube 30 attached to and detached from a pump body 10 by a clamp device 40, the clamp device 40 is equipped with: a first holding piece 41; a second holding piece 42 engaged to approach or separate from the first holding piece 41; and an urging member for urging these first holding piece 41 and second holding piece 42 in approaching directions, is configured to hold and deform the tube 30 between these first holding piece 41 and second holding piece 42 for closing, and is detachably attached to the pump body 10. |
| US09541209B2 |
Structure of check valve
Provided is an attachment structure of a check valve that is easily attached to piping, and does not need time and effort of manufacturing. A valve casing having a collar part is attached so as to be sandwiched between a pair of flanges joined to each other through an annular seal body in an upstream side in a fluid flow direction. In this valve casing, a valve is biased in a seating direction to a valve seat through a shaft and a biasing means. |
| US09541208B2 |
Cryogenic check valve
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a check valve that includes a valve body having a bore and a seat along the bore, a fluid inlet at a first end of the bore, and a fluid outlet a second end of the bore, a stopper selectively movable along the bore to contact the seat, the bore being occluded when the stopper is in contact with the seat, a first bias member on a first side of the stopper within the bore, the first bias member providing a first bias force upon the stopper in a first direction, and a second bias member on a second side of the stopper within the bore, the second side being opposite the first side, the second bias member providing a second bias force upon the stopper in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US09541203B2 |
Floating ball valve seal
A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve an eccentric cammed ball. The seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal ring retainer may be threadedly secured to an interior of the valve body, thereby retaining the seal ring in the valve body. |
| US09541200B2 |
Radially coacting ring seal
A ring seal apparatus for high temperature sealing includes a first ring including a pair of radial faces and a second ring including a second pair of radial faces, the second ring adapted to coact with the first ring. The first and second rings together define a pair of coacting mating faces. The mating faces are obliquely angled relative to the radial faces, such that each of the coacting mating faces is adapted to seal an interface of the two rings at an angle relative to their substantially parallel radial faces. The pair of coacting rings is adapted to seal a circumferential gap between a pair of components. |
| US09541197B2 |
Seal system and method of manufacture
A system including a seal is provided. The seal includes a first layer made of a first non-metallic, elastic material. The seal further includes a second layer made of a second non-metallic, heat resistant material. The second layer is configured to thermally protect the first layer from heat. The seal is configured to extend across a gap between first and second surfaces, and the first and second layers are formed into a bended structure configured to expand and contract in response to a dimensional change in the gap. |
| US09541193B2 |
Shift control system
A shift control system includes an engine speed detector, a multistage transmission, a gear position detector, a shifting operation detector, and an output controller. The engine speed detector is configured to detect an engine speed. The gear position detector is configured to detect a transmission gear. The shifting operation detector is configured to detect an operation of a shift operating element. The output controller is configured to restrict output of an engine in a case where an up-shifting operation is detected by the shifting operation detector. The output controller is configured to release output restriction of the engine before the gear position detector detects that switching to a next-stage transmission gear by the up-shifting operation of the shift operating element is completed. |
| US09541192B2 |
Motor control apparatus
A motor control apparatus includes a by-wire control circuit for sequentially switching an energized phase of a motor. The by-wire control circuit pre-stores a first table defining an energized phase address corresponding to each address and a second table defining an energized phase corresponding to each energized phase address. When receiving a drive permission code from a second control circuit, the by-wire control circuit switches the energized phase in a correct order of driving the motor, by calculating an address for access to the first table based on the drive permission code, calculating an energized phase address corresponding to the address by referring to the first table, and determining the energized phase corresponding to the energized phase address by referring to the second table. |
| US09541191B2 |
Dual pump regulator system for a motor vehicle transmission
An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow in a motor vehicle transmission. At least one friction engagement device is fluidly coupled to a first pump, and a lubrication and cooling sub-system is normally fluidly coupled to a second pump. Illustratively, when a flow rate of the fluid in the first fluid passageway is less than a threshold fluid flow rate, a temperature of the fluid is greater than a temperature threshold and a fluid flow demand is greater than a fluid flow demand threshold, fluid flow from the second pump to the lubrication and cooling sub-system is blocked and fluid supplied by the second pump is instead directed to the at least one friction engagement device such that fluid is supplied by both the first and second pumps only to the at least one friction engagement device. |
| US09541186B2 |
Actuator and method for manufacturing the same
A housing accommodates a motor and a deceleration mechanism. The deceleration mechanism includes a support axis extending perpendicularly to an output shaft of the motor. The housing includes a case and a cover. The case is in a bottomed tubular shape to have an accommodation chamber and a holder portion. The holder portion surrounds a bottom of the accommodation chamber and is in contact with the motor. The cover is mounted to the case to surround an opening of the case and to form a hollow portion with the holder portion to accommodate at least the motor. The motor and the deceleration mechanism are mountable into the accommodation chamber through the opening in one direction from a side of a mounting surface of the case, on which the housing is to be affixed to a support portion of an affixing member. |
| US09541182B2 |
Drive unit for a vehicle, and operating method therefor
A drive device for a vehicle having a combustion engine and a multistage manual transmission having first and second sub-transmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft. A first input shaft of the first sub-transmission couples, via a first clutch, the combustion engine or is assigned an electrical machine. A second input shaft of a second sub-transmission couples, via a second clutch, the combustion engine. The first input shaft is additionally assigned a start-up element having at least one hydrodynamic transfer element, which has first and second functional wheels which together form a working chamber. The working chamber can be filled with fluid in order to generate a hydrodynamic transfer torque such that at least one start-up function, affecting the first sub-transmission, can carried out by way of the start-up element. |
| US09541181B2 |
Torque converter and hydrokinetic torque coupling device having turbine-piston lockup clutch with flow restrictor, and related methods
A torque converter features an impeller including an impeller shell and impeller blades, a turbine-piston including a turbine-piston shell and turbine blades, and a restrictor. The turbine-piston shell is axially displaceable relative to the impeller shell to position the torque converter (or a hydrokinetic torque coupling device containing the torque converter) into and out of lockup mode. The restrictor positioned radially outward of the impeller blades and the turbine blades at an opening of a fluid passage connecting the torus chamber to an environment outside the torque converter. |
| US09541178B2 |
Actuator
An actuator comprises: a housing which is provided with an opening; a slider which is installed so as to be movable relative to the housing; a drive means which is installed in the housing and which moves the slider; at least a pair of seal members which is disposed at the opening of the housing so as to face each other and which exhibits dust-proof and drip-proof functions by engaging with each other; and move-through members which are mounted to both sides of the slider in the movement direction thereof and which move through the pair of seal members. The move-through members each comprise: a move-through section which pushes apart the pair of seal members in the direction in which the pair is separated; a cover section which covers an expanded opening formed between the pair of seal members when the pair is pushed apart by the move-through section; and an opening restriction section which, when the pair of seal members is pushed apart from each other by the move-through section, restricts the amount of opening between the pair of seal members and in turn restricts the size of the expanded opening. |
| US09541177B2 |
Ratcheting shape memory alloy actuators and systems and methods including the same
Ratcheting shape memory alloy actuators and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The ratcheting shape memory alloy actuators include a ratcheting assembly that is operatively coupled to a first bracket and a shape memory alloy element that is operatively coupled to the ratcheting assembly and to a second bracket. The first bracket is configured to be operatively coupled to a first structure, while the second bracket is configured to be operatively coupled to a second structure. The shape memory alloy element is configured to apply a motive force to the ratcheting assembly upon deformation between a first conformation and a second conformation. The ratcheting assembly is configured to utilize the motive force to selectively adjust an orientation of the first structure relative to the second structure. |
| US09541176B2 |
Drive devices for movement units of machine tools and related machine tools
A drive device for a movement unit of a machine tool includes a first toothed element driven by a drive motor and provided as a drive pinion including a first tooth arrangement and a second toothed element provided as a toothed rack including a second tooth arrangement. One of the first and second toothed elements is connected to a machine frame, and the other of the first and second toothed elements is connected to the movement unit. The first and second toothed elements are moved relative to each other along a movement axis of the first and second toothed elements by the drive motor via a meshing between the first and second tooth arrangements and via an engagement between the first and second tooth arrangements along an engagement axis that extends perpendicularly to the movement axis. |
| US09541168B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms. |
| US09541167B2 |
Gearbox for a hybrid powertrain and method to control the gearbox
A gearbox that includes an input shaft (8) and an output shaft (20); a first epicyclic gear (10) that is connected to the input shaft (8); a second epicyclic gear (12) that is connected to the first epicyclic gear (10); a first electrical machine (14) that is connected to the first epicyclic gear (10); a second electrical machine (16) that is connected to the second epicyclic gear (12); a first gear pair (60) that is arranged between the first epicyclic gear (10) and the output shaft (20); and a second gear pair (66) that is arranged between the second epicyclic gear (12) and the output shaft (20). A side shaft (18) is arranged between one of the epicyclic gears (10, 12) and the output shaft (20) (18) and connected to the output shaft (20) through a final gear, (21) (21) which includes a gear element (92), that is arranged at the side shaft (18) in a disengagable manner. Also, disclosed is a method for controlling the gearbox. Also a vehicle (1) that includes such a gearbox (2), and a method to control such a gearbox (2). Also a computer program (P) to control a gearbox (2). |
| US09541162B2 |
Reduction gear unit
There is provided a reduction gear unit including: a pinion; a bearing that is located on each of both sides of the pinion; a large gear that meshes with the pinion; a gear case that stores therein lubricant oil, and accommodates the pinion and the gear; and pinion bearing caps each of which includes an annular portion, wherein the annular portion extends from outside of the gear case toward inside thereof and parallel to a pinion shaft, and includes an end portion in which an end surface in an extending-direction is provided on a side of the pinion with respect to an extended line of a gear-side end surface of an inner race of the bearing, and an inner peripheral surface of the end portion is formed so that a diameter is decreased from a gear-side end surface of an outer race toward the end surface. |
| US09541161B2 |
Engagement chain type device for operating forward and backward movement
Provided is an interlocking chain-type forward and backward actuating device, the device being configured so that an increase in the number of parts is minimized, an increase in the size of the device is avoided, the amount of scattering of lubricating oil to the outside of the device is reduced, the wear of connection pins is reduced, the breakage of the connection pins is avoided, and the striking noise and vibration of the chains occurring during the reception of the chains are reduced. Chain guide plates are respectively provided on both sides of a pair of interlocking chains in the chain width direction. Chain locus restriction members having chain locus restriction faces in contact with rigid chain portions, which are made rigid by engaging and integrating the pair of interlocking chains with each other, are disposed so as to be adjacent to the rigid chain portions. |
| US09541159B2 |
Chain plate structure
A chain plate structure includes a link plate body and a sleeve. The link plate body has an acting surface being provided with a first approach edge, two combining portions, and a limiting block located adjacent to the first approach edge. The limiting block has an altitude higher than an altitude of the acting surface. The sleeve is mounted on the link plate body and has a through hole whose maximum diameter is greater than a maximum diameter of a raised ring peripherally formed on the corresponding one of the combining portions. Therefore, when two of the link plate bodies are combined together, a first space is formed between the acting surfaces of the two aligned link plate bodies. The limiting block serves to limit the first space, while the sleeve is allowed to move on one of the combining portions so as to provide a second space. |
| US09541157B2 |
Torsional vibration damper
A torsional vibration damper for transferring torque between a first and a second rotatable element, having a rotatable pressure plate to transfer the torque from the first element, a rotatable output element to transfer the torque to the second element, and a vibration damper element to transfer the torque between the pressure plate and the output element, where the vibration damper element includes an energy-storing spring system. A driving element is formed in a single piece on the pressure plate to fit against the spring system. |
| US09541156B2 |
Actuator unit for motor vehicle applications
The subject matter of the present invention is an actuator unit for motor vehicle applications, in particular motor vehicle door locks (1). This actuator unit has in its basic design a housing (8a, 8b), in addition a drive (2) which is arranged in the housing (8a, 8b), an actuator element (3, 4) which can be acted on by the drive (2), and at least one rubber bearing (10) for the drive (2). According to the invention, the housing (8a, 8b) is equipped with mounting projections (15) which are arranged distributed on the circumference of the rubber bearing (10), in the region of a rubber bearing mount (16). |
| US09541150B2 |
End members and gas spring assemblies including same
End members are dimensioned for securement to a flexible wall of a gas spring assembly. The end members can include an end wall, and inner and outer crimp walls that extend from the end wall and are disposed in spaced relation to one another such that gap is formed therebetween. A plurality of connector walls extend between and operatively interconnect the inner and outer crimp walls. Gas spring assemblies including such an end member and suspension systems including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also included. |
| US09541138B2 |
Clutch device
A clutch device, in particular a booster clutch device, including at least a clutch flange and a clutch hub, which are arranged coaxially to each other and are coupled with each other by means of a spring device having a multi-stage spring characteristic is provided. The clutch flange forms a plate basket to hold lamellae for a clutch.The clutch device shown and described here is less complex than corresponding clutch devices which are assumed to be known, functions of the plate basket and the torque sensor being combined. That makes fewer parts necessary, but they continue to have the same functions. The construction is less complex, assembly requires less effort, and the costs are reduced accordingly. The clutch device is flexibly adaptable to different requirements. |
| US09541137B2 |
Cooling structure for bearing device
A bearing device includes an outer ring spacer and an inner ring spacer, which are interposed between outer rings of a plurality of axially juxtaposed rolling bearings and inner rings of such rolling bearings, respectively. The outer ring and the outer ring spacer are disposed within a housing while the inner ring and the inner ring spacer are mounted on a main shaft. A cooling structure including a nozzle is provided in the outer ring spacer for blowing a cooling fluid to an outer peripheral surface of the inner ring spacer to thereby supply the cooling fluid to the rolling bearing. The nozzle is provided with its discharge port side inclined forwardly with respect to the direction of rotation of the main shaft. |
