| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09575687B2 |
Host-based replication with end-to-end compression
Techniques for enabling end-to-end compression when performing host-based replication (HBR) are provided. In one set of embodiments, a hypervisor running on a host system at a primary site can intercept I/O write requests that originate from a virtual machine (VM) configured to be replicated via HBR, the I/O write requests being destined for a virtual disk (VMDK) of the VM. The hypervisor can further track VMDK file blocks that are modified by the I/O write requests and can retrieve the VMDK file blocks from a storage tier at the primary site. The hypervisor can then compress the retrieved VMDK file blocks and transmit the compressed blocks to a secondary site. |
| US09575686B2 |
Memory controller system with non-volatile backup storage
The present invention is directed to computer storage systems and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an isolated storage control system that includes both a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory comprises a data area and a metadata area. In power failure or similar situations, content of the volatile memory is copied to the data area of the non-volatile memory, and various system parameters are stored at the metadata area. When the system restores its operation, the information at the metadata area is processed, and the content stored at the data area of the non-volatile memory is copied to the volatile memory. There are other embodiments as well. |
| US09575679B2 |
Storage system in which connected data is divided
For the purpose of suppressing decrease of a deduplication rate in a storage system, a storage system according to the present invention includes: a data buffer; a dividing unit configured to generate divided data by dividing data inputted into the data buffer; and a storage processing unit configured to store the divided data into a storage device while eliminating duplicate storage. The dividing unit is configured to generate the divided data by dividing the data inputted into the data buffer by a preset division standard based on the content of the data and also divide, by the division standard, connected data that residual data being left without being divided by the division standard and continuing data continuing to the residual data and being inputted in the data buffer are connected. |
| US09575675B2 |
Managing metadata and data for a logical volume in a distributed and declustered system
Methods, apparatus and computer program products for a distributed system include dividing logical volume data into data subsets, and defining at least one distributedly storage configuration for the logical volume. Metadata for the logical volume is written to a first set of first metadata tables, and the first set of first metadata tables is divided into metadata subsets having a one-to-one correspondence with the data subsets. The metadata subsets are distributed among the multiple digital information devices, and the metadata is copied from the first set of first metadata tables to a second set of corresponding second metadata tables in a one-to-one correspondence with the first metadata tables. |
| US09575670B1 |
Systems and methods for dynamic load balancing on disks
The disclosed computer-implemented method for dynamic load balancing on disks may include (1) calculating the spare throughput for each disk, (2) identifying a lightly loaded disk and a heavily loaded disk, (3) identifying a set of workloads to be transferred from the heavily loaded disk to the lightly loaded disk by: (a) beginning with the set empty, (b) identifying candidate workloads on the heavily loaded disk, (c) adding a new workload from the candidate workloads to the set when the new workload would not reduce the spare throughput on the lightly loaded disk below a threshold if both the set and the workload were transferred to the lightly loaded disk, and (d) considering each workload for transfer in order from most throughput consumed to least throughput consumed, and (4) transferring the set of workloads. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09575669B2 |
Programmable solid state drive controller and method for scheduling commands utilizing a data structure
A memory controller and method for scheduling commands in a memory controller are disclosed. A programmable solid state drive (SSD) controller and a non-volatile memory apparatus are provided. Data structures, termed “Superbufs” are utilized for organizing internal activities in the SSD controller. Each data structure can comprise a host command area, a command area, and a notes or scratch pad area. A memory controller can be configured to, upon receiving a host command, copy the original received host command into the host command area of a first data structure, generate a first command group, copy the first command group into the command area, and execute commands of the first command group. A data structure can be initialized to an idle state, and can transition to other states such as a new command received state, a read for execution state, a command group complete state and an error state. |
| US09575666B2 |
Efficient register preservation on processors
In an approach for locating, preserving, and receiving registers, a register located within a central processing unit is modified a preservation bit, wherein the preservation bit designates when the register is to be preserved. The preservation bit of the register is activated. A preservation bit requests a subroutine to access content held on the register. A register is pushed to a memory source. The bitmask is pushed to a memory source, wherein the bitmask contains information regarding the content pushed to the memory source. The bitmask is popped, at the request of the subroutine, to determine that that content is to be popped. The content is popped from the memory source to the register. The content is returned from the subroutine. |
| US09575664B2 |
Workload-aware I/O scheduler in software-defined hybrid storage system
A workload-aware I/O scheduler in a Software-Defined Hybrid Storage (SDHS) system is disclosed. The scheduler includes a queue managing module, a workload property database, a traffic monitoring module, and a traffic modeling module. The queue managing module further has a request receiving sub-module, a request controlling sub-module, and a request dispatching sub-module. With the operations of the queue managing module, requests for accesses of HDDs and SSDs can be separately queued. Thus, performance of the SDHS can be improved. Meanwhile, the scheduler can be used for requests from a number of workloads at the same time while meet performance requirement of each workload. |
| US09575659B2 |
Management of extent migration on tiered storage
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a system for managing the migration of extents on tiered systems. The system can include receiving a space reservation request for one or more requested extents on a first storage tier of a storage system. The system can also include releasing a first storage tier reserve space that includes one or more first tier reserved extents in response to the first storage tier reserve space being insufficient for the reservation request. The system can also include migrating the one or more requested extents to the first storage tier reserve space. |
| US09575654B2 |
Touch device and control method thereof
A touch device and a control method thereof are provided. In the control method, a sensing signal generated by a sensor is received. When an operating object is present, a touch screen is configured for touchable regions and untouchable regions, wherein the untouchable regions cannot generate a response through a touch by the operating object. A gesture is received on the untouchable regions of the touch screen, a processor determines whether the gesture is conformed to a default gesture setting, and the processor decides whether or not to adjust part or all of the untouchable regions to the touchable regions according to the determining result. Accordingly, the touch device and the control method thereof of the embodiments of the invention can prevent or lower the occurrence of an accidental touch by a user and enhance the operating convenience of the user. |
| US09575653B2 |
Enhanced display of interactive elements in a browser
A method, system and electronic device are provided for processing touch inputs on a touchscreen display. A starting touch input is detected on a document displayed at an initial scale on the touchscreen. If the starting touch input is within a disambiguation region for a number of interactive elements in the document, while contact is maintained on the display a further view of the document at an enlarged scale is displayed showing the area of the touch input. When an ending touch input is detected, one interactive element may be selected according to the location of the ending touch input, and an interaction function, such as requesting a resource hyperlinked by the selected interactive element, is automatically initiated. |
| US09575643B2 |
Auto-grouping of application windows
Described herein are techniques for automatically forming groups of application windows. The techniques may be performed with a computing device executing a windowing system, the windowing system having a user interface element that can be interacted with by a user to manage applications executing on the computing device. Each application may correspond to a separate process and application window. It may be determined that an operation has occurred that will evict the application windows of target applications from the display, and in response an application group may be automatically formed. The application group may have indicia of the evicted target applications. The application group may be provided to the user interface element, and when the user interface element is interacted with by the user the user interface element displays user-selectable graphic application indicators for both the application group and applications other than the target applications. |
| US09575642B1 |
System and method for managing digital media playback
A media playback system provides accurate navigation of playback of a digital media. The system includes a media player operating on a media playback device. The media is played back by the media player. The system provides a set of navigator controls with increasing granularities. The set of controls includes a set of navigation regulators. The navigation regulators support finer navigation of the playback of the digital media. Each control in the set is adapted to move the current playback position of the media to a position corresponding to an interactive visual time mark when the interactive visual time mark is operated on. |
| US09575639B2 |
Compound controls
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for specifying a compound control. One of the methods includes identifying a first application. The method includes displaying a canvas. The method includes displaying, in the canvas, a first display object associated with the first application. The method includes identifying a second application, the second application being a computer executable program. The method includes displaying, in the user interface, a second display object associated with a second application. The method includes, in response to a user action that associates the second display object with the first display object, configuring the first application to invoke the second application. The method includes creating a third display object that includes the first set of selector objects and the second set of selector objects. |
| US09575635B2 |
Return to sender
In some implementations, a return to sender option can be invoked from within a file editing application when a user has edited a file received as a message attachment. The user can select a file attached to a message from within a messaging application. A file editor can be invoked to open and edit the file. The user can select a return to sender option from within the file editor. In response to the selection of the return to sender option, the edited file can be automatically saved, a reply message can be automatically generated and the edited file can be automatically attached to the reply message. |
| US09575629B1 |
Switching between electronic desktops on multiple displays
A computer implemented method includes providing an operating system for controlling electronic desktops displayed on multiple monitors. The methods include providing a plurality of electronic desktops for a first monitor and a different plurality of electronic desktops for a second monitor and allowing independent switching of desktops on the first and second monitors. The methods also include moving electronic desktops between monitors. |
| US09575626B2 |
Image display apparatus and control method therefor
An image display control apparatus enables determination as to whether or not an image file includes position information, and further, facilitates checking of positioning method of the position information. Accordingly, in the apparatus, positioning information in the image file is analyzed, and it is determined whether or not a positioning method indicating a positioning method for the position information is described. Further, when it is determined that the positioning method is described, the type of the positioning method is determined. Then an icon for discrimination of the presence/absence of positioning method and type of the positioning method is superimposed on a thumbnail of an image indicated with a corresponding image file. |
| US09575624B2 |
Screen reader with focus-based speech verbosity
The amount of speech output to a blind or low-vision user using a screen reader application is automatically adjusted based on how the user navigates to a control in a graphic user interface. Navigation by mouse presumes the user has greater knowledge of the identity of the control than navigation by tab keystroke which is more indicative of a user searching for a control. In addition, accelerator keystrokes indicate a higher level of specificity to set focus on a control and thus less verbosity is required to sufficiently inform the screen reader user. |
| US09575620B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for graphically enhancing the user interface of a device
Provided herein is a method, apparatus and computer program product for presenting information relating to two or more applications on a partitioned display of a device. In particular, the method of example embodiments may include partitioning, by a processor, a display into a first region and a second region, where the first region is associated with a first application and the second region is associated with a second application. The method may further include providing for display of the first application across the first region and the second region, providing for display of a notification related to the first application in the first region, and providing for display of a notification related to the second application in the second region. |
| US09575614B1 |
Integrated content display system and method
The invention comprises a web-based digital menu board content creation and management system that permits rapid and simple production of customized electronic digital displays from a plurality of configurable, dynamic templates. Playback of the content is readily facilitated through a content player that enables dynamic content updating and tracking of content display periods for purposes of advertising data collection. |
| US09575605B2 |
Input device for touch-sensitive, capacitive displays
The invention relates to an input device 1 for capacitive touch-sensitive displays, wherein the device is a simple pen 11, wherein the simple pen can be sharpened, wherein the device is present as a core, or wherein the device is present as a core with a coating, or wherein the device is present as a core with a casing, or wherein the device comprises a core, a casing and a coating, wherein the core, the casing and/or the coating are configured to be electrically conductive, wherein an element, a contacting element 12 for a tablet/display is formed at one end of the device, and wherein the contacting element is formed as an electrically conductive material. |
| US09575604B2 |
Operation input device, operation input method, and program
A touch pad outputs a detection signal indicating a coordinate corresponding to a contact state where a finger is in contact with the coordinate detecting unit, and a detection signal indicating a coordinate corresponding to a proximity state where the finger is in proximity to, without contact with, the coordinate detecting unit. An operation input device detects, based on the detection signals, a contact region in which the finger is in contact with the coordinate detecting unit, and a proximity region in which the finger is in proximity to, without contact with, the coordinate detecting unit. Then, the operation input device determines a pointed coordinate based on the contact region detected and the proximity region detected. |
| US09575593B2 |
Display device with touch sensor, potential control method and program
A display device with a touch sensor includes: plural display pixel electrodes; a common electrode arranged opposite to the display pixel electrodes; a display function layer having an image display function; a display control circuit performing image display control so as to fulfill the display function of the display function layer by applying a voltage for display between the display pixel electrodes and the common electrode based on an image signal; and a touch detection electrode provided opposite to the common electrode and forming capacitance between the touch detection electrode and the common electrode, wherein a drive voltage for display applied to the common electrode by the display control circuit is used as a drive signal for the touch sensor, and a gate potential of TFT circuits included in the display pixel electrodes is increased during a period when the drive signal for the touch sensor is applied. |
| US09575591B2 |
Reduced-size interfaces for managing alerts
An electronic device with a display can receive an alert comprising information, and in response to receiving the alert, issue a perceptual output. The device can detect a user input and determine whether the user input was detected within a predetermined time interval after the perceptual output. In accordance with a determination that the user input was detected within the predetermined time interval, the device can display a notification on the display, wherein the notification comprises a first portion of the information. If the device continues to detect the user input after a second predetermined time period, the device can display a second portion of the information, where the second portion is different from the first portion. |
| US09575589B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal including a display unit, a sensing unit configured to acquire one or more pieces of first external state information, a wireless communication unit configured to acquire one or more pieces of second external state information, and a controller configured to change the input mode of the mobile terminal to at least one of a touch input mode with respect to a touch input corresponding to a touch operation performed on the display unit and a non-touch input mode with respect to a non-touch input that does no involves a touch operation performed on the display unit according to at least one of the first external state information and the second external state information, and to change a display screen of the display unit based on the input according to the changed input mode. |
| US09575587B2 |
Smart illuminated electrical switch with touch control
Internet connected electrical switches can benefit from an electronic rather than mechanical means to indicate their output power level. In one embodiment a touch-controlled dimmer switch is disclosed, including an interactive, uniformly illuminated bar of light, indicating the output power state of a dimmer switch. In response to a user moving their finger on a touch-sensitive front cover the dimmer switch illuminates corresponding regions with well-defined edges on a touch sensitive cover. The illuminated regions can be elongated, wider than a typical finger and encompass the most recently touched location, thereby providing improved feedback between the finger position on a touch sensitive surface and the operating point of an electrical switch. In several embodiments a segmented backlight is used to implement the interactive illuminated bar of light by uniformly illuminating the bounds of a touch region on the front surface of the switch corresponding to a particular output power state of the dimmer switch. Means are provided to produce closely spaced elongated illuminated regions with substantially uniform intensity and well-defined perimeters, well suited for internet connected smart light switches. In another aspect a translucent layer behind the touch sensitive surface can contain decorative and interchangeable artwork, illuminated by the segmented backlight. |
| US09575586B2 |
Touch input device
A touch input device capable of detecting a pressure of a touch on a touch surface includes: a display module and a pressure electrode. The display module includes a display panel and a reference potential layer. An electrical signal, which is changed according to a capacitance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer, is detected from the pressure electrode and the capacitance changes depend on a change of a relative distance between the pressure electrode and the reference potential layer, such that the pressure of the touch is detected based on the capacitance. |
| US09575583B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel with embedded touch panel and method for manufacturing the same
A touch display device includes a display panel, a conductive layer disposed on the display panel, a touch electrode disposed adjacent to the conductive layer and on the display panel, a routing line coupled to the touch electrode, and a polarizer disposed on the touch electrode and the conductive layer, where the conductive layer and the touch electrode are formed of the same material. |
| US09575582B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing touch input in mobile terminal
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for processing a touch input in the mobile terminal. The method includes transmitting information displayed in the mobile terminal to an external display device when connected to the external display device through a wired or wireless interface, receiving a first input, identifying a holding time of the first input when receiving a second input following the first input, and processing the second input according to the holding time of the identified first input. Accordingly, the touch input is analyzed and a subsequent drag input is performed as a pointer movement or a scroll operation in accordance with a holding time of the touch input, so that a user can conveniently select a desired item. |
| US09575581B2 |
Display device having a touch screen and method of driving the same
A display device including a touch screen and method of driving the same are provided. In a method of driving display device including a touch screen, the display device including a panel including a plurality of gate lines, and a plurality of electrodes respectively corresponding to the plurality of gate lines, the method includes: applying, by a display driving unit, a gate signal to a subset of the plurality of gate lines, applying, by a touch sensing unit: a common voltage to a first subset of the plurality of electrodes corresponding to the subset of the plurality of gate lines, and the touch scan signal to a second subset of the plurality of electrodes, other than the first subset of the plurality of electrodes. |
| US09575577B2 |
Stylus keyboard
A combination of a stylus and a keyboard. A collapsible keyboard portion is coupled to a stylus tip. When in a collapsed state, the apparatus may be used as a stylus, or stored in a receptacle or a user's pocket. When a keyboard is needed, the stylus keyboard may be unrolled or unfolded, and used to control an electronic device via a wireless connection between a transceiver on the stylus keyboard and the electronic device. |
| US09575574B2 |
Coordinate detection system, coordinate detection method, and information processing device
A coordinate detection system includes a coordinate input device including a panel surface, an indication tool including a tip part with a conical shape or truncated-conical shape, a first image taking device to take a first image of the indication tool, a second image taking device to take a second image of the indication tool, and an information processing device to detect a first set of two oblique lines of the conical shape or truncated-conical shape based on the first image, detect a second set of two oblique lines of the conical shape or truncated-conical shape based on the second image, and calculate coordinates of a vertex of the tip part on the panel surface based on a first point of intersection between two oblique lines included in the first set and a second point of intersection between two oblique lines included in the second set. |
| US09575568B2 |
Multi-function keys providing additional functions and previews of functions
Methods and devices are disclosed for providing additional functionality using multi-function keys. The device includes key assemblies for receiving a contact input or a press input. A processing system is coupled to the key assemblies and configured to determine a number of objects contacting a key assembly. The processing system provides a first response when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and provides a second response when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects. The method includes determining a number of objects contacting a key assembly and whether the key assembly has received a contact input or a press input. A first response is provided when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and a second function is provided when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects. |
| US09575563B1 |
Tap to initiate a next action for user requests
Embodiments may relate to intuitive user-interface features for a head-mountable device (HMD), in the context of a hybrid human and computer-automated response system. An illustrative method may involve a head-mountable device (HMD) that comprises a touchpad: (a) sending a speech-segment message to a hybrid response system, wherein the speech-segment message is indicative of a speech segment that is detected in audio data captured at the HMD, and wherein the speech-segment is associated with a first user-account with the hybrid response system, (b) receiving a response message that includes a response to the speech-segment message and an indication of a next action corresponding to the response to the speech-segment message, (c) displaying a card interface that includes an indication of the response, and (d) while displaying the response, detecting a singular touch gesture and responsively initiating the at least one next action. |
| US09575557B2 |
Grip force sensor array for one-handed and multimodal interaction on handheld devices and methods
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a handheld device equipped with arrays of force sensors located along both sides of the device that can provide a novel user interface for operating the device. The sensors can be configured to recognize various grip patterns, gestures, and biometric information of a user operating the device. Using the arrays of force sensors in addition to a touchscreen, a new paradigm for operating a handheld device is provided. |
| US09575556B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, information processing system, and providing medium
The invention enables users to virtually attach information to situations in the real world, and also enables users to quickly and easily find out desired information. An IR sensor receives an IR signal transmitted from an IR beacon, and supplies the received signal to a sub-notebook PC. A CCD video camera takes in a visual ID from an object, and supplies the inputted visual ID to the sub-notebook PC. A user inputs, through a microphone, a voice to be attached to situations in the real world. The sub-notebook PC transmits position data, object data and voice data, which have been supplied to it, to a server through a communication unit. The transmitted data is received by the server via a wireless LAN. The server stores the received voice data in a database in correspondence to the position data and the object data. |
| US09575555B2 |
Peek mode and graphical user interface (GUI) experience
A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship. |
| US09575552B2 |
Device, method and system for operation of a low power PHY with a PCIe protocol stack
Translation circuitry for facilitating communication between a protocol stack for a PCIe™ communication protocol and a PHY layer for a low power communication standard. In an embodiment, the translation circuitry includes logic is to variously convert signaling between two or more PHY interface standards. The one or more a PHY interface standards may include a PHY Interface for PCI Express (PIPE) specification and a standard for a comparatively low power communication protocol. In another embodiment, the low power communication standard is a Reference M-PHY Module Interface (RMMI) specification. |
| US09575549B2 |
Motherboard and computer control system including the same
The disclosure provides a motherboard including a north bridge chipset, a basic input output system (BIOS), a first video graphics array (VGA) connector, and a controlling module. The north bridge chipset outputs a sleep signal to the controlling module, the controlling module obtains a switch signal from the first VGA connector, the controlling module outputs a first mode signal to the north bridge chipset according to the sleep signal and the switch signal, the north bridge chipset controls the computer host to be asleep according to the sleep mode. The disclosure also provides a computer control system including the motherboard. The motherboard and the computer control system control the computer to be asleep via a display. |
| US09575547B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and computer program product
An information processing apparatus includes: a power mode information storage unit that stores power mode information indicating whether a power mode of an electronic apparatus is a first power mode in which at least a first communication unit is operable or a second power mode in which the first communication unit is not operable and a second communication unit is operable; an update unit that updates the power mode information; a determination unit that refers to the power mode information and determines the power mode; a first acquisition unit that, if the power mode is the first power mode, obtains state information from the electronic apparatus via the first communication unit; a state information storage unit that stores the state information; and a second acquisition unit that, if the power mode is the second power mode, obtains the state information from the state information storage unit. |
| US09575543B2 |
Providing an inter-arrival access timer in a processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes multiple cores each to independently execute instructions and a power control unit (PCU) coupled to the cores to control power consumption of the processor. In turn, the PCU includes a control logic to cause the processor to re-enter a first package low power state responsive to expiration of an inter-arrival timer, where this expiration indicates that a time duration subsequent to a transaction received in the processor has occurred. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09575541B2 |
Propagation of updates to per-core-instantiated architecturally-visible storage resource
A microprocessor a plurality of processing cores, wherein each of the plurality of processing cores instantiates a respective architecturally-visible storage resource. A first core of the plurality of processing cores is configured to encounter an architectural instruction that instructs the first core to update the respective architecturally-visible storage resource of the first core with a value specified by the architectural instruction. The first core is further configured to, in response to encountering the architectural instruction, provide the value to each of the other of the plurality of processing cores and update the respective architecturally-visible storage resource of the first core with the value. Each core of the plurality of processing cores other than the first core is configured to update the respective architecturally-visible storage resource of the core with the value provided by the first core without encountering the architectural instruction. |
| US09575537B2 |
Adaptive algorithm for thermal throttling of multi-core processors with non-homogeneous performance states
In an embodiment, a processor comprises: a plurality of cores each to execute instructions; a plurality of thermal sensors, at least one of which is associated with each of the cores; and a power control unit (PCU) coupled to the cores. The PCU includes a thermal control logic to preemptively throttle a first core by a first throttle amount when a temperature of a second core exceeds at least one thermal threshold. Note that this first core may be preemptively throttled independently of a throttling of the second core and may have a temperature of the first core does not exceed any thermal threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09575528B2 |
Power supply voltage control system
A system comprises a semiconductor integrated circuit including a data processing unit that operates in any of a plurality of states, and a selection unit that selects a state from the plurality of states in accordance with a voltage supplied from a power supply unit and makes the data processing unit operate in the selected state, and a power supply unit including a control unit that starts supplying a voltage to the semiconductor integrated circuit based on an initial voltage value setting at startup and makes a voltage to be supplied transit to a predetermined voltage based on information of voltage value in response to a supply voltage having reached the initial voltage value, wherein the selection unit switches the data processing unit to a predetermined state when a supplied voltage has reached the predetermined voltage value from the initial voltage value. |
| US09575527B2 |
Power delivery circuitry
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for a memory device comprising a memory system and power delivery circuitry comprising an energy storage, wherein the power delivery circuitry is configured to simultaneously deliver a first power from the energy storage and a second power from an external power supply coupled to the memory device. |
| US09575518B2 |
Computer housing
A housing of a computer includes a cover, a body, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is mounted on the cover. The locking mechanism includes a handle and a sliding plate. The handle is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position relative to the cover. The handle is configured to push the sliding plate. When the handle is in the first position, the sliding plate is engaged with the cover and the body to fix the cover to the body. When the handle is in the second position, the sliding plate is away from the body and the cover is unlocked from the body. |
| US09575516B2 |
Tablet computer case and associated methods
Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel, and a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels. |
| US09575508B2 |
Impact and contactless gesture inputs for docking stations
A docking station configured to mate to an electronic device enables methods of interacting with the electronic device by impacting (e.g., knocking) on a table on which the device and/or the docking station are disposed and by means of contactless gestures. The electronic device may remain in a powered off state while the docking station continuously monitors for user input. The docking station may have a processor that is capable of detecting a user's impact and contactless gesture inputs. |
| US09575505B2 |
Multi-position under-cabinet mounted control system for a portable touch screen device
Presented is an under-cabinet mounted control system for a portable touch screen device. The control system includes a processor configured for providing an interface between the portable touch screen device and one or more remote systems, and a mounting bracket configured to be mounted under a cabinet, shelf, table, or counter. The control system further includes a touch screen mounting member moveably coupled to the mounting bracket. The touch screen mounting member is configured to releasably hold the portable touch screen device. The control system further includes a docking connector configured for electrically mating with the portable touch screen device and establishing electrical communication between the processor and the portable touch screen device, and a communication means configured for establishing communication between the processor the one or more remote systems. |
| US09575503B2 |
Adjustable and reconfigurable head array system for a power wheelchair
Certain embodiments provide a head array system for a power wheelchair, including a head array body and one or more lateral arms. The head array body includes shafts. Each of the shafts includes lateral arm receiving sections. The one or more lateral arms are detachably coupled to one of the lateral arm receiving sections of one of the shafts. |
| US09575501B2 |
Method of controlling frequency, frequency control system, frequency control apparatus, and program
A method of controlling frequency of a power system by a frequency control system includes: obtaining a frequency control command to keep frequency fluctuation of the power system within a predetermined range; obtaining information on electric power to be received or supplied by m second apparatuses, and determining n first command values for controlling electric power to be received or supplied by n first apparatuses, based on the frequency control command obtained in the obtaining of a frequency control command and the obtained information on electric power to be received or supplied by the m second apparatuses; and transmitting each of the n first command values determined in the determining to a corresponding one of the first apparatuses. |
| US09575500B2 |
Sink/source output stage with operating point current control circuit for fast transient loading
A voltage regulator is described. It includes an amplification stage to control a voltage level of a first gain node and of a second gain node in response to an input voltage, to activate a first and a second output stage, respectively. It further includes the first output stage to source a current at an output node of the voltage regulator from a first potential. The voltage regulator includes the second output stage to sink a current at the output node to a second potential. The voltage regulator includes a first operating point control circuit to set the voltage level of the first gain node such that a first maintenance current is sourced by the first output stage; and/or a second operating point control circuit to set the voltage level of the second gain node such that a second maintenance current is sunk by the second output stage. |
| US09575499B2 |
Low-dropout voltage regulator
The invention is directed to a low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO), including a power transistor, a driving stage circuit, a feedback circuit, a bias power source and an auxiliary reference current generation circuit. The power transistor is controlled by a driving signal to convert an input voltage into an output voltage. The feedback circuit generates a feedback voltage according to the output voltage. The driving stage circuit generates the driving signal according to the feedback voltage and the reference voltage. The bias power source provides a bias current. The auxiliary reference current generation circuit is configured to sample an output current, adjust the sampled output current to generate an adjustment current by means of mapping and superpose the adjustment current onto the bias current to generate a reference current to control drive capability of the driving stage circuit. |
| US09575497B2 |
Current control circuit for linear LED driver
Employed within an LED driver operating from the AC power line, the invention controls both input current and output power. With this regulation circuit, input current appears purely resistive, precisely tracking the input voltage waveshape. At the same time, it provides good line regulation and inherent phase dimmer compatibility, requiring no special circuitry to detect and handle a dimmer. |
| US09575495B2 |
Water heating apparatus for continuous heated water flow and method for use in hydraulic fracturing
A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. The method contemplates heating the water up to a temperature of about 200° F. (93.3° C.). A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed. From the mixing tanks, the water with proppant and optional chemicals is injected into the well for part of the hydraulic fracturing operation. The mixer preferably employs lateral fittings that enable heated water to enter the mixer bore at an acute angle. The mixer can also provide a lateral fitting that exits the mixer bore upstream of the first lateral fitting, the second lateral fitting transmitting water via a conduit such as a hose to the heater. |
| US09575493B2 |
Takeoff/landing touchdown protection management system
An air/ground contact logic management system for use with fly-by-wire control systems in an aircraft. The system includes a first sensor configured to provide an output signal to determine when the aircraft is in a transition region. A logic management system is in communication with the first sensor and is configured to receive and process the output signal and classify a mode of the aircraft. A controller receives signal data from the logic management system and communicates with a control axis actuator to regulate a level of control authority provided to a pilot. The control authority is individually regulated within each integrator as a result of the individual landing gear states. |
| US09575492B1 |
Method and device for accommodating items
A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device. |
| US09575490B2 |
Mapping active and inactive construction zones for autonomous driving
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to differentiating between active and inactive construction zones. In one example, this may include identifying a construction object associated with a construction zone. The identified construction object may be used to map the area of the construction zone. Detailed map information may then be used to classify the activity of the construction zone. The area of the construction zone and the classification may be added to the detailed map information. Subsequent to adding the construction zone and the classification to the detailed map information, the construction object (or another construction object) may be identified. The location of the construction object may be used to identify the construction zone and classification from the detailed map information. The classification of the classification may be used to operate a vehicle having an autonomous mode. |
| US09575489B2 |
Method of error detection of an aircraft flight management and guidance system and high-integrity flight management and guidance system
A method of error detection of a flight management system coupled with a guidance of an aircraft according to a flight plan, comprises the steps of: generating a first reference guidance order, monitoring the integrity of the first reference position, when the first reference position is not monitored as being dependable: invalidating the first FMS assembly and the associated guidance system, when the first reference position and the first reference trajectory are monitored as being dependable: generating a first monitoring guidance order, generating a first reference flight control, generating a first monitoring flight control, in monitoring the integrity of the first reference guidance order when the first reference guidance order is not monitored as being dependable: invalidating the first FMS assembly and the associated guidance. |
| US09575486B2 |
Oscillator-based path planning for machining of a pocket shape in workpiece
A method determines a path of a tool machining a pocket shape in a workpiece. The pocket shape is defined by a closed curve in an x-y plane. The method determines positions and velocities of a motion of an oscillator having an energy defined by a function that is positive within a boundary of the pocket shape and equals zero on the boundary of the pocket shape. The method determines coordinates of the path of the tool based on corresponding pairs of position and velocity values of the motion, wherein a position value of each pair represents an x coordinate of the path of the tool in the x-y plane, and a velocity value of each pair represents a y coordinate of the path of the tool in the x-y plane. |
| US09575483B2 |
Profile gauge, measuring device equipped with the profile gauge, and measurement method
A profile gauge that embodies a measurement geometry for a tool that has a toothed profile designed in particular for the skiving of toothed work pieces, wherein the profile gauge serves to determine at least one measurement quantity which can be used for a machining process, specifically a skiving process, that is to be performed with the tool and wherein, in a phase of said process, the toothed profile of the work piece that is to be generated is formed by a meshing engagement with the teeth of the tool, wherein the profile gauge is distinguished by having a toothed profile section with which, for determining the measurement quantity, the teeth of the tool are brought into a meshing engagement that corresponds to the tooth engagement between the tool and the work piece during the profile-forming phase. The invention further concerns a measuring device and a measurement method. |
| US09575481B2 |
Fascia panel assembly having capacitance sensor operative for detecting objects
A fascia panel assembly includes an electrically non-conductive fascia panel, an electrically non-conductive isolator, and a capacitance sensor. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the sensor while the sensor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object. The isolator is sandwiched between the fascia panel and the isolator. |
| US09575477B2 |
Sensor installation in a building management system
