| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09575807B2 |
Processing accelerator with queue threads and methods therefor
Techniques related to a processing accelerator with queue threads are described herein. |
| US09575804B2 |
Job management and resource allocation
A system according to certain aspects improves the process of managing jobs and allocating resources to those jobs. The system can include a job manager that processes and generates resource allocation requests for a plurality of jobs and a resource allocator that allocates computing resources for the plurality of jobs based on the resource allocation requests. The process of allocating resources may involve locking one or more resource objects before allocating the computing resources for the plurality of jobs and unlocking the locked resource objects after the computing resources have been allocated for the plurality of jobs. |
| US09575802B2 |
Controlling execution of threads in a multi-threaded processor
Execution of threads in a processor core is controlled. The processor core supports simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) such that there can be effectively multiple logical central processing units (CPUs) operating simultaneously on the same physical processor hardware. Each of these logical CPUs is considered a thread. In such a multi-threading environment, it may be desirous for one thread to stop other threads on the processor core from executing. This may be in response to running a critical sequence or other sequence that needs the processor core resources or is manipulating processor core resources in a way that other threads would interfere with its execution. |
| US09575800B2 |
Using queues corresponding to attribute values and priorities associated with units of work and sub-units of the unit of work to select the units of work and their sub-units to process
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for using queues corresponding to attribute values and priorities associated with units of work and sub-units of the unit of work to select the units of work and their sub-units to process. There are a plurality of work unit queues, wherein each of the work unit queues are associated with different work unit attribute values that are associated with units of work, wherein a plurality of the work unit queues include records for units of work to process having work unit attribute values associated with the work unit attribute values of the work unit queues, and wherein the work unit queues are each associated with a different priority. A record for a unit of work to perform is added to the work unit queue associated with a priority and work unit attribute value associated with the work unit. |
| US09575796B2 |
Virtual device timeout by memory offlining
A system, methods, and apparatus for virtual device timeout by memory offlining. A hypervisor receives a message from a source virtual machine to be transmitted to a destination machine and reserves a block of memory associated with the message. The message received from the source virtual machine is transmitted to the destination machine. The hypervisor then determines whether to reclaim the block of memory. If reclaiming the block of memory, the hypervisor offlines the block of memory by offlining one or more pages corresponding to the block of memory and/or offlining all memory corresponding to the source virtual machine. The hypervisor then indicates to the source virtual machine that the block of memory is accessible. |
| US09575795B2 |
Reverting a virtual resource to its base configuration using the snapshot image based on frequency the virtual resource is requested
A method includes instantiating a virtual resource and, in response to instantiating the virtual resource, generating a snapshot image comprising a base configuration of the virtual resource. The method also includes receiving a request to de-provision the virtual resource and, in response to receiving the request to de-provision the virtual resource, determining, using a processor, whether the base configuration of the virtual resource is in a set of highly utilized virtual resource configurations based on virtual resource utilization data. The method further includes, in response to determining that the base configuration of the virtual resource is in the set of highly utilized virtual resource configurations: reverting the virtual resource to its base configuration using the snapshot image and allocating the virtual resource to a resource pool. |
| US09575789B1 |
Systems and methods for enabling migratory virtual machines to expedite access to resources
A computer-implemented method for enabling migratory virtual machines to expedite access to resources may include (1) detecting a migration of a virtual machine from a physical computing system to a different physical computing system, (2) locating resource information within the virtual machine that identifies an access path to a resource of the physical computing system despite the migration of the virtual machine, (3) identifying a different access path to a corresponding resource of the different physical computing system, and then (4) modifying the resource information within the virtual machine to identify the different access path to the corresponding resource in order to expedite resource access by enabling the virtual machine to access the corresponding resource via the different access path instead of accessing the resource via the access path. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09575786B2 |
System and method for raw device mapping in traditional NAS subsystems
A method is provided for data storage management in a virtualized information handling system that includes a first and second network storage resource, a hypervisor allowing multiple virtual machines to run on the virtualized information handling system, and a data access agent. The data access agent may intercept a data access request initiated by a virtual machine and intended for the first network storage resource. In response to intercepting the data access request, the data access agent may establish a connection with the first network storage resource, and retrieve from the first network storage resource metadata associated with the data access request. The retrieved metadata may identify a location of the second network storage resource. Additionally, the data access may establish a connection with the second network storage resource using the location of the second network storage resource identified by the retrieved metadata. The virtual machine may complete the intercepted data access request via the established connection with the second network storage resource. |
| US09575776B2 |
System for organizing and guiding a user in the experience of browsing different applications based on contexts
The present invention provides a system that enhances the experience of using a portable device such as mobile phones, smart phones, Personal Digital Assistants PDA etc. To improve the user experience in the use of a portable device, techniques are used for “context characterization, i.e., from a range of conditions possible to detect by the system, such as time (date/time), current location, motion, etc., as well as the historical use of the device, a certain grouping of actions and settings, called “context” are selected automatically or manually, modifying and setting from that moment the way of user interacts with the device. |
| US09575774B2 |
Linking virtualized application namespaces at runtime
A method for linking a plurality of virtualized application packages for execution on a computer system is described. A runtime executable of a primary virtualized application package is launched. A secondary virtualized application package to be merged with the primary virtualized application package is identified. In one embodiment, application settings and file data for the first and second virtualized application packages are merged into a single data structure. An execution layer is created by starting execution of one of the application files associated with the primary virtualized application package. Requests from the execution layer to the operating system for configuration settings and contents of application files of either the primary virtualized application package or secondary virtualized application package and providing requested configuration settings are satisfied using configuration settings and file information from both the primary and secondary virtualized application packages. |
| US09575771B2 |
Method for integrating a component into an information system of a vehicle
A method of integrating a component into an information system of a vehicle is provided, in which at least one application executable or provided by the component is made available to a user of the vehicle by a man-machine interface of the information system. The integration of the component into the information system with respect to the input and/or output of information by the user is carried out in a personalized manner with respect to a user of the component. |
| US09575770B2 |
Method of graphical display of hierarchical hardlinks to files in a file system
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for graphical display of hierarchical hardlinks to files in a file system that includes identifying multiple hardlinks for a file, wherein a hardlink comprises a link to a file directly mapping the file into a namespace; displaying relationships among the multiple hardlinks and the file; and providing an option to modify the hardlinks to the file via a button, including: following a pointer from the file having multiple hardlinks to a list of hardlinks to the file by following a Master Hardlink Pointer which is contained in the file and provides a pointer to the hardlink list for the file. |
| US09575768B1 |
Loading boot code from multiple memories
The present disclosure describes apparatuses and techniques for loading boot code from multiple memories. In some aspects a transfer operation transferring a portion of boot code from a memory of a first type is initiated prior to completion of another transfer operation transferring another portion of the boot code from another memory of the first type. This can be effective to enable concurrent transfers of boot code from multiple memories of the first type into a memory of a second type for execution. By so doing, a speed at which boot code is transferred into the memory of the second type is increased, which may result in decreased device boot times. |
| US09575763B2 |
Accelerated reversal of speculative state changes and resource recovery
A method includes undoing, in reverse program order, changes in a state of a processing device caused by speculative instructions previously dispatched for execution in the processing device and concurrently deallocating resources previously allocated to the speculative instructions in response to interruption of dispatch of instructions due to a flush of the speculative instructions. A processor device comprises a retire queue to store entries for instructions that are awaiting retirement and a finite state machine. The finite state machine is to interrupt dispatch of instructions in response to a flush of speculative instructions previously dispatched for execution in the processing device and to undo, in reverse program order, changes in a state of the processing device caused by the speculative instructions while concurrently deallocating resources previously allocated to the speculative instructions. |
| US09575762B2 |
Method for populating register view data structure by using register template snapshots
A method for populating a register view data structure by using register template snapshots. The method includes receiving an incoming instruction sequence using a global front end; grouping the instructions to form instruction blocks; using a plurality of register templates to track instruction destinations and instruction sources by populating the register template with block numbers corresponding to the instruction blocks, wherein the block numbers corresponding to the instruction blocks indicate interdependencies among the blocks of instructions; populating a register view data structure, wherein the register view data structure stores destinations corresponding to the instruction blocks as recorded by the plurality of register templates; and using the register view data structure to track a machine state in accordance with the execution of the plurality of instruction blocks. |
| US09575761B2 |
System and method for updating an instruction cache following a branch instruction in a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a memory for storing a plurality of instructions therein, an instruction queue which temporarily stores the instructions fetched from the memory therein, a central processing unit which executes the instruction supplied from the instruction queue, an instruction cache which stores therein the instructions executed in the past by the central processing unit, and a control circuit which controls fetching of each instruction. When the central processing unit executes a branch instruction, and an instruction of a branch destination is being in the instruction cache and an instruction following the instruction of the branch destination is stored in the instruction queue, the control circuit causes the instruction queue to fetch the instruction of the branch destination from the instruction cache and causes the instruction queue not to fetch the instruction following the instruction of the branch destination. |
| US09575754B2 |
Zero cycle move
A system and method for reducing the latency of data move operations. A register rename unit within a processor determines whether a decoded move instruction is eligible for a zero cycle move operation. If so, control logic assigns a physical register identifier associated with a source operand of the move instruction to the destination operand of the move instruction. Additionally, the register rename unit marks the given move instruction to prevent it from proceeding in the processor pipeline. Further maintenance of the particular physical register identifier may be done by the register rename unit during commit of the given move instruction. |
| US09575751B2 |
Data extraction and generation tool
An item to be processed is received and scanned. The scan identifies any functions or procedures in the item being processed, and extracts actual code representing those functions or procedures. Any invoking functions, which invoke the identified function, are, themselves, identified. Actual code for the invoking function is extracted as well. An output documentation file is generated that includes a name of the identified function or procedure, as well as actual code for the function or procedure, and actual code from at least one example of an invoking function. |
| US09575749B1 |
Method and apparatus for execution of distributed workflow processes
The system provides a method and apparatus for the dynamic distribution, deployment, and configuration of optimizable code modules for use with software workflows running on a single compute device or across a network connected grid of compute devices. The system comprises one or more collections of software and data modules stored in a content catalog, conforming to a defined interface, and having metadata conforming to a schema that enables the modules to be statically or dynamically optimized by the controlling workflow and a workflow manager. The system provides a service that enables code modules to be located, deployed, configured, and updated by the controlling workflow, the workflow manager, or a remote manager. |
| US09575747B2 |
Automatic configuration of a computer system based on process modeling of an implemented process
A configuration architecture automatically links the output of a business process modeler to a business system configuration tool. The output of the business process modeler is translated into a representation of a source business process that is used by the business system configuration tool to automatically generate configuration templates. A user can provide configuration information through the configuration templates. The configuration inputs are applied to an implementation of a business system to obtain a configured, working business system instance with the same functionality as the source business process. |
| US09575745B1 |
Immediately launching applications
Disclosed are various embodiments for a deployment management system. A second version of a deployable application is executed concurrently with a first version. Network traffic sent to the first version of the application is redirected to the second version. In the event of an error, network traffic is directed back to the first version of the application. After a period of concurrent execution, the first version of the application is terminated. |
| US09575742B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal capable of performing updating on an application and a control method thereof are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes: a checking unit configured to check status information of the mobile terminal in relation to updating of an application; a detection unit configured to detect an application in which an update event has occurred, on the basis of the status information of the mobile terminal; and a controlled configured to perform updating on the application detected by the detection unit. |
| US09575741B2 |
Methods and devices for wireless device-to-device software upgrades
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for wireless device-to-device software upgrade. In one implementation, a source electronic device receives software version information from a target electronic device. The source electronic device transmits software version information of the source electronic device and software version information of the target electronic device to a server. The source electronic device receives, from the server, a notification that the source electronic device is permitted to upgrade the target electronic device. The source electronic device then establishes a wireless connection with the target electronic device. Next, the source electronic device receives, from the target electronic device, information regarding a software upgrade that is needed by the target electronic device. The source electronic device then wirelessly transmits the software upgrade to the target electronic device. |
| US09575738B1 |
Method and system for deploying software to a cluster
Disclosed are systems and methods relating to the deployment of an application. A plurality of nodes in one or more clusters of nodes may be identified. Inventory information for each of the plurality of nodes may be retrieved. The inventory information may provide configuration and state information associated with each node. For example, the inventory information retrieved from the plurality of nodes may include an internet protocol address or a hostname associated with each the plurality of nodes, and a version of software installed on each of the plurality of nodes. An order for deploying the software application may be determined based on the retrieved inventory information. The order may identify a sequence in which the software application is deployed to at least one of the plurality of nodes. The software application may be deployed to at least one of the plurality of nodes based on the determined order. |
| US09575736B2 |
Advanced interactive command-line front-end for graph analysis systems
Systems and methods for interactive front-end graph analysis are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a front-end application receives, from a compiler, first meta-information for a particular graph analysis procedure, where the first meta-information identifies a set of input parameters for passing graph information to the particular graph analysis procedure. The front-end application registers, using the first meta-information, the particular graph analysis procedure as an available command. The front-end application also receives second meta-information that identifies, for each respective graph object of a set of one or more graph objects, a respective set of graph characteristics. In response to receiving a request to apply the particular graph analysis procedure to the set of one or more graph objects, the front-end application enforces a set of one or more constraints based on the first meta-information and the second meta-information. |
| US09575730B2 |
Template generating method and template generating apparatus
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores a template generating program for causing a computer to execute a process. The process includes specifying common script portions and non-common script portions from a plurality of templates for each of a plurality of categories, each of the plurality of templates include scripts related to components constituting a system, the plurality of categories being grouped by similarity of kind of the components; generating a plurality of versatile scripts for the plurality of categories, respectively, each of the plurality of versatile scripts including the specified common portions and defining the non-common portions as items indicating description variants; and generating a template for a new system combining, for a component identical to a component in the existing system, the script for the identical component in the existing system and, for a new component, the versatile script of a similar category. |
| US09575725B1 |
Specialized processing block with embedded pipelined accumulator circuitry
A specialized processing block on an integrated circuit is provided that performs pipelined floating-point accumulation operations. The specialized processing block may be configured to perform one accumulation operation and produce the result of the accumulation at every other clock cycle. Alternatively, the specialized processing block may be configured to perform two independent accumulation operations and produce the result of each of the accumulation operations alternating at consecutive clock cycles. The specialized processing block may include a dedicated three-input floating-point adder circuit. The specialized processing block may also fuse two independent two-input floating-point adder circuits to be configurable as two independent two-input floating-point adders or one three-input floating-point adder. |
| US09575724B1 |
Verification system and method for a collectible object
An electronic clearinghouse allows for owners of collectible objects to store detailed information in an off-site, secure database system. A separate record is created for each object and holds various types of detailed information about the object (history, pedigree, provenance, third-party authenticity documentation, etc.). The current physical location of the collectible object may also be stored in the database record and, preferably, one or more digital images of the collectible object is also stored. An unclonable, unique RFID tag is created for each collectible object and linked to its record in the e-clearinghouse database. The RFID tag is affixed to the object and needs to store only a minimal amount of information and can therefore take the form of a “passive” RFID tag. When used with large collectibles, the tag includes a window to allow for a digital image of a portion of the collectible to be created. |
| US09575716B2 |
Selective invocation of playback content supplementation
A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining one or more positions in a playable message and at least an indication of a playback system configuration and signaling a decision of which supplemental content to use in supplementing the one or more positions in the playable message. A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for accepting user-response-indicative data and environmental-regularity-indicative data from an environment and configuring a distillation recording of the environmental-regularity-indicative data and a distillation recording of the user-response-indicative data. A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining an indication of a first device receiving a message portion during a time interval in which a second device received the message portion and signaling a decision whether to facilitate a signal transfer at least between the first device and the second device. |
| US09575714B2 |
Aggregate display
Techniques for incorporating an electrically mutable display in product packaging and forming an aggregate display therefrom are disclosed herein. A system includes a plurality of display systems. Each display system includes a display device. The display systems are configured to form an aggregate display including the display device of each display system. Each display system is configured to determine the relative location of the display system among the plurality of display systems. Based on the determined location, each display system provides, via the display device of the display system, a portion of the aggregate display. |
| US09575705B2 |
System and method of data processing for a printing operation
Systems and methods relating to preparing data for use in a printing operation are provided. One method includes receiving selected records from a first data source. The selected records have been subjected to a first record characteristic updating step and the selected records comprise mail information useful for delivery of printed materials. The method further includes updating the selected records with a second record characteristic updating step. A time at which the second record characteristic updating step is performed is determined in relation to a print production schedule for the printed materials. The method further includes creating a postal pre-sort file based upon the updated selected records for use in the printing operation. The printing operation is performed on a printing device based on the pre-sorted records. |
| US09575701B2 |
Image forming apparatus using Wi-Fi handover technique, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus which is capable of continuously offering a function of the image forming apparatus to a user, who is using the image forming apparatus by operating a mobile terminal, without interruption by other terminals. When a wireless communication is established using NFC (near-field communication), a request to execute a job from mobile terminals other than the mobile terminal is rejected from when the wireless communication is established to when a connection release request from the mobile terminal is received. When a request to execute a job is received using Wi-Fi without a wireless communication being established using NFC, a request to execute a job from mobile terminals other than the mobile terminal which has sent the request to execute the job is rejected from when the request to execute the job is received to when execution of the job is completed. |
| US09575697B2 |
Printing device, system, and method when changing of printers
A print instruction assistance device includes an acquisition unit, a recognition unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires usage record information concerning a usage record of multiple functions of each of multiple printers. The recognition unit recognizes a change of a printer to be used for printing among the multiple printers from a first printer to a second printer. The output unit outputs information indicating a function which is identified in accordance with the usage record information among multiple functions of the first printer and which is not included in the second printer. |
| US09575696B2 |
Printing method, arrangement for the realization of the printing method, and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium
A printing method, an arrangement, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided to increase a number of printing devices used by a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal communicates with a server via a wireless communication interface and sends via the server data to a printing device including information identifying the printing device and a key assigned to the printing device. The method includes establishing a communications link, determining printing devices, transmitting information about the usable printing devices, selecting a usable printing device, transmitting the data intended for printing or information that enable the server to retrieve the data intended for printing from a remote storage location in a data network, checking the validity of one or more of the keys transmitted from the mobile terminal transmitted, and transmitting, depending on the validity of the key(s), the data intended for printing to the selected printing device. |
| US09575692B2 |
Cache control device having fault-tolerant function and method of operating the same
The cache control device having the fault-tolerant function includes a cache memory configured to store first data with respect to a specific address read from a main memory, and generate and store a first parity bit corresponding to the first data, a shadow cache memory configured to store second data with respect to the specific address, and generate and store a second parity bit corresponding to the second data, and a fault detector configured to perform a parity check operation on the data of the specific address and the parity bit stored in at least one of the cache memory and the shadow cache memory when receiving a data read request with respect to the specific address from a processor, and transmit the data stored in a non-erroneous memory to the processor according to a result of the parity check operation. |
| US09575684B2 |
Logically partitioning remote virtual library extensions for use in disaster recovery of production data
Systems and methods that make use of logical partitions of a second tier of disk storage at a disaster recovery (DR) site remote from a production site as part of a DR setup to advantageously reduce disruption to production site data production operations during DR procedures while providing for the substantially immediate recall or retrieval of data previously migrated to the remote second tier of disk storage. |
| US09575681B1 |
Data deduplication with reduced hash computations
Techniques for data deduplication in a data storage system include comparing a first attribute of a received data page to first attributes of one or more stored data pages. In response to the first attribute matching one of the first attributes, a second attribute of the received data page is compared to second attributes of the one or more data pages. In response to the second attribute of the received data page matching one of the second attributes, a fingerprint of the received data page is compared to fingerprints of the one or more data pages. In response to the fingerprint of the received data page matching one of the fingerprints, the received data page is discarded and replaced with a reference to the corresponding data page already stored in the storage system. In response to first attribute, the second attribute, or the fingerprint of the received data page not matching, the received data page is stored. |
| US09575678B2 |
Hierarchical allocation for file system storage device
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to storage allocation. In aspects, a hierarchical data structure is used to track allocation data for storage managed by a file system. The hierarchical data structure may have multiple levels with each level having data regarding a different granularity of storage. Portions of the hierarchical data structure may be locked independently of other portions of the hierarchical data structure. The hierarchical data structure may indicate that one or more portions of storage are for exclusive use by a directory. Extra space may be reserved in allocated space in anticipation of subsequent operations. Allocation requestors may obtain storage allocation from regions associated with different levels of the hierarchical data structure. |
| US09575671B1 |
Read distribution in a three-dimensional stacked memory based on thermal profiles
A memory controller may receive a plurality of thermal profiles from a plurality of three-dimensional (3D)-stacked memory chips, where the plurality of thermal profiles include thermal profile data for the memory chips, where the thermal profile data includes a memory chip usage data and a location data for each of the memory chips, and where the memory chips include a first memory chip and a second memory chip. The memory controller may generate a first predicted memory chip usage data and location data by analyzing the usage data and location data of the thermal profile data. A second predicted memory chip usage data and location data may be generated. Based on the predicted memory chip, fractional memory chip read propensity data may be generated. The memory controller may distribute, according the first fractional memory chip read propensity distribution, memory chip read operations. |
| US09575668B1 |
Techniques for selecting write endurance classification of flash storage based on read-write mixture of I/O workload
Processing I/O operations is described. A write operation writes first data to a first location on a logical device having a logical address space partitioned into extents. The first location is included in a first subrange of the logical address space. Each extent includes logical address subranges of the logical address space. The first subrange is one of the logical address subranges of a first extent of the logical device. Physical storage is allocated from a first physical device of a first write endurance classification of flash memory-based storage devices. The first write endurance classification is selected in accordance with a ranking of multiple write endurance classifications. The physical storage is mapped to the first subrange. The first data is stored on the allocated physical storage. First workload information for the first write endurance classification for the first extent is updated to reflect the first write operation. |
| US09575657B2 |
Dataset replica migration
A method of dataset replica migration is described. An application session may start on a first compute node. A first replica of the dataset to be accessed by the application session may be located on a second compute node. A second replica of the dataset is created to be co-located with the first compute node. A first data block of the dataset may be requested by the application session. The first data block of the first replica of the dataset may be read from the second compute node, when the second replica does not have a copy of the first data block stored in the second replica. The retrieved first data block may be copied to the second replica. The first data block may be read from the second replica, when the first data block is requested by the application session and is contained in the second replica. |
| US09575655B2 |
Transparent layer application
An apparatus comprising a processor and a display connected to the processor, the display being configured to present a first and second application on the display so that the second application is transparently presented over the first application wherein the first and second applications are active applications. |
| US09575650B2 |
Mobile communications device, non-transitory computer-readable medium and method of switching screen of mobile communications device from screen locked state to screen unlocked state
A method of switching a screen of a mobile communications device from a screen locked state to a screen unlocked state is provided. The mobile communications device includes a display panel configured to display the screen that has a background section and a first section in the screen locked state. The method includes: moving the first section from a first location to a second location of the screen in the screen locked state when an screen unlocking requirement is determined to be satisfied; and keeping displaying the first section at the second location of the screen after switching the screen from the screen locked state to the screen unlocked state. A non-transitory computer-readable medium and a mobile communications device for switching a screen of the mobile communications device from a screen locked state to a screen unlocked state are also provided. |
| US09575649B2 |
Virtual touchpad with two-mode buttons for remote desktop client
Left- and right-click buttons of a virtual touchpad each have two modes, a “click” mode and an “on/off” mode. In “click” mode, touching a finger to the left- or right-click button triggers a mouse button down event while releasing a finger from the button triggers a mouse button up event. In “on/off” mode, the left- and right-click buttons each have two states, “on” and “off.” If the current state of the left- or right-click button is “off,” then touching the button triggers the mouse button down event, while releasing the button changes the state of the button to “on” but does not trigger any mouse events. Conversely, if the current state of the left- or right-click button is “on,” then touching the button does not trigger any mouse events, but releasing the button thereafter changes the state of the button to “off” and triggers the mouse button up event. |
| US09575647B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing information of multiple applications
A method and apparatus for displaying information of multiple applications simultaneously on the execution screen of a common application is provided. A method for providing information in mobile terminal includes displaying an execution screen having a plurality of information display regions with execution of a common application, detecting an interaction made to one of the information display regions, executing an application related to information presented in the information display region at which the interaction is detected, and displaying original data corresponding to the information presented in the information display region at which the interaction is detected. |
| US09575646B2 |
Modal change based on orientation of a portable multifunction device
In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is performed at a portable multifunction device with a rectangular touch screen display that includes a portrait view and a landscape view. The method includes detecting the device in a first orientation, and while the device is in the first orientation, displaying an application in a first mode on the touch screen display in a first view. The method also includes detecting the device in a second orientation, and in response to detecting the device in the second orientation, displaying the application in a second mode on the touch screen display in a second view. The first mode of the application differs from the second mode of the application by more than a change in display orientation. |
| US09575644B2 |
Data visualization
A graphical processor, method, and/or computer program product controls a display of user controls on a graphical user interface. A display tool displays a screen view of a data image on a display, wherein the screen view includes one or more graphical objects. A magnifier tool displays a zoomed-in view of a portion of the screen view, wherein the zoomed-in view is superimposed on the screen view, and wherein the zoomed-in view remains turned on until turned off by the user. A crosshair tool targets a graphical object in the zoomed-in portion of the view. A decoration tool displays a user control for a targeted graphical object. |
| US09575641B2 |
Content aware image editing
An image is displayed using a computer system. The image includes contents that have a visible feature therein at a first location. A first input is received that includes a user movement of at least the visible feature from the first location. During the user movement, the first location is synthesized with content from where the visible feature is currently located. A second input is received that specifies an end of the user movement at a second location. A source area in the image is identified. The method further includes identifying additional contents within the source area. The additional contents are identified using a patch-based optimization algorithm on the image. The method further includes updating the image to have the additional contents at least in the first location. |
| US09575633B2 |
User interface utility across service providers
Providing a user interface utility across service providers includes determining an active service associated with a particular service provider from a plurality of predetermined related services associated with respective service providers stored in a memory. A utility corresponding to the plurality of predetermined related services is formatted for display on a display device, and a function selected in the utility for the active service associated with the particular service provider is executed. The function is common to each of the plurality of predetermined related services. The same utility is displayed for each of the plurality of predetermined related services associated with respective service providers, which are different from each other. |
| US09575630B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an operation receiving unit; and a control unit configured to perform a normal mode display process of displaying icon images of kinds corresponding to an operation status of the apparatus in a display unit and an icon description display process of displaying an icon selection image for selecting an icon image that is being displayed in the display unit upon reception of an operation input to activate an icon description mode by the operation receiving unit during the normal mode display process in the display unit and displaying a description image for an icon image selected upon reception of an operation input by the operation receiving unit while the icon selection image is being displayed in the display unit. |
| US09575628B2 |
Icon featured touch screen display system including status shortcuts for a work vehicle and method of managing the same
At least one example embodiment discloses a method for generating a touch screen display. The method includes establishing a run screen on the touch screen display, the run screen associated with a function of a work vehicle, configuring the run screen with a retractable toolbar, the retractable toolbar responsive to an action of a user of the touch screen display and deployable over a first portion of the run screen upon the action of the user and otherwise hiding to display a second portion of the run screen, the second portion of the run screen being at least a majority portion of the run screen and defining one or more transient user-definable buttons on the retractable toolbar associated with at least one of the function and the run screen. |
| US09575623B2 |
Data file discovery, visualization, and importing
Various data source locations storing files can be accessed and/or crawled. At each location, files can be identified. These files can be analyzed to obtain attributes characterizing such file. Thereafter, a visualization can be generated in a graphical user interface that takes the form of data map that characterizes the identified files along two or more dimensions, with each dimension being based on a different attribute of the file. For example, the vertical dimension can be based on a number of columns and the horizontal dimension can be based on a number of rows. The graphical user interface can include graphical user interface elements associated with each identified file. These elements, when activated, can cause complementary information characterizing the corresponding identified file to be displayed. The elements can then be used to import or otherwise utilize one of the identified files into an application (such as a spreadsheet software application. |