| US09541136B2 |
Rotative assembly, method for dismounting a sealing element and extraction tool for dismounting a sealing element
This rotative assembly comprises a first element rotating with respect to a second element around a rotation axis, at least one bearing arranged between the first and second element, and at least one sealing element arranged between the first element and the second element. The sealing element is housed in a peripheral groove provided on the first element, and comprises at least one sealing lip resting on a surface of the second element. The first element comprises an extraction groove realized on a radial surface of the first element, and which forms an empty space below an internal surface of the sealing element and creates an axial access to said empty space from an axial end surface of the first element. |
| US09541135B2 |
Gel lubricant, rolling bearing, pivot assembly bearing, and hard disk drive
There is provided a gel lubricant including: a base oil containing an ester synthetic oil and a synthetic hydrocarbon oil in which the mass ratio (X:Y) of the ester synthetic oil (X) to the synthetic hydrocarbon oil (Y) is in the range of 35:65 to 75:25; and a gelatinizer which contains two kinds of styrene block copolymers and is included in the gel lubricant in an amount of 1.5% by mass to 10% by mass. |
| US09541131B2 |
Method for producing a rolling bearing cage for an axial-radial rolling bearing and axial-radial rolling bearing
The invention relates to a method for producing a rolling bearing cage for a rolling bearing comprising at least one row of rolling elements. In the method according to the invention, a ring or a ring element made of a metallic solid material is provided and shaped by a forming process and/or a cutting, material-removing process into an annular or segmented main body of the rolling bearing cage. The main body has openings for receiving a respective rolling element, the main body being heated to a temperature above a minimum coating temperature for thermal coating with a thermoplastic material powder, wherein the main body is then immersed in a fluidized bed containing the thermoplastic material powder, wherein thermoplastic material powder adheres to the main body, melts and forms a contiguous coating while the main body is present in the fluidized bed, and wherein, after the coating, the main body is removed from the fluidized bed. The invention further relates to an axial-radial rolling bearing with the described rolling bearing cage. |
| US09541130B2 |
Rolling bearing with rolling bodies disposed in a plurality of cage segments
A rolling-element bearing includes inner and outer rings and a cage between the rings, the cage having a plurality of cage segments with lateral boundary walls defining a receiving pocket for a rolling element having a diameter Dw, the pockets being dimensioned such that in a load-free state the rolling elements are positionable in the receiving pockets with a circumferential clearance (c) on the pitch circle between adjacent boundary walls of the pocket such that the clearance satisfies the relationship: cmax≧c≧Cmin, where: cmin=0.01*Dw−0.5 mm and cmax=0.02*Dw−0.4 mm, and wherein the diameter (Dw) of the rolling-element bearing is at least 50 mm. |
| US09541127B1 |
Spherical roller bearing
A spherical roller bearing having an axially extending center axis with an outer ring, an inner ring arranged concentrically with the outer ring, a guide ring arranged concentrically with the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the guide ring has a tapering radial cross-section, one set of cambered rollers on either side of the guide ring and a cage structure arranged to retain the two sets of cambered rollers. The guide ring having two circumferential guide ring sections, an inner guide ring section proximal to the inner ring and an outer guide ring section distal to the inner ring. At least one through-opening extends between two lateral surfaces of the guide ring. The at least one through-opening is arranged in the inner guide ring section and the cambered rollers of each set are distanced from the inner guide ring section and in contact with the outer guide ring section. |
| US09541115B2 |
Closed rivet plug
The present invention discloses a closed rivet plug. The closed rivet plug is mainly comprised of a rivet core and a rivet housing; the rivet housing is hollow and cylindrical and has one closed end; the closed end of the cylindrical rivet housing is provided with an inward recessed arc; the rivet core consists of a rivet rod and a rivet head; the rivet core closely fits the hollow space of the cylindrical rivet housing through the rivet head; the top of the rivet head of the rivet core is provided with a pit matched with the recessed arc at the closed end of the cylindrical housing; and the rivet head of the rivet core is entirely shaped as a truncated cone. The invention has advantages of avoiding falling off and completely preventing safety hazards caused by leakage from the processed holes, together with firm and reliable plugging, simple structure, low manufacturing cost, quick and convenient plugging. |
| US09541114B2 |
Fastening element and method for mounting same
A fastening element for positive, materially integral and/or non-positive arrangement on or in a fiber composite component includes a sleeve-like portion, on the first end of which there is formed a tapering conical or cone-shaped portion in which a plurality of slots are made which are aligned in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the fastening element and in this way subdivide the conical or cone-shaped portion into individual segments. On the second end of the sleeve-like portion, there is arranged a holding portion which is angled at a right angle from the sleeve-like portion and in this way enlarges an outer diameter of the sleeve-like portion and forms planar bearing surfaces. A method is also described for mounting a fastening element. |
| US09541113B2 |
Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods
In one aspect, a component for an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The component includes a body, an inner wall formed in the body and defining an alignment aperture, and an alignment member. The alignment member includes a pair of tabs extending from the body, and the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into another alignment aperture of another component, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged configuration to facilitate aligning the component relative to the another component of the elastically averaged alignment system. The alignment aperture is configured to receive another alignment member of another component of the elastically averaged alignment system. |
| US09541111B1 |
Dowel bar assembly and mechanical connector
A mechanical connector for securing a dowel rod to a frame of a dowel bar assembly as well as a dowel bar assembly are detailed. Each embodiment of the mechanical connector includes a portion to receive the dowel bar. A second portion of the mechanical connector engages the frame of the dowel bar assembly. A third portion of the mechanical connector engages a separate part of the frame further stabilizing the mechanical connector and frame. |
| US09541110B2 |
Detachable holder
A detachable holder includes a base and a body. The body is integrally molded with the base and projected from the base. The body is configured to be inserted in a hole formed in a plate member. When the body is inserted in the hole, the body holds the base on the plate member. In addition, the body locates the base relative to the plate member. In addition, the base is detachable from the plate member from one side of the plate member. In addition, the base is detachable from the plate member from an other side of the plate member opposite of the one side. |
| US09541109B2 |
Dome structure
A connector is described herein. In an embodiment, a connector may comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, one or more outer circular walls and one or more inner circular walls; wherein one of the one or more outer circular walls is an extended part of the upper wall or the lower wall; wherein one of the one or more outer circular walls and one of the one or more inner circular walls are configured to form a circular slot between the outer circular wall and the inner circular wall; wherein the connector is configured to accommodate a plurality of ends of a plurality of planar panels in the circular slot to connect the plurality of planar panels. The connect further comprises a top connector piece and a bottom connector piece; wherein the top connector piece comprises the upper wall and one of the one or more inner circular walls; wherein the bottom connector piece comprises the lower wall and one of the one or more inner circular walls; wherein the top connector piece and the bottom connector piece are configured to be joined. In an embodiment, the connector is configured to facilitate the assembly of a dome structure. |
| US09541108B1 |
Anchor system for securing attachments to handles
The present invention is an apparatus for installing attachments on handles. The invention includes first and second pieces with curved sections that form a generally cylindrical volume around the handle. The first and second pieces are rotatably connected about a hinge axis and may be moved to and from a locked position around handle. A flap having a toothed surface is connected to an end of the second piece, and a tooth extending from an end of the first piece can engage the toothed surface to inhibit inadvertent release of the apparatus from the handle. |
| US09541104B2 |
Inertially stable actuator with telescoping supply port
An apparatus for actuating a valve includes an actuator body with a proximal end having a connector for coupling to a valve assembly, and a distal end. A piston assembly having a piston disposed in a piston cylinder is located within the proximal end of the actuator body. A telescoping port assembly extends from the distal end to the piston assembly, the telescoping port assembly having an inner telescoping member and an outer telescoping member. The outer telescoping member has an inner cavity that reciprocatingly receives an end of the inner telescoping member. A bore extends axially through the telescoping port assembly and communicates pressure from a pressure source to the piston cylinder, so that when a pressure media is supplied from the pressure source to the bore, the piston actuates the valve assembly, and the outer telescoping member telescopes outward from the inner telescoping member. |
| US09541103B2 |
Power source apparatus and hybrid construction machine equipped with same
A power source apparatus includes a controller that carries out horsepower control to determine a flow rate of a hydraulic pump in accordance with a discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump detected by a pump pressure determination sensor. In horsepower control, the controller determines the flow rate such that a maximum input setting for the hydraulic pump defined by the discharge pressure and the flow rate is greater than a maximum output of the engine when the discharge pressure is a first discharge pressure, gradually becomes smaller as the discharge pressure changes from the first discharge pressure towards a higher pressure, and becomes smaller than the maximum output of the engine when the discharge pressure is a second discharge pressure. |
| US09541101B2 |
Hydraulic drive
In a hydraulic drive of a tool, a piston is adapted to be acted upon by a pump via a pressure limiting seat valve and a parallel switching seat valve of a valve arrangement. A restriction is provided in a pressure line upstream of the pressure limiting seat valve which is connected to a tank on the flow-off side. A drain line leads from a working chamber of the piston via the switching seat valve to the tank. A closing side is adapted to be acted upon by pressure and an opening side is adapted to be acted upon by a force generated when the pressure limiting seat valve responds. The pump is adapted to be switched off when the maximum operating pressure has been reached, so that the piston will execute a return stroke. A pressure-increasing restriction is provided on the flow-off side of the pressure limiting seat valve. |
| US09541100B2 |
Hydraulic control valve, dual-cylinder extension system and aerial work engineering machine
A hydraulic control valve, a dual-cylinder extension system and an aerial work engineering machine. The control valve comprises a flow distributing and collecting valve, and control valve body is provided with a first oil opening, a second oil opening and a third oil opening. A first oil opening, a second oil opening and a third oil opening of said flow distributing and collecting valve are respectively communicated with the first oil opening, the second oil opening and the third oil opening of the valve body. The control valve has two working states, wherein, in the first working state, the oil path between the second oil opening and the third oil opening of the valve body is blocked; and in the second working state, the oil path between the second oil opening and the third oil opening of the valve body is opened. |
| US09541099B2 |
Self replenishing accumulator
An accumulator includes a cylinder for containing a working fluid and a first volume of pressurized gas, the gas and fluid being separated by a displaceable piston and a first seal contacting the piston and the cylinder, a reservoir carried on the piston for containing a second volume of pressurized gas, and a device that permits gas flow from the second volume into the first volume. |
| US09541095B2 |
Housing of a radial compressor
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a 2-stage supercharging unit having a housing unit which integrates within it a high-pressure charger and a low-pressure charger. The rotor axes of the two chargers are vertical with respect to the housing unit, which can be screwed directly via the housing base to the side of an internal combustion engine. As a result, increased flexibility is made possible with regard to the connection of the supercharging unit to the cooler and to the internal combustion engine, whereby the structural volume of the supercharging assembly can be additionally reduced. |
| US09541094B2 |
Scroll structure of centrifugal compressor
A scroll structure of a centrifugal compressor 1 having a spirally formed scroll passage 13. The scroll passage 13 includes: a flat connecting portion A at a flow passage joint 23 where a scroll start and a scroll end of the scroll passage 13 meet, this flat connecting portion having a flat cross-sectional shape with a same height as that of an outlet passage of a diffuser; and a transition part 21 where the flat cross-sectional shape of the flat connecting portion A gradually changes back to a circular cross-sectional shape along a circumferential direction. |
| US09541092B2 |
Tip turbine engine with reverse core airflow
A tip turbine engine provides increased efficiency while eliminating or reducing the number of axial compressor stages by moving the core airflow inlet aft of the fan. As a result, the core airflow entering the core airflow inlet is the fan exhaust, which is already at an increased pressure. A portion of the fan exhaust is guided radially inward, then axially forward and then radially outward through compressor chambers in the hollow fan blades for further, centrifugal compression. |
| US09541091B2 |
Instrument subs for centrifugal well pump assemblies
An electrical submersible pump assembly has a centrifugal primary pump having a primary pump housing. An electrical motor is operatively coupled to the primary pump. An instrument sub has a housing secured by threaded fasteners to one end of the primary pump housing. A pump stage in the instrument sub housing is driven by the electric motor along with the primary pump, the pump stage including an impeller and a diffuser. A sensor within the instrument sub monitors parameters in the instrument sub. A sensor line port extends through a wall of the instrument sub housing. A sensor line extends sealingly through the sensor line port to the sensor for conveying sensed information from the sensor to a remote instrument panel. |
| US09541089B2 |
Electrically driven dual pump
In an electrically driven dual pump, a cylindrical outer rotor is rotatably disposed with respect to the inner circumferential surface side of the housing and has a plurality of permanent magnets on an outer circumferential surface of the outer rotor to constitute a motor section in cooperation with coils of a housing, a partitioning plate is disposed to partition an inner circumferential side of the outer rotor into a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber, and each of first and second inner rotors is rotatably disposed within the first and second pump chambers with a rotation center of each of the first and second inner rotors eccentric to the center of the outer rotor and constitutes a space against the outer rotor which is communicated with a corresponding one of the suction ports and the corresponding one of the discharge ports. |
| US09541085B2 |
Internal gear pump
An internal gear pump includes a pump rotor (4) in which a meshing point between an inner rotor (2) having n teeth and an outer rotor (3) having (n+1) teeth is located rearward, in a rotational direction of the rotor, relative to an eccentric axis (CL) along which a center (OI) of the inner rotor and a center (OO) of the outer rotor are disposed. A tooth-surface curve of the outer rotor (3) near a meshing section thereof is formed by duplicating thereto a tooth-surface shape of the inner rotor (2) near a meshing section thereof. |
| US09541082B2 |
Oil-well-pump driving hydraulic system
In an oil-well-pump driving hydraulic system capable of avoiding occurrence of cavitation, at least a bidirectional variable displacement piston pump, a discharge rate detection portion, a discharge pressure detection portion, and a proportional solenoid control valve are contained as a single unit structure in a same housing as a pump body. The pump body includes: a connection portion provided on a side surface of the housing and to which a pump discharge passage of an external pilot hydraulic circuit is connected; and a second pilot passage that introduces an external pilot pressure from the connection portion to a pilot passage between the discharge passage of the piston pump and the proportional solenoid control valve. |
| US09541079B2 |
Sealed compressor