A sensor is installed in a building management system by determining a sensor type of the sensor from among a plurality of supported sensor types based on information collected by a mobile device of a user; identifying configuration information required by the building management system for the determined sensor type; obtaining the required configuration information from the user using an interface on the mobile device, wherein at least a portion of the interface is generated to accommodate one or more requirements of the building management system with respect to the determined sensor type; and providing the obtained required configuration information to the building management system. The sensor type and unique identifier of the sensor can be automatically determined. Portions of the required configuration information for the determined sensor type can be automatically populated using default information for the determined sensor type. |
| US09575476B2 |
System and method to protect against local control failure using cloud-hosted control system back-up processing
Systems and methods that use cloud-hosted control system back-up processing to replace the functionality of a failed control panel are provided. Systems can include a remote monitoring station, a remote control panel device, and a local control system installed in a region, the local control system including a local control panel and at least one device. When operating in a normal mode, the at least one device can communicate with the local control panel, the local control panel can communicate with the remote monitoring station, and the remote control panel device can be inactive. When operating in a back-up mode, the remote control panel device can be active, the at least one device can communicate with the remote control panel device, the remote control panel device can communicate with the remote monitoring station, and the local control panel can be inactive. |
| US09575471B2 |
Field device for process instrumentation
A field device for process instrumentation comprises a measuring and comparison device and a readable storage element. The measuring and comparison device is configured for monitoring an operating characteristic variable for compliance with a predefined range. The readable storage element maintains a state. The storage element state is permanently changed if a value held by the operating characteristic variable goes out of said predefined range. The predefined range is determined in such a manner that, as a result of a changed state of the storage element, a loss of suitability of the field device for special operation with an operating characteristic variable with restricted specifications, but not a loss of suitability for normal operation with an operating characteristic variable with less restricted specifications, is indicated. |
| US09575465B2 |
Pallet lever for the escapement mechanism of a watch movement
Pallet lever (2) for the escapement mechanism of a watch movement including a fork portion (4), a pallet-stone holder portion (7), pallet-stones (6) mounted on the pallet-stone holder portion, and a lever (8) interconnecting the pallet-stone holder portion to the fork portion. The fork portion includes a fork (12), guard pin (14) and a stud (16), the lever and the pallet-stone holder portion are integral and form a one-piece main body (3) of the pallet lever, and the fork is an added part secured to the main body by means of the stud driven into a securing hole (18) in the main body and a securing hole (20) in the fork. The stud is manufactured from a hard material, particularly a sapphire. |
| US09575459B2 |
Toner recycling device for image forming apparatus
Provided is a toner recycling device for an image forming apparatus, including a waste toner conveying screw which conveys waste toner collected out of a surface of a photosensitive drum to one side; a toner recycling means which is connected with the waste toner conveying screw to be rotated by rotation of waste toner conveying screw, filters a foreign substance out of the waste toner conveyed by the waste toner conveying screw, supplies the recycled toner from which the foreign substance is removed toward a developing unit, and discharges the foreign substance filtered out of the waste toner to an outside of a drum unit; and a collecting case which is integrally formed with the drum unit at one side of the drum unit to collect the foreign substance filtered by the toner recycling means, wherein the foreign substance like paper dust contained in the waste toner is filtered, and then the recycled toner is supplied again toward the developing unit, thus it is possible to prevent the quality of a printed image from being degraded. |
| US09575456B2 |
Image forming apparatus having fixing portion including independently controllable first and second heat generating elements
An image forming apparatus includes: a power source portion; a fixing portion; and a controller. The controller sets a waveform of a current to be passed through each of first and second heat-generating-elements of the fixing portion in one control period so that, in a synchronous half wave in one control period, the current passes through one heat-generating-element from a halfway point of the half wave and the current passes through or does not pass through the other heat-generating-element throughout a half wave period. The controller sets a current supply starting timing of the current passing through the one heat-generating-element, at timing when a current passing toward the power source portion stops. |
| US09575454B2 |
Information processing apparatus generating gloss control data
An information processing apparatus includes an input unit that receives specifications of a color, a type of a surface effect that is a visual or a tactile effect, and a region to which the surface effect is applied, with respect to input image data; a generating unit that generates color data and gloss control data based on the specifications, the gloss control data being data which is used for generating clear toner data and in which a gloss control value is specified for identifying the type of the surface effect applied to the recording medium and for identifying a region to which the surface effect is applied in the recording medium; and a sending unit that sends the color data and the gloss control data to a print control apparatus. |
| US09575451B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and control method therefor
A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet storage unit configured to enable itself to be opened and closed and a display unit configured to display a screen for setting an attribute of a sheet stored in the sheet storage unit. Whether or not to display the screen for setting the sheet attribute is determined based on a remaining number of sheets obtained before the sheet storage unit is opened and a remaining number of sheets obtained after the sheet storage unit is closed. The setting screen is displayed on the display unit based on a result of determination. |
| US09575449B2 |
Fixing member and manufacturing method therefor, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
The present invention relates to a fixing member having high abrasion resistance and being excellent in toner releasability, and a method of manufacturing the fixing member. The fixing member according to the present invention includes: a base member; an elastic layer formed on a surface of the base member; and a surface layer, in which the surface layer contains a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer having a specific partial structure and has a surface that forms a contact angle of 65° or more with respect to a wetting tension test mixture having a wetting tension of 31.0 mN/m. |
| US09575448B2 |
Fixing device having a rotation transfer member and image forming apparatus including the same
In a fixing device including a pressure roller brought into press-contact with a fixing belt, a cylindrical part arranged to cover an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the fixing belt in a rotation shaft direction, a rotation transfer member formed in an approximately annular shape by allowing two facing end edges of a rectangular sheet material to be brought close to each other, and held between an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part and an outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt, a bonding material for bonding the rotation transfer member to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part, and a rotation detection unit that detects rotation of the cylindrical part, the cylindrical part is formed at the inner peripheral surface thereof with a storage recessed portion that stores an end edge of the rotation transfer member, positioned at a downstream side. |
| US09575447B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a nip formation pad to form a fixing nip between a first fixing rotator and a second fixing rotator, through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. The nip formation pad includes a first planar face, a second planar face disposed downstream from the first planar face in a recording medium conveyance direction and being parallel to the first planar face, and a joint face bridging the first planar face and the second planar face. The joint face includes a first curved portion adjoining the first planar face and having a first curvature in a first direction in which a circumferential face of the second fixing rotator is curved and a second curved portion adjoining the second planar face and having a second curvature in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US09575436B2 |
Method of digitally printing an image on a substrate and system therefor
A digital printing system includes a development member in rotational contact with a further member for imagewise transferring liquid toner from the development member optionally via the further member to a substrate. The system is such that toner residue remains on the development member after the transfer. A treatment device is present for patternwise treatment of the toner residue on the development member, especially by addition of a dispersing agent to facilitate removal of the toner residue. A controller is present for controlling the patternwise treatment. A system is used for robust and continuous printing and is suitable for recycling of the toner residue into liquid toner. |
| US09575434B2 |
Remanufacturing method of developer accommodating unit
Provided is a remanufacturing method of a developer accommodating unit including a flexible container provided with an opening and configured to accommodate developer, and a frame member configured to accommodate the flexible container. The remanufacturing method includes refilling the developer into the frame member. |
| US09575431B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same
Provided is an optical scanning apparatus which can achieve high resolution while reducing detection errors in the synchronous detection of a plurality of light fluxes by temperature fluctuations. An optical scanning apparatus according to this invention includes a light source having a plurality of light-emitting points, a deflection unit configured to deflect a plurality of light fluxes emitted by the plurality of light-emitting points, a scanning optical system configured to guide the plurality of light fluxes deflected by the deflection unit onto a scanned surface, and a synchronous detection unit configured to detect light fluxes from at least two light-emitting points of the plurality of light-emitting points. The synchronous detection unit includes a plurality of imaging elements. The first imaging element, of the plurality of imaging elements, which exhibits the smallest change in refractive index with respect to temperatures has the largest refractive power in a main scanning section. |
| US09575429B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of performing color correction, method for controlling the apparatus, and storage medium
An apparatus forms a patch for gray with toners of CMY for each density region of an image for image formation, acquires a chromaticity value of the patch for gray, determines whether a chroma value obtained from the chromaticity value of the patch for gray for each density region is equal to or greater than a threshold value, generates, for a first density region corresponding to a patch with respect to which a chroma value determined to be neither equal to nor greater than the threshold value is obtained, using the obtained chroma value, a correction value for decreasing the chroma value, and generates, for a second density region corresponding to a patch with respect to which a chroma value determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value is obtained, a correction value by performing interpolation calculation using the correction value generated for the first density region. |
| US09575428B2 |
Electrostatic-image developing toner, electrostatic image developer, and toner cartridge
An electrostatic-image developing toner contains toner particles. The toner particles contain a binder resin, a release agent, and a styrene-(meth)acrylic resin. The binder resin contains a polyester resin. About 70% or more of all release agent is present within about 800 nm from surfaces of the toner particles. The styrene-(meth)acrylic resin is present in an amount of about 5 to about 25 atomic percent of the resin components in the surfaces of the toner particles as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). |
| US09575426B2 |
Toner
It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner capable of being fixed at low energy and forming an image with high resistance to external forces, such as rubbing and scratching.The object is achieved by a toner including toner particles that contain a binder resin and a colorant, a sea-island structure including a sea portion composed of the crystalline resin C serving as a main component and island portions composed of the amorphous resin A serving as a main component is observed at the observation of a cross section of each of the toner particles. |
| US09575423B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member
An electrophotographic photosensitive member has a photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer is a multi-layer photosensitive layer having a charge transport layer being an outermost layer or a single-layer photosensitive layer. The amount of silica particles contained in the photosensitive layer is at least 0.5 parts by mass and no greater than 15 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of a binder resin contained in the photosensitive layer. |
| US09575419B2 |
Support table for a lithographic apparatus, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A support table for a lithographic apparatus, the support table having a support section and a conditioning system, wherein the support section, the conditioning system, or both, is configured such that heat transfer to or from a substrate supported on the support table, resulting from the operation of the conditioning system, is greater in a region of the substrate adjacent an edge of the substrate than it is in a region of the substrate that is at the center of the substrate. |
| US09575418B2 |
Apparatus for transferring a substrate in a lithography system
An apparatus for transferring a target, such as a substrate or a substrate support structure onto which a substrate has been clamped, from a substrate transfer system to a vacuum chamber of a lithography system. The apparatus comprises a load lock chamber for transferring the target into and out of the vacuum chamber. The load lock chamber comprises a first wall with a first passage providing access between a robot space and the interior of the load lock chamber, a second wall with a second passage providing access between the interior of the load lock chamber and the vacuum chamber, and plurality of handling robots for transferring the targets comprising: a first handling robot movable within the robot space to access the substrate transfer system and the first passage; and a second handling robot movable within the load lock chamber to access the first passage and the second passage. |
| US09575409B2 |
Photoimageable compositions containing oxetane functionality
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass negative-tone, solvent developable, self-imageable polymer compositions useful for forming films that can be patterned to create structures for microelectronic devices, microelectronic packaging, microelectromechanical systems, optoelectronic devices and displays. |
| US09575407B2 |
Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method
The imprint apparatus of the present invention includes a holding unit configured to hold a mold; a particle inspection unit configured to inspect whether or not particle is present on an imprint area, in which the resin pattern is formed, of the substrate; a dispenser configured to apply an uncured resin to the imprint area; a movable unit configured to move the imprint area with respect to the holding unit; and a controller. The movable unit is capable of moving the imprint area to each of an inspection position by means of the inspection unit, an application position by means of the dispenser, and a contacting position by means of the holding unit. Also, the controller causes the inspection unit to perform inspection of the imprint area in association with the movement of the imprint area by means of the movable unit. |
| US09575404B2 |
Virtual reality theater structure
A virtual reality theater structure, including a reflection screen which has a view angle of up down 40-360° and left right 120-360°, an effective range for virtual reality, and has a reflection rate of 1.1 gain or more; a projection system for projecting the 2D or 3D image for left eye and the 2D or 3D image for right eye on the reflection screen; and a chair structure that is rotatable up and downward 40-120° and left and rightward 120-360° where each chair is rotated with area of independent range that is separated individually. |
| US09575403B2 |
Illumination optical system, projector, and projector system
An illumination optical system is provided with: a lens that condenses first luminous flux emitted from an optical fiber at an angle of divergence of θ1; a lens that condenses second luminous flux that has a color that is different from the color of the first luminous flux and that is emitted from an optical fiber at an angle of divergence of θ2 (≠θ1); and a dichroic mirror that is provided at the position at which the optical axis of the lens intersects at a right angle with the optical axis of the lens, that transmits the first luminous flux that is irradiated from the lens, and that reflects the second luminous flux that was irradiated from the lens in the direction in which the first luminous flux was transmitted. |
| US09575400B2 |
Image display apparatus, method of controlling the same, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
An image display apparatus projects a first image by using a light source constituted by a plurality of point light sources, performs lighting in a unit of lighting formed from at least one point light source of the plurality of point light sources, and controls, in the unit of lighting, lighting in an overlapped area between the first image and a second image projected from another image display apparatus so as to equalize luminances in the overlapped area and a non-overlapped area when the second image is a solid black frame. |
| US09575398B2 |
Projector
A projector includes a projection optical apparatus that projects an image and a projection position adjustment apparatus that moves the projection optical apparatus in orthogonal directions orthogonal to a central axis of the projection optical apparatus. The projection position adjustment apparatus includes a first movable member that supports the projection optical apparatus, a support member that supports the first movable member movably in the orthogonal directions, and a first transmission unit that moves in the orthogonal directions with the first transmission unit engaging with the first movable member to move the first movable member in the orthogonal directions. The first transmission unit is disposed in a position where the first transmission unit overlaps with part of the first movable member when the projection position adjustment apparatus is viewed along the central axis of the projection optical apparatus. |
| US09575389B2 |
Light modulator and exposure head
A first electro-optic crystal substrate and a second electro-optic crystal substrate are provided as an electro-optic crystal substrate. The first electro-optic crystal substrate comprises a first periodic polarization reversal structure in which first polarization pairs, in each of which the directions of polarization in response to electric fields are opposite to each other, are arranged in a first period along a first arrangement direction which is orthogonal or inclined with respect to the direction of propagation, and light passes through the first periodic polarization reversal structure. The second electro-optic crystal substrate comprises a second periodic polarization reversal structure in which second polarization pairs, in each of which the directions of polarization in response to electric fields are opposite to each other, are arranged in a second period along a second arrangement direction which is orthogonal or inclined with respect to the direction of propagation, and light outstanding from the first electro-optic crystal substrate passes through the second periodic polarization reversal structure. At least one of a first condition and a second condition is satisfied. The first condition is that the first and the second periods are different from each other and a second condition is that the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction are different from each other. |
| US09575386B2 |
Thin film transistor substrate, method of manufacturing the same and display device having the same
A thin film transistor substrate is provided. The thin film transistor substrate includes a display area including a plurality of pixels, wherein the pixels are connected to gate lines and data lines, a gate driver connected to the gate lines, a plurality of data pads connected to the data lines, a plurality of dummy pattern parts formed of a same layer as the gate lines, and a non-display area in which the gate driver, data pads, and dummy pattern parts are disposed, and the dummy pattern parts are disposed in an area within the non-display area where the gate driver is not disposed, and one of the dummy pattern parts is disposed overlapping with the data pads. |
| US09575385B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device, a common electrode is formed on an organic passivation film, an interlayer insulating film is formed on the common electrode, a pixel electrode with a slit is formed on the interlayer insulating film, and a through hole is formed in the organic passivation film and the interlayer insulating film, so that the pixel electrode is connected to a source electrode of a TFT through the through hole. Further, the taper angle around the upper base of the through hole is smaller than the taper angle around the lower base. Thus, the alignment film material can easily flow into the through hole when the diameter of the through hole is reduced to connect the pixel and source electrodes, preventing display defects such as uneven brightness due to the absence of the alignment film or due to the alignment film irregularity around the through hole. |
| US09575383B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A first semiconductor layer is formed in the shape of an island in an active area displaying images on an array substrate. A second semiconductor layer is formed in the shape of an island outside the active area. A first insulating film covers the first and second semiconductor layers. A gate line is formed on the first insulating film and extends in a first direction. The gate line includes a gate electrode crossing the first semiconductor layer and a crossing portion crossing the second semiconductor layer. A second insulating film covers the gate line. A source line is formed on the second insulating film and extends in a second direction. The source line includes a source electrode contacting with the first semiconductor layer. A drain electrode is formed on the second insulating film apart from the source line and contacting with the first semiconductor layer. |
| US09575381B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for driving the same
A semiconductor device includes a photodiode, a first transistor, and a second transistor. The photodiode has a function of supplying a charge corresponding to incident light to a gate of the first transistor, the first transistor has a function of accumulating the charge supplied to the gate, and the second transistor has a function of retaining the charge accumulated in the gate of the first transistor. The second transistor includes an oxide semiconductor. |
| US09575374B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device are provided. The liquid crystal display device includes: a thin film transistor substrate, a color filter substrate on the thin film transistor substrate, a transparent conductive plate on the color filter substrate, a pad portion on the thin film transistor substrate, a static-electricity transmission electrode on a region of the pad portion adjacent to the color filter substrate, a conductive member configured to electrically connect the transparent conductive plate and the static-electricity transmission electrode to each other, and a plurality of lattice patterns on the static-electricity transmission electrode. |
| US09575373B2 |
Display device wherein widths of a plurality of first microcavities decrease from a center of one of the plurality of zones to an edge of one of the plurality of zones
A display device may include a display panel configured to display an image. The display device may further include a first electrode overlapping the display panel and separated from the display panel. The display device may further include a second electrode overlapping the first electrode and separated from the display panel. The display device may further include a first liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and a first portion of the second electrode. The display device may further include a third electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode, overlapping the second electrode, and separated from the display panel. The display device may further include a second liquid crystal layer disposed between the third electrode and a second portion of the second electrode. |
| US09575372B2 |
Display device having roof layers and manufacturing method of the display device
A display device may include a first subpixel electrode; a first roof layer; a first liquid crystal layer disposed between the first subpixel electrode and the first roof layer; and a first support member overlapping a first end portion of the first roof layer in a first direction. The display device may further include a second subpixel electrode immediately neighboring the first subpixel electrode; a second roof layer; a second liquid crystal layer disposed between the second subpixel electrode and the second roof layer; and a second support member overlapping a first end portion of the second roof layer in the first direction. The first end portion of the first roof layer and the first end portion of the second roof layer may be disposed between a second end portion of the first roof layer and a second end portion of the second roof layer. |
| US09575367B2 |
Method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display having high response speed
First alignment is performed by forming an alignment layer that includes a photopolymerizable monomer or oligomer on a substrate and the like, introducing liquid crystal, and bringing the liquid crystal into contact with the alignment layer including the photopolymerizable monomer or oligomer.The liquid crystal is then subjected to secondary alignment by photopolymerizing the photopolymerizable monomer or oligomer including the alignment layer to form an alignment regulator in a state in which an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal to hange the alignment of the liquid crystal. |
| US09575364B2 |
Liquid crystal display
This liquid crystal display device (100) includes: a vertical alignment liquid crystal layer (30); first and second substrates (10, 20); first and second electrodes (11, 21) arranged on the first and second substrates to face the liquid crystal layer; and two photo-alignment films (12, 22). Each pixel region includes first and second liquid crystal domains, of which the reference alignment directions defined by the two photo-alignment films are a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, respectively. The first electrode has a slit cut region (11R1), through which a slit (11s) has been cut to run substantially parallel to the reference alignment direction, in a part of a region allocated to each of the first and second liquid crystal domains. The width (W) of the slit is set so that when the highest grayscale voltage is applied to the first electrode, an effective applied voltage decreases by at least 0.5 V and the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules (30a) shifts with respect to the reference alignment direction by less than 45 degrees. |
| US09575361B2 |
Reflection sheet and backlight unit including the same
A reflection sheet and backlight unit including the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the reflection sheet includes a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, each extending from the bottom surface and having an edge opposing the bottom surface, and a first cutting line formed in at least a first one of the side surfaces from a boundary between the first side surface and the bottom surface toward the opposing edge of the first side surface. The reflection sheet also includes a cover surface extending from the opposing edge of the first side surface, wherein the cover surface comprises a protruding surface protruding toward the first cutting line. |
| US09575359B2 |
Emissive display system
An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. At least one of the first and second surfaces includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate includes third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. At least one of the third and fourth surfaces includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A substantially transparent light emitting display is disposed adjacent to the electro-optic device, which is converted to the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light. |
| US09575357B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and fabrication method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, a color filter having a plurality of first color barriers, second color barriers, and third color barriers. A lower alignment layer is disposed on the first substrate having a plurality of first lower alignment units, second lower alignment units, and third lower alignment units corresponding to the plurality of first color barriers, second color barriers, and third color barriers, respectively. An upper alignment layer is disposed on the second substrate having a plurality of first upper alignment units, second upper alignment units, and third upper alignment units corresponding to the plurality of first color barriers, second color barriers, and third color barriers, respectively. A lower regionalized polarizer is disposed on the first substrate, and an upper regionalized polarizer is disposed on the second substrate. |
| US09575356B2 |
Polarizer, display substrate, display panel having the same and method of manufacturing the same
A display panel includes a light blocking pattern and a polarizer. The light blocking pattern is disposed on a base substrate. A plurality of opening areas is defined based on the light blocking pattern. The polarizer includes a plurality of linear patterns spaced apart from each other. The plurality of opening areas includes a color area transmitting color light and a white area transmitting white light. The polarizer overlaps the color area and the white area. |
| US09575355B2 |
Module for a liquid crystal display comprising a first polarizer and a second polarizer having first and second machine directions and liquid crystal display including the same
The module for a liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel, a first polarizer formed on an upper side of the liquid crystal display panel, and a second polarizer formed on a lower side of the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the first polarizer has a length in a machine direction, the second polarizer has a width in the machine direction, a shrinkage force of the second polarizer is greater than a shrinkage force of the first polarizer, and the length of a polarizer is greater than the width of a polarizer. |
| US09575353B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a gate line disposed on the first substrate, a data line disposed on the first substrate, a first passivation layer disposed on the gate line and the data line, a color filter disposed on the first passivation layer, a common electrode disposed on the color filter, a light blocking member disposed directly on or directly below the common electrode, a second passivation layer disposed on the common electrode and the light blocking member, and a pixel electrode disposed on the second passivation layer. |
| US09575349B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate; a pixel electrode connected with the thin film transistor; a roof layer provided facing the pixel electrode; and a capping layer disposed on the roof layer, wherein a plurality of microcavities are between the pixel electrode and the roof layer, each microcavity includes a liquid crystal material, and the roof layer is formed of only at least one inorganic layer. |
| US09575348B2 |
Display substrate and display panel having the same
A display substrate is disclosed. In one aspect, the display substrate includes a base substrate having a first refractive index and receiving external light and an insulating layer disposed below the base substrate and having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The display substrate also includes a pixel electrode disposed below the first insulating layer and a first compensation layer forming an interface with the insulating layer and having a third refractive index greater than the first refractive index and less than the second refractive index. The first compensation layer is disposed between the first insulating layer and the base substrate. |
| US09575345B2 |
Display device
The present invention provides a display device, including a display panel and a supporting frame arranged around the display panel, wherein at least one spacer structure is arranged between the display panel and the supporting frame, and wherein the spacer structure is fixedly mounted on the supporting frame and includes a first spacer part and a second spacer part, the first spacer part is arranged between the bottom surface of the display panel and the supporting frame, and the second spacer part is arranged between the lateral surface of the display panel and the supporting frame. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages that the impact from multiple directions to the display panel may be reduced, the probable damage to the display panel is reduced, and the quality of a product is improved. |
| US09575344B2 |
Display module
A display module includes a panel frame, a display panel, a system frame, and a printed circuit board. The panel frame includes a baseplate having at least one edge, at least one sidewall located on the edge, at least one top wall adjacent to the sidewall, and a support element. An accommodating space is formed by the sidewall and the baseplate. The support element includes a first support portion and a second support portion connected to the first support portion. The support element extends from the edge of the baseplate toward the outside of the accommodating space. The display panel is disposed on the panel frame. The first support portion is disposed on the system frame. The printed circuit board is disposed on the second support portion. |
| US09575343B2 |
Method for continuously producing optical display panel, and system for continuously producing optical display panel
A method includes a first bonding step including providing a first polarizing film obtained by transversely cutting a first long polarizing film having an absorption axis in its longitudinal direction, supplying the first polarizing film from a first optical film roll, and bonding the first polarizing film to a back side of the optical cell while feeding the optical cell; and a second bonding step including providing a linearly polarized light separating film obtained by transversely cutting a long linearly polarized light separating film having a reflection axis in its transverse direction, supplying the linearly polarized light separating film from a second optical film roll, and bonding the linearly polarized light separating film onto the first polarizing film bonded to the back side of the optical cell, while feeding the optical cell. |
| US09575342B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising two different pixel electrodes connected to different TFTS in a pixel
A liquid crystal display device is disclosed, which has improved transmittance, and which meanwhile can obtain a higher contrast and maintain a lower cost. The device comprises a color filter substrate, an array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate. The array substrate comprises a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode, the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode being arranged at an interval, and applied with AC voltages of equal frequency but opposite phase, respectively. Also, a method for driving the liquid crystal display device is disclosed. |
| US09575339B2 |
Controlled-capacitance full-depletion interdigitated pin modulator
A method of modulating an optical input with a radio frequency (RF) signal, an interdigitated modulator, and an electro-optical modulator including the interdigitated modulator are described. The method includes splitting the optical input to a first optical input and a second optical input, traversing a first region and a second region, respectively, with the first optical input and the second optical input, and modulating the first optical input with the RF signal in the first region. The method also includes controlling propagation speed of the RF signal in the first region, controlling RF line impedance in the first region, and controlling an optical loss of the first optical input in the first region. |
| US09575337B2 |
Electro-optic modulator termination
Embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to an electro-optic device that includes one or more modulator portions and a terminator portion. Each modulator portion is disposed along a propagation path of an optical signal and includes a respective first doped region and one or more coupled first electrical contacts. Each modulator portion operates to modulate an optical signal propagating through the first doped region using first electrical signals applied to the electrical contacts. The terminator portion is disposed along the propagation path and proximate to at least one modulator portions, and operates to mitigate effects of droop on the propagating optical signal. |
| US09575334B2 |
Lenses, devices and methods of ocular refractive error
Certain embodiments are directed to lenses, devices and/or methods. For example, a lens for an eye having an optical axis and an aberration profile along its optical axis, the aberration profile having a focal distance and including higher order aberrations having at least one of a primary spherical aberration component C(4,0) and a secondary spherical aberration component C(6,0). The aberration profile may provide, for a model eye with no aberrations and an on-axis length equal to the focal distance: (i) a peak, first retinal image quality (RIQ) within a through focus range that remains at or above a second RIQ over the through focus range that includes said focal distance, where the first RIQ is at least 0.35, the second RIQ is at least 0.1 and the through focus range is at least 1.8 Diopters; (ii) a RIQ of 0.3 with a through focus slope that improves in a direction of eye growth; and (iii) a RIQ of 0.3 with a through focus slope that degrades in a direction of eye growth. The RIQ may be Visual Strehl Ratio or similar measured along the optical axis for at least one pupil diameter in the range 3 mm to 6 mm, over a spatial frequency range of 0 to 30 cycles/degree inclusive and at a wavelength selected from within the range 540 nm to 590 nm inclusive. |
| US09575332B2 |
Method for applying a coating onto a silicone hydrogel lens
The present invention generally relates to a method for applying a coating of hydrophilic polymers onto silicone hydrogel contact lenses to improve hydrophilicity and lubricity. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method for forming a coating on a contact lens, preferably a silicone hydrogel contact lens, directly in the primary package and maintaining the coated contact lens within said primary package until insertion of the coated contact lens in the eye of the contact lens user. The resultant silicone hydrogel contact lens has a coating with good hydrophilicity, improved lubricity and good durability and also can be used directly from the lens package by a patient without washing and/or rising. |
| US09575330B2 |
Actively stabilized payload support apparatus and methods
A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control. |
| US09575329B2 |
Lens moving apparatus and camera module including the same
An embodiment includes a housing including a guide protrusion projecting from an upper surface thereof and a guide groove formed adjacent to the guide protrusion, a first magnet disposed at the housing, a bobbin on which a lens is mounted, a first coil disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the bobbin to move the bobbin by interaction with the first magnet, an upper elastic member coupled to the bobbin and the housing and having an end disposed in the guide groove, a damping member disposed between a side surface of the guide protrusion and a first end of the upper elastic member disposed in the guide groove, and a second coil for moving the housing by interaction with the first magnet. |
| US09575323B2 |
Biochip image-forming system
The present invention provides a biochip image-forming system including a case having a cavity, an optical assembly, a chip-holding assembly and an electricity storage assembly. The cavity communicates with a chip inlet for a biochip to be inserted into the cavity through the chip inlet and an image outlet for an image of the biochip to be outputted from the cavity via the image outlet. The optical assembly is received in the cavity and aligned with the image outlet for forming the image of the biochip. The chip-holding assembly is received in the cavity and arranged between the optical assembly and a heating component. The chip-holding assembly aligns with the chip inlet for the biochip to be placed thereon. The electricity storage assembly is electrically connected with the optical assembly and the heating component. As such, a biochip can be analyzed conveniently using said biochip image-forming system. |
| US09575322B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
A display device and an electronic apparatus using the display device are described. The display device includes a display component configured to output initial light corresponding to a first image; and a transmission optical component at least partially provided within an irradiation area of the initial light and configured to transmit the initial light corresponding to the first image from the display component and perform light path conversion to convert it into a first exit light; and an adjustment optical component at least partially provided within an irradiation area of the first exit light and configured to perform light path conversion on the first exit light to obtain a second exit light, wherein an image corresponding to the first image is capable of being perceived at a particular position. |
| US09575319B2 |
Method and system for reducing motion blur when experiencing virtual or augmented reality environments
A system or apparatus for reducing motion blur includes an active shutter system, shutter control and processing components, an optional optical sensor, one or more optional movement sensors, and a power source, and can cooperate with a virtual or augmented reality system and display. The shutter system is optimally positioned between a user and the display so that one or more shutters of the system can be activated to block a user's view of the display. The shutter system is activated to block refresh lines or other artifacts present when the display refreshes. The shutter system also can be activated according to movement of the user. The shutter system can be one or more independent shutters and each shutter can have one or more shutter segments. Additionally, the shutter system can include multiple cooperating layers of shutters. The shutter system further can be incorporated in a multi-lens optical system. |
| US09575318B2 |
Optical system for see-through head mounted display having three wedge prism arrangement for separate enlargement in vertical and horizontal directions
Provided is a see-through head mounted display (HMD) optical system which includes a display device, a collimation lens that parallelizes image lights emitted from the display device, a first wedge prism that includes a first enlargement unit for enlarging an image in a horizontal direction, a second wedge prism that includes a second enlargement unit for enlarging the image in a vertical, and a third wedge prism that has an inverse shape of the second wedge prism so as to prevent the image lights which have been reflected in the second wedge prism and enlarged in the vertical direction and an external image which has passed through the second wedge prism and been provided to a user from being distorted. |
| US09575316B2 |
Simplified mirror
This disclosure relates to an optical system and a method for its manufacture. One embodiment of the optical system may include an optical material upon which a multilayer stack may be deposited. The multilayer stack may include a first layer composed on a first surface of the optical material, a second layer composed on the first layer, and a third layer composed on the second layer. Among other possibilities, the first layer may include Al2O3, the second layer may include Al, and the third layer may include SiO2. The multilayer stack may be a reflective coating on a surface of the optical material with optical power. Thus, the reflective coating may serve as a reflective image former within the optical system. The optical system may be configured as a head-mountable device. |