| US09575621B2 |
Game event display with scroll bar and play event icons
A method is disclosed for receiving a plurality of play events associated with a sporting event, wherein each play event of the plurality of play events comprises a timestamp; for each of the play events, associating the play event with a sports team of a plurality of sports teams; for each of the play events, associating with the play event a particular icon from among a plurality of different icons based, at least in part, on the sports team that is associated with the play event; causing to display a bar in a graphical user interface of a mobile computing device, wherein the bar represents at least a portion of a time duration of the sporting event; for each of the play events, causing to display the particular icon at a position in the bar, wherein the position is based, at least in part, on the timestamp of the event. |
| US09575619B2 |
Data capture design tool for designing and configuring systems with analog front ends
A method of configuring a system includes a selectable analog output device and an analog front end (AFE). The method includes selecting, via a graphical user interface (GUI), an analog output device that provides an analog output signal, the selected device having predetermined characteristics. The method further includes selecting an operating condition for the system and a performance criterion for the system. The method also includes providing a configuration value for programming the AFE based on the selected operating condition and performance criterion. |
| US09575617B1 |
Navigation payload injection
Described are techniques for event processing. Notification may be received at a navigation service of a first event regarding an interaction with a user interface element of a user interface of an application. The notification may include a set of one or more source parameters describing context information about the notification and information identifying a navigation point in the application. Responsive to receiving the notification, the navigation service may perform first processing that includes identifying first target code of the application to be invoked to update the user interface to include a content view associated with the navigation point, mapping the set of one or more source parameters to a set of one or more target parameters in accordance with first metadata, and transferring control to the first target code. The set of one or more target parameters may be provided as input parameters to the first target code. |
| US09575612B2 |
Electromagnetic inductive touch panel, electromagnetic inductive touch display panel and electromagnetic inductive touch display device
An electromagnetic inductive touch panel includes a first substrate and a touch structure layer disposed on the first substrate. The touch structure layer includes a plurality of first wires; a plurality of second wires insulatedly intersecting with the plurality of first wires; and a plurality of electromagnetic inductive coils disposed respectively at intersections of the first wires with the second wires. Each of electromagnetic inductive coils includes a first sub-coil and a second sub-coil spirally wrapped around each other. The first sub-coil has one end electrically connected with one of the first wires and the other end electrically connected with a common potential; and the second sub-coil has one end electrically connected with one of the second wires and the other end electrically connected with the common potential. |
| US09575611B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel is provided. The touch panel includes a pixel array including plural pixels arranged in matrix, plural scan lines electrically coupled to a corresponding pixel line of the pixel array, and at least one touch detection unit arranged corresponding to the pixel array. The touch detection unit includes a first transistor having a first transistor, a second transistor, and a touch detection circuit. The first transistor has a first terminal for receiving a first bias voltage, a second terminal, and a gate. The second transistor has a third terminal electrically coupled to the second terminal, a fourth terminal for receiving a second bias voltage, and a gate. The touch detection circuit includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor and is configured to output a touch signal according to the capacitance value of the first capacitor and the second capacitor when the touch panel is being touched. |
| US09575610B2 |
Touch screen liquid crystal display
Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed. |
| US09575607B2 |
Electrode of self-capacitive touch panel utilizing serpentine trace to increase resistance
An electrode of a self-capacitive touch panel is provided. The electrode, coupled to a control circuit of the self-capacitive touch panel via a conducting wire, includes: a serpentine portion, having a first side; a main portion, having a second side; and a connecting portion, connected to the first side and the second side to connect the serpentine portion and the main portion. A length of the connecting portion is smaller than a length of the first side and a length of the second side. |
| US09575606B1 |
Reducing sleep current in a capacitance sensing system
An apparatus and method of measuring a collective capacitance on a group of capacitive sense elements from at least one of rows or columns of a capacitance sense array when in a first mode, and individually measuring capacitances on each of the rows and columns when in a second mode. |
| US09575601B2 |
Inputting fingertip sleeve
An inputting fingertip sleeve includes a number of first wires and a number of second wires. The number of second wires and the number of first wires are crossed with each other to form a sleeve. The number of first wires includes a number of ends converged at one end point. Each of the number of the first wire includes a carbon nanotube wire structure. The sleeve includes at least one opening and a close end, the at least one opening is configured to receive a finger. |
| US09575600B2 |
Touch panel and a manufacturing method thereof
A touch panel is provided in the present disclosure, comprising: a sensing patterned layer, comprising a plurality of first sensing electrode units not in contact with each other along first axis; and a bridging line, electrically connected with the adjacent first sensing electrode units along the first axis; wherein the bridging line are made by at least a metallic layer and a conductive oxidized layer. By this way, the touch panel lowers light reflection, thereby reducing flashes and bright-spots on the touch panel and improving appearance of the touch panel. |
| US09575599B1 |
Multi-touch ghost discrimination
An apparatus includes a touch screen panel including a sensing matrix arranged in a row-column format. The apparatus also includes a control device to scan the sensing matrix to detect a presence of multiple objects at least proximate to the touch screen panel. The control device can identify rows and columns of the sensing matrix that correspond to the presence of the multiple objects. The control device can orthogonally multiplex the identified rows and columns into one or more row-column pairs. The control device can scan at least one of the row-column pairs to detect locations of the multiple objects relative to the touch screen panel. |
| US09575597B2 |
Optical touch system and object analyzation method thereof
The present disclosure provides an optical touch system and an object analyzation method thereof. The optical touch system includes a panel and an image sensing apparatus installed thereon. The object analyzation method includes the following steps: capturing a first image across a touch surface of the panel with an image sensing apparatus, wherein the first image has an object image formed corresponding to the position of a pointer on the touch surface; defining an image window that corresponds to the image position of the object image in the first image captured; determining whether the pointer is touching the touch surface or hovering over the touch surface by analyzing the brightness difference among the plurality of pixels in the image window. |
| US09575596B2 |
Method and device for reducing poor linearity in location detection
The changes of capacitances of a plurality of detecting locations on a touch screen are detected for determining a profile corresponding to each external object approaching or touching the touch screen. Then the location of each external object is generated separately by two or four values in the corresponding profile. |
| US09575595B2 |
Mutual capacitance touch panel
A mutual capacitance touch panel includes a substrate (4), a plurality of lower electrodes (10) provided in a form of wide bands formed of transparent conductive material and arranged parallel with each other and with narrow spacing therebetween along a first direction on a first face of the substrate (4), a plurality of upper electrodes (20) provided in a form of narrow bands formed of transparent conductive material and arranged parallel with each other and with wide spacing therebetween along a second direction intersecting the first direction on the first face of the substrate (4) and on the lower electrodes, and an insulating film (3) formed of photosensitive resin having adhesiveness and arranged between the upper electrodes (20) and the lower electrodes (10) to support the upper electrodes (20). The insulating film (3) includes a sloped side face (3b) sharing a long side with a support face (3a) which supports the upper electrode (20). |
| US09575590B2 |
Input method and input apparatus
The present disclosure discloses an input method and an input apparatus. The input apparatus is able to communicate with an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a touch control display unit. The method includes a recognizing device in the input apparatus recognizing to obtain a first shape under press of a contact pressure of the input end based on a light-reflective encode coating when the deformable input end of the input apparatus contacts with the touch control display unit; the recognizing device obtaining a deformation parameter of the input end based on the first shape; and a transmitting device in the input apparatus transmitting the deformation parameter to the electronic apparatus to be processed by the electronic apparatus. |
| US09575588B2 |
Electronic device with noise-cancelling force sensor
An electronic device may have a housing in which components such as a display are mounted. A strain gauge may be mounted on a layer of the display such as a cover layer or may be mounted on a portion of the housing or other support structure. The layer of material on which the strain gauge is mounted may be configured to flex in response to pressure applied by a finger of a user. The strain gauge may serve as a button for the electronic device or may form part of other input circuitry. A differential amplifier and analog-to-digital converter circuit may be used to gather and process strain gauge signals. The strain gauge may be formed form variable resistor structures that make up part of a bridge circuit that is coupled to the differential amplifier. The bridge circuit may be configured to reduce the impact of capacitively coupled noise. |
| US09575585B2 |
Display device and touch sensor
A display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a plurality of driving electrodes disposed on the display panel and extending in a first direction; a plurality of sensing electrodes disposed on the driving electrodes and extending in a second direction; a plurality of first sensing wires connected to one end of each of the driving electrodes; a plurality of second sensing wires connected to each of the sensing electrodes; a plurality of third sensing wires connected to the other end of each of the driving electrodes that are disposed in a partial region; and a touch controller configured to apply a touch detection signal to the driving electrodes through the first sensing wires and the third sensing wires, and to receive a sensing signal representing a change in capacitance of the sensing electrodes through the second sensing wires, so as to detect a touch position. |
| US09575584B2 |
Display device with integrated touch screen and method of driving the same
Discussed is a display device with integrated touch screen including a panel including a plurality of electrodes; a data driver for converting RGB data into a data voltage, and supplying the data voltage to data lines; a gate driver for sequentially supplying a gate-on signal to n-numbered gate lines to apply the data voltage to pixels of the panel when a driving mode of the panel is a display driving mode; and a touch IC for generating a touch scan signal and supplying the touch scan signal to the plurality of electrodes of the panel when a driving mode of the panel is a touch driving mode, wherein the gate driver sequentially supplies the gate-on signal to the gate lines, and then simultaneously supplies the gate-on signal to the gate lines, and the data driver supplies the data voltage of the same level to the data lines. |
| US09575579B2 |
Attaching a stylus
In some examples, a stylus holder comprises a connector to attach to a port of a computing device and create an electrical connection to the computing device port, and a fastener to attach a stylus to the holder and provide at least one of a data and power connection to the stylus. The fastener includes a first inductive element formed in an internal cavity area of the fastener, the first inductive element to inductive couple to a second inductive element of the stylus, the second inductive element longer than the first inductive element. |
| US09575578B2 |
Methods, devices, and computer readable storage device for touchscreen navigation
Methods, devices, and computer readable storage device for navigation of a touchscreen display include calculating a scaled position based on a scaling factor. The scaling factor is based on dimensions of a region of reach and dimensions of the touchscreen display. |
| US09575576B2 |
Display control system
A display control system disclosed herein includes a display device including a display surface for displaying an image, a plurality of first coding patterns representing positions on the display surface being provided to overlap on the display surface; an input unit including an input surface containing a plurality of second coding patterns different from the first coding patterns, the second coding patterns representing the positions on the display surface; and a reading device reading the first and second coding patterns. Each of the first coding patterns represents the position on the display surface where the corresponding first coding pattern is positioned, and each of the second coding patterns represents the position on the display surface associated with the corresponding second coding pattern. |
| US09575575B2 |
Signal-generating stylus, system, and method
A system and method may include a device including a user interface, a detector, and a central processing unit (CPU) in communication with the detector. The CPU controls operation of the device. A stylus is used to input data with respect to the device. The stylus may include a main body and an engagement member operatively coupled to the main body. The engagement member alters a mechanical relationship within the main body in response to engagement by a user. The stylus generates a signal in response to the altered mechanical relationship within the main body. The detector detects the signal generated by the stylus. The CPU performs an action in response to detection of the signal. |
| US09575572B2 |
Input device for electronic device and input method using the same
An input device for an electronic device includes a circuit unit including a reactance element with a variable reactance, and a recording member configured to record on an intermediate medium and coupled with the reactance element. As a recording on the intermediate medium proceeds, writing pressure is transferred to the recording member so that the reactance of the reactance member may vary. |
| US09575570B2 |
3D pointing devices and methods
Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a handheld device, e.g., a 3D pointing device, which uses at least one sensor to detect motion of the handheld device. The detected motion can then be mapped into a desired output, e.g., cursor movement. |
| US09575569B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer
Methods and apparatuses for operating a portable device based on an accelerometer are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, an accelerometer attached to a portable device detects a movement of the portable device. In response, a machine executable code is executed within the portable device to perform one or more predetermined user configurable operations. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US09575566B2 |
Technologies for robust two-dimensional gesture recognition
Technologies for performing two-dimensional gesture recognition are described. In some embodiments the technologies include systems, methods, and computer readable media for performing two-dimensional gesture recognition on one or more input images. In some embodiments the technologies use an object detector to detect one or more suspected gestures in an input image, and to generate a first set of hits correlating to detected gestures in the input image. At least a portion of false positive hits may then be removed by the application of one or more filters to the first set of hits. Custom hand gesture filters are also described. |
| US09575564B2 |
Virtual model navigation methods and apparatus
Virtual model navigation methods and apparatus are described. According to one aspect, a virtual model navigation method includes using a display screen of a user device, displaying a plurality of views of a virtual model in a plurality of frames, wherein the displaying comprises displaying one of the views in one of the frames with the virtual camera positioned at a first view point within a virtual scene of the virtual model, after the displaying the one of the views, detecting movement of the user device from a first location in the physical world at the first moment in time to a second location in the physical world at a second moment in time, and wherein the displaying comprises displaying another of the views in another of the frames with the virtual camera positioned at a second view point within the virtual scene as a result of the detection of the movement of the user device. |
| US09575560B2 |
Radar-based gesture-recognition through a wearable device
This document describes techniques and devices for radar-based gesture-recognition through a wearable device. The techniques enable an easy-to-use input interface through this wearable radar device, in contrast to small or difficult-to-use input interfaces common to wearable computing devices. Further, these techniques are not limited to interfacing with wearable computing devices, but may aid users in controlling various non-wearable devices, such as to control volume on a stereo, pause a movie playing on a television, or select a webpage on a desktop computer. |
| US09575559B2 |
Gaze-assisted touchscreen inputs
Embodiments related to gaze-assisted touchscreen inputs are disclosed. In some embodiments, a computing system may receive a gaze location signal indicative of a region of a user's gaze on a touchscreen, receive a touch signal indicative of a touch of the user on the touchscreen, and generate an input signal for the computing system based at least in part on the gaze location signal and the touch signal. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed. |
| US09575554B1 |
Dynamic time sliced sensor sampling for reduced power consumption
An aspect of the disclosure includes a method, a system and a computer program product. The method includes measuring a first data with a sensor, the sensor and operatively coupled computing resources having at least two power states, an operating power state and a low power state, the low power state consuming less energy than the operating power state. A first time period is determined for measuring a second data, the first time period being based at least in part on the first data. The sensor is operated, and operatively coupled computing resources at the low power state during the first time period, wherein no data measurements are acquired during the first time period. The sensor is changed to the operating power state at an expiration of the first time period. |
| US09575553B2 |
Replica path timing adjustment and normalization for adaptive voltage and frequency scaling
A processor employs a set of replica paths at a processor to determine an operating frequency and voltage for the processor. The replica paths each represent one or more circuit paths at a functional module of the processor. The delays at the replica paths are normalized to increase the likelihood that the replica paths accurately represent the behavior of the circuit paths of the functional module. After normalization, a distribution of delay values is generated by varying, at each replica path, the delay at an output node of the replica path until a mismatch is detected between a signal at the output node of the replica path and the delayed representation of the signal. The resulting distribution of delay values can then be adjusted based on variations in reference voltages at the replica paths to account for potential distribution errors resulting from the reference voltage variations. |
| US09575551B2 |
GNSS services on low power hub
In one embodiment an controller comprises logic, at least partially including hardware logic, configured to logic, at least partially including hardware logic, configured to receive location data from a location measurement apparatus, buffer the location data in a local memory, and release the location data from the local memory to a remote processor in response to one or more trigger conditions. Other embodiments may be described. |
| US09575548B2 |
Apparatus for migrating virtual machines to another physical server, and method thereof
An apparatus obtains response information including a result of processing executed by a virtual machine operates on the first device, calculates the first value that is used to evaluate a response time from transmission of the request information to reception of the response information, calculates a ratio of processing capability of the first device to processing capability of the second device, calculates, based on the first value and the ratio, a second value that is used to evaluate a processing time until a response for a request is received when the virtual machine operates on the second device, determines the second device to be a migration destination candidate of the virtual machine when the second value is smaller than a threshold value, migrates the virtual machine that operates on the first device to the migration destination candidate to turn off the power of the first device. |
| US09575545B2 |
LSI and information processing system
The controller LSI is connected to an SPI flash memory having a deep power down mode (DPM), and brings the SPI flash memory to the DPM and then brings itself to low power consumption mode (LPM) that volatilizes data in a RAM. This invention solves the problem that the controller LSI cannot release the peripheral device from the DPM upon returning from the LPM due to the volatilization of the data. The controller LSI includes a CPU, the RAM, and an SPI control unit transmitting an SPI command to the flash memory. The SPI command includes a power down command to bring the flash memory into DPM and a release command to release it from the DPM. Upon returning from the LPM, the controller LSI causes the control unit to transmit a release command to the flash memory irrespective of whether it is in DPM or normal mode. |
| US09575544B2 |
Ultrasound based mobile receivers in idle mode
An acoustic system, which may be ultrasonic, operates in a power efficient idle mode thereby reducing the power consumption required by high frequency sampling and processing. While in idle mode, an acoustic receiver device operates with an idle sampling rate that is lower than the full sampling rate used during full operational mode, but is capable of receiving a wake-up signal from the associated acoustic transmitter. When the wake-up signal is received, the acoustic receiver switches to full operational mode by increasing the sampling rate and enables full processing. The acoustic system may be used in, e.g., an ultrasonic pointing device, location beacons, in peer-to-peer communications between devices, as well as gesture detection. |
| US09575542B2 |
Computer power management
A power management module can select one of a plurality of different operational modes for a hardware component in a computer system based on application performance and total computer system power consumption determined for each of the operational modes. |
| US09575535B2 |
Integrated circuit and operation method thereof
An integrated circuit and an operation method thereof are provided. The integrated circuit includes a voltage detecting unit, a central processing unit, a memory unit and a control unit. The voltage detecting unit detects a system voltage and correspondingly outputs a voltage state signal. The central processing unit has at least one register. When the system voltage is downed to a voltage level lower than or equal to a brown-out voltage and greater than a reset low voltage, the control unit stores values of the registers into the memory unit. |
| US09575534B2 |
Device usage message generator indicative of power consumption of an electronic device
Technologies are generally described for systems, devices and methods effective to generate a message that may be sent to a social network. Power information from an electronic device may be detected by a power detector and received by a processor. For example, a power consumption profile of an appliance may be detected. The processor may classify the power information to produce descriptive data. For example, the processor may determine that an oven has been turned on for a period of time. The processor may generate the message by applying one or more rules to the descriptive data. For example, the processor may generate a message relating to consumption of dinner based on the determination that the oven has been turned on. |
| US09575533B2 |
Electric vehicle clustered charge distribution and prioritization method, system, and apparatus
A method, system, and apparatus include a clustered charge distribution and prioritized charge distribution system for electric vehicles (EVs). Distributed processing units (DPUs) receive member information about an EV or EV user. A power distribution manager (PDM) is coupled to each of the DPUs. The PDM includes a prioritizer. The prioritizer determines a prioritization for charging the EVs based on the member information received by each of the DPUs. Also disclosed is a method for providing clustered charge distribution and charge prioritization for electric vehicles. The method includes sensing whether power is requested by any one of a plurality of EVs within a cluster, generating individual EV-specific information for the EVs using the DPUs, transmitting the EV-specific information to the PDM, and selecting and applying a prioritization algorithm based at least in part on the transmitted information. |
| US09575532B2 |
Device, method, and system for reporting device state information to a server
An electronic device is connected to a server device. The electronic device includes: a detection unit that detects a state of the electronic device; a generation unit that generates third information in which first information that is information indicating the state of the electronic device and second information that is information indicating time of detection by the detection unit are associated with each other; a registration unit that registers the third information in a memory unit in order of generation; and a control unit that performs, when power supply to the electronic device is started, control to transmit latest third information among one or more pieces of the third information stored in the memory unit, to the server device, as stop information related to time at which the electronic device was stopped. |
| US09575531B2 |
Multi-vendor power distribution unit support in rack management software
A PDU management system for automatically configure, manage and monitor managed power distribution units (PDUs) includes: (a) a user interface module configured to allow an operator to enter management information of the managed PDUs, (b) a database configured to store management information of the managed PDUs, (c) a power management communication interface configured to facilitate the communication between the PDU management system and the managed PDUs through a communication link, (d) a PDU power management module configured to construct, manage, and monitor the managed PDUs, (e) a PDU discovery module configured to discover all managed PDUs according to the information entered by the operator through the user interface module, (f) a PDU loader to load the management information of the managed PDUs to the database, the PDU discovery module and the PDU power management module. |
| US09575525B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
Power supply of ECUs connected to a communication network is optimally controlled so that power consumption is reduced. A transceiver/receiver converts a message of a differential signal received via a CAN bus into a digital signal. A select circuit determines whether the converted message is in a CAN format or a UART format. If it is in the UART format, the select circuit outputs a message to the UART circuit. A UART circuit determines whether the message matches a UART format. If matched, an ID determination circuit determines whether the input message is specifying a CAN ID of its own ECU. If it is the CAN ID of the ECU, the ID determination circuit outputs an enable signal to turn on a regulator and supply power to an MCU and an actuator. |
| US09575523B2 |
Device sandwich structured composite housing
The description relates to devices, such as computing devices. One example can include a sandwich structured composite housing. The example can also include a set of electronic components positioned over the sandwich structured composite housing. The set of electronic components can have a profile against the sandwich structured composite housing. The sandwich structured composite housing can have a corresponding negative profile. |
| US09575521B1 |
Chassis external wall liquid cooling system
An external chassis wall liquid cooling system includes a chassis defining a chassis housing. A chassis wall is located on the chassis and includes a first surface that is located adjacent the chassis housing and a second surface that is located opposite the chassis wall from the first surface and that provides an outer surface of the chassis. A liquid cooling channel is defined by the chassis wall and extends through the chassis wall between the first surface and the second surface. A liquid is located in the liquid cooling channel, and a pump is coupled to the liquid cooling channel and configured to move the liquid through the liquid cooling channel. A fan system in the chassis housing may move air past heat producing components to transfer heat produced by those heat producing components, and the liquid may further dissipate that heat out of the chassis. |
| US09575519B2 |
Storage expansion system
A storage expansion system includes an expansion apparatus and a serial advanced technology attachment dual in-line memory module (SATA DIMM) device. A memory slot, a SATA port, a SATA signal expansion member, and a voltage converter are arranged on the expansion apparatus. The memory slot includes first power pins, first ground pins, and first signal pins connected to the SATA signal expansion member. A first edge connector is arranged on a side of the expansion apparatus. The first edge connector includes second power pins and second ground pins. The first and second power pins are connected to the voltage converter. A second edge connector is arranged on a bottom side of the SATA DIMM device. The second edge connector includes third power pins connected to a control chip and storage chips, third ground pins, and second signal pins connected to the control chip. |
| US09575517B1 |
Reversible input/output (I/O)
A reversible I/O apparatus for a POS terminal includes a housing with a motherboard sled removable from the housing to reverse the I/O peripheral ports of the motherboard to a front orientation or a rear orientation. |
| US09575515B2 |
Fabric lamination to a component
Techniques for fabric lamination to a component are described. According to various implementations, a single piece of fabric is laminated to a moveable component and to an apparatus to which the moveable component is attached. Generally, lamination of fabric to a moveable component and portions of an associated apparatus can enhance a user experience in a variety of ways. Embodiments may also be employed to cut fabric from around a surface component of an apparatus. |
| US09575513B2 |
Electronic device and apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a first movable member. The first housing includes a first opening through which the electronic device is capable of being coupled to an external coupling apparatus. The second housing is rotatably connected to the first housing. The third housing is removably attached to the second housing. The first movable member is across the first housing and the second housing, movable between a first position at which the third housing is locked to the second housing and a second position at which the third housing is capable of being unlocked from the second housing, and is configured to be restricted from moving from the first position to the second position when the electronic device is coupled through the first opening. |
| US09575511B2 |
Docking unit
According to one embodiment, a docking unit includes a placement surface which slopes down to a front side of the docking unit and configured to receive an electronic device, a docking connector on the placement surface and configured to connect to an extended connector of the electronic device, a groove portion recessed under the placement surface and located behind the docking connector, a biasing member detachably fitted into the groove portion, and a pressing member on a top surface of the biasing member configured to protrude upward from the top surface and to retract downward into the top surface by first resilience. |
| US09575504B2 |
High degree of freedom (DOF) controller
Disclosed is a high degree of freedom control apparatus that includes a base attached to a strain gauge assembly movable in three orthogonal directions to provide signals indicative of a position of the strain gauge assembly relative to the base. An actuator assembly is supported on the base and movable by an operator's arm, hand, digit, or wrist relative to the base structure. The actuator assembly provides signals indicative of the position of the operator's arm, hand, digit or wrist in at least seven degrees of freedom relative to the base structure. The actuator assembly includes a wrist angle stage and a digit angle stage. The strain gauge assembly includes a spring plate and a load cell that is configured to provide a signal indicative of deflection of the load cell relative to the base. |
| US09575502B2 |
Bi-directional DC-DC converter with current reference by comparing the voltage errors of the low and high voltage sides
There are provided a power conversion mode control apparatus of a bi-directional DC-DC converter including: a controlling unit determining an overall reference current so as to perform a power conversion from a side in which an actual voltage is relatively larger than a reference voltage to a side in which the actual voltage is relatively smaller than the reference voltage by comparing a voltage error of low voltage side and a voltage error of high voltage side with each other; and a duty command generating unit generating duty command based on a difference between the overall reference current and a current of low voltage side and providing the duty command to the bi-directional DC-DC converter. |
| US09575491B1 |
System and method for automated machine operation
A system for automated operation of a plurality of machines deployed on an underground worksite is provided. The system includes a monitoring module provided on-board each of the plurality of machines. The system also includes an area isolation control module associated with the underground worksite. The system further includes a machine control module coupled to the monitoring module and the area isolation control module. |
| US09575488B2 |
Method and system for monitoring an industrial system involving an eye tracking system
A method for notifying at least a first condition in an industrial system by way of a monitoring system in order to draw the attention of an operator monitoring the industrial system to the at least one condition. The method includes displaying the first condition in a first portion of a display screen of the monitoring system, determining by eye tracking an area where a user focuses on the display screen, the area where the user focuses differing from the first portion, and alerting the user of the first condition in order to allow the user to be notified of the first condition in the industrial system. A monitoring system is also presented herein. |
| US09575487B2 |
Computer program, method, and system for optimized kit nesting
A method, computer program, and system for optimizing kit nesting. The method, computer program, and system include defining a priority for each kit in a plurality of kits. Each of the plurality of kits is associated with at least one machine in a machine family, such that each machine family is associated with a set of kits. A first optimized nest is determined for each machine in each machine family by providing all machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the first nest. A second optimized nest is determined for at least one machine by providing all remaining machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the second nest. |
| US09575484B2 |
System and method for identification of contact between a human and a static implement in a power tool
A method of operating a power tool detects human contact with a non-moving implement in the power tool. The method includes generating a series of samples of an electrical signal passing through the non-moving implement, identifying a component for each sample in the series of samples of the electrical signal, identifying a first max−min value corresponding to a first plurality of samples in the series of samples occurring during a first periodic time interval with reference to a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value identified in the components of the first plurality of samples, and identifying human contact with the non-moving implement in response to the first max−min value being greater than a first predetermined threshold. |
| US09575480B1 |
Solution stabilization for linear program-based control systems
Methods, systems, and devices for choosing a point from a set of optimal solutions defined as the output of a problem in such a way that small perturbations to the input variables of the problem may reliably produce small changes to the output. Embodiments may determine the optimal point for concentrating solar thermal power plants utilizing heliostats, based on a linear function, one or more constraints, and a determined space of optimal solutions. |
| US09575479B2 |
System and method for sealing a syngas cooler
A system includes a syngas cooler and a compatible seal gas system. The syngas cooler may be configured to cool a syngas. The compatible seal gas system may be configured to supply a compatible seal gas to a seal of the syngas cooler. The seal may be configured to block the syngas from a passage between an outer wall of the syngas cooler and a tube cage of the syngas cooler. |
| US09575478B2 |
Configuring a set of devices of a structure
Systems, methods and apparatuses for configuring a set of devices of a structure are disclosed. One method includes loading a structure plan to a mobile computing device, wherein the structure plan is associated with the structure, communicating, by the mobile computing device, with one or more of the set of devices, communicating, by each of the one or more of the set of devices, a device identifier and proximity dependent information of the device back to the mobile computing device, wherein the proximity dependent information allows the mobile computing device to estimate a proximate location of the device, and placing, by the mobile computing device, each of the one or more of the set of devices on the structure floor plan based at least in part on the proximity dependent information. |
| US09575475B2 |
Systems and methods for generating an energy usage model for a building
A building management system (BMS) includes a baseline model generator configured to receive an initial set of predictor variables for potential use in an energy usage model for a building, generate a first set of coefficients for the baseline energy usage model based on the initial set of predictor variables, remove one of the predictor variables from the initial set of predictor variables to create a subset of the initial set of predictor variables, generate a second set of coefficients for the baseline energy usage model based on the subset of the initial set of predictor variables, calculate a test statistic for the removed variable using a difference between the first set of coefficients and the second set of coefficients, and automatically select the removed predictor variable for use in the baseline energy usage model in response the test statistic exceeding a critical value. |
| US09575473B2 |
Back EMF monitor for motor control
An integrated circuit includes a motor current input voltage-to-current (VI) converter that receives a motor current sensor voltage from a motor and a reference voltage to generate an output current related to a motor's current. A motor current calibration VI converter compensates for errors in the motor current input VI converter and generates a calibration output current based on the reference voltage, wherein the output current and the calibration output current are combined to form an estimate of the motor's current. |
| US09575472B1 |
Automation devices, systems, architectures, and methods for energy management and other applications
An automation system including a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility and an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device, wherein the automation controller includes a compiler configured to take high level rules and information about the peripheral devices and produce at least one program that will respond to data from the peripheral devices and to timer, calendar, clock, and preprogrammed events and a server component that provides the data as input to the at least one program and takes actions based on the output of the program. |
| US09575469B2 |
Wearable wireless electronic device
A wearable wireless electronic device includes a watch dial and a hand module. The hand module includes a first hand and a second hand that are rotatably coupled to the watch dial. The first and second hands are configured to indicate current time and send/receive wireless signals. When the first and second hands rotate relative to the watch dial, the first and second hands are configured to display current time. When the first hand is positioned at a predetermined position substantially perpendicular to the second hand, the first and second hands are configured to send/receive wireless signals. |