A sealed compressor according to the present invention comprises an electric element; a compression element; a sealed container; and a suction pipe. The compression element includes a compression chamber, a piston provided inside of the compression chamber, and a suction muffler communicating with the inside of the sealed container and the compression chamber. The suction muffler is laid out such that an opening portion thereof at the sealed container side faces an opening portion of the suction pipe at the sealed container side. The suction muffler includes: a hood section provided in the vicinity of the opening portion of the suction muffler to extend toward the inside of the sealed container, the hood section being configured to collect cooling medium gas discharged from the suction pipe; and an auxiliary hood fastened to the hood section and formed in a manner to increase a collection area of the hood section. |
| US09541074B2 |
Air-driven pump system
An air-driven pump system comprising: a directional unit that defines a directional air chamber and comprises a directional piston, a first process air intake, and a second process air intake; two pump units each including a liquid chamber, an air chamber, and a piston; a shaft affixed to the pistons; an efficiency valve system comprising an efficiency piston, wherein the efficiency unit is configured to divide inlet air entering the air-driven piston pump into control air, first process air, and second process air, and wherein the efficiency piston is in communication with the control air, first process air, and second process air before the air is distributed to the directional unit; and a second shaft which is in communication with the efficiency piston. The efficiency valve system is to prevent overfilling of the air chambers. |
| US09541073B2 |
Mechanism and system for rotating an elongate member of an oil pump
A rotator mechanism for rotating an elongate member in a pumping system includes a body member having a longitudinal body axis and a through-hole aligned with the body axis and configured to receive the elongate member. The rotator mechanism also includes a worm gear concentric with the body axis and a worm meshing with the worm gear. The rotator mechanism includes a lever configured to rotate the worm, and a clutch coupled between the lever and the worm and configured to cause the worm to rotate in a first direction when the lever moves in the first direction. Rotation of the worm causes the worm gear and the elongate member to rotate about the body axis. |
| US09541066B2 |
Generation of renewable energy from mass airflow in underground tunnels
Systems and method for generating reliable renewable energy using mass airflow generated from subterranean locations, such as the movement of railcars (for example, trains, both passenger and cargo) inside an underground tunnel are provided. Micro mass airflow collection equipment (MACE) units may be strategically placed in the underground tunnels and may be used to generate AC or DC power from the mass airflow created by the movement of the trains. The electricity generated from the MACE units can then be used, for example, for propulsion power to reduce the amount of electricity required to be purchased from other sources, such as the local utility company, thereby reducing costs and demand on power generation from non-renewable sources. |
| US09541057B2 |
Regulation valve control based on fluid level changes
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for energy production from fluid. In a step, the computer determines if the rate of the fluid level increase in the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs is above a predetermined threshold. In a step, the computer sends a signal to a bypass valve to open and release fluid through a bypass fluid connection from the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs if the rate of the fluid level increase in the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs is above a predetermined threshold. In a step, the computer sends a signal to a regulation valve to open for fluid connection to one or more turbines if the fluid level of the one of the one or more fluid reservoirs is above the predetermined threshold level. |
| US09541056B2 |
Wave power converter
A wave power converter for converting energy from waves including a wave power converter housing with a bottom and a top between which there is a distance limiting structure, and through which there is a central axis, and wherein entirely or partially outside the wave power converter housing there is at least one preferably elongated paddle having a longitudinal direction of a first generatrix and a lower end and an upper end, and which via a first connection to a first power converter with a rotary axis at an angle, preferably at right angles, to the central axis and fastened to the wave power converter housing at the top is provided. |
| US09541050B2 |
Internal combustion engine control for improved fuel efficiency
A variety of methods and arrangements for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines based on skip fire operation of the engine are described. In one aspect the skip fire decisions are made on a working cycle by working cycle basis. During selected skipped working cycles, the corresponding cylinders are deactivated such that air is not pumped through the cylinder during the selected skipped working cycles. In some implementations, the cylinders are deactivated by holding associated intake and exhaust valves closed such that an air charge is not present in the working chamber during the selected skipped working cycles. |
| US09541048B2 |
Fuel injection valve
A fuel injection valve realizing improved circumferential uniformity of swirling fuel is provided. The fuel injection valve includes a swirling chamber having an inner peripheral wall whose curvature is gradually larger from upstream to downstream, a path for swirling which, having a fuel flow-in region formed along a valve axis direction, guides fuel to the swirling chamber, and a fuel injection orifice open into the swirling chamber. In the fuel injection valve, the path for swirling is inclined toward the fuel injection orifice formed on a downstream side of the swirling chamber. |
| US09541047B2 |
System having a fuel distributor and multiple fuel injectors
A system, which is used in particular as a fuel injection system for the high-pressure injection in internal combustion engines, includes a fuel distributor and a plurality of fuel injectors. Each fuel injector is situated on a cup of the fuel distributor. At least one of the fuel injectors is fastened to the associated cup by a holding element, which has a supporting surface. The cup has a contact surface on an underside, by way of which the cup is supported at the supporting surface of the holding element by a damping layer. The holding element is attached to the cup. In addition, the fuel injector has a collar, which is braced on the holding element. Because of the damping layer, vibrations are able to be dampened, and the noise transmissions is able to be reduced. |
| US09541042B2 |
Engine having oxygen pumping intake system and method of removing oxygen from intake air flow
An engine assembly may include a voltage source and an oxygen pump assembly. The oxygen pump assembly may include an intake conduit and an oxygen pumping mechanism. The intake conduit may be in fluid communication with an air supply and an intake manifold. The oxygen pumping mechanism may include an oxygen ion conducting cell, a first electrode in electrical communication with the voltage source and a second electrode in electrical communication with the voltage source. The first electrode may be disposed on a first side of the cell and may be exposed to an interior of the intake conduit. The second electrode may be disposed on a second side of the cell and isolated from the interior of the conduit. The oxygen pumping mechanism may remove oxygen from an air flow within the interior of the intake conduit based on a voltage applied across the cell by the voltage source. |
| US09541038B2 |
Module applying a hydrogen generating device for supporting combustion of an internal combustion engine
A module applying a hydrogen generating device for supporting combustion of an internal combustion engine is provided. A hydrogen generating device of the module primarily utilizes a plasma column to assist air and a hydrogen-containing substance to produce a plasma chemical reaction, such a hydrogen component is decomposed from the hydrogen-containing substance and transported into an internal combustion engine. Thus, combustion of the internal combustion engine can be promoted. |
| US09541037B2 |
Fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus
The invention refers to a fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus comprising a housing (2) defining at least first and second compartments, at least one compartment being filled with an adsorbent material, at least one tank port (5) connectable to a fuel tank vent line, at least one atmospheric vent port (7), an outer housing member (8) defining a first outer compartment (3), an inner housing member defining a second inner compartment (4), the first outer compartment (3) encompassing the second inner compartment (4), wherein the inner housing member (9) is fitted into the outer housing member (8) at one end of the housing (2), such that a wall (13) of the inner housing member (9) engages an inner wall of the outer housing member (8) and wherein the inner housing member (9) and the outer housing member (8) are sealed against each other by means of a closure cap (14). |
| US09541034B2 |
EGR device having diffusing device and EGR mixer for EGR device
A housing has an housing body. An inner pipe is accommodated in the housing body. The inner pipe defines an inner passage internally. The inner pipe defines an annular passage externally with the housing body. The inner pipe has through holes 68 communicating the inner passage with the annular passage. The housing internally defines an EGR channel communicating with the annular passage. The EGR channel accommodates a diffusing device 60 partitioning the EGR channel. |
| US09541032B2 |
Sorbent-based low pressure gaseous fuel delivery system
A fuel extraction and pressurization system for delivering a gaseous fuel from a adsorbent fuel tank to a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel extraction and pressurization system comprises one or more components for applying a vacuum to the interior of the tank to facilitate the extraction of the adsorbed gaseous fuel from the tank and compressing the extracted gaseous fuel to a pressure appropriate for the fuel injection system. |
| US09541028B2 |
Managing low pressure turbine maximum speed in a turbofan engine
A turbofan engine control system for managing a low pressure turbine speed is provided. The turbofan engine control system includes a low spool having a low pressure turbine that are housed in a core nacelle. The low pressure turbine is adapted to rotate at a speed and includes a maximum design speed. A turbofan is coupled to the low spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the turbofan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path. The bypass flow path includes a nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to command a flow control device adapted to effectively decrease the nozzle exit area in response to a condition. Reducing the nozzle exit area, either physically or otherwise, maintains the speed below the maximum design speed. |
| US09541025B2 |
Sealing structure
In a sealing structure, a seal ring stands between an outer peripheral member and an inner peripheral member installed thereto. A taper-like outer peripheral surface having smaller diameter toward an inserting direction of the inner peripheral member and an installation portion outer peripheral surface extending from the small diameter end portion are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral member. A stepped surface positioned closer to the inserting direction side and directed to an opposite direction to the inserting direction, and an installation portion inner peripheral surface extending from an outer diameter end of the stepped surface in the opposite direction are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member. The seal ring is arranged in a compressed state between the taper-like outer peripheral surface and the installation portion outer peripheral surface, and the stepped surface and the installation portion inner peripheral surface. |
| US09541021B2 |
Method for learning a minimum actuation duration of fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine
A method for learning and determining a minimum injector-specific electric actuation duration for at least one fuel injector of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. Starting with a predefined electric actuation duration which definitely does not result in an injection, the electric actuation duration is gradually increased in each engine stop and/or in each engine start in successive engine stops and/or in successive engine starts of the internal combustion engine up to an actuation duration in which an injection with a combustion occurs, and then this actuation duration may be determined as the minimum electric actuation duration. The invention also relates to a corresponding device. |
| US09541020B2 |
Engine controller
An engine controller is proposed which facilitates an operation at start of a vehicle without forcing mental strain to a rider to cancel start control. An engine controller includes a start determinator for determining start of a vehicle, an elapsed time after start timer for counting elapsed time Tp since start of the vehicle is determined by the start determinator, and a start controller for adjusting an output of an engine until the elapsed time Tp counted by the elapsed time after start timer reaches a predetermined control time Tr determined in advance if the start of the vehicle is determined by the start determinator. |
| US09541016B2 |
Throttle control device for internal combustion engine and throttle control method for internal combustion engine
Provided are a throttle control device for an internal combustion engine and a throttle control method for an internal combustion engine, which are capable of avoiding occurrence of overshoot of a supercharging pressure at the time of deceleration to improve durability of components in an engine equipped with a supercharger. The engine equipped with the supercharger includes a bypass passage which bypasses a turbine of the supercharger. In the bypass passage, a wastegate valve for adjusting a flow-path area of the bypass passage by a wastegate actuator is provided. An ECU (50) increases the flow-path area of the wastegate valve for deceleration to be started during a high-load operation and closes a throttle valve after confirming that a throttle-valve upstream pressure becomes lower than a predetermined value. As a result, the overshoot of the throttle-valve upstream pressure can be avoided reliably. |
| US09541014B2 |
Method for pre-ignition control
Various systems and methods are described for controlling pre-ignition in a boosted engine in a newly manufactured vehicle. One method comprises, during a pre-delivery phase of the vehicle, operating the boosted engine in a pre-delivery calibration with a first, higher enrichment, in response to a pre-ignition event. The pre-delivery calibration is deactivated during a post-delivery phase and the boosted engine is operated with a second, lower enrichment in response to a pre-ignition event. |
| US09541010B2 |
Engine including camshaft with lobe features for internal exhaust gas recirculation
An engine assembly includes a camshaft having an exhaust cam lobe defining an exhaust lift region and an exhaust base circle region and an EGR cam lobe defining an EGR lift region and an EGR base circle region. The EGR lift region is rotationally offset from the exhaust lift region and the EGR base circle region is rotationally aligned with the exhaust lift region. An exhaust valve lift mechanism is engaged with an exhaust valve, the exhaust cam lobe and the EGR cam lobe and is operable in first and second modes. The exhaust valve remains closed when the EGR lift region engages the exhaust valve lift mechanism during the second mode and the exhaust valve is opened when the EGR lift region engages the exhaust valve lift mechanism during the first mode to provide exhaust gas flow into the combustion chamber during an intake stroke of the combustion chamber. |
| US09541009B2 |
Intake device
An air intake device offers simplified construction, reduced size, lowered cost, etc., while facilitating disposing of throttle body and driving part in intake air passage, allowing throttle body to be reliably held, and eliminating possible occurrence of intake air leakage, etc., thus positively securing the performance. The air intake device includes an actuator and an intake air manifold made of resin. In actuator, there are provided a throttle body, a throttle valve, a motor for opening/closing throttle valve, and a power transmission mechanism. Throttle valve and motor are positioned and held on one side of a support member, and power transmission mechanism is on the other side. In intake air manifold, a housing chamber is provided. When a fixing part of support member is jointed to a part to be fixed of intake air manifold, throttle body and motor are accommodated in a predetermined position in housing chamber. |
| US09541006B2 |
Inter-module flow discourager
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first module, a second module, and a flow discourager. The second module is connected to the first module along a joint. The flow discourager is connected to the first module and extends to be received in a notch in the second module. The flow discourager acts to direct an ingestion gas flow away from the joint between the first module and the second module. |
| US09541001B2 |
Drive unit, method for providing power, and use of a drive unit
A drive unit includes a combustion chamber for combusting a fuel/air mixture, and a fuel cell device, wherein the fuel cell device includes at least one fuel cell, which in each case includes an anode that is couplable to a fuel line, a cathode that is couplable to an air source, and a fluid outlet and is arranged upstream of the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber further includes a combustion chamber inlet for supplying the fuel/air mixture, and a combustion chamber outlet for discharging exhaust gas, and the combustion chamber inlet is connected to the fluid outlet of the fuel cell device. In this way a hybrid drive unit can be provided which apart from mechanical power also generates electrical power at high efficiency. |