| US09575313B2 |
Optical deflector including mirror with extended reinforcement rib coupled to protruded portions of torsion bar
An optical deflector includes a mirror with a reflective layer on its front-side surface, a first support frame adapted to support the mirror, at least one torsion bar coupled between the first support frame and the mirror; and a reinforcement rib provided on a rear-side surface of the mirror. The torsion bar has a pair of protruded portions arranged symmetrically with respect to the torsion bar in the vicinity of a coupling portion between the torsion bar and the mirror. The reinforcement rib has a central portion and a pair of extension portions extended symmetrically from the central portion and coupled to the protruded portions, respectively, of the torsion bar. |
| US09575312B2 |
Light deflector, and devices incorporating the same
A light deflector includes a mirror unit having a light reflection plane, a base, a pair of elastic supporting members each having one end attached to the mirror unit and the other end attached to the base and configured to support the mirror unit in a rotatable and oscillatable manner, and a pair of drive bars each having one end attached to another end of a corresponding one of the elastic supporting members and the other end attached to the base in a cantilevered state. The mirror unit rotates and oscillates about a center of rotation as deformation of the drive bars is transmitted to the mirror unit through the elastic supporting members. The center of rotation of the mirror unit is within a range of −0.05×D to −0.01×D, where D denotes a diameter of the mirror unit. |
| US09575311B2 |
Magnifying container apparatus
A magnifying container apparatus including a generally cylindrical member and one or more magnifying lenses is provided for magnifying, viewing, and carrying items. A magnifying lens is detachably connected to the lower end of the cylindrical member to close the lower end. The magnifying lens magnifies the items present below the magnifying lens. The cylindrical member accommodates and carries the items within a space defined by a generally cylindrical wall and between an open upper end and the closed lower end of the cylindrical member. The magnifying container apparatus further includes a threaded rod, a threaded wheel, and a generally cylindrical sieve member. The sieve member drains a predetermined amount of an extraneous element from the magnifying container apparatus, when the threaded rod, in communication with the threaded wheel, traverses the magnifying lens from the lower end of the cylindrical member toward a lower end of the sieve member. |
| US09575308B2 |
Slide scanner with dynamic focus and specimen tilt and method of operation
An instrument and method for scanning large microscope specimen on a specimen holder has a scanning optical microscope that is configured to scan the specimen in one of brightfield and fluorescence. The specimen is dynamically tillable about a scan direction during a scan to maintain focus along the length of each scan line as the scan proceeds. A three dimensional image of the specimen can be obtained wherein the specimen tilt and relative focus are maintained from a first image contour to a second image contour through a thickness of a specimen. |
| US09575307B2 |
Non-vector space sensing and control systems and methods for video rate imaging and manipulation
Compressive sensing based video rate imaging techniques are presented. Rather than scan the entire image, the imaging system only scans part of the topography of the sample as a compressed scan. After the data has been collected, an algorithm for image reconstruction is applied for recovering the image. Because compressive sensing is used, the imaging rate is increased from several minutes per frame to seconds per frame. Non-vector space control techniques are also presented. No-vector space control use image or compressive data as the input and feedback to generate a closed-loop motion control. Compressive sensing technique provides an efficient data reduction method to retain the essential information in the original image. The non-vector space control method can be used as motion control method with compressive feedback without or with noise. |
| US09575306B2 |
Stereoscopic microscope
An electronic stereoscopic microscope for detecting and reproducing pairs of stereoscopic part images comprises a camera unit having at least one electronic image sensor, a dog-leg objective for generating an image of an object on the image sensor, wherein the objective comprises a first leg facing the object to be imaged, a second leg facing the image sensor and including an angle with the first leg and deflection means provided between the legs, wherein the first leg extends along an imaging axis and the second leg extends along a detection axis. The microscope furthermore comprises an electronic viewfinder for reproducing stereoscopic part images detected by means of the image sensor, with the electronic viewfinder being arranged in an observation position or being movable into an observation position which is provided at a rear side of the objective in an extension of the imaging axis. |
| US09575304B2 |
Pathology slide scanners for fluorescence and brightfield imaging and method of operation
An instrument for scanning a specimen has a two-dimensional sensor array, the sensor array containing a mosaic color filter array or a scanning color filter array. The instrument can be operated in fluorescence or in brightfield. The scanning color filter array has the same color throughout each row with adjacent rows having different colors. |
| US09575303B2 |
Microscope apparatus
A microscope apparatus includes: an objective lens; a CCD that constructs an image of a sample S; an illumination intensity change unit for adjusting an intensity of excitation light; a sensitivity adjustment unit for adjusting a detection sensitivity by the CCD; a galvanometer mirror for changing a light focusing position of excitation light at a pupil position of the objective lens; a storage unit that stores, for each observation method, a predetermined intensity, a predetermined detection sensitivity, and the light focusing position; and a control unit that switches the observation method, reads out the intensity, the detection sensitivity, and the light focusing position according to the observation method based on a synchronization signal synchronized with a frame signal for constructing an image, and controls the illumination intensity change unit, the sensitivity adjustment unit, and the galvanometer mirror. |
| US09575300B2 |
Confocal laser scanning microscope having a laser light source to which pulsed control is applied
The present invention relates to a confocal laser scanning microscope (100) having an illumination device (1) that comprises a laser light source (41) that is configured to illuminate a sample (25), and a control application circuit (40) for the laser light source (1) which is configured to output a pulsed control application signal (48) in order to supply the laser light source (41), the control application circuit (40) being configured so that it determines both a pulse amplitude (A) and a pulse width (W) of at least one pulse of the pulsed control application signal (48) as a function of at least one input variable (S). |
| US09575299B2 |
Vapor-condensation-assisted optical microscopy system
A vapor-condensation-assisted optical microscopy system comprises a vapor-condensation-assisted device and an optical microscope. The vapor-condensation-assisted device comprises air blowing device, a vapor producing device and a guide pipe. The vapor producing device connects the air blowing device with the guide pipe. The optical microscope comprises an observing device, an image processing device, a support frame and a stage. The stage, the guide pipe of the vapor-condensation-assisted device, the observing device, and the image processing device are fixed on the support frame. The vapor-condensation-assisted device is configured to provide a vapor to sample on the stage in application. |
| US09575298B2 |
Light collector
A light collector includes: a light guide; optical blocks, each of which has top and bottom surfaces and front and rear surfaces which extend curvedly and frontwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface, the rear surface exhibiting total internal reflection and having a focal point; and optical coupling protrusions, each of which protrudes from the bottom surface, each of which is disposed at the focal point and each of which is coupled to the light-entrance surface of the light guide. The front surface of one of every two adjacent ones of the optical blocks overlaps the rear surface of the other of every two adjacent ones of the optical blocks along a normal direction of the light guide. |
| US09575295B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a positive first group, a negative second group, a stop, a positive third group, a negative fourth group, and a positive fifth group. During magnification change from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first to fourth groups are moved to always increase the distance between the first and second groups, always decrease the distance between the second and third groups, and change the distance between the third and fourth groups and the distance between the fourth and fifth groups. The third group includes, in order from the object side, at least a positive lens, a positive lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens, and satisfies condition expression (1) below: 25<νdD−νdA<70 (1), where νdA and νdD are Abbe numbers at the d-line of the most object-side lens A and the most image-side lens D. |
| US09575291B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus equipped with the imaging lens
An imaging lens is constituted essentially by six lenses, including, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens having a positive refractive power and a convex surface toward the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power; a third lens having a positive refractive power and is of a biconvex shape; a fourth lens having a positive refractive power; a fifth lens having a negative refractive power and a concave surface toward the object side; and a sixth lens having a negative refractive power, of which the surface toward the image side is of an aspherical shape which is concave in the vicinity of the optical axis and convex at the peripheral portion thereof. Predetermined conditional formulae are satisfied. |
| US09575289B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus including the same
The imaging lens substantially consists of a first lens having a biconvex shape, a second lens having a negative refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power and a convex surface that faces the object side, a fourth lens having a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens having a negative refractive power, of which at least one of the object-side surface and the image-side surface has at least one inflection point, in this order from the object side; and wherein conditional expression (1A): −0.38 |
| US09575288B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens elements are arranged in order from an object side, an aperture stop, positive first lens having convex object-side and image-side surfaces, negative meniscus second lens having a concave image-side surface, positive third lens having at least one aspheric surface, positive double-sided aspheric fourth lens, and negative double-sided aspheric fifth lens having concave object-side and image-side surfaces with its image-side surface having a pole-change point off the axis. It satisfies conditional expressions below: 0.5 |
| US09575287B2 |
Camera lens
A camera lens includes, lined up from the object side to the image side, a first lens with positive refractive power, a second lens with negative refractive power, a third lens with positive refractive power, and a fourth lens with negative refractive power. The camera lens satisfies specific conditions. |
| US09575286B2 |
Camera module and titanium-copper foil
A camera module (1) which includes a lens (3); a spring member (9a, 9b) which elastically urges the lens (3) toward an initial position along an optical axis direction; an electromagnetic drive means (11) capable of driving the lens (3) along the optical axis direction by producing an electromagnetic force against an urging force of the spring member (9a, 9b); and a control means (12) configured to control a drive current supplied to the electromagnetic drive means (11), wherein the spring member (pa, 9b) contains 2.9% to 3.5% by mass of Ti, with the balance being copper and inevitable impurities, and has a Vickers hardness equal to or greater than 350. |
| US09575281B2 |
Lens array fabrication method, and film containing base plate and film attaching instrument employed in same
A lens array fabrication method for fabricating a lens array includes: receiving pins of a film attaching instrument (jig) in second guide holes of a film-containing base plate; bonding a placement area and an adhesion layer (F); removing the pins; causing a detachment between a first detachment film (C) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film (D); separating three layers (D) to (F) from two layers (B) and (C); receiving the pins in first guide holes of a lens array main unit; fitting a film holding protrusion in a depression part; bonding the film (D) to a bonding region (i); removing the pins; and causing a detachment between the film (D) and a second detachment film (E). |
| US09575277B2 |
Fiber optic cable breakout assembly
A breakout assembly includes a housing including a first end and a second end. A retaining member includes a first end configured to receive a fiber optic cable and a second end attaching to the first end of the housing and retaining exposed stripped layers of the fiber optic cable. A breakout head is configured to insert into the second end of the housing and includes holes for receiving furcation tubes. A nut holds the breakout head inside of the second end of the housing. Different optical fibers from the fiber optic cable are inserted into the furcation tubes and held by the breakout head. An outside surface of the breakout head and an inside surface of the second end of the housing have round side surfaces extending between flat top and bottom surfaces that prevent the breakout head from rotating within the housing. |
| US09575268B2 |
Pluggable connector
In an embodiment, a pluggable connector configured to removably couple an end of an optical cable to an optoelectronic module includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to engage a latch slot of the optoelectronic module to retain within the optoelectronic module a ferrule optically coupled to optical fibers of the optical cable. The second portion is configured to engage the ferrule to prevent removal of the ferrule from within the optoelectronic module when the first portion engages the latch slot. |
| US09575265B1 |
Universal adapter for coupling conduit to enclosures
The present subject matter relates to a method, system and device for connecting conduit to an enclosure. The method, system and device comprise a conduit adapter having a two-piece housing and an insert plate. The insert plate is interchangeable with other insert plates having various sized through holes. A conduit is attached to an insert plate via a suitable connector. The insert plate is selected to have an appropriately sized through hole for the conduit being attached. The selected insert plate having the conduit attached then is enclosed between the two halves of the housing of the conduit adapter. The conduit adapter is then secured in the entry port of the enclosure. |
| US09575259B2 |
N×N optical switch
An optical cross-connect connecting a series of optical input ports to a series of optical output ports includes at least a first group of input/output port arrays, each including a series of optical input/output ports disposed horizontally and configured to project or receive optical signals. A plurality of steering elements selectively steer optical signals along switching trajectories between the input and output ports. An angle-to-offset conversion unit converts optical signals propagating at the horizontal intra-array angles to corresponding spatial offset signals in the horizontal dimension. An optical interconnect includes a series of input/output regions, each being specific to a corresponding input/output port array and the input/output regions being divided vertically into elongated switching rows. Each input/output region receives spatial offset signals from the angle-to-offset conversion unit and optically interconnects each spatial offset signal from a first input/output region to a second input/output region. |
| US09575254B2 |
Digital dispersion compensation module
Embodiments of present invention provide a digital dispersion compensation module. The digital dispersion compensation module includes a multi-port optical circulator; and a plurality of dispersion compensation units connected to the multi-port optical circulator, wherein at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units includes a fiber-bragg grating (FBG) having a first port and a second port; and an optical switch being capable of selectively connecting to one of the first port and the second port of the FBG, wherein the at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units is adapted to provide a positive dispersion to an optical signal, from the multi-port optical circulator, when the optical switch connects to the first port of the FBG and is adapted to provide a negative dispersion to the optical signal when the optical switch connects to the second port of the FBG. |
| US09575250B2 |
Direct writable and erasable waveguides in optoelectronic systems
Technologies are generally described to form a waveguide in a polymer multilayer comprising a first and second polymer layer. The waveguide may be formed by directing light beams toward the polymer multilayer to form first and second cladding regions in the polymer multilayer, where the first and second cladding regions comprise a mixture of the first and second polymer layers. The first and second cladding regions may define a third cladding region and a waveguide core therebetween, where the third cladding region comprises a portion of the second polymer layer, and the waveguide core comprises a portion of the first polymer layer. In some examples, the polymer multilayer may be formed on a substrate such that the waveguide is formed on the substrate. Additionally, the waveguide may be formed temporarily to test components of an optoelectronic system and then erased by heating the polymer multilayer to destroy the waveguide core, or the waveguide may be formed as a default optical interconnection configuration that may be changed to alter the functional mode of the backplane in the manner of a jumper setting. |
| US09575244B2 |
Light guide apparatus and fabrication method thereof
A light guide apparatus that can redirect light impinging on the apparatus over a wide range of incident angles and can concentrate light without using a tracking system and methods for fabrication. |
| US09575243B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display unit which displays an image, a backlight unit which provides the display unit with a light, a receiving container which accommodates the backlight unit, and a supporting frame which is coupled to the receiving container and supports the display unit. The backlight unit includes a light incident area from which the light is emitted. The receiving container includes a guide bar which is adjacent to the light incident area of the backlight unit and coupled to the supporting frame. |
| US09575234B2 |
Quantum dot container and related display device
A quantum dot container may include a body having a cavity and a phosphor disposed inside the cavity. The body may include a light transmitting portion and a bent portion connected to one end of the light transmitting portion and extending at a predetermined angle with respect to an extension direction of the light transmitting portion. |
| US09575230B2 |
Color filter for low temperature applications
A color filter comprising a cured layer of a photosensitive resist composition comprising a highly reactive polyacrylate monomer and a process for the preparation thereof are provided. The color filter is especially useful for low temperature applications such as electrophoretic displays, polymer dispersed liquid crystal displays, OLED devices and the like. |
| US09575219B2 |
Ultra-high densification of ZnS for nano-grain optical windows
A method is provided for producing an article which is transparent to infrared radiation. The method includes the steps of (a) disposing a plurality of nanoparticles on a substrate, wherein said nanoparticles comprise a metal sulfide or a metal selenide; (b) subjecting the nanoparticles to spark plasma sintering, thereby producing a sintered product; and (c) removing the sintered product from the substrate as a self-supporting mass. |
| US09575218B2 |
Method of forming nano-pattern on surface of lens and lens having nano-pattern on surface thereof
The present invention provides a method of forming a nano-pattern on a surface of a lens, which comprises steps of: (i) filling a conductive material in an space between a lens and a substrate; (ii) applying a first coating solution to the surface of the lens filled with the conductive material by to a wet process; (iii) forming a nano-pattern on the surface of the lens on which the first coating solution is applied by performing a reactive ion etching process; and (iv) removing the first coating solution remaining on the lens surface and the conductive material filling in the space between the lens and the substrate.The lens of the present invention is a functional lens with low reflectance, high transmittance and super water-repellency owing to a functional coating layer, thereby replacing the conventional lens on which an anti-reflective coating is formed. Thus, the lens manufactured by the method of the present invention may be widely used in the fields where low reflectance and high transmittance are requires, such as a rear camera lens for vehicles. |
| US09575217B2 |
Optical film for reducing color shift and organic light-emitting display device employing the same
Optical films, and organic light-emitting display devices employing the same, include a high refractive index pattern layer including a lens pattern region and a non-pattern region alternately formed, wherein the lens pattern region includes a plurality of grooves each having a depth larger than a width thereof, and the non-pattern region has no pattern; and a low refractive index pattern layer formed of a material having a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of the high refractive index pattern layer, wherein the low refractive index pattern includes a plurality of filling portions filling the plurality of grooves. |
| US09575216B2 |
Infrared-transmitting film, method for producing infrared-transmitting film, infrared optical component, and infrared device
An infrared-transmitting film which is excellent in mechanical strength and environmental resistance. The infrared-transmitting film comprises a buffer layer formed on a surface of an infrared optical substrate and having a Vickers hardness greater than that of the substrate and an environmental resistance improving layer provided in contact with the buffer layer and having a Vickers hardness greater than that of the buffer layer. |
| US09575210B2 |
Downpipe sensor system and method for single grain recognition
A downpipe sensor detects single grains in a downpipe. A transmitting unit and a receiving unit are spaced apart across a measurement field. Light beams emitted by the transmitting unit are guided in the case of free beam path through the downpipe interior to the receiving unit and are attenuated during a passage of a grain. The receiving unit is a line element with a predefined number of receiving elements. The transmitting unit has light-emitting diodes with perforated screens and a reflector element in the form of a right triangular prism. Light is emitted from the diodes transversely to a receiving axis of the receiving unit, bundled via the perforated screens, guided into the reflector element, deflected by total reflection toward a exit surface to form a light band of parallel light beams. The light band illuminates the entire measurement field with even intensity. |
| US09575203B2 |
Method for measuring rock wettability
method of comparing a secondary oil recovery process with a tertiary oil recovery process, the secondary oil recovery process and the tertiary oil recovery process being applied to a substantially fluid-saturated porous medium containing an oil phase and an aqueous phase. The method comprising using relaxation time measurements in the calculation of a wettability index modification factor for the oil phase or the aqueous phase, thereby comparing the tertiary oil recovery process with the secondary oil recovery process. |
| US09575200B2 |
Apparatus and method for non-invasive real-time subsoil inspection
An apparatus for non-invasive subsoil inspection used for verifying the presence of any underground facilities includes a mobile support structure (2) which can be moved in at least one horizontal direction and which supports antennas (A) adapted to transmit an electromagnetic signal towards the soil and to receive the response echoes. An electronic processing unit is adapted to analyze the data acquired by the antennas and to reconstruct an image of the subsoil portion scanned by the machine. |
| US09575196B2 |
Coherent noise attenuation
Methods and apparatuses for processing seismic data to generate images or determine properties of an interior section of the Earth. The seismic data is processed to filter coherent noise such as ground roll noise from seismic survey data. The noise is attenuated using 3D and/or 2D fan filters, which may have combined low-pass and band-pass filters derived from signal decomposition. The filters are designed with selected operator length, velocity bands of signals and noises and frequency range for a primary trace and adjacent traces within the operator length. The data is decomposed with the filters into signals and noises, and the noises are then filtered from the decomposed data. The process may be repeated for various frequencies and traces within the seismic data. The methods may be used for surveys that have either regular or irregular seismic receiver or seismic source positions. |
| US09575195B2 |
Detecting and quantifying hydrocarbon volumes in sub-seismic sands in the presence of anisotropy
A method to detect presence of hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation. The method includes identifying a geological interval in the subterranean formation, analyzing a measurement of a rock sample obtained from the geological interval to generate a rock sample analysis result, wherein the rock sample analysis result indicates the presence of hydrocarbons in the geologic interval, analyzing, in response to the rock sample analysis result indicating the presence of hydrocarbons, a supplemental measurement different than the measurement of the rock sample to generate a supplemental analysis result, wherein the supplemental analysis result further indicates the presence of hydrocarbons in the geologic interval, performing, in response to the supplemental analysis result further indicating the presence of hydrocarbons, a logging operation to obtain azimuthal resistivity data of the geological interval, and presenting the rock sample analysis result, the supplemental analysis result, and the azimuthal resistivity data to a user. |
| US09575192B1 |
Optical channel reduction method and apparatus for photodetector arrays
A PET scanning system includes a plurality of detector modules, each having an array of pixelated scintillators, the array having N rows of pixelated scintillators, and M columns of pixelated scintillators. Each detector module includes a first set of N light guides optically coupled to the top surface that accumulate optical signals, and a second set of M light guides optically coupled to the bottom surface that accumulate optical signals. Each light guide is coupled to a light sensor which converts optical signals into analog electrical outputs. A processor is coupled to outputs from the first set and the second set, the processor configured to determine which pixelated scintillator within the array had a gamma ray interact therewith, and its depth of interaction, based on the outputs. Thus, gamma ray detection in an array of M×N scintillator pixels is accomplished using only M+N channels. |
| US09575191B2 |
Solid state photomultiplier
Embodiments of a solid state photomultiplier are provided herein. In some embodiments, a solid state photomultiplier may include a microcell configured to generate an analog signal when exposed to optical photons, a quench resistor electrically coupled to the microcell in series; and a first switch disposed between the quench resistor and an output of the solid state photomultiplier, the first switch electrically coupled to the microcell via the quench resistor and configured to selectively couple the microcell to the output. |
| US09575189B2 |
Segmented radiation detector and apparatus and method for using same
Systems, methods, and devices involving segmented radiation detectors are provided. For example, a segmented radiation detector may include a segmented scintillator and an optical-to-electrical converter. The segmented scintillator may have several segments that convert radiation to light, at least one of which may detect radiation arriving from an azimuthal angle around an axis of the segmented scintillator. The optical-to-electrical converter may be coupled to the segmented scintillator. The optical-to-electrical converter may receive the light from the segments of the segmented scintillator and output respective electrical signals corresponding to the amount of radiation detected by each segment. |
| US09575184B2 |
LADAR sensor for a dense environment
A multi-ladar sensor system is proposed for operating in dense environments where many ladar sensors are transmitting and receiving burst mode light in the same space, as may be typical of an automotive application. The system makes use of several techniques to reduce mutual interference between independently operating ladar sensors. In one embodiment, the individual ladar sensors are each assigned a wavelength of operation, and an optical receive filter for blocking the light transmitted at other wavelengths, an example of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Each ladar sensor, or platform, may also be assigned a pulse width selected from a list, and may use a pulse width discriminator circuit to separate pulses of interest from the clutter of other transmitters. Higher level coding, involving pulse sequences and code sequence correlation, may be implemented in a system of code division multiplexing, CDM. A digital processor optimized to execute mathematical operations is described which has a hardware implemented floating point divider, allowing for real time processing of received ladar pulses, and sequences of pulses. |
| US09575183B2 |
Tracking measurement system and method
A measurement system including a tracking measurement device, a tracked measurement device, and a positioning unit disposed at least partly on the tracked measurement device. The positioning unit includes a tracking groove formed in a surface of the positioning unit, the tracking groove having a non-repeating pattern, and a positioning target configured to interface with the tracking groove so as to be movable within and along at least a portion of the tracking groove, where the positioning target is configured to interface with the tracking measurement device to effect a position determination of the tracked measurement device in a global coordinate system of the tracking measurement device. |
| US09575178B2 |
Beamforming method and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
A beamforming method includes: generating a main beam signal by performing, with a focus on a first region, a delay and sum operation on receiving echo signals; generating a sub beam signal which has a low sensitivity to ultrasound signals reflected off the first region; and generating a narrow beam signal by (i) calculating a coefficient for narrowing an angle of the main beam signal, and (ii) multiplying the main beam signal by the coefficient, wherein in the generating of a sub beam signal, the sub beam signal is generated using a differential signal that is a difference between two beam signals each of which is generated by performing a delay and sum operation on the receiving echo signals, with a focus on a corresponding one of two regions of a subject which are different from the first region and are different from each other. |
| US09575177B2 |
Apparatus and method for using radar to evaluate wind flow fields for wind energy applications
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for obtaining data to determine one or more characteristics of a wind flow field using one or more radars. Data is collected from the one or more radars, and analyzed to determine the one or more characteristics of the wind flow field. The one or more radars are positioned to have a portion of the wind flow field within a scanning sector of the one or more radars. |
| US09575175B2 |
System for protecting an airborne platform against collisions
Systems and methods for protecting an airborne platform against collisions are provided. One system includes FMCW radar sensors including transmitting antennae, means for receiving signals from echoes and for processing and digitizing same, and means for sending a central unit data representing said digital signals via a dedicated point to point link. The central unit includes means for processing said data to detect obstacles, means for calculating parameters for each obstacle including its radial velocity, distance range and azimuth, and means to transmit an avionic system of said platform data representing said detected obstacles and parameters. The system further includes means for guaranteeing that said emitted signals are shifted in time to create a shift in frequency guaranteeing that the radar sensors operate in the whole frequency band without perturbing each other. |
| US09575171B1 |
Single antenna altimeter
A radio altimeter with at least one transmitting antenna and at least one receiving antenna in a single housing reduces coupling with antennae housings shaped to deflect electromagnetic signals, and spacing between the antennae based on the phase of the transmitting signal. Coupling of less than −40 dB is filtered by software using adaptive leakage cancelling. |
| US09575169B2 |
Rotating window and radome for surveillance pod
A pod has a rotatable housing and a motor for driving the rotatable housing to rotate. The rotatable housing includes an image capture device for capturing an electromagnetic image and a radar transmitting and capturing device for capturing a radar image. The motor is operable to change an orientation of the rotatable housing relative to a pod housing, such that a desired one of the electromagnetic image capture device and the radar transmission and reception system faces an area that is to be studied. A method is also disclosed. |
| US09575167B2 |
Radar apparatus and signal processing method
There is provided a radar apparatus capable of emitting a transmission wave relating to a transmitting signal which is frequency-modulated, and receiving a reflection wave coming from a target at which the transmission wave is reflected as a receiving signal, to derive at least position information of the target based on the receiving signal. A deriving unit derives a fluctuation value of a signal level relating to the receiving signal for a stationary target among the targets. A calculating unit calculates a fluctuation integrated value integrated by the fluctuation value. A judging unit judges the stationary target as a target other than a control subject if the fluctuation integrated value is below a predetermined threshold. |
| US09575165B2 |
Ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system
An ultrasound probe and an ultrasound imaging system include a plurality of transducer elements arranged in an array. The plurality of transducer elements are organized to form a transmit aperture and a receive aperture. The ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system include a plurality of summing nodes. The ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system include a set of receive switches associated with each of the transducer elements in the receive aperture. Each set of receive switches is configured to selectively connect the associated transducer element to any one of the plurality of summing nodes. |
| US09575164B2 |
LIDAR sensor system
A LIDAR sensor system includes: a transmitting unit including one or more emitting units so as to transmit polarization lasers to an object; a receiving unit configured to receive reflection light reflected on the object; and a processing unit configured to sense the object from the reflection light, and the transmitting unit may include a first emitting unit emitting a first laser and a second emitting unit emitting a second laser having polarization light orthogonal to the first laser. |
| US09575157B2 |
Line of sight (LOS) detection in a cellular communications network
Systems and methods for detecting a Line of Sight (LOS) in a cellular communications network are provided. In one embodiment, a network node in the cellular communications network determines whether a wireless device is within LOS of a base station. In order do so, the network node compares a Ricean factor of a wireless communications channel between the base station and the wireless device and a predetermined Ricean factor threshold for LOS detection. In addition, the network node compares a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) between a Rayleigh probability density function and samples of received signal strength for radio signals transmitted between the base station and the wireless device and a predetermined RMSE threshold for LOS detection. The network node then determines whether the wireless device is within LOS of the base station based on results of the comparisons. |
| US09575154B2 |
MR imaging using a multi-point dixon technique
At least a portion of a body (10) of a patient is positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). The portion of the body (10) is subject to a calibration sequence including RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients controlled in such a manner that a calibration signal data set is acquired by a multi-point Dixon technique at a first image resolution. Calibration parameters are derived from the calibration signal data set. The portion of the body (10) is subject to an imaging sequence including RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients controlled in such a manner that a diagnostic signal data set is acquired at a second image resolution which is higher than the first image resolution A diagnostic MR image is reconstructed from the diagnostic signal data set. The MR device (1) is operated according to the derived calibration parameters with fat saturation during acquisition of the diagnostic signal data set and/or during reconstruction of the diagnostic MR image. |
| US09575153B2 |
MR imaging using a multi-point dixon technique
At least a portion of a body (10) of a patient positioned in an examination volume of a MR device (1). A portion of the body (10) is subject to a calibration sequence including RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients controlled in such a manner that a calibration signal data set is acquired by a multi-point Dixon technique at a first image resolution. Calibration parameters are derived from the calibration signal data set. The MR device (1) is controlled according to the derived calibration parameters. The portion of the body (10) is subject to an imaging sequence including RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients controlled in such a manner that a diagnostic signal data set is acquired at a second image resolution which is higher than the first image resolution. A diagnostic MR image is reconstructed from the diagnostic signal data set. |
| US09575152B1 |
Magnetic resonance imaging
An MRI apparatus employs a magnet for establishing a B0 field, one or more imaging radiofrequency coils for creating a B1 field, and one or more nulling radiofrequency coils. The RF energy emitted by the nulling radiofrequency coils may be configured such that it disrupts the nuclear magnetic resonance signals emitted by nuclei excited by the B1 field. In addition, the nulling radiofrequency coils may be calibrated to be 180° out of phase such that the RF energy emitted by a pair of nulling radiofrequency coils is cancelled at a location between them. |
| US09575151B2 |
Magnetic resonance apparatus and operating method
In a method to operate a magnetic resonance apparatus with a magnetic resonance sequence—in particular a PETRA sequence—in which k-space is radially scanned for an image acquisition in a first region of k-space that does not include the center of k-space, and in which an excitation pulse is radiated as the full strength of at least two phase coding gradients is reached, and in which k-space is scanned in a Cartesian manner—in particular by single point imaging—in a second region of k-space remaining without the first region, the gradient strength corresponding to a shortest total acquisition time is determined automatically from predetermined sequence parameters and/or sequence parameters defined by a user. The sequence parameters parameterize the magnetic resonance sequence and describe the number of acquisitions for the regions of k-space and the repetition time, and the gradient strength is indicated to a user as a recommendation and/or is set automatically in the implementation of the magnetic resonance sequence. |
| US09575150B2 |
Helium vapor magnetic resonance magnet
A magnetic resonance magnet assembly 20 has a coil form 70 shaped as a hollow cylinder. At least two thermally conductive sheets 60 are disposed circumferentially around the coil form 70, separated by a non-electrically conductive region 90. Thermally conductive tubing 50 affixed to each thermally conductive sheeting section 60 runs circumferentially around the coil form 70. At least one layer of thermally conductive electrically insulating material 110 such as fiber glass is bonded with a thermally conductive epoxy encapsulant to the thermally conductive sheets 60. A winding of superconductive wire 80 is bond together and to the electrically insulating material 110 with the thermally conductive epoxy encapsulant. |
| US09575146B2 |
Method of characterizing
The invention relates to a method of characterizing the RF transmit chain of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner (1) using a local transmit/receive coil system (204; 210), comprising a first local NMR probe and a first local magnetic resonance coil, the first NMR probe being spatially located in immediate neighborhood to the first coil, a local receive coil system (206; 208), comprising a second local NMR probe and a second local magnetic resonance coil, the second NMR probe being spatially located in immediate neighborhood to the second coil, wherein the transmit chain comprises an external MR coil (9; 11; 12; 13), the method comprising: determining with the first magnetic resonance coil, a first MR signal phase evolution of the local RF transmit field generated by MR excitation of the first probe using the first magnetic resonance coil by measuring the RF response of the first probe upon said excitation, determining with the second magnetic resonance coil a second MR signal phase evolution of the local RF transmit field generated by MR excitation of the second probe using the external MR coil (9; 11; 12; 13) by measuring the RF response of the second probe upon said excitation, calculating a phase offset between the first and second MR signal phase evolution. |
| US09575142B2 |
Sensor arrangement for position sensing
A sensor arrangement for position sensing comprises a magnetic field source and a magnetoresistive element arranged in a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source, which magnetoresistive element provides an output signal (R) dependent on a position (x) of the magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source. A feedback controller is configured to receive the output signal (R) of the magnetoresistive element and is configured to adjust one or more of the position (x) of the magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source and a strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source acting on the magnetoresistive element dependent on the output signal (R) of the magnetoresistive element. |
| US09575139B1 |
Method for small-signal stability assessment of power systems using simultaneous source side and load side perturbations
A novel method for real-time small-signal stability analysis for power electronic-based components in a power system. The method may be used to monitor a power system in real-time by perturbing the source side of an electronic-based component of the power system by injecting a current of about 0.5 to 1 percent of a nominal current of the power system at the source side, while simultaneously perturbing the load side of the power electronic-based component by varying the voltage at the load side. Time-domain results of the simultaneous perturbations may be transferred to frequency-domain results and the stability of the power system may be monitored by obtaining a Nyquist contour and employing Generalized Nyquist Criterion or unit circle criterion. |
| US09575135B2 |
Battery monitoring circuit, apparatus and method
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to monitoring battery cells. In accordance with various embodiments, a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells connected in series is monitored. Current is separately injected into individual ones of the plurality of battery cells, such as by operating a balancing circuit coupled across an individual cell, to inject current (e.g., positive or negative) into the cell. For each of the battery cells, an output is provided to indicate cell voltage of the battery cell responsive to the current injected therein. An output indicative of current through each of the battery cells is provided as well. From the respective outputs as corresponding to each individual cell, amplitude and phase characteristics of the current and voltage outputs for each of the cells are extracted to provide an indication of an impedance characteristic of the cell(s). |
| US09575132B2 |
Method and system for calculating accurate battery percentage usage in wireless field devices