| US09575467B2 |
Method for checking the identity of a mechanical watch movement
The mechanical movement includes a checking device which is a passive indicator element. The passive element is fixed to a fixed support portion of the mechanical movement. The passive element may be a strip or a plate fixed to the fixed support portion of a regulating member and configured to vibrate according to one or more clearly defined vibration frequency components following the vibration of the mechanical movement. The vibration frequency components of the strip or plate define an acoustic signature specific to the timepiece to allow the authenticity of the timepiece to be determined by a measurement of the acoustic signature using an acoustic measuring system. |
| US09575463B2 |
Apparatus and method for fast generation of three-dimensional (3D) hologram
An apparatus for generating a hologram that may generate a three-dimensional (3D) hologram pattern at a high speed may include a pattern setting unit to set points for which hologram patterns are to be generated with respect to a one-eighth area of an entire area for which a hologram pattern is to be generated, a calculation unit to calculate pattern values for a plurality of reference points selected with respect to the one-eighth area of the entire area, and to generate a pattern for the one-eighth area using recurrent interpolation, and a pattern duplicating unit to complete a pattern for the entire area by duplicating the generated pattern for the one-eighth area. |
| US09575462B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with process cartridge and toner cartridge detachably mountable therein
An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing including a cover; a process cartridge including a second toner conveying part; a transfer belt; a toner cartridge including a first toner conveying part; a secondary transfer member; and a fixing unit. The cover opens and closes an opening of the main casing by pivotally moving about a pivot axis. The transfer belt and toner cartridge are positioned upward of the process cartridge. The secondary transfer member contacts the one end of the transfer belt. The pivot axis and fixing unit are closer to the one end than to the other end of the transfer belt in the orthogonal direction. The second toner conveying part has a second opening in communication with a first opening of the first toner conveying part. The second opening is opposite the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum in the orthogonal direction. |
| US09575458B2 |
Method for lubricating imaging member by applying lubricant-containing capsules via a non-contact applicator
Methods for lubricating an imaging member include applying lubricant-containing capsules to the surface of the imaging member via a non-contact applicator. The capsules are applied upstream of a cleaning blade after image transfer to another substrate, such that the cleaning blade ruptures the capsules, thereby releasing the lubricant contained therein. |
| US09575457B2 |
Image forming apparatus with operation unit cable
An image forming apparatus has an apparatus body having an image forming portion capable of forming an image based on an image information, an operation unit disposed as a separate body from the apparatus body and operating the apparatus body, and a cable connecting the apparatus body and the operation unit and capable of conducting power. The cable has a length set so that the operation unit does not contact an installation surface on which the apparatus body is supported, according to which a freedom of placement of the operation unit is improved compared to a case where the operation unit is connected via an arm. |
| US09575453B1 |
System and method for controlling media bubble formation in an imaging device
A media path assembly in an imaging device includes a media guide positioned adjacent and transverse to a media path between a first and a second nip, and having a surface forming a bubble chamber across the media path. A bubble sensor and a narrow media sensor are positioned adjacent to the bubble chamber transverse to the media path and aligned with each other. The bubble sensor is operative to indicate formation in the bubble chamber of a bubble in a media sheet exiting the first nip. The narrow media sensor is operative to indicate media size of the media sheet and, when the media sheet is wide media, provide a balancing force to the media sheet relative to a force applied by the bubble sensor to the media sheet so that a leading edge of the media sheet substantially aligns with the second nip when entering the second nip. |
| US09575452B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a light exposure device, a developing device, a fixing unit disposed opposite to the light exposure device relative to the developing device, a sheet supply tray disposed below the developing device, an ejection tray disposed above the developing device and having a sheet receiving surface inclined downward, relative to a horizontal direction, toward the charger, and a sheet conveying path through which a sheet is conveyed from the sheet supply tray to the ejection tray. A lowest end portion of the sheet receiving surface is disposed below an upper end of the charger in the vertical direction. The charger is disposed opposite to the developing device relative to the lowest end portion of the sheet receiving surface. |
| US09575445B2 |
Image formation device and method for starting image formation device
An image formation device includes a power controller that controls transition to an energy-saving mode to reduce power consumption in a standby state and starts up out of the energy-saving mode and a timer in which a timing schedule that starts up the device out of the energy-saving mode is set. The power controller controls the surface temperature of the fixing roller of the image generator to be a temperature lower than the fixing temperature that enables image formation when the image formation device is started up out of the energy-saving mode according to the timing schedule set in the timer. |
| US09575442B2 |
Image fixing apparatus having a heater, a thermosensitive element, and a tension spring configured to bias or urge the thermosensitive element
An image fixing apparatus includes: a heater for heating and fixing a toner image formed on a recording material; a thermosensitive element for sensing heat from the heater; and a tension spring for urging the thermosensitive element toward the heater. |
| US09575441B2 |
Image forming system
An image forming system includes a post-processing unit capable of performing a post-processing on the sheet on which the toner image is formed. The image forming system is capable of executing a transfer cleaning operation to move toner from a transfer member to an image bearer by electrostatic force caused by cleaning bias applied by a bias applying unit in a state where the image bearer and the transfer member are rotated, to clean the transfer member, as an inter-sheet operation performed when at least one of inter-sheet areas that exist on the image bearer during a successive image forming period. The image forming system is capable of executing a rotation stop operation to stop rotation of the image bearer and the transfer member, as the inter-sheet operation when the post-processing is performed, in addition to the transfer cleaning operation, before or after the transfer cleaning operation is executed. |
| US09575439B2 |
Transfer member for electrophotography and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
Provided a transfer member for electrophotography of a multilayer structure including a surface layer having a surface for carrying toner is provided.The surface layer contains a graft type copolymer comprising a polymer having a structure represented by formula (1) as a main chain, and a group containing a structure represented by formula (2) and a group containing a structure represented by formula (3) each bonded to the main chain as a side chain. The surface of the surface layer has a matrix phase formed by a group containing a structure represented by formula (2) and a domain phase formed by a group containing a structure represented by formula (3): |
| US09575438B2 |
Image forming device
An image forming device includes: an image carrier on which a toner image is formed; and a cleaning blade which removes a residual material on the image carrier after the toner image is transferred to a transferred body, wherein the image carrier includes an elastic layer, the cleaning blade is a metallic plate spring, and a tip end of the cleaning blade is pressed against the image carrier by restoring force of the plate spring. |
| US09575435B2 |
Magnetic roll for a dual component development electrophotographic image forming device
An outer sleeve of a magnetic roll for a dual component development electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a series of grooves in an outer surface of the outer sleeve. The grooves extend along an axial length of the sleeve and are spaced circumferentially from each other around the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a diameter of between 15 mm and 30 mm, inclusive. The grooves are present on the outer surface of the outer sleeve at a groove density of at least 1.91 grooves/mm of the circumference of the outer surface of the outer sleeve and a total indicated runout of the outer sleeve is 0.05 mm or less. |
| US09575433B2 |
Image forming apparatus having voltage application to regulating member and developer carrier
An image forming apparatus includes a developing apparatus having a container for storing a developer, a developer carrier in which a surface that carries the developer is configured so that a plurality of dielectric portions is interspersed on a surface formed of a conductor portion, and a regulating member that regulates a layer thickness of the developer that is carried on the developer carrier. In addition, a voltage applying unit applies voltages to the developer carrier and the regulating member. The voltage applying unit has a period, during non-image formation, over which voltages are applied to the developer carrier and the regulating member, with an absolute value of potential difference between the applied voltages being greater than that when a voltage is applied during image formation to at least one of the developer carrier and the regulating member, such that a force generated to attract the developer toward the developer carrier during non-image formation is weaker than that generated during image formation. |
| US09575432B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Laser driver ICs each drive different light-emitting portions and supply a driving current to one or more light-emitting portions among light-emitting portions included in a semiconductor laser. An image forming apparatus controls the laser driver ICs such that the light-emitting portions, which are each driven by a different laser driver IC, emit light beams in sequence, and measures a time interval between two BD signals generated by a BD sensor due to the light beams being incident thereon. Furthermore, based on the measured value, the image forming apparatus controls relative timings according to which the light-emitting portions emit the light beams based on image data. |
| US09575430B2 |
Multi-beam optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus
The optical scanning apparatus correctly measures a gap between the laser beams of a plurality of the laser beams even when the scanning speed is changed and when the variation is caused, rightly corrects the variation. Thus, the optical scanning apparatus inputs detection signal BD_IN to the edge detecting unit at timing at which the laser beam is detected. During the enable gating, the count value representing the distance between the head laser beam and the end laser beam is counted in the counting unit. A plurality of speed ratio parameters according to the degree of changes in the scanning speed is input in the selector. The selector selects any one of the speed ratio parameters and multiplies by the count value by the multiplier, it is controlled to obtain the same multiplication result whichever scanning speed may be selected. |
| US09575424B2 |
Method of producing a toner particle
A toner particle production method has an annealing step that is performed after the preparation of a resin solution by the dissolution or dispersion, in an organic solvent, of a binder resin having a polyester resin as its major component and a block polymer having a polyester segment and a vinyl polymer segment, and the preparation of a resin particle dispersion in which resin particles are dispersed by a dissolution suspension method, wherein, in this annealing step, the temperature of the obtained resin particle dispersion is held for at least 60 minutes in the temperature range from TgA-15 (° C.) to TmA (° C.), and under the conditions of a temperature variation range of not more than 20° C. and a temperature variation rate of not more than 0.35° C./minute. |
| US09575421B2 |
Apparatus for protecting extreme ultra violet mask and extreme ultra violet exposure apparatus including the same
An apparatus for protecting an extreme ultra violet (EUV) mask includes an EUV pellicle that allows EUV light to be radiated through the EUV pellicle onto the EUV mask, the EUV pellicle having a size corresponding to a size of a slit limiting the EUV light to a predetermined portion of the EUV mask, a flexible blocking film at opposite sides of the EUV pellicle in a first direction, the first direction being a scan direction of an exposure apparatus, and a roller unit including a first roller and a second roller, a first portion of the flexible blocking film being wound around the first roller at a first side of the EUV pellicle, and a second portion of the flexible blocking film being wound around the second roller at a second side of the EUV pellicle. |
| US09575411B2 |
Developing apparatus, developing method and storage medium
A developing apparatus includes: a substrate holder that hold a substrate horizontally; a developer nozzle that supplies a developer onto the substrate to form a liquid puddle; a turning flow generation mechanism including a rotary member that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the substrate while the rotary member is being in contact with the liquid puddle thereby to generate a turning flow in the liquid puddle of the developer formed on the substrate; and a moving mechanism for moving the turning flow generation mechanism along a surface of the substrate. The line-width uniformity of a pattern can be improved by forming turning flows in a desired region of the substrate and stirring the developer. |
| US09575406B2 |
Pump system, a carbon dioxide supply system, an extraction system, a lithographic apparatus and a device manufacturing method
An extraction system, including a pump to pump gas along a conduit to a check valve configured to open at an upstream pressure over a certain magnitude, a pressure sensor to generate a signal indicative of a pressure of gas between the pump and the check valve, and a controller configured to generate a stop signal if a signal from the pressure sensor indicates that the pressure of gas between the pump and the check valve is below a certain magnitude. |
| US09575405B2 |
Photo mask and method of manufacturing the same
A photo mask includes a transparent substrate and a mask pattern. The mask pattern is disposed on the transparent substrate. The mask pattern includes a blocking portion for blocking light and a transmitting portion for transmitting the light. The transmitting portion is adjacent to the blocking portion. The blocking portion includes a first blocking layer, a photo guide layer and a second blocking layer. The first blocking layer is disposed on the transparent substrate. The first blocking layer transmits a portion of the light. The first blocking layer includes a plurality of blocking patterns including a first blocking material. The photo guide layer is disposed on the first blocking layer. The photoguide layer guides the transmitted portion of the light to a side surface of the photoguide layer. The second blocking layer reflects the transmitted portion of the light. |
| US09575397B2 |
Optical member driving device and projection image display apparatus
An optical member driving device of the present disclosure includes an optical member for changing an optical path, the optical member having a parallel flat plate shape; a driving mechanism having a movable portion controlled to move in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the optical member by a drive signal, the driving mechanisms being disposed outside the optical member; a connecting member rotatably connecting an end of the optical member and the movable portion of the driving mechanism on two axes orthogonal to each other at a surface center of the optical member; a support portion disposed between the end of the optical member and the movable portion of the driving mechanism, the support portion rotatably pivoting the connecting member; and a controller configured to control the movable portion of the driving mechanism. |
| US09575396B2 |
Electronic device and control method thereof
The disclosure provides an electronic device comprising a projector. The projector comprises: a projection module comprising a lens for projection, and a motor, wherein the motor is operable to rotate the lens of the projection module, in order to adjust an orientation of a projection by the projection module. Meantime, the disclosure also provides a control method for this electronic device. |
| US09575395B2 |
Ceiling hanger
A ceiling hanger includes: a first plate fixed to a ceiling surface; a second plate forming a first rotation axis in the up-down direction after fitted to the first plate, and allowing control in the horizontal direction; a third plate forming a second rotation axis in the front-rear direction after fitted to the second plate, and allowing control in the left-right direction; and a fourth plate fixing a projector, forming a third rotation axis in the left-right direction after fitted to the third plate, and allowing control in the up-down direction. |
| US09575394B1 |
Adaptable camera array structures
A housing structure that can be used for forming a variety of camera arrays is disclosed. The housing structure comprises a plurality of camera retaining elements which can adaptably receive and retain cameras of various sizes and shapes. Adjacent camera retaining elements that form the housing structure are connected to each other via moveable couplings that enable the formation of camera arrays of various sizes and shapes. |
| US09575391B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens comprises, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens unit having a positive refractive power; a second lens unit having a negative refractive power; and a rear unit including at least one lens unit. The intervals between the adjacent lens units vary during zooming. The rear unit has a positive refractive power over the entire zoom range. The second lens unit includes at least three negative lenses, and at least two positive lenses. The materials of all the positive lenses included in the second lens unit are appropriately selected. |
| US09575388B2 |
Electrochromic devices and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is an electrochromic device including a first electrochromic layer, which includes a first nanostructure having first pores and first electrochromic molecules provided on the first nanostructure, on a first electrode, an electrolyte disposed on a top surface of the first electrochromic layer and extending to first recessed portions of the first electrochromic layer, and a second nanostructure disposed on the electrolyte. The first nanostructure may have the first recessed portions in a top surface thereof. The second nanostructure may have second pores therein and second recessed portions in a bottom surface thereof. |
| US09575387B2 |
Polymer stabilizing liquid crystal lens, method for manufacturing the same, display device and electronic product
The present disclosure disclose a polymer stabilizing liquid crystal lens and a method for manufacturing the same, a display device and an electronic product. The polymer stabilizing liquid crystal lens includes a first substrate with a first electrode, a liquid crystal layer and a second substrate with a second electrode. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a plurality of electrode units. A periodic electric field which has voltages varying periodically is generated between the plurality of electrode units and the second electrode. The liquid crystal layer includes polymers and liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules are deflected under action of the periodic electric field before the polymers are stabilized, and are maintained at a deflecting angle after the polymers are stabilized. |
| US09575384B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode includes an electrode base portion extending in a first direction, and a plurality of comb tooth portions extending in a second direction different from the first direction and protruding from the electrode base portion with a certain distance interposed therebetween. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate includes a light-blocking part that reduces intensity of light passing therethrough at a position overlapping with at least one of the center of the comb tooth portion and the center between the adjacent comb tooth portions in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate. |
| US09575380B2 |
Display panel including wiring protection pattern and display device
A display panel includes a first substrate in which a display region and a circuit component mounting region are defined and a second substrate, an end of which is cut to expose the circuit component mounting region. The first substrate includes a plurality of first source wirings formed from the display region to the circuit component mounting region and a wiring protection pattern formed in a region corresponding to the cut end of the second substrate between any adjacent first source wirings. In a cross sectional view, an upper end of the wiring protection pattern is located above an upper end of the first source wirings. |
| US09575378B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device with a pair of substrates which are arranged to face each other with liquid crystal therebetween, columnar spacers having the substantially equal height formed on a liquid-crystal-side surface of one substrate, and the columnar spacers include the columnar spacer which is contact with a liquid-crystal-side surface of another substrate and the columnar spacer which is not contact with the liquid-crystal-side surface of another substrate. |
| US09575377B2 |
Curved liquid crystal display
A curved liquid crystal display including a first substrate having a curved shape; a plurality of gate lines and data lines on the first substrate; a plurality of thin film transistors connected to the gate lines and data lines; a plurality of color filters on the thin film transistors; a plurality of pixel electrodes and common electrodes on the plurality of color filters, the plurality of pixel electrodes and common electrodes overlapping with each other with a first insulating layer therebetween; a second substrate having a curved shape, the second substrate facing the first substrate; vertical alignment layers on inner sides of the first substrate and the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer between the vertical alignment layers, wherein liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned to be vertical to surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate when an electric field is not formed. |
| US09575375B2 |
Liquid-crystal display having slits in electrodes to increase aperture ratio and improve transmittance
Provided is a liquid-crystal display (LCD) device. The LCD device includes: one pair of substrates; and a pixel electrode and a common electrode that are provided on the one pair of substrates to respectively face each other, wherein the pixel electrode includes: one pair of plate electrodes in which a horizontal slit and a plurality of first vertical slits that cross the horizontal slit are formed and that are divided by the horizontal slit and surround both sides of a cross pattern formed by the horizontal slit and the plurality of first vertical slits; and a plurality of fine branch electrodes that are obliquely formed to be connected to the plate electrode at a portion of the cross pattern including a point at which the horizontal slit and the first vertical slit cross each other, wherein one pixel region includes a first subpixel area and a second subpixel area that are divided by the horizontal slit. |
| US09575370B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An array substrate (20) is formed with a plurality of first grooves (28a), in a sealant region (SL), being apart from each other in the width direction of the sealant region (SL) and extending along a sealant (40) and a plurality of second grooves (28b), in the region where a common transition electrode (26c) is formed, being apart from each other in the length direction of the sealant region (SL) and extending along the width direction of the sealant region (SL). |
| US09575363B2 |
Method for improving optical response and liquid crystal display device using same
In a liquid crystal display device 1 including a liquid crystal cell 2 having a liquid crystal layer, a first polarization plate 3 and a second polarization plate 4, and an optical compensation plate 5, when a differential coefficient of the amount of transmitted light I1 with respect to a time t when the driving voltage is turned off from on in a case in which the optical compensation plate 5 is not disposed is represented by ∂I1/∂t, and a differential coefficient of the amount of transmitted light I2 with respect to the time t when the driving voltage is turned off from on in a case in which the optical compensation plate 5 is disposed is represented by ∂I2/∂t, a phase difference in the liquid crystal layer and a phase difference in the optical compensation plate 5 are optically designed to satisfy a relationship of |∂I2/∂t|>|∂I1/∂t|. |
| US09575362B2 |
Backlight assembly comprising a plurality of first and second color patterns and display device including the same
A backlight assembly and a display device including the same are provided. A backlight assembly includes a light source portion including a plurality of light sources having a first light source and a second light source, the second light source emits light of a color that is different from a color of light emitted from the first light source, and a reflective member that is adjacent to an edge portion of the light source portion, wherein the reflective member includes a base layer including a first region that faces the first light source and a second region that faces the second light source, and a plurality of color patterns including a plurality of first color patterns that are positioned on the first region of the base layer and a plurality of second color patterns that are positioned on the second region of the base layer, wherein the plurality of first color patterns and the plurality of second color patterns have different colors. |
| US09575358B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel, display device and process for patterning quantum dot layer
A liquid crystal display panel, in which pixel units are provided on the liquid crystal display panel, each pixel unit includes sub-pixel units displaying different colors, at a position of the apposed substrate or the array substrate corresponding to the sub-pixel unit of at least one color in each pixel unit, a monochromatic quantum dot layer is disposed. This liquid crystal display panel has increased color gamut of the liquid crystal display panel, enhanced color saturation, increased display quality, and increased life of quantum dots. A display device and a process for patterning the monochromatic quantum dot layer are also provided. |
| US09575352B2 |
Addressable switchable transparent display
A display system includes a switchable display screen comprising a first transparent substrate, a first transparent conductive layer disposed upon the first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, and a second transparent conductive layer disposed upon the second transparent substrate. The display screen further includes a polymer-stabilized cholesteric texture layer and spacer elements disposed between and in contact with the first transparent conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The display screen comprises a plurality of addressable regions, each region capable of being switched from a transparent state to a diffuse state. |
| US09575351B2 |
Touch sensor integrated type display device
A touch sensor integrated type display device includes gate lines and data lines that cross over each other, pixel electrodes, first electrodes, second electrodes and shielding portions. The pixel electrodes are formed in areas defined by crossings of the gate lines and the data lines. The first electrodes at least partially overlap the pixel electrodes and are formed in parallel with the data lines. The second electrodes are formed in parallel with the gate lines between the pixel electrodes neighboring each other with the gate lines interposed therebetween. The shielding portions extend from the second electrodes in the spaces formed by the first electrodes arranged with the data lines interposed therebetween. |
| US09575341B2 |
Solid state LIDAR circuit with waveguides tunable to separate phase offsets
A solid state photonics circuit having a liquid crystal (LC) layer for beam steering. The LC layer can provide tuning of an array of waveguides by controlling the application of voltage to the liquid crystal. The application of voltage to the liquid crystal can be controlled to perform beam steering with the light signal based on different tuning in each of the waveguides of the array. The waveguides are disposed in a substrate having an oxide or other insulating layer with an opening. The opening in the oxide layer exposes a portion of a path of the array of waveguides. The waveguides are exposed to the liquid crystal through the oxide opening, which allows the voltage changes to the liquid crystal to tune the optical signals in the waveguides. |
| US09575333B2 |
Colored contact lenses and method of making the same
The invention is directed to a colored contact lens designed for making a wearer's eyes to appear larger, bolder, and enhanced color while giving the wearers eyes a very natural appearance. A colored contact lens of the invention comprising a first print of a first color and a second print of a second color, wherein the first print consisting of an annular ring of gradient dot matrix, wherein the second print comprises a limbal ring and an outer starburst pattern, wherein the limbal ring surrounds the outer starburst pattern, wherein the annular ring and the limbal ring have a substantially identical outer diameter and the annular ring has a larger inside diameter than the limbal ring, the first color and the second color are different or the same, wherein the first print and the second print are concentric with the center of contact lens. |
| US09575327B2 |
Stereoscopic image viewing eyewear and method for controlling the viewing of stereoscopic images based on a detected distance between a display device and the eyewear
Stereoscopic image viewing eyewear includes a left-eye shutter that controls a visual field of a viewer's left eye, a right-eye shutter that controls a visual field of a viewer's right eye, a distance determiner that detects a distance between the display device and the eyewear and determines whether the detected distance is smaller than a predetermined value, and a shutter controller that controls open and close of the left-eye shutter and the right-eye shutter based on the determined result of the distance determiner to cause the viewer to view the stereoscopic image when the detected distance is larger than a predetermined value, and to cause the viewer to view a non-stereoscopic image when the detected distance is smaller than the predetermined value. |
| US09575326B2 |
Stereoscopic image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes a display panel displaying an image, and a switching panel operated in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional mode. A viewer perceives the image of the display panel as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image depending on the mode of the switching panel. The switching panel may include first and second substrates facing each other, a first electrode layer provided on the first substrate, a second electrode layer provided on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates. One of the first and second electrode layers may include first and second electrodes provided on a specific plane, and two opposite inner sides of the first and second electrodes may be configured in such a way that lines extending therefrom converge on at least one first position. |
| US09575325B2 |
Two-dimensional wavelength-beam-combining of lasers using first-order grating stack
A method and apparatus for two-dimensional wavelength beam combining of laser sources. In one example, an external cavity multi-wavelength laser includes an array of laser emitters each producing an optical beam having a specified wavelength, a grating stack comprising a plurality of first-order diffraction gratings arranged linearly in a first dimension, and a dispersive element. The laser further includes a cylindrical telescope that images the optical beams from the array of laser emitters onto the grating stack. A first cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams in a second dimension forming a first region of overlap at the grating stack. A second cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams from the grating stack in the first dimension forming a second region of overlap at the dispersive element. The dispersive element transmits a multi-wavelength output beam comprising the spatially overlapped optical beams from the array of laser emitters. |
| US09575321B2 |
Content presentation in head worn computing
A method includes receiving a personally selected geo-spatial location from a sender of digital content for the presentation of the digital content in a recipient's head-worn see-through display, and presenting, based on data indicative that the user is near the geospatial location, the digital content in the head-worn see-through display such that the digital content is perceived by the recipient to be associated with a physical attribute proximate the geo-spatial location. |
| US09575320B2 |
Ocular video display device enabling natural field of view
A video display device is provided that naturally displays a video without blocking an observer's field of view, and includes the following: a display optical system that displays a video; an ocular optical system that guides video light emitted from the display optical system to the optical pupil of an observer; and a support that supports the ocular optical system upon the light path of video light emitted from the display optical system. The support includes a first support plate and a second support plate that face each other, and the ocular optical system is located between the first support plate and the second support plate. An opening through which the observer's line of sight passes is formed at least partially between the first support plate and the second support plate. |
| US09575315B2 |
Display mirror assembly
A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield. |
| US09575302B2 |
Stimulated emission depletion microscopy
Aberrations in stimulated emission depletion microscopy are corrected using an adaptive optics approach using a metric which combines both image sharpness and brightness. Light modulators (22,32) are used to perform aberration correction in one or more of the depletion path (10), the excitation path (12), or the emission path from sample to detector. |
| US09575301B2 |
Device for a microscope stage
Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput. |
| US09575296B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup device including the same
A zoom lens is provided which has a wide angle of view and is bright and in which the entire lens system is compact and which can achieve high optical characteristic over the entire zoom range. |
| US09575293B2 |
Photographic lens and photographic apparatus using the same
A photographic lens and a photographic apparatus including the same are provided. The photographic lens includes a first lens including a convex surface toward an object side and having a positive refractive power, a second lens including a concave surface toward an image side and having a negative refractive power, a third lens having a positive refractive power or a negative refractive power, a fourth lens having a positive refractive power or a negative refractive power, a fifth lens including a convex surface toward the image side and having a positive refractive power, and a sixth lens including a concave aspherical shape with respect to an optical axis toward the image side and having a negative refractive power. The first to sixth lenses may be sequentially arranged from the object side to the image side. |
| US09575290B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus equipped with the imaging lens
An imaging lens is constituted of five lenses, including, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens having a positive refractive power, which is of a meniscus shape having a convex surface toward the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power and a concave surface toward the image side; a third lens having a positive refractive power, which is of a meniscus shape having a convex surface toward the object side; a fourth lens having a negative refractive power; and a fifth lens having a negative refractive power and at least one inflection point on the surface thereof toward the image side. Predetermined conditional formulae are satisfied. |
| US09575285B2 |
Lens holder driving apparatus
A lens holder driving apparatus is disclosed. The lens holder driving apparatus includes a housing, an auto-focusing lens holder driving portion and a fixed portion. The auto-focusing lens holder driving portion includes an octagonal lens holder with a focusing coil, a positioning magnet mounted on the lens holder, a magnet holder with a magnet group including a bracket having a sidewall, a pillar projecting at the four corners of the sidewall of the bracket, and a first notch disposed at the pillar face to the focusing coil. The fixed portion includes a base having a sidewall, a FPC mounted on the sidewall of the base and a Hall element electrically connecting with the FPC inserted into the first notch for detecting the position of the positioning magnet so as to adjust the position of the lens holder. |
| US09575284B2 |
Driving member, linear driving device, camera device, and electronic device
A driving member, a linear driving device using the driving member, a camera device and an electronic device are provided. The driving member (10) includes a deformable thin plate (16) having a flexible thin plate (12) capable of expanding and contracting itself under the applied voltage and an elastic thin plate (14) having at least one side thereof rigidly fixed to the flexible thin plate (12) and a driving shaft (30) having its one axial end rigidly fixed to the deformable thin plate (16) and being capable of undergoing displacements that are operatively associated with the deformation of the deformable thin plate (16), wherein the driving shaft (30) has the lateral side portion (32) of the one axial end thereof rigidly fixed to the corresponding inner side portion of a through hole formed on the deformable thin plate (16). |
| US09575282B2 |
Apparatus for fixing solid immersion lens
Provided is an apparatus for fixing a solid immersion lens (SIL) in an optical system. The apparatus includes a first adapter; a second adapter screw-coupled to the inner surface of the first adapter and screw-coupled to the outer surface of a third adapter to pressurize a first O-ring; the third adapter screw-coupled to the inner surfaces of the second adapter and a fourth adapter; the fourth adapter screw-coupled to the outer surface of the third adapter to pressurize a second O-ring; the first and second O-rings elastically fixing an outer surface of a barrel of an infrared ray (IR) objective lens; and an SIL holder mounting the SIL onto the first adapter. |
| US09575279B1 |
Optic termination box
Optical termination box comprises: a base (10) articulating a lid (20) and fixing trays (80) for accommodating optical fiber splices and extensions; a panel (40) removably mounted on an opening (13) of a peripheral wall portion (12) of the base (10) and provided with cable openings (41) for passage of respective optical cables and connection openings (42) housing a respective fixed connector (50) for receiving a movable connector (55) of a respective approach cable (CA); a base plate (60) removably secured within the base (10) and carrying the anchoring means (65) and a support (70) that articulates trays (80), wherein the base plate (60), the anchoring means (65), the support (70) and the trays (80) form an internal module (IM) removable from the base (10) together with the panel (40) without dismantling of the anchors and optical connections between distribution cables (CD) and any extension cables (EC) and approach cables (CA). |
| US09575275B2 |
Fiber optic modules with pushrod activated latches and apparatuses for releasably attaching fiber optic modules to equipment
An apparatus for releasably attaching a fiber optic module to equipment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a latch configured to releasably attach the fiber optic module to equipment. The apparatus further comprises a pushrod configured to deactivate the latch from a back end of the fiber optic module, wherein the fiber optic module is released from the equipment. In one embodiment, the fiber optic module is a high-density fiber optic module. The pushrod may be further configured to maintain a position of the latch. The pushrod may also be further configured to be positioned in a groove disposed in a side of a main body of the fiber optic module, wherein the pushrod and the groove are configured to prevent the pushrod from binding while moving within the groove. |
| US09575273B2 |
Splitter module holder and coupler for adding additional splitter modules to optical fiber distribution hub
A splitter module holding system and fiber distribution hub cabinet and related method are provided. The splitter module holding system is configured to add additional splitter modules to a fiber distribution hub cabinet that includes preinstalled optical fiber splitter modules. The splitter module holding system is configured to receive at least four splitter modules and to support the at least four splitter modules from a surface within a fiber distribution hub cabinet that is distinct and separate from the position and location of the preinstalled optical fiber splitter modules. |
| US09575272B2 |
Manufacturing and using ferrule-less multi-fiber connectors