| US09540998B2 |
Integral gas turbine, flywheel, generator, and method for hybrid operation thereof
A power plant incorporating attributes of a gas turbine engine, flywheel, and electrical generator (hereafter turbine/flywheel or TF) in a single compact unit, having a compressor arrayed with magnets which weight the periphery of the TF. Intermittent combustion periods accelerate the TF to a first rotational velocity, then combustion ceases, and the inlet/outlet of the TF are sealed, causing it to self-evacuate. Conductive coils surround the TF. Magnetic flux between the magnets and coils acts as a motor/generator, electrically powering a load, and absorbing electrical power therefrom via regenerative braking; power out decelerating the TF (now a flywheel), power in accelerating it. A pressure accumulator accepts the TF exhaust, and is pressurized by the combustion periods. Between combustion periods, exhaust in the accumulator expands in a small pump/motor that drives a generator, routing electricity to the TF to raise its rotational velocity. |
| US09540994B2 |
Planetary crank gear design for internal combustion engines
A gearset including an internal ring gear; a first pinion gear disposed within the internal ring gear and having teeth meshing with teeth of the internal ring gear; a disc having a central axis collinear with a central axis of the internal ring gear and a slot along a portion of a diameter of a first side thereof; a first pinion shaft having a first end, a second end, and an offset driving lug extending from the second end, the first pinion shaft extending through a hole of the first pinion gear, the offset driving lug of the first pinion shaft engaging with a first end of the slot; a second pinion gear disposed with the internal ring gear and having teeth meshing with teeth of the internal ring gear, the teeth of the second pinion gear not meshing with the teeth of the first pinion gear; a second pinion shaft having a first end, a second end, and an offset driving lug extending from the second end, the second pinion shaft extending through a hole of the second pinion gear, the offset driving lug of the second pinion shaft engaging with a second end of the slot. |
| US09540993B2 |
Single step starting system
A hand-held power tool may include a housing, a power unit disposed within the housing and configured to operate at least in part in response to actuation of a trigger, a working assembly powered responsive to operation of the power unit, and an activation lever having an integrated lockout member. The activation lever may selectively engage a first fuel enrichment mode associated with startup of the power unit in a first range of ambient temperatures and a second fuel enrichment mode associated with startup of the power unit in a second range of ambient temperatures based on a position of the activation lever. Selective engagement of the first fuel enrichment mode or the second fuel enrichment mode may be enabled responsive to actuation of at least the lockout member and positioning of the activation lever. |
| US09540992B2 |
Rotary internal combustion engine with variable volumetric compression ratio
A method and apparatus for controlling an air input in a rotary engine, including selectively controlling a plurality of inlet ports communicating with an internal combustion cavity of the engine, the ports located serially downstream of the exhaust port relative direction of a revolution of a rotor of the engine. The inlet ports are controlled to alter air intake at various engine operational stages, such as start up, idle, etc., to allow for varying operational requirements to be met. For example: when a power demand on the engine lower than a predetermined threshold, control may be effected by opening a primary inlet port and closing a secondary inlet port; and, when the power demand exceeds the predetermined threshold, control may be effected by opening the primary inlet port and opening the secondary inlet port, the secondary inlet port being located such as to be in communication with the exhaust port throughout portions of the revolution of the engine to purge exhaust gases of the engine. |
| US09540990B2 |
Exhaust-gas turbocharger
A variable turbine geometry (VTG) exhaust-gas turbocharger in which guide vanes are adjusted by means of a unison ring, the structure of which has a simpler and thus more cost-effective design. The number of components is reduced, for example for rollers on pins as are provided in the case of known bearings. A very beneficial relationship between friction radius and rolling radius in the given installation space is obtained. |
| US09540987B2 |
System and method for diagnosing a fault in a partitioned coolant valve
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a coolant valve, a valve control module, and a fault diagnostic module. The coolant valve includes a first valve chamber, a second valve chamber, and a partition disposed between the first and second valve chambers. The coolant valve further includes a first end stop disposed on a first outer perimeter surface of the first valve chamber and a second end stop disposed on a second outer perimeter surface of the second valve chamber. The valve control module rotates the coolant valve in a first direction and in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction. The fault diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the coolant valve based on a measured position of the coolant valve as the coolant valve is rotated in the first and second directions. |
| US09540986B2 |
Control valve for a lubricant nozzle
A control valve for a lubricant nozzle for cooling a piston of an internal combustion engine includes at least one passage opening through which lubricant can flow, a control part which is movable in a respective movement direction and which, as a function of its position, forms an opening cross section with the passage opening for at least partially opening up or for closing off the passage opening, and an actuation part which moves the control part as a function of a pressure of the lubricant between at least one first position in the presence of a first pressure, a second position in the presence of a second pressure and a third position in the presence of a third pressure of the lubricant. The second pressure is higher than the first pressure and lower than the third pressure, wherein the opening cross section formed in the second position is larger than the opening cross sections in the first position and in the third position. |
| US09540982B2 |
Exhaust train having an integrated thermoelectric generator
In an exhaust train for an internal combustion engine having an integrated thermoelectric generator, the exhaust train has at least one duct, through which exhaust gas flows and in which at least one thermoelectric module is arranged in such a way that the hot side of the thermoelectric module is in direct contact with the exhaust gas, while the cold side of the thermoelectric module is cooled by means of a heat transfer medium. |
| US09540979B2 |
Working vehicle
A work vehicle includes a Diesel Particulate Filter DPF and a Selective Catalytic Reuction SCR connected to one another and disposed upwardly of an engine mounted in an engine room covered by a hood located forwardly of a driving operation section, the DPF and the SCR being disposed in juxtaposition in a vehicle body transverse direction. |
| US09540976B2 |
Particle filter
A particle filter (2) for filtering exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine includes a housing and a filter element. A simplified installation and/or simplified replacement of the filter element (5) and/or improved sealing of the housing (4) results if the filter element (5) is supported in an inner jacket (9), which is supported radially in an outer jacket (12) and is arranged so as to be axially movable in the outer jacket (12). The inner jacket (9) is axially supported on a ring (24), which is supported axially on a cover (22) that closes an installation opening (20) of the housing (4) via at least one supporting element (25) in order to transmit pressure forces. A muffler (1) is provided having such a particle filter (2), wherein a section of a muffler housing (3) of the muffler (1) forms the housing (4) of the particle filter (2). |
| US09540971B2 |
Method to prevent debris build-up on reciprocating air motor pilot valves
An end cap assembly for a reciprocating air motor comprises a pilot valve and an end cap body. The pilot has a valve stem. The end cap body comprises a central bore for receiving an air motor rod, a valve bore in which the pilot valve is disposed such that the valve stem extends through the end cap body, and an air port extending through the end cap body. The air port has a contour to direct air toward the valve stem. |
| US09540968B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus and variable valve actuating apparatus for internal combustion engine
A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: a power feeding brush including a tip end portion slidably abutted on the slip ring to feed electric power to the slip ring; and a rotation angle sensing mechanism including; a sensed portion provided to the one end portion of the motor output shaft, and a sensing portion provided to the cover member, and arranged to sense a rotation position of the sensed portion; the cover member including a recessed portion formed in an inner surface of the cover member, and recessed in an axially outward direction relative to the position of the opening end of the brush holding hole; and the sensed portion including a tip end portion inserted and disposed within the recessed portion to confront the sensing portion. |
| US09540967B2 |
System and method for preventing sticking of continuous variable valve timing locking-pin
A method of preventing sticking of a CVVT locking pin includes a condition determining step that determines whether a CVVT operation condition is satisfied, an locking-pin unlocking step that unlocks a locking-pin before the CVVT is operated, and a CVVT operating step that operates the CVVT, and a system for preventing sticking of a CVVT locking pin. |
| US09540965B2 |
Valve timing control device and method of assembly thereof
A positioning pin 31 is inserted in a pin insertion hole 30 penetrating through a rotor 3 in an axial direction, and has both end portions held by a housing 1 and a cover 12 to prevent falling out thereof. A protrusion 31a of the positioning pin 31 protruding toward an inner side of a camshaft fitting recess 3g is engaged with a pin engagement groove 110 recessed on an outer circumference surface of an intake side camshaft 100, whereby the rotor 3 and the intake side camshaft 100 are positioned in a rotation direction. |
| US09540949B2 |
Turbine hub retainer
A retainer for a gas turbine engine includes a center body, a plurality of struts, and a ring. The plurality of struts are connected to and extend outward from the center body. The ring is connected to the plurality of struts and is positioned aft of the center body with respect to a direction of airflow through the gas turbine engine. |
| US09540945B2 |
Active bypass flow control for a seal in a gas turbine engine
An active bypass flow control system for controlling bypass compressed air based upon leakage flow of compressed air flowing past an outer balance seal between a stator and rotor of a first stage of a gas turbine in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The active bypass flow control system is an adjustable system in which one or more metering devices may be used to control the flow of bypass compressed air as the flow of compressed air past the outer balance seal changes over time as the outer balance seal between the rim cavity and the cooling cavity wears. In at least one embodiment, the metering device may include a valve formed from one or more pins movable between open and closed positions in which the one pin at least partially bisects the bypass channel to regulate flow. |
| US09540944B2 |
Real time model based compressor control
A gas turbine engine comprises a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, and an electronic engine control system. The compressor, combustor, and turbine are arranged in flow series. The electronic engine control system is configured to generate a real-time estimate of compressor stall margin from an engine model, and command engine actuators to correct for the difference between the real time estimate of compressor stall margin and a required stall margin. |
| US09540941B2 |
Interstage seal assembly for gas turbine engine
A seal assembly is provided for a turbine engine and includes an annular labyrinth seal holder supported on a radially inner end of vanes A plurality of radially extending labyrinth seal elements are supported on the labyrinth seal holder, and a brush seal assembly is supported to the labyrinth seal holder downstream from the labyrinth seal elements. The brush seal assembly includes a brush seal holder and a brush seal located adjacent to an axially rearward one of the rotor arms. The brush seal holder is attached to an axially facing surface of the labyrinth seal holder. A seal plate defining a detachable labyrinth seal element extends radially inward from the axially facing surface of the labyrinth seal holder to the rearward rotor arm at a location upstream of the brush seal. |
| US09540938B2 |
Pylon matched fan exit guide vane for noise reduction in a geared turbofan engine
A disclosed fan section of a gas turbine engine includes a fan rotor having a plurality of fan blades and a duct defining a passageway aft of the fan rotor. A fan exit guide vane is disposed within the duct downstream of the fan blades. The fan exit guide vane includes a plurality of exit guide vanes positioned downstream of the fan rotor with at least two of the plurality of exit guide vanes including different aft geometries for guiding airflow through the passage to reduce pressure distortions at the fan blades. |
| US09540934B2 |
Hot part of gas turbine, gas turbine including the same, and manufacturing method of hot part of gas turbine
A hot part (450) of a gas turbine includes a planar member having a gas path surface (451) that faces at least one of an inner side and an outer side in a radial direction of the rotor in a combustion gas flow path. A cooling flow path is formed in an interior of the planar member along an outer peripheral surface (452) that intersects the gas path surface (451). The planar member has an outer peripheral surface side turbulator (482) that protrudes from an inner surface on an outer peripheral surface (452) side of the cooling flow path. |
| US09540931B2 |
Axial piston motor and method for operation of an axial piston motor
To provide an axial piston motor, comprising at least one main burner, which has at least one main combustion space and at least one main nozzle space, and comprising at least one pre-burner, which has at least one pre-combustion space and at least one pre-nozzle space, wherein the pre-combustion space is connected to the main nozzle space by way of at least one hot gas feed, that has improved operating and control characteristics even under non-steady-state operating conditions, the pre-nozzle space of the pre-burner has at least one auxiliary hot gas feed. |
| US09540929B2 |
Apparatus and method for storing waste material
The present invention relates to a method of storing waste material in a subterranean formation, the method including digging a mine shaft to reach the subterranean formation; constructing a ventilated underground control center wherein the center includes a computerized control panel; providing a drill head, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movements of the drill head; providing a hollow drill pipe; providing a movable hydraulic shield; providing a movable resin roof bolting machine; providing a movable waste extrusion device; operating the computerized control panel to advance the drill head into the subterranean formation to obtain a mined-out space; and extruding waste material into the mined-out space of the subterranean formation. |
| US09540925B2 |
Methods and systems of increasing signal strength of oilfield tools
A method for measuring at least one property of an earth formation and transmitting information through the earth formation may include positioning at least one sensor downhole, circulating a wellbore fluid downhole, and transmitting a first signal from the sensor to at least one modulator. |
| US09540924B2 |
Optical device for use with downhole equipment
An optical device (32) transfers an optical signal to or from an electronics unit (30) used in relation to downhole equipment of a drilling operation. The device includes a body (38) and an optical signal direction or light path altering means (40), the body having a light path arranged to allow the optical signal from a light source (16,18) associated with the electronics unit to pass to the optical signal direction altering means, the optical signal direction altering means arranged to cause the optical signal to change direction of travel within the body of the optical device. |
| US09540922B2 |
Electromagnetic method for obtaining dip azimuth angle
An electromagnetic method for obtaining a dip azimuth angle from downhole electromagnetic measurements includes acquiring electromagnetic measurement data in a subterranean borehole from at least one measurement array. The electromagnetic measurement data is processed by a least squares method to obtain the dip azimuth angle. Related systems and apparatuses are also disclosed herein. |
| US09540921B2 |
Dual purpose observation and production well
A method for producing hydrocarbons in a subterranean well useful for observing properties of one or more subterranean zones, includes the steps of: (a) installing a lower straddle packer in a vertical well section below a junction with a lateral well section; (b) installing an upper straddle packer in a vertical well section above the junction with the lateral well section; (c) conveying hydrocarbons from the lateral well section to the surface with a tubing; (d) observing pressure information in at least one zone with a pressure gauge located in the vertical well section below the lower straddle packer; and (e) obtaining information in the at least one zone with logging equipment run through the tubing. A sidetrack window may be installed in the tubing between the lower straddle packer and the upper straddle packer for providing access to the lateral well section. |
| US09540918B1 |
Solar power and ion transport-based enhanced oil recovery system and method