Methods and systems are disclosed herein for accurately calculating battery consumption in a wireless field device. The total current consumed by a radio board associated with a wireless field device can be determined based on the sum of the current consumed as a result of particular events occurring at the radio board. The current consumed by a sensor board of the wireless field device can then be averated with respect to particular type of sensor. The current consumed by the radio board and the current consumed by the sensor board in the wireless field device can be combined to calculate a predictive value indicative of a remaining life of a battery associated with the wireless field device. |
| US09575125B1 |
Memory device with reduced test time
In some examples, a memory device generates and exposes parity/difference information to a test system to reduce overall test time. The parity/difference information may be generated based on parity bits read from the memory device and parity bits produced from data bits stored in the memory device. In some cases, the parity/difference information may be compared to an expected parity/difference to determine a number of correctable errors which occurred during testing, while the data bits may be compared to expected data to determine a number of uncorrectable errors which occurred during testing. |
| US09575123B2 |
Registers for post configuration testing of programmable logic devices
Various techniques are provided to implement user specified test registers locally on a PLD for use while the PLD is configured with a user design and tested. In one example, a machine-implemented method includes receiving, from an external test application, a data value at a programmable logic device (PLD) running configured user logic. The method also includes writing the data value into a test register of the PLD. The method also includes providing a control signal from the test register to the configured user logic in response to the data value. The method also includes switching operation of the configured user logic from a first test implementation to a second test implementation in response to the control signal. |
| US09575117B2 |
Testing stacked devices
Testing stacked devices. In accordance with a first method embodiment, a primary circuit assembly is accessed from a first circuit assembly carrier. The primary circuit assembly is placed into a test fixture. A secondary circuit assembly is accessed from a second circuit assembly carrier. The secondary circuit assembly is placed into the test fixture on top of the primary circuit assembly. The primary circuit assembly is tested in conjunction with said secondary circuit assembly while coupled together. |
| US09575114B2 |
Test system and device
An aspect of the present invention is to provide a test system for detecting whether a continuity fault condition, e.g., a short or open condition, exists in the path between a tester and chips on a wafer during a wafer level burn-in testing. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test system comprises a probe card and n chips. The probe card comprises m first signal contacts for receiving m test signals from the tester, n second signal contacts for providing n test results to the tester, and a contact array. The probe card is in contact with the chips on the wafer through a plurality of needles. In this manner, the test system can detect whether the continuity fault condition exists in the path between the tester and the chips on the wafer during the wafer level burn-in testing. |
| US09575113B2 |
Insulated-gate bipolar transistor collector-emitter saturation voltage measurement
In one example, a method includes determining that an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is saturated, and while the IGBT is saturated, determining a collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCESat) of the IGBT. |
| US09575111B1 |
On chip detection of electrical overstress events
A system configured for detecting electrical overstress events within an integrated circuit includes a comparator configured to determine whether a monitored voltage level of a monitored signal exceeds an overstress reference voltage level. The overstress reference voltage level is a predetermined amount of voltage above a nominal voltage level for the monitored signal. The system further includes a write circuit coupled to an output of the comparator. The write circuit is configured to indicate an occurrence of an electrical overstress event within the integrated circuit responsive to the comparator determining that the monitored voltage level exceeds the overstress reference voltage level. |
| US09575109B2 |
Method and apparatus for remote coal mine leakage test
Provided are a method and apparatus for remote coal mine leakage test. The remote leakage test method comprising: installing and connecting a leakage test device (3) at the a control switch (2) located at the most distal end of a coal mine power line (5); a leakage detection and protection device (1) connecting the leakage test device (3) via the coal mine power line (5) and providing it with a detection circuit for detecting whether remote leakage has occurred; generating a grounding current flowing through the coal mine power line (5) by controlling the grounding of the leakage test device (3); the leakage detection and protection device (1) detecting the grounding current, and enabling a leakage protection relay (KA) to operate, so as to cut off the coal mine power line (5); and detecting the coal mine power line (5) or manually observing an indication lamp (HL), so as to determine whether the remote leakage test is successful. The coal mine remote leakage test device and method are safe, convenient and time-saving. |
| US09575107B2 |
Electronic arrangement and vector network analyzer characterized by reduced phase noise
An electronic arrangement and method for providing a signal characterized by reduced phase noise having a signal source for providing a stimulus signal, a modulator coupled to the signal source for generating a modulated signal as function of the stimulus signal and a local oscillator signal, and a mixer combining the stimulus and modulated signals to generate a mixed signal that includes a component characterized by a mathematical difference of the stimulus signal and the modulated signal. The modulated signal substantially identical to the stimulus signal and being offset by a frequency of the local oscillator signal, so that the difference component of the mixed signal results in a local oscillator signal wherein the stimulus signal phase noise generated by the signal source has been mathematically cancelled. |
| US09575103B2 |
Integrated circuit and associated methods for measurement of an external impedance
An integrated circuit includes an output circuit having a first terminal adapted to couple to an external power supply, a second terminal adapted to couple to a reference potential, and a third, control terminal. The first and second terminals of the output circuit provide output terminals of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit further includes an impedance measurement circuit responsive to the external power supply to generate a control signal for coupling to the control terminal of the output circuit. The control signal controls a current level associated with the output circuit. A corresponding method is also described. |
| US09575098B2 |
Electronic apparatus to detect power supply voltage levels to protect peripheral circuits
An electronic apparatus includes a first voltage detection circuit which detects when a voltage, becomes higher than a first level after the voltage starts to be supplied to a peripheral circuit, and detects when the voltage becomes lower than a second level after a supply of the voltage to the peripheral circuit starts to be interrupted, and a second voltage detection circuit which detects when the voltage becomes lower than a reference level while the peripheral circuit operates. The second level is lower than the reference level. |
| US09575097B2 |
Specimen and current measuring method
Composite material sheets containing conductive fibers are laminated, and release films are interposed between the sheets so as to extend from one end to the center of the sheets. The sheets are heated under pressure to shape a composite material. Discrete conductive wires through which a measurement current is passed are connected to end surfaces of the respective layers in the composite material on the side on which the release films are interposed. A common conductive wire through which the measurement current is passed is connected to a surface of one of an uppermost layer and a lowermost layer at an end of the composite material opposite to the side on which the release films are interposed. A current is passed between the common conductive wire and the discrete conductive wires. Currents in the respective layers are sequentially or simultaneously measured using an ammeter. |
| US09575088B2 |
Capacitive micromechanical acceleration sensor
The invention relates to a capacitive micromechanical acceleration sensor comprising a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor. The first sensor comprises a rotor electrode and stator electrode. The sensor comprises a first beam that is connected to a rotor electrode support structure and that is connected to the rotor electrode. The sensor comprises a second beam that is connected to the rotor electrode support structure and that is connected to the rotor electrode. The second sensor is situated in a first space circumscribed by the first beam, the first sensor, and the rotor electrode support structure. The third sensor is situated in a second space circumscribed by the second beam, the first sensor, and the rotor electrode support structure. |
| US09575086B2 |
Laboratory sample distribution system, laboratory system and method of operating
A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a plurality of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container containing a sample. The system further comprises a transport plane to carry the multiple container carriers and a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier. The system also comprises at least one transfer device to transfer a sample item, wherein the sample item is a container carrier, a sample container, part of the sample and/or the complete sample, between the transport plane and a laboratory station such as, for example, a pre-analytical, an analytical and/or a post-analytical station. |
| US09575084B1 |
Dried specimen storage slide
Specimen collection slides, methods of fabricating and methods of utilizing such specimen collection slides whereby each specimen collection slide includes a top rigid layer with an opening, a bottom rigid layer with an opening substantially the same size as the top layer opening, a middle rigid section having an opening larger than the openings in both the top and bottom layers, and a filtration media residing within the opening in the middle section. The top, bottom and middle are secured together to provide the resultant slide with thickness and rigidity that lends the slide to be utilized in automated handling processes and instruments. The middle section of the slide encases the filtration media and sandwiches it between the top and bottom layers so that the filtration media is protected from damage. Each slide may have its own unique identifier. |
| US09575083B2 |
Automatic analysis apparatus
An automatic analysis apparatus measures a concentration of an intended component in a biological sample, such as blood or urine, or determines whether such component is contained in the sample or not, and includes a function such that, with respect to the optical system, a part whose lifetime has ended is specified or the degree of deterioration of a part is detected to provide a user with the information. The automatic analyzer has a storage unit for storing a transmitted light distribution for a plurality of wavelengths detected by a receptor element for transmitted light which has passed through a substance to be measured, and a control unit for comparing a first, stored transmitted light distribution with a second transmitted light distribution acquired at the time of measurement to determine a deteriorating part from a plurality of parts based on the result of the comparison and output the result. |
| US09575082B2 |
Automatic analysis device and automatic analysis method
The automatic analysis device includes an analysis unit that corrects, based on a measured value at the time of a first light amount measurement with water dispensed in the reaction cell before the sample is dispensed therein; a measured value at the time of a second light amount measurement after the sample and a preprocessing reagent are dispensed into the reaction cell; a liquid amount in the reaction cell at the time of the second light amount measurement; and a liquid amount in the reaction cell at the time of a third light amount measurement after the reaction reagent has been dispensed into the reaction cell and before the reaction reagent and the substance to be measured react with each other. |
| US09575080B2 |
Modulators of pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutics
The present application provides for a compound of Formula IV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/or ester thereof, compositions containing such compounds, therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, and therapeutic methods and include the administration of such compounds with at least one additional therapeutic agent. |
| US09575075B2 |
Methods for treating cone dystrophy with neuronal viability factor, RDCVF2
The present disclosure concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound selected in the group comprising (i) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected in the group comprising the amino acid sequence of the long isoform in Homo sapiens of the RdCVF2 gene (SEQ ID NO:10), orthologs, derivatives and fragments thereof, (ii) a polynucleotide coding for said polypeptide, (iii) a vector comprising said polynucleotide, and (iv) a host cell genetically engineered expressing said polypeptide; the use of such a composition for the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject; and a method of testing a subject thought to have or be predisposed to having a neurodegenerative disorder. |
| US09575073B2 |
Detection of high-risk intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and pancreatic adenocarcinoma
The present invention relates to diagnostic, prognostic and clinical methods of distinguishing high-risk IPMN from more benign IPMN as well as high-grade PanIN and PDAC from low-grade PanIN with moderate sensitivity and very high specificity using Das-1 and related antibodies. |
| US09575070B2 |
Neoepitope detection of disease using protein arrays
A diagnostic device for and method of detecting the presence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in a patient including a detector device for detecting a presence of at least one marker indicative of HNSCC, the detector device including a panel of markers for HNSCC. A diagnostic device for and method of staging HNSCC in a patient including a detector device for detecting a presence of at least one marker indicative of stages of HNSCC, the detector device including a panel of markers for HNSCC. Markers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma selected from the markers listed in Table 5. Methods of personalized immunotherapy, making a personalized anti-cancer vaccine, and predicting a clinical outcome in a HNSCC patient. A method of making a panel of HNSCC markers. |
| US09575069B2 |
Use of antibody-surrogate antigen systems for detection of analytes
Compositions, methods and kits for labeling proteins and uses in reporter systems for detecting, quantifying and/or characterizing analytes. |
| US09575066B2 |
Antibody-based arrays for detecting multiple signal transducers in rare circulating cells
The present invention provides antibody-based arrays for detecting the activation state and/or total amount of a plurality of signal transduction molecules in rare circulating cells and methods of use thereof for facilitating cancer prognosis and diagnosis and the design of personalized, targeted therapies. |
| US09575063B2 |
Optical engine for flow cytometer, flow cytometer system and methods of use
An optical engine for use in a bench top flow cytometer, the optical engine comprising a set of lasers; a different set of beam shaping optics for each laser, wherein each set comprises two lenses to adjustably focus light horizontally along an x-axis to a same horizontal position and vertically along a y-axis to a different vertical position along a same plane; collection optics for collecting fluorescence from the flow cell; filtration optics that filter the collected fluorescence from the flow cell into different detection channels according to wavelength ranges; and a detector for each detection channel that converts the filtered fluorescence to electrical signals, wherein electrical signals are processed so that the fluorescence from each laser at the different vertical positions is distinguished at the same detector. |
| US09575062B2 |
Zwitterion-containing acridinium compounds
Hydrophilic, chemiluminescent acridinium compounds containing zwitterions are disclosed. These acridinium compounds, when used as chemiluminescent labels in immunochemistry assays and the like, exhibit decreased non-specific binding to solid phases and provide increased assay sensitivity. |
| US09575056B2 |
Single-pad strip for an improved lateral flow assay and a test device using the same
The present invention relates to a strip for an improved lateral flow assay of a biological sample on a single plane and a lateral flow chromatography assay using a test device containing the same. The strip of the present invention consists of a single-pad, which can improve lateral flow assay by providing an easy and simple procedure and clear visual reading. The strip of the present invention is consisted of sample application (sample) zone and reactant-resultant zone where the reaction mixture is deposited (reactant) are all on a same plane. In addition, the present invention provides a chromatographic method wherein hemoglobin is separated from analyte by a differential chromatography on the solid phase. Any interference of detection of the result by hemoglobin is removed by the present invention. The present invention provides advantages including an easy and simple procedure with a quick and clear response. |
| US09575052B2 |
Diagnostic devices and methods
A diagnostic device is provided that comprises a light source for transmitting a light beam through a blood sample to a light detector, and a permanent magnet, wherein one of the permanent magnet and blood sample is automatically movable relative to the other between a “HIGH” magnetic state position and a “LOW” magnetic state position, such that a substantially high magnetic field is applied to the blood sample causing any hemozoin in the blood sample to tend toward perpendicular orientation to the substantially magnetic field and the suppression, or enhancement of light based on its polarization, and a zero-to-near-zero magnetic field is applied to the blood sample causing the randomization of any hemozoin in the blood sample and a baseline amount of light to pass through the blood sample in the “LOW” magnetic state position. |
| US09575049B2 |
Method for accurately testing yarn hairiness through stretching one-directionally
A method for accurately testing yarn hairiness through stretching one-directionally, belonging to a technical field of textile testing, is provided. A suction pipe is provided on an external side of a laser and connected with an exhausting fan through a sleeve connector and a hose. An air inlet of the suction pipe generates a negative pressure under an effect of the exhausting fan to laterally suck the yarn running at a tension state among the laser, a projection receiver and the suction pipe. The hairiness on a yarn surface stretches straight one-directionally towards an airflow direction at a height of a center of the air inlet of the suction pipe. The one-directional straight stretched hairiness on the yarn surface is accurately projected to the projection receiver of a testing head at an equal length for accurately testing a hair amount and a hair length. |
| US09575047B2 |
Method of clay stabilization analysis
A method of evaluating stabilization fluids for use in a subterranean formation having a clay composition is disclosed. The method features providing a plurality of replicant core samples representative of the composition of a subterranean formation. A plurality of stabilization fluids are introduced to the plurality of replicant core sample such that an eluted mixture is extracted from a second end of each replicant core sample. Afterwards, at least one property of the eluted mixture from each replicant core sample is determined. |
| US09575046B1 |
Explosive detection compositions and kit
Explosive reagent detecting compositions are provided for detecting explosives containing chlorate and hydrogen peroxide. Such compositions include Ru-EDTA complexes, binuclear aromatic hydroxyl (BAH) and an optional lanthanide salt. Embodiments of these compositions may be combined with a compact and flexible packaging as an easy-to-use kit for detecting the presence of explosives. |
| US09575043B2 |
Multi-sense environmental monitoring device and method
An environmental monitoring device for detecting and warning users of unhealthy levels of a given substance is disclosed having more than one sensor for each substance to be detected. Each sensor for each substance detected may be positioned in more than one plane or surface on the device. The device may be capable of auto or self calibration. Methods for reading substance levels and auto calibrating are also disclosed. |
| US09575041B2 |
Gas cross-sensitivity analysis method and system thereof
A gas cross-sensitivity analysis method is provided. The method includes, an injection frequency signal is generated from a first gas. A second gas sensing signal is captured from a second gas. Then, the second gas sensing signal is converted to a second gas sensing frequency signal by using Fast Fourier Transform. Further, a sensing peak frequency signal is determined from peak frequency of the second gas sensing frequency signal. The injection frequency signal and the sensing peak frequency signal are analyzed. A gas cross-sensitivity effect can be direct interpretation by a singular indication between the injection frequency signal and the sensing peak frequency signal. |
| US09575031B2 |
Apparatus and process for depletion zone isotachophoresis
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for concentrating, detecting and/or isolating a plurality of charged analytes contained in a sample by depletion zone isotachophoresis. |
| US09575025B2 |
Electrolyte solution, method for producing electrolyte solution, and electrochemical device
There is provided an electrolyte solution including a solvent formed from a sulfone, and a magnesium salt dissolved in the solvent. |
| US09575023B2 |
Measuring apparatus and method for detecting ferromagnetic particles
Measuring apparatus and measuring method for detecting ferromagnetic particles which are movably arranged in a liquid volume, characterized by a magnetic means for generating a magnetic field in the liquid volume, a measuring means for the total electrical resistance of the liquid volume with the ferromagnetic particles therein and a means for checking the function of the measuring apparatus with at least one low-value resistor of between 50 and 500Ω for carrying out a resistance measurement. The invention also describes a magnetic means with an electromagnet which, when in need of cleaning, can be demagnetized by means of correct energization (measured using the normal resistance measurement) and can be magnetized again when started up again. |
| US09575020B2 |
Heat generation point detection method and heat generation point detection device
A heat generation point detection method comprises steps S01, S02 of applying a low frequency bias voltage to an integrated circuit S and acquiring a heat generation detection signal detected from the integrated circuit S in response thereto, steps S03, S04 of supplying a high frequency bias voltage to the integrated circuit S and acquiring a heat generation detection signal detected from the integrated circuit S in response thereto, steps S05 to S07 of detecting a phase shift between the low frequency bias voltage and the heat generation detection signal and a phase shift between the high frequency bias voltage and the heat generation detection signal, and a step S08 of calculating a change rate of the phase shift against a square root of the frequency of the bias voltage, based on those phase shifts, and acquiring depth information of a heat generation point from the change rate. |
| US09575018B2 |
System and method for testing ceramic coatings
A method of testing for impurities includes directing an x-ray source toward a surface at an angle α relative to the plane of the surface, the surface defined by a ceramic coating over a crystalline substrate; detecting x-ray fluorescent radiation emitted from the ceramic coating at an angle θ different from the angle α and its supplementary angle; and comparing characteristics of the detected x-ray fluorescent radiation to characteristics associated with impurities. |
| US09575010B2 |
Inspection apparatus and inspection method
An inspection object is supported by a table. Light is emitted from a light source to illuminate the inspection object. An optical unit illuminates the inspection object with light, wherein the light is transmitted through the inspection object. Another optical unit illuminates the inspection object with light, wherein the light is reflected by the inspection object. Light transmitted through the inspection object is incident to a first sensor. Light reflected by the inspection object is incident to a second sensor. A defect of a pattern of the inspection object is detected using optical image data output from at least one of the sensors. A line width error is obtained by comparing line widths obtained from design data and optical image data of the pattern. A polarized beam splitter is disposed, movable between the inspection object and the first sensor, and between the inspection object and the second sensor. |
| US09575003B2 |
Optical field enhancement device, light measurement apparatus and method
An optical field enhancement device that generates an enhanced optical field on a surface of a metal film by an optical field enhancement effect of localized plasmon induced on the surface of the metal film by light projected onto a nanostructure on which the metal film is formed, the device including a transparent substrate having a transparent nanostructure on a surface, a metal film formed on a surface of the nanostructure, and a support member for supporting a subject at a position spaced apart from the surface of the metal film. |
| US09575002B2 |
Light stimulation device and microscope system
The number of stimulated spots and/or the area of a stimulated spot is easily increased or decreased while keeping the irradiation power for each stimulated spot constant. Provided is a light stimulation device (3) that includes an objective lens (23) that radiates stimulation light emitted from a stimulation laser (11) onto a specimen (S); an LCOS-SLM (17) that is located at a position conjugate to the pupil of the objective lens (23) and that can modulate the phase of stimulation light to be made to enter the objective lens (23) based on a predetermined pupil modulation pattern; an AOM (13) that adjusts the amount of stimulation light to be made to enter the LCOS-SLM (17); a mouse (26) that is used to specify the number of spots and the position of a spot of light to be radiated onto the specimen (S); and a controller main unit (28) that determines the pupil modulation pattern for the LCOS-SLM (17) according to the number of spots and the position of a spot specified by means of the mouse (26) and that controls the AOM (13) such that, when the number of spots specified by means of the mouse (26) is changed, the amount of light to be radiated onto each spot before and after the change in the number of spots becomes constant. |
| US09575001B2 |
System and method for detection of materials using orbital angular momentum signatures
An apparatus for measuring a presence of predetermined material within a sample, comprises signal generation circuitry for generating a first signal having an applied first orbital angular momentum signature and applying the first signal to the sample. A detector receives the first signal after the first signal passes through the sample and determines the presence of the predetermined material within the sample based on a detected second orbital angular momentum signature within the first signal received from the sample. The detector provides an output of an indication of the presence of the predetermined material responsive to the determination. |
| US09575000B2 |
Drop detection of human follicle fluid in a test tube
The present disclosure discloses an apparatus and a method for detecting first and subsequent drops of follicle fluid falling into a test tube during an aspiration process. A pair of optical devices (emitter and detector) is positioned at opposite side of the test tube. The emitter emits a beam of light towards the detector. As soon as a drop of the follicle fluid falls into the test tube, a signal processing circuitry detects a change in intensity of the light received by the detector. Further, the intensity of beam is compared with a pre-defined intensity. Based on the comparison, if the difference between the pre-defined intensity and intensity is greater than a pre-defined threshold value, the signal processing circuitry generates an electrical signal indicating the detection of the first drop of the follicle fluid falling into the test tube. |
| US09574998B2 |
Line segment detection apparatus, and storage medium storing control program
A line segment detection apparatus includes a head that supports a sensor configured to detect light reflected by a surface of a cutting target medium, a driving unit configured to move the head in two-dimensional directions relatively to the medium, and a processing unit configured to drive the driving unit and perform arithmetic processing on an output of the sensor. The processing unit includes a region detection unit configured to detect a region different in reflectance from surroundings based on a change of a signal output from the sensor when the sensor was moved in a first direction, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the region is a line segment, based on the change of the signal output from the sensor when the sensor passed a point in the region and was moved in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US09574995B2 |
CO2 concentration sensor
Device for measuring the concentration of a predetermined gas, in particular CO2, comprising a cavity, a light source emitting light rays within a basic spectral range including visible and infrared, a detector configured to receive a portion of the light rays within a first predefined spectral range corresponding to high absorption of the predetermined gas, a photodiode configured to receive a portion of the light rays within a second predefined spectral range corresponding to low absorption of the predetermined gas, a control unit configured to calculate the concentration of the predetermined gas by comparing the radiant power received by the detector to the radiant power received by the photodiode. |
| US09574993B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing the concentration of materials in suspension
A spectrometer equipped with an integrating sphere is used to measure a reflection spectrum from a suspension in a container when the suspension is irradiated with measurement light, of which wavelengths are selected from a wavelength range including near infrared. Reflection spectra of a number of types of standard samples, of which concentrations in the suspension are already known, are used to prepare a measurement model in accordance with an assay technique on the basis of a recursion. A concentration of the material in the suspension is found using the measurement model. |
| US09574987B2 |
Method for determining the properties of porous materials
A sample of porous material is placed in a calorimeter cell and a pressure in the cell is increased starting from a pressure value of a first step by filling the cell with a wetting fluid. Measurements are taken of a heat flow to the cell and a fluid volume at each step. Then, the pressure in the cell is decreased to the pressure value of a first step with continued measurements of the heat flow to the cell. Increase and following decrease of the fluid pressure in the cell are repeated at least once. Then a temperature in the cell is decreased below a wetting fluid crystallization point. Once the fluid has been fully crystallized in sample pores, the temperature in the cell is increased above a wetting fluid melting point. Wetting limiting angle of the pores filled with fluid, and pore sizes are determined based on the results of heat flow measurements with due consideration of heat effect of fluid compression. |
| US09574983B2 |
Method of determining measurement data of samples and rheometer
A method determines measurement data of samples by using a rotation rheometer and a linear DM(T)A analysis unit. The rotation rheometer has units for measuring and/or adjusting the normal force exerted by or on the measurement shaft and/or the speed, deflection angle and/or torque of the measurement shaft. The linear DM(T)A analysis unit has units for measuring the tensile and/or pressure force and/or the position and/or the feed movement of its adjustment rod. The sample to be examined is arranged between opposite measurement parts. Accordingly, the rotational forces or torques transmitted via the sample from the measurement shaft to the adjusting rod, when obtaining measurement data with the linear DM(T)A analysis unit, and, when obtaining measurement data by the rotation rheometer, for the tensile or pressure forces or linear adjustment forces transmitted via the sample from the adjustment rod to the measurement shaft are compensated for. |
| US09574982B2 |
Method of measuring concentrations of gas mixtures
A method of measuring concentrations of gas mixtures is disclosed in which an ionic liquid and/or low vapor-pressure organic solvent is exposed to a gas mixture being tested to form a solution of the gas components in the liquid. The vapor pressure of the solution is then measured at one or more other temperatures and compared to predicted vapor pressures based on known individual vapor pressure profiles of the gas components in the liquid in order to determine the actual proportions of the components in the gas sample. |
| US09574980B2 |
Position-limit device with spring components for direct tensile test
A device for fixing a rock sample, the device including: a lower clamp and an upper clamp. The lower clamp includes: a lower connector connected to a bottom loading base, a lower end cap for fixing samples, a lower chain connecting the lower connector and the lower end cap, a first spiral spring, a first central position-limit mechanism, and a second central position-limit mechanism. The lower end cap includes: a first sample fixing groove and a first connecting segment. The upper clamp includes: an upper connector connected to a top loading base, an upper end cap for fixing the samples, an upper chain connecting with the upper connector and the upper end cap, a second spiral spring, a third central position-limit mechanism, and a fourth central position-limit mechanism. The upper end cap includes a second sample fixing groove and a second connecting segment. |
| US09574974B2 |
Suspended sediment sampler
The invention relates to a sampler for sampling sediment suspended in fluid, the sampler including a container and a closure. The container includes an opening through which fluid can enter and be contained therein. The closure is associated with the opening of the container and includes a moveable part which on tipping or inversion of the sampler moves between an open and a closed position. In the opened position, the sample can enter the container through the opening and be contained therein, and in the closed position, fluid in the container is substantially prevented from leaving the container. The invention also relates to variant forms of the invention and a method of use. |
| US09574970B2 |
Distributed optical fibre sensor
There is described a distributed optical fiber sensor for detecting one or more physical parameters indicative of an environmental influence on a sensor optical fiber, as a function of position along the sensor fiber. The sensor uses probe light pulses of different wavelengths. At least some of the probe light pulses may also be of different pulse lengths. The relative phase bias between interferometric signals in backscattered probe light of different wavelength pulses may also be controlled. |
| US09574969B2 |
Apparatuses for screen testing an optical fiber and methods for using the same
In one embodiment, an apparatus for screen testing an optical fiber includes a fiber conveyance pathway, a capstan having an outer circumference and a fiber contact region extending around the outer circumference, the fiber contact region having a durometer hardness of less than or equal to about 40 Shore A, where the capstan is positioned adjacent to the fiber conveyance pathway such that when the optical fiber is directed over the fiber conveyance pathway, the optical fiber engages with the fiber contact region, and a pinch belt positioned adjacent to the fiber conveyance pathway such that the fiber conveyance pathway extends between the pinch belt and the fiber contact region, where the pinch belt is engageable with the fiber contact region such that, when the optical fiber is directed over the fiber conveyance pathway, the optical fiber is impinged between the pinch belt and the fiber contact region. |
| US09574964B2 |
Mobile computer atmospheric barometric pressure system
The disclosure includes a system, method and tangible memory for providing a vehicular barometric pressure reading. The system includes a plurality of electronic sensor devices configured to record first barometric pressure data describing a first barometric pressure associated with the vehicle. Each of the electronic sensor devices may record a separate barometric pressure reading associated with the vehicle. The system may further include an onboard vehicle computer that is communicatively coupled to the plurality of electronic sensor devices and programmed to (1) analyze the separate barometric pressure readings to determine, for each of the electronic sensor devices, a confidence factor indicating a confidence in the accuracy of the barometric pressure reading for each of the electronic sensor devices and (2) determine whether to provide a sensor service recommendation based on the confidence factor. |
| US09574959B2 |
Various stress free sensor packages using wafer level supporting die and air gap technique
Sensor packages and manners of formation are described. In an embodiment, a sensor package includes a supporting die characterized by a recess area and a support anchor protruding above the recess area. A sensor die is bonded to the support anchor such that an air gap exists between the sensor die and the recess area. The sensor die includes a sensor positioned directly above the air gap. |
| US09574956B2 |
MEMS optical sensor
The present invention relates to an all-optical sensor utilizing effective index modulation of a waveguide and detection of a wavelength shift of reflected light and a force sensing system accommodating said optical sensor. One embodiment of the invention relates to a sensor system comprising at least one multimode light source, one or more optical sensors comprising a multimode sensor optical waveguide accommodating a distributed Bragg reflector, at least one transmitting optical waveguide for guiding light from said at least one light source to said one or more multimode sensor optical waveguides, a detector for measuring light reflected from said Bragg reflector in said one or more multimode sensor optical waveguides, and a data processor adapted for analyzing variations in the Bragg wavelength of at least one higher order mode of the reflected light. |
| US09574949B2 |
Automated system and method for testing the efficacy and reliability of distributed temperature sensing systems
Automated systems and methods for testing the efficacy and reliability of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. The DTS system has a fiber optic sensing cable laid out on a structure to be monitored, and a DTS unit for sensing temperature along a sensing line at locations thereof. The DTS unit is optically coupled to the sensing cable. The sensing cable is optically coupled to a test cable to form the sensing line. Also provided, is a cooling device for cooling the test cable. A controller periodically actuates the cooling device to thereby test the efficacy and reliability of the DTS system. A relay configured for communication with the DTS unit and the controller is operable to trigger an alarm condition in response to a signal received from the DTS unit indicative that a temperature drop in the sensing line at a location thereof has been detected. |
| US09574948B2 |
Temperature sensor and temperature sensing method
Provided is a temperature sensing circuit and a temperature sensing method including a delay unit delaying an input clock signal to generate a feedback clock signal, and including logic gates of which delay times are variable according to temperature, a delay control unit comparing the feedback clock signal with a reference clock signal and controlling each of the logic gates of the delay unit according to the comparison result, and an input signal control unit selecting, as the input clock signal, any one of the feedback clock signal and the reference clock signal to input the input clock signal to the delay unit. |
| US09574947B2 |
Sensor temperature sensing device
The present disclosure includes sensing device embodiments. One sensing device includes a heater layer, a resistance detector layer, constructed and arranged to indicate a temperature value based upon a correlation to a detected resistance value, an electrode layer, and a sensing layer. |
| US09574946B2 |
Spatiotemporally resolved far-field pulse contrast measuring method and device
A spatiotemporally resolved far-field pulse contrast measuring device includes a plano-convex cylindrical lens, a nonlinear correlation crystal, a plano-convex imaging lens and a signal-receiving system. The signal-receiving system includes a fiber array, a photomultiplier and a digital oscilloscope. A measuring method of the device includes steps of: focusing an under-test beam in x dimension to make a focus of the under-test beam fall onto a front surface of the nonlinear correlation crystal; making a spatial correlation and a temporal correlation respectively in two transverse spatial dimensions (x-y) of the nonlinear correlation crystal by the far-field under-test beam and a sampling beam; generating a two-dimensional correlating signal by the spatiotemporal correlation; imaging the two-dimensional correlating signal by an imaging system onto a detection surface of a receiver system; and measuring the x-dimensional and y-dimensional intensity distributions of the correlating signal highly dynamically by the receiver system. |
| US09574945B2 |
THz radiation detection in standard CMOS technologies based on thermionic emission
A detector of terahertz (THz) energy includes a MOSFET having an extended source region, and a channel region depleted of free carriers, which MOSFET operates in a sub-threshold voltage state and has an output that is an exponential function of THz energy supplied to the gate. |
| US09574944B1 |
Systems and methods for high-contrast, near-real-time acquisition of terahertz images
A cw terahertz image beam is upconverted by a nonlinear optical process (e.g., sum- or difference-frequency generation with a near IR cw upconverting beam). The upconverted image is acquired by a near IR image detector. The bandwidths and center wavelengths of the terahertz image beam and the upconverting beam are such that wavelength filtering can be employed to permit an upconverted image beam to reach the detector while blocking or substantially attenuating the upconverting beam. |
| US09574942B2 |
Spectrometry system with decreased light path
A spectrometer comprises a plurality of isolated optical channels comprising a plurality of isolated optical paths. The isolated optical paths decrease cross-talk among the optical paths and allow the spectrometer to have a decreased length with increased resolution. In many embodiments, the isolated optical paths comprise isolated parallel optical paths that allow the length of the device to be decreased substantially. In many embodiments, each isolated optical path extends from a filter of a filter array, through a lens of a lens array, through a channel of a support array, to a region of a sensor array. Each region of the sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor elements in which a location of the sensor element corresponds to the wavelength of light received based on an angle of light received at the location, the focal length of the lens and the central wavelength of the filter. |
| US09574940B2 |
Detecting system
A detecting system for detecting an under-test light of an under-test object includes a light spatial distribution unit, a chromatic-dispersion light-splitting unit and a detecting unit. The light spatial distribution unit is disposed on a side of the under-test object to receive the under-test light and form a plurality of point light sources. The chromatic-dispersion light-splitting unit is disposed on a side of the light spatial distribution unit to receive the point light sources and produce a light-splitting signal. The detecting unit is disposed on a side of the chromatic-dispersion light-splitting unit to receive the light-splitting signal and produce an optical field distribution of the under-test light. |
| US09574933B2 |
Terahertz-wave detection element, manufacturing method therefor, and observation apparatus
Provided a terahertz-wave detection element with high spatial resolution and suppressing a crack occurrence. A method of manufacturing the detection element capable of detecting a spatial intensity distribution of a terahertz wave includes: a step of forming an oxide layer on one main surface of a first substrate consisting of an electro-optic crystal; a step of joining the one main surface of the first substrate and a second substrate by an adhesive consisting; a step of thinning the first substrate of a joined body, to a thickness of 1-30 μm by polishing the first substrate; and a step of obtaining a large number of terahertz-wave detection elements by cutting the joined body. The oxide layer is formed such that the first substrate becomes convex to a side of the one main surface by causing a tensile stress to act on it. |