A connection system includes an optical connector assembly; and an optical plug. The connector assembly includes a stack of gel-groove assemblies and a spring assembly mounted within a housing. Each of the gel-groove assemblies includes a first gel block at a first axial end, a second gel block at a second axial end, and a fiber mating region between the first and second gel blocks. The optical plug including sub-modules over-molded over arrays (e.g., ribbons) of the optical fibers. Each sub-module defines notches for receiving latches of the spring assembly when the optical plug is coupled to the first axial end of the optical adapter. Bare optical fibers extend from the plug, pass through the first axial gel block, and enter the fiber mating region when the plug is coupled to the adapter. |
| US09575269B2 |
Active optical cable assembly
Described are embodiments of apparatuses and systems of an active optical cable assembly including a connector plug configured to resist stress to optical fibers of the cable assembly. The connector plug may include a light engine mounted on a substrate, a jumper mounted on the substrate and configured to convey optical signals between an optical fiber and the light engine, and a fiber holder assembly configured to constrain motion of the optical fiber, the fiber holder assembly including a fiber holder on a first side of the substrate and a fiber holder cover on a second side of the substrate such that the optical fiber is fixedly held between the fiber holder and the fiber holder cover. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09575267B1 |
Passive alignment of optical components using optical fiber stubs
Embodiments herein include an optical system that passively aligns an optical component (e.g., a fiber array connector, lens array, lens body, etc.) with a semiconductor substrate using trenches that mate with optical fiber stubs. In one embodiment, the trenches are etched into the semiconductor substrate which provides support to optical devices (e.g., lasers, lens arrays, photodetectors, etc.) that transmit optical signals to, or receive optical signals from, the optical component. An underside of the optical component is etched to include at least two grooves (e.g., V-grooves) for receiving optical fiber stubs. In one embodiment, the optical fiber stubs are a portion of optical fiber that includes the core and cladding but not the insulative jacket. Once the fiber stubs are attached to the grooves, the fiber stubs are disposed into the trenches in the semiconductor substrate thereby passively aligning the optical component to the optical device on the substrate. |
| US09575266B2 |
Molded glass lid for wafer level packaging of opto-electronic assemblies
An opto-electronic assembly is provided comprising a substrate (generally of silicon or glass) for supporting a plurality of interconnected optical and electrical components. A layer of sealing material is disposed to outline a defined peripheral area of the substrate. A molded glass lid is disposed over and bonded to the substrate, where the molded glass lid is configured to create a footprint that matches the defined peripheral area of the substrate. The bottom surface of the molded glass lid includes a layer of bonding material that contacts the substrate's layer of sealing material upon contact, creating a bonded assembly. In one form, a wafer level assembly process is proposed where multiple opto-electronic assemblies are disposed on a silicon wafer and multiple glass lids are molded in a single sheet of glass that is thereafter bonded to the silicon wafer. |
| US09575264B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a collar body with a defined interior space extending from a first end to a second end, a backbone with a main body portion and a cover portion extending from the main body portion, the backbone having a defined interior space extending from a first end to a second end, and a boot with a defined interior space extending from a first end to a second end, a portion of the defined interior space including a convex interior wall. The collar body is inserted into at least a portion of the backbone defined space and the backbone is inserted into at least a portion of the boot defined space. The boot interior wall is configured to resist against the backbone cover portion to clamp an optical fiber in the backbone main body portion. |
| US09575262B2 |
Optical receptacle
According to an aspect of the invention, an optical receptacle, comprising: a fiber stub including an optical fiber, a ferrule, and an elastic member, the optical fiber including cladding and a core for conducting light, the ferrule having a through-hole fixing the optical fiber, the elastic member being filled into the through-hole of the ferrule with the optical fiber; and a holder holding the fiber stub, the through-hole of the ferrule including a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, the optical fiber being disposed in the small diameter portion, the large diameter portion being provided on a side opposite to a side to be optically connected to a plug ferrule, the optical fiber being disposed in the small diameter portion inside the through-hole of the ferrule over the entire region of the optical fiber, the elastic member having substantially the same refractive index as the core, being filled into the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion, and being polished to cause at least a portion of the elastic member to be a flat surface portion at an end surface of the fiber stub on the side opposite to the side to be optically connected to the plug ferrule. By disposing the optical fiber in the small diameter portion of the through-hole of the ferrule over the entire region of the optical fiber, the breaking and/or cracking of the optical fiber and the decrease of the coupling efficiency can be prevented. Further, by setting the end surface of the elastic member filled into the through-hole of the ferrule to be a flat surface, the decrease of the coupling efficiency due to reflections is prevented without performing processing of the optical fiber end surface; and economic production is made possible. |
| US09575258B2 |
Switching patch cord fibers
Provided herein are switching methods and systems for switching a patch cord fiber in a fiber management system having non-tensioned patch cord fibers, from a first adapter to a second adapter. Switching comprises disconnecting the patch cord fiber connector from the first adapter; distinguishing the disconnected patch cord fiber, at a region removed from the connector, from other patch cord fibers according to a position of the patch cord fiber in the fiber management system; pulling the distinguished patch cord fiber at the handling region to receive and clasp the disconnected connector, wherein the pulling is carried out to disentangle the pulled patch cord fiber from the other patch cord fibers; and connecting the clasped connector to the second adapter. The patch cord fibers are thus manages at edges thereof only, with no slack control required. |
| US09575256B2 |
Optical reflector based on a directional coupler and a coupled optical loop
An optical device includes an optical reflector based on a coupled-loopback optical waveguide. In particular, an input port, an output port and an optical loop in arms of the optical reflector are optically coupled to a directional coupler. The directional coupler evanescently couples an optical signal between the arms. For example, the directional coupler may include: a multimode interference coupler and/or a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI). Moreover, destructive interference during the evanescent coupling determines the reflection and transmission power coefficients of the optical reflector. |
| US09575255B2 |
Wavelength division multiplexer array
In an example embodiment, a WDM array includes an optical filter, N common ports, N reflection ports, and N pass ports. The N common ports may be positioned to a first side of the optical filter. N may be greater than or equal to two. The N reflection ports may be positioned to the first side of the optical filter. The N pass ports may be positioned to a second side of the optical filter opposite the first side. |
| US09575253B2 |
Method and system for grating couplers incorporating perturbed waveguides
Methods and systems for grating couplers incorporating perturbed waveguides are disclosed and may include in a semiconductor photonics die, communicating optical signals into and/or out of the die utilizing a grating coupler on the die, where the grating coupler comprises perturbed waveguides. The perturbed waveguides may include rows of continuous waveguides with non-discrete scatterers extending throughout a length of said perturbed waveguides a variable width along their length. The grating coupler may comprise a single polarization grating coupler comprising perturbed waveguides and a non-perturbed grating. The grating coupler may comprise a polarization splitting grating coupler (PSGC) that includes two sets of perturbed waveguides at a non-zero angle, or a plurality of non-linear rows of discrete shapes. The PSGC may comprise discrete scatterers at an intersection of the sets of perturbed waveguides. The grating coupler may comprise individual scatterers between the perturbed waveguides. |
| US09575249B2 |
Method of making a metal grating in a waveguide and device formed
A method of making a grating in a waveguide includes forming a waveguide material over a substrate, the waveguide material having a thickness less than or equal to about 100 nanometers (nm). The method further includes forming a photoresist over the waveguide material and patterning the photoresist. The method further includes forming a first set of openings in the waveguide material through the patterned substrate and filling the first set of openings with a metal material. |
| US09575248B2 |
Optical fiber for the reduction of stimulated Brillouin scattering in high-power applications
The invention relates to an optical fiber comprising a core and a cladding, wherein the core is made of a glass composition having a near-zero electrostrictive coefficient M11, to reduce the effect of stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS). The invention further relates to a compensation fiber segment for connection to a silica optical fiber, the compensation fiber segment being made of a glass composition having an electrostrictive coefficient that opposes that of the silica optical fiber so that an acoustic wave transmitted to compensation fiber segment from the silica optical fiber will generate an acoustic wave within the compensation fiber segment that is about 180 degrees out of phase with the that acoustic wave transmitted from the silica optical fiber, thereby minimizing the effect of stimulated Brillouin Scattering. |
| US09575245B2 |
Optical fiber
An optical fiber containing an alkali metal and capable of reducing Rayleigh scattering loss is provided. An optical fiber has a core and a cladding made of silica glass and enclosing the core. The cladding contains fluorine and has a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the core. The core contains first group dopants selected from the group of Na element, K element, or a compound thereof at an average concentration of 0.2 ppm or more and 10 ppm or less. The core also contains second group dopants for reducing the viscosity of silica glass and having a diffusion coefficient of 1×10−12 cm2/s or more and smaller than the diffusion coefficient of the first group dopants, by an average concentration of 0.2 ppm or more at a temperature of 2000° C. to 2300° C. |
| US09575241B2 |
Tiled display
A tiled display is disclosed herein. The tiled display includes: a plurality of unit display units, wherein each of the unit display units includes: a panel assembly including a curved surface part of which both ends are curved surfaces; a light transmitting member disposed in a transparent plate shape and covering the curved surface part of the panel assembly; and a light guide member including a recess part recessed at one side thereof where the light guide member is combined with the light transmitting member, positioned adjacent to the curved surface part of the panel assembly, and positioned toward a direction in which an image is displayed from the panel assembly. |
| US09575239B2 |
Spread illuminating apparatus
Light that enters from an incident light surface of a light guide plate includes not only light which is guided toward the forward direction in front but also light whose optical path is modified by optical elements while progressing through the inside of the light guide plate, and thus wasteful emission from an emitting surface is inhibited. Lights are guided in a longitudinal direction of the optical elements. Light is diffused in the course over which the lights are guided and the region to which they are guided. The lights are guided by the optical elements in the longitudinal direction of the optical elements, and thereby light diffusivity is exhibited in the region in which the optical elements are provided while controlling the directivity of the light. |
| US09575236B2 |
Illumination apparatus with curved light guide
An illumination apparatus includes a light source that emits light, a light guide member that has a base end surface onto which the light emitted from the light source is incident and a tip surface which is an opposite end surface to the base end surface, and guides the light from the base end surface towards the tip surface, and an attachment member that has a light shield property and an opening corresponding to a shape of the light guide member and accommodates the light guide member in the opening. The light guide member is curved so that a distance between the light guide member and the opening is gradually increased towards the tip surface-side in a longitudinal direction of the light guide member. |
| US09575232B2 |
Method for producing optically anisotropic laminated body
Provided is a method capable of producing an optically anisotropic laminated body in which defects are hardly generated so that light leakage is scarcely caused. This method is a method for producing an optically anisotropic laminated body including a substrate, an oriented film, and an optically anisotropic film, and has steps of: applying, to a surface of the substrate, an oriented-film-forming composition including an oriented-film-forming material and a solvent and having a viscosity of 4 mPa·s or less at 25° C., and drying the resultant to form the oriented film; and then applying, onto the resultant oriented film, an optically-anisotropic-layer-forming composition including a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and drying the resultant to orient the polymerizable liquid crystal compound vertically to the surface of the substrate to form the optically anisotropic film. |
| US09575231B2 |
Infrared filter
An infrared filter includes a transparent substrate, and an infrared-filtering multilayer film. The infrared-filtering multilayer film is coated on the transparent substrate, and the infrared-filtering multilayer film includes a plurality of the first kind of film layers, a plurality of the second kind of film layers, a plurality of the third kind of film layers and a plurality of the fourth kind of film layers, wherein the four kinds of film layers are arranged in order of gradient refractive indexes. At least two kinds of film layers are made of composite materials. |
| US09575229B2 |
Article having a plurality of optical structures
An article has optical structures disposed on a base material element. The optical structures include lenticular lens structures and discrete coloring elements having distinct color regions. The lenticular lens structure has several lens layers. The lenticular lens structure may have any of a variety of cross-sectional shapes. The article has a different appearance when an observer views the article at various angles. The appearance may differ in terms of coloring scheme. |
| US09575228B2 |
Display device including a color conversion layer
A display device includes a display panel, a backlight unit and a color conversion layer. The color conversion layer includes light emitting particles and metal particles. The light emitting particles are configured to receive a first light and to generate a second light having a wavelength different from the first light. The metal particles are configured to receive the first light or the second light and to cause a surface plasmon resonance. |
| US09575225B2 |
Step prismatic retro-reflector with improved wide-angle performance
A step prismatic retro-reflector includes a main reflective corner having a shared reflective surface of a geometric single plane, a virtual step surface coming into contact with the shared reflective surface at a right angle, and a plurality of sub reflective corners. Each reflective corner has a pair of independent reflective surfaces coming into contact with each other at a right angle, and arranged along the step surface, wherein the retro-reflector elements are arranged to be alternated such that a corner ratio (l/w) of the sub reflective corners is 1.5 or more, a corner orientation of the main reflective corner deviates at an angle of 10 degrees or more with respect to a point of tangency of an incident plane, a reflection orientation thereof deviates at an angle within 10 degrees, and the corner orientations thereof deviate in the opposite direction to each other. |
| US09575224B2 |
Mirror, projection objective with such mirror, and projection exposure apparatus for microlithography with such projection objective
A mirror (1a; 1a′; 1b; 1b; 1c; 1c′) with a substrate (S) and a layer arrangement configured such that light (32) having a wavelength below 250 nm and incident on the mirror at at least an angle of incidence of between 0° and 30° is reflected with more than 20% of its intensity. The layer arrangement has at least one surface layer system (P′″) having a periodic sequence of at least two periods (P3) of individual layers, wherein the periods (P3) include a high refractive index layer (H′″) and a low refractive index layer (L′″). The layer arrangement has at least one graphene layer. Use of graphene (G, SPL, B) on optical elements reduces surface roughness to below 0.1 nm rms HSFR and/or protects the EUV element against a radiation-induced volume change of more than 1%. Graphene is also employed as a barrier layer to prevent layer interdiffusion. |
| US09575223B2 |
Magnesium mirrors and methods of manufacture thereof
Low density mirrors for optical assemblies and methods of manufacture thereof. In one example, a reflective mirror is formed of a magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate that is single point diamond turned to provide a reflective surface. The magnesium or magnesium alloy substrate is compatible with thin-film finishing processes and/or magnetorheological finishing which may be applied to improve a surface finish of the mirror. |
| US09575213B2 |
Optical filter, and solid-state image pickup device and camera module using the optical filter
The problem of the present invention is to overcome drawbacks of conventional optical filters such as near-infrared cut filters and to provide an optical filter which generates little scatted light even during light absorption and has excellent transmittance property. The optical filter of the present invention is characterized by containing a squarylium-based compound and a compound which absorbs or quenches fluorescence of the squarylium-based compound. The optical filter of the present invention preferably contains a near-infrared absorbing dye containing a squarylium compound (A) and at least one compound (B) selected from the group consisting of a phthalocyanine-based compound (B-1) and a cyanine-based compound (B-2). |
| US09575209B2 |
Remote sensing methods and systems using nonlinear light conversion and sense signal transformation
A system includes a light source and a nonlinear converter optically coupled to and remote from the light source. The nonlinear light converter converts a light pulse received from the light source to a broadened or spectrum-shifted light pulse. The system also includes a sensor in situ with the nonlinear light converter. The sensor performs a sense operation based on the broadened or spectrum-shifted light pulse and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the sense operation. The system also includes an electro-optical interface in situ with the sensor that transforms the electrical signal to an optical signal for conveyance to a signal collection interface. |
| US09575206B2 |
Downhole evaluation with neutron activation measurement
Neutron activation measurement techniques may be used to evaluate various properties of a subterranean well structure. In an example implementation, a logging tool can be positioned within a wellbore, such that neutrons generated by a neutron source are directed towards well structure. In response to the neutrons, the well structure emits gamma rays. A portion of the gamma rays can be detected by a gamma detector. To enhance the well structure's response to neutron activation, the well structure can be constructed of materials that include one or more doping materials. The inclusion of these doping materials can increase the number of gamma rays that are emitted when neutrons are directed into the well structure, and these emitted gamma rays can be more easily identified based on their energy level. |
| US09575202B2 |
Methods and devices for extra-deep azimuthal resistivity measurements
An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter of interest of an earth formation includes a first sub and a second sub positioned along the conveyance device. The first sub and the second sub cooperate to generate at least one main component measurement and only the second sub is configured to generate at least one cross-component measurement. A method includes conveying a first sub and a second sub along a wellbore formed in the earth formation using a conveyance device, using the first sub and the second sub to generate at least one main component measurement, and using only the second sub to generate at least one cross-component measurement. |
| US09575199B2 |
Downhole fluid resistivity sensor systems and methods
Disclosed is a downhole fluid resistivity sensor that includes a ceramic cylinder having a fluid-contacting surface, and at least four metal pins that penetrate a wall of the ceramic cylinder at axially-spaced locations. The pins are bonded to the ceramic to form a pressure seal. The sensor may include a circuit that injects current into a fluid via an outer two of the pins, and measures a resulting voltage via an inner two of the pins. The circuit may also provide an indication of fluid resistivity based at least in part on the resulting voltage. At each of the axially-spaced locations, a set of multiple pins may penetrate the wall to contact the fluid at circumferentially-spaced positions. The fluid-contacting surface may be an inner surface or an outer surface of the ceramic cylinder. A downhole fluid resistivity measurement method is also described. |
| US09575194B2 |
Method apparatus and system for migration noise attenuation and image enhancement
A method for processing seismic data includes receiving seismic data and a velocity model (c(x)) for a plurality of locations (x), scaling a dimension of the seismic data according to the velocity model (c(x)) to provide a velocity normalized seismic data, and generating a final image (S(x)) of the subsurface using the velocity normalized seismic data. The velocity normalized seismic data may be a reverse-time migration image (I(x,ξ)) corresponding to the plurality of locations (x) and a plurality of propagation distance offsets (ξ). The method may also include transforming the reverse-time migration image (I(x,ξ)) for the plurality of selected positions (x) to a wavenumber domain to provide velocity normalized wavenumber data (I(k,ψ)) and suppressing data components corresponding to non-physical or undefined reflection angles to provide enhanced wavenumber data (I′(k,ψ)) and using the enhanced wavenumber data (I′(k,ψ)) to generate the final image (S(x)). A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed herein. |
| US09575188B2 |
Production method of scintillator array
A method for producing a scintillator array comprising fixing a scintillator substrate to a support plate via a double-coated adhesive sheet, at least an adhesive surface thereof to be in contact with the scintillator substrate being thermally peelable; providing the scintillator substrate with lattice-patterned grooves to form pluralities of scintillator cells; filling gaps between the scintillator cells with a liquid hardening reflector resin; curing the liquid hardening reflector resin by heating to form a resin-hardened scintillator cell body; and then peeling the double-coated adhesive sheet from the resin-hardened scintillator cell body by heating. |
| US09575187B2 |
Radiation image detecting device and process for producing the same
The present invention provides a radiation image detecting device which suppresses occurrence of image irregularities and reduction of sharpness by joining a planar light-receiving device and a scintillator panel so that the distance between the planar light-receiving device and the scintillator panel via an adhesive layer is uniform in plane. The present invention also provides a process for producing the radiation image detecting device. The radiation image detecting device includes, in order, a scintillator panel including a support and a scintillator layer on the support, the scintillator layer having a film-thickness distribution; an adhesive layer; and a planar light-receiving device. In the radiation image detecting device, at least one of the support and the planar light-receiving device bends, so that the scintillator panel and the planar light-receiving device are arranged in plane via the adhesive layer at uniform distance. |
| US09575186B2 |
Multi-segment reconstruction
A medical imaging system includes a view transformation component (210) and a segment combiner (212). The transformation component (210) transforms projection data in each view of a plurality of individual segments, which each includes at least one view. The transformed projection data for substantially similar views across the plurality of individual segments have a common radius of rotation. The segment combiner (212) combines the transformed projection data to produce a single data set that includes the transformed projection data for each of the views of each of the plurality of individual segments. |
| US09575185B2 |
Optical spread spectrum detection and ranging
Example implementations may relate to an obstacle detection system. In particular, an example device may include a light emitter, a line-image sensor, and a controller that are mounted on a rotatable component. In an example embodiment, the line-image sensor may receive light signals emitted from the light emitter. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the light emitter and line-image sensor and configured to determine a multipath signal based on the time of flight of the light signal and the position along the line-image sensor at which the line-image sensor received the given reflected light signal. |
| US09575182B2 |
Three-dimensional tomographic imaging camera
A detection apparatus and method for FMCW LIDAR employ signals whose frequencies are modified so that low-cost and low-speed photodetector arrays, such as CCD or CMOS cameras, can be employed for range detection. The LIDAR is designed to measure the range z to a target and includes a single mode swept frequency laser (SFL), whose optical frequency is varied with time, as a result of which, a target beam which is reflected back by the target is shifted in frequency from a reference beam by an amount that is proportional to the relative range z to the target. The reflected target beam is combined with the reference beam and detected by the photodetector array. By first modulating at least one of the target and reference beams such that the difference between the frequencies of the reflected target beam and the reference beam is reduced to a level that is within the bandwidth of the photodetector array, the need for high-speed detector arrays for full-field imaging is obviated. |
| US09575174B2 |
Systems and methods for filtering wingtip sensor information
Systems and methods for providing improved situational awareness for an aircraft while taxiing. An exemplary method generates reflectivity data based on an associated emission at a transceiver located on an aircraft. At a processor, targets are determined if a portion of the generated reflectivity data is greater than a predefined threshold. Then, the analyzed targets are determined as to whether they are within a dynamically defined three-dimensional envelope. The envelope is based on wingtip light module speed and trajectory. On a display device, an indication of the nearest target is presented at the associated range to the nearest target. |
| US09575173B2 |
Image processing device, radar apparatus, image processing method and image processing program
An image processing device which generates an image where a target object can be discriminated from an object other than the target object. An image processor (15), for echo signals read from a sweep memory (14), calculates a ratio of echo signals indicating a predetermined level or higher among the echo signals of a predetermined number of samples, and generates image data having a display element according to the calculated ratio. This ratio indicates a lower value for an object more isolated and a higher value for an object existing as a larger mass. The image processor (15)acquires color values according to the calculated ratio. Since the target object, such as a ship, is an isolated object and the ratio becomes low, the color values indicate red, and since inland is an object existing as a large mass and the ratio becomes high, the color values indicate green. |
| US09575172B2 |
Handheld multi-sensor system for sizing irregular objects
A handheld scanner system for obtaining sizing of an irregularly shaped object. The system includes a housing and an inertial measurement unit configured to record orientation and displacement history of the housing. An optical module includes at least one 3D optical sensor configured to generate a 3D point cloud of information about the object. A radar module includes at least one radar sensor configured to sense spacing between the housing and the object. A processor receives data from the inertial measurement unit, the optical module and the radar module and creates a map representing the object based on the received data. |
| US09575170B2 |
Radar device and target height calculation method
In an in-vehicle radar device, as a vertical azimuth which is an azimuth of a target in a direction perpendicular to a ground surface, a real image vertical azimuth which is an azimuth of a real image existing above ground is calculated from a reflected wave generated when a transmission signal transmitted from a transmission antenna is reflected from the target, and a virtual image vertical azimuth which is an azimuth of a virtual image existing underground is calculated from a reflected wave generated when the transmission signal transmitted from the transmission antenna is reflected from the target and reflected again from the ground surface. Next, in the in-vehicle radar device, an angle difference between the real image vertical azimuth and the virtual image vertical azimuth is calculated, and a height of the target from the ground surface is calculated using the calculated angle difference. |
| US09575168B2 |
Radar apparatus
A radar apparatus is disclosed which includes: a distance detecting part configured to detect, among plural bins, an existence distance bin in which the target object exists, a direction detecting process executing part configured to execute a process of detecting a direction in which the target object exists, with respect to a distance bin other than the existence distance bin detected by the distance detecting part, among plural bins from which relative distances to the target object can be calculated, if a predetermined criterion is met; an existence area detecting part configured to detect, based on an execution result of the direction detecting process executing part, an area in which the target object exists. |
| US09575161B1 |
System for generating virtual radar signatures
The invention relates to a method and system for testing and evaluating a response of an automotive radar system for a specific automotive safety scenario, wherein the method and system generates a simulated reflected radar signature corresponding to at least one virtual target in a specific virtual scenario. The simulated radar signature is generated from one or more of: a pre-recorded real reflected radar signature from at least one real target in a specific real scenario, an analytical representation of a radar target signature from at least one virtual target in a specific virtual scenario. |
| US09575159B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining spread sequence for generating spread spectrum radar signal
A method for transmitting a spread spectrum radar signal stores a plurality of spread sequences. Further, an elevation of a vehicle is measured by the method. Based on the measured elevation of the vehicle, the method selects at least one spread sequence of the plurality of spread sequences, and transmits a spread spectrum radar signal based on the selected at least one spread sequence. Additionally, the method may measure a travel direction of the vehicle, and then select at least one spread sequence based on the measured elevation of the vehicle and the measured travel direction of the vehicle. |
| US09575156B2 |
Spatial recognition of RFID tag placement using antenna multiplexing
A system to determine the placement of multiple RFID tags uses multiple antennae. The RF communication (or NFC) includes read and/or read/write communication with the RFID tags. |
| US09575155B2 |
Ultrasonic location determination
The relative positions of two or more electronic devices can be determined utilizing ultrasonic beacons. Each device can have a unique signature that can be included in the beacon broadcast by that device. A device having an array of ultrasonic detectors can receive a beacon and correlate the beacon received at each detector. The time of arrival then can be used to determine the relative position of the source of the beacon. The signature in that beacon can also be used to determine the identity of the device that broadcast the beacon, in order to determine the identity of the device, or a user of that device, at the determined relative position. The devices can be configured to transmit signals over the air or through a specific transmission medium, such as propagating surface. Further, a dedicated detector array can be used for determining multiple relative positions. |
| US09575140B2 |
Magnetic interference detection system and method
A system and method for tracking an object through a three dimensional space is provided that uses the generation and detection of various magnetic fields to provide three-dimensional location data. The integrity of the generated magnetic fields are monitored against a baseline in order to detect compromise by the unintentional introduction of a foreign metallic or magnetic object in the procedural space. |
| US09575137B2 |
Control apparatus, control method, power supply system, and electric-powered vehicle
A control apparatus includes, for example, an input unit to which a plurality of pieces of voltage information related to a voltage of an electric storage unit upon discharge are input, and a determination unit configured to use the voltage information in an early stage of the discharge and determine the presence or absence of a deterioration of the electric storage unit. |
| US09575133B2 |
Voltage detection device
A controller, a first voltage detector, a second voltage detector, . . . and an nth voltage detector are connected together in series in this order via a common communication line. In ID setting operation, the controller transfers a unique ID of the first voltage detector to the first voltage detector via the communication line, and transfers a unique ID of the (i+1)th voltage detector to the (i+1)th voltage detector via the first to ith voltage detectors and the communication line (where in is a natural number equal to or less than (n−1)). |
| US09575128B2 |
Battery state-of-charge estimation for hybrid and electric vehicles using extended kalman filter techniques
Adaptive estimation techniques to create a battery state estimator to estimate power capabilities of the battery pack in a vehicle. The estimator adaptively updates circuit model parameters used to calculate the voltage states of the ECM of a battery pack. The adaptive estimation techniques may also be used to calculate a solid-state diffusion voltage effects within the battery pack. The adaptive estimator is used to increase robustness of the calculation to sensor noise, modeling error, and battery pack degradation. |
| US09575121B2 |
Off-chip tap interface control with instruction register, multiplexer and buffer
An IC includes an IEEE 1149.1 standard test access port (TAP) interface and an additional Off-Chip TAP interface. The Off-Chip TAP interface connects to the TAP of another IC. The Off Chip TAP interface can be selected by a TAP Linking Module on the IC. |
| US09575118B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising an output driver circuitry, a packaged semiconductor device and associated methods
A semiconductor device comprises a plurality of output pads bondable to an output pin, a plurality of reference pads bondable to a reference pin, and output driver circuitry with a control terminal for receiving a control signal and arranged to drive the plurality of output pads relative to the plurality of reference pads in dependence on the control signal. The output driver circuitry includes driver sections and selection circuitry. Each driver section is arranged to drive an output pad relative to the single reference pad in dependence on a respective section control signal. The reference pads are connected in a one-to-one relationship to the driver sections. The output pads are connected in a one-to-one relationship to the driver sections. The selection circuitry provides the respective section control signals to the driver sections in dependence on at least one selection signal and the control signal. |
| US09575116B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing a capacitive transducer and/or associated electronic circuitry
A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit. |
| US09575110B2 |
Insulation detecting device and insulation detecting method of non-grounded power supply
An insulation detecting device includes a control unit configured to monitor a measurement voltage of a flying capacitor charged through a second path, and in a case where a measurement voltage is about 0 V (zero volt), control a switching of switches, control a charging of the flying capacitor through a third path and a measuring of a charged voltage of the flying capacitor charged through the third path, and measure a first measurement voltage in a first time after the switching to the third path and a second measurement voltage in a second time different from the first time, and a calculating unit configured to calculate a ground fault resistance formed between a direct-current power supply and a ground based on the first measurement voltage and the second measurement voltage. |
| US09575105B1 |
Systems and methods for low power time-domain measurement of complex impedance
Various embodiments of the invention enable low-power accurate measurement of complex impedance at a range of frequencies of interest to determine a frequency response of a test sample. The system requires only a few external precision components that are not integrated into a microprocessor, thereby, providing a low-cost alternative to existing designs. In certain embodiments, low-power operation is accomplished by utilizing a simplified digital signal processing scheme that requires only a small number of ADC samples. Measurement accuracy is achieved by a digital conversion to baseband that does not suffer from channel matching issues and by utilizing a single analog path. |
| US09575104B2 |
Estimation of resistance in electrical machines
In an electrical machine which has unidirectional excitation applied to its windings, the mean values of voltage and current can be computed from the instantaneous phase voltage and current by the use of, for example, low-pass filters (in either the analogue or digital domain). The value of winding resistance can then be calculated by dividing the mean voltage by the mean current. This avoids the cost, fragility and potential inaccuracy of conventional temperature sensors, and provides the controller with an ongoing estimate of winding temperature. |
| US09575095B2 |
Low power high resolution oscillator based voltage sensor
Systems and methods for sensing voltage on a chip are described herein. In one embodiment, a voltage sensor comprises a voltage-controlled oscillator coupled to a voltage being sensed, and a plurality of transition detectors, wherein each of the transition detectors is coupled to a different location on the oscillator, and wherein each of the transition detectors is configured to count a number of transitions at the respective location over a time period. The voltage sensor also comprises an adder configured to add the numbers of transitions from the transition detectors to generate an output value that is approximately proportional to the voltage. |
| US09575093B2 |
System for the combined, probe-based mechanical and electrical testing of MEMS
A system for testing MEMS-structures includes a microforce sensor, two or more multi-axis micropositioning units, at least one electrical probe and a sample holder on which a MEMS-structure is mounted. At least one of the multi-axis micropositioning units is motorized and at least one additional micropositioning unit is equipped with at least one electrical probe to apply electrical signals or to measure electrical signals at one or multiple locations on the MEMS structure. The system with the aforementioned components allows a combined electrical and probe-based mechanical testing of MEMS-structures. |
| US09575092B2 |
Vibrating device for positioning a miniaturized piece in a testing accommodation, and positioning method
An embodiment of a device for positioning a miniaturized piece, including: a positioning structure, which forms a first cavity, designed to receive with play the miniaturized piece, and a second cavity communicating with the first cavity; at least one electrical-contact terminal, facing the second cavity and electrically coupleable to an electronic testing device, designed to carry out an electrical test on the miniaturized piece; and an actuator device, which causes a vibration of the positioning structure, the vibration being such that the miniaturized piece translates, in use, towards the second cavity, until it penetrates at least in part into the second cavity. |
| US09575090B2 |
Force measurement with real-time baseline determination
An atomic force microscope (AFM) and corresponding method to provide low force (sub-20 pN) AFM control and mechanical property measurement is provided. The preferred embodiments employ real-time false deflection correction/discrimination by adaptively modifying the drive ramp to accommodate to deflection artifacts. |
| US09575089B1 |
Adaptive phase delay adjustment for MEMS sensors
Various embodiments of the invention allow to cancel demodulation phase error. In certain embodiments, cancellation is accomplished by determining the phase delay of a drive front end signal that is in phase with an undesired signal and digitally adjusting the demodulation signal with a calibrated signal. The phase delay may be adaptively compensated during regular circuit operation, only at predetermined times, or during a factory calibration. |