The enhanced oil recovery (EOR) system includes a solar tower that heats air, which is fed to an ion transport membrane (ITM) unit. The ITM unit separates oxygen from the preheated air. The separated oxygen is injected into the oil well to burn part of the well's oil, thereby generating the heat required for thermally enhance oil recovery. Combustion of part of the well's oil reduces the viscosity of the remainder, enhancing extraction of oil from the well. |
| US09540914B2 |
Water fraction monitoring technique
A method and system for estimating water cut or water fraction. The method may include independently establishing a production index for a region in a well. An initial flow rate in the region may be computed from the production index. Further, a measured flow rate may also be monitored within the region on an ongoing rate, for example, with a Venturi device. Thus, a comparison of the initial and measured flow rates may also take place on an ongoing basis so as to provide a real time read of fluid density. This, in turn may be used to estimate water cut of anywhere between 0 and 100% for the region in a dynamic manner. As a result, production from the overall well may be optimized with greater accuracy as a determination on the amount of production allowed, if any, is made on a region by region basis with improved water cut accuracy regarding each region. |
| US09540913B2 |
Method and apparatus for actuating a differential pressure firing head
A method and apparatus are presented for actuating a differential pressure firing head to actuate a perforating gun at a downhole location in a subterranean wellbore adjacent a formation. An exemplary method includes positioning the perforating gun and the differential pressure firing head at a downhole location on a tubing string and then communicating an applied fluid pressure to a wellbore annulus, a first chamber which communicates the applied fluid pressure to a low-pressure side of the firing head assembly, and a second fluid chamber which communicates the applied fluid pressure to a high-pressure side of the firing head assembly. The applied fluid pressure is then trapped within the second fluid chamber. When the applied pressure in the annulus is subsequently removed, a pressure differential is created across the firing head by the low pressure in the first chamber and the trapped applied pressure in the second chamber. |
| US09540912B2 |
Wireless activatable valve assembly
A wireless actuation system comprises a transmitter, an actuation system comprising a receiving antenna, and one or more sliding members transitional from a first position to a second position. The transmitter is configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal, and the sliding member prevents a route of fluid communication via one or more ports of a housing when the sliding member is in the first position. The sliding member allows fluid communication via the one or more ports of the housing when the sliding member is in the second position, and the actuation system is configured to allow the sliding member to transition from the first position to the second position in response to recognition of the electromagnetic signal by the receiving antenna. |
| US09540911B2 |
Control of multiple tubing string well systems
Design and control of well systems with multiple tubing strings is described. An example system models multiple tubing strings in wellbores as segments, with multiple control points selectively located among the segments. Each segment is modeled as one or more equations that describe characteristics of a fluid resource associated with the segment. The system can predict flow of fluids and energy in a wellbore by solving physical conservation equations subject to specified conditions. The system models multiple control points, and solves the equations to convergence to satisfy injection and production targets and specified constraints. Results may be used to improve production of the resource. The system can apply a variety of strategies to model wells via multiple control points, including conservation of mass and energy models, a global phase-component partitioning model, a conductive heat transfer model, a pseudo-pressure model, a non-Darcy flow model, a phase separation model, and so forth. |
| US09540906B2 |
Remote-open inflow control device with swellable actuator
A flow control assembly for regulating fluid flow in a wellbore is disclosed. A remote-open ICD is opened in response to swelling of a swellable actuator. The swellable actuator can move a flow regulator radially, circumferentially, etc., such that flow is allowed through the regulator. Alternately, the swellable actuator can move one or more valve members to an open position thereby allowing fluid to flow across the valve and to the flow regulator. The swellable actuator can be swelled in response to introduction of chemicals or heat. A guide mechanism can be used to control swelling of the actuator or movement of the regulator device or valve member. |
| US09540901B2 |
Retrievable swellable packer
A well tool can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material, but which degrades in response to contact with a selected fluid in a well. A packer for use in a subterranean well can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material. A method of unsetting a packer in a subterranean well can include the steps of, after the packer has been set in the well, exposing a degradable material of the packer to a selected fluid, thereby degrading the degradable material, and a seal element of the packer being unsupported by the degradable material in response to the exposing step. |
| US09540891B2 |
Device and method for handling drill string components and drill rig
A device for handling drill string components for a drill rig. A slide is arranged displaceable on a longitudinal guide. A grip unit is swingable between a first position for receiving and delivering of drill string components beside the drill rig and a second position for assembling and disassembling of drill string components in the drill rig. The grip unit includes a rotator unit for rotation of a gripped drill string component. A rotational actuator supported by the slide has a rotational axis forming an angle with the length guide. A swing unit includes a first link portion that is connected to the rotational axis. A second link portion is connected to the grip unit and a swing joint portion. |
| US09540890B1 |
Methods and systems for tensioner connection
Improved methods and systems for connecting a riser tensioner system to a riser are disclosed. A system for coupling a tensioner cylinder to a riser includes a top pin connection disposed at a first distal end of the tensioner cylinder. The top pin connection couples the tensioner cylinder to a platform. The tensioner cylinder includes an extension rod and a bottom pin connection is disposed at a second distal end of the tensioner cylinder on the extension rod. A tension ring is coupled to the riser. An adjustable linkage system is coupled to the tensioner cylinder and includes an attachment mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The adjustable linkage system is operable to couple the tensioner cylinder to the tension ring. |
| US09540885B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compacts, related products, and methods of manufacture
Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and methods of manufacturing such PDCs in which an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table is infiltrated with a low viscosity cobalt-based alloy infiltrant. |
| US09540881B2 |
Method and system for improving drilling speed by using drill speed vibration
A system for improving a drilling speed by using drill string vibration comprises a downhole drill string vibration-reduction and supercharging device, and an ultra-high pressure bit device used for a downhole supercharger. Also disclosed is a method for improving a drilling speed by using drill string vibration. Related embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09540880B2 |
Magnetic latching device for downhole wellbore intercept operations
A downhole magnetic latching tool includes at least one permanent magnet deployed on a non-magnetic tool body. A magnetically permeable housing is deployed about the permanent magnet. The magnetic latching tool provides an attractive magnetic force between a drill string and a cased target wellbore. |
| US09540879B2 |
Directional drilling target steering apparatus and method
An apparatus and method are used in conjunction with a system for performing horizontal directional drilling, the system including a drill string extending from a drill rig to a boring tool such that the boring tool is steerable based on a roll orientation. The system also includes an arrangement for generating steering commands for guiding the boring tool to a target position. Responsive at least in part to the steering commands, a display is configured to selectively indicate each of a rotate command, a push command and a spin command. A steering indicator is described which indicates a current roll orientation of the boring tool. A 3-D grid can be animated and centered on either a steering or target indicator. Rounding of a steering command ratio can limit the display of target roll orientations to only those that a given boring tool transmitter is capable of sensing and indicating. |
| US09540875B2 |
Safety device for ladders
Walk-through safety devices for ladders meeting ANSI and OSHA standards are positioned at the top end of the ladder and are comprised of two, juxtapose-position, mirror image members. One each is mounted on a respective ladder side rail, Each member includes a sleeve (or rectangular tube) which slides down over a respective ladder side rail, a pressure bar which is tightened against the side rail with a knob operated screw, a pivoting engaging lock plate, and a lock plate tab cover plate. A horizontal hand grip framework is held outboard of the ladder side rails vertically upward, being at an angle of about 14.5 degrees upward from the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and side rail when resting against a structure. The framework is held in that position by a flared tube which is bent in two directions. |
| US09540873B1 |
Laterally repositionable roller shade
A roller shade may be retracted and extended. In various implementations, when a roller shade is extended it may be laterally repositioned. The roller shade may include a track and a travelling member. |
| US09540872B2 |
Actuating device, especially for a shading system, for actuation with a string element
An actuating device (10) actuates a shading system with a string element (44). An unintended detachment of a first partial structure (12) from a second partial structure (13) in the intended use is avoided as much as possible and a detachment of the first partial structure (12) from the second partial structure (13) is possible with low forces for avoiding injuries. The actuating device (10) includes a first coupling element (26, 27) that in the released position does not mesh with a second coupling element (28, 29), and in the locking position, with an interaction of the first coupling element (26, 27) with the second coupling element (28, 29), a detachment of the first partial structure (12) from the second partial structure (13) is prevented because of a positive-locking connection between the first coupling element (26, 27) and the second coupling element (28, 29). |
| US09540861B2 |
Multi tensioned composite profile
A self-locking support system includes a female profile having a first profile leg extending approximately orthogonally from a base, a first locking leg extending from the first profile leg, and a first tip extending from the first profile leg, wherein a gap is formed between the base and the first profile leg, and a first male profile having a fulcrum formed at an intersection of a second profile leg and a second locking leg, the second profile leg having a second tip extending therefrom. When the second locking leg is inserted into the gap, and a locking bead is positioned between the first and second tips, the first male profile is caused to rotate about the fulcrum and the first and second locking legs are caused to engage against each other. |
| US09540860B2 |
Open top hopper window and frame
Disclosed is an open top hopper window with a hopper window and a frame. The frame includes top edge and bottom edges, and left and right sides. The inn part of the right and left sides of the frame has a guide groove located at the bottom of the side, with a hole in the frame located above such guide groove. The joining between the hopper window and the frame uses two bolts at the outer bottom sides of the hopper window sliding into the guide grooves and two arms linking the holes at the frame with two holes at the hopper window wherein the two holes are located at the 35%-40% range of the total length of the hopper window on the outer sides of the hopper window always achieving an equilibrium position which allows positioning the hopper window at different opening angles and positions without effort. |
| US09540859B2 |
Power closure system
The tailgate drive includes a motor assembly in operable communication with a pickup tailgate that is adjustable between a manual mode of operation and an automatic mode of operation, where the motor assembly permits free rotation of the tailgate between the open and closed positions during manual mode of operation and wherein the motor assembly drives the tailgate body between the open and closed position during the automatic mode of operation. |
| US09540854B2 |
Motor vehicle door lock
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock comprising at least one actuation lever (3) that is arranged in a lock housing (1, 2). Furthermore, a connection means (4, 5) is used for coupling the actuation lever (3) to an actuation element (6) arranged outside the lock housing (1, 2). Finally, an attachment element (2) is provided for mounting the connection means (4, 5) on the lock housing (1, 2). According to the invention, the attachment element (2) is designed as a partial housing (2) which can be combined with a main housing (1) to form the lock housing (1, 2) and which, in the mounted state, at least largely covers an opening (7) in the main housing (1) as well as a joining zone (8) between the actuation lever (3) and the connection means (4, 5). |
| US09540853B2 |
Integrated handle and latch assembly for RV screen and entry doors
A handle assembly is provided for a dual main door and screen door assembly of an RV or trailer. The assembly includes a main door module and a screen door module. The main door module includes an outside handle which retracts the main door plunger when the doors are both closed. The screen door module includes an inside handle which retracts the main door plunger from inside the RV or trailer when both doors are closed. The inside handle also retracts the screen door plunger when from inside the RV or trailer when the screen door is closed and the main door is open. An outside handle on the screen door module retracts the screen door plunger from the outside when the main door is open and the screen door is closed. |
| US09540852B2 |
Door handle system for an automotive vehicle
A door handle system for an automotive vehicle door includes a door handle and a body panel. The body panel is moveable between a flush position and a recessed position. If the body panel is in the flush position, portions of the door handle are concealed. If the body panel is in the recessed position, portions of the door handle are visible. |
| US09540851B2 |
Apparatus of slide door for vehicle
An apparatus of a slide door for a vehicle may include a rail formed at a frame of a vehicle body and a striker formed at one side of the rail, a latch arm formed at the door and a roller that is connected to the latch arm to be slid along the rail to open/close the door, and a latch of a hook shape which is connected to the latch arm to be caught over or released from the striker. |
| US09540849B2 |
Commercial motor vehicle and heavy equipment battery locking device and system for use
The present invention relates to a commercial motor vehicle and heavy equipment battery locking device, methods of producing the same, and methods of utilizing the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a lockable device that covers the hold-down nut(s), hold-down bolt(s), and/or hold-down bracket(s) that secure a battery to a commercial motor vehicle or heavy equipment so that the battery cannot be stolen as well as a system for production and use. |
| US09540848B1 |
Door lock permitting easy change in lock core assembly orientation
A door lock (10) includes a driving device (30) having an outer spindle (36) and an outer handle (38) mounted to the outer spindle (36). A mounting member (56) is rotatably mounted in a compartment (46) of the outer handle (38). A positioning member (72) is movably received in a groove (54) of the outer handle (38). When a lock core (74) disengages from the mounting member (56), the mounting member (56) cannot move along a longitudinal axis but can pivot about a pivotal axis relative to the outer handle (38) to change a positional relationship between first and second holes (64, 66) of the mounting member (56). After the lock core (74) engages with the mounting member (56), the mounting member (56) cannot pivot about the pivotal axis relative to the outer handle (38). |
| US09540846B2 |
Flat motor vehicle key
A motor vehicle key of flat structure includes a circuit board with an opening, a mounting for a battery, wherein the mounting extends at least partially over the opening, and contact elements, which are electrically coupled to the circuit board. One contact element includes a resilient contact section, by means of which the battery may be fixed in the position in the mounting. The contact element is fastened to the circuit board such that a region of the resilient contact section extends over the opening above a plane defined by the surface of the circuit board and at least this region is received in the opening when the battery is disposed in the mounting and is fixed in position in it by the resilient contact section. |
| US09540837B2 |
Low profile circular drain with water stop for swimming pools