| US09574932B2 |
Robot-actuated door-opening device for a draft shield enclosure of an analytical balance
A device (14) allows a door of a balance draft shield enclosure (12) to be activated by a carrier fork (4) of a robot (5). The vertically movable draft shield door (13) sets open an access opening in a raised position and closes the opening in a lowered position. A door-lifter with a force-application element (41) is connected to the draft shield door for application of an upward-directed vertical force. A transmitting mechanism (15), standing clear of the balance (11) includes a force-receiving element (20, 21, 26, 27) that is moved vertically by the carrier fork, between upper and lower end positions. It further includes at least one direction-reversing element (22, 23, 24, 25, 29), coupled to the force-receiving element for coupling to the force-application element, a return spring (28), and a spring-biased locking latch (30). |
| US09574931B2 |
Checkweigher for checking the weight of filled receptacles
A checkweigher (10) for measuring the weight of a pre-metered dose of medicament in a pharmaceutical blister (12) is provided. The checkweigher comprises a rotatable blister support element (14) for supporting a plurality of blisters (12), an evacuation assembly (16) for sequentially accessing and removing the contents of the plurality of blisters (12) as the blister support element rotates, a load sensor (18) for weighing the blister support element (14) and the plurality of blisters (12), drive means (20) for moving the blister support element (14) to and from the load sensor (18), and a controller (22) for controlling the drive means (20). The plurality of blisters (12) may be provided as single blister units or as part of a blister pack. |
| US09574929B2 |
Coupling device for impedance matching to a guided wave radar probe
A coupling device for impedance matching a probe of a guided wave radar (GWR) system. A feed-through is for connecting to a coaxial cable or other transmission line connector that includes an inner conductor which connects to an output of a transceiver and an outer conductor that connects to an outer metal sleeve. A subwavelength coaxial transmission line (CTL) having a length from λ/5 to λ/2 is coupled to the feed-through including an inner conductor connected to the inner conductor of the feed-through and an outer conductor connected to the outer metal sleeve. A mode converter (MC) having a plurality of metal fingers (7) of length 2λ± twenty percent is connected to the outer conductor of the subwavelength CTL, where the MC includes a dielectric coating on its inner conductor connected to the inner conductor of the subwavelength CTL. |
| US09574926B2 |
Measuring tube for a flow measuring device and flow measuring device
A measuring tube for a flow measuring device, wherein the measuring tube has a measuring tube axis A and a measuring tube wall. The measuring tube has a branch with a branch axis B and a wall of the branch, wherein the wall of the branch is arranged on the measuring tube wall, and the wall of the branch is connected with the measuring tube wall by a welded joint. In the transitional region between the wall of the branch and the measuring tube wall there is a specially embodied thickening of the material, which is either part of the wall of the branch or part of the measuring tube wall. |
| US09574925B2 |
Fluid measurement device having a circuit for precise flow measurement
A fluid measurement device includes a circuit unit into which a first signal output from a first detection element and a second signal output from a second detection element are input. The circuit unit includes a signal processing part, a state deciding part, and a controller. The controller controls an amount of change that a change of the first signal imparts to the third signal in accordance with a result of decision by the state deciding part that determines that the state of the first signal is not within the predetermined range. The predetermined range is based on the second signal. |
| US09574916B2 |
Optimized techniques for generating and measuring toroidal vortices via an industrial vortex flowmeter
A vortex flowmeter may utilize a ring-shaped bluff body as the vortex generator or shedder. The ring shape and size of the vortex ring generator may be optimized to produce linear and stable toroidal vortex outputs that may outperform the conventional shedder bar. In comparison to the conventional vortex shedder bar, the ring may have a slimmer configuration and a higher K-factor, and hence, a higher resolution. |
| US09574914B2 |
Method and device for determining elapsed sensor life
Methods and systems for determining elapsed sensor life in medical systems, and more specifically continuous analyte monitoring systems. |
| US09574911B2 |
Two-core optical fibers for distributed fiber sensors and systems
A two-core optical fiber is provided for use in Brillouin distributed fiber sensor applications and systems. The two-core fiber includes a first and second core. Each core is configured to exhibit a Brillouin frequency shift greater than 30 Mhz relative to the other core. Further, each core possesses temperature and strain coefficients that differ from the other core. The cores can be configured to produce Brillouin frequency shift levels of at least 30 Mhz relative to one another. These differences in shift levels may be effected by adjustment of the material compositions, doping concentrations and/or refractive index profiles of each of the cores. These optical fibers may also be used in BOTDR- and BOTDA-based sensor systems and arrangements. |
| US09574908B2 |
Angle measuring method and angle measuring system
An angle measuring system including: a rotary encoder including an encoder main body and a rotating shaft which is freely rotatable with respect to the encoder main body, the rotary encoder which detects a relative rotation angle of the rotating shaft with respect to the encoder main body; a regulation member which regulates an absolute rotation angle of the encoder main body about the rotating shaft within a fixed range; an absolute angle detecting device which detects the absolute rotation angle of the encoder main body about the rotating shaft concurrently with detection of the relative rotation angle by the rotary encoder; and a correction device which corrects the rotation angle detected by the rotary encoder based on the rotation angle detected by the absolute angle detecting device. |
| US09574907B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of direct measurement and acquisition of MEMS employing sigma-delta loop
A semiconductor device measures a state of a MEMS as a first voltage variation at a sensing node. The state of the MEMS includes a capacitance. A first capacitor is coupled between the sensing node and an input of an integrator for transferring the first voltage variation to a second node as a first signal. A second voltage variation is routed through a second capacitor to the second node as a second signal. The integrator integrates the first signal and second signal to provide an integrated signal. An ADC has an input coupled to an output of the integrator and converts the integrated signal to a digital signal representative of the capacitance of the MEMS. A DAC has an input coupled to the output of the ADC. A second capacitor is coupled between an output of the DAC and the sensing node. |
| US09574906B2 |
Magnetic medium for magnetic encoder, magnetic encoder and method for manufacturing magnetic medium
The present disclosure provides a magnetic medium, a magnetic encoder, and a method for manufacturing a magnetic medium with high reliability that can obtain the sufficient signal output, while reducing the hysteresis error. The magnetic medium is relatively movable with respect to a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field in a magnetosensitive face. |
| US09574905B2 |
Rotating field sensor and angle determination method using the same
A rotating field sensor includes four detection circuits each of which generates an output signal responsive to the direction of a rotating magnetic field, and an angle calculation unit configured to calculate four angle values in correspondence to four groups each consisting of two detection circuits selected from the four detection circuits. The angle calculation unit calculates each of the four angle values on the basis of two output signals of the two detection circuits constituting a corresponding one of the four groups. |
| US09574900B2 |
Navigation apparatus and method for drawing map
A navigation apparatus includes a map data storage apparatus which obtains map data needed for drawing an object; a map buffer; a map drawing unit which generates image information corresponding to an object included in a background image on the basis of the map data, and stores the image information in a frame buffer; and a display processing unit which reads out the image information stored in the frame buffer and displays a map image on a display apparatus. The map drawing unit generates shadow image information for a shadow region of the object which is a region sandwiched between an outline of the object and an outline of the object after the object has been moved in a predetermined direction. |
| US09574898B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing sharing of navigation route and guidance information among devices
An approach is provided for processing and/or facilitating a processing of at least one request to share navigation routing information from at least one first device to at least one second device. The approach involves determining that at least one application associated with the navigation routing information is not installed on the at least one second device. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, a querying for at least one communication account associated with the at least one second device. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a transmission of at least one capture of the navigation routing information to the at least one second device using that least one communication account. |
| US09574897B2 |
Method of generating a database for a navigation device, method of outputting a three-dimensional map, and navigation device
In a method of generating a database for use in outputting three- dimensional maps, a projection of a two-dimensional road vector onto a three-dimensional surface defined by digital terrain model data is determined. At least one three-dimensional road vector (94, 95, 98, 99) is determined based on the established projection and is stored in the database. The database is generated before it is deployed to a navigation device for use in outputting three-dimensional maps. A method of outputting three-dimensional maps and a navigation device may use the thus generated database. |
| US09574891B2 |
Navigation device for dead reckoning
A navigation device is provided that includes a processor configured to track a path of the navigation device based on a first signal received by the navigation device, and calculate a calculated position of the navigation device based on a second signal different from the first signal. The navigation device may further include a graphical user interface configured to display a calculated position graphical element representing the calculated position determined based on the second signal and display a tracked position graphical element representing the path of the navigation device determined based on the first signal, the tracked position graphical element and the calculated position graphical element being distinguishable in appearance. |
| US09574889B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing distance to empty of green vehicle
An apparatus for providing a distance to empty of a green vehicle includes a motor. A battery provides a driving voltage to the motor and includes a plurality of cells. A motor controller is configured to control driving and a torque of the motor. A battery manager is configured to control charge and discharge of the battery. A vehicle controller is configured to integratedly control the motor controller and the battery manager according to a state of the vehicle through a network. The vehicle controller calculates a first distance to empty (DTE) by using a past fuel efficiency, calculates a second DTE by using designated route driving information, and calculates a final DTE by using the first DTE and the second DTE. |
| US09574888B1 |
Route generation based on contextual risk
Generating routes based on contextual risk includes receiving a destination and generating candidate routes to the destination from a designated location based on roadways available for routes and one or more fixed criteria. A contextual risk associated with each of the candidate routes is determined based on at least dynamic environmental attributes. The candidate routes are displayed on a map together with a representation of the determined contextual risk. |
| US09574886B2 |
Method and computer program product for estimating a travel time for a vehicle
A method and software are provided for estimating a travel time for a vehicle including the steps of determining a route for which the travel time is to be estimated, dividing the route into route sections, wherein each route section has substantially constant road characteristics, selecting a vehicle configuration for the vehicle, retrieving, from a database, an estimated travel time for each route section based on each route section for the selected vehicle configuration, aggregating the estimated travel times for each route section from the database into a total travel time for the determined route. Furthermore a method for creating, and using, the database is provided. |
| US09574885B2 |
Physical disability probes for geographic information
Systems, devices, features, and methods for obtaining, enhancing, or using data for or with a geographic database, such as a navigation database, are disclosed. For example, one method includes receiving input to enable a probe sensor that is associated with a device used by a being with a physical disability. Geographic data is collected via the probe sensor when the device is in use by the being with the physical disability. The collected geographic data is provided to a data collection facility to develop data corresponding to a geographic and/or navigation database. |
| US09574884B1 |
Providing a route through a predefined space
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided to determine a route through a predefined space. A first path from a source location to a common path within the space is determined, as well as a second path from a destination location a common path. If a shared path, which is the part of the first path which overlaps a portion of the second path, exists, it is excluded. If any portion of the common path separates the first and second path, it is included. A route is returned which is the combination of the remaining path segments. |
| US09574881B2 |
Method and system for controlling antenna of mobile communication application system based on double quaternions in MEMS inertial navigation
A method for controlling an antenna of a mobile communication application system based on double quaternions in MEMS inertial navigation. The method comprises: introducing an antenna control quaternion based on a navigation attitude quaternion; in each interrupt cycle of a navigation computer, updating the two quaternions respectively using a carrier system measured by a gyroscope relative to a rotation vector of an ideal platform coordinate system; in each filter cycle, correcting the error of the navigation attitude quaternion respectively using a Kalman filter; according to the relationship between the attitudes determined by the two attitude quaternions, determining the angular speed in an antenna control instruction; and finally, driving a servo system to rotate at an antenna servo control angle converted by an antenna control quaternion attitude. |
| US09574879B2 |
MEMS angular inertial sensor operating in tuning fork mode
A vibrating inertial sensor is provided, micro machined in a plane thin wafer, allowing the measurement of an angular position or of an angular speed. The sensor comprises two vibrating masses suspended by springs with identical stiffness in X and Y and coupled together by identical stiffness springs in X and Y, and at least excitation transducers and detection transducers disposed on at least one of the masses. The mobile assembly consisting of a vibrating mass and the parts of transducers fastened to this mass has a generally symmetric structure with respect to an axis of symmetry OX and with respect to an axis of symmetry OY. |
| US09574877B2 |
Barometric altimeter for indoor use
There is provided a barometric altimeter to detect a floor number at the current position in especially a high-rise building, and to calculate a height or a floor number more precisely. To this end, a barometric altimeter (100) stores, at a barometric pressure/height conversion coefficient storage unit (2), a plurality of barometric pressure/height conversion coefficients that is calculated beforehand based on temperature of air indoors in accordance with a month and a date, and an arithmetic expression, for which the plurality of barometric pressure/height conversion coefficients are used. For the actual operation, while a reference barometric pressure measurement/storage unit (1) measures and stores a barometric pressure at a position as reference barometric pressure, a current barometric pressure measurement unit (3) measures the barometric pressure at the position to be measured. Then a height calculation unit (5) calculates the height through predetermined calculation using the result of processing at these blocks. |
| US09574876B2 |
Angle detector
An angle detector detects an operation angle of an electric actuator having an electric motor. The electric motor generates rotation force when being energized. The angle detector includes a controller. The controller calculates an average current flowing through the electric motor during operation of the electric actuator. The controller calculates the operation angle of the electric actuator from a predetermined formula by using the average current. |
| US09574874B2 |
System and method for reconstructing 3D model
A system and method for reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) model are described. The 3D model reconstruction system includes: a low resolution reconstruction unit that converts a first depth map, acquired by scanning a scene with a depth camera, into a second depth map having a low resolution, processes the second depth map to extract pose change information about a pose change of the depth camera, and reconstructs a low resolution 3D model in real-time; and a high resolution reconstruction unit that processes the first depth map by using the pose change information of the depth camera that is extracted from the second depth map and reconstructs a high resolution 3D model. |
| US09574873B2 |
Position detection system for detecting position of object
A position detection system includes: a contactor including a tracing unit that traces and fits with a recess or a protrusion of an object; a slide member; a sliding unit that causes the slide member to slide in two directions; a moving unit that causes the contactor to move in a direction perpendicular to a plane so as to cause the tracing unit of the contactor to trace and fit with the recess or the protrusion of the object; a contactor detecting unit that detects a position of the contactor in the plane; and an object position detecting unit that detects the position of the object based on movement amount of the contactor before and after the slide member slides on the sliding unit to slide, when the tracing unit traces the recess or the protrusion. |
| US09574872B2 |
System and method for optical reading of markings printed on a face of an ophthalmic lens
A system for the optical reading of markings printed on an ophthalmic lens (2), includes an image capture device (26), a light source (15) and a support (18, 31) which are configured so that, when the lens is received by the support with a masking element (39) which covers the markings, the source illuminates the lens while rendering the markings visible to the device; and a mobile element on which the source is fixed and which admits a retracted position where it is distanced from the support and a working position where it surrounds at least partially the support and the source looks at the support and these latter are configured so that the source illuminates a rim (34) of the lens so that the light penetrates into its mass (35) and reaches the masking element (33) through the lens. |
| US09574866B2 |
Position detection device
In a position detection device, an amplitude modulation is executed for AC excitation signals Sc using modulation wave signals. Differential amplifiers execute a voltage conversion of the modulated wave signal Sin, Cos to digital data SIN, COS and transmit them to a microcomputer. The microcomputer multiplies the modulated wave signals SIN, COS with parameters cos φ, sin φ, and executes a subtraction of the multiplied value to obtain an error-correlation value ε. An angle calculations section in the microcomputer receives a detected value εc obtained by multiplying the error-correlation value ε with a binary detection signal Rd. The binary detection signal Rd corresponds to a positive sign or a negative sign of the signal Sc. It is adjusted that the sampling number of samples of the signal Rd corresponding to a positive value is equal to that corresponding to a negative value during one period of the signal Sc. |
| US09574865B2 |
Method and apparatus for sensing magnetic fields
A method for detecting magnetic fields, particularly for detecting the position of objects with a preferably oblong, soft-magnetic element, which is connected to electronics, with via the electronics the impedance of the soft-magnetic material is measured, characterized in that a magnetic field is used in which by the position of an object which is located in an arrangement with the soft-magnetic material the magnetic field develops at the location of the soft-magnetic material, with the magnetic permeability μ of the soft-magnetic material adjusting, depending on the magnetic field and thus the position of the object. A respective device serves for applying the method according to the invention. |
| US09574863B2 |
Datum reference frame for mechanical parts
A method of establishing a datum reference frame for a manufactured detail part used in an assembly comprises establishing a primary datum reference plane, identifying first and second mating surfaces of the part, identifying first and second functional features of size on the first and second mating surfaces, using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe to identify a first point at an intersection of a centerline of the first feature and the first surface, using the CMM probe to identify a second point at an intersection of the centerline of the second feature and the second surface; and establishing a secondary compound datum reference plane through the intersection points and perpendicular to the primary datum reference plane. |
| US09574861B2 |
Remotely detectable ammunition
Disclosed is tagged ammunition, methods for making it, using it and detecting it to reduce gun violence. When implemented together with a smart phone coupled readers, standalone readers, or at a security center, software is included to allow integration of signals detected by multiple readers in the vicinity to map detectable ammunition detected by readers designed to detect tagged ammunition as a proxy for loaded firearms. This makes possible securing an area of interest, when combined with placing of at least one networkable reader in the vicinity of the area of interest; and connecting the one or more readers to a monitoring center. Such monitoring centers may be associated with schools, shopping malls, streets, public meetings, public events, housing complexes, an area being swept for loaded guns, an area being monitored for gang activity, or even a residence. |
| US09574860B1 |
Ammunition casing resizer
A simple ammunition casing resizer helps eliminate the problem of the casing becoming frictionally stuck with the resizing die. The ammunition casing resizer is a table top secured base that has a die plate located above the base with the resizing die removably secured within the die plate. A resizing frame reciprocates in up and down fashion under the guidance of either a manually controlled handle or an electrical motor. A ram is positioned below the resizing die while a push rod is positioned above the die such that the ram and push rod, each attached to the frame, travel in up and down reciprocating lockstep. As the ram travels upwardly, the ram presses a casing into the die for resizing and as the ram travels downwardly, the push rod passes through the top of the die and into the interior of the casing, pushing the casing out of the die. |
| US09574858B2 |
Inflatable bag with burst control envelope and gas generator
A rupturable bag assembly including a balloon, an outer wall, an inlet port, and a heat resistant shield. The balloon is fabricated from an elastic material. The outer wall is disposed around the balloon, the outer wall having a perimeter seam which parts abruptly at a predetermined tension. The inlet port passes through the outer wall into the balloon for inflating the balloon to produce the predetermined tension. The heat resistant shield is disposed within the balloon opposite the inlet port. The outer wall is constructed of a relatively inelastic material in comparison to the material used to construct the balloon. There is a dispersible medium disposed within the outer wall and/or the balloon. |
| US09574855B2 |
Automatically resetting shooting target
An automatically resetting target has a plate that rests in a removable base at a substantially vertical orientation. An apparatus mounted to the rear of the plate includes a pivotably mounted carriage with first and second legs extending radially away, at a relative angle, from a pivot point that is mounted between two openings. The first leg has a first striker plate that aligns with the first opening when the carriage is in a first position, and the second leg has a second striker plate that aligns with the second opening when the carriage is in a second position. By striking the first striker with a projectile, such as a bullet, a shooter moves the carriage and places the second striker behind the second hole. By striking the second striker with a projectile, the shooter moves the carriage and places the first striker behind the first hole. |
| US09574854B2 |
Directed energy beam power control system and method
According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a directed energy device configured to direct energy onto a remote target under control of a controller. The receives a distance measurement to the target using a rangefinder, determines whether the target is within an expected range; and modifies a power output of the directed energy device when the target is not within the expected range. |
| US09574852B1 |
Firearm accessory mount
A mount for attaching an accessory to a firearm that has a mounting rail and a scope with an objective lens. The mount includes a body with a passageway defined by a perimeter. The passageway configured to receive the objective lens within the perimeter while the scope is secured to the firearm. The mount also includes a fastener block to releasably secure the body over a location along the mounting rail. The fastener block is secured to the mount body. The mount also includes an accessory mounting rail supported by the body. The accessory mounting rail supports the accessory. |
| US09574851B1 |
Gun alignment technique
A method is provided for aligning a gun barrel. The method includes disposing a signal transmitter at the barrel's muzzle, distributing sensors around the barrel to receive the muzzle's signal, calculating the muzzle's coordinate position based on the signal, aiming an electro-optical sensor at a target to determine a miss distance, and calibrating the gun barrel based on the electro-optical sensor based on the miss distance. |
| US09574847B2 |
Self-disguising holster
A holster which obscures presence and identity of the handgun held by the holster is disclosed. The holster comprises an L-shaped frame having a pin. The handgun is installed on the holster by inserting the pin into the barrel of the handgun. The L-shaped frame combined with the installed handgun collectively form a parallelepiped of thickness equal to that of the handgun. The handgun is disguised by visually meshing in complementary fashion with the holster, when concealed beneath a fabric of an article of apparel. |
| US09574843B2 |
Apparatus for correcting trajectories of projectiles launched from firearms
An apparatus for correcting trajectories variations of projectiles launched from a firearm is disclosed. The apparatus includes a control circuit for determining an appropriate impulse to be imparted into a projectile based on the measured velocity of the projectile, at least one steering coil, and a pulsed-power supply for discharging an amount of energy commensurate with the determined impulse to the steering coil such that a set of magnetic fields is produced to impart an amount of corrective kinetic energy into the projectile as the projectile passes the steering coil. |
| US09574840B1 |
Handguard extending picatinny rail mount
A mount is taught which incorporates a Picatinny rail and a handguard interface. The mount has an offset L-shape which includes an integral Picatinny rail portion for accessory mounting and an integral threaded handguard adapter portion that attaches to an existing firearm handguard. The mount has a body with the handguard adapter portion protruding outwardly on a front side, a body vertical leg and the Picatinny rail formed integrally on the bottom of a body horizontal leg. The handguard adapter has a hollow inside diameter adapted to conform to a handguard interface surface and a lockring is provided for manual adjustment of the handguard. A second embodiment omits the legs and incorporates an offset shape. |
| US09574832B2 |
Enabling an aluminum heat exchanger with a working fluid
In one embodiment, a heat exchanger may be formed using a corrosion-resistant aluminum material to enable usage of water as a working fluid for the exchanger. In one embodiment, the exchanger may have an aluminum substrate with multiple treated layers formed thereon. A first treated layer corresponds to a hydrated aluminum oxide layer, and a second treated layer corresponds to a mono-layer organic molecule layer. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09574825B2 |
Directional solidification furnace having movable heat exchangers
A directional solidification furnace includes one or more movable cooling plates disposed beneath a crucible. In a first position, the cooling plates are free from contact with a crucible support positioned adjacent the crucible. In a second position, the cooling plates are in contact with the crucible support. A control system is used to control the amount of force exerted by the cooling plates against the crucible. |
| US09574824B2 |
Laundry treatment apparatus
A laundry treatment apparatus includes a connection duct into which air inside a drum, in which laundry is received, is discharged, and a discharge duct that extends in a longitudinal direction of the drum and that is connected to the connection duct. The laundry treatment apparatus also includes a filter assembly that has a filter unit located in the discharge duct and configured to filter air introduced into the discharge duct and an impurity remover unit configured to separate, from the filter unit, impurities remaining on the filter unit. The laundry treatment apparatus further includes an impurity storage device separable from the discharge duct. The impurity storage device is located below the filter unit and configured to store impurities separated from the filter unit by the impurity remover unit. |
| US09574821B2 |
Air separation system and method
A system and method for separating air in an air separation plant is provided. The disclosed systems and methods divert a portion of the compressed, purified air stream to a bypass system configured to selectively produce a higher pressure compressed output stream or a lower pressure compressed output stream. The higher pressure and/or lower pressure compressed output streams are cooled in a main heat exchanger by indirect heat transfer with a plurality of product streams from the air separation plant and then rectified in the distillation column system. A second portion of the compressed, purified air stream is partially cooled in the main heat exchanger and expanding in a turbo-expander to produce power and an exhaust stream which is directed to the distillation column system of the air separation plant where it imparts additional refrigeration generated by the expansion of the compressed air stream in the turbo-expander. |
| US09574819B2 |
Refrigerator
A body of a refrigerator may be deformed when the rigidity of the body is lowered due to a thickness of insulation being reduced to increase an internal capacity of the body. Deformation of the body of the refrigerator is reduced by improving rigidity of the body using a reinforcement structure. The refrigerator may include an electric apparatus box in which electric apparatus components for controlling an operation of the refrigerator are accommodated. Electric components may be disposed in a hinge cover which is disposed in the front of the refrigerator to improve spatial utility and a reinforcement plate formed of a steel material may be disposed in the electric apparatus box to prevent a fire from spreading. |
| US09574815B2 |
Air-conditioning-apparatus indoor unit
Body air outlets of an air-conditioning-apparatus indoor unit each has a substantially trapezoidal shape in plan view and are each defined by a body-air-outlet outer side wall, a body-air-outlet inner side wall, and a pair of body-air-outlet end walls. The body-air-outlet outer side wall is provided with a deflection guide at each of long-side ends thereof. The body-air-outlet end walls are each provided with a sloping guide. The deflection guide has a deflection-guide upper surface that gradually projects toward the body-air-outlet inner side wall in a direction toward a body open face (toward a downstream side) and in a direction toward the central part of the body air outlet. The sloping guide has a sloping-guide upper surface that gradually projects toward the central part of the body air outlet as the sloping guide extends closer to the body open face (toward the downstream side). |
| US09574808B2 |
Active stress control during rapid shut down
A closed loop refrigerant expansion system with a tube and shell condenser is provided with a control which, upon shutdown, causes the flow of refrigerant to reverse from the evaporator to the condenser to thereby both reduce the amount of refrigerant vapor passing to the condenser and increase the amount of liquid refrigerant in the condenser to thereby reduce the maximum temperature load in the condenser. Reverse flow can be made to occur either by reversing the direction of the refrigerant pump or opening a bypass valve around the pump. |
| US09574806B2 |
Heat exchanger and air conditioning apparatus
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes, a header collecting tube connected to the flat tubes, and fins joined to the flat tubes. The header collecting tube includes a first partition member partitioning an internal space into upper and lower internal spaces, a second partition member partitioning the upper internal space into first and second spaces, an inflow port formed at a bottom part of the first space, an upper communicating passage, a lower communicating passage. A third partition member partitions the lower internal space into an ascension space and an inflow space. A lower communicating port allows refrigerant to pass from the inflow space to the ascension space. The lower communicating port and the refrigerant passages of the flat tubes that are connected to the lower internal space are arranged so as not to overlap each other as viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes. |
| US09574802B2 |
Refrigeration through voltage-controlled entropy change
A method for refrigeration through voltage-controlled entropy change includes applying a voltage signal to a piezoelectric material to generate strain in the piezoelectric material, generating strain in a magnetic material attached to the piezoelectric material, and generating a change in a temperature of the magnetic material in response to the strain in the magnetic material. |
| US09574792B2 |
Modular manifold for a tankless water heater
A modular manifold for a tankless water heater includes a first cavity member and a second cavity member. The first cavity member includes a first opening, a second opening, and a first base wall. The second cavity member is coupled to the first cavity member and includes a first opening, a second opening, and a second base wall. Two of the openings are configured to receive a first conduit and a second conduit. The first and second base walls and the two openings that receive the first and second conduits define a fluid flow path through the modular manifold. |
| US09574783B2 |
Method and apparatus for two stage cooling of ambient air
An apparatus is provided comprising: a radiating panel mountable to a surface such that the panel is directed towards a night sky and cooled via radiation heat loss to the night sky, and air proximal the panel is cooled by transferring heat thereto which radiates the heat via the heat loss, the panel being sloped such that ambient air proximal an outer surface of the panel flows towards a lower portion of the panel as the ambient air cools, the ambient air being further cooled due to further contact with the panel as the ambient air flows towards the lower portion; a plurality of air openings in the lower portion of the panel, for the ambient air cooled by the panel to pass there through; and, an air collection space defined at least in part by the panel for receiving cooled ambient air passing through the air openings. |
| US09574780B2 |
Service water heating unit
The invention relates to a service water heating unit (2) comprising at least one heat exchanger (6), which comprises a first flow path (10) for a heating medium and a second flow path (12) for service water to be heated, a cold water line (DCW) and a circulation line (90) for heated service water opening into a junction (97) in an inlet line to the second flow path (12) of the heat exchanger (6), and comprising a control unit (101) for controlling the heating of service water, the control unit (101) being designed for detection of a service water request, wherein the control unit (101) is designed for evaluation of the output signal of a temperature sensor (96) which is arranged in the vicinity of the junction (97), but at a distance therefrom, in the cold water line (DCW). |
| US09574779B2 |
Exhaust apparatus, system, and method for enhanced capture and containment
A ventilation exhaust intake device is located at ceiling level of a production space and has a low profile form with combination of vertical and horizontal jets. Recesses and other feature are provided to enhance capture and containment and other functional aspects. Certain embodiments include a light source adjacent the jet registers. |
| US09574777B2 |
Cooking apparatus
Provided herein is a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a plate forming a cavity, a microwave transmission line to transmit microwaves to the inside of the cavity, and a first metal part connected to one end of the microwave transmission line and extended in one direction so as to be parallel with the plate. Thereby, an antenna having improved efficiency is provided. |
| US09574769B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for firing control
Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the air to fuel ratio in a burner containing a venturi assembly. The venturi includes an air inlet, a primary fuel inlet with a converging section, a throat portion downstream from the converging section, a diverging section downstream from the throat portion, an outlet, and a secondary gas inlet disposed downstream from the converging section and upstream from the outlet. The method comprises introducing fuel into the fuel inlet, receiving air through the air inlet by inspiration, and feeding a gas through the secondary gas inlet, the flow rate and content of the gas fed through the secondary gas inlet being selected to result in a desired air to fuel ratio through the outlet. A method of firing a heater, a burner, a furnace and firing control systems also are disclosed. |
| US09574765B2 |
Generation of steam by impact heating
Apparatus for generating steam, the apparatus including a source of liquid water, an injector in flow communication with the source of water for injecting liquid water from the source of water at a pressure of at least about 10,000 psia, and an impact chamber having a contact surface onto which the injected water is contacted. upon impact of the injected water with the contact surface of the impact chamber, the injected water undergoes a virtually instantaneous phase transition from the liquid state to a gaseous state following the contact of the water with the contact surface, thereby generating steam. |
| US09574764B2 |
Portable steam generating device
A steam generating device has a handle and a nozzle or pad attached to the handle for treating a surface. The handle includes a heat exchanger, a water reservoir, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the water reservoir and heat exchanger, and a fluid delivery system for moving water from the water reservoir, through the fluid conduit, and into the heat exchanger. A fuel powered heater is positioned on a side of the wall of the heat exchanger opposite the interior space of the heat exchanger. A first section of the wall of the heat exchanger transfers heat from the heater to water located in the heat exchanger for generating steam from the water located in the heat exchanger. A second section of the wall of the heat exchanger includes an opening that allows steam to exit the heat exchanger and handle and flow through the nozzle or pad. |
| US09574761B2 |
Illuminated mirror device and method for controlling illumination thereof
Provided is an illuminated mirror device including: a mirror; a light-emitting part for illumination disposed near the mirror; and driving means for driving the light-emitting part, and detection means for detecting a direction of a face of a person in front of the mirror with respect to the mirror, wherein the driving means controls an emission luminance distribution on a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting part on the basis of the face direction detected by the detection means. Also provided is a method for controlling illumination thereof. |
| US09574760B1 |
Light fixture with internally-loaded multilayer stack for pressure transfer
A submersible luminaire includes forward and aft housings that couple together. A transparent pressure-bearing window, a window support structure, a circuit element populated with LEDs, and a pressure support structure are mounted inside the forward housing. The support structures are configured to bear at least some of the pressure applied to the transparent window from external pressure sources. The support structures are further configured to transfer thermal energy to an exterior environment. |
| US09574756B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp has a substrate on which an LED is mounted, a dome-shaped translucent part covering the LED, a heat-radiating section connected to the substrate, a metal cap section to be connected to a power supply source, and a socket unit for connecting the heat-radiation section and the metal cap section, the socket unit having a socket opening section; the heat-radiating section having a body section connected to the substrate, a plurality of heat-radiating fins connected to the body section, and a cover section connected to the heat-radiating fins, the cover section covering the heat-radiating fins; and an air channel being configured so as to pass through from a gap between the translucent part and the cover section, between the heat-radiating fins, and to the socket opening section. |
| US09574753B2 |
Illumination device that switches light emission direction
An illumination device includes a conversion unit that controls an emission direction of light emitted from a light-emitting unit included in the illumination device. The conversion unit includes a ball-shaped main body, and may be formed between an upper body, which includes the light-emitting unit, and a lower body. An assembly unit may be formed in the upper body to couple the conversion unit, and the light emission direction may be appropriately controlled by controlling the shape of the ball-shaped main body. |
| US09574751B1 |
Flexible luminaire
A luminaire can comprise a frame that provides a cavity for emitting illumination towards a space to be illuminated. A light source, such as a row of light emitting diodes, can emit light into the cavity. The cavity can extend lengthwise between two end caps of the frame that are located at opposing ends of the luminaire. The frame can further comprise two bridges that are located adjacent the end caps, one at each end of the frame. Two rails that extend on opposing sides of the cavity can connect the two bridges to one another. A system of grooves and protrusions can interlock the rails to the bridges. A system of standardized interchangeable components that facilitates rapid manufacture of custom luminaires can comprise the bridges, the rails, and the end caps. |
| US09574746B2 |
Method and system for managing light from a light emitting diode
A light source, for example a light emitting diode, can emit light and have an associated optical axis. The source can be deployed in applications where it is desirable to have illumination biased laterally relative to the optical axis, such as in a street luminaire where directing light towards a street is beneficial. The source can be coupled to an optic that comprises an inner surface facing the source and an outer surface that is opposite the inner surface. The inner surface can comprise a refractive surface that receives light headed away from the optical axis of the light source, for example opposite the street. The refractive surface can form the received light into a beam. The outer surface of the optic can reflect the beam back across the optical axis, for example so that light headed away from the street is redirected towards the street. |
| US09574744B2 |
Optical member, display device and light emitting device having the same