| US09575085B2 |
Automatic analysis device
In an automatic analysis device, when an external force acts on a probe guard 26 in a horizontal direction, the probe guard 26 moves in a direction escaping from the external force around a center portion 47 of a test body container installing mechanism 1, and the probe guard 26 is separated from a fixed position. An outer circumferential wall 29 of the probe guard 26 invades a test body sampling mechanism track 28, and thus a risk that a sampling nozzle 23 of a test body sampling mechanism 5 invades the test body container installing mechanism 1 is avoided by the outer circumferential wall 29. When the probe guard 26 is separated from the fixed position, this is detected, and thus the operation of the test body sampling mechanism 5 and the test body container installing mechanism 1 is stopped. |
| US09575081B2 |
Device and methods for detecting analytes in saliva
The invention provides a device for detecting drugs of abuse or other compounds in saliva. The invention thus provides a device for detecting the presence of one or more analytes in a saliva sample, comprising: (a) One or more pre-treatment regions for specifically or non-specifically removing at least a part of the fraction of the saliva sample interfering with detection of the one or more analytes; and (b) A detection region comprising a biosensor surface, the surface comprising: molecules capable of specifically binding the one or more analytes; or the one or more analytes and/or analyte analogues. |
| US09575079B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring cholesterol
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for effectively measuring cholesterol using a small amount of blood. The apparatus for measuring cholesterol includes a cartridge where an upper case having a sample transferring membrane is movably coupled to a lower case having a sample measuring membrane; a cartridge accommodation unit configured to accommodate the cartridge therein; a memory configured to store therein setting information for sample measurement; and a controller configured to align the membranes of the upper case and the lower case with each other, by horizontally moving the lower case of the cartridge, according to the stored setting information, and configured to contact the membranes of the upper case and the lower case with each other, by vertically moving the upper case for sample transfer on each alignment position. |
| US09575078B2 |
Method for hemostasis testing
A sample testing cartridge is usable to perform a variety of tests on a visco-elastic sample, such hemostasis testing on a whole blood or blood component sample. The cartridge includes a sample processing portion that is in fluid communication with a sample retention structure. A suspension, such as a beam, arm, cantilever or similar structure supports or suspends the sample retention portion relative to the sample processing portion in a unitary structure. In this manner, the sample retention portion may be placed into dynamic excitation responsive to excitation of the cartridge and correspondingly dynamic, resonant excitation of the sample contained within the sample retention portion, while the sample processing portion remains fixed. Observation of the excited sample yields data indicative of hemostasis. The data may correspond to hemostasis parameters such as time to initial clot formation, rate of clot formation, maximum clot strength and degree of clot lysis. |
| US09575074B2 |
Method for evaluating atherosclerotic lesion, and kit
The present invention provides a method and a means for evaluating atherosclerotic lesions by identifying a protein (marker protein) group, the expression level of which varies according to the progression of the atherosclerotic lesion, and using the proteins. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for evaluating atherosclerotic lesions, comprising the steps of detecting a marker protein exhibiting an expression pattern (expression variation) characteristic at a specific disease stage of atherosclerotic lesions in a subject, and evaluating the atherosclerotic lesions in the subject based on the detection result. |
| US09575072B2 |
Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of gelsolin in renal failure
The invention is directed, in part, to the use of gelsolin to diagnose, monitor, and treat subjects with renal failure (e.g., chronic renal failure subjects on dialysis). |
| US09575068B2 |
Method and system for detecting a target within a population of molecules
A method of detecting a target within a population of molecules comprising: contacting a plurality of labeled probe molecules with the population of molecules potentially containing a target of the probe molecules; acquiring a probe specific signal emitted by said labeled probe molecules that bound to said target together with a background signal; preferentially modulating said probe specific signal by at least one of modulating said acquisition and modulating an emission of said probe specific signal; and detecting said probe specific signal over said background signal using said preferential modulation. |
| US09575067B2 |
Polymeric carriers for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization
Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern the synthesis, derivatization, conjugation to immunoglobulins and signal amplification based on discrete, relatively short polymers having plural reactive functional groups that react with plural molecules of interest. Reactive functional groups, such as hydrazides, may be derivatized with a variety of detectable labels, particularly haptens. The remaining reactive functional groups may be conjugated directly to a specific binding molecule, such as to the oxidized carbohydrate of the Fc region of the antibody. Disclosed conjugates display large signal amplification as compared to those based on molecules derivatized with single haptens, and are useful for assay methods, particularly multiplexed assays. |
| US09575065B2 |
Myeloperoxidase, a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease
Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products. Levels of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in bodily samples from the test subject are then compared to a predetermined value that is derived from measurements of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in comparable bodily samples obtained from the general population or a select population of human subjects. Such comparison characterizes the test subject's risk of developing CVD. |
| US09575064B2 |
Methods relating to testing for lysosomal storage disorders
Processes are provided that include additive compounds suitable for detecting the activity of an enzyme such as a lysosomal storage enzyme where the additive is a salt of oleic acid. Inclusion of a salt of oleic acid unexpectedly improves enzyme activity and reproducibility. |
| US09575061B2 |
Liquid drop diagnostic assays
The present invention provides simple and inexpensive assays for the detection of virtually any analyte in any sample that is in liquid form or that can be solubilized. The assays utilize the fluid dynamics of drop evaporation whereby soluble materials, including analytes and particles binding thereto, are drawn to the edge of the drop and ultimately form a concentrated residual ring. The presence or absence of certain reagents can then be detected through a number of different approaches. |
| US09575060B2 |
Method for detecting a target particle
Provided is a method for detecting a target particle that is a method for detecting a non-luminescent target particle dispersed and randomly moving in a sample solution using an optical system of a confocal microscope or multi-photon microscope, having: (a) preparing a sample solution containing target particles, and labeling particles of which the average outer diameter is less than 15% of the diameter of a photodetection region of the optical system, binding two or more molecules of the labeling particles per molecule of the target particles in the sample solution, and forming a non-luminescent complex of which the outer diameter is 15% or more of the diameter of the photodetection region; and, (b) calculating the number of molecules of the complex in the sample solution prepared in the (a) using an inverse scanning molecule counting method. |
| US09575059B2 |
Lanthanum-based concentration agents for microorganisms
A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided. |
| US09575050B2 |
Slider tape sealing cartridge for adjustably sealing a flow cytometer sample manipulation chamber
Flow cytometer systems that include a sample manipulation chamber having an access hole that is adjustably sealed by a slider tape sealing cartridge are provided. Also provided are methods of using such systems, as well as components for use in such systems. |
| US09575048B2 |
Method for monitoring at least one parameter of quality of yarn and/or parameters of sensor by electronic yarn cleaner
A method is provided for monitoring at least one yarn quality parameter and/or a parameter of a sensor by an electronic cleaner of yarn by means of an optical detector comprising a sensor with one or two rows of individual optical elements. The individual optical elements provide at their outputs an analog signal proportional to the intensity of its irradiation, the value of which is monitored during each measurement cycle. In the first and/or the second row of optical elements of the sensor, for each monitored parameter, individual optical elements of the sensor, are selected constituting an active zone for monitoring a particular parameter. The number of the optical elements in one active zone in one row is lower than the overall number of the optical elements in the corresponding row, and the output analog signal of the individual optical elements of the corresponding active zone is included in the evaluation of the particular parameter. |
| US09575045B2 |
Signal processing methods and systems for explosive detection and identification using electromagnetic radiation
In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to signal processing methods and systems for identifying a material on a body of a person using electromagnetic radiation. A radar system may measure a first reflection of radiation incident on a body of a person. The first reflection may be from a surface of the body. The radar system may measure a second reflection of the radiation. The second reflection may be from a first material residing on or proximate to the surface of the body. An analyzer may determine, relative to the first reflection, a delay in the second reflection due to propagation of a portion of the radiation through the first material. The analyzer may determine, based on the delay, at least one of: the first material and a dielectric constant of the first material. |
| US09575039B2 |
Curved gaseous particle detector
A curved gaseous particle detector includes a stack of two layers that are curved and maintained together by a frame formed of two spars defining a plane. The two spars are connected together by at least two curved bars outside of the plane and the frame being placed between the two layers of the stack. |
| US09575037B2 |
Detection of gas-phase analytes using liquid crystals
Provided herein is technology relating to detecting gaseous analytes and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods related to detecting gaseous analytes by monitoring changes in liquid crystals upon exposure to the gaseous analytes. |
| US09575036B2 |
Method for measuring encapsulation efficiency for hydrophobic actives
Described are methods of determining free hydrophobic active in aqueous formulations including the steps of encapsulating a hydrophobic active, preparing a formulation containing encapsulated hydrophobic active, adding a cyclodextrin to the formulation, thereby entraining any free hydrophobic active; and quantifying the amount of free hydrophobic active. |
| US09575035B2 |
Vibronic measuring device
A vibronic measuring device for determining at least one process variable of a medium. Included are: an oscillatable unit; a transmitting/receiving unit, which, by means of a transmission signal, excites the oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and receives the mechanical oscillations and converts such into an analog, electrical, received signal; and a control/evaluation unit (MC), which receives the analog, received signal, digitizes such and determines the process variable therefrom and which produces the transmission signal. Between the transmitting/receiving unit and the control/evaluation unit, a controllable amplifier is arranged, which receives the received signal and produces an adapted, received signal, and that the control/evaluation unit determines an amplitude of the received signal and, as a function of the determined amplitude, controls the amplifier in such a manner that the amplitude of the adapted, received signal is adapted to a digitizable voltage range predetermined by the control/evaluation unit. |
| US09575027B2 |
Systems and methods of discriminating between a control sample and a test fluid using capacitance
Methods for distinguishing between an aqueous non-blood sample (e.g., a control solution) and a blood sample are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample based on characteristics of the sample (e.g., amount of interferent present, reaction kinetics, and/or capacitance). The method can also include calculating a discrimination criteria based upon these characteristics. Various aspects of a system for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample are also provided herein. |
| US09575024B2 |
Decoder for determining a substance or material structure of a detected object based on signals of a capacitive sensor and method for determining a substance or material structure of a detected object based on signals of a capacitive sensor
A decoder unit for determining a substance or material structure of a detected object based on signals of a capacitive sensor comprises a distribution determination device arranged to determine a detected distribution relation based on signals of the at least one capacitive sensor; a comparison device arranged to compare the detected distribution relation with at least one predetermined distribution relation, the at least one predetermined distribution relation corresponding to a substance or a material structure and an output device arranged to indicate the result of the comparison carried out by the comparison device. |
| US09575011B2 |
Apparatus and method for acquiring a two-dimensional image of the surface of a three-dimensional object
An apparatus for acquiring a two-dimensional image of an external surface of a three-dimensional object is described. The apparatus includes a conveyor for supporting and displacing the object, a camera for capturing images of portions of the object surface, and a friction member for rotating the object. The camera is configured to capture images corresponding to successive exposed portions of the object surface, and to sequentially capture the images as respective single frames. The apparatus further includes an electronic control unit adapted to read out a sub-frame from the single frame, store the sub-frame, and assemble successive sub-frames into an assembled frame corresponding to a two-dimensional image of an unpeeled surface area of the object. |
| US09575005B2 |
Inspection apparatus
An apparatus for inspecting a stream of matter including: a first and a second light source for emitting a first and a second light beam; a first and a second detector; a first scanning element adapted to redirect the detection area of the second detector from side to side across said stream, and a beam splitting element arranged to receive said first and second light beams, after they have been reflected against said matter, wherein said beam splitting element is adapted to guide said reflected first light beam towards said first detector and to guide said reflected second light beam towards said second detector. |
| US09575004B2 |
Automated low cost method for illuminating, evaluating, and qualifying surfaces and surface coatings
Systems and methods for inspecting a surface are disclosed. A source, detector, a base, a controller, and a processing device are used to collect image data related to the surface and information relating to the location of the image data on the surface. The image data and information relating to location are correlated and stored in a processing device to create a map of surface condition. |
| US09574994B2 |
Sheet measurement
A detector receives optical radiation interacted with the measured sheet and is responsive to a predetermined optical absorption band of lignin, a predetermined optical absorption band of dry matter and two or more separate optical bands. The measuring unit measures a lignin dependent value on the basis of attenuation in the absorption band of lignin, and a dry matter dependent value on the basis of attenuation in the absorption band of the dry matter, and determines a general dependence of attenuation with respect to wavelength by measuring attenuations in the separate optical bands. The measuring unit forms a value representing a dry matter content on the basis of the lignin dependent value, the dry matter dependent value and the general dependence of attenuation. |
| US09574991B2 |
High-throughput fluorescence imaging system and device with sample heating capability, and associated methods
A high-throughput fluorescence imaging system with sample heating capability includes an image sensor wafer with a plurality of image sensors for fluorescence imaging a plurality of samples disposed in a respective plurality of fluidic channels on the image sensor wafer. The high-throughput fluorescence imaging system further includes a heating module, thermally coupled with the image sensor wafer, for heating the samples. A method for high-throughput assay processing includes modulating temperature of a plurality of samples disposed in a respective plurality of fluidic channels on an image sensor wafer by heating the image sensor wafer, using a heating module thermally coupled with the image sensor wafer, to control reaction dynamics in the samples; and capturing a plurality of fluorescence images of the samples, using a respective plurality of image sensors of the image sensor wafer, to detect one or more components of the plurality of samples. |
| US09574989B2 |
Lens-free imaging system and method for detecting particles in sample deposited on image sensor
A lens-free imaging system for detecting particles in a sample deposited on image sensor includes a fluidic chamber for holding a sample and an image sensor for imaging the sample, wherein the image sensor has a light receiving surface and a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed underneath the light receiving surface, and wherein the fluidic chamber formed at least in part by the light receiving surface. A method for detecting particles of interest in a sample deposited on an image sensor, through lens-free imaging using the image sensor, includes (ii) generating an image of the sample, deposited on a light receiving surface of the image sensor, by illuminating the sample, and (ii) detecting the particles of interest in the image. |
| US09574984B2 |
Particle beam forming device
A particle beam forming device for forming either a linear or conical particle beam from a particle source in which particles are dispersed in a gas, includes: a reduced-pressure vessel in which pressure is reduced; a particle beam generating unit, which has one end arranged outside of the reduced-pressure vessel and an other end arranged inside the reduced-pressure vessel, and which captures the particle source from outside the reduced-pressure vessel and introduces the particle beam into the reduced-pressure vessel; and a particle beam evaluating unit for evaluating a spatial distribution of the particle beam inside the reduced-pressure vessel. |
| US09574979B2 |
Method and device for testing battery plate packs
In order to test battery plate packs (12, 13), the battery plate packs are transported between conveyor belts (5, 6) while compressed to a specified thickness, and the force required for the compression is detected by measuring cells (14) while the battery plate packs are being transported, which measuring cells are associated with a pressing plate (11) associated with one of the conveyor belts (5). If the force deviates from a specified value, the battery plate pack is evaluated as faulty and is ejected. |
| US09574977B2 |
Liquid to liquid biological particle concentrator with disposable fluid path
Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. A single-use pipette tip includes fluid ports for aspirating the sample and connecting to a concentrating unit. |
| US09574976B2 |
Device and method for transporting and preparing cellular material
Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for transporting and preparing cellular material in a fluid for subsequent diagnostic purposes, comprising a cylinder having a fluid-tight screw-on cap and a fluid-tight base part that can be screwed off of the cylinder. The cap can be screwed onto the base part in a fluid-tight matter. The device provides for introducing cellular material to be diagnosed into a fluid in the cylinder, closing the cylinder by a cap for transport, removing the cap, introducing a filter device and concentrating the cellular material on a filter surface, after which the fluid level is at that part of the base part below the connection to the cylinder, disposing of the filtrate, removing the base part, pressing the filter surface onto an object carrier for a cell analysis, and closing the base part by the cap for further transport. |
| US09574971B2 |
Monitoring cold start emission reduction strategy
A method for assessing a cold start emission reduction (CSER) strategy applied to an engine system is provided. The method determines a first accumulation value based on an estimated output signal that would result from applying a first control command to the engine system. The method determines a second accumulation value based on a measured output signal resulting from applying a second control command that implements the CSER strategy to the engine system. The method compares the first accumulation value and the second accumulation value. The method determines whether the applying the second command to the engine system achieved a performance threshold of the CSER strategy based on the comparing. |
| US09574965B2 |
System and method of determining bearing health in a rotating machine
A monitoring system and method monitor changes in clearance distances between a sensor and a rotating component of a machine. Imbalance and/or wear in the machine is identified based on the changes in the clearance distances. The system and method optionally both measure the clearance distances and a rotating speed of the rotating component of the machine with the same sensor. In order to identify imbalance in the machine, a spectral energy of the machine can be calculated based on the changes in the clearance distances, and the imbalance in the machine can be identified based on the spectral energy. The system and method can determine a trigger speed of the machine that is associated with the wear in the machine based on the changes in the clearance distance. A remaining useful life of the machine can be estimated based on changes in the trigger speed. |
| US09574963B2 |
Device for monitoring a probe for measuring the pressure of a flow
The invention relates to a device for monitoring a probe for measuring the pressure of a flow; the probe comprising an internal volume; the device comprising: an acoustic transmitter and receiver, a connection intended to connect the device to the probe, for the transmitter to transmit an acoustic signal in the internal volume and for the receiver to pick up an acoustic signal in the internal volume. The device also comprises an electronic module comprising: an audio transmission and reception circuit, linked to the transmitter and to the receiver by analog link, a non-erasable memory comprising a digital encryption key, an erasable read-only memory, a digital communication interface, configured to transmit or receive digital signals between the outside of the device and the audio circuit, the non-erasable memory and the erasable read-only memory. |
| US09574961B2 |
Humidity resistant sensors and methods of making same
A pressure sensor device which uses appropriate passivation materials/patterns to make the device more robust and resistant to a hot and humid environment. The pressure sensor device uses moisture resistant passivation material(s) covering exposed glass areas, including sidewalls, and bonding interfaces to avoid the glass and bonding interfaces absorbing and reacting with moisture, thus maintaining the integrity of the device output after exposure in a humid/hot environment. These passivation materials/patterns used for the MEMS devices described may be applied to any MEMS based sensors and actuators using glass as one type of material for fabrication. The pressure sensor devices may be front side absolute pressure sensors, differential pressure sensors, or back side absolute pressure sensors. |
| US09574960B2 |
Ultra-miniature multi-hole flow angle probes
This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for an ultra-miniature, multi-hole flow angle probe. The construction, packaging of a multitude of absolute and or differential pressure transducers or sensors are invented for the purpose of providing highly accurate measurement of flow properties, flow angle in particular. The unique placement of sensors leads to further miniaturization relative to current state of the art. Further the use of closely coupled, differential transducer or transducers achieves higher accuracy measurement of small pressure variations coupled with large mean or average baseline pressures, as is demanded in modern aerodynamic or turbo-machinery devices. The use and installation of ultra-miniature sensors insider the device invented herein achieves higher frequency response than allowable via previous state of the part. |
| US09574958B2 |
Torque sensor
An embodiment discloses a sensor arrangement comprising disc shaped structure with a plurality of magnetic elements which are at least provided on end faces of the disc shaped structure. The sensor arrangement includes a hollow disc structure, the hollow disc structure comprising two end faces, wherein each of the two end faces of the second structure comprises a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other, the teeth on the two end faces are arranged in opposing positions. Teeth on a respective same end face of the hollow disc structure are spaced from each other. The disc shaped structure is rotatable with respect to the hollow disc structure. A magnetic field sensor is provided to sense a magnetic field generated by the plurality magnetic elements. |
| US09574957B1 |
Apparatus for measuring convergence and ceiling subsidence using fiber bragg grating sensor
Provided is an apparatus for measuring convergence and ceiling subsidence using a fiber bragg grating sensor. The apparatus includes a plurality of unit-fiber bragg grating sensor modules having a predetermined length and sequentially connected to each other, where each of the sensor modules comprises: a fiber bragg grating stain sensor installed in a protective tube to sense a variation of a length; an installing member installed in parallel to one side of the protective tube; a fiber bragg grating angle displacement sensor mounted on the installing member to measure angle displacement; bases provided at both ends of each sensor module to connect adjacent sensor modules to each other; and a fixing member and a fixing unit to fix both ends of the protective tube and the installing member to the bases, respectively. Each of the sensor modules continuously measures two-dimensional or three-dimensional convergence and ceiling subsidence. Thus, the plurality of fiber bragg grating sensors are sequentially mounted on a measuring target to measure a moving distance and angle displacement due to section strain, so that convergence and ceiling subsidence may be precisely measured. |
| US09574955B2 |
Pressure sensing element having an insulating layer with an increased height from the substrate towards the opening
A pressure sensing element (100) includes a support substrate (11); a sensor electrode (12) supported by the support substrate (11); a pressure sensing film (14) functionalized to be electro-conductive, at least in a portion thereof faced to the sensor electrode (12); and an insulating layer (13) which keeps the sensor electrode (12) and the pressure sensing film (14) apart from each other by a predetermined distance A, and has formed therein an opening (20) in which the sensor electrode (12) is exposed to the pressure sensing film (14), the insulating layer (13) having an aperture wall (13b) which partitions the opening (20), and an aperture end (top aperture end (13a)) faced to the pressure sensing film (14), and the insulating layer (13) being increased in height, measured from the support substrate (11), continuously towards the opening (20). |
| US09574954B2 |
Systems and methods for press force detectors
Certain example embodiments include a press sensor element that includes a piezoelectric layer having a first surface in communication with a first layer, the first layer including a first conductive region, where the first conductive region covers at least a central portion the first surface. The sensor element includes a second surface in communication with a second layer, the second layer including a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a first non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region. An area of the first conductive region is configured in size relative to an area of the third conductive region to substantially reduce a thermally-induced voltage change between two or more of the first, second, and third conductive regions responsive to a corresponding temperature change of at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer. |
| US09574952B2 |
Pressure detection device
A pressure testing device for calculating a pressure in a flexible line comprises a housing unit, a force sensor mounted on the housing unit and a clamp assembly having a clamp mounted on the housing unit. The clamp is operable to compress the flexible line against the force sensor by a predetermined degree of deformation of the flexible line. The device includes a displacement sensor adapted to measure a displacement of the clamp. The device also includes a controller having a processor in communication with the force sensor and the displacement sensor, and a memory unit containing stored data. At the predetermined degree of deformation of the flexible line, the processor compares a first signal from the force sensor and a second signal from the displacement senor with the stored data to estimate the pressure within the flexible line. |
| US09574950B2 |
Grating-based sensor
An optical fiber-based sensor is described that is suitable for operation in a gas-rich environment. The sensor comprises a chamber into which are mounted one or more segments of optical fiber, into which are inscribed a plurality of sensor gratings. Each of the plurality of sensor gratings is configured to have the same wavelength shift over time in response to a change in gas diffusion, such that gas diffusion parameters are excluded in the determination of the respective amount of change in temperature, applied strain, and gas diffusion. Also described is a fiber, and techniques for making same, comprising of cores extend through a common cladding. The cores are doped so as to create, in conjunction with the cladding, a plurality of waveguides having the same wavelength shift over time is response to a change in gas diffusion, but different wavelength shifts in response to changes in other parameters. |
| US09574943B2 |
Indicator light detection system and method
An indicator light detection system includes a detection module and a processing module. The detection module is configured to sense a color of a first indicator light to receive a first color signal. The detection module is further configured to output a first detection signal corresponding to the first color signal. The processing module includes a resolving unit, a comparison unit, and a display unit. The resolving unit is configured to resolve the first detection signal to a first detection value. The comparison unit is configured to compare the first detection value with a first reference value. The display unit is configured to display information when the first detection value is equal to the first reference value. An indicator light detection method is also provided. |
| US09574936B2 |
Planar imaging sensor having plural photo detector groups with different detection windows
A planar imaging sensor is provided. The planar imaging sensor comprises a plurality of photo detectors, wherein the plurality of photo detectors are divided into at least a first group and a second group. The number of photo detectors in the second group is larger than the number of photo detectors in the first group. The photo detectors of the first group are configured to have a first detection window, while the photo detectors of the second group are configured to have a second detection window. The second detection window is configured to start later in time than the first detection window. |
| US09574934B2 |
Illumination sensor for distinguishing between different contributions to a sensed light level
An apparatus comprises a first light sensor configured with a first field of view; and a second light sensor configured with a second, narrower field of view contained within the first field of view. The first and second light sensors may be arranged to detect light reflected from an illuminated surface, wherein the first and second field of view encompass light from an electric lighting device reflected from said surface and additional light reflected from said surface, e.g. natural light; but the second light sensor is concentrated on a region on said surface so as to exclude glare from objects outside said region, whereas the first field of view extends beyond said region. An illumination level of the environment in which the apparatus is installed may be adjusted to compensate for a change in the additional light based on information distinguishing between the two sensors. |
| US09574930B2 |
Smart electronic float, system and method for integrating mobile personal fishing information, and computer program product
A smart electronic float includes: an accelerometer, sensing a movement distance, a movement velocity, movement power, and a sinking gravity of the smart electronic float in water, to produce a corresponding plurality of pieces of float movement data; a microcontroller, receiving the float movement data sensed by the accelerometer; a first wireless communications device, where the microcontroller transmits the float movement data to an electronic device through the first wireless communications device, and receives a light-emitting diode (LED) on/off signal from the electronic device; and an LED, where on/off of the LED is controlled by the microcontroller according to the LED on/off signal. |
| US09574928B2 |
Liquid level sensing systems
A liquid level sensing system includes a vessel and an electrode. The vessel includes a vessel wall separating a vessel interior from a vessel exterior. The electrode is mounted to an exterior side of the vessel wall spanning a distance corresponding to a desired-level-determining range. The vessel wall is a dielectric gap between the electrode and the vessel interior. The electrode is configured to collect a charge corresponding to a liquid level. A method for determining a liquid level in a vessel includes collecting a charge on an electrode, sensing the collected charge on the electrode with a capacitance sensor through an electrical line, and determining a liquid level in a vessel based on the collected charge sensed by the capacitance sensor. |
| US09574918B2 |
Powering wireless components in a heat trace system
Heat trace system for heating vessels of a piping system comprises a main control system, a plurality of heat trace elements, and a plurality of wireless modules. Each heat trace element is adjacent to one of the vessels of the piping system and connected to an electrical power source of the main control system 16. Each of the wireless modules: (a) is connected to and powered by an associated heat trace element; (b) comprises an energy storage device connected to the associated heat trace element for storing energy from the associated heat trace element to power the wireless module; and (c) comprises an RF module for communicating wirelessly with the main control system via a wireless communication network. The stored energy in the energy storage device can be used to power components of the wireless module, even when no current is flowing in the heat trace element to which the wireless module is connected. |
| US09574917B2 |
Pressure type flow rate control device
A pressure type flow rate control device provides flow rate control for gas at 100-500° C. with an error not more than 1.0% F.S. The pressure type flow rate control device includes a valve body with a fluid passage, a valve portion interposed in the passage, a valve drive unit driving the valve portion to open/close the passage, a restriction mechanism on the downstream side of the valve portion in the passage, a temperature detector detecting gas temperature between the valve portion and restriction mechanism, a pressure detector detecting gas pressure between the valve portion and restriction mechanism, and an arithmetic control device controlling flow rate of gas in the restriction mechanism based on values detected by the temperature detector and the pressure detector, wherein the temperature detector is inserted in an attachment hole of the valve body at a position just above an outlet side fluid passage. |
| US09574902B2 |
Calibration method for the scale factor of an axisymmetric vibratory gyroscope or gyrometer
The invention relates to gyroscopic instruments. The method for calibrating the scale factor of an angular velocity sensor or an axisymmetric vibratory gyroscope, which method uses a control amplitude signal, a control precessional signal CP and a control quadrature signal CQ for exciting the vibration of a resonator on a resonant frequency, involves a first step of pre-calibration which consists of measuring and recording an initial scale factor and the value of an initial control signal, and a second step of measuring the value of the current control signal and establishing a scale factor SF that is corrected on the basis of a proportional relationship involving the initial scale factor SF°, the initial value of the control signal Y° and the current value of the control signal Y° according to the formula SF=SF°Y/Y°. |
| US09574899B2 |
Systems and method for determination and display of personalized distance
A system and method for determination and display of personalized distance. A request is received for the determination of a personalized distance over a network, wherein the request comprises an identification of a requesting user, and a plurality of real world entities comprising at least a starting location and an ending location. At least one route is determined between the first location and the second location. Spatial, temporal, topical, and social data available to the network relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route is retrieved using a global index of data available to the network. A personalized distance is calculated via the network between the first location and the second location using spatial, temporal, topical, and social data relating to the requesting user and each real world entity and the route. A representation of the personalized distance calculated for the route is displayed on a display medium. |
| US09574895B2 |
Methods and systems for obtaining navigation instructions
A user records a navigation instruction for a maneuver at a junction via their navigation device. The user indicates a distance before the junction at which the maneuver should be provided. The user does this by providing an input to the navigation device when a current position is at the relevant distance while driving around. The device then determines the maneuver in a digital map to be associated with the instruction by determining the next maneuver in a calculated route the user is following. The navigation device uploads the navigation instruction and the associated maneuver and distance to a central navigation instruction database. Other users may then download and use the navigation instruction. |
| US09574894B1 |
Behavior-based inferences and actions
The position and/or movement of at least one device for a user can be monitored over time, and various types of information inferred based on patterns in that user behavior. A device can determine various locations where a user typically stays for a period of time, as well as the routes the user takes to get to those locations. Based upon time, date, and various other information, the device can infer the type of location and/or route, as well as the likelihood that the user will take a given route to one of those locations at any time. By being able to infer future actions and locations of the user at certain times, a device can proactively provide a variety of functionality to the user, such as to provide suggested alternative routes, move meetings, notify others of estimated times of arrival, and perform other such tasks. |
| US09574893B2 |
Apparatus and method of guiding user along travel path by using GPS information
An apparatus and a method of guiding a user along a travel path by using global positioning system (GPS) information are described. The method includes aligning images in a selected order based on a user input; extracting location information of the aligned images; setting a travel destination and a travel sequence based on the location information extracted from the aligned images; obtaining the user's location by using the global positioning system (GPS); and guiding the user along a travel path to the travel destination based on the user's location. |
| US09574890B2 |
Reduced power consumption and improved user experience when navigating along familiar routes
The disclosure generally relates to techniques that may reduce power consumption and improve user experience when using a personal navigation device or other mobile device to navigate along familiar routes or road segments. In particular, in response to a current position associated with the device corresponding to a familiar road segment (e.g., based on an index indicating how often the road segment was previously traversed), voice assistance and a display may be disabled and/or a frequency at which a receiver acquires signals to determine the current position may be reduced. Furthermore, a navigation application executing on the device may be automatically exited if the familiar road segment further includes a route destination. In other use cases, road segment familiarity and travel histories may be used in route planning, managing incoming calls or messages, and media playback, among other things. |
| US09574883B2 |
Associating semantic location data with automated environment mapping