A sump drain includes a ring-shaped chamber having an inner sidewall with a diameter of at least about 18 inches and an outer sidewall, and a circular opening between the sidewalls preferably about an inch wide and optionally having a grid cover. Preferably the inner sidewall has a number of ports extending inwardly to radial conduits to a central hub for tying into a pool or spa filtering system, with the central hub operating as a clean out and having a removable cap. Upon installation, plaster substantially fills the space between the chamber and the central hub, such that the sump drain attractively blends in with the pool or spa floor. When installed, the top opening is preferably substantially flush with the pool or spa floor while being safely unblockable. And the sump drain preferably further includes channels both outboard and inboard from the chamber top opening and around the central hub, to help prevent water from passing through the plaster into the shotcrete of the pool or spa. |
| US09540835B1 |
Umbrella pool cover
The umbrella pool cover includes a frame assembly that is specially designed for use in covering a pool. The frame assembly includes a tubular member coupled to a pool. The tubular member extends toward a center of the pool. A central dome is coupled to the tubular member. The dome is supported above the pool. A cover is positionable on the tubular member and the dome so the cover may cover the pool. |
| US09540834B2 |
Cover assembly for a spa
A cover assembly for a spa having a base and a shell supported by the base is provided. A cover assembly includes a cover member selectively movable between a covered position and an uncovered position, and a lifting assembly configured to effect movement of said cover member between the covered position and the uncovered position. The lifting assembly includes a first lifting arm and a second lifting arm. The first lifting arm is pivotally and slidably coupled to the base at a first end thereof and pivotally coupled to the cover member and to the second lifting arm at a second end thereof. |
| US09540833B2 |
Cover device and blanket for covering liquid surfaces
The present invention relates to a self filling cover device for covering a surface of a liquid, having a shell (2) defining inner cavity, and the inner cavity is to be filled at least partly with liquid, so that the inner cavity is divided in at least two chambers (3,4) by a separating means (5,51,52), and one of the chambers (4) is provided by at least one opening (6) formed in the shell (2). |
| US09540829B2 |
Maintenance assembly adaptable within gas turbine engine
The maintenance assembly, for workers to perform maintenance activities within a gas turbine engine, is capable of being arranged within a cavity, generally around a combustor, accessible from a manhole of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance assembly includes a platform, and an inflatable member cooperatively configured to the platform. The inflatable member is at a normal condition, when placed outside of the cavity, being at a deflated position and is at a working condition, when arranged within the cavity, being at inflated position so as to accommodate a shape coordinating the cavity in such a manner that the platform is advance within the cavity up to a predetermined level to enable the workers on the platform to reach at a predetermined position within the cavity to perform the maintenance activities. |
| US09540827B2 |
Insulating floor underlayment
A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot. |
| US09540821B2 |
Roofing membranes having multiple adhesive regions and method therefor
A roofing membrane may include a main body, a first material, and a second material. The first material may be bonded to the main body and positioned toward a first edge thereof. The second material may be bonded to the main body and positioned toward a second edge thereof. The second edge may be positioned opposite the first edge such that the first and second materials are positioned toward opposite edges of the main body. At least one of the first material or the second material may include a first reactive material of a chemically reactive two-part cure system that is configured to chemically react upon contact of the first reactive material with a second reactive material of the chemically reactive two-part cure system. |
| US09540820B2 |
Multilayer roofing sheet with mechanical interlock laminate structure
A multilayer roofing sheet includes a laminate formed from an upper sheet having a textured lower surface and a lower sheet having a fusible upper surface mechanically interlocked together. |
| US09540818B2 |
Roof ridge integrated water-shedding apparatus
A technique for installing a skylight at the ridge of the roof is used to redirect water away from the skylight by using a flashing member. Side rails containing a notch in the upper end are configured to receive a flashing member proximate the ridge of the roof. The flashing member redirects water away from the skylight without the use or installation of a diverter to reroute the water. |
| US09540817B2 |
Layout starter and field shingle for sloped asphalt roofing
Herein disclosed is an asphalt roofing shingle, adapted to be laid up in courses on a roof, comprising an upper headlap portion, a lower tab portion, vertically spaced apart upper and lower edges, laterally spaced apart right and left edges and top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is configured to be laid up on a roof facing the roof and the tab portion of the top surface is configured to be substantially weather-exposed when laid up on a roof. The upper headlap portion is configured to be substantially covered by the tab portion of roofing elements in a next-overlying course of roofing elements when laid up on a roof. The upper headlap portion further comprises a plurality of parallel, evenly laterally spaced, first markings, the first markings being useful, at least, for aligning adjacent shingles, cutting books of shingles, forming starter shingles from full shingles and forming a grid of shingles without external measuring devices. |
| US09540809B1 |
Modular components for reconfigurable and self-validating athletic structures
A modular construction system includes a first component having multiple faces arranged into a three dimensional structure, each face having receptacles. The system includes a second component having posts formed to fit within the receptacles. Electrical contacts on each post propagate electrical signals to analytical logic that determines if each post has made electrical contact with a corresponding receptacle. Each post also includes an expansive element to create mechanical engagement with the corresponding receptacle. The analytical logic generates a signal external to the second component indicative of the mechanical engagement. |
| US09540806B2 |
Facing element for a building
The invention relates to a facing element, particularly a plate-shaped facing element (1), for a wall of a building, with an inner boundary surface (2) on the side facing towards the wall and an outer boundary surface (3) on the side facing away from the wall. According to the invention, at least one cavity (6) is arranged between the inner boundary surface (2) and outer boundary surface (3), which cavity (6) extends from a lower boundary surface (4) of the facing element (1) to an upper boundary surface (5) of the facing element (1), and wherein at least one punch hole (7, 7′) is provided, which extends from the wall-side boundary surface (2) as far as the at least one cavity (6). |
| US09540802B2 |
Precompressed sealing tape
The precompressed sealing tape for sealing a joint has an elastically re-expandable foam strip. The sealing tape also has a sheet-like wrapping, which at least partially surrounds the foam strip, and a strip-like element, which is arranged in the area of a lower transverse surface of the foam strip and which has greater flexural strength than the foam strip. A first section of the sheet-like wrapping is arranged between the lower transverse surface of the foam strip and the strip-like element. |
| US09540796B2 |
Ground engaging tool mechanical attachment
A connection assembly for mounting a ground engaging tool to earthmoving equipment includes a body into which is received a resilient member, a force applying member, a locking member with an O-ring seal to be received in an annular channel around the locking member, a locking member stop received in a hole in the locking member, and a body stop to be fitted into an aperture under the body. The locking member stop prevents the force applying member from rotating within the body when the bolt is rotated and advances the piston by threaded engagement. |
| US09540790B2 |
Work machine
To provide a work machine that can suppress a steep fluctuation in engine power. The present invention includes an engine 11; a hydraulic pump 12 that is driven by the engine 11; a hydraulic actuator 17 that is driven by pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 12; a motor generator 13 that drives the hydraulic pump 12; an electrical storage device 14 that transfers electric power with the motor generator 13; a load computing unit 21 that computes the load power of the engine 11; a vehicle body state management unit 22 that manages a vehicle body state including the state of the electrical storage device 14; an engine power fluctuation limitation unit 23 that computes second target power for limiting the increase rate and the decrease rate of the power of the engine 11 on the basis of the load power and the vehicle body state; a hydraulic power limitation unit 24 that limits the power of the hydraulic pump 12 on the basis of the second target power; and an assist power computation unit 25 that limits the power of the motor generator 13 on the basis of the second target power. |
| US09540788B2 |
Work vehicle
A work vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an inverter, and first through fourth brackets. The first bracket extends in the vehicle width direction, and is disposed in front of the inverter. Both ends of the first bracket are supported by the vehicle body frame. The second bracket is fixed to the left part of the inverter, and extends in the vertical direction. The second bracket is fixed to the first bracket. The third bracket is fixed to the right part of the inverter, and extends in the vertical direction. The third bracket is fixed to the first bracket. The fourth bracket is fixed to at least one of the second and third brackets, extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle away from the first bracket, and is supported by the vehicle body frame. The shortest sides of the inverter extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. |
| US09540785B1 |
Working vehicle and working vehicle control method
A working vehicle includes a revolving pump output calculating section that calculates the revolving pump output where the output of an electric motor is converted to be the output of a hydraulic pump. A reduction amount determining section determines a reduction amount for the output of the hydraulic pump during the multiple operations based on the revolving pump output. A pump output determining section determines a value, where the reduction amount is subtracted from the output of the hydraulic pump which is determined according to the state with the multiple operations, in a first control mode as the output of the hydraulic pump during the multiple operations. The pump output determining section increases the output of the hydraulic pump during the multiple operations in a second control mode more than in the first control mode. |
| US09540783B2 |
Tie rod for structural projects
The tie rod for structural projects for the protection of structures for earthquake and wind is comprised of a cast iron base (7) which has a bolt (4) passing through a hole, which is surrounded by threaded ring (5) with handles (6). A base plate (2) that sits on the bolt and turns with a ball bearing. A steel cable (9) passes through all; the one end of the cable is fixed to the base (2) with bolts (3). The other end leads to a member with blades around it (10), (12), (13), (14) which open and close around the member (17) with the help of bars (11) connected around the axis of the member with pins. To the other end, they are connected with pins to the blades. The rod presses the structure to the ground by a bolt connected to a cable which pulls a member (17) with blades which open against the sides of a hole drilled on the ground and pull the building towards the ground decreasing torque created by the forces of an earthquake or the wind. It is used on buildings with a frame, continuous building, wood frame houses with storm problems, cable bridges, loose ground slopes, etc. |
| US09540782B2 |
Apparatus and method for collecting a floatable liquid
The invention relates to an apparatus for collecting a lighter fraction floatable liquid from a heavier fraction liquid, such as a lighter fraction floating oil from a heavier fraction water, the apparatus comprising: a floatable collecting container and a cover placed above the collecting container leaving a continuous passage slot free; wherein the opening of the passage slot is adjustable by an inlet adjustment ring. The invention also provides a method to operate such an apparatus. |
| US09540780B2 |
Pot bearing
A pot bearing is provided for absorbing rotations with little constraint, comprising a pot, an elastomer cushion accommodated therein and a cover projecting at least partially into the pot and supported on said cushion. The elastomer cushion is slidingly sealed off from the pot, around the edge beneath the cover by means of a circumferential inner seal, which consists entirely or at least primarily of acetal with a melt flow index (MFI 190/2.16) of less than 6 g/10 min. |
| US09540778B2 |
Road finishing machine with a thermographic device
A road finishing machine with a thermographic device releasably fixed to a portion of the machine for recording a georeferenced thermographic data record of at least one region of a pavement layer. The thermographic device includes a housing in which a detection unit for detecting a thermographic data record and a further detection unit for detecting a space-related data record for the thermographic data record are disposed. |
| US09540777B1 |
Method for cooling of synthetic turf
The present invention provides for synthetic turf infill materials and methods of making such materials wherein the surfaces of the materials have been modified with hydrophilic properties. The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method to modify the surface of synthetic turf infill through coating, crosslinking or other methods. The surface of the infill is modified to become substantially hydrophilic with low contact angles. The present invention also provides a process for producing surfaces with hydrophilic properties. |
| US09540774B2 |
Expansion joint bridging device
An expansion joint bridging device which bridges an expansion joint between two construction work parts of a traversable construction work. The expansion joint is spanned by at least two crossbeams which are supported in a load-bearing manner on both construction work parts, wherein at least one of the load-bearing supports allows a displacement movement. An overload safety device comprises two supporting profiles at a distance from one another and supported on the crossbeams, and a fill profile bridging the gap between the support profiles. If a threshold value for the force that would effect the two support profiles to approach one another is exceeded, a fixing device releases the positional stabilization such that the two support profiles can be moved towards one another by displacing the fill profile upwards out of the gap. |
| US09540771B2 |
Security feature having several components
A security feature has a luminescent component and a component camouflaging the luminescent component. A security feature has a luminescent component with at least one luminophore consisting of a doped host lattice, and a component camouflaging the luminescent component, wherein for camouflaging the luminescent component, relevant properties required for identifying the luminescent component are camouflaged by the camouflaging component by the relevant properties of the luminescent component. The relevant properties being camouflaged by the camouflaging component in at least two of the relevant properties by the camouflaging component having relevant properties that correspond to the respective relevant properties of the luminescent component, thereby impeding or preventing a recognition of the luminescent component. |
| US09540770B2 |
Modular sensing system for web-based applications
A system includes at least one common support configured to span at least a width of a web of material in a manufacturing or processing system. The system also includes multiple sensor heads each configured to move independently along at least part of the at least one common support. The sensor heads can be configured to move simultaneously along the at least one common support, and at least one controller can be configured to control movement of the sensor heads so that the sensor heads do not contact one another. Each sensor head could include one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of the web. Different sensor heads could include different types of sensors. The sensor heads can be configured to move in non-overlapping patterns over or under the web. Different sensor heads can be configured to move at different speeds. |
| US09540769B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring and removing rotational variability from a nip pressure profile of a covered roll of a nip press
Multiple groups of sensors are circumferentially spaced apart at each cross-directional position along a sensing roll of a nip press to measure and cancel or nearly cancel the effects of rotational variability which may be acting on the sensing roll. The strategically-placed sensors are designed to measure the pressure being placed against the web that is being advanced through the nip press. The average of the measurements of multiple sensors spaced circumferential apart provides a good cancellation of any rotational variability that might be found at a cross-directional position on the sensing roll. In this manner, a more true measurement of the nip pressure profile can be obtained and better adjustments made to reduce nip pressure profile variability. In addition, the nip variability profile may be used as a predictor of cover or bearing failures, resonant frequencies and other roll anomalies. |
| US09540768B2 |
Sheet manufacturing apparatus