Disclosed are an optical member and a liquid crystal display. The optical member includes a host; a plurality of wavelength conversion particles in the host; and a plurality of electron receiving particles adjacent to the wavelength conversion particles, respectively. |
| US09574739B2 |
Lens for light emitting diode and LED module having the lens
A lens for an LED includes a top face, a bottom face, and a circumferential periphery interconnecting the top and bottom faces. The top face defines a recess therein. A concave wall defines a bottom of the recess. In cross section of the lens, the concave wall consists of two symmetrical curves extending outward and upwardly from a bottom tip of the recess to connect with the top face. Each curve is a part of a hyperbola. The cavity is for receiving an LED therein. The lens further forms a cone-shaped top wall enclosing a top of the cavity. Light emitted from the LED travels through the cone-shaped top wall to strike the concave wall and be reflected thereby to radiate sideward and downwardly. The sideward and downwardly reflected light then is reflected by a reflective coating on a substrate to illuminate upwardly. |
| US09574737B2 |
Aspherical LED lens and light emitting device including the same
An aspherical lens includes a light entrance plane configured to receive light emitted from a light source and a light exit plane configured to radiate the light received by the light entrance plane. The light exit plane includes semispherical convex portions disposed on an upper surface of the aspherical lens, a concavely depressed portion comprising an overlapping region where the semispherical convex portions partially overlap each other at a central axis, a side portion connected with the semispherical convex portions, and an upper surface of each of the semispherical convex portions having a first flat portion. |
| US09574736B2 |
Backlight device, light source device, lens, electronic apparatus and light guide plate
Disclosed herein is a backlight device. The device includes: a light emitting element; a lens having an incident surface on which light emitted by the light emitting element is incident, and an outgoing surface which has an ability to converge the light and from which the light incident on the incident surface goes out; a light guide plate having a light incidence plane and introducing through the incidence plane the light going out from the outgoing surface, so as to perform surface light emission; and a reflective member operative to reflect a portion of the light going out from the outgoing surface of the lens, toward the incidence plane of the light guide plate. |
| US09574734B2 |
Lightguide module
A lightguide module having a linear collimator produced from optically transparent material, a toroidal lens produced from optically transparent material, and a light source, wherein the toroidal lens is disposed between the linear collimator and the light source, at the exit of the linear collimator are found scattering elements, and wherein a light-emitting part of the light source is directed toward an entry surface of the toroidal lens and an exit surface of the toroidal lens is directed toward entry surfaces of the linear collimator. The light source may be a light-emitting diode and the toroidal lens may be a Fresnel type lens. |
| US09574726B2 |
LED illuminated decorative mesh assembly
A mesh assembly having a flexible mesh sheet, said sheet defining two opposite main faces, at least one elongated sock extending along said mesh and each sock defining a tubular hollow, each of said at least one sock is loosely connected to said mesh sheet at selected intervals by attachment means; a number of light emitting means are mounted into each sock hollow at selected intervals along the length thereof, and light reflecting means being provided on at least one of said two main faces of said mesh sheet, wherein said mesh assembly generate decorative visual effects upon said light emitting means being activated. |
| US09574721B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting module including a substrate, a plurality of first light emitting diode (LED) chips and a plurality of second LED chips is provided. The substrate has a cross-shaped central region and a peripheral region surrounding the cross-shaped central region. The first LED chips are disposed on the substrate and at least located in the cross-shaped central region. The second LED chips are disposed on the substrate and at least located in the peripheral region. A size of each second LED chip is smaller than a size of each first LED chip. The number of the first LED chips located in the peripheral region is smaller than that in the cross-shaped central region. The number of the second LED chips located in the cross-shaped central region is smaller than that in the peripheral region. |
| US09574719B1 |
LED dent repair and detail light
A paintless dent removal LED light module has a plurality of selectively illuminated LED strips. There is a small gap between a generally planar diffuser panel and the LED strips, so an image formed upon the diffuser panel has parallel bright strips separated by dark regions. The LED strips are supported upon a tray bottom surface, the tray also having a circumferential and vertically rising side wall, and a lip defining a second plane generally parallel with but displaced from the tray bottom. The diffuser panel rests upon the lip, and is secured by a band having an elastomeric exterior. The tray bottom may incorporate one or more ribs to provide additional strength and rigidity. A power supply has an entirely non-marring exterior with a supporting suction cup. A ball and socket neck having an entirely non-marring exterior mechanically and electrically couples the PDR light to the power supply. |
| US09574713B2 |
Vaporization chambers and associated methods
A vaporization chamber may include at least one conduit and a shell. The at least one conduit may have an inlet at a first end, an outlet at a second end and a flow path therebetween. The shell may surround a portion of each conduit and define a chamber surrounding the portion of each conduit. Additionally, a plurality of discrete apertures may be positioned at longitudinal intervals in a wall of each conduit, each discrete aperture of the plurality of discrete apertures sized and configured to direct a jet of fluid into each conduit from the chamber. A liquid may be vaporized by directing a first fluid comprising a liquid into the inlet at the first end of each conduit, directing jets of a second fluid into each conduit from the chamber through discrete apertures in a wall of each conduit and transferring heat from the second fluid to the first fluid. |
| US09574712B2 |
System and method of automatically ending the filling of a gas transport module or other gas transport
Processes and systems are described, which provide important advantages in filling gas storage vessels, such as gas cylinders for the transport of compressed natural gas (CNG). For example, the flow of gas from the fill station may be terminated safely, using an auto-fill shut-off mechanism, without the risk of exceeding vessel pressure ratings and overall reduced risk of operator error. The automatic termination of flow can occur at a preselected pressure that may, for example, be set at a fixed value, or may otherwise be adjusted based on the local temperature at the time of the fill. |
| US09574710B2 |
Methods for storage and transportation of natural gas in liquid solvents
Systems and methods to create and store a liquid phase mix of natural gas absorbed in light-hydrocarbon solvents under temperatures and pressures that facilitate improved volumetric ratios of the stored natural gas as compared to CNG and PLNG at the same temperatures and pressures of less than −80° to about −120° F. and about 300 psig to about 900 psig. Preferred solvents include ethane, propane and butane, and natural gas liquid (NGL) and liquid pressurized gas (LPG) solvents. Systems and methods for receiving raw production or semi-conditioned natural gas, conditioning the gas, producing a liquid phase mix of natural gas absorbed in a light-hydrocarbon solvent, and transporting the mix to a market where pipeline quality gas or fractionated products are delivered in a manner utilizing less energy than CNG, PLNG or LNG systems with better cargo-mass to containment-mass ratio for the natural gas component than CNG systems. |
| US09574706B2 |
Folding image stabilizer
The invention is directed to a folding image-device stabilizer comprising a three-axis gimbal assembly adapted to be mounted as close to the image device payload to minimize the overall deployed size. The gimbal assembly includes mechanisms to adjustably position an image device so that the stabilizer is in balance fore and aft around the ‘tilt’ axis repeatedly when the stabilizer is folded and unfolded. |
| US09574702B2 |
Mounting system for insulated installations
A system for fixing installations, such as pipes, tanks, vessels or ducts, with thermal and/or sound insulation, as well as the manufacturing and use of the system for fixing. The system for fixing installations exhibits easy mounting and fastening, and is suitable both as a system for providing pre-insulation as well as for being used on readily insulated installations. |
| US09574695B2 |
Inner seal collar with improved locking mechanism
The invention is an inner seal collar for inserting into pipes in order to seal leakage points in the pipes, comprising an expandable strip which is bent into the shape of a ring and which is preferably made of steel sheet, parts of the strip at least partly overlapping in the circumferential direction, and comprising a locking device which has at least two parallel rows of teeth, wherein a separate clamping pinion engages into at least two of the rows of teeth. The invention comprises a separate blocking pinion paired with each of the at least two clamping pinions, the blocking pinion pushing against the corresponding clamping pinion via a respective spring element and being engaged with the clamping pinion, and each of the blocking pinions is also engaged with the corresponding row of teeth. |
| US09574694B2 |
Pipe freezer system
An evaporator cuff for use with a pipe freezer apparatus. The evaporator cuff includes a hose connector attached to an evaporator body. The evaporator body has an inner wall configured to engage the outer surface of a pipe, an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall. A chamber is defined between the inner and outer walls, first and second side walls, and first and second end walls. A plurality of baffles are located in the chamber and arranged to define a series of conduits for creating a flow path through the chamber for refrigerant to flow along. The walls are arranged so as to form a serpentine flow path from the evaporator inlet to the evaporator outlet. |
| US09574693B2 |
Acoustic load mitigator
A system for reducing an acoustic load of a fluid flow includes a first pipe to carry the fluid flow; a standpipe connected to the first pipe at an opening in the first pipe; and a standpipe flow tripper provided in the standpipe. The flow tripper includes an edge extending through the opening into the flow on a downstream side of the opening. A method of reducing an acoustic load of a standing wave in a standpipe connected to a first pipe configured to carry a flow includes disrupting the flow in the first pipe at a downstream side of an opening in the first pipe to which the standpipe is connected. |
| US09574692B2 |
Conduit hub with wiper seal
A conduit hub includes a conduit hub body having a cylindrical inner surface configured to receive an end of a cylindrical conduit having a male thread, wherein the conduit hub body includes a female thread and a counterbore formed in an outer rim of the cylindrical inner surface. The conduit hub further includes a wiper seal configured to fit into the counterbore such that a lip of the wiper seal extends beyond the outer rim of conduit hub body and a surface of the wiper seal engages with an outer surface of the cylindrical conduit, when the male thread of the cylindrical conduit is threaded to engage with the female thread of the conduit hub body, to resist the ingress of moisture, dirt or contaminants into the conduit hub or the conduit. |
| US09574688B2 |
Joining device for conduits and associated joining process
First and second conduits are joined in a manner to control electrical resistance of a conduit circuit. A cylindrical section of an adapter is placed onto an end of the first conduit. A part of the cylindrical section is crimped onto the first conduit while a spacing block made of a polymer material having a previously chosen conductivity is positioned around the end of the first conduit and clipped onto the cylindrical section. The crimping locks the spacing block to the adapter and deforms an assembly comprising the clipping pieces of the spacing block and the adapter, so as to immobilize the clipping pieces relative to each other in a direction parallel to an axis of the cylindrical section of the adapter, and such that an exterior surface of the first conduit engages interior surfaces of the spacing block and the adapter. |
| US09574685B2 |
Cooling system for magnetic resonance imaging device having reduced noise and vibration
A conduit for the transfer of a cooling medium is provided that may include a tube that has a length and a through aperture that extends through the entire length. The tube may have an inner surface that defines a helical channel that may be continuous along a length of the tube such that the helical channel is continuous along a plurality of turns of the helical channel along the inner surface. The conduit may be incorporated into a cooling system of a magnetic resonance imaging device. |
| US09574684B1 |
Method for producing cold-worked centrifugal cast composite tubular products
A method of producing a seamless, composite tubular product includes centrifugally casting a metal or alloy into a tubular workpiece having an inner diameter. The method then centrifugally casts a corrosion resistant alloy in the inner diameter of the tubular workpiece to form a composite tubular workpiece having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter of the composite tubular workpiece is formed of the corrosion resistant alloy, and the outer diameter is formed of the metal or alloy. The method then subjects the composite tubular workpiece to at least about a 25% wall reduction at a temperature below a recrystallization temperature of the workpiece using a metal forming process. The metal forming process includes radial forging, rolling, pilgering, and/or flowforming. |
| US09574683B2 |
Zero-moment fitting
Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a zero-moment fitting for securing a fluid conduit to a structure. According to various embodiments, a fitting may include a spherical bearing and a bearing housing. The spherical bearing may include a conduit aperture for receiving a fluid conduit through the spherical bearing. The bearing housing may be configured to encompass and retain the spherical bearing within the bearing housing, allowing for rotation of the spherical bearing within the bearing housing. The bearing housing may be fixedly attached to the structure to secure the fitting to the structure. |
| US09574681B2 |
Variable valve timing control apparatus
A variable valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotation member, a driven-side rotation member, an intermediate lock mechanism including first and second lock members, first and second recess portions, and a guide groove, a sensor, and a control portion. The control portion performs a control so that the relative rotation phase is changed until a first stop state is established in a state where the relative rotation phase is in an unlocked state and one of the first and second lock members is positioned relative to one of the first and second recess portions at which the guide groove is formed at a side opposite from a side where the guide groove is formed. The control portion reverses a change direction of the relative rotation phase after the first stop state is established so that the relative rotation phase is changed until a second stop state is established. |
| US09574678B2 |
Self-sealing pressure release apparatus and product treatment system incorporating the apparatus
A valve (61) for enabling release of pressurized steam from a pressure vessel has a displaceable closure member (67) which is maintained in its closed disposition by exposure to the pressure of the steam within the pressure vessel. The closure member (67) is displaced between its closed disposition and an open disposition by a double-acting actuator (69), suitably an air-driven piston/cylinder device, the closure member (67) being preferably mounted at one axial end of a spindle (68) extending between the closure member (67) and the actuator (69). The closure member (67) is suitably mounted for substantially metal-to-metal contact with a valve seat portion (63), without interposition of any sealing element, preferably for substantially vertical displacement between its closed and dispositions. |
| US09574674B2 |
Valve, fluidic apparatus, and fluid-supplying apparatus
A valve includes a valve body, a diaphragm dividing the inside of the valve body into first and second valve chambers and being displaced under a pressure of fluid, first and second openings in communication with the first valve chamber, and a third opening in communication with the second valve chamber. When a pump is not driven, the force applied to a side of the diaphragm facing the second valve chamber is greater than the force applied to a side of the diaphragm facing the first valve chamber, and the second opening is sealed by the diaphragm. When the pump is driven and the force applied to the side of the diaphragm facing the first valve chamber becomes greater than the force applied to the side of the diaphragm facing the second valve chamber, the diaphragm allows the first and second openings and to communicate with each other. |
| US09574671B1 |
Determining communication modes of a mobile device based on presence information
A method and system of dynamically updating presence, capabilities and identity information based on environmental conditions using environment information of a user of a mobile device. One or more wireless networks or devices or both are detected using at least one wireless interface of the mobile device. Thereafter, presence information of the user of the mobile device is generated based on the mobile device's location. Next, either a mode of the mobile device is set in accordance with the presence information or communication handling preferences are configured for the user of the mobile device based on the presence information or preferences of applications on the mobile device are configured. |
| US09574669B2 |
Butterfly valve assembly
A valve assembly has a valve body, a lower bushing, a valve seat, a lower stem, a disc, and an upper stem. The valve body defines a bi-directional flow path therethrough; wherein the valve body has an inner surface, two flange faces, and further defines an upper orifice and a hemispherical lower orifice along an axis perpendicular to the flow path. The lower bushing is housed in the lower orifice, and the lower bushing is configured to tilt within the lower orifice away from the axis. The lower bushing defines a bushing cavity. The valve seat has an outer surface configured to encapsulate the inner surface and the two flange faces of the valve body. The lower stem is housed in the bushing cavity, and the lower stem is configured for tilting away from and towards the axis perpendicular to the flow path. The disc has a seating surface on at outer circumference, defines a stem receptacle to house the lower stem, and the stem receptacle extends less than a diameter of the disc. |
| US09574667B2 |
Mechanical seal device
A mechanical seal device 1 comprises a seal case 30 attached to the device main body, a rotary seal ring 60 attached to the rotary shaft 100, a stationary seal ring 50 arranged in an axial direction opposing to the rotary seal ring 60, and a bellows 40 attached extendably in the axial direction between the stationary seal ring 50 and the seal case 30. A static pressure fluid supplying hole 56, supplying a static pressure fluid to a static pressure fluid chamber C arranged at an inner circumferential side of the bellows, is formed on the seal case 30. A communication hole, guiding the static pressure fluid of the static pressure fluid chamber C to sealing surfaces between the stationary seal ring 50 and the rotary seal ring 60 is formed on the stationary seal ring 50. The sealed fluid is arranged at an outer circumferential side of the bellows 40. |
| US09574665B2 |
Slide ring seal
The invention relates to a slide ring seal, and in particular a running gear seal, at least comprising an angled slide ring and/or counter ring, the radial leg of which forms a sliding region, and the axial leg of which forms a seating for a sealing element, which radially outside of the sliding region, is provided with a projection that at least partially overlaps the radial leg, forming a secondary seal, wherein at least in the region of the radial leg, the projection is provided with a profile, which is supported on the outer circumferential surface of the radial leg, forming anti-contamination lips in the installed state of the slide ring seal, and in particular running gear seal, that profile being supported on the outer circumferential surface of the radial leg when viewed in the axial direction. |
| US09574660B2 |
Hydraulic fan drive system
A debris collection vehicle having an enclosed volume for collecting debris and a hydraulic fan drive system for creating vacuum condition in the enclosed volume is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic fan system includes a closed loop hydraulic circuit, a variable displacement hydraulic pump disposed within the closed loop circuit, and a hydraulic motor disposed within the closed loop circuit. The hydraulic fan drive system can also include an electronic or hydraulically actuated control valve constructed and arranged to adjust the output of the hydraulic motor via a displacement actuator based on pressure in the closed loop hydraulic circuit. |
| US09574659B2 |
Work vehicle and method of controlling the same
A work vehicle including a transmission that transmits power of an engine to wheels at a plurality of different transmission gear ratios, the work vehicle traveling while maintaining a targeted speed by controlling a degree of opening of an accelerator, brakes, and the transmission, wherein the work vehicle includes a controller which inhibits change in the transmission gear ratio of the transmission when the transmission shifts up before lapse of a first predetermined time after the transmission shifts down while the vehicle is running downhill and then before a second predetermined time elapses, the transmission shifts down while the vehicle is running downhill. |
| US09574655B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission for vehicle
A hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a low-pressure hydraulic pump, a low-pressure regulator valve, a high-pressure hydraulic pump, a high-pressure regulator valve regulating the high hydraulic pressure supplied from the high-pressure hydraulic pump to be stable hydraulic pressure and supplying the regulated hydraulic pressure to the high pressure portion, a first switch valve disposed between the low-pressure hydraulic pump and the low-pressure regulator valve, and selectively communicating the low-pressure hydraulic pump to the low-pressure regulator valve, a second switch valve selectively opening or closing a first circulating line connecting a downstream of the low-pressure hydraulic pump to an upstream of the high-pressure regulator valve, and a third switch valve selectively opening or closing a second circulating line connecting a downstream of the high-pressure regulator valve to an upstream of the low-pressure regulator valve. |
| US09574651B2 |
Lightweight camshaft and method for producing the same
The present disclosure relates to a lightweight camshaft and method for producing the same. The method includes the steps of slidably arranging a plurality of support elements onto a support tube, winding the support tube and support elements with at least one fiber layer, impregnating the at least one fiber layer with a matrix material so as to form a fiber composite, curing the fiber composite, and slidably arranging each of a plurality of functional elements, including at least a plurality of cam elements, onto a corresponding support element, such that the support elements are fixedly seated at least partially inside a passage defined through the functional elements. |
| US09574649B2 |
Hydrokinetic torque coupling device having turbine-piston lockup clutch, and related methods
A hydrokinetic torque coupling device features an impeller, a casing having a first engagement surface, a damper assembly, a turbine-piston including a drive component with a second engagement surface, and a clutch plate having clutch plate engagement surfaces interposed between and axially movable relative to at least one of the first and second clutch plate engagement surfaces. The turbine-piston is axially displaceable relative to the casing to move the second engagement surface axially towards and away from the first engagement surface for positioning the hydrokinetic torque coupling device into and out of a lockup mode in which the first and second engagement surfaces and the clutch plate engagement surfaces frictionally interlock with one another to non-rotatably lock the casing relative to the input part of the damper assembly. |
| US09574647B2 |
Reciprocating rocking device
A reciprocating rocking device for the rocking of a chair or cradle, the chair or cradle having rockers and a seat member, the reciprocating rocking device comprising a base secured to the rockers, the base comprising a first bracket, a second bracket secured to the seat member of the chair or cradle, a tension member connected to the second bracket, an eccentric, the eccentric constantly engaged with the second bracket and, a motor secured to the first bracket, the motor having a drive shaft operatively arranged to drive the eccentric, wherein the motor is coaxially arranged with the eccentric. |
| US09574643B2 |
Electric traction drives
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for electric traction drives employing a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting traction planets and opposing traction rings. In one embodiment, an electric traction drive is provided with an electromotive device configured to transfer power to or from a traction sun of a CVT. In other embodiments, an electric traction drive is provided with an electromotive device that couples to certain components of a CVT such as a traction ring, a carrier assembly, and a main axle. Various inventive shifting assemblies having shift cams and shift cam cages can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of a CVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a power input apparatus, a speed ratio shifter, a shift cam actuator, a shift nut, and a carrier assembly configured to support the tilting traction planets. |
| US09574641B2 |
Large-torque chain-guide type constant ratio/continuously variable transmission
A large-torque chain-guide type constant ratio/continuously variable transmission is disclosed. The transmission comprises transmission rollers (A, B), an endless transmission chain or belt (C) and two chain guiders (D, E) respectively arranged beside the two transmission rollers. Each chain guider comprises n groups of grooved-pulleys, and each group comprises m grooved-pulleys. Each grooved-pulley rotates freely around a grooved-pulley axis, and an angle α is formed between the axis of at least one grooved-pulley in each group of grooved-pulleys and a roller axis of the transmission roller matched with the same grooved-pulley. The angle α enables the chain entering the chain guider and the chain leaving the chain guider to move a certain axial distance, i.e. a chain distance, on the transmission rollers, wherein the chain distance is required to be larger than the width of the chain or the belt. The endless transmission chain passes sequentially through the pulley groove of at least one grooved-pulley in one group and the driving roller under the guidance of the chain guider, and is guided to a driven roller after winding n circles around both the chain guider and the driving roller. Whereafter, the transmission chain passes sequentially through the pulley groove of at least one grooved-pulley in one group and the driven roller under the guidance of the chain guider, and returns to the driving roller to be closed after winding n circles around both the chain guider and the driven roller. The transmission has small size and compact structure, and can output a large torque. |
| US09574640B2 |
Transmission for a motor vehicle
A transmission for motor vehicles includes a drive shaft; an output shaft; a housing (GE); six shift elements in the form of a first brake (B1) and a second brake (B2) along with a first clutch (K1), a second clutch (K2, K2′, K2″, K2′″, K2″″, K2′″″), a third clutch (K3) and a fourth clutch (K4, K4′); a first planetary gear set (PR1), a second planetary gear set (PR2) and a third planetary gear set (PR3). The shift elements are selectively actuated, by which ten forward gears and one reverse gear can be realized through different transmission ratio relationships between the drive shaft and the drive shaft. The drive shaft and the output shaft are arranged in a manner axially offset to each other and the drive shaft is connectable to a planetary carrier (PT1) of the first planetary gear set (PR1) through the third clutch (K3) and the planetary carrier (PT1) of the first planetary gear set (PR1) is connectable to the housing (GE) by means of the second brake (B2). |
| US09574639B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train may include an input shaft into which power of an engine may be input, a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first planetary carrier, and a first ring gear, a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, a second planetary carrier, and a second ring gear, a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third planetary carrier, and a third ring gear, and a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear, a fourth planetary carrier, and a fourth ring gear, and first to eighth rotational shafts. |
| US09574635B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber including a cylindrical outer shell and a piston rod slidably inserted into the outer shell, the shock absorber includes a cylindrical dust cover that is coupled to the piston rod and that permits an entry of the outer shell to inside thereof, and a cylindrical bellows whose one end is attached to the outer shell and whose another end is arranged inside the dust cover at all times to cover an outer periphery of the piston rod. |
| US09574634B2 |
Damper for a cutting tool
A damper includes a cylinder, cores and covers. The cylinder includes eccentric bores each confined in a wall formed with a thick portion and a thin portion located opposite to the thick portion. The thick portions of the eccentric bores are located on different sides of the cylinder. Each core is inserted in a corresponding eccentric bore. The covers close the eccentric bores to keep the cores in the eccentric bores. The cores are made with a volume smaller than that of the eccentric bores. The cores are separated from each other. The cores exert forces on the walls of the eccentric bores because of inertia to alleviate vibration of the cylinder. |
| US09574631B2 |
Brake caliper
A brake caliper of a hydraulic brake system comprises several pistons, each of which is slidably disposed in a cylinder along the axis of the cylinder, several brake pads that are forced against a brake disk by the pistons upon actuation of the brake, and at least one spring device having a base and opposite legs that extend from the base to the brake pads. The opposite legs extend from a side of the base to a brake pad that is disposed on the opposite side. |
| US09574627B2 |
Disc brake pad mounting and retention system and method
A system and method are provided for mounting, removing and retaining brake pads in disc brakes, such as air-operated disc brakes utilized on commercial vehicles, in a manner which does not require the use of separate brake pad retaining devices while providing positive retention of the brake pad. A preferred embodiment includes a brake caliper mount having brake pad abutment surfaces having radially-oriented and lateral grooves which permit a brake pad with corresponding projections on is lateral sides to be inserted through an opening of the brake caliper into the radially-oriented grooves until the backing plate projections are aligned with the lateral groove, and advancing the brake actuator behind the brake pad to place the brake pad in an operating position in which the actuator prevents the brake pad from realigning with the radially-oriented grooves until the actuator is retracted to permit brake pad extraction. |
| US09574623B2 |
Clutch unit
A clutch unit includes a lever-side clutch portion for controlling transmission and interruption of rotational torque to an output side through lever operation, and a brake-side clutch portion for transmitting torque input from the lever-side clutch portion to the output side and for interrupting torque reversely input from the output side. The lever-side clutch portion has an outer centering spring provided between a lever-side outer ring to be rotated through the lever operation and a cover restricted in rotation, for accumulating an elastic force obtained by torque input from the lever-side outer ring and for restoring the lever-side outer ring to a neutral state with the accumulated elastic force through releasing of the torque input from the lever-side outer ring. |
| US09574619B1 |
Pawl grounding clutch with synchronizer
A pawl grounding clutch with synchronizer assembly attached to a planetary gear set of a drive unit. A cylindrical hub is engaged to the ring gear and the hub co-rotates with the ring gear. A gear is fixed to the hub. A pawl having a pawl tooth rotates between a first position with the pawl tooth spaced away from the gear and a second position having the pawl tooth engaged between successive gear teeth. A synchronizer rotates during pawl rotation and includes a friction surface directly contacting the hub before the pawl tooth engages the gear. A shift member displaces the pawl between the first and second positions. The pawl in the second position engages the ring gear with a case defining a clutch closed position. The pawl in the first position disengages ring gear from the case, defining a clutch open position. |
| US09574616B2 |
Joint device and motor
A joint device includes a drive rotor fixed to a drive shaft, a driven rotor fixed to a driven shaft, and a ring-shaped buffer located between the drive rotor and the driven rotor. The drive rotor includes a drive engagement portion that projects toward the driven rotor in an axial direction. The driven rotor includes a driven engagement portion that projects toward the drive rotor in the axial direction. The buffer includes an outer surface, which includes a first engagement recess and a second engagement recess that are recessed toward a radially inner side. An outer diameter of a bottom surface of the second engagement recess is smaller than an inner diameter of the driven engagement portion or an outer diameter of a bottom surface of the first engagement recess is smaller than an inner diameter of the drive engagement portion. |
| US09574614B2 |
Drive coupling for high-speed rotating brush
Drive coupling assembly (50) for a high-speed rotating brush, comprising:—a coupling head (100) having a coupling head rotation axis (Lch) and including three drive surfaces (106) which are arranged to be rotationally symmetrical through 120° with respect to said coupling head rotation axis; and—a coupling member (200), having a coupling member rotation axis (Lcm) and including three first drive surfaces (210a) which are arranged to be rotationally symmetrical through 120° with respect to said coupling member rotation axis, wherein said coupling head (100) and said coupling member (200) are detachably couplable, such that, in a coupled condition, their rotational axes (Lch, Lcm) are aligned and the coupling head is rotatable to drive each of its drive surfaces (106) in contact with a respective first drive surface (210a) of the coupling member, to thereby exert both a torque and an axially directed force on the coupling member. |
| US09574611B2 |
Roller bearing having sensor, motor, and actuator
A sensor (20) arranged in a deep groove ball bearing (10) includes an encoder (22) attached at an inner ring (1) to be rotatable integrally with the inner ring (1), and a magnetism detecting element (24) attached at an outer ring (2) via a sensor housing (26) to face the encoder (22) with a sensor gap. Then, the magnetism detecting element (24) is capable of measuring a rotating state of the encoder (22) rotating in the rotating state identical to that of the inner ring (1) in conjunction with a rotation of the inner ring (1). The deep groove ball bearing (10) includes a foreign material entering prevention portion that prevents a foreign material from entering the inside of the bearing from a gap between the inner ring (1) and the sensor housing (26). The size of the gap between the inner ring (1) and the sensor housing (26) is substantially identical to the sensor gap between the magnetism detecting element (24) and the encoder (22), and the gap configures non-contact seal and functions as the foreign material entering prevention portion. |
| US09574610B2 |
Bearing assembly with outboard bearing support cartridge
A bearing support assembly adapted for interchangeably supporting a bearing in an inboard configuration and an outboard configuration is provided. The assembly may include a universal end plate to which either of a first bearing support cartridge that is designed for supporting the bearing in the outboard configuration or a second bearing support cartridge that is designed for supporting the bearing in the inboard configuration may be mounted. The first and second bearing support cartridges may include mounting holes that match mounting holes in the end plate thereby permitting the cartridges to be interchangeably mounted to the end plate. This can eliminate the need to replace the end plate when switching between an inboard bearing configuration and an outboard bearing configuration, or vice versa. The bearing support assembly may also include a spacer adapted for axially locating an inner sleeve of a multi-component seal. |
| US09574608B2 |
Bearing cage with rigid inserts between pockets
A cage for a rolling bearing formed from two axial halves and a rolling bearing cage assembly including a cage formed from two axial halves, include passages formed through the web separating adjacent rolling element pockets when the two halves are in an abutting relationship. A rigid element is inserted in at least one passage with radial ends extending into the adjacent rolling element pockets. |
| US09574607B2 |
Roller of a support arrangement for a rotary milking platform
A roller of a support arrangement includes a first unit and a second unit releasably connected to each other via a connection mechanism, the first unit including a first side flange as well as an entire peripheral contact surface of the roller, and the second unit including a second side flange of the roller. In a mounted state, the peripheral contact surface is in contact with a contact portion of a first rail member connected to a rotary platform, and a contact portion of a stationary second rail member, with the two side flanges arranged on opposite sides of the contact surface. A plurality of the rollers is arranged in a vertical space between the first and second rail members. |
| US09574605B2 |
Motion guide device
A motion guide device includes a plurality of rolling element guide members provided along the entire length of a rolling element rolling surface so as to guide the unloaded side of a plurality of rolling elements that perform a rolling movement under load between the rolling element rolling surface and a loaded rolling element rolling surface. The rolling element guide member includes a beam member an outer member including a rolling element guide surface for guiding the unloaded side of the rolling elements, and the beam member and the outer member are insert-molded. Such a structure provides the motion guide device including the rolling element guide member that enables low cost manufacturing of a complex shape and capability of secure installation and guidance of the rolling elements with no deflection and can be adapted for use in various types by optionally selecting a connecting means. |
| US09574601B2 |
Bolt
A bolt for securing timber to any other material, comprises: a bolt head with a series of spiked teeth on its underside; a cylindrical bolt rod extending from the bolt head is threaded and split into two rods at its free end, so as to define a slot therebetween.In use a user drills a hole through pieces of timber to be secured together, and hammers the bolt through the hole. The spiked teeth on the bolt head lock into the timber, securing the bolt at one end. At the free, split end of the bolt rod, a washer and nut are tightened onto the bolt.A cold chisel is hammered into the slot between the split ends of the rod, bending the ends outwards and thus preventing the nut from loosening. |
| US09574599B2 |
Self-locking sealing device
The invention relates to a shut-off device comprising a plug intended to be placed over a threaded orifice of a casing, or to be removed therefrom, by screwing and unscrewing respectively, the plug comprising a central body bearing a screw thread, and locking and unlocking means that oppose the spontaneous unscrewing of the plug and that are activated automatically by the turning of the plug and its corresponding progression in the direction of screwing along a longitudinal axis. The locking and unlocking means comprise two releaseable coupling members, of which a first member is coupled to and turns with the central body via a protective skirt and of which a second member can be prevented from turning with respect to the casing during screwing. |
| US09574595B2 |
Blind rivet arrangement
A blind rivet arrangement (1) is described, comprising multiple rivet bodies (3, 3a, 3b) arranged in succession on a mandrel (2), the mandrel (2) having a mandrel head (8) with an outside diameter which is greater than an inside diameter of the rivet bodies (3, 3a, 3b). The aim is to provide an inexpensive way to produce a blind rivet arrangement that works effectively. To this end the mandrel (2) and the mandrel head (8) are designed as parts that are produced separately and joined together. |
| US09574590B2 |
Toggle latch for sequentially extended mechanical mast
A telescoping mast having a latch assembly includes a latch body mountable to a first tube section, a latch mechanism supported by the latch body, a toggle mechanism operatively connected to the latch mechanism, and a latch plate mountable to a second tube section. The latch mechanism includes a pawl member pivotably between an engaged position for interlocking with a corresponding recess in the latch plate to thereby restrict axial movement between the first and second tube sections, and a disengaged position allowing relative axial movement between the first and second tube sections. The toggle mechanism is movable between an over-center locked configuration corresponding to the engaged position of the latch mechanism and an unlocked configuration corresponding to the disengaged position of the latch member. |
| US09574587B2 |
Preloading a fastener of a mechanical fitting
A system for preloading a fastener of a mechanical fitting includes a strain measuring device to measure a strain on the fastener as the fastener is tightened. The mechanical fitting may include a base structure and a plate member. A support structure supports the plate member at a predetermined spacing from the base structure. The support structure may include a first sloping plate and a second sloping plate each extending between the plate member and the base structure. The fastener extends through a first hole in the plate member and a second hole in the base structure. The fastener is accessible through an opening on each side of the support structure. At least a portion of the strain measuring device is positioned relative to the fastener through a first opening of the openings to measure the strain on the fastener correlating to the preload as the fastener is tightened. |
| US09574586B2 |
System and method for an electrostatic bypass
An electrostatic bypass system and method as disclosed utilizes corona wires extending laterally across the flow path upstream of the section of the flow path of concern. The corona wires can be arranged to form a mesh across the flow path and can be powered by a power source to ionize the air surrounding the wires to thereby apply an electrostatic charge to the particulates as they pass through an ionized section of air proximate the wires. |
| US09574585B2 |
Method and control unit for the operation of a parking brake of a vehicle transmission assembly
A method is provided for the operation of an assembly of a vehicle, whereas the assembly is transferable from an unactuated position into an actuated position by a pressure medium-actuated actuator if two redundant pressure medium valves both occupy a pressure supply position. For the functional test of one of the valves, a first valve is controlled to occupy the pressure supply position, and the second valve is controlled so as not to occupy the pressure supply position. If, upon this control of the two valves at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure medium-actuated actuator, no reaction is detected, there is a correct operation at a proper second valve. If, despite this control of the two valves, at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure medium-actuated actuator, a reaction is detected, there is an improper operation at a defective second pressure medium valve. |
| US09574584B2 |
Fluid pressure cylinder
A cushion mechanism for decelerating a piston rod includes a holder fastened to an end surface of a cylinder portion fitted with an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder tube, an annular entry portion provided on the piston rod and advancing into the holder and the cylinder portion in the vicinity of the stroke end, a cushion passage leading a working fluid of the working chamber to a supply/discharge port, and an orifice plug fastened to the cushion passage, and the cushion passage includes an internal passage extending in a radial direction of the holder and to which the orifice plug is fastened, and the orifice plug is replaceable through a replacement port formed by penetrating the cylinder tube and communicating with the internal passage. |