Systems and methods are provided for generating maps with semantic labels. A computing device can determine a first map that includes features located at first positions and semantic labels located at semantic positions, and determine a second map that includes at least some of the features located at second positions. The computing device can identify a first region with fixed features located at first positions and corresponding equivalent second positions. The computing device can identify a second region with moved features located at first positions and corresponding non-equivalent second positions. The computing device can determine one or more transformations between first positions and second positions. The computing device can assign the semantic labels to the second map at second semantic positions, where the second semantic positions are the same in the first region, and where the second semantic positions in the second region are based on the transformation(s). |
| US09574878B2 |
Terminal device having hand shaking sensing units to determine the manner that a user holds the terminal device
A terminal device is described that includes a housing configured to accommodate various components of the terminal device; a first sensing unit configured to collect first status information of the terminal device; a second sensing unit configured to collect second status information of the terminal device; and a processing unit configured to determine a manner that a user holds the terminal device based on the first status information and the second status information. |
| US09574875B2 |
Wafer or reticle thermal deformation measuring techniques
A system includes a wafer stage adapted to hold a semiconductor wafer thereon. A moveable temperature sensor array is configured to move to a plurality of different positions over a surface of the wafer stage and to take a plurality of temperature measurements at the plurality of positions, respectively. Based on the plurality of temperature measurements, a controller is adapted to determine an expected thermal deformation for the semiconductor wafer or for a reticle arranged over the semiconductor wafer. |
| US09574867B2 |
Magnetic field sensor and related techniques that inject an error correction signal into a signal channel to result in reduced error
A magnetic field sensor has an error correction signal generator circuit to inject an error correction signal into a primary signal channel to cancel an error signal component in the primary signal channel. |
| US09574862B2 |
Ergonomic multifunctional tape measure
A multifunctional ergonomic tape measure provides a stopping mechanism within its housing body containing a retractable measuring tape which is engaged by squeezing together the housing body and a hinged arm, thereby clamping the measuring tape firmly between two friction surfaces provided by corresponding friction pads mounted in opposed facing relation on the housing body and the arm. The housing includes a duck-bill extending from the front of the body. The duck-bill has a flat, large surfaced face on the front thereof for reading measurements and for sliding along the edges of building material when making parallel lines. The tape end of the tape provides a thumb hold on its upper portion to aid the user in firmly holding both a pencil or utility knife and the tape end. The tape measure is useful for drawing a radius, to obtain inside measurements, and as a square to mark short length right angle lines. |
| US09574859B2 |
Method and apparatus for the delaboration of ammunition
A method and apparatus for the delaboration of ammunition, in particular for dismantling shells having a housing with a tubular housing portion made of steel and open at one end, a cone made of ductile metal and fitted into the tubular housing portion, the cone having a base with a tubular rim, and an explosive charge contained between the housing and the cone. The apparatus comprises a deformation tool, means for inserting the deformation tool into the tubular housing portion, an alignment tool for aligning the tubular housing portion with respect to the deformation tool, wherein the alignment tool has a recess for receiving an upper end of the tubular housing portion. |
| US09574848B2 |
Sight
The invention relates to a sighting device having an optical reversing system (12) and a target mark as well as a ballistics computer for computing data that is relevant in terms of ballistics, the reversing system (12) being adjustable mechanically and the target mark being adjustable electronically and at least one adjusting device (13) being provided for adjusting the reversing system (12) and the target mark. |
| US09574842B2 |
Archery bow press and method for compressing an archery bow using collectively connected bow limb supports
An archery bow/crossbow press and method provides operation to various bow designs including bows with past parallel limbs or having limbs with sharp curvatures using collectively connected bow limb supports to engage the outer face of a bow limb for compression; each bow limb support configured with at least one upper and at least one lower support arm wherein each support arm comprises bow limb contact areas that may include various shapes adaptable to engage a bow limb or limb components; each support arm may be positioned against a bow limb independently or collectively with each other; and, when the bow limb supports are positioned collectively on the bow they may be the sole contact of the bow press during the pressing operation. |
| US09574841B2 |
Compound archery bow and firing system for the same
A spring crossbow and, more particularly, a crossbow having a firing system with at least one compression style single spring assembly and a pair of cranks each having first legs engageable against the at least one single spring assembly and second legs to support rotatable archery cams. |
| US09574838B2 |
Live-round prevention with built-in blank firing adapter
The invention relates to safety components/modifications for a firearm barrel for preventing discharge of live ammunition from the firearm. The invention includes one embodiment of a modified barrel including a rod member transversely positioned within a portion of the bore of the barrel adjacent to the chamber to prevent chambering or loading of a live round. The modified barrel further includes a standard blank-firing adapter (BFA) fixedly coupled to the distal or muzzle end of the barrel. |
| US09574837B2 |
Mortar safety device
A safety device for a front-loading weapon of the type comprising a mortar barrel having a closed breech end and an opposite open end for launching a mortar projectile. The device includes at least one sensor, configured for mounting adjacent the mortar barrel, for sensing a mortar projectile upon its insertion in the barrel and an electronic circuit, coupled to said sensor, for detecting movement of the mortar projectile past said sensor, thereby to detect the presence of the projectile in the barrel. |
| US09574834B2 |
Bolt mechanisms and firearms containing the same
A firearm includes a bolt mechanism with a bolt configured to receive a firing pin assembly and a bolt head assembly. The bolt head assembly includes a pivoting bolt head and an extractor. The extractor is positioned relative to the bolt such that substantially all forces applied by the extractor to the bolt mechanism are reacted within the bolt head assembly. A biasing member or element can urge a claw portion of extractor towards a distal end of the bolt head. |
| US09574833B2 |
Thermal conductive sheet, method of producing thermal conductive sheet and heat releasing device
The thermal conductive sheet of the present invention includes a base sheet and, on one surface of the base sheet, a metal foil (C) that has a thickness of from 1 to 30% of a thickness of the base sheet. The base sheet includes a binder component (A) that exhibits elasticity at room temperature and a graphite powder (B) that has anisotropy, and the graphite powder (B) is oriented in a thickness direction. |
| US09574831B2 |
Method and system for insulating structural building components
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a structural assembly including a first frame member hingedly coupled to a second frame member. A support member extends outwardly from the first frame member. At least one glazing panel is disposed above the support member. A thermal clip is coupled to the support member. The thermal clip insulates the support member from a building exterior. The support member extends less than an entire length thereof and reduces loss of thermal energy from a building interior to the building exterior via the support member. |
| US09574830B2 |
Mounting bracket for heat dissipation device having fins
A heat dissipation device includes a mounting bracket and a thermal module. The mounting bracket has at least one retaining hole and a mounting section, and the thermal module includes a plurality of radiating fins, to which the mounting bracket is connected. On the radiating fins, at least one engaging zone is provided for correspondingly engaging with the mounting bracket, and at least one locking portion is formed for correspondingly engaging with the retaining hole. With the above structural design, the mounting bracket can be more firmly and stably connected to the thermal module and be more accurately located on the radiating fins without the need of welding, so that the manufacturing cost for welding is saved. A method of manufacturing the heat dissipation device is also disclosed. |
| US09574828B2 |
Heat exchanger
Heat exchanger for exchanging heat between at least two fluids which are guided through chambers of the heat exchanger (1), wherein at least one guiding profile (11) is provided in the chambers (19,20), and the guiding profile (11) is an extruded tubular profile (12) which includes two parallel walls (13) which are connected to one another by means of two sidewalls (14). One or several dividing walls (15) extend in the extrusion direction of the tubular profile (12). One or several passages (17) are provided in the dividing walls (15) and/or in the sidewalls (14) for guiding a fluid. |
| US09574827B2 |
Microchannel coil manifold system
The present application provides a microchannel coil manifold system. The microchannel coil manifold system may include a number of assembly inlet manifold sections that terminate in a first stub tube, a number of assembly outlet manifold sections that terminate in a second stub tube, and one or more microchannel coils. Each pair of assembly inlet and outlet manifold sections may be in communication with the one or more microchannel coils. |
| US09574826B2 |
Crucible and dual frequency control method for semi-liquid metal processing
A semi-liquid metal processing apparatus and method are presented in which a semi-liquid metal and/or semi-solid metal is introduced into a crucible and his electromagnetically stirred at a first frequency while cooling, and thereafter sidewalls of a metal charge formed of the semi-liquid metal and/or semi-solid metal are partially melted prior to tilting the crucible for removal of the metal charge. |
| US09574823B2 |
Carbon dioxide recycle process
A method for recovering natural gas liquids without using cryogenic conditions, membranes, and carbon dioxide recovery solvents is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide and natural gas liquids is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. The carbon dioxide recycle stream, the purified carbon dioxide recycle stream, and the natural gas liquids are not subjected to cryogenic conditions, membranes, and carbon dioxide recovery solvents between being received and being separated into the purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and the natural gas liquids stream. |
| US09574822B2 |
Liquefied natural gas facility employing an optimized mixed refrigerant system
Processes and systems for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) with a single mixed refrigerant, closed-loop refrigeration cycle are provided. Liquefied natural gas facilities configured according to embodiments of the present invention include refrigeration cycles optimized to provide increased efficiency and enhanced operability, with minimal additional equipment or expense. |
| US09574820B2 |
Variable shelf apparatus and refrigerator having the same
A variable shelf apparatus and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The variable shelf apparatus includes: a first shelf part; a second shelf part configured to have the first shelf part slidably coupled therewith; and a support part configured to be installed in a storage room to slidably support the first shelf part and rotatably support the second shelf part, wherein the support part is configured such that a pair of rotating protrusions protruding at both sides of the second shelf part is selectively coupled and separated between an upper surface and a lower surface of the support part. |
| US09574817B2 |
Medical products storage device with viewing window having variable opacity
A medical products storage device, such as a refrigerator, includes a door having a viewing window. The window has a variable opacity so that the viewing window may be transparent or opaque, depending on conditions of the medical products storage device. Light emitting diodes embedded in the viewing window are used to indicate an alarm condition. |
| US09574813B2 |
Container-type refrigeration system
Container-type refrigeration systems. A container includes an upper beam assembly, a lower beam assembly, a first end wall assembly, and a second end wall assembly, the upper beam assembly is spaced from the lower beam assembly to form a first accommodation space between the upper beam assembly and the lower beam assembly, the upper beam assembly and the lower beam assembly each has one end connected to the first end wall assembly and the other end connected to the second end wall assembly to form a second accommodation space above the upper beam assembly and between the first end wall assembly and the second end wall assembly, the first accommodation space is isolated from the second accommodation space through the upper beam assembly, the second accommodation space has a water chilling unit. |
| US09574812B2 |
Technical glacette
Technical glacette made of composite material, suitable for the refrigeration of a bottle containing beverages through a Phase Change Material injected into the cooling chamber of the glacette. The glacette is constituted by an outer casing that contains a removable refrigeration chamber to contain and refrigerate the bottle. The outer casing is open on one side or circumference to allow the reading of the label or bar code. The glacette is constituted also by a lower base integral to and united to the outer casing, which serves both as a base of support, and as light indication of the quantity of the beverage contained in the bottle. The lower base of the glacette also has a defined area which allows the 360° vision of the visual warning or change in color illumination when the beverage contained in the bottle varies due to the consumption of the beverage. |
| US09574810B1 |
Optimizing energy efficiency ratio feedback control for direct expansion air-conditioners and heat pumps
Measured EER and COP are affected by the load under which an air conditioning, refrigeration or heating system is running; the load is a function of the evaporating and condensing temperatures. The invention makes adjustments for the purpose of maximizing measured EER and COP in a feedback loop utilized to optimize cooling or heating capacity relative to power consumed. The maximum EER is continuously achieved by incrementally adjusting each operating parameter to realize an incremental increase in EER, even as conditions such as ambient temperature are changing. |
| US09574809B2 |
Apparatus and method for recovering refrigerant through a double conduit connection
An apparatus for transferring a fluid from and/or to a system, e.g., an air conditioning system, includes a main compartment having at least one pumping device for pumping the fluid from/to the system, an interface module having at least one gauge which is configured for displaying the pressure of the fluid, and a fluid connection fluidly connecting the gauge to the main compartment. The fluid connection is formed in a double conduit design in order to prevent any leakage of the fluid from the fluid connection. |
| US09574804B2 |
Household appliance
Provided herein are a household appliance and a method for using a heat pump in a household appliance, which may include a household appliance for washing and drying goods. The household appliance may include a processing chamber for receiving goods to be washed and dried, and a heat pump having a warm side provided with a condenser and a cold side provided with an evaporator, wherein the condenser may be adapted to heat water to be used in the processing chamber and the evaporator may be adapted to cool a liquid in a heat reservoir for storing heat generated on the cold side of the heat pump during heating of the condenser. The condenser may be arranged in a water tank adapted to provide water to the processing chamber. |
| US09574801B1 |
Solid state optical refrigeration using stark manifold resonances in crystals
A method and device for cooling electronics is disclosed. The device includes a doped crystal configured to resonate at a Stark manifold resonance capable of cooling the crystal to a temperature of from about 110K to about 170K. The crystal host resonates in response to input from an excitation laser tuned to exploit the Stark manifold resonance corresponding to the cooling of the crystal. |
| US09574798B2 |
U-shaped pulse-tube refrigerator
A U-shaped pulse-tube refrigerator includes a regenerative tube and a pulse-tube that are juxtaposed with each other; a communicating path that connects a low-temperature end of the regenerative tube and a low-temperature end of the pulse-tube; a heat exchanger that is provided at the low-temperature end of at least one of the regenerative tube and the pulse-tube; and a flow smoothing member that is provided between a first exit of the communicating path at a side where the heat exchanger is provided and the heat exchanger. |
| US09574797B2 |
Stirling engine displacer drive
A cryocooler is provided that includes: a regenerator piston; a drive coupler; and a link flexure having a proximal end coupled by a first pin to the drive coupler and having a distal end coupled by a second pin to the regenerator piston, where the link flexure forms a vane having flattened opposing faces that are orthogonal to a longitudinal axis for the first and second pin. |
| US09574796B2 |
Electrochemical refrigeration systems and appliances
Refrigeration systems and appliances are provided. A refrigeration system includes a refrigerant, the refrigerant including a working fluid and an electrochemically active fluid. The refrigeration system further includes a condenser, an evaporator, and an electrochemical compressor in fluid communication with the condenser and the evaporator. The refrigeration system can further include various components which advantageously reduce the energy consumption and increase the predicatability and efficiency of the refrigeration system. |
| US09574794B2 |
Radiator, in particular for room heating
A radiator in particular for room heating, comprising a control or measurement unit accommodated in a container integral with the radiator and positioned so as to sustain the heat from the radiator as little as possible, while exploiting a cool air flow drawn by the same to cool the internal circuitry defining the unit. Said container is conveniently spaced apart from the radiator by means of insulating elements and a part of the same container is formed by a heat dissipator to which one or more electronic power elements included in said circuitry are thermally connected. |
| US09574791B2 |
Acoustic dispersing airflow passage
A plenum with features to disperse acoustic energy in an airflow while maintaining a relatively small pressure drop in the airflow is disclosed. A general structure of the plenum may include a perforated airflow passage surrounded by a substantially large space enclosed between the airflow passage and a plenum. The perforated airflow passage has a perforated wall that may allow the acoustic energy to be dispersed into the substantially large space when flowing through the airflow passage. Acoustic energy dispersing materials may also be disposed in the substantially large space and/or on the perforated wall to help disperse acoustic energy by, for example, absorbing the acoustic energy. The plenum can help disperse the acoustic energy while helping minimize the pressure drop in the airflow. |
| US09574787B2 |
Panel component, air conditioner and method for manufacturing air conditioner
A panel component (1) comprises a plastic substrate (3), a display (2), and a metal panel (6) covering an outer surface of the plastic substrate (3). The metal panel (6) is fixed on the plastic substrate (3). The display (2) is mounted on the plastic substrate (3) through a display mounting structure. A light-transmitting structure is arranged in the metal panel (6) in a region corresponding to the location of the display (2). The metal panel (6) enables the panel component (1) to have good decorating effect, and the light-transmitting structure ensures clear display. Further disclosed are an air conditioner provided with the panel component (1) and a method for manufacturing the air conditioner. |
| US09574786B2 |
Intelligent thermostat control system
An intelligent thermostat control system for a building, such as a residential home, that automatically adjusts a thermostat setting in the home based on real-time data continually received from mobile devices and/or social media files associated with the residents. This allows the thermostat controller to override the explicit programmed settings with implicit settings based on activity analysis taking the actual locations and schedules of the residents into account. The intelligent thermostat controller may control different zones differently to take into account the schedules and locations of specific residents associated with specific zones. The temperature controller may also adaptively learn a number of parameters based on monitored data, such as travel times and heating/cooling times for the zones based, to determine times for adjusting the thermostats. |
| US09574785B2 |
Staggered start-up HVAC system, a method for starting an HVAC unit and an HVAC controller configured for the same
One aspect of the disclosure describes a controller for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes an interface and a processor. In this embodiment, the interface is configured to receive a delay originating signal. In one embodiment, the processor is configured to: (1) automatically generate an offset delay value for the HVAC unit upon receipt of the delay originating signal; (2) apply the offset delay value based on an offset enabled configurable parameter; and (3) delay starting identified components of the HVAC unit based on the offset delay value. |
| US09574784B2 |
Method of starting a HVAC system having an auxiliary controller
The disclosure provides, in one aspect, a method of starting a HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) receiving an initiation signal at a main system controller of the HVAC system, (2) determining if main controller application information associated with the main system controller is stored thereon, (3) querying an auxiliary controller of the HVAC system when determining the main controller application information is not stored on the main system controller, (4) sending the main controller application information to the main system controller from the auxiliary controller when the auxiliary controller includes the main controller application information, and (5) initiating the HVAC system based on the initiation signal and employing the main controller application information sent to the main system controller from the auxiliary controller. |
| US09574781B2 |
Indoor unit and air conditioner with same
An indoor unit and an air conditioner configured so that each outlet and each flap can be easily identified. An indoor unit (1) is provided with outlets (32a-32d) which discharge air-conditioning air toward the interior space, and also with flaps (35a-35d) having substantially the same shape, the flaps (35a-35d) being respectively disposed at the outlets (32a-32d) and capable of individually changing the discharge directions of the air-conditioning air. Sign sections (60a-60d) which are different from each other are formed either in the vicinities, respectively, of the outlets (32a-32d) or on the flaps (35a-35d), respectively. |
| US09574776B2 |
Three-piece airblast fuel injector
A fuel system includes an external cool air source, and a fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a fuel circuit, an outer air circuit, an inner air circuit, and an outlet. The fuel circuit receives liquid fuel from a fuel inlet. The outer air circuit receives cool air from the cool air source and substantially surrounds the fuel circuit. The inner air circuit is in fluid communication with the outer air circuit and a portion of the fuel circuit substantially surrounds the inner air circuit. The outlet provides atomized fuel from the fuel circuit, outer air circuit and inner air circuit to a combustor. |
| US09574775B2 |
Cooling unit for swilrer vane of combustion burner
A combustion burner including a fuel nozzle, a burner tube that surrounds the fuel nozzle to form an air passage between the burner tube and the fuel nozzle, swirler vanes that are arranged in a circumferential direction on an external circumferential surface of the fuel nozzle, a liquid fuel injecting hole that is formed on the fuel nozzle, and from which a liquid fuel is injected to a vane pressure surface of each of the swirler vanes, and a cooling unit that cools a part of the vane pressure surface on which the liquid fuel hits. The cooling unit includes a multi-purpose injecting hole that is arranged on the vane pressure surface of each of the swirler vanes, and from which a gas fuel is injected during gas combustion, and water is injected to the vane pressure surface of the swirler vane during combustion of the liquid fuel. |
| US09574774B2 |
Heater and ignition apparatus equipped with the heater
Quick ignition of gaseous fuel in a heater is accomplished. There is provided a heater including an insulating substrate having a rectangular prism shape; and a heat-generating resistor disposed inside the insulating substrate so as to extend a longitudinal direction thereof, the insulating substrate being warped. |
| US09574773B2 |
Combustion control device
A combustion control device includes a combustion fan motor, a control unit, a silicon diode group, a silicon diode, and a combustion-fan-disconnection detecting unit. The control unit is configured to control a combustion state of the combustion fan motor. The silicon diode group includes at least two silicon diodes coupled in series to the combustion fan motor. The silicon diode is coupled in parallel to the silicon diode group with a reversed polarity. The combustion-fan-disconnection detecting unit includes a photocoupler and a resistor. The photocoupler and the resistor are coupled in parallel to the silicon diode group and the silicon diode with the same polarity as a polarity of the silicon diode group side. |
| US09574767B2 |
Combustion-powered electrodynamic combustion system
Technologies are provided for employing electrical energy to control a combustion reaction. Energy is received from a combustion reaction. A portion of the received energy is converted to generated electricity. The generated electricity converted from the combustion energy is used to control the combustion reaction. |
| US09574762B1 |
Light assemblies for electronic devices containing audio circuitry
Devices that include light assemblies for providing visual feedback to users that operate the electronic devices. In some instances, the devices comprise voice-controlled devices and, therefore, include one or more microphones for receiving audible commands from the users. After receiving a command, for instance, one such voice-controlled device may cause a corresponding light assembly of the device to illuminate in some predefined manner. This illumination may indicate to the user that device has received the command. In other instances, the devices may illuminate the lighting assembly for an array of other purposes. For instance, one such device may illuminate the corresponding light assembly when powering on or off, playing music, outputting information to a user (e.g., via a speaker or display), or the like. |
| US09574757B2 |
Organic electroluminescence module, smart device, and illumination device
An object of the present invention is to provide an organic EL device that includes an electrode having a light-emitting function and a touch sensing function, an organic electroluminescent module that includes a specific controlling circuit and can contribute to reduction in sizes and thickness and simplified production steps of the device, and a smart device and an illumination device each including the organic electroluminescent module. The organic electroluminescent module of the present invention has a touch sensing function and includes a touch sensing circuit unit and a light-emitting device driving circuit unit including a light-emitting device driving circuit section for driving an organic electroluminescent panel. The organic electroluminescent panel includes paired opposite electrodes therein. The paired electrodes are connected to the light-emitting device driving circuit unit, and one of the paired electrodes is a touch sensing electrode that is connected to the touch sensing circuit unit. The touch sensing circuit unit and the light-emitting device driving circuit unit are connected to independent grounds. |
| US09574755B1 |
System and method of creating a decorative panel
A system and method of creating a decorative panel enables the creation of a decorative panel through a unique arrangement of illuminating blocks. The blocks are arranged to form a decorative panel. The blocks have an internal channel that contains light emitting diodes and a central conductive member. The diodes can be adjusted and removed to achieve a desired pattern or message without removing any of the blocks. The diodes and central conductive member are easily accessible from one side of the blocks by sliding them in and out for interchanging diodes or maintenance of the wires. The decorative effect on the panel may be constantly regenerated by interchanging diodes from within individual blocks, without having to move the block. This is possible because the diodes are disposed internally in the blocks. Thus, the illuminating effect from within each block is manipulated to create a desired decorative effect. |
| US09574754B2 |
Modular illustration lamp
A modular illumination lamp comprises a base, wherein the lamp further comprises: a first frame integrally formed with the base; a second frame connected to the first frame or the base; at least one illumination module mounted on the first and second frames. By the specific design of the modular illumination lamp, the amount of the illumination modules can be increased or decreased as desired. |
| US09574747B2 |
Spectrally controllable light valve
A system may include: a light valve exposed to incident light from an external light source. The light valve may independently modulate multiple wavelength bands of the incident light that are transmitted through the light valve and into an environment that the system illuminates. A control system can operate the light valve to control a spectral distribution of light transmitted through the light valve. |
| US09574745B2 |
Light source apparatus
The invention provides a light source apparatus including first and second light sources that output light in mutually opposing directions along a single optical axis; a wavelength conversion element that is disposed between these light sources and that generates light of a wavelength different from that of said light due to irradiation with the light; a first optical member that is disposed between the wavelength conversion element and the first light source, that transmits the light therefrom, and that reflects back light that is scattered towards the first light source, toward the wavelength conversion element; and a second optical member that is disposed between the wavelength conversion element and the second light source, that transmits the light therefrom, and that deflects, in a direction intersecting the optical axis, the light scattered toward the second light source and the light reflected back by the first optical member. |
| US09574743B2 |
Separate optical device for directing light from an LED
Embodiments of the present invention provide separate optical devices operable to couple to a separate LED, the separate optical device comprising an entrance surface to receive light from a separate LED when the separate optical device is coupled to the separate LED, an exit surface opposite from and a distance from the entrance surface and a set of sidewalls. The exit surface can have at least a minimum area necessary to conserve brightness for a desired half-angle of light projected from the separate optical device. Furthermore, each sidewall is positioned and shaped so that rays having a straight transmission path from the entrance surface to that sidewall reflect to the exit surface with an angle of incidence at the exit surface at less than or equal to a critical angle at the exit surface. |
| US09574738B2 |
Lens, light emitting device and backlight module
A lens includes a light incident surface and a light output surface. In a coordinate system, the light incident surface satisfies a formula (1): Z r 1 = c 1 r 1 2 1 + 1 - r 1 2 c 1 2 + u 1 2 ( 1 - u 1 2 ) 1 - r 1 2 c 1 2 ∑ m = 0 M a m Q m ( u 1 2 ) . c1 is a curvature of the light incident surface. r1 is a distance from the center of the lens to a joint point between the light input surface and a radius which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the lens. u1 is a normalized radius of the light incident surface. am represents the aspheric coefficient. Qm is a polynomial of order m and represents that the sum of am is equal to the sum of the root mean square of the slope of the light incident surface. The light output surface satisfies a formula (2): Z r 2 = c 2 r 2 2 1 + 1 - r 2 2 c 2 2 + u 2 2 ( 1 - u 2 2 ) 1 - r 2 2 c 2 2 ∑ m = 0 M a m Q m ( u 2 2 ) . |
| US09574732B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged such that light-emitting surfaces of the light-emitting elements face toward a front of the vehicular lamp; and a projection lens having a plurality of projection regions that face the respective light-emitting elements, and project light source images of the respective light-emitting elements facing the projection regions, to the front of the vehicular lamp. A lamp rear surface of the projection lens has protruding portions provided in the respective projection regions, the protruding portions protruding toward the respective light-emitting elements facing the protruding portions. A lamp front surface of the projection lens is flatter than the lamp rear surface. |
| US09574731B2 |
Light guide for an automobile lighting and/or signaling device
The light guide for an automobile lighting device having at least one coupler having at least two input faces arranged so that, when a light source is positioned at a predetermined point in relation to the coupler, for each of the input faces, all the rays from the source passing geometrically through the point and penetrating into the guide through the input face are refracted there in mutually parallel planes. |
| US09574730B2 |
Hybrid light redirecting and light diffusing constructions
Solar light redirecting glazing units include light redirecting and light diffusing constructions. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer oriented such that incoming solar light contacts the visible light diffusing layer before contacting the light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a patterned visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include two glazing substrates separated by an intervening space with a solar light redirecting layer disposed on one glazing substrate, and a visible light diffusing layer disposed on the other glazing substrate. |
| US09574729B2 |
Stage light fixture for varying the light beam concentration uniformity and method for operating said stage light fixture
A stage light fixture is provided with a light source adapted to emit a light beam along an optical axis; a reflector coupled to the light source; a diaphragm arranged along the optical axis downstream of the light source; a first optical assembly, which is arranged along the optical axis between the light source and the diaphragm and is configured to selectively change the light beam dimensions. |
| US09574728B2 |
Laser-driven white lighting system for high-brightness applications
A high-power, high-brightness lighting system for large venue lighting, which includes a laser diode as the excitation source and one or more phosphor materials placed at a remote distance from the laser source. The invention offers a lighting system with the advantages of high brightness, high efficiency, high luminous efficacy, long lifetimes, quick turn-on times, suitable color properties, environmental sustainability, and easy maintenance, which may allow for smart and flexible control over large area lighting systems with resulting savings in operating and maintenance costs. |
| US09574727B2 |
Container candle lid system
The present invention is an adaptation of the common container candle lid. The lid is transparent or translucent and it is hollow. The lid contains at least one piece of two-dimensional material that is applied to the interior surface of the lid, thereby giving the material a three-dimensional presentation. The material is held in place by foam that also holds, in the mouth of the candle lid, at least one LED and the components necessary to energize the LED when desired. |
| US09574725B2 |
Smart portable lighting device
A smart portable lighting device including: at least one or a plurality artificial light sources having a high light output, the artificial light source or each of the artificial light sources being provided with an voltage-to-current electricity converter, which is capable of modulating the output of the light sources according to a given set value; a self-contained power source having a rechargeable battery for supplying electricity to the artificial light source(s) via the voltage-to-current electricity converters, characterized in that the device includes an electronic management casing, which includes a digital processing unit with attached circuits to which the converter(s) of the light source(s) and the self-contained power source are connected, the electronic management casing being configured so as to establish the main lighting phase by programming the desired lighting duration determining a constant light output, or by programming a constant light output determining the available lighting duration. |
| US09574720B2 |
Flexible white reflective dielectric for electronic circuits
This invention is directed to a polymer thick film white reflective flexible dielectric composition comprising urethane resin, thermoplastic phenoxy resin, and white reflective powder. Dielectrics made from the composition can be used in various electronic applications to protect electrical elements and particularly to reflect light in 3D circuits containing LED's. |
| US09574717B2 |
LED-based light with addressed LEDs
An LED-based replacement light comprises multiple LEDs, the LEDs having different logical control addresses associated among them, with each logical control address subjecting one or more of the LEDs associated therewith to individual control; a controller in communication with the LEDs, the controller configured to generate signals that individually control the operating states of the one or more LEDs associated with each logical control address; a housing for the LEDs; and a connector disposed at an end of the housing, the connector shaped for connection with a light socket. |
| US09574716B2 |
Method of reducing leaks from a pipeline
A method of reducing leakage from a pipeline includes the steps of: pumping fluid through a pipeline using at least one pump, the at least one pump comprising a reversible, positive displacement fluid pump; detecting a leak in the pipeline downstream of the pump; reversing the at least one pump to draw fluid out of a downstream section of the pipeline; and redirecting the fluid being drawn from the pipeline into a storage container. |
| US09574715B2 |
Hydrogen supply method and system
A method and system for supplying additional hydrogen from a reservoir of stored hydrogen in a salt cavern to a hydrogen pipeline to assist in meeting customer demand for hydrogen is provided. Contaminants introduced while the stored hydrogen stream is in the salt cavern may cause the crude hydrogen stream to not have the required product purity specification. The stored hydrogen is removed from the salt cavern as a crude hydrogen stream and thereafter diluted with higher purity hydrogen formed from the pipeline to form a hydrogen product stream at or below the product purity specification. The hydrogen product can be formed without removal of any of the contaminants in the crude stream, thereby creating a more cost effective and simplified supply process compared to conventional processes employing a salt cavern for hydrogen supply. |
| US09574714B2 |
Adhesive melter and method having predictive maintenance for exhaust air filter
An adhesive melter and a method for operating the melter enables predictive maintenance of an exhaust air filter used to remove pressurized air flow that delivers solid adhesive particulate from a fill system into the melter. To this end, the fill system repeatedly actuates to refill a receiving space, and a controller monitors a duration of each fill system cycle. When changes in a calculated average duration of a plurality of fill system cycles exceed a maintenance threshold, an alert is emitted at a user interface to prompt maintenance or replacement of the exhaust air filter before a complete shutdown of the fill system is caused by clogging of the exhaust air filter. Consequently, unplanned downtimes caused by clogged exhaust air filters in the adhesive melter can be minimized, regardless of any variable conditions occurring at the melter. |
| US09574709B2 |
Cooled-hydrogen supply station and hydrogen cooling apparatus
A cooled-hydrogen supply station includes: a first coolant passage through which a first coolant circulates; a water-cooled refrigerator unit disposed on a part of the first coolant passage to cool the first coolant; a second coolant passage through which a second coolant flows; a first heat exchanger for cooling the second coolant by the first coolant, between another part of the first coolant passage and a part of the second coolant passage; a hydrogen storage unit; a hydrogen passage for transporting hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage unit; and a second heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen by the second coolant, between another part of the second coolant passage and a part of the hydrogen passage. The hydrogen is cooled down to a temperature of −43° C. to −20° C. by the second heat exchanger, and a hydrogen cooling power for cooling hydrogen to −40° C. is between 13.5 kW and 16.5 kW. |
| US09574707B2 |
Method for manufacturing gas cylinders