A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes: a first transport unit that causes a first transport belt to circle around so as to transport a web containing a fiber; and a second transport unit that is disposed with a part thereof shifted from the first transport unit toward the downstream side in a transport direction of the web, sucks the web in a direction in which the web is spaced from the first transport belt, and transports the web. The second transport unit includes a suction unit that generates a suction force and a suction chamber which is positioned on an inner side of a second transport belt circling around and of which an inner space is sucked by the suction unit such that the web is adsorbed onto the second transport belt. A part of the suction chamber faces the first transport belt. |
| US09540764B2 |
Multilayer coating for flame retardant substrates
A method includes coating a substrate to provide a flame resistant substrate. In an embodiment, the method includes exposing the substrate to a cationic solution to produce a cationic layer deposited on the substrate. The cationic solution comprises cationic materials. The cationic materials comprise a polymer, a colloidal particle, a nanoparticle, a nitrogen-rich molecule, or any combinations thereof. The method further includes exposing the cationic layer to an anionic solution to produce an anionic layer deposited on the cationic layer to produce a layer comprising the anionic layer and the cationic layer. The anionic solution comprises a layerable material. |
| US09540759B2 |
Method and apparatus for drying articles
A method and apparatus for drying textile material with a radio frequency (RF) applicator and a controller, the method includes energizing the RF applicator to generate a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field), measuring a parameter related to the energization of the RF applicator, determining a drying cycle of operation in the controller based on the measured parameter, and controlling the energization of the RF applicator according to the determination of the drying cycle of operation, wherein the textile material is dried. |
| US09540747B2 |
Composition for preparing polysaccharide fibers
Solutions formed by combining poly(α(1→3) glucan) with CS2 in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution have been shown to produce the xanthated form of the poly(α(1→3) glucan). The solutions so formed have been shown to be useful for solution spinning into fiber of poly(α(1→3) glucan) when the spun fiber is coagulated in an acidic coagulation bath. The fibers so produced exhibit desirable physical properties. The poly(α(1→3) glucan) employed was synthesized by fermentation. |
| US09540746B2 |
Process for manufacturing nonwoven web material
A nonwoven web material including fibers formed of a polyolefin and a polyester is disclosed. The fibers may include fine fibers produced by, for example, a meltblowing process. The polyolefin may be polypropylene and the polyester may be polylactic acid. The polylactic acid may be obtained and included by recycling scrap nonwoven material containing a polylactic acid component, hydrolyzing the polylactic acid component to reduce its viscosity, blending the hydrolyzed polylactic acid with a polyolefin resin, and melt-spinning the blended material to form fibers. A related process is disclosed. |
| US09540745B2 |
Method and device for grinding strand-like fibrous material
A method and a device for grinding strand-like fibrous material, wherein the strand-like fibrous material is fed towards the cutting edge of a cutting mechanism and wherein a moveable striking mechanism for grinding the fibrous material cooperates with the cutting mechanism. Associated with the cutting mechanism is a moveable clamping mechanism, by means of which the fibrous material is clamped in an oscillating manner. To produce optimally uniform fibrous shreds, as defined by the position of the cutting edge, the fibrous material is guided through an oscillating clamping gap formed between the clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism, wherein the clamping mechanism is guided in a back and forth clamping movement relative to the cutting mechanism. For this purpose, the clamping gap is formed by arranging the clamping mechanism and the cutting mechanism opposite one another in a clamping plane. |
| US09540741B2 |
Light-driven hydroiodic acid splitting from semiconductive fuel generator
This disclosure relates to photovoltaic and photoelectrosynthetic cells, devices, methods of making and using the same. |
| US09540740B2 |
Undivided electrolytic cell and use thereof
The present invention relates to a method for producing an ammonium peroxodisulphate or an alkali-metal peroxodisulphate, to an undivided electrolytic cell constructed from individual components and to an electrolytic apparatus constructed from a plurality of electrolytic cells of this type. |
| US09540737B2 |
Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in alkaline media
A method is provided for an electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in alkaline media. The method electrolytically converts N2 and H2 to NH3 in an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte. The method includes exposing an anode to a H2-containing fluid, wherein the anode is active toward adsorption and oxidation of H2; exposing a cathode to a N2-containing fluid, wherein the cathode is active toward adsorption and reduction of N2 to form NH3; and applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode so as to facilitate adsorption of hydrogen onto the anode and adsorption of nitrogen onto the cathode; wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the H2 and reduce the N2. The electrolytic method is performed with the H2 and N2 pressures from about 10 atmospheres (atm) to about 1 atm; and at temperatures from about 25° C. to about 205° C. |
| US09540736B2 |
Methods of etching films with reduced surface roughness
Provided are methods for etching films comprising transition metals which help to minimize higher etch rates at the grain boundaries of polycrystalline materials. Certain methods pertain to amorphization of the polycrystalline material, other pertain to plasma treatments, and yet other pertain to the use of small doses of halide transfer agents in the etch process. |
| US09540735B2 |
Zincating aluminum
A method of treating aluminum or aluminum alloy includes providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; depositing a first zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the first zincating layer; depositing a second zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the second zincating layer; and depositing a third zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion. |
| US09540730B2 |
Deposition of metal films based upon complementary reactions
A method comprises contacting a compound having formulae (1) with a compound having formula MLo to form a metal: [M(SiR3)m(L1)p]n (1) wherein M is Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, a second row transition metal or a third row transition metal; R are each independently H, C1-C6 alkyl or —Si(R″)3; R″ are each independently H or C1-C6 alkyl; m is an integer from 1 to 3; n is a number representing the formation of aggregates or polymeric material; L1 is a neutral donor ligand; L is a ligand; p is an integer from 0 to 6; and o is an integer representing the number of ligands bonded to MLo. |
| US09540729B1 |
Deposition of titanium nanolaminates for use in integrated circuit fabrication
Processes are provided for depositing titanium nanolaminate thin films that can be used, for example, in integrated circuit fabrication, such as in forming spacers in a pitch multiplication process. In some embodiments a titanium nanolaminate film comprising titanium oxide layers and titanium nitride layers is deposited on a three-dimensional feature, such as an existing mask feature. The conformal titanium nanolaminate film may be directionally etched so that only the titanium nanolaminate deposited or formed on the sidewalls of the existing three-dimensional feature remains. The three-dimensional feature is then removed via an etching process, leaving the pitch doubled titanium nanolaminate film. |
| US09540727B2 |
Cleaning method, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, substrate processing apparatus and recording medium
A cleaning method includes: providing a process container in which a process of forming a film on a substrate is performed; and removing a deposit including the film adhered to the process container by supplying a cleaning gas into the process container after performing the process. The act of removing the deposit includes generating a mixture gas of a fluorine-containing gas and a nitrosyl fluoride gas as the cleaning gas by mixture and reaction of the fluorine-containing gas and a nitrogen monoxide gas in a mixture part and supplying the mixture gas from the mixture part into the process container after removing exothermic energy generated by the reaction. |
| US09540724B2 |
Sputtering target for magnetic recording film
Provided is a sputtering target for a magnetic recording film. The sputtering target has a peak intensity ratio (IG/ID) of a G-band to a D-band of 5.0 or more in Raman scattering spectrometry. It is an object of the present invention to produce a magnetic thin film having a granular structure without using a high cost co-sputtering apparatus and to provide a sputtering target, in particular, an Fe—Pt-based sputtering target for a magnetic recording film, where carbon particles are dispersed in the target. Since carbon is a material which is not susceptible to being sintered and is susceptible to form aggregates, a conventional carbon-containing sputtering target has the problem that detachment of carbon lumps occurs during sputtering to result in generation of a large number of particles on the film. The present invention also addresses the problem of providing a high density sputtering target that can overcome the disadvantages. |
| US09540720B2 |
High-strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet and high-strength alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet having excellent formability and small material anisotropy with ultimate tensile strength of 980 MPa or more
Disclosed is a high-strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet having small material anisotropy and excellent formability with an ultimate tensile strength of 980 MPa or more. The hot-dip galvanized steel sheet includes a hot-dip galvanized layer formed on a surface of a base steel plate. The base steel plate contains C, Si, Mn, O, P, S, Al and N within predetermined ranges and a balance including Fe and inevitable impurities. The hot-dip galvanized layer contains Fe at less than 7 mass % or 7 to 15 mass % and a balance including Zn, Al, and inevitable impurities. |
| US09540719B2 |
Hot-rolled steel sheet and associated production method
A hot rolled steel sheet with a yield stress greater than 690 MPa and less than or equal to 840 MPa, with strength between 780 MPa and 950 MPa, elongation at failure greater than 10% and a hole expansion ratio (Ac) greater than or equal to 50% is described. Methods for the fabrication of the sheet are also described. |
| US09540712B2 |
Fine solid solution alloy particles and method for producing same
The alloy fine particles of the present invention are fine particles of a solid solution alloy, in which a plurality of metal elements are mixed at the atomic level. The production method of the present invention is a method for producing alloy fine particles composed of a plurality of metal elements. This production method includes the steps of (i) preparing a solution containing ions of the plurality of metal elements and a liquid containing a reducing agent; and (ii) mixing the solution with the liquid that has been heated. |
| US09540711B2 |
Hardbanding alloy
The present disclosure relates to an alloy, for hardbanding and/or hard overlay applications, which is abrasion resistant to the order of siliceous earth particles and weldable in crack free state on industrial products. The alloy is a carbon chrome based alloy comprising titanium and vanadium carbides and thus has an extremely low coefficient of friction, high abrasion resistance as welded without working. In tool joints and stabilizers, the alloy achieves an optimum balance between tool joint and stabilizer wear resistance and induced casing wear. The alloy is also self-shielded and therefore does not require external shielding gas. |
| US09540708B2 |
Iron recovery method
A method for recovery of iron in the form of an iron oxide as useful product, such as hematite, from a leach solution obtained from leaching of a nickel laterite ore, is proposed which comprises an oxidation and a hydrolysis of a ferric sulphate and urea mix solution stemming from leaching of nickel laterite ores at a temperature of 60-100° C. |
| US09540706B2 |
Hydrometallurgical treatment process for extraction of metals from concentrates
This invention relates to a hydrometallurgical process for extracting platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, silver and base metals from a flotation concentrate (10) containing sulphide minerals such as pentlandite and chalcopyrite, along with pyrite and pyrrohotite. The process includes a modified pressure oxidation step (12) to selectively separate base metals into sulphate medium (14), from the PGMs. The modified pressure oxidation step (12) partially or completely oxidizes sulphide minerals to produce a product slurry (14) containing base metal sulphates in solution and a solid residue containing PGMs along with sulphate and elemental sulphur. The solid residue is subjected to a thermal treatment (18) to remove sulphate and elemental sulphur from the solid residue, and to condition the PGMs to be soluble in chloride medium. The treated solid residue is the subjected to PGM recovery by leaching in chloride leaching medium (20) to recover the PGMs. |
| US09540704B2 |
Method of making quenched and tempered steel pipe with high fatigue life
A method for producing a high fatigue life quenched/tempered steel pipe comprises a quenching treatment of keeping an unquenched starting steel pipe having a composition that comprises, % by mass, C: 0.1 to 0.4%, Si: 0.5 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.3 to 2%, P: at most 0.02%, S: at most 0.01%, Cr: 0.1 to 2%, Ti: 0.01 to 0.1%, Nb: 0.01 to 0.1%, Al: at most 0.1%, B: 0.0005 to 0.01%, and N: at most 0.01%, with a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, at 900 to 1100° C. for 10 to 60 seconds and then rapidly cooling it. The cooled pipe is subjected to a tempering treatment of keeping the pipe at 280 to 380° C. for 10 to 60 minutes. |
| US09540703B2 |
Method for increasing the yield in lactose production (II)
A method for improving the yield of the production of crystalline alpha-lactose is suggested, wherein (a) an aqueous lactose solution is gradually cooled down to about 10° C., (b) a first amount of precipitated alpha-lactose crystals is separated from the mother liquor, (c) an amount of a carbohydrate compound is added to the mother liquor such that the solubility product of the lactose is exceeded at the given temperature, (d) a second amount of precipitated alpha-lactose crystals is separated from the mother liquor, and (e) both amounts of alpha-lactose crystals are combined. |
| US09540699B2 |
Methods of diagnosing increased risk of developing MRSA
A method for diagnosing increased risk of developing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) hospital-acquired (HA-MRSA) or community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) which includes obtaining a biological sample from a subject, detecting in the sample a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FAM129B gene at position 17 of SEQ ID NO 1, and comparing the nucleotide at position 17 of SEQ ID NO. 1 in the sample with the nucleotide at position 17 in SEQ ID NO. 1, wherein an adenine at position 17 of SEQ ID NO. 1 in the sample indicates an increased risk of developing MRSA or CA-MRSA in the subject. |
| US09540698B2 |
MIR-193A-3P and associated genes predict tumorigenesis and chemotherapy outcomes
The disclosure provides a correlation between the expression level of the miR-193a gene, which can be regulated by its methylation status, and both tumorigenesis of and the resistance of a cancer cell to a pyrimidine antimetabolite (5-FU) based chemotherapy. In addition to the methylation status and the expression of miR-193a, its downstream genes, such as E2F1, SRSF2, and apoptotic genes such as caspase 2, are also involved and can serve as useful markers for cancer therapy prognosis and for therapy selection. |
| US09540689B2 |
Method of determining the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotides and DNA molecules
The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions. |
| US09540686B2 |
Systems and methods for the amplification of DNA
A system for amplifying nucleic acids is disclosed which, in one embodiment, includes a fluidic device having a sample channel and a heat exchange channel disposed sufficiently close to the sample channel such that a heat exchange fluid in the heat exchange channel can cause a sample in the sample channel to gain or lose heat at desired levels. In one illustrative embodiment, the system further includes three reservoirs coupled to the heat exchange channel and a temperature control system configured to heat fluids stored in the respective reservoirs at different temperatures. One or more pumps and a controller are configured to cause fluid stored in the reservoirs to enter and flow through the heat exchange channel at different times. |
| US09540684B2 |
Methods and devices for detection and acquisition of biomarkers
The present invention provides devices and methods for detecting and capturing molecular biomarkers from a subject in situ. Specifically, the devices contain an array of microneedles to which are attached probes specific for one or more biomarkers of interest. The devices can be used directly on a subject (e.g., via skin piercing) in detecting the biomarkers in the body of the subject (e.g., tissues, blood stream). |
| US09540683B2 |
Biosensor array formed by junctions of functionalized electrodes
We provide a sensor array device for the measurement of mixtures of organic compounds comprising an assembly of sensor half elements which have been functionalized through sensor compounds before the assembly. Each individual sensor of the array contains two sensor compounds which are bound at opposite sensor half elements. The molecular recognition is bi-functional. While the amount of sensor compounds increases linearly, the individual sensors increase with the second power. |
| US09540682B2 |
Double-stranded nucleic acid, use and kit thereof in ribonuclease detection