| US09574582B2 |
Hydraulic pump system and method of operation
A fluid management system includes a hydraulic main pump fluidly connected to a load, an accumulator fluidly connected to the hydraulic main pump, a secondary pump, a fluid preparation system fluidly connected between an outlet of the secondary pump and an inlet of the hydraulic main pump, a reservoir, and a valve system fluidly connecting the reservoir, an outlet of the hydraulic main pump, and the secondary pump inlet. The system is at least operable between a run mode, wherein the secondary pump and accumulator cooperatively maintain the pressure within the hydraulic main pump, and a charging mode, wherein the secondary pump pumps fluid into the accumulator until a threshold volume is reached. |
| US09574580B2 |
Oscillating actuator
To provide an oscillating actuator which is capable of easily changing an oscillation start position of a shaft. An oscillating actuator includes an actuator main body 2 having a shaft 4 which is configured to oscillate about an axis L in a predetermined range of angle by means of a compressed air, and a fixing plate 3 for fixing the actuator main body 2 to a load device 30, wherein the actuator main body 2 and the fixing plate 3 are connected together by a connection mechanism 5 so as to be displaceable relative to each other in the rotation direction of the shaft 4 so that an oscillation start position A of the shaft 4 is changed by displacement of the actuator main body 2 and the fixing plate 3 relative to each other. |
| US09574563B2 |
System and method of wrapping flow in a fluid working apparatus
A fluid working apparatus (100) including a housing structure (130) with an inlet (132) and an outlet (133). A working assembly positioned in the housing (130) has an inlet side and an outlet side with the at least one rotor (114) having a plurality of blades (115) positioned between the inlet and outlet sides. At least one return assembly (140, 142) is configured to return fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet side of the working assembly whereby a working fluid passes through the housing inlet (132), from the inlet side of the working assembly to the outlet side thereof while workingly engaging a first subset of the rotor blades (115), through the at least one return assembly (140, 142), from the inlet side of the working assembly to the outlet side thereof while workingly engaging a second subset of the rotor blades (115), and out of the housing outlet (133). A method of working a fluid is also provided. |
| US09574559B2 |
Oil pump rotor
Provided is an oil pump rotor capable of improving a volume efficiency and a quietness. When a diameter of a base circle bi of an inner rotor is Φ bi; a diameter of a first outer rolling circle Di is Φ Di; a diameter of a first inner rolling circle di is Φ di; a diameter of a base circle bo of an outer rotor is Φ bo; a diameter of a second outer rolling circle Do is Φ Do; a diameter of a second inner rolling circle do is Φ do; and an eccentricity amount between the inner rotor and the outer rotor is e, Φ bi=n·(Φ Di+Φ di) and Φ bo=(n+1)·(Φ Do+Φ do) hold; either Φ Di+Φ di=2e or Φ Do+Φ do=2e holds; and Φ Do>Φ Di and Φ di>Φ do hold. When a clearance between the inner rotor and the outer rotor is t, 0.3≦((Φ Do+Φ do)−(Φ Di+Φ di))·(n+1)/t≦0.6 holds, provided that Φ Di+Φ di=2e; or 0.3≦((Φ Do+Φ do)−(Φ Di+Φ di))·n/t≦0.6 holds, provided that Φ Do+Φ do=2e. |
| US09574556B1 |
Free piston pump and miniature internal combustion engine
This invention provides a coil and magnet assembly that is operatively interconnected with an oscillating free piston that moves along an axis. A coil mounting disk is operatively connected to a coil assembly. A magnet assembly is mounted on a magnet base. The magnet assembly is coaxial with respect to the coil assembly. The coil assembly and the magnet assembly are in oscillating motion with respect to each other in conjunction with oscillating motion of the free piston. A spring assembly comprising a plurality springs, symmetrically positioned about the axis, extend between the magnet base and the coil mounting disk, so as to move in conjunction with the oscillating motion along the axis. At least some of the springs are conductive and electrically connect the mounting disk to the magnet base. The piston can reside in a casing that is part of either a two-stroke engine or a fluid pump. |
| US09574553B2 |
Solar-powered apparatus
The invention relates to a solar-powered apparatus, comprising a housing (1), a shield panel (5) disposed on the housing (1), and a transmission apparatus (2) disposed inside the housing (1). The transmission apparatus (2) is provided with eight or more memory alloy sheets (3). The housing (1) is also provided with a ratchet pawl (13). The shield panel (5) is provided with a light-focusing apparatus (51) used for focusing light. The apparatus is capable of converting solar energy into mechanical energy. |
| US09574549B2 |
Blade maintenance device for wind turbine
Provided is a blade maintenance device for a wind turbine. The blade maintenance device for the wind turbine includes: a body that travels along a leading edge of a blade; support units that extend from the body to both sides of the blade and support the sides of the blade; and a maintenance unit installed at at least one of the body and the support units so as to perform maintenance of an outer side of the blade. |
| US09574548B2 |
Method and system for controlled shutdown of wind turbines
The present invention relates to a method for controlled shutdown of wind turbines. The method involves using a generator side converter, and optionally a DC chopper, as a generator load during controlled shutdown. In this way gearbox back-lashing and drive train oscillations can be avoided. The present invention also relates to a wind turbine capable of performing controlled shutdown in accordance with the before-mentioned method. |
| US09574540B2 |
Corona ignition device
The invention relates to a corona ignition device for igniting fuel in a combustion chamber of an engine by means of a corona discharge, comprising an insulator, which has a continuous channel, a central electrode, which plugs into the channel of the insulator and leads to at least one ignition tip, a glass seal, which seals in the channel a gap between the central electrode and the insulator, and a housing, into which the insulator plugs. In accordance with the invention, the central electrode has a sealing face, which, together with a sealing face of the insulator, forms a seat, and an annular air gap that is open towards the ignition tip is provided in an end portion of the channel, facing the ignition tip, between the central electrode and the insulator. |
| US09574539B2 |
Ignition method for an internal combustion engine and an ignition device operated accordingly
The detection of the switching state of a stop switch at a switch terminal of an ignition device for an internal combustion engine is provided, in which an ignition pulse for controlling an electronic ignition switch is generated and a first power storage device is discharged via an ignition coil and during this discharge a voltage signal having negative and positive voltage half waves is generated, which is used for synchronizing a sampling, representing the switch state of the stop switch, particularly its closed position, of a voltage value at the switch terminal. |
| US09574538B2 |
Idling stop control system for vehicle
An idling stop control system stops an idling of an engine so as to automatically stop the engine in the case where a predetermined condition on automatic stop of the engine is established and releases the automatic stop of the engine so as to restart the engine in the case where a predetermined condition on restart of the engine is established in accordance with a driving condition of the vehicle. The idling stop control system recognizes a type of an object in front of the vehicle and restarts the engine depending on the type of the object in front of the vehicle even if the engine is in the automatic stop and the restart condition of the engine is not established with respect to the driving condition. |
| US09574536B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector includes a body having a fuel injection port, and a seal ring on the body. The body has a diameter-shrink portion of which an outer diameter is shrunk. The seal ring is engaged with the diameter-shrink portion. The diameter-shrink portion has a radially concaved annular groove with which a tip end portion of the seal ring is engaged. It is restricted that the seal ring is rubbed against an inner surface of the assembling hole and the seal ring is damaged. |
| US09574534B2 |
Reinforced end cap assembly for pressure vessel
A fuel rail or pressure vessel assembly extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a fluid conduit having an opening at either or both of the longitudinal ends of the conduit. The conduit has an inlet coupled to a high-pressure fuel source, a plurality of outlets, and a conduit interior that forms a fluid flow passageway between inlet and outlets. An end cap assembly is mounted to cover and close each fluid conduit opening. The end cap assembly includes a cup having a free edge that defines an aperture that leads to a cup interior. The cup has an inner surface facing the conduit interior. The end cap assembly also includes a reinforcement that is mounted to the inner surface of the cup. Both the cup and the reinforcement can be stamped metal components and are brazed together. |
| US09574533B2 |
Fuel injection nozzle and method of manufacturing the same
A fuel injection head for use in a fuel injection nozzle comprises a monolithic body portion comprising an upstream face, an opposite downstream face, and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. A plurality of pre-mix tubes are integrally formed with and extend axially through the body portion. Each of the pre-mix tubes comprises an inlet adjacent the upstream face, an outlet adjacent the downstream face, and a channel extending between the inlet and the outlet. Each pre-mix tube also includes at least one fuel injector that at least partially extends outward from an exterior surface of the pre-mix tube, wherein the fuel injector is integrally formed with the pre-mix tube and is configured to facilitate fuel flow between the body portion and the channel. |
| US09574525B2 |
Apparatus for suppressing fuel evaporative gas emission
A purge solenoid valve is opened to introduce an atmospheric pressure into a fuel tank, the purge solenoid valve is closed to operate a negative pressure pump, and set an internal pressure of the tank to a reference pressure Pb. Then, a changeover valve is closed, and the purge solenoid valve is opened to cause a canister to communicate with an intake passage. Further, the changeover valve is opened, and the purge solenoid valve is closed. Then, a first tank internal pressure Po is detected and subtracted from the reference pressure Pb. If a calculated first pressure deviation ΔPo is larger than a first threshold ΔP1, it is determined that there is no open sticking in a sealing valve. |
| US09574524B2 |
Method and internal combustion engine system for keeping an exhaust gas aftertreatment system within its working temperature range
A method and internal combustion engine system are provided for keeping an exhaust gas aftertreatment system within its working temperature range during an idle or motoring engine operation mode of an internal combustion engine. The method includes sensing the temperature of the gas at the gas intake side of the internal combustion engine and/or of the exhaust gas; determining whether or not the sensed temperature value is in a predetermined temperature interval or below a predetermined temperature threshold; determining whether the internal combustion engine is in idle or motoring engine operation mode; in case the internal combustion engine is determined to be in an idle or motoring engine operation mode, controlling the temperature of the gas at the gas intake side of the internal combustion engine to be within the predetermined temperature range or below the predetermined temperature threshold by recirculating exhaust gas through a connecting duct by controlling at least one valve. |
| US09574522B2 |
Assembly with cylinder head having integrated exhaust manifold and method of manufacturing same
An assembly includes a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold that has four exhaust flow passages directing cylinder exhaust from inlets arranged to correspond with exhaust from the four cylinders, respectively, and has only three outlets. The assembly includes a twin scroll turbocharger having a housing with a first scroll passage, a second scroll passage, and only three inlets. Two of the exhaust flow passages join in the cylinder head to direct exhaust flow into only one of the inlets of the housing and through the first scroll passage. Exhaust flow through the other two of the exhaust flow passages flows separately into the other two inlets in the housing and joins in the housing to flow through the second scroll passage. |
| US09574515B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine and corresponding internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one fuel injection valve for introducing fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the valve being supplied with a specified current intensity in order to adjust a specified flow cross-section of a fuel fluidic connection in the combustion chamber. The maximum specified current intensity during normal operation is equal to a first current intensity and during a release operation is equal to a second, higher current intensity. |
| US09574514B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An electronic control unit calculates a rotation variation amount ΣΔNE as a cetane number index value of the fuel supplied to an internal combustion engine and executes fuel injection control in a first execution mode corresponding to the rotation variation amount ΣΔNE (S407, S408). In a mixing period in which the cetane number of the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine is changed due to the fuel feed into the fuel tank (S401: YES), the fuel injection control is executed in a second execution mode such that, compared with the first execution mode, stable operation of the internal combustion engine is given more importance (S402:YES, S403). When calculation of the rotation variation amount ΣΔNE is executed during the mixing period (S404: YES), fuel injection control is executed while limiting the reflection of the rotation variation amount ΣΔNE (S405, S406). |
| US09574511B2 |
System and method for a load anticipation feature and its tuning method for a generating set
A method, system and computer software for providing a load anticipation feature for a diesel generating set including a diesel engine, a generator, a speed governor, and an automatic voltage regulator generator in a power system and computer data processor apparatus and computer executable instructions for ascertaining an equivalent linear speed control system whose response approximately matches the non-linear speed response of the diesel generating set; ascertaining at least one programmable parameter of the load anticipation feature based on a real power load applied to the diesel generating set and a desired speed response of the linear speed control system; generating a control output based on a measured real power load and at least one programmable parameter of the load anticipation feature; the speed governor receiving the control output and adjusting the speed of the diesel engine based on the control output. |
| US09574507B2 |
System and method for improving canister purging
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a purging operation of a fuel vapor canister in a boosted engine. One method comprises purging stored fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister to an inlet of the compressor via an ejector while bypassing a canister purge valve, the ejector being fluidically coupled to the fuel vapor canister by a distinct passage coupled upstream of the canister purge valve, where motive flow through the ejector may be regulated by a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve may be adjusted based on whether or not the engine is boosted. |
| US09574506B2 |
Engine starting device of idle reduction vehicle
A current is supplied to a driving relay that drives a bypass relay when restarting an engine after idle reduction, and the current supply to the driving relay is interrupted when the engine is started for the first time based on operation of a driver. |
| US09574505B2 |
Plant control device
A plant control device according to the present invention includes a feedback controller and a reference governor. The feedback controller is configured to determine a control input of a plant by feedback control so as to bring an output value of a control amount of the plant close to a target value. The reference governor is configured to calculate a future predicted value of a specific state quantity of the plant by using a model of a closed loop system including the plant and the feedback controller, and correct the target value that is given to the feedback controller based on the predicted value of the specific state quantity and a constraint that is imposed on the specific state quantity. |
| US09574498B2 |
Internally cooled transition duct aft frame with serpentine cooling passage and conduit
An aft frame for a transition duct of a gas turbine combustor includes a main body having an outer rail, an inner rail, a first side rail circumferentially separated from an opposing second side rail, a forward portion, an aft portion and an outer surface. An inlet port extends through the outer surface and an exhaust port extends through the forward portion. A serpentine cooling passage is defined within the main body beneath the outer surface. The serpentine cooling passage is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the exhaust port. A conduit may be connected to the exhaust port for routing a compressed working fluid away from aft frame. |
| US09574497B2 |
Engine mounted inlet plenum for a rotorcraft
One example of an engine mounted inlet plenum for a rotorcraft includes an inlet flange, an outlet flange and a plenum duct that connects the inlet flange and the outlet flange. The inlet flange, which defines an inlet to flow air into a barrier filtration system, is configured to be substantially aligned with a closed cowl door assembly of the rotorcraft. In some implementations, the plenum duct is configured to extend to an outer mold line (OML) of the rotorcraft such that the inlet flange is aligned with the OML. The outlet flange defines an outlet to flow air filtered by the barrier filtration system into an engine of the rotorcraft. The plenum duct allows air to flow from the inlet to the outlet. |
| US09574494B2 |
Dipole triboelectric injector nozzle
The present invention relates to a fuel injector configuration that treats a dielectric fluid such as gasoline fuel with strong electric and, optionally, magnetic fields to form a homogeneous charged fuel or fuel/air mixture for combustion in an internal combustion engine. The electric field is supplied by a triboelectric dipole and the magnetic field is supplied by permanent magnets. Small charged fuel particles are produced and combust more readily than untreated particles. Fuel efficiency is increased and emissions are reduced. |
| US09574480B2 |
Diagnostic apparatus for exhaust gas purification apparatus
A diagnostic apparatus for an exhaust gas purification apparatus including a selective catalytic reduction NOx catalyst (SCR catalyst) provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, a supplying unit supplying ammonia or an ammonia precursor into exhaust gas flowing into the SCR catalyst and a sensor, provided on a downstream side of the SCR catalyst, detecting NOx and ammonia in exhaust gas. The diagnostic apparatus calculates an amount of decline in output of the sensor due to a reaction between NOx and ammonia at the sensor and performs a diagnosis of the supplying unit based on the calculated amount of decline in output of the sensor. |
| US09574478B2 |
Exhaust gas posttreatment device for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an exhaust gas after-treatment device and a method, having a storage container and a buffer reservoir, both of which can be heated. In this manner it is possible to significantly reduce the energy requirement for providing gaseous ammonia for an exhaust gas after-treatment device of an internal combustion engine. |
| US09574476B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses related to vehicles with reduced emissions
This disclosure relates generally to vehicles with reduced emissions. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses related to vehicles with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon dioxide emissions may be stored in a carbon dioxide clathrate. |
| US09574475B2 |
Method of operating an internal combustion engine
A method of regenerating an oxidation device (3) of an internal combustion engine (1), in particular a stationary internal combustion engine, wherein the oxidation device (3) is connected downstream of the internal combustion engine (1) and wherein a mixture of combustion gas and exhaust gas can be fed to the oxidation device (3) to increase a temperature in the oxidation device (3) and wherein exhaust gas can be passed around the oxidation device (3) by way of a bypass conduit (4), wherein the amount of exhaust gas passed around the oxidation device (3) by way of the bypass conduit (4) is controlled in open-loop or closed-loop control mode in dependence on an ascertained exhaust gas temperature downstream of the oxidation device (3). |
| US09574471B2 |
Exhaust muffler
An exhaust muffler has downstream and upstream chambers which are defined in a casing. Exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine is introduced into an end of a first conduit having a pierced region which is held in fluid communication with the downstream chamber and an end of a second conduit. The other ends of the first and second conduits are open into the upstream chamber. A valve means configured to open/close the first and second conduits is actuated by valve actuating means to switch between a short channel mode discharging the exhaust gas from at least the first conduit through the pierced region, the downstream chamber, and a discharge pipe out of the casing and a long channel mode discharging the exhaust gas from at least the second conduit through the upstream chamber, the pierced region, the downstream chamber, and the discharge pipe out of the casing. |
| US09574468B2 |
Variable valve operation control method and apparatus
A control method and apparatus for a variable engine valve operating control mechanisms which move the engine valves to a safe lift/timing position with respect to a piston to minimize the potential for valve to piston contact during valve surge. At least one engine operating conditions is selected and provided with a threshold triggering a control to move the valves to a safe position in a calibrated, predictive manner in advance of any potential valve to piston contact. The control method and apparatus can be integrated into the existing engine control and variable valve operating control mechanism. |
| US09574467B2 |
Continuous variable valve duration apparatus
A continuous variable valve duration apparatus may include a cam rotatably mounted on a cam carrier, a camshaft disposed within the cam and relatively rotatable with respect to the cam, in which a rotation center of the camshaft is variable with respect to a rotation center of the cam, a connecting link disposed between the cam and the camshaft, in which the connecting link is pivotally connected to at least one of the cam and the camshaft, and transmits rotation of the camshaft to the cam, and a control portion selectively changing the rotation center of the camshaft. |
| US09574465B2 |
Valve gear of engine
A cam element portions is configured such that respective maximum lift portions (lift ending points) of both-side end-face cams thereof are provided at respective phases which are different from each other in a rotational direction and that a maximum value of a length, in an axial direction, between respective cam faces of the both-side end-face cams which are provided at the same phase is set to be a distance, in the axial direction, between a first operational member and a second operational member or smaller. Accordingly, in a valve gear of an engine in which cams operative to control opening/closing of a valve are switchable, it can be properly prevented that a camshaft locks and stop rotating because of an operational malfunction of an operational member or the like. |
| US09574461B2 |
Method for controlling a thermal power plant using regulated valves
A method of controlling a thermal power plant for electricity generation, said power plant comprising at least one heat source to supply thermal energy to a working fluid circulation circuit. The circuit comprises a high pressure turbine mechanically connected to an electricity generator, a high pressure regulating valve controlling the steam supply to said high pressure turbine from a high pressure superheater associated with a high pressure storage tank. The fluid supply to said high pressure storage tank from a high pressure steam generator is controlled by a high pressure supply valve, and, in response to a need for additional electrical power, the opening of the high pressure regulating valve is increased the opening of the high pressure supply valve is reduced. |
| US09574456B2 |
Turbocharger
A turbocharger includes an open-and-close mechanism which opens and closes a circulation hole through which an exhaust gas flows into a turbine housing or the exhaust gas flows out of the turbine housing. The open-and-close mechanism includes: a valve; and an attachment plate one end of which is fixed to the valve, and the other end of which is provided with an insertion hole through which a stem turnably supported by the turbine housing is inserted, and an exposure hole which communicates with the insertion hole to expose part of an outer peripheral surface of the stem. The diameter of the insertion hole is gradually smaller in a direction of insertion of the stem. The stem includes a tapered portion whose diameter is gradually smaller toward its tip end in the direction of insertion into the insertion hole. |
| US09574450B2 |
Turbine blade mid-span shroud assembly
A mid-span shroud assembly for a turbine blade airfoil includes a pressure side shroud body which is associated with a pressure side wall of the airfoil and a suction side shroud body which is associated with a suction side wall of the airfoil. At least one of the pressure side shroud body and the suction side shroud body defines a coupling spar which is formed to extend at least partially through a bore hole defined within the airfoil of the turbine blade. |
| US09574448B2 |
Split control unit
A split control unit in a distributed flow unit includes a flow inlet configured to receive a fuel flow, a first manifold having flow lines to supply fuel to one or more primary nozzles, and a second manifold having flow lines to supply fuel to one or more secondary nozzles. In an embodiment, the second manifold is in fluid communication with the flow inlet. A metering valve has a first port in fluid communication with the flow inlet and with the second manifold. The metering valve is configured to supply a metered fuel flow to the first manifold. A flow passage is in fluid communication with, and runs between, a flow line of the first manifold and a flow line of the second manifold to allow for a continuous cooling flow in the second manifold when all of the one or more secondary nozzles are closed. |
| US09574447B2 |
Modification process and modified article
A modification process and modified article are disclosed. The modification process includes locating an area in an article, removing the area by machining to form a machined region, inserting a modification material into the machined region, securing the modification material to the article, machining the modification material flush with a geometry of the article, and applying a coating over at least a portion of the article. Another modification process includes locating an area under a suction side leading edge tip shroud fillet of an airfoil, removing the area by machining to form a hole, inserting a modification material having improved material properties as compared to an original base material into the hole, securing the modification material in place, machining the modification material and the airfoil to form a new fillet contour, and applying a coating over at least a portion of the airfoil. Also disclosed is the modified article. |
| US09574442B1 |
Hydrocarbon well performance monitoring system
A method for real-time data acquisition and presentation of force, position, load, pressures, and movement within a subterranean well pumping system, such as an oil well. Data is gathered using sensors attached to a surface level pump drive and wellhead system. Well structural data and well production data are combined therewith to generate a real-time display of down-hole well operation, including animated graphics of the pump operation, including pump movement, rod and tubing stretch, fluid movement, gas compression, system forces, and fluid pressures. Liquid levels are tested using an acoustic liquid level instrument, and incorporated to improve well performance analysis. |
| US09574440B2 |
Flow switch algorithm for pulser driver
A pulser driver assembly of a measurement-while-drilling tool that includes an improved flow switch is disclosed. The flow switch uses multiple accelerometers of different types that measure acceleration changes in a system. The accelerometer data is then filtered and processed by an onboard microcontroller. The filtered data is then passed to a fuzzy logic voting algorithm which systematically and robustly characterizes the signal, and identifies the flow state. |
| US09574436B2 |
Mounting plate apparatus, systems, and methods
In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system may include a substantially flat mounting plate having a first inset portion to receive a circuit board, and a second inset portion to receive an electronic component. A lower level of the second inset portion defines the first end of a post extending in a vertical direction away from the mounting plate to terminate in a second end, and the second end of the post is shaped to receive a fastener. The second end of the post may be used to secure a cap, and thus the electronic component, to the plate. Additional apparatus and systems, as well as methods, are disclosed. |
| US09574431B2 |
Cavitation-based hydro-fracturing technique for geothermal reservoir stimulation
A rotary shutter valve 500 is used for geothermal reservoir stimulation. The valve 500 includes a pressure chamber 520 for holding a working fluid (F) under pressure. A rotatable shutter 532 is turned with a powering device 544 to periodically align one or more windows 534 with one or more apertures 526 in a bulkhead 524. When aligned, the pressurized working fluid (F) flows through the bulkhead 524 and enters a pulse cavity 522, where it is discharged from the pulse cavity 522 as pressure waves 200. The pressure wave propagation 200 and eventual collapse of the bubbles 202 can be transmitted to a target rock surface 204 either in the form of a shock wave 206, or by micro jets 208, depending on the bubble-surface distance. Once cavitation at the rock face begins, fractures are initiated in the rock to create a network of micro-fissures for enhanced heat transfer. |
| US09574430B2 |
Device and method for obtaining, especially in situ, a carbonaceous substance from an underground deposit
An apparatus is provided for delivering a substance containing hydrocarbons from a reservoir. The reservoir can be subjected to thermal energy in order to reduce the viscosity of the substance. The apparatus includes at least one conductor loop for inductively applying current as an electric/electromagnetic heater. A conductor of the conductor loop is surrounded in at least one section by a liquid-carrying conduit. The liquid-carrying conduit is perforated such that when a liquid is supplied the liquid penetrates into the reservoir from the liquid-carrying conduit via a perforation. |
| US09574429B2 |
Hydrocarbon mobility and recovery through in-situ combustion with the addition of ammonia
Air and ammonia gas are introduced into a subterranean formation during the in-situ combustion to increase the mobility of hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation and facilitate recovery of the hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation. The air supports in-situ combustion of a portion of the hydrocarbon within the subterranean formation to form water and establish a combustion front. The ammonia gas contacts the hydrocarbons ahead of the combustion front and reacts in-situ with naphthenic acid in the hydrocarbon to form a surfactant. The hydrocarbons, water and surfactant then form an oil-in-water emulsion that drains more freely through the formation. A production well, in fluid communication with the hydrocarbons ahead of the combustion front, may be used to remove the oil-in-water emulsion from the subterranean formation. |
| US09574425B2 |
Downhole power generation using hydraulic flow regulation
Systems and methods of downhole power generation are disclosed, which provide for the generation of electrical power in a downhole environment by the use of an electrical generator coupled to a hydraulic circuit that receives energy from a source in the downhole environment. The hydraulic circuit can receive energy from flowing drilling fluid and/or from kinetic energy of one or more portions of the drill string. A direct or indirect coupling can be used to transfer energy from the downhole environment to a pump in the hydraulic circuit, which can act as a hydraulic flow source, providing flow through a flow regulation device or control circuit. The hydraulic fluid under such control can then be used to turn a hydraulic motor, which is used to turn an electric generator for the generation of electricity for downhole tools such as logging tools, related telemetry, and the like. |
| US09574424B2 |
Pre-tensing sections of concentric tubulars
A method for pre-tensing sections of concentric tubulars in a wellbore. The method can include mechanically coupling an inside tubing pipe to an inside tubing string disposed in the wellbore. The method can also include mechanically coupling a second tubing to a second tubing string disposed in the wellbore. The method can further include suspending, by the first tubing, the first tubing, the first tubing string, the second tubing string, and the second tubing. The method can also include inserting, while suspending the first tubing, the first tubing string, the second tubing string, and the second tubing by the first tubing, a first slip into the first space between the first tubing and the second tubing. The method can further include inserting the first tubing, the first tubing string, the second tubing string, the second tubing, and the first slip further into the wellbore. |
| US09574422B2 |
Formation treatment system
A treatment system including a first tubular having at least one port therein. A valve member is disposed with the first tubular and operatively arranged to control fluid flow through the at least one port. A second tubular is disposed radially within the first tubular and terminates at an end opening into an interior passage of the first tubular for enabling a treatment media to be supplied through the second tubular into the first tubular, and through the at least one port when the at least one port is open. A seal assembly is disposed between the first and second tubulars for fluidly sealing an annulus formed between the first and second tubulars from the end of the second tubular. A tool is disposed with the second tubular for controlling operation of the valve member. |
| US09574420B2 |
Well intervention tool and method
A system to control fluid flow through a fluid passage includes a valve that is fail-safe closed to selectively control fluid flow through the fluid passage, and a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the valve to open the valve when hydraulic pressure above a predetermined amount is received. The system further includes an inlet to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator and open the valve and an outlet to vent hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic actuator and close the valve. |
| US09574412B2 |
Proppant mixing and metering system
An oilfield material reservoir is disclosed. The oilfield material reservoir has a body, the body having an upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends, the sidewall defining a recess within the body, an opening defined by the upper end, and a first orifice defined by the lower end. The oilfield material reservoir is also provided with a metering gate connected to the body at the lower end. The metering gate has a base having a second orifice aligned with the first orifice, and a knife gate connected to the base. The second orifice has a substantially trapezoidal shape. The knife gate is configured to slidably cover the second orifice. A method is also disclosed for controlling a discharge rate of oilfield material within the oilfield material reservoir by adjusting a metering open area of the second orifice according to mathematical modeling equations. |
| US09574406B2 |
Wellbore completion system with reaming tool
A completion system comprises tubular components coupled together to form a completion string. In-flow control devices are provided to permit selective fluid communication between an internal bore of the completion string and the annulus. A reaming tool is provided at a leading end of the completion string and the reaming tool is run into the borehole with the completion string. The reaming tool comprises a fluid-powered drive unit, a reaming body and a reaming nose. In use, the completion string is located in the borehole and fluid is directed to the reaming tool to facilitate reaming of the borehole. A second tubular in the form of a washpipe may extend through an internal bore of the completion string for providing fluid to the reaming tool. The reaming tool is operable at a fluid pressure below a pressure which would activate the in-flow control devices. |
| US09574403B2 |
Mobile drilling rig
A mobile drilling rig (1) includes a mast (3), a drilling head (5) for sliding in use along the mast (3), and at least one hoist (4). The drilling head (5) is supported by at least two hoisting wire cables (24). The mast (3) is telescopic and includes a main load carrying member (31), for extending the telescopic mast (3), at whose end a plurality of pulleys (26) are provided, on which the hoisting wire cables (24) slide. The main load carrying member (31) is adapted to bring the mast (3) from a closed operating configuration to an extended operating configuration and vice versa. The movement of the drilling head (5), when the mast (3) is in the extended operating configuration, takes place by the hoisting wire cables (24), which are pulled and released by the at least one hoist (4). |
| US09574402B2 |
Box frame spreader beam
A spreader beam includes a first spreader beam section, where the first spreader beam section is pivotably coupled to the first substructure and a second spreader beam section, where the second spreader beam section is pivotably coupled to the second substructure. The first and second spreader beam sections are positioned to, in an extended position, selectively couple to each other. |
| US09574398B2 |
Roller shade filler panel
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for closing off an opening above, below, or between electronic equipment in a rack. The rack includes a pair of equipment rails. The electronic equipment is mounted to the equipment rails. The apparatus includes a base, a roller shade, and a handle. The roller shade is rotatably connected to the base and includes a free end extending from the base when the roller shade is rotated. The handle is connected to the free end of the roller shade. The base is removably connected to the equipment rails at a first position. The handle is removably connected to the equipment rails at a second position spaced apart from the first position such that the free end of the roller shade is extended to close off the opening in the rack. |
| US09574396B2 |
Systems for maintaining window covers
A spring drive system includes a housing, an extendible window cover coupled with the housing, and at least one lift cord coupled to the cover for raising and lowering the window cover. A spring drive system comprises a first spring drive spool spaced apart from a second spring drive spool and at least one spring having a storage end coupled to one of the spring drive spools and an output end coupled to the other of the spring drive spools. A first cord spool has a first cord spool axis. The lift cord extends from the first cord spool to the window cover for assisting in raising and lowering of the cover, and the spring drive system affects rotation of the first cord spool about the first cord spool axis and has no external hand-operated control cord input to raise and lower the window cover. |
| US09574393B2 |
Cord-winding device for a blind assembly having no pull cord
A cord-winding device for a blind assembly having no pull cord includes a base seat defining a slide channel and having a bottom side configured to removably mount the blind assembly thereto, and an adjustment unit including a slide seat mounted slidably in the slide channel, a plurality of rollers mounted on the base seat and the slide seat, respectively, and a constant force spring having first and second ends respectively fixed to the base seat and the slide seat. A lift cord winds around the rollers and extends through the base seat. The lift cord is configured to extend through the blind assembly after extending through the base seat so as to be positioned to the base seat and the blind assembly. |
| US09574385B2 |
Door actuator
A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event. |
| US09574384B1 |
Infinitely variable angle connecting system
Each of two turret-shaped modules has a generally hemispherical configuration facing outwardly and a disk-shaped flange facing inwardly. The flanges are similarly configured with a planar surface and circular periphery. An axial bore extends centrally through each module parallel with the planar surfaces for receiving and supporting first and second cylindrical objects. A V-band encompasses the flanges with the planar surfaces in contact with each other. The clamp includes a rotatable member to loosen and tighten the clamp. In this manner, the flanges and modules are rotated and fixed with respect to the received and supported cylindrical objects. |
| US09574383B1 |
Self-locking hinge mechanism
A self-locking hinge for agricultural machine panels includes a receptacle configured to slidingly receive an insert along a receiving axis. A hinge with fixed and movable portions and pivot axis transverse to the receiving axis is connected to the insert. A locking retainer is connected to the movable portion and engages an opening in the receptacle as the movable portion is moved toward a first position corresponding with panel closure. Engagement of the locking retainer in the opening precludes movement of the insert portion along the receiving axis. Moving the hinge in an opposite direction disengages the locking retainer from the opening and permits sliding movement of the insert. The locking retainer further includes an arcuate surface configured to engage an edge of the opening which may further be eccentrically arranged about the hinge axis to enable the locking retainer to move the insert into a desired position as the hinge is moved toward the first position. |
| US09574379B2 |
Motor vehicle door lock
A motor vehicle door lock comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2), an actuating lever unit (3, 4, 16), which interacts with the locking mechanism (1, 2), a drive (6, 7, 8, 9) impinging upon the actuating lever unit (3, 4, 16) and an anti-theft protection device (10, 11), wherein a buffer member (12, 13) is assigned to the actuating lever unit (3, 4, 16) and to an unlocking lever (5) which interacts with the actuating lever unit (3, 4, 16), the buffer member being controlled by the anti-theft protection device (10, 11) in accordance with the desired functional position of the locking mechanism (1, 2). |
| US09574377B2 |
Replacement shackle for portable lock
A group of embodiments for enabling the replacement of damaged shackles for multiple types of portable locks is disclosed. The embodiments have the ability to alter the shackle size and configuration for multiple types of portable locks by substituting one type of shackle with a different shackle, with no tools or special skills required. |
| US09574376B2 |
Electromechanical lock
An electromechanical lock includes a lever coupled with a locking mechanism configured to receive mechanical power from an user, and to output the mechanical power to mechanically disengage the locking mechanism provided that a support of the fulcrum is in an open position, and a return mechanism for the support of the fulcrum including a reset spring whose other end is configured to, during the reception of the mechanical power from the user, move past the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical power outputted by the lever, and, finally, force the support of the fulcrum with the mechanical energy outputted by the return spring through the lever back to a locked position. |
| US09574375B2 |
Electronic lock
An electronic lock includes a lock mechanism, an actuator coupled to the lock mechanism and configured to lock and release the lock mechanism, and an actuator control circuit coupled to the actuator. The electronic lock also includes a battery electrically coupled to the actuator, a super capacitor electrically coupled to the battery, and a processor coupled to the actuator, the battery, and the super capacitor. The processor is configured to selectively receive power from the battery and the super capacitor, wherein the processor receives power from the super capacitor when a state of charge of the battery is below a predetermined voltage threshold, and provide control signals to the actuator control circuit to control operation of the actuator. |
| US09574368B2 |
Removably mountable roof frame for use with an expandable canopy