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing gas cylinders. The disclosed method for manufacturing gas cylinders comprises: a) a step of producing a liner using a liner blower machine; b) a step of applying an adhesive to the threads of the produced liner; c) a step of coupling a bushing to the threads of the liner; d) a step of leaving the liner having undergone step c) for 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature so as to naturally harden the adhesive; e) a liner-flaming step of heat-treating the outer surface of the liner with plasma; f) a step of coupling a shaft to the liner; g) a winding step of mixing multiple fiberglass strands with a resin and a hardening agent, and wrapping the mixture around the outer surface of the liner; h) a dry-hardening step of drying the cylinder made of the composite material and having undergone the winding step for 70 to 90 minutes at a temperature of 70° C. to 90° C.; i) a cooling step of leaving the cylinder made of the composite material for 15 to 40 minutes at room temperature so as to lower the surface temperature of the cylinder having undergone the dry-hardening step to a level of 35° C. or lower; j) a step of separating the shaft from the cylinder made of the composite material; k) a step of assembling a valve to the bushing installed in the cylinder made of the composite material; and l) a step of checking the state of the gas cylinder including the cylinder made of the composite material. |
| US09574703B2 |
Hand-held or vehicle mounted camera stabilization system
A stabilization system or gimbal having a mounting arrangement (3) for a camera providing for rotation about pan, roll, and tilt axes (210, 230, 220) where tilt and roll axis (220, 230) position can be independently adjusted is described. The arrangement can be configured so that when adjusting the stabilization frame relative to the roll axis, adjustment of the camera COG relative to the tilt axis is inhibited. The system can further be arranged such that when adjusting the roll axis, adjustment relative to the tilt axis is inhibited. Similarly, when adjusting the pan axis, adjustment to the tilt or roll axes may be inhibited. |
| US09574700B2 |
Method of producing an underground pipeline
A pipeline laid trenchlessly and/or without a sand bed is produced using a metallic conduit which is encased with an extruded layer of a polyamide molding material. In this way, the durability of the outer shell required for trenchless laying techniques without a sand bed is ensured. |
| US09574697B1 |
Pipe machining apparatuses and methods
Pipe machining apparatuses and methods are disclosed. Embodiments include placing a clamp around a plastic pipe and attaching a cutting tool to the clamp, the cutting tool moving around the clamp and around the pipe as the cutting tool shapes the pipe end by removing portions of the pipe end. Further embodiments include forming a male portion of a snap coupling on one pipe and forming a female portion of a snap coupling on another pipe and pressing the two coupling portions together until the two pipes associated with the coupling portions snap together. Still further embodiments include rotating the pipe as the cutting tool travels around the pipe. Additional embodiments include an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the radial and/or axial location of the cutting head with respect to the clamp and with respect to the pipe. |
| US09574691B1 |
Hybrid push-to-connect fitting device, arrangement and method
A fitting body having an interior surface is provided with a tube stop extending radially inwardly thereof, and one or more nut connector assemblies provided as part of a packing arrangement comprising at least one sealing ring, a spacer gland and a fastening ring. The packing arrangement can further include a release pusher positioned on the radially inward side of the nut connector, wherein the release pusher is capable of axial insertion into the cavity of the head connector in order to lift teeth of the grip ring radially outwardly to permit insertion and removal of tubes to be connected via the center body. |
| US09574690B2 |
Sleeve member, end fitting assembly and method of assembly of flexible pipe
A sleeve member, end fitting assembly, and a method of assembly of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The sleeve member includes a body comprising a substantially cylindrical portion having an inner diameter substantially equal to an outside diameter of a first pipe body layer for overlying the first pipe body layer; and a flange portion extending radially outwards from the body for locating between a further pipe body layer and an end fitting, the further pipe body layer being an armor layer, the flange portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the further pipe body layer. |
| US09574682B2 |
Method of determining an operating state of a transmission latching valve
A valve monitoring system includes a latching valve, a travel sensor, and a processor. The latching valve has a snap spring, a valve piston, and an inlet port. The travel sensor is for measuring travel of the valve piston between an activation pressure and a zero pressure. The processor is connected to the travel sensor for calculating a rate of travel of the valve piston and determining a latched state of the valve. In some example embodiments, the activation pressure is greater than a normal operating pressure. In some example embodiments, determining a latched state of the valve includes calculating a derivative of the rate of travel. |
| US09574680B2 |
Water safety shut-off valve
The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and starts a timer. The valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly when the time elapses. The valve assembly indicates whether the valve plug is in an open or closed position. |
| US09574679B2 |
Devices and methods for a mechanical automatic shut-off to fluid reservoirs
Embodiments are provided for an automatic fluid shut off device having a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a rod movable in a direction of rising fluid in the catch basin; a second rod end extending to a fluid supply base and terminating adjacent to a restrained latch arm end, the latch arm end configured to be pivotably displaceable upon a force by the second rod end in response to a rising fluid in the catch basin; the latch arm pivotably connected to a shut-off valve; and the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is restrained, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second rod end. The latch arm can be restrained by a latch arm retention notch extending downward and inward. |
| US09574677B2 |
Solenoid-powered gate valve
A solenoid-powered gate valve that provides a reliable, high quality seal with a reduced operating force requirement. The valve includes a solenoid coil and armature connected to a valve mechanism, with the valve mechanism including a conduit having a connection opening, an oppositely-disposed pocket, and a sprung gate assembly linearly movable between the connection opening and the pocket. The sprung gate assembly includes a first gate member with an opening, a second gate member with an opening, and an endless elastic band retained between the first and second gate members, with the openings and endless elastic band collectively defining a passage through the sprung gate assembly, with the first and second gate members being mechanically coupled to the armature for reciprocating linear movement between the connection opening and the pocket. The endless elastic band allows an interference fit within the pocket with reduced frictional opposition to gate movement. |
| US09574676B2 |
High-temperature and high-vibration capable armature assemblies for torque motor valve actuators
Armature springs configured to be coupled to and bias an armature of a torque motor valve actuator to a null position are provided. The armature spring comprises a rigid central portion, opposed end portions, and a flexible portion intermediate the rigid central portion and each end portion. The rigid central portion, the opposed end portions, and the flexible portions define a variable cross section torsion bar with the flexible portions comprising reduced cross-sectional portions of the torsion bar relative to the rigid central portion and opposed end portions. Armature assemblies and torque motor valve actuators are also provided. |
| US09574675B2 |
Vent valve
The present invention relates to a vent valve with a vent opening for venting a liquid tank in a motor vehicle, with a float in a float chamber for closing the vent opening; and a plurality of guide ribs for guiding the float in the float chamber, which guide ribs are formed by a housing of the float chamber and protrude into the interior of the float chamber. |
| US09574672B2 |
Methods and apparatus to access and align sealing discs
Methods and apparatus to access and align sealing discs are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a cage of a fluid regulator, where the cage has a central aperture, and a valve stem to be received by the central aperture. The example apparatus also includes a diaphragm coupled to the valve stem, where an integral protrusion of the cage is to constrain a peripheral edge of the diaphragm against a removable portion of a valve body when the cage is coupled to the valve body. |
| US09574668B2 |
Adjustable valve sleeve
A valve includes a housing. A sleeve at least partially surrounded by the housing. The sleeve slidable relative to the housing and a travel stop that is engageable with the sleeve to limit travel of the sleeve. |
| US09574666B2 |
Mechanical face seal with a reverse trapezoidal face pattern
An improved mechanical face seal is provided which includes a pair of relatively rotatable seal rings having opposing seal faces. At least one of the seal faces includes a reverse trapezoidal face pattern having a sine wave depth profile wherein individual face features are circumferentially spaced over the seal face. The reverse trapezoidal face pattern serves to generate a hydrodynamic lift which provides a stable separation of the seal faces that permits formation of a fluid film between the seal faces. The individual trapezoidal grooves have a sinusoidal or similarly shaped depth profile wherein the trapezoid shape is arranged with the narrower edge communicating with the high pressure side of the seal, and the wider edge forms a circumferential dam region towards the low pressure side of the seal. Alternatively, the reverse trapezoidal face pattern may also be provided as a primary face pattern on a dry gas seal in combination with a secondary face pattern wherein the faces operate with a controlled gap under normal pressure conditions as well as when the pressure direction across the seal face is reversed. |
| US09574664B2 |
Dual ring configuration for a stationary seal
In a piston-ported engine, a sealing ring may be placed in a groove in the cylinder. As the groove is of greater diameter than the cylinder, the sealing ring overlaps into a helix allowing it to be enter the cylinder. However, such a helix does not fit into a groove without when in the helix. Alternatively, a shorter sealing ring is placed into the groove. However, the gap is too large. According to one embodiment, a groove of double the width of the ring is provided and the helical ring is installed and caused to unwind in the groove so that the ring sits in a plane. A spacer ring is placed in the groove to fill the extra space in the groove. An elastomeric material or a tension spring in an outer groove in the sealing ring can be used to cause the ring to press against the piston. |
| US09574663B2 |
Single-piece oil control ring
A single-piece oil control ring for a piston may include a body having at least one upper portion and at least one lower portion each facing towards a cylinder wall of an internal combustion engine. At least one of the upper portion and the lower portion may respectively define a first surface extending substantially perpendicular to the body and a receding second surface extending from the first surface substantially at an incline. The first surface may protrude towards the cylinder wall in relation to the second surface. The first surface may have a first area of contact with the cylinder wall, and at least 95% of the first area may contact the cylinder wall. |
| US09574662B2 |
Disconnector for hybrid vehicle
A disconnector for a hybrid vehicle, which can accurately control interruption or transmission of rotary power by accurately measuring and monitoring a transfer distance of a shift fork using a linear sensor while interrupting or transmitting the rotary power of an engine or a motor using the shift fork. |
| US09574657B1 |
Transmission with acceleration-compensated valve control
A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission includes a pressure control solenoid (PCS) valve device having a PCS and a regulating valve, a friction clutch, and a clutch piston in fluid communication with the regulating valve. The piston is operable to apply a clutch pressure to the friction clutch during a shift of the transmission. The controller is programmed to receive an acceleration value describing a lateral and/or longitudinal acceleration force of the vehicle, calculate the clutch pressure using the received acceleration value, and control an operation of the regulating valve via the PCS using the calculated clutch pressure. The acceleration value may be determined via one or more accelerometers or calculated. A method is also disclosed for compensating for acceleration in control of the regulating valve in a vehicle having a transmission that includes a friction clutch, PCS, and regulating valve. |
| US09574656B1 |
Control apparatus
This invention provides a control apparatus for an automatic transmission, which includes a plurality of engaging mechanisms. The plurality of engaging mechanisms include a mechanical engaging mechanism configured to function as a brake. The mechanical engaging mechanism can be switched between a first state in which rotation of a rotational element is restricted only in one direction and a second state in which the rotation is restricted in both directions. When switching from the first state to the second state, the control apparatus executes engagement control to set a plurality of hydraulic friction engaging mechanisms in an engaging state. In the engagement control, oil pressure supply control changes depending on the vehicle speed. |
| US09574650B2 |
Compact differential gear mechanism having a densely packed pinion bevel gear array
A compact bevel differential gear mechanism with pinion bevel gears arranged in a tightly packed array is disclosed. The compact bevel differential gear mechanism includes first and second side bevel gears that are co-axially aligned along an axis of rotation. The compact bevel differential gear mechanism also includes an array of pinion bevel gears mounted between the first and second side bevel gears. The pinion bevel gears intermesh with the first and second side bevel gears to form a torque transfer arrangement configured for transferring torque between the pinion bevel gears and the first and second side bevel gears and for allowing the first and second side bevel gears to rotate at different rotational speeds with respect to one another. Each of the pinion bevel gears has an actual gear face angle value that is within +/−10 percent of a target gear face angle value. The target gear face angle value is equal to 360 degrees divided by twice the total number of pinion bevel gears provided in the array of pinion bevel gears. |
| US09574648B2 |
Electric linear actuator
An electric linear actuator has a cylindrical housing, an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism has a nut and a screw shaft coaxially integrated with the drive shaft. The housing has receiving bores to receive the screw shaft. A cylindrical sleeve is securely press-fit into the receiving bore of the housing. The sleeve has one pair of axially extending recessed grooves formed on its inner circumference at diametrically opposed positions. A guide pin, mounted on the end of the screw shaft, engages the recessed grooves. An annular groove is formed near an opening of the receiving bore of the housing. The sleeve is held in the receiving bore by a stopper ring snapped into the annular groove. |
| US09574646B1 |
Twisted string transmission
A twisted string transmission system comprises a twisted string actuator, a force sensor, and a controller. The twisted string actuator is for converting a rotational motion into a linear force. The force sensor is for sensing the linear force. The controller is for receiving sensor information regarding the linear force from the force sensor and for providing control information to control the rotational motion based at least in part on the sensor information. |
| US09574645B2 |
Rack steering control piston
The invention relates to a steering actuator piston with a rack (6) for an aircraft landing gear (1) characterized in that the piston comprises a body (10) made of a lightweight alloy having an externally threaded main span (11) terminated on one side by a shoulder (12) and extended on the other side by a skirt (13), the body having screwed to it a tapped bronze bushing having on its outer wall at least one groove for receiving a seal, the skirt having a drilling to receive a pin for securing the piston to the rack, the bushing extending in service between the shoulder and the pin so that it is retained axially between the shoulder and the pin. |
| US09574642B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed. |
| US09574632B2 |
Self-cooling brake disc assembly
A brake disc assembly includes a hub member, a rotor member and a plurality of air guide plates. The hub member is provided to be connected to a wheel hub. The rotor member includes an annular portion and a plurality of support limbs that protrude radially inward from an inner peripheral face of the annular portion and are joined to a periphery of the hub member by bolts. The air guide plates are disposed in a circumferential direction about a central axis of the hub member. Each of the air guide plates substantially interposed in a gap between adjacent two of the support limbs of the rotor member. |
| US09574630B2 |
Electric linear motion actuator and electric disk brake system
An electric linear motion actuator includes planetary rollers mounted between the radially inner surface of an outer ring member and the radially outer surface of a rotary shaft, and a carrier rotatable about the rotary shaft and including radially movable roller shafts rotatably supporting the respective planetary rollers. Elastic rings each having circumferentially separate ends are each wrapped around the roller shafts to radially inwardly bias the roller shafts, thereby bringing the respective planetary rollers into elastic contact with the radially outer surface of the rotary shaft. Each elastic ring is prevented from rotating relative to the roller shafts, thereby preventing one of the roller shafts from being axially aligned with the gap between the circumferential separate ends, causing the elastic ring to be radially compressed and thus making it impossible for the elastic rings to radially bias the roller shafts. |
| US09574629B2 |
Brake rotors with inclined posts
A brake rotor for attachment to a wheel of a vehicle may include an inner friction member and an outer friction member. The brake rotor may further include a plurality of posts connecting the inner friction member to the outer friction member, each post inclining at an angle between the inner friction member and the outer friction member. |
| US09574626B1 |
Rigid bracket assembly for mounting a brake assembly and brake actuator
An improved bracket assembly for receiving a brake assembly and a brake actuator is provided. The bracket assembly includes a tube configured to receive a camshaft of the brake assembly. A brake spider mounting flange is disposed proximate a first end of the tube, defines an aperture configured to allow the tube to extend therethrough, and is configured to receive a brake spider of the brake assembly. An actuator mounting arm is disposed proximate a second end of the tube, is configured for coupling to the brake actuator, and has inboard and outboard members. Each of the inboard and outboard members has a body having a first end affixed to the tube and an actuator mounting flange extending from a second end of the body. The actuator mounting flanges define aligned bores configured to receive a fastener extending from the brake actuator. |
| US09574621B2 |
Anti-contamination assembly for clutch adjustment mechanism
A clutch assembly. The assembly includes a cover having a threaded inwardly facing surface and an adjusting ring having a threaded outwardly facing surface threadably received in the inwardly facing surface of the cover. The assembly also includes a pressure plate, a friction disc, a lever reacting against the adjusting ring to move the pressure plate into and out of engagement with the friction disc, and an adjustment mechanism. The assembly includes an elastically compressible seal assembly extending between opposing axially facing surfaces of the cover and the adjusting ring to prevent contamination from passing the seal assembly and accumulating on the threaded inwardly facing surface of the cover. |
| US09574620B2 |
Clutch for vehicle
A clutch for a vehicle may include a pressing member configured to interwork with a clutch pedal and move in one direction when the clutch pedal is stepped on; and an elastic member having an end portion in contact with the pressing member, and configured to apply elastic force to the pressing member in the other direction when the pressing member moves in one direction, and exert elastic force in one direction when the pressing member passes through a preset point to restrain the pressing member from being restored to its original condition. |
| US09574618B2 |
Thermal disconnect assembly with flight control permanent magnet generator for integrated drive generator
A thermal disconnect assembly for an integrated drive generator includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a eutectic solder, and a disconnect clutch. The input shaft is driven by an external mechanical source. The output shaft is coupled to the input shaft through a disconnect clutch in a coupled state, is driven by the input shaft and rotates with the input shaft in the coupled state. The eutectic solder is configured to hold the output shaft in the coupled state and melt upon reaching a threshold temperature. The disconnect clutch is configured to urge the output shaft toward a decoupled state upon melting of the eutectic solder such that the output shaft does not rotate with the input shaft in the decoupled state. |
| US09574617B2 |
Constant velocity joint boot assembly
A constant velocity joint boot assembly has a boot can connected to an outer race of the joint. The boot can receives a portion of a boot. The thickness of the boot may be changed in different areas to result in different boot performances. A sleeve is connected to the inner race. A portion of the sleeve may have a complementary shape to a portion of the boot, also to result in different boot performance. A clamp may be located over a portion of the boot to secure it to the sleeve. |
| US09574612B2 |
Method, apparatus, and nut for preloading a bearing
Methods and apparatus for preloading a bearing are provided. These methods and apparatus include preload monitoring devices whereby the mechanic can accurately monitor and regulate the preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. Aspects of the invention may also be used to adjust the endplay on a bearing or a bearing assembly. In one aspect, the preload on the bearing is transmitted through a housing having a fluid pressure that can be detected and monitored. An apparatus for precisely rotating a nut and a tool for precisely rotating a nut are also provided. A bearing retaining nut arrangement that permits the loading or evaluating of a bearing inner race is also provided. The bearing retaining nut arrangement includes a first load-setting nut, a lock washer, and a second jam nut that secures the arrangement to a shaft. |
| US09574609B2 |
Superfinishing machine, superfinishing method and outer ring of bearing having superfinished raceway surface
A superfinishing machine and a superfinishing method which can perform axially uniform finishing on a logarithmically crowned surface formed on an inner peripheral surface of an annular member in a short time, and an outer ring of a bearing having a raceway surface superfinished by the superfinishing method, are provided. A superfinishing machine 1 includes a linearly reciprocating mechanism 40 configured to linearly reciprocate a grinding stone 3 held by a pressing section 30, along a plane B touching a generatrix of the logarithmically crowned surface, and in a direction C inclined by a given angle φ with respect to a center axis O of an outer ring 10. |
| US09574604B2 |
Circuit board for connecting a deformation sensor to a signal-processing circuit
A circuit board (4) for connecting a deformation sensor (16, 18), which is provided on a radial outer side of a rolling bearing outer ring (6), to a signal-processing circuit (28), the circuit board including—a cylindrical support plate (20) having a cylinder opening in which the rolling bearing outer ring (6) can be accommodated concentrically to said cylindrical support plate (20), —an electrical contact pad (22) on the cylindrical support plate (20) for electrical contacting with the deformation sensor (16, 18) and—an electrical strip conductor (26) which is electrically connected to the electrical contact pad (22) and is designed to receive signals from the deformation sensor (16, 18) and convey them to the signal-processing circuit (28). |
| US09574602B2 |
Clinch fastener
A self-clinching fastener for insertion into ductile sheets of varying thicknesses has increased push-out and torque-out resistance. The self-clinching fastener includes a plurality of radial projections and spline teeth that embed into the ductile sheets, causing the material to cold flow into a recess, thereby permanently clinching the self-clinching fastener to the ductile sheet. |
| US09574593B2 |
Two-way fastener and method
A two-way fastener includes a first member threaded for being screwed into a first workpiece; a polygonal wall for receiving a tool to screw the first member into the first workpiece, the polygonal wall located at a base end of the first member; and a second member extending in an opposite fastening direction from the first member, the second member configured to be fastened to a second workpiece. A fastening method includes enabling the threading of a first member of a fastener into a first workpiece; and enabling the threading of a second workpiece to a second member extending outwardly from the first member and the first workpiece. |
| US09574591B2 |
Adjustable vertical pipe support
Disclosed is an adjustable vertical pipe support, in which a second saw-toothed portion is positioned in a wedge of a length adjusting member for adjusting a length of upper and lower pipes, so as to prevent unlocking or slip of the upper pipe and thus improve the safety of the vertical pipe support, even though a first rotation adjustor is rotated by a tensile force or an external force. The adjustable vertical pipe support includes a wedge with a first and second saw-toothed portion on the inner peripheral surface, in which any one of the first saw-toothed portion and the second saw-toothed portion is inclined upwardly so as to suppress downward movement of the upper pipe, and the other is inclined downwardly or is formed in the shape of a ridge so as to suppress upward movement of the upper pipe. |
| US09574589B2 |
Trapeze hanger system including trapeze hanger fitting
A trapeze hanger fitting includes a strut connecting portion configured for insertion into an open interior of a strut through an open longitudinal end of the strut to connect the trapeze hanger fitting to the strut. A rod securement portion is connected to the strut connecting portion and configured for securement to a rod to secure the trapeze hanger fitting to the rod. The rod securement portion is configured to be disposed outside the open interior of the strut and longitudinally outward from the open longitudinal end of the strut when the strut connecting portion is inserted into the open interior of the strut. |
| US09574583B2 |
Hydraulic servo-control of a servo-controlled gearbox
A hydraulic servo-control of a servo-controlled gearbox provided with a hydraulic accumulator, having an outer housing and a piston that is slidable axially inside the outer housing and adapted to define a first variable-volume chamber for a gaseous material and a second variable-volume chamber for a control fluid under pressure; and at least one limit stop arranged at an open end of the outer housing which serve as a lower limit stop element; wherein the outer housing is provided with an upper limit stop element, which acts to limit the pressure value inside the first variable-volume chamber within a predetermined safety range. |
| US09574581B2 |
Brake valve and hydrostatic drive system therewith
A brake valve is insertable into a working line of a hydrostatic travel drive. The brake valve has a main stage with a first port connected to a variable displacement pump of the drive system and a second port connected to a motor of the drive system. The main stage has a slide piston positionable in a valve bore. In a freewheeling position, a connection is maximally open with minimal throttling between the two ports. In pressure-reducing positions, a regulable, throttled connection is open from the second to the first port to brake the motor. In pressure-limiting positions, a regulable, throttled connection is open from the first to the second port to begin to throttle a pressure medium flow from the variable displacement pump to a pressure protection mechanism. The positions lie on a center line of the main stage along which the slide piston is movable. |
| US09574578B2 |
Flap actuator
The invention relates to a flap actuator, in particular to a servo/spoiler actuator, comprising at least one electrohydraulic servo valve and at least one actuator which are hydraulically connected to one another, wherein the actuator comprises at least one actuator housing in and/or at which the at least one channel is arranged by means of which one or more components, preferably likewise arranged in and/or at the actuator housing, are hydraulically connected and wherein no valve block is arranged between the actuator and the servo valve. |
| US09574577B2 |
Apparatus utilizing buoyancy forces and method for using same
An apparatus has a tank with an open top, a tank wall, and a closed bottom. A first ringwall extends from the bottom such that a first annular space is defined by the first ringwall and the tank wall, and a second annular space is defined by the first ringwall. A second ringwall extends in the second annular space and defines a third annular space between the first ringwall and the second ringwall and further defines a cylindrical space. A conduit extends into the cylindrical space. A pod disposed into the cylindrical space has a closed chamber and a displacement chamber. An inner riser disposed in the third annular space has an open bottom, and an outer riser is disposed in the first annular space and has a closed top, a wall, and an open bottom. |
| US09574576B2 |
Hydraulic servo-control of a servo-controlled gearbox
A hydraulic servo-control of a servo-controlled gearbox comprises hydraulic actuators defining chambers, a storing tank containing control fluid used by the actuators at room pressure, a hydraulic accumulator containing control fluid under pressure, a motor pump drawing the fluid from the tank and feeding it under pressure to the accumulator, and solenoid valves selectively connecting the chambers to the tank and accumulator. The accumulator includes an outer housing defining an inner cylindrical surface defining a first diameter, a piston arranged and axially slidable and mobile inside the housing and defining there a first variable-volume chamber for a gas and second variable-volume chamber for the fluid under pressure, and a limit stopper arranged at an open end of the housing, acting as a striker for the piston, and having an annular circlip defining an opening and overall second diameter approximating by excess the first diameter of the surface of the housing. |
| US09574572B2 |
Compressor control method and system
A compressor control method includes providing variable aerodynamic sizing of fluid flow through a compressor at multiple operating points of the compressor. A head is determined for an operating point, based on a process input at that operating point. Further, for that operating point, a control pressure number is determined as a function aerodynamic flow sizing at that operating point. The control pressure number is determined a function of the head divided by the square of a tip speed of the impeller of the compressor. An operating speed setpoint is determined based on the determined head and control pressure number. |
| US09574568B2 |
Double inlet centrifugal blower with a solid center plate
A centrifugal blower apparatus includes a scroll-shaped housing with first and second air inlets which open to a blower chamber that is in fluid communication with an air outlet. The blower includes a motor to drive impellers, wherein the motor is secured to a frame coupled within the housing in a manner to substantially enhance aerodynamic performance of the blower. |
| US09574565B2 |
Centrifugal fan having main blade with axially upper end projecting upward
A centrifugal fan may include an impeller arranged to rotate about a rotation axis, an impeller case arranged to accommodate the impeller, a motor arranged to rotate the impeller, and a motor case arranged to accommodate the motor. The impeller may include a boss portion joined to a shaft arranged to rotate about the rotation axis, a hub arranged to extend radially outward from the boss portion, and a plurality of blades. Each blade may be arranged to extend radially outward. An inner wall of the impeller case may include an inside surface extending radially outward along an upper end portion of each blade. A side end portion of an air inlet defined in a central portion of the impeller case may include a curved surface projecting radially inward. |
| US09574562B2 |
System and apparatus for pumping a multiphase fluid
A pump for pumping a multiphase fluid includes a housing and a rotor with an outer surface. A plurality of inducer vanes are attached to the rotor hub, each having a leading edge and a trailing edge where the leading edge of one inducer vane overlaps the trailing edge of an adjacent inducer vane by a first overlap angle. A plurality of impeller vanes are also attached to the hub. The impeller vanes each have a leading edge and a trailing edge where the leading edge of one impeller vane overlaps the trailing edge of an adjacent impeller vane by a second overlap angle larger than the first overlap angle. The pump includes a rotor flow channel extending between the hub outer surface and the housing inner surface. The rotor flow channel has an inlet area and an outlet area, whereby the outlet area is smaller than the inlet area. |
| US09574560B2 |
Motor-driven compressor
A motor-driven compressor includes an electric motor, a compression unit, a lead wire, a connection terminal, a cluster block, a housing, a motor drive circuit, a conductive terminal, and a coupling member. The lead wire is extended from a coil end of the stator. The connection terminal is electrically connected to the lead wire. The cluster block accommodates the connection terminal. The conductive terminal electrically connects the connection terminal and the motor drive circuit. The coupling member is arranged between the stator and the cluster block. The cluster block is coupled to the stator by the coupling member. The coupling member is configured to change an coupling position of the cluster block relative to the stator so that the connection terminal faces the conductive terminal. |
| US09574557B2 |
Subsea pressure compensating pump apparatus
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to fluid pump apparatuses. A fluid pump apparatus may comprise a suction compensator, a housing compensator, and a pump. A suction compensator may comprise an ambient fluid compensator, an ambient fluid bladder, and a spring compensator, wherein the spring compensator comprises a first separator partitioning an internal volume of the spring compensator into a first suction fluid chamber and a compensation fluid chamber. A housing compensator may comprise a second separator partitioning an internal volume of the housing compensator into a second suction fluid chamber and a lubrication fluid chamber. The compensation fluid chamber may be in fluid communication with the suction compensator. The first suction fluid chamber may be in fluid communication with the second suction fluid chamber. A pump may comprise a housing defining a lubrication fluid compartment in fluid communication with the lubrication fluid chamber. |
| US09574552B2 |
System and method for power generation
A hybrid geothermal power system is discussed. The system includes a geothermal system including power plant (101) and pumping station (102) and a nuclear plant (103). Pumping station (102) is used to inject fluid from reservoir (104) through an injection well (105) into the bedrock (106) (also referred to as the hot dry rock HDR zone) and extracted via a secondary bore (extraction well) usually coupled to the power plant (101). In the present example however the injection well is linked to the extraction well (107). As fluid is injected into the bedrock a drop in temperature occurs due to heat transfer to the fluid. Nuclear plant (103) is utilized to combat this drop, the plant (103) has the fissionable components (1091, 1092, 1093) of the reactor positioned within bores (1081, 1082, 1083) within the HDR zone. |
| US09574550B2 |
Support structure for an offshore wind turbine
A support structure for mooring a vertically extending floating wind turbine or the like body has a ring of tether attachment points for connecting respective tethers running down to the seabed. The ring is spaced from the body by a ring of inclined struts running diagonally downwardly and inwardly from the plane of the attachment points. |
| US09574547B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an operational parameter of a wind turbine
A method for operating a wind turbine is described. The wind turbine includes a tower having a tower axis, and a nacelle being rotatable about the tower axis. The method includes providing a data set of one or more operational parameters of the wind turbine. The one or more operational parameters depend on the angular position of the nacelle with respect to the tower axis. The method further includes determining an angular position of the nacelle with respect to the tower axis; selecting one or more operational parameters from the data set of one or more operational parameters of the wind turbine depending on the determined angular position of the nacelle; and applying the one or more selected operational parameters to the wind turbine. Further, another method of operating a wind turbine and a wind turbine are described. |
| US09574545B2 |
Connection system for connecting component sections of wind turbine blades
The present invention relates to a connection system for connecting component sections of wind turbine blades, according to which one or more intermediate parts (2) formed by a complex structure defining end transverse partitions (2.1) and a central transverse partition (2.2), between which there extend columns (2.3) separated by openings (2.4), is arranged between the blade sections (1) to be connected, the openings (2.4) including short bolts or screws (3) that pass directly through the end transverse partitions (2.1) and long bolts or screws (3) that pass inside the columns (2.3), said bolts or screws (3) being screw-coupled to nut-like anchoring parts (4) housed in the material of the blade sections (1). |
| US09574542B2 |
Turbines
This invention relates to a turbine for extracting energy from an oscillating working fluid. The turbine includes a housing defining a flow passage for the working fluid. An energy conversion unit is disposed in the housing. Flow control means is selectively movable to occlude a predetermined portion of the flow passage such that the working fluid is directed to act on a certain section of the energy conversion unit. |
| US09574541B2 |
Compact laser ignition device for combustion engine
A high efficiency optical ignition device is provided in a two-part compact and robust package to be mounted directly on an internal combustion engine chamber. The ignition device ignites a combustion fuel with a high intensity plasma generated by a high power laser beam from a solid state laser operable in Q-switched, or non-Q-switched mode for producing short or long pulses, respectively. Multiple pulses are generated, and duration and frequency of the laser beam pulses are controlled by controlling an optical pump module to pump the solid state laser. The optical pump module comprises a semiconductor laser, preferably a VCSEL device. One or more laser beams are precisely directed, each one to a desired location anywhere within the combustion chamber for more efficient and near complete burning of the combustion fuel. The robust packaging is well suited to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09574537B2 |
Fuel rail for an internal combustion engine
A first fuel rail of an engine connects to first fuel injectors and a second fuel rail connects to second fuel injectors. The first fuel injectors each includes a tip portion projecting through an opening in the cylinder head into the combustion chamber. The second fuel injectors each includes a tip portion projecting through an opening in a bottom portion of an intake port. The first fuel rail includes first mounting brackets each including an aperture, and outwardly projecting mounting bosses, and fixedly attaches to the cylinder head via fasteners that pass through the apertures of the first mounting brackets and attach to the mounting bosses of the cylinder head. The second fuel rail includes second mounting brackets each including an aperture. The second fuel rail fixedly attaches to the first fuel rail via fasteners that attach to the mounting bosses of the first fuel rail. |
| US09574535B2 |
Fuel injection valve
A fuel injection valve includes: a needle valve including a seat portion on a tip side thereof; a nozzle body including a seat surface on which the seat portion is placed, and a swirl stabilization chamber on a downstream side of the seat surface, the nozzle body having an injection hole formed so as to have an inlet in the swirl stabilization chamber; a swirl flow generating portion having swirl grooves configured to give a swirling component to fuel to be introduced into the swirl stabilization chamber; and a fuel collision portion provided in a tip portion of the needle valve, the fuel collision portion being configured such that, in a state where the needle valve is opened, the fuel collision portion intersects with a virtual surface extended toward the injection hole from the seat surface included in the nozzle body. This allows dead fuel to be retained in the swirl stabilization chamber and to be introduced into the injection hole in a state where a swirling component has been given to the dead fuel from fuel having the swirling component. |
| US09574531B2 |
Camshaft for HP common rail oil pump, manufacturing method thereof and interference assembly device thereof