Provided are a double-stranded nucleic acid and use thereof in ribonuclease detection, and a ribonuclease detection method and use thereof in tumor detection and/or diagnosis. Specifically, a double-stranded nucleic acid substrate comprises at least one ribonuclease sensitive site. The activity and content of the ribonuclease in a sample are detected by analyzing the degradation of the double-stranded nucleic acid substrate by the ribonuclease. Also provided are a ribonuclease detection kit and a tumor detection kit. |
| US09540679B2 |
Helical wrapping of single-walled carbon nanotubes by genomic DNA
A structure and method for forming single-stranded DNA segments/single-wall carbon nanotube complexes and a method of preparing single-stranded DNA segments. The method for forming single-stranded DNA segments/single-wall carbon nanotube complexes including: attaching single-stranded DNA segments to single-wall carbon nanotubes to form single-stranded DNA segment/single-wall carbon nanotube complexes, each of the single-stranded DNA segments having a same length of greater than 2,000 bases. |
| US09540678B2 |
Method for highly sensitive detection of protein-protein interaction
The present invention intends to provide an assay system using split luciferase that has a remarkably high detection sensitivity. In an embodiment, binding of mutually binding first and second proteins is detected by preparing a first fusion protein comprising the first protein fused with a peptide having the amino acid sequence of amino acid SEQ ID NO: 1 and a second fusion protein comprising the second protein fused with a peptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of amino acid SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 6, and allowing the first fusion protein to bind with the second fusion protein to form a complex, and detecting luminescence emitted from the complex. |
| US09540677B2 |
Biological sterilization indicator and method of using same
A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and method of using same. The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a first fluid path positioned to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber, and a second fluid path positioned to allow displaced gas to move out of the second chamber. The method can include moving displaced gas out of the second chamber via the second fluid path as a sterilant is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path and/or as the liquid is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path. |
| US09540676B1 |
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for analyzing microorganism strains from complex heterogeneous communities, predicting and identifying functional relationships and interactions thereof, and selecting and synthesizing microbial ensembles based thereon
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for screening, analyzing and selecting microorganisms from complex heterogeneous communities, predicting and identifying functional relationships and interactions thereof, and synthesizing microbial ensembles based thereon are disclosed. Methods for identifying and determining the absolute cell count of microorganism types and strains, along with identifying the network relationships between active microorganisms and environmental parameters, are also disclosed. |
| US09540675B2 |
Reagent cartridge and methods for detection of cells
An apparatus includes a housing and an actuator. The housing, which defines a reagent volume that can receive a reagent container, can be removably coupled to a reaction chamber. The housing includes a puncturer that defines a transfer pathway in fluid communication with the reagent volume. A delivery portion of the housing defines a delivery pathway between the transfer pathway and the reaction chamber when the housing is coupled to the reaction chamber. The actuator has a plunger portion disposed within the reagent volume. An engagement portion of the actuator can be manipulated to move the plunger portion within the reagent volume to deform the reagent container. The puncturer can pierce a frangible portion of the reagent container to convey a reagent from the reagent container into the reaction chamber via the transfer pathway and/or the delivery pathway. |
| US09540672B2 |
Method of producing glycolipids
A protein selected from the following (a) to (c), a gene encoding the protein, a transformant in which the gene is subjected to deletion, mutation or repression of gene expression, and a method of producing a glycolipid using the transformant are provided, wherein: (a) is a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) is a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence having 50% or more identity with the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, and having alcohol oxidase activity; and (c) is a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence in which one to several amino acids are subjected to deletion, substitution, insertion or addition in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, and having alcohol oxidase activity. |
| US09540669B2 |
Trichoderma reesei glucoamylase variants resistant to oxidation-related activity loss and the use thereof
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to Trichoderma reesei glucoamylase (TrGA) variants having improved properties (e.g., improved thermostability, improved specific activity, and/or resistant to oxidation-related activity loss). Also provided are compositions comprising variant glucoamylases. These compositions are useful in various starch process applications. |
| US09540668B2 |
Reduced sugar syrups and methods of making reduced sugar syrups
A reduced sugar syrup having an advantageously low viscosity is prepared by hydrolysis of starch or starchy material using a particular type of alpha amylase enzyme which yields a saccharide distribution having a low DP1-2 and low DP11+ content. The DP4 content of the syrup may be favorably increased by using a maltotetragenic alpha amylase enzyme in combination with the aforementioned alpha amylase enzyme. The syrup is useful in the production of food, beverage, animal feed, animal health and nutrition, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic compositions and may be combined with a high intensity sweetener to provide a composition capable of being substituted for conventional corn syrups. |
| US09540667B2 |
Methods of biosynthesizing bacterial extracellular galactomannan polysaccharides and subunits thereof for use in subterranean formation operations
Methods of biosynthesizing bacterial extracellular galactomannan polysaccharides for use in subterranean formation operations such as drilling operations, fracturing operations, or gravel packing operations including providing a feedstock comprising mannose and galactose; providing bacteria effective at fermenting mannose and galactose; introducing the bacteria to the feedstock; and fermenting the bacteria so as to produce an extracellular galactomannan polysaccharide. |
| US09540664B2 |
Systems and methods for improving ethanol yield
Systems and methods for improving ethanol yield are provided. A feedstock is ground suitably fine for use in fermentation. The feedstock may include corn or any other suitable material. In some cases, the feedstock undergoes a fractionation prior to grinding. The ground feedstock may be slurried with water and enzymes to facilitate conversion of the starch in the feedstock to sugars. The slurry may be about 35% solids. After being slurried, an ethanologen may be added. Additionally, the pH of the slurry may be adjusted to between 4.2 and 5.2 to facilitate the priming A primer is added to the slurry. The primer may include any weak acid, and in some embodiments includes acetic acid. Acetic acid, when used as a primer, may be added at a concentration of between 1200 and 3600 parts per million. The slurry is fermented to produce improved yields of ethanol. |
| US09540659B2 |
Modified adeno-associated virus vector compositions
An adeno-associated virus filler component comprising a nucleic acid of between 3300 and 4200 nucleotides in length is disclosed. |
| US09540655B2 |
Stacked herbicide tolerance event 8264.44.06.1, related transgenic soybean lines, and detection thereof
This invention relates in part to soybean event pDAB8264.44.06.1 and includes a novel expression cassettes and transgenic inserts comprising multiple traits conferring resistance to glyphosate, aryloxyalkanoate, and glufosinate herbicides. This invention also relates in part to methods of controlling resistant weeds, plant breeding and herbicide tolerant plants. In some embodiments, the event sequence can be “stacked” with other traits, including, for example, other herbicide tolerance gene(s) and/or insect-inhibitory proteins. This invention further relates in part to endpoint TaqMan PCR assays for the detection of Event pDAB8264.44.06.1 in soybeans and related plant material. Some embodiments can perform high throughput zygosity analysis of plant material and other embodiments can be used to uniquely identify the zygosity of and breed soybean lines comprising the event of the subject invention. Kits and conditions useful in conducting these assays are also provided. |
| US09540654B2 |
Synthetic brassica-derived chloroplast transit peptides
This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for targeting peptides, polypeptides, and proteins to plastids of plastid-containing cells. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns chloroplast transit peptides that may direct a polypeptide to a plastid, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns methods for producing a transgenic plant material (e.g., a transgenic plant) comprising a chloroplast transit peptide, as well as plant materials produced by such methods, and plant commodity products produced therefrom. |
| US09540651B2 |
Immune regulatory oligonucleotide (IRO) compounds to modulate toll-like receptor based immune response
The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit or suppress TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen. |
| US09540650B2 |
Nucleic acid fragment binding to target protein
An object of the present invention is to develop and provide a method for efficiently producing a nucleic acid aptamer, particularly, a DNA aptamer, having higher specificity and binding activity against a target substance than those of nucleic acid aptamers obtained by conventional methods. The present invention provides a transcribable or replicable nucleic acid aptamer comprising a natural nucleotide and a non-natural nucleotide having an artificial base-pairable artificial base. The present invention also provides a method for sequencing a non-natural nucleotide-containing single-stranded nucleic acid molecule selected from a single-stranded nucleic acid library. |
| US09540649B2 |
Method for opening tight junctions
The present invention is directed to a method and use of RNA interference (RNAi) for the transient, reversible and controlled opening of the tight junctions of the blood brain barrier and/or the blood retinal barrier. This method may be used in the treatment of many diseases and disorders which require the opening of the blood brain barrier and/or blood retinal barrier. Such methods generally involve the use of an RNAi-inducing agent, such as siRNA, miRNA, shRNA or an RNAi-inducing vector whose presence within a cell results in production of an siRNA or shRNA, targeting tight junction proteins to open the blood brain barrier and/or blood retinal barrier. |
| US09540647B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer
Some embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and compositions for treating cancer. More embodiments include methods and compositions for modulating the activity of the Hedgehog pathway. |
| US09540646B2 |
Cellular targets for HIV infection
Methods and compositions are provided for treating HIV infection and for inhibiting HIV infection, and for identifying purinergic receptor antagonists or Panx 1 hemi-channel blockers useful therefor. The invention provides a method of treating a mammalian subject having an HIV infection, or suspected of having been exposed to HIV, comprising administering to the mammalian subject an amount of (i) an antagonist of a Panx 1 hemichannel, or (ii) of an inhibitor of a purinergic receptor, effective to inhibit (a) HIV fusion with a target cell, or (b) HIV replication, or (c) HIV entry into a target cell, or two or more of (a), (b) and (c). |
| US09540644B2 |
Small interference RNA for inhibiting intracellular expression of ribosomal protein S3
The present invention relates to a small interference RNA (siRNA) for specifically inhibiting the expression of ribosomal protein in cells, and more particularly, to an siRNA that specifically inhibits the expression of endogenous rpS3 protein in cells without influencing tagged overexpressed protein. The siRNAs of the present invention are excellent in terms of economy and efficiency compared to conventional commercially available products. |
| US09540642B2 |
Compositions and methods for controlling arthropod parasite and pest infestations
This application provides and discloses anti-parasitic, anti-pest or insecticidal nucleic acid molecules and their calmodulin target genes for the control of arthropod parasites and pests. This application further provides methods and compositions for the control and treatment of parasites and pests in Apis mellifera (honey bee) hives. |
| US09540638B2 |
Lipid particle, nucleic acid transfer carrier, compound for manufacturing nucleic acid transfer carrier, method for manufacturing lipid particle, and gene transfer method
The present invention provides a lipid particle which has low cytotoxicity, can stably hold a nucleic acid molecule outside a cell (in blood), and can escape from an endosome and rapidly release the nucleic acid in the cytoplasm; a nucleic acid transfer carrier; a compound for manufacturing a nucleic acid transfer carrier; a method for manufacturing a lipid particle; and a gene transfer method. The lipid particle contains, as constituents, a phospholipid having one or more amino groups and one or more nitrogen-containing heterocyclic groups, a neutral lipid not containing a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, a sterol, and a nucleic acid. |
| US09540637B2 |
Nucleic acid adaptors and uses thereof
Provided herein are compositions, systems, methods, and kits for joining together the ends of one or more polynucleotides using at least one pair of blocking oligonucleotide adaptors. Blocking oligonucleotide adaptors can be used to reduce the formation of adaptor dimers or trimers (or higher-order concatemers) which can improve the yield of desirable polynucleotide-adaptor products in any recombinant nucleic acid workflow. Blocking oligonucleotide adaptors can comprise a double-stranded oligonucleotide adaptor (duplex) having an overhang cohesive portion that anneals with a blocking oligonucleotide which can be a separate single-stranded oligonucleotide. A blocking oligonucleotide, when annealed to an overhang portion, can prevent undesirable hybridization of the overhang portion to another nucleic acid, such as the overhang portion from another blocking oligonucleotide adaptor or a polynucleotide of interest. |
| US09540630B2 |
Optimization of alginate encapsulation of islets for transplantation
Apparatus is provided, including a plurality of islets, and a hydrogel configured to macroencapsulate the plurality of islets. The hydrogel is implantable in a subcapsular space (21) of a kidney (22) of a subject and is shaped to define a planar configuration. Other applications are also described. |
| US09540629B2 |
Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of Cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications. |
| US09540624B2 |
Glucoamylase variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to glucoamylase variants having improved thermostability. 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. |
| US09540623B2 |
Method for increasing the efficiency of double-strand-break induced mutagenesis
The present invention relates to a method for increasing double-strand-break induced mutagenesis at a genomic locus of interest in a cell, thereby giving new tools for genome engineering, including therapeutic applications and cell line engineering. More specifically, the present invention concerns the combined use of TALEN or meganucleases with TREX2, especially under the form of single-chain proteins. |
| US09540621B2 |
NPP1 fusion proteins
The present invention provides a novel fusion polypeptide containing a catalytic portion of NPP1 fused to a targeting moiety, nucleic acids encoding the fusion polypeptide, a vector containing the nucleic acid integrated thereinto, a host cell transformed with the vector and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fusion polypeptide. |
| US09540619B2 |
MELK regulation for the treatment of breast cancer
Methods for inhibiting growth or proliferation of breast cancer cells are provided. The methods include administering to a subject in need thereof in an amount that is effective to inhibit growth or proliferation of the breast cancer cells a MELK inhibitor, wherein the breast cancer cells are estrogen receptor (ER) negative. In some aspects, the methods include administering to a subject in need thereof in an amount that is effective to inhibit growth or proliferation of the breast cancer cells a MELK inhibitor, a FoxM1 inhibitor or a MELK inhibitor and a FoxM1 inhibitor, wherein the breast cancer cells are estrogen receptor (ER) negative. Methods of treatment for breast cancer and methods of identifying patients having cancer that are likely to benefit from treatment with a MELK inhibitor, a FoxM1 inhibitor or a MELK inhibitor and a FoxM1 inhibitor are also provided. |
| US09540615B2 |
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. |
| US09540611B2 |
Methods for treating and/or reversing neurodegenerative diseases and/or disorders
The present disclosure provides methods for the treatment of neurological diseases/disorders using neural stem cells (NSCs) obtained from a spinal cord tissue. The methods may include the use of a NSC population to treat a neurological disease/disorder of the brain. Such methods may include introducing exogenously cultured and expanded NSCs into the brain, which differentiate into neurons capable of integrating in vivo into the brain tissue in a sufficient manner to ameliorate the symptoms associated with the neurological disease/disorder. |
| US09540610B2 |
Collagen and cell implant
The invention relates to the use of an active collagen matrix for culturing mammalian cells and the use of the active collagen matrix and cells for the treatment of disease. |