An erectable canopy framework comprising a base frame and a roof frame. The roof frame is operative to support a canopy above the base frame and is removably mountable to the base frame. The base frame includes a plurality of upright support members, a plurality of cross members, each interconnecting adjacent upright support members, and a plurality of mounts disposed on the upright support members. Each mount includes a mount opening and each cross member includes a scissor assembly to permit movement of the base frame between expanded and a collapsed states. The mounts are operative to fasten the cross members to the upright support members. The roof frame includes a plurality of rafters each connectable to a corresponding mount opening. The framework comprises a plurality of rafter fittings each adapted for insertion into a corresponding mount opening and connectable to a corresponding rafter. |
| US09574364B2 |
Seismic isolation device and seismic isolation method
A seismic isolation apparatus is provided between a structure and a foundation floor, and the seismic isolation apparatus includes: a support plate that is provided so as to face the structure at a predetermined interval; a base plate that is fixed to the foundation floor; and an elasto-plastic damper that is provided between the support plate and the base plate to be fixed to the support plate and the base plate. The elasto-plastic damper includes an inner cylinder inside which an elasto-plastic member is provided and an outer cylinder, and the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are configured to mutually slide in an axis direction thereof. |
| US09574362B2 |
Inflatable pool with drawing board
An inflatable swimming pool includes a floor and a number of walls defining a pool interior configured to receive water. A drawing board is integrally formed or otherwise coupled to the pool and includes a selectively inflatable frame configured to securely hold a drawing surface configured to enable a user of the pool to draw or write on the drawing board while playing in the pool. A drawing utensil may be provided with the drawing board such as a water soluble crayon. A water sprayer assembly may be integrally formed with or coupled to the pool and include a port connectable to a water source and configured to deliver water from the water source to a sprayer element configured to spray water into the pool. |
| US09574359B2 |
Arrangement and method for reinforcing supporting structures
The present disclosure relates to an arrangement having a supporting structure having a surface containing (e.g., consisting of) one or more faces, wherein a bore runs from at least one face into an inner region of the supporting structure, and this bore is filled with an adhesive and with a portion of a fibre bundle projecting beyond said face, wherein, on the at least one face, from which the bore runs into an inner region of the supporting structure, the supporting structure is provided with at least one groove which, starting from the bore, extends in at least one direction on the surface, and the projecting part of the fibre bundle is located, at least in part, in the at least one groove and is fastened therein by way of the adhesive. |
| US09574358B2 |
System to form pool deck and coping on fiberglass and vinyl-lined pools
A form system for a fiberglass or vinyl-lined swimming pool utilizes an elongate pliable form, a bracket, a spear, and a button mounted on the spear to secure the bracket in position against the form. The bracket and form are shaped and dimensioned such that when the bracket placed against the form, it conforms to the form, it is automatically properly positioned to receive the spear, to support the form in the desired position with respect to the bracket, and to generate a compression vector, VC, which frictionally secures the bracket to the wall of the swimming pool. |
| US09574356B2 |
Vehicle and method for tending to an elevated livestock cage
A vehicle and method for tending to an elevated livestock cage includes a support frame, a base, a drive unit, and an elevated platform. The support frame extends upward from the base, and the drive unit is operatively attached to the base for moving the base along the aisle. The elevated platform is affixed to the support frame and is positioned above the base at a height suitable to facilitate access to the elevated livestock cage. The support frame and the elevated platform are configured to support an operator while moving the operator along an aisle of a confinement facility. |
| US09574352B2 |
Multifunctional static or semi-static photovoltaic skylight and/or methods of making the same
Improved building-integrated photovoltaic systems according to certain example embodiments may include concentrated photovoltaic skylights or other windows having a cylindrical lens array. The skylight may include an insulated glass unit, which may improve the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The photovoltaic skylight and lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells. Arrangements that involve lateral displacement tracking systems, or static systems (e.g., that are fixed at one, two, or more predefined positions) are contemplated herein. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. A photovoltaic skylight may permit diffuse daylight to pass through into an interior of a building so as to provide lighting inside the building, while the strip solar cells absorb the direct sunlight and convert it to electricity, providing for SHGC tuning. |
| US09574350B2 |
Sealant composition for releasable shingle
A sealant composition for roofing shingles that includes a base asphalt, a linear and/or a radial copolymer, oil, and a wax is provided. The linear copolymer has an A-B di-block or an A-B-A tri-block structure. The radial copolymer may have an (A-B)n radial structure, where n is at least 4, or a tri-block (A-B-A) radial structure having from 4 to 8 arms. Blocks A and B may individually represent (1) styrene and butadiene or (2) styrene and isoprene. The oil is a petroleum-based oil that both “softens” the asphalt and reduces the viscosity of the sealant composition. The wax may be a bis-stearamide wax. Additionally, the sealant composition may be reacted with elemental sulfur to crosslink the copolymer blend. The sealant composition seals at temperatures lower than conventional sealants and promotes the easy release of the shingle from a shingle bundle. |
| US09574343B2 |
Method of protecting buildings from termite attack
The present invention relates to a method for protecting the lower regions of and structure of a building (10) from damage or degradation by termites. The method comprises the steps of creating a region in the ground below the building having properties hostile to termites whereby to discourage them from approaching the vicinity of the building. In one embodiment means for creating a hostile region in the ground below the building are provided by a pump (12) which creates a superatmoshpheric pressure field (40) in this region. Treatment agents (31) such as ozone may be delivered to the ground region in order to provide a hostile effect to the termites by affecting their pheromone chemistry and/or their reproductive or communicative behavior. A secondary function of the present invention relates to the creation of a forced ventilation (46) of the habitable region (18) within which the apparatus of the present invention resides. |
| US09574336B1 |
Ceramic value actuation control for flush urinal and toilet apparatus
An actuation control for a flush system includes a cartridge valve being actuated between an opened position and a closed position to compete a flushing cycle. The cartridge valve includes a cartridge housing having a valve inlet for communicating with a water source and the valve outlet for guiding water to flow to the flush system, and a control disc unit which is supported in the cartridge housing at the valve inlet thereof and is orientated perpendicular to a water-in direction of the water for biasing against water pressure from said water source. At the closed position, the valve inlet is closed by the control disc unit for blocking the water to pass through the valve inlet. At the opened position, the valve inlet is opened up for allowing the water passing to the valve outlet so as to complete the flushing cycle of the flush system. |
| US09574331B2 |
Shower flow monitor and display
A shower flow monitoring and display apparatus that is adapted to be installed inline between a shower arm and head. The apparatus provides different forms of feedback to the user to encourage water conservation. |
| US09574329B2 |
Shovel and method of controlling shovel
A shovel includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators including a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator, a main pump, a hydraulic pump-motor configured to function as a hydraulic motor by using hydraulic oil flowing out of the first hydraulic actuator and configured to function as a hydraulic pump, a control valve configured to control a flow of the hydraulic oil in the plurality of hydraulic actuators, a first oil passage to connect the main pump with the second hydraulic actuator through the control valve, and a second oil passage to connect the hydraulic pump-motor with the second hydraulic actuator. The second oil passage meets the first oil passage between the control valve and the second actuator. |
| US09574327B2 |
Hybrid construction machinery
The purpose of the present invention is to operate an engine in a proper operation state while keeping the remaining amount in an electrical storage apparatus within a proper range. Hybrid construction machinery according to the present invention is provided with a controller for controlling an engine according to a governor characteristic having a predetermined inclination that defines a relationship between load torque and rotational speed so that the rotational speed decreases with an increase in the load torque. In the controller, a target engine power calculating unit (2-5) calculates a first target engine power that increases and decreases according to increases and decreases in output values of a load power calculating unit (2-1) and a charge/discharge request calculating unit (2-3), and a target rotational speed calculating unit (2-6) calculates, as a command value for a target rotational speed of a motor generator, a rotational speed at the intersection point of a governor characteristic line changed by a governor characteristic changing unit (2-4) and an equal power line dependent on the first target engine power on a rotating speed-torque characteristic line diagram. |
| US09574326B2 |
Depth-related help functions for a shovel training simulator
Systems and methods for training an operator. One system includes a computing device including a processing unit and computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium stores a training simulator application. The training simulator application, when executed by the processing unit, is configured to (i) receive an operating command from the operator, (ii) generate a simulated working environment and a simulated shovel having a simulated dipper, the simulated shovel and the simulated dipper positioned within the simulated working environment based on the operating command, (iii) generate an indicator providing depth-related information to an operator relating to a position of the simulated dipper with respect to a point-of-reference within the simulated working environment, and (iv) output the simulated working environment and the indicator to at least one output device for display to the operator. |
| US09574325B2 |
Work vehicle and cab for work vehicle
A rear portion is arranged in the rear of a front portion, and has a width smaller than a width of the front portion in a plan view. A wall portion extends from the rear portion outward in a width direction toward the front portion and includes two walls opposed to each other in a fore/aft direction with a gap lying therebetween, in a plan view. Electric components are arranged in the gap and project into an indoor space of a cab from the gap through a through hole formed in the front wall. In a plan view, a foremost portion of the electric components is located in the rear of a foremost normal located foremost among normals to a line connecting a front end and a rear end of a doorway, which intersect with the front wall. |
| US09574323B2 |
Hydraulic excavator
A hydraulic excavator capable of achieving suppression of decrease in weight of a counterweight and appropriate arrangement of an exhaust gas treatment device is provided. A rear leg portion forming a leg portion supporting the exhaust gas treatment device against the revolving frame has a main body portion formed to have a U-shaped cross-section, and an open side of the U-shape of the main body portion is opposed to a counterweight. The counterweight has a pair of groove-shaped recesses formed, in which a pair of end portions of the U-shape of the main body portion is inserted. |
| US09574320B2 |
Blended position solutions
Novel tools and techniques for determining a blended position solution for a vehicle, using data from multiple positioning devices, some of which can be external to the vehicle. Some techniques allow a control system of a vehicle to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another device without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity the position solution (and any resulting work performed by the vehicle) to within acceptable tolerances. |
| US09574316B2 |
Suction foundation having enhanced self-weight penetration and construction method thereof
The present relates to a suction foundation in which is penetrated into the seabed by a vacuum pressure of a suction pump, thereby providing a desired foundation support force. The suction foundation includes a hollow caisson having an opening at a lower end thereof, where the suction pump is connected to the hollow caisson and the suction pump allows the hollow caisson to penetrate into the seabed while discharging a fluid in the hollow caisson to an outside thereof by using the vacuum pressure of the suction pump, a lower skirt provided along a circumference of the opening of the hollow caisson and formed into a wave shape having a series of teeth, and having wedge-shaped cross-sections, and a stiffener increasing rigidity of the lower skirt by increasing thickness of a predetermined portion of the lower skirt. |
| US09574310B2 |
Method and apparatus for cutting a sinusoidal groove in a road surface
A system for controlling a cutting machine for cutting continuous sinusoidal strips in a road surface includes a rotatable cutting head, a cylinder for driving the cutting head out of and into contact with the road surface, and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute an input/output function to control the cylinder to cut a subsurface sinusoidal strip wherein the cutting drum remains in the road surface once the cutting operation begins. |
| US09574308B2 |
Paving slab for forming a random pattern
A paving slab. The paving slab has a unitary body made of concrete-based material, the body having sidewalls extending between top and bottom faces, providing the body with a thickness. The top face is provided with longitudinal false joints defining rows extending from a first to a second side of the unitary body. The first side has a staggered outline and the second side has a stepped outline, the first and second sides being able to engage with respective first and second sides of an adjacent slab shaped as the paving slab, but rotated by 180 degrees. When several of the slabs are assembled on a surface, it creates an illusion that the surface is covered by individual plank pavers randomly assembled. |
| US09574306B2 |
Soft, absorbent sheets having high absorbency and high caliper, and methods of making soft, absorbent sheets
A method of making a paper product includes forming an aqueous cellulosic web on a structuring fabric in a papermaking machine, non-compactively dewatering the cellulosic web on the structuring fabric, and drying the cellulosic web to form the paper product. The portion of the structuring fabric on which the cellulosic web is formed has a planar volumetric index of at least about 26. |
| US09574302B2 |
Method and system for efficient production of dissolving pulp in a kraft mill producing paper grade pulp with a continuous type digester
A method and system for pulp manufacturing used in connection with a kraft process includes a vertical pressure vessel operated in batch mode, a single-vessel or multi-vessel continuous digester, and other equipment for further processing brown stock, such as for washing, oxygen delignification, bleaching, and drying. A feeder and conveyance system may include a high pressure feeder or direct pump system, and selectively provides fiber-containing material to the continuous digester when making lower grade pulp product and to the vertical pressure vessel when making higher grade pulp such as dissolving pulp. The vertical pressure vessel is used for pre-hydrolysis and neutralization, after which the resulting pulp is fed to the continuous digester for cooking. White liquor and black liquor from the same mill may be used for the neutralization fluids. The same continuous digester is selectively used for cooking in connection with making pulp products of different grades or quality. |
| US09574300B2 |
CNT-infused carbon fiber materials and process therefor
A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material that includes a carbon fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the carbon fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. The CNT infused carbon fiber material also includes a barrier coating conformally disposed about the carbon fiber material, while the CNTs are substantially free of the barrier coating. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) functionalizing a carbon fiber material; (b) disposing a barrier coating on the functionalized carbon fiber material (c) disposing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on the functionalized carbon fiber material; and (d) synthesizing carbon nanotubes, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused carbon fiber material. |
| US09574297B2 |
Floating drum and clutch for top-loading washing machine
A floating basket and clutch are applied to a top loading washing machine. More particularly, the basket floating (1) and clutch (2) are applied to top loading washing machines (M), equipped with a motor (M) and a drive system which includes a drive shaft (E), a pulley (P), a belt (Cr) and a sealing device (V), assembled between the shaft (E) and the base of the tub (T). More precisely, the clutch (2) is responsible for commanding the operation of the oscillating movement of the agitator or impeller (AG), during the washing operation (OPL) and operating the high-speed spinning of the agitator (AG) and basket (1), when operating in centrifugation operation (OPC). The floating basket (1) is coupled and fixed to the tube (5) of the upper sector (S1) of the clutch (2) and the tub (T) is fixed to the female lower crown (4) of the lower sector (S2) of the clutch (2). The floating basket (1) has vertical displacement (x) in relation to the tub (T), along the drive shaft (E) according to presence or absence of water (A) in the tub (T) of the washing machine (ML). The upper sector (S1) of the clutch (2) is made up of a male upper crown (3) and fixed in the stationary end (E1) of the drive shaft (E) and an female upper crown (6) is fixed to the tube (5) with screws (P2). The lower sector (S2) of the clutch (2) comprises the male lower crown (7), fixed to the tube (5) with screws (P3) and the female lower crown (4) fixed and stationary in the tub (T) by screws (P). |
| US09574290B2 |
Methods for arranging nanotube elements within nanotube fabrics and films
A method for arranging nanotube elements within nanotube fabric layers and films is disclosed. A directional force is applied over a nanotube fabric layer to render the fabric layer into an ordered network of nanotube elements. That is, a network of nanotube elements drawn together along their sidewalls and substantially oriented in a uniform direction. In some embodiments this directional force is applied by rolling a cylindrical element over the fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by passing a rubbing material over the surface of a nanotube fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by running a polishing material over the nanotube fabric layer for a predetermined time. Exemplary rolling, rubbing, and polishing apparatuses are also disclosed. |
| US09574286B2 |
Concentric flower reactor
A gas phase nanowire growth apparatus including a reaction chamber (200), a first input and a second input (202 B, 202 A). The first input is located concentrically within the second input and the first and second input are configured such that a second fluid delivered from the second input provides a sheath between a first fluid delivered from the first input and a wall of the reaction chamber. An aerosol of catalyst particles may be used to grow the nanowires. |
| US09574283B2 |
Rinsing and drying for electrochemical processing
An electroplating/etch apparatus including a fluid jet and a dryer present over the tank containing the electrolyte for the electroplating/etch process. The fluid jet and the dryer remove excess liquids, such as electrolyte, from the component being plated or etched, e.g., working electrode. The working electrode is present on a holder that traverses from a first position within the tank during a plating or etch operation to a second position that is outside the containing the plating electrolyte. The fluid jet rinses the working electrode when the holder is in the second position, and the forced air dryer blows any remaining fluid from the fluid jet and the electrolyte from the working electrode into the tank. |
| US09574278B2 |
Easily produced interconnecting module for a high-temperature water electrolysis device
A fluid interconnecting module for an HTE electrolyzer with a stack of elementary electrolysis cells. The interconnecting module includes plates welded to each other, some of which are partly stamped, some of the plates being perforated to enable high temperature steam H2O supply to electrolysis cells and collection of the hydrogen H2 and oxygen O2 produced. |
| US09574273B2 |
Method for preparing multilayer metal complex having excellent surface properties
Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a multilayer metal complex having excellent surface properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a multilayer metal complex having a low cost metal-core/noble metal-shell structure, which has a high mass fraction of noble metals and exhibits excellent surface properties and dispersity. |
| US09574269B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming thin film
A method and apparatus of forming a thin film using an organic metal compound gas and oxidizing agents are disclosed. The method includes performing a first film formation process of forming a thin film on an object to be processed using an organic metal compound gas and a first oxidizing agent; performing an annealing process of supplying a second oxidizing agent having stronger oxidizing power than the first oxidizing agent into the reaction chamber while an interior of the reaction chamber is heated to a predetermined temperature; and performing a second film formation process of forming a thin film on the thin film formed in the first thin film formation process using the organic metal compound gas and the second oxidizing agent. |
| US09574266B2 |
Laminate body, gas barrier film, and method of manufacturing the same
A laminate body includes a base material, a film-like or a membrane-like undercoat layer that is formed in at least a portion of the outer surface of the base material, and an atomic layer deposition film that is formed on a surface opposite to a surface coming into contact with the base material among both surfaces of the undercoat layer in the thickness direction thereof. At least a portion of precursors of the atomic layer deposition film bind to the undercoat layer, and the atomic layer deposition film is formed into a membrane shape covering the undercoat layer. |
| US09574259B2 |
Method for producing high-strength magnesium alloy material and magnesium alloy rod
A method for producing a high-strength magnesium alloy material includes (a) a step of preparing a magnesium alloy workpiece having a top face and a side face; and (b) a step of applying a compressive load σp (MPa) from the top face side of the workpiece and performing a uniaxial forging process on the workpiece. Step (b) is performed while suppressing deformation of the workpiece widening outward and under conditions including (i) σp>σf (where σf is the compressive breaking stress (MPa) of the workpiece); (ii) a plastic deformation rate is less than or equal to 10%, and (iii) a strain rate is less than or equal to 0.1/sec. |
| US09574257B2 |
Powder of an alloy based on uranium and on molybdenum useful for manufacturing nuclear fuels and targets intended for producing radioisotopes
The invention relates to a powder of an alloy based on uranium and molybdenum in a metastable γ phase, which is formed of particles which have an elongation index at least equal to 1.1, a non-zero closed porosity value and which are composed of grains having a molybdenum content, for which the variations within the same grain are of at most 1% by mass. It also relates to a method allowing preparation of this alloy powder as well as to the use of said powder for manufacturing nuclear fuels and targets for producing radioisotopes. Applications: Manufacturing of nuclear fuels, notably for experiment nuclear reactors; manufacturing of targets for producing radioisotopes, notably for the medical industry. |
| US09574252B2 |
Methods of reducing old oxides in aluminum castings
A method of reducing entrained aluminum oxides in aluminum castings. The method comprises preheating a furnace charge to remove moisture and contaminants. The furnace charge is then coated on all free surfaces with a layer of flux. Subsequently the furnace charge is melted in a furnace to form a melt bath of liquid aluminum suitable for casting. The flux layer removes the naturally occurring oxide film from the furnace charge surface as well as provides a cover flux to protect the melt bath from oxidation. |
| US09574245B2 |
Methods and devices for electrical sample preparation
Devices and methods are provided for electrically lysing cells and releasing macromolecules from the cells. A microfluidic device is provided that includes a planar channel having a thickness on a submillimeter scale, and including electrodes on its upper and lower inner surfaces. After filling the channel with a liquid, such that the channel contains cells within the liquid, a series of voltage pulses of alternating polarity are applied between the channel electrodes, where the amplitude of the voltage pulses and a pulsewidth of the voltage pulses are effective for causing irreversible electroporation of the cells. The channel is configured to possess thermal properties such that the application of the voltage produces a rapid temperature rise as a result of Joule heating for releasing the macromolecules from the electroplated cells. The channel may also include an internal filter for capturing and concentrating the cells prior to electrical processing. |
| US09574243B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of influenza infection
The invention provides compositions of oligonucleotides targeted at influenza genes and at host animal genes involved in response to influenza infection. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides are modified. In some embodiments, the compositions contain one, or more than one, oligonucleotide. The invention also provides methods and kits using the compositions of the invention for the treatment and prevention of influenza. |
| US09574241B2 |
Recurrent mutations in epigenetic regulators, RHOA and FYN kinase in peripheral T-cell lymphomas
Whole exome sequencing of 12 tumor-normal DNA pairs, RNAseq analysis and targeted deep sequencing identified new genetic alterations in PTCL transformation. These analyses identified highly recurrent epigenetic factor mutations in TET2, DN-MT3A and IDH2 as well as a new highly prevalent RHOA p.Gly17Val (NM_001664) mutation present in 22/35 (67%) of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (AITL) and in 8/44 (18%) not otherwise specified PTCL (PTCL NOS) samples. Mechanistically, the RHOA Gly17Val protein interferes with RHOA signaling in biochemical and cellular assays, an effect potentially mediated by the sequestration of activated Guanine Exchange Factor (GEF) proteins. In addition, new and recurrent, genetic defects are described including mutations in FYN, ATM, B2M and CD58 implicating SRC signaling, impaired DNA damage response and escape from immune surveillance mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PTCL. |
| US09574239B2 |
MicroRNA signatures in human ovarian cancer
Described herein are methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Also described are methods of identifying anti-cancer agents. |
| US09574235B2 |
Sequencing by orthogonal synthesis
A method for sequencing includes steps of (a) providing first and second nucleic acid templates, wherein the two templates have different sequences; (b) extending a first primer bound to the first template using a first polymerase species and a first set of nucleotide analogs; (c) extending a second primer bound to the second template using a second polymerase species and a second set of nucleotide analogs, wherein the first polymerase species is different from the second polymerase species and wherein the first set of nucleotide analog is different from the second set of nucleotide analog, (d) detecting the first and second primer extension products; and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d), thereby determining the different sequences of the first and second templates. |
| US09574234B2 |
Solid-phase clonal amplification and related methods
The present invention provides methods and compositions for analyzing nucleic acid sequences. In some aspects, the methods utilize clonal objects, such as DNA balls, that have been captured on beads. Using the methods described here, compositions are fabricated wherein a bead and one clonal object are affinity bound or hybridized to each other through an affinity binding patch or hybridization patch on the surface of the bead. The invention also provides a population of beads having affinity bound or hybridized clonal objects at a ratio of 1:1. The invention additionally provides methods for amplifying a target nucleic acid molecule utilizing the compositions described herein. |
| US09574231B2 |
Method for identifying cells based on DNA replication domain timing profiles
Methods for identifying and/or distinguishing a homogeneous population of cells based on their replication domain timing profile using high resolution genomic arrays or sequencing procedures are provided. These methods may be used to compare the replication timing profile for a population of cells to another replication timing profile(s), a replication timing fingerprint, and/or one or more informative segments of a replication timing fingerprint, which may be simultaneously or previously determined and/or contained in a database, to determine whether there is a match between them. Based on such information, the identity of the population of cells may be determined, or the identity of the population of cells may be distinguished from other populations of cells or cell types. Methods for determining a replication timing fingerprint for particular cell types are also provided. |
| US09574230B2 |
High throughput screening of populations carrying naturally occuring mutations
Disclosed here is a method for the detection of a naturally occurring mutation in a target sequence in one or more members of a population, comprising: providing a plurality of pools of amplification products each comprising the target sequence amplified from genomic DNA of a subset of the one or more members of the population, wherein each pool of the amplification products shares a unique pool identifier; determining the nucleotide sequence of the amplification products using high throughput sequencing; and identifying mutations by clustering/aligning the sequences of the amplified products without the use of an enzyme which recognizes and cuts single nucleotide sequence mismatches and without performing heteroduplex analysis, and identifying the one or more members carrying the mutation using the pool identifier. |
| US09574228B2 |
Nanopore-facilitated single molecule detection of nucleic acids
The present invention provides a new and improved oligonucleotide detection method based on the nanopore technology with a probe containing a complementary sequence to the target oligonucleotide and a terminal extension at the probe's 3′ terminus, 5′ terminus, or both termini. The improved nanopore sensor with the probe enables sensitive, selective, and direct detection, differentiation and quantification of target oligonucleotides such as miRNAs. The inventive detection method may also be employed as a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic method for cancer detection based on miRNA levels in the patient's blood sample. |
| US09574225B2 |
Preparation and amplification of nucleic acids by means of magnetic particles
The invention relates to the preparation of a biological sample for performing verifications and examinations, wherein the aim of the invention is the creation of a method for preparing a biological sample having an improved PCR sensitivity compared to the reference standard having standard PCR without having to raise the cost thereof. |
| US09574220B2 |
Enzyme assays on a droplet actuator
The invention is directed to droplet actuator devices and assay methods. The invention includes assay methods of conducting an assay comprising combining a sample with an umbelliferyl derivative, wherein the sample potentially comprises an enzyme capable of cleaving the umbelliferyl derivative and where the umbelliferyl derivative comprises an umbelliferyl core modified with one or more modifying moieties. |
| US09574219B2 |
Device for sampling a specimen container
A sampling device for a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment includes a needle, a body coupled to the needle and defining a chamber in fluid communication with the needle, the body further comprising a port forming an opening in the body, the port in fluid communication with the chamber. A multitude of the sampling devices may be stored in a cassette. The sampling devices may include a second chamber for separation and concentration of a microbial agent present in a sample. In this configuration second chamber is connected to the first chamber via a valve or the like. |
| US09574218B2 |
Method of co-expressing galactosyltransferase and a glycoprotein in a transgenic plant cell and sialylating the glycoprotein for production of glycoprotein having human-type sugar chain
A method for the secretory production of a glycoprotein having a human-type sugar chain, comprising a step of introducing a gene of an enzyme capable of performing a transfer reaction of a galactose residue to a non-reducing terminal acetylglucosamine residue, and a gene of heterologous glycoprotein, to obtain a transformed plant cell, a step of culturing the plant cell, and a step of recovering the culture medium of the plant cell. The method further includes isolating the glycoprotein from the culture medium and contacting the isolated glycoprotein with a sialic acid transferase to add a sialic acid residue attached to the galactose residue in the N-glycan. |
| US09574216B2 |
Auto-indicible expression system, and the use thereof for producing useful metabolites using a bacterium of the family enterobacteriaceae
The present invention describes a method for producing a useful metabolite using a bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia, which has been modified to contain a gene(s) expression system including elements of the LysR-type protein-regulated transcriptional machinery modified in such a way that auto-inducible positive feedback regulation of the system is mediated by a coinducer. The method is suitable for producing branched-chain L-amino acids, particularly L-valine, L-isoleucine and L-leucine; and D-pantothenic acid. |
| US09574215B2 |
Production of fatty acids by heterologous expression of gene clusters from myxobacteria
The invention relates to a process for producing one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids by means of heterologous gene expression comprising the steps of providing a production organism which comprises a heterologous gene cluster encoding a polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic pathway encompassing a subsequence ER encoding an enoylreductase and a subsequence AT encoding an acyltransferase, growing the production organism in the presence of a fermentable carbon source whereby one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids are produced, and optionally recovering the one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids. |
| US09574214B2 |
Paenibacillus sp. CAA11 capable of saccharification and fermentation of cellulose and transformed strain thereof
The present disclosure relates to a novel strain capable of saccharifying and fermenting biomass-derived cellulose and a recombinant strain thereof with improved biomass saccharification capability. The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a material useful as a bioenergy source material such as ethanol, acetic acid, formic acid, etc. using the strain or the recombinant strain. The strain or the recombinant strain may be usefully used in bioenergy industry. |
| US09574213B2 |
Method of organic acid fermentation by rumen fluid using cellulose-containing waste matter
The present application provides a method for producing organic acid, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, or another high-quality raw material designed for methane fermentation and obtained by converting waste paper and other forms of cellulose-based biomass to organic acid, wherein said method comprising a step for reacting rumen fluid collected from a ruminant animal with cellulose-containing waste matter. This method provides the effective use of cellulose-containing waste matter, which is a high-quality fermentation resource. |
| US09574210B2 |
Cell-targeting nanoparticles comprising polynucleotide agents and uses thereof
A method of generating a particle is disclosed, the particle being for delivery of a polynucleotide to a target cell. The method comprises (a) contacting the polynucleotide with a composition comprising cationic molecules, wherein the cationic molecules condense the polynucleotide by electrostatic interactions to generate a complex, wherein the cationic molecules are not comprised in a liposome; and (b) covalently binding the complex to a targeting moiety at a pH equal to or below about 4.5, thereby generating the particle for delivery of the polynucleotide agent to the target cell. Use of the particles and compositions comprising same are also disclosed. |
| US09574207B2 |
DGAT genes for increased seed storage lipid production and altered fatty acid profiles in oilseed plants
Polynucleotide sequences encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes and the use of these acyltransferases for increased seed storage lipid production and altered fatty acid profiles in oilseed plants are disclosed. Transgenic soybean seed having increased total fatty acid content of at least 20% and altered fatty acids when compared to the total fatty acid content of non-transgenic, null segregant soybean seed are described. Methods for increasing the total fatty acid content of a soybean seed by at least 20% include steps of transformation and selection. |
| US09574206B2 |
Engineered biomass with increased oil production
The present invention relates to a genetically modified plant having an increased amount of oil in its green biomass as compared to the oil in the green biomass of its non-genetically modified counterpart. The plants may be used for producing bio-fuels such as biodiesel fuel. |
| US09574204B2 |
Plant seeds with altered storage compound levels, related constructs and methods involving genes encoding PAE and PAE-like polypeptides
This invention is in the field of plant molecular biology. More specifically, this invention pertains to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding PAE or PAE-Like proteins in plants and seeds and the use of such fragments to modulate expression of a gene encoding PAE or PAE-Like protein activity in a transformed host cell. |
| US09574203B1 |
Transgenic guayule for enhanced isoprenoid production
The present invention relates to transgenic guayule plants that produce increased amounts of rubber uses thereof. |
| US09574201B2 |
Methods and means to modify a plant genome at a nucleotide sequence commonly used in plant genome engineering
Methods and means are provided to modify in a targeted manner the plant genome of transgenic plants comprising chimeric genes wherein the chimeric genes have a DNA element commonly used in plant molecular biology. Re-designed meganucleases to cleave such an element commonly used in plant molecular biology are provided. |
| US09574198B2 |
Bacteria and the uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel bacteria and the uses thereof. The invention particularly relates to bacteria having a metabolic pathway ratio between pentose phosphate and glycolysis greater than 0.5, and their uses in the chemical, pharmaceutical and agro-chemical industries, e.g., for producing compounds of industrial interest. |
| US09574197B2 |
Systems and methods for the secretion of recombinant proteins in gram negative bacteria
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing recombinant proteins utilizing mutant E. coli strains containing expression vectors carrying nucleic acids encoding the proteins, and secretory signal sequences to direct the secretion of the proteins to the culture medium. Host cells transformed with the expression vectors are also provided. |
| US09574194B2 |
MicroRNA compounds and methods for modulating miR-122
Described herein are compositions and methods for the inhibition of miR-122 activity. The compositions have certain nucleoside modifications that yield potent inhibitors of miR-122 activity. The compounds may comprise conjugates to facilitate delivery to the liver. The compositions may be administered to subjects infected with hepatitis C virus, as a treatment for hepatitis C virus and related conditions. |
| US09574192B2 |
Serapina1 iRNA compositions and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double-stranded RNAi agents, targeting the Serpina1 gene, and methods of using such RNAi agents to inhibit expression of Serpina1 and methods of treating subjects having a Serpina1 associated disease, such as a liver disorder. |
| US09574191B2 |
Selective inhibition of polyglutamine protein expression
The present invention relates to the selective inhibition of protein expression of CAG repeat-related disease proteins such as Huntingtin Disease Protein and Ataxin-3 using double-stranded RNAs and nucleic acid analogs. Chemically-modified RNAs having at least one mismatch as compared to the target CAG repeat sequence are specifically contemplated. |
| US09574189B2 |
Enzymatic encoding methods for efficient synthesis of large libraries
Disclosed is a method for obtaining a bifunctional complex comprising a molecule linked to a single stranded identifier oligonucleotide, wherein a nascent bifunctional complex comprising a chemical reaction site and a priming site for enzymatic addition of a tag is a) reacted at the chemical reaction site with one or more reactants, and b) reacted enzymatically at the priming site with one or more tag(s) identifying the reactant(s). |
| US09574186B2 |
Stabilization of thermolysin in aqueous solution
The present invention deals with the proteolytic enzyme thermolysin which tends to be unstable in aqueous solution. The invention provides methods and compositions to enhance the stability of dissolved thermolysin in aqueous solution. Thermolysin, crude thermolysin or a lyophilisate containing thermolysin and one or more salts, is contacted with an aqueous buffer with a low salt concentration and a first solution is formed. Subsequently, a further salt in solid form is added and dissociated, thereby forming a second solution comprising thermolysin in a stabilized form. |
| US09574185B2 |
Cold-adapted protease derived from Pseudoalteromonas arctica PAMC 21717 and uses thereof
A cold-adapted protease derived from Pseudoalteromonas arctica PAMC 21717 or a recombinant cold-adapted protease obtained by expressing a gene encoding the cold-adapted protease in E. coli is described, and more particularly, a crystal of a protease exhibiting activity at low temperatures, a method for crystallizing the protease, a method for preparing the protease, a recombinant microorganism that expresses the protease, a method for preparing the recombinant microorganism, a method for preparing the recombinant protease and the use of the cold-adapted protease. The cold-adapted protease exhibits high activity at low temperatures, and securely maintains its enzymatic activity even in the presence of high pH, various metal ions and surfactants. Thus, it is useful in various industrial applications. |
| US09574182B2 |
Monoterpene glycosyltransferase originating from hop and method for using same
The object of the present invention is to provide Humulus lupulus-derived monoterpene glycosyltransferase and a method for producing a monoterpene glycoside by means of this enzyme.The present invention provides Humulus lupulus-derived monoterpene glycosyltransferase and a method for producing a monoterpene glycoside by means of this enzyme. The present invention provides a transformant transformed with a gene for Humulus lupulus-derived monoterpene glycosyltransferase and a method for producing such a transformant. |
| US09574178B2 |
Megakaryocyte and platelet production from stem cells
Methods for obtaining purified populations of megakaryocytes and platelets by ex vivo culture of stem cells are provided herein. |
| US09574176B2 |
Neural stem cell having increased passage ability, method for manufacturing neural stem cell having said increased passage abiility, and method for culturing neural stem cells for increasing passage ability of neural stem cells
The present invention provides a neural stem cell having increased passage ability and a method for manufacturing a neural stem cell having increased passage ability. A neural stem cell in which the N-type calcium channel gene is knocked out or the influx of Ca2+ via the N-type calcium channel is substantially absent can be passaged for at least 4 generations and maintains the differentiation potential into a nerve cell even after passage for 4 generations. |
| US09574166B2 |
Bioreactor system
A bioreactor or culture vessel for incubation of one or more cell cultures, tissue biopsies, cell clusters, tissue-like structures, “prototissues” or similar samples is described. The bioreactor comprises an incubation chamber, a liquid reservoir and conduction means separated from each other by semipermeable membranes. Specifically, the invention provides a humidity chamber design which simplifies the construction of the bioreactor. |