An exemplary camshaft for a high pressure common rail oil pump and a manufacturing method thereof is provided. The method achieves interference assembly between the mandrel and cam piece, and satisfies anti-rotating torque of the cam piece relative to the mandrel while ensuring the surface hardness of the cam piece. The camshaft includes a mandrel and a cam piece arranged on the mandrel. The anti-rotating torque of the cam piece relative to the mandrel is at least 500 NM after the cam piece and the mandrel are connected by interference fit by hot charge practice. Surface hardness of the cam piece 1 is at least HRC58. The method includes performing interference assembly of the cam piece and the mandrel while performing quenching heat treatment on the cam piece, then quickly cooling the cam piece equipped with the mandrel at the cooling stage during the quenching heat treatment. |
| US09574527B2 |
Fresh air system component
A fresh air system component of a fresh air system serving to supply fresh air to an internal combustion engine may include a housing that may have a first shell and a second shell. The housing may delimit at least one fresh air path that may run from at least one fresh air inlet of the housing to at least one fresh air outlet of the housing. The second shell may be secured along a second shell edge to a first shell edge of the first shell. The second shell edge may be more flexible than the first shell. The second shell may have at least one second support element that may be at a distance from the second shell edge. The second support element may interact with a first support element that is complementary thereto in order to transmit at least one of a tensile force and a compressive force. |
| US09574523B2 |
Fluid flow valve, particularly for a motor vehicle, and a temperature regulation device including one such valve
The invention relates to a fluid flow valve, particularly for a motor vehicle. Said fluid flow valve comprises a body (2), capable of having said fluid pass therethrough; and a sealing means (3), placed in said body, capable of occupying different angular positions by rotation of said sealing means (3) relative to said body (2). Said sealing means (3) is configured so as to enable, in a first angular position, the fluid to pass from a first inlet (6) to a first outlet (21) of the valve and from a second inlet (22) to a second outlet (7) of the valve, and, in a second angular position, to enable the fluid to pass from the first inlet (6) to the second outlet (7) through the body (2). Said sealing means (3) is also configured so as to ensure a gradual closing of the first inlet (6). |
| US09574519B2 |
Multi surface blocker door system and apparatus
A multi-surface blocker door system for a thrust reverser of an aircraft is provided. The system may comprise one or more first blocker doors coupled to the inner fixed structure. The first blocker doors may be configured to obstruct a fan duct area adjacent the engine. The system may also comprise one or more second blocker doors coupled to a translating sleeve. The second blocker doors may be configured to obstruct a fan duct area adjacent to an inlet of the nacelle. |
| US09574517B2 |
Thermoelectric generator insert for engine waste heat recovery
According to the disclosed embodiments, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) insert is used for recovery of engine waste heat. The embodiments include an engine having an exhaust manifold outlet, and an exhaust pipe having an inlet and an outlet. The TEG insert, which is configured to convert heat from exhaust gas leaving the engine into electrical power, may be disposed between the exhaust manifold outlet of the engine and the inlet of the exhaust pipe. The location of the TEG insert may maximize the thermal conversion of heat to electricity. Further, the size of the TEG insert may be minimized through the use of a high-efficiency nano-material. As a result, overall fuel economy may be maximized, the size of ancillary components, e.g., alternator, coolant pump, oil pump, etc., may be reduced, and minimal engine design change may be required to accommodate the TEG insert described herein. |
| US09574513B2 |
Control unit for internal combustion engine
Provided is a control unit (1) for an internal combustion engine (10) including a direct injector (11) directly injecting fuel into a cylinder (20) and a port injector (12) injecting fuel into an intake port (17). The control unit (1) includes an injection volume calculator (5) to calculate a volume of the fuel injected from the direct injector (11), a port injection controller (2) to control a volume of the fuel injected from the port injector (12), an overlap period controller (4) to control an overlap period during which both an intake valve (27) and an exhaust valve (28) are open, and a changer (6) to vary both the volume of the port injection from the port injector (12) and the overlap period based on the volume of the direct injection. |
| US09574512B2 |
Apparatus for detecting particulate matter and correction method of apparatus for detecting particulate matter
An apparatus for detecting particulate and a correction method of the apparatus for detecting particulate matter that detects particulate matter within a gas to be measured are provided. The correction method corrects the individual differences inevitably occurring during the manufacturing process of particulate matter detection sensors. The apparatus for detecting particulate matter includes an applied voltage correction means. The applied voltage correction means applies correction information acquired by the correction method to detection control. |
| US09574509B2 |
System and method for exhaust gas recirculation estimation with two intake oxygen sensors
Methods and systems are provided for estimating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow based on outputs of two different intake oxygen sensors arranged in an engine intake system. In one example, a method may include, when the engine is boosted, adjusting exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) based on a first output of a first oxygen sensor positioned in an intake passage and exposed to EGR gases and a second output of a second oxygen sensor not exposed to EGR gases and exposed to positive crankcase ventilation and purge flow gases. For example, EGR flow may be estimated based on a difference between the first output and the second output. |
| US09574508B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for operating an internal combustion engine. In the method a first distribution of values for at least one variable is used, the variable describing a physical property of the internal combustion engine, and over a second time period values for this variable are recorded and classified, such that a second distribution is determined. The first distribution is then compared with the second distribution such that the behavior of the internal combustion engine can be adapted on the basis thereof. |
| US09574501B2 |
Method for grounding an electrical component
A method for grounding an electrical component received in a body (2) capable of being assembled to a cover (3), the cover (3) being in electrical contact with the electrical component when it is assembled on the body, said method involving: positioning the cover (3) relative to the body (2) using a centering piece (8) arranged in the body (2) and in electrical contact with the body (2), and assembling the cover (3) positioned in this way on the body (2) in such a way that the cover (3) is in electrical contact with the centering piece (8) and in electrical contact with the electrical component. |
| US09574495B2 |
Variable compression ratio device for internal combustion engine
A variable compression ratio device for an internal combustion engine includes: a connecting rod, having a small end and a large end, wherein a support hole formed at the small end is pivotally supported by a support shaft of a piston that reciprocates in a cylinder, and a support hole formed at the large end is pivotally supported by a support shaft of a crankshaft; an eccentric sleeve that is rotatably installed between the support hole of the small end or the support hole of the large end and the support shaft, and displaces a center axis of the support hole of the small end or a center axis of the support hole of the large end with respect to a center axis the support shaft; and an actuator that drives and rotates the eccentric sleeve. |
| US09574490B2 |
Interstage gas injection for multi-stage turbocharged natural gas engine
A turbocharged internal combustion engine system includes at least one high pressure turbocharger and at least one low pressure turbocharger arranged in series. A fuel source that provides fuel for gaseous fuel induction operation of the engine is connected to inject fuel between the low pressure compressor of the low pressure turbocharger and the high pressure compressor of the high pressure turbocharger. |
| US09574489B2 |
Multi-stage turbo with continuous feedback control
A turbocharger control system for an internal combustion engine having first and second turbochargers connected in series includes first and second pressure sensors, and a controller. The first and second pressure sensors are disposed in an air intake of the engine, and are configured to sense boost pressure of the first and second turbochargers, respectively. The controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to control operation of at least one of the first and second turbochargers to maintain a desired boost pressure ratio. |
| US09574488B2 |
Intake system for engine
Output performance of the engine may be maximized by a configuration in which air is supplied so as to maximize volumetric efficiency of the respective cylinders in a multi-cylinder engine including a plurality of cylinders. |
| US09574487B2 |
Method for operating at least one precombustion chamber-fired internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for operating at least one precombustion chamber-fired internal combustion engine, in particular a stationary gas Otto cycle engine, having a pilot chamber and a main combustion chamber associated with the precombustion chamber, wherein a gas mixture is fed to the precombustion chamber as flushing gas, wherein a synthesis gas generated in a fuel reformer and a fuel from a fuel source are fed to the flushing gas and wherein a fuel and at least one further substance stream are fed to the fuel reformer for the reforming process, wherein at least one operating parameter of the at least one internal combustion engine is monitored, wherein in accordance with a change in the at least one operating parameter the chemical composition of the flushing gas is modified by changing the mass stream of the at least one further substance stream. |
| US09574486B2 |
Control system of electrical thermostat and the system thereof
A control method of an electrical thermostat that includes an operating heater heating wax so as to operate an operating valve that may be disposed to close a coolant passage according to an exemplary embodiment of may include detecting a coolant temperature of coolant circulating a coolant passage, determining whether the coolant temperature may be included in a predetermined heating temperature range, performing a coolant heating mode by supplying a predetermined level of power to the operating heater for a predetermined time, if the coolant temperature may be within the heating temperature range, and stopping the coolant heating mode in a condition that the operating valve may be closed. |
| US09574483B2 |
System and method for controlling exhaust gas temperature during particulate matter filter regeneration
An engine control system includes an injection determination module, a correction factor determination module, and a regeneration control module. The injection determination module determines a desired amount of hydrocarbons (HC) to inject into exhaust gas produced by an engine based a flow rate of the exhaust gas. The correction factor determination module determines a correction factor for the desired amount of HC based on engine speed and engine load. The regeneration control module controls injection of an adjusted amount of HC into the exhaust gas during regeneration of a particulate matter filter, wherein the adjusted amount of HC is based on the desired amount of HC and the correction factor. |
| US09574481B2 |
Heat exchanger having a thermoelectric generator
A heat exchanger (7) for an exhaust gas system (5) of an internal combustion engine (1) includes a thermoelectric generator (13) with plural thermoelectric elements (15) that each have a hot side (16) and a cold side (17). A heating channel (18) conducts a heating medium on the hot sides and a cooling channel (19) conducts cooling medium on the cold sides (17). The thermoelectric generator (13), the heating channel (18), and the cooling channel (19) are arranged adjacent in a stacking direction (20) and form a channel stack (21). A housing (8) that encloses an interior (22) accommodates the channel stack (21) and has medium inlets (9, 11), outlets (10, 12) and electrical connections (14). The thermoelectric elements are arranged in a double-walled intermediate bottom (15) that separates the cooling channel (19) from the heating channel (18), adjacent to said cooling channel, in regard to fluid flow. |
| US09574474B2 |
Control of emissions
A diesel engine aftertreatment system comprises a diesel engine having an exhaust manifold and a filter substrate in direct connection with the exhaust manifold without any intervening catalyst, wherein the filter substrate comprises on its inlet side an SCR catalyst incorporating a non-coking molecular sieve. |
| US09574473B2 |
Honeycomb structure
There is provided a honeycomb structure where a crack at honeycomb segments, which constitute a honeycomb bonded assembly, is reduced. A honeycomb structure has a pillar-shaped honeycomb bonded assembly that has a plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb segments having a porous partition wall defining a plurality of cells extending from an inflow end face as one end face to an outflow end face as another end face and becoming channels for a fluid, and a bonding layer bonding side surfaces of the plurality of honeycomb segments, and in the honeycomb bonded assembly, at 25 to 800° C., a thermal expansion coefficient of the bonding layer is larger than a thermal expansion coefficient of the honeycomb segment. |
| US09574472B1 |
System and method for increasing engine sound during a downshift
A vehicle includes an engine configured to generate power and noise. The vehicle includes a transmission configured to operate in a first gear corresponding to a first gear ratio and a second gear corresponding to a second gear ratio. The second gear ratio is less than the first gear ratio. The vehicle also includes a noise reduction device coupled to the engine and configured to operate in a first state to reduce the noise of the engine to a first volume and a second state to reduce the noise of the engine to a second volume that is greater than the first volume. The vehicle also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the engine, the transmission and the noise reduction device and configured to control the noise reduction device to switch to the second state when the transmission shifts from the second gear to the first gear. |
| US09574462B2 |
Method for operating a power plant installation
The invention relates to a method for operating a power plant, wherein in partial load operation the increase of temperature results at the outlet of the high-pressure turbine section as a consequence of a throttling by means of the intermediate pressure valve. |
| US09574460B2 |
Support arrangement for a transition piece of a gas turbine engine
A support arrangement (10) for a transition piece (12) of a gas turbine engine (14). The support arrangement includes a mounting bracket (16) for the transition piece and a pin (18) supporting the mounting bracket in an interior (20) of the gas turbine engine and extending through an opening (22) in a casing (24) to an exterior (26) of the gas turbine engine. The support arrangement further includes a spherical washer (28, 38) positioned between the pin and either the mounting bracket or the casing. |
| US09574458B1 |
Bi-rotational thrust bearing for a turbocharger
A thrust bearing for a turbocharger includes a bearing body having a bearing surface extending parallel to a collar of a rotating shaft. The bearing body defines a central bore through which the rotating shaft extends. The thrust bearing includes tapered lands formed in the bearing surface at spaced arcuate locations extending radially outward of the second bore. Each tapered land includes a first ramp extending from within the bearing body to the bearing surface along a gradient, a flat extending from the first ramp along the bearing surface, and a second ramp extending from the flat into the bearing body along the gradient. Rotation of the shaft and the collar in either direction equally pressurizes a working fluid between the collar and the bearing surface. |
| US09574457B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining loads of a wind turbine blade
Method and blade monitoring system for monitoring bending moment of a wind turbine blade. The method comprises obtaining a first sensor set signal indicative of a first bending moment at a first sensor position different from the tip end along the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine blade, and estimating a bending moment at a first estimation position along the longitudinal axis based on the first sensor set signal, wherein the first sensor position is different from the first estimation position along the longitudinal axis. The blade monitoring system comprises a processing unit and an interface connected to the processing unit, the processing unit being configured for performing the method. |
| US09574455B2 |
Blade outer air seal with cooling features
A blade outer air seal (BOAS) for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a seal body having a radially inner face and a radially outer face that axially extend between a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion. At least one cooling fin is disposed on the radially outer face between the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. |
| US09574444B2 |
Systems and methods for motion capture in an underground environment
Systems and methods for motion capture of a subject, suitable for use in an underground mining environment. |
| US09574441B2 |
Downhole telemetry signal modulation using pressure pulses of multiple pulse heights
A method for modulating a downhole telemetry signal uses a fluid pressure pulse generator that generates pressure pulses of multiple pulse heights in a drilling fluid. The method comprises: converting measurement data into a bitstream comprising symbols of a selected symbol set; encoding the bitstream into a pressure pulse telemetry signal using a modulation technique that includes amplitude shift keying, wherein each symbol of the selected symbol set is assigned a pressure pulse having a unique amplitude; and generating pressure pulses in the drilling fluid corresponding to the telemetry signal. Alternatively, the method can comprise a modulation technique that includes amplitude shift keying and phase shift keying and wherein each symbol of the selected symbol set is assigned a pressure pulse having a unique combination of amplitude and phase. |
| US09574439B2 |
Downhole vibratory communication system and method
Systems and methods for controlling one or more downhole tools. A vibratory signal is produced by interaction between an actuation profile and a contact profile. In response to the vibratory signal, a controller actuates one or more downhole tools. |
| US09574438B2 |
Fluid velocity flow meter for a wellbore
A method and device to measure production contribution from a zone of a wellbore. The flow device include a first cylindrical portion having a first outer diameter and a second cylindrical portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. The flow device includes a first pressure sensor configured to measure a first pressure at an exterior of the first portion and a second pressure sensor configured to measure a second pressure at an exterior of the second portion. The flow device is positioned adjacent a zone of a wellbore and the first and second pressures are measured. The fluid flow in the wellbore adjacent to the zone may be determined from the first and second pressures. The flow device diverts substantially all fluid flow in the wellbore around an exterior of the device. The device may include a sensor to measure the conductivity of wellbore fluid. |
| US09574433B2 |
System and method for quantifying stimulated rock quality in a wellbore
A method and system determines the performance index of subterranean rock. A performance index is determined for subterranean rock of an area. The area includes a well. A time period is determined during producing the well. The performance index is also determined from data of the time period from the equation PI=(q/dd)*(cum./GPI). The term PI is the performance index, and the term q is the average daily rate of the well for the time period. The term dd is the average drawdown per day of the well for the time period, and the term cum. is the cumulative production of the well for the time period. The term GPI is the gross perforated interval of the well for the time period. |
| US09574432B2 |
Optimized drilling
The invention provides a method of optimizing the rate of penetration of a hydraulically or pneumatically powered rotor and stator driven drill as it drills a wellbore into the earth, the method comprising: (a) measuring a first set of rotor and stator operating parameters including the weight applied to the drill bit, the speed of rotation of the rotor and rotor torque for a first period of time, (b) generating a first set of relationships from the first set of operating parameters to enable the rotor speed and rotor torque to be predicted over a range of operating parameter values, (c) determining the rate of penetration for the first period of time from measurements of weight applied to the bit and rotation speed of the bit, (d) determining whether any other combination of weight applied to bit and rotation speed of bit, provided by the relationships determined in step (b) are capable of providing a greater rate of penetration, and (e) adjusting at least one operating parameter to move the weight applied to bit and/or speed of rotation of bit towards the combination which provides a first greater rate of penetration. |
| US09574427B2 |
Assembly and method for subsea hydrocarbon gas recovery
An assembly to recover hydrocarbon gas from a seabed comprises one or more self-propelled drilling devices that include hydrocarbon sensors and a sublimation mechanism to induce sublimation of crystallized hydrates into hydrocarbon gases. As the drilling device moves through the wellbore, hydrocarbon deposits are detected and the sublimation mechanism induces sublimation of the deposits to release hydrocarbon gases up through the formation to the seabed. A bladder is positioned atop the wellbore to capture the release hydrocarbon gas and transfer it to a surface vessel for collection. |
| US09574423B2 |
Safety valve with electrical actuator and tubing pressure balancing
A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool. |
| US09574421B1 |
Methods and systems for a frac sleeve
Systems and methods describe a frac sleeve with an expandable ball seat. More specifically, the systems and methods include an expandable ball seat within a frac sleeve configured to allow a single frac-ball to treat a plurality of zones associated with a plurality of frac sleeves. |
| US09574417B2 |
Wireline hydraulic driven mill bottom hole assemblies and methods of using same
A bottom hole assembly for engaging and removing an object within a wellbore comprises a cutting tool at a lower end. Continued engagement of the cutting tool with the object is facilitated by an axial compression device disposed within the bottom hole assembly below the anchor of the bottom hole assembly. The axial compression device comprises a compressed position and an expanded or extended position. As the object is being cut or abraded, the axial compression device moves from the compressed position toward the expanded position so that a continued downward force is transferred to the object by the bottom hole assembly. |
| US09574411B2 |
Coiled tubing unit locking knee-joint mechanisms
A knee-joint mechanism for a folding gooseneck used in a coiled tubing unit, includes a main structure having a distal end pivotally attached thereto, the knee-joint mechanism including an articulated member attached between the main structure and the pivotally attached distal end of the gooseneck, the articulated member having a joint, and a cylinder attached between the main structure and the articulated member. The arm of the cylinder is extended to push the joint of the articulated member to an over-center position, thereby locking the articulated member. |
| US09574409B2 |
Stabilizer assembly for wired drill pipe coupling
A downhole sub having a first tubular housing with a first internal shoulder, a second tubular housing with a second internal shoulder, and a stabilizer assembly to be disposed between the first and second internal shoulders. The first and second tubular housings are configured to be threaded together, and the stabilizer assembly is configured to engage the first and second internal shoulders. A method of coupling tubular housings in a downhole sub in which a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing are threadably coupled, where the first tubular housing includes a first shoulder and the second tubular housing includes a second shoulder. A sleeve is interlocked with and inside the second tubular housing such that the sleeve is disposed between the first and second shoulders and includes a third shoulder, where the first shoulder is torqued against the third shoulder. |
| US09574408B2 |
Wellbore strings containing expansion tools
An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a string for deployment into the wellbore, the string including at least one packer and an expansion tool downhole of the packer. The expansion tool further includes: a release device and a lock device inside a movable housing; wherein the lock device prevents shifting of the release device until the lock device is moved to an unlock position by application of a first force to the lock device. The release device is movable to a release position by application of a second force after the lock device has been moved to the unlock position. The movable housing is capable of moving over the release device after the release device has been moved to the release position to absorb at least one of contraction and expansion of the expansion tool. |
| US09574407B2 |
Drilling systems and multi-faced drill bit assemblies
A drill bit assembly that includes a shank including a shank axis, first and second ends, a drill bit seat at the second end and a central flow bore extending axially from the first end. Additionally, the assembly includes a sleeve disposed about and translatable axially relative to the shank and a drill bit rotatably coupled to the sleeve. The drill bit includes a first bit face having a first cutting structure configured to engage an earthen formation, and a second bit face having a second cutting structure configured to engage the earthen formation. The drill bit is configured to rotate about the about the shank axis in a cutting direction, and to rotate about an axis of rotation being orthogonal to the shank axis to selectively expose the first or second cutting surface to the earthen formation. The seat is configured to receive the first or second bit face. |
| US09574400B2 |
Vehicle hitch ladder support device
A ladder support device removably securable to the hitch receiver of a vehicle. The ladder support device comprises a frame having adjustable ground engaging legs. The frame includes a pivoting arm to be removably secured to the hitch of a vehicle to allow the frame to be positioned in a desired orientation relative to the vehicle. The frame includes a pair of brackets for receiving the feet of an extension ladder therein. Further, the frame comprises a pair of telescopic support arms that extend upward from the frame and that can be secured to a portion of the extension ladder so as to secure the ladder in an upright, angled orientation without having to rest the ladder against a support surface, such as the side of a building. |
| US09574397B1 |
Curtain security structure driven by bead chain
The invention relates to a curtain security structure driven by a bead chain, comprising an upper assembler, a lower assembler, and flexible support parts to be assembled correspondingly. A lower rotary wheel of the lower assembler is engaged with an upper rotary wheel of the upper assembler. The two flexible support parts are inserted from the bottom of the lower assembler to assemble the upper and the lower assemblers. An upper bead chain and a lower bead chain are entwined and disposed in upper and lower bead pockets respectively via pockets disposed on struts of the flexible support parts. When children improperly use the curtain security structure and thus are entwined by the lower bead chain and struggle, the lower bead chain, the lower assembler and the flexible support part can simultaneously detach from the upper assembler to prevent the children from being damaged to achieve the safe protection effect. |
| US09574392B2 |
Retention system for louvre blades
A louvre blade retention system for use in a louvre windows system, the retention system including a louvre end clip mounted relative to a louvre channel, the louvre end clip having at least one longitudinal recess therein to receive an end portion of a louvre blade and at least one transverse opening, a louvre blade having at least one opening therethrough in the end portion and a retaining member adapted to be received through the aligned at least one transverse opening in the louvre end clip and the at least one opening through the louvre blade in order to fix the louvre blade to the end clip. |
| US09574390B2 |
Beach safe
New techniques for safeguarding valuables in a recreational, public setting are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a specialized portable safe is configured for insertion and securing into sand or other loose ground particles, with at least one removal-resisting edge or anchor. The edge or anchor may be shaped to facilitate insertion into the ground, but resists removal until switched for release by an authorized user. In further aspects, the invention comprises a tamper-detecting alarm. In other aspects, a compartment access door permits the placement and removal of valuables from a compartment of the safe, even when the safe is installed in the ground. In still other aspects of the invention, new wireless locking, unlocking and alerting techniques are provided. In some embodiments, computer hardware and tracking tags and beacons are provided, and trigger locking, unlocking and location alerts to aid a user in locating the safe. |
| US09574389B2 |
Line belt driven retrofittable door opener, system, and method of retrofitting thereof
A line belt driven retrofittable door opener includes a motor, a drive link, an output link, and at least one flexible link. The at least one flexible link includes at least one flexible line link. The drive link is connected to the motor. The output link is connected to the arm of the door. The at least one flexible link interconnects the drive link with the output link. Wherein, the motor is configured for opening the door by rotating the drive link, which in turn rotates the output link via the at least one flexible link, which in turn rotates the arm, thereby opening the door. |
| US09574388B2 |
Control system for a motorized closure element arrangement of a motor vehicle
Disclosed herein is a control system for driving a motorized closure element arrangement of a vehicle, wherein at least one linear distance sensor, is provided in order to detect operator control events in the form of operator movement cycles, wherein, as part of an operator control event monitoring process, a control arrangement monitors the at least one distance sensor in order to check whether a predetermined operator control event is present, wherein a longitudinal movement of a body part of an operator in the longitudinal direction can additionally be detected by means of the at least one distance sensor. It is proposed that the control arrangement detects a predetermined longitudinal movement cycle, which runs in the longitudinal direction, of a body part of an operator as an operator control event as part of the operator control event monitoring process and drives the closure element arrangement in response. |
| US09574382B2 |
Pull handle for a vehicle door
A pull handle (1) for a lock of a vehicle door or lift gate featuring a pull handle housing (1a) having a bearing part (2) and a handle part (3) connected so as to swivel around a swivel axis between non-actuated and actuated positions. An actuation mechanism (4) mounted in the pull handle housing (1a) and can be actuated by the handle part (3). A coupling element (56) mounted in the pull handle housing (1a) couples with external lock elements. A locking mechanism (5) locks and unlocks the actuation mechanism (4). The coupling element is displaceable in the bearing part along an actuation axis (209), perpendicular to the swivel axis, and connected to the handle part (3) for linear movement in the actuation direction (204) parallel to the actuation axis (209). |
| US09574381B2 |
Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle
A door handle assembly for a motor vehicle includes an operating handle, a mechanical coupling device, and a locking device attached to a handle mounting. An acceleration force can block an actuation of the closing assembly via the operating handle and/or the coupling device so that an unintended unlatching of the door closure during a vehicle accident is prevented. The locking device has a locking element, which is movably coupled to the mechanical coupling device by a connecting element, such that, a pivotal movement of the mechanical coupling device will rotate the locking element about a rotational axis. The locking element includes at least one locking member which is designed to block the rotational movement of the locking element when a predetermined displacement speed of the operating handle has been exceeded. |
| US09574378B2 |
Lock for electronic device
A lock for an electronic device having a lock hole includes a lock core, a fastener, and an adapter, wherein the lock core is operable and rotatable about a first axis; the fastener is connected to the lock core and is shifted away from the first axis. The adapter is connected to the lock core and the fastener. The rotation of the lock core about the first axis drives the adapter to drive the fastener to rotate about a second axis, When the lock core is locked, the locked lock core restricts the fastener from rotating, when the lock core is unlocked, the fastener is operable to rotate. |
| US09574374B2 |
Restroom stall occupancy indicator system
The restroom stall occupancy indicator system includes a latch coupled to a stall door and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A sensor is responsive to selected positioning of the latch and communications the position information to a transmitter. The transmitter then relays the position information to a receiver coupled to an indicator. The indicator, in turn, is responsive to the received position information to provide a first visual identification when the latch is in the unlocked position and a second visual identification when the latch is in the locked position. |
| US09574373B2 |
Two-prong padlock
The present disclosure discloses a padlock, comprising a lock cylinder and a lock housing. The lock cylinder is rotatable between a lock position and an unlock position with rotation of a key. The a lock housing comprises a sleeve shaped to fit with and for receiving the lock cylinder, a first prong extending outward from the sleeve and having a first recessed portion and a second prong extending outward from the sleeve and having a second recessed portion; wherein when the lock cylinder is rotated into the lock position/the unlock position, the through holes are aligned with the first recessed portion/the second recessed portion, the first pins/second pins are movable in the through holes and the first recessed portion/the second recessed portion, allowing the removal of the key from the keyhole. |
| US09574370B2 |
Modular privacy fence with individually replaceable pickets
A modular privacy fence, which includes a stringer having two rails, wherein at least the first rail comprises a plurality of fence picket dividers that protrude in a perpendicular direction from the first rail. The modular privacy fence also includes a fastener attached to the end of the stringer, wherein the fastener is arranged to secure the stringer to a fence post, and a bottom rail with a trough. In some embodiments, the second rail may also include a separate plurality of fence picket dividers that protrude from the second rail in a direction perpendicular to the second rail and parallel to the first plurality of fence picket dividers. In such arrangements, the first plurality of fence picket dividers is offset from the second plurality of fence picket dividers in a direction parallel to the first rail. |
| US09574369B2 |
Systems and methods for storage
In accordance with one embodiment, a system for storing commodities is provided. The system may include a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin may further have an internal strapping. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing commodities is provided. The method may include providing a tarpaulin. In one embodiment, the method for storing commodities may include configuring the tarpaulin to provide internal strapping. |
| US09574365B2 |
Clamps for repairing posts and methods and/or arrangements for repairing such posts with said clamps
A clamp arrangement includes a pair of brackets adapted to be clamped on opposing sides of the wooden post to encapsulate a fractured portion, each bracket is made from an integral sheet of metal cut and pressed to define a longitudinal hemispherical chamber and a pair of longitudinal flanges extended out from each, the longitudinal hemispherical chamber having an upper end wherein a lip is supported in the lateral extension by a multitude of pressed out ribs such that when the clamp arrangement is required to be driven into the ground about the wooden post, the lip provides a support location for an impact tool to drive the clamp arrangement into the ground. |
| US09574363B1 |
System and method of handling chassis
A method (100) for handling chassis is disclosed. The method (100) can include: providing (110) a multi-level structure including a plurality of levels including a first level with an opening to receive a chassis and a second level; locating (120) a plurality of shelves adjacent to the opening including a port shelf and a starboard shelf, each configured to receive a chassis; and providing (130) an transfer mechanism configured to pick a chassis and place it on one of the plurality of shelves. The method allows compact storage, stacking and retrieving and inventorying of chassis, for enhanced logistics. |
| US09574360B2 |
Surface gravity wave generator and wave pool
A wave pool for generating surfable waves is disclosed. The wave pool includes a pool for containing water. The pool defines a channel having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom with a contour that slopes upward from a deep area proximate the first side wall toward a sill defined by the second side wall. The wave pool further includes at least one foil at least partially submerged in the water near the side wall, and being adapted for movement by a moving mechanism in a direction along the side wall for generating a wave in the channel that forms a breaking wave on the sill. The wave pool further includes one or more passive flow control mechanisms to mitigate a mean flow of the water induced by the movement of the at least one foil in the direction along the side wall. |
| US09574357B2 |
Scaffold bracket
Various implementations described herein are directed to a scaffold bracket. In one implementation, the scaffold bracket may include a mounting bracket having a first face and a second face opposite of the first face. The scaffold bracket may also include a first scaffolding node attached to the first face and configured to couple to a first member. The scaffold bracket may further include a second scaffolding node attached to the first face and configured to couple to a second member. |
| US09574346B2 |
Modular slab and modular surface system
A removable modular slab for use in the construction industry includes an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second opposing end surfaces, and a conduit extending from an aperture in the upper surface to an aperture in an end surface. The slab is end-to-end abuttable with a second removable modular slab, having: (i) a conduit extending from an aperture in the upper surface to an aperture in an end surface, and/or (ii) a cavity extending from an aperture in an end surface into the slab, whereby the conduits are mateable so as to form an elongate conduit through the two slabs. Such elongate conduit is accessible through the apertures in the upper surfaces of each slab. By such access, a first joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs together. Cavities may terminate within the second slab and only be accessible through the aperture in the upper surface of the first slab, into which a joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs together. A modular surface system includes two such slabs and a joining structure to join the two slabs together. |
| US09574345B2 |
Front adjustable wall panel mounting device
A front adjustable wall panel mounting device that is adjustable from the front of a wall is disclosed. The front adjustable wall panel mounting device has a fixed channel configured to be coupled with a wall frame and a moving channel configured to be coupled with wall panel mounting hardware. The fixed channel and the moving channel are configured to be nested together. The tilt of the wall panel is adjusted by turning first or second adjustment bolts. The depth of the wall panel can be adjusted by turning both the first and second adjustment bolts in the same direction, by the same amount. The vertical height of the wall panel can be adjusted by turning the third adjustment bolt. A thin wrench can be inserted into the wall panel gap, engage and turn the adjustment bolt. |
| US09574340B1 |
Protective enclosure for concrete anchor bolts
A protective cover for concrete anchor bolts includes a hollow, box-shaped housing having a bottom wall with a plurality of elongated, narrow slots thereon that are positioned and spaced to receive various patterns of cast-in anchor bolts. A top wall includes a plurality of wide openings to provide to access to the anchor bolts. Accordingly, a worker superimposes the housing onto a set of concrete anchor bolts with each received within one of the narrow slots on the bottom wall. Using the wider openings on the top wall, the worker tightens nuts onto the anchor bolts to secure the housing to the underlying concrete prior to pouring a surrounding floor. Once the surrounding concrete floor has dried, the nuts are removed and the enclosure is lifted from the formed indention. |
| US09574338B1 |
Sump pit safety shield
A safety barrier for a sump pit is disclosed. The safety barrier cooperates corrugations or discontinuities in the sump pit to support the safety barrier within the sump pit. The safety barrier includes a planar platform and at least two extendible legs that are attached to the planar platform. The extendable legs are used to contact or engage corrugations or discontinuities in the sump pit. The extension of extendable legs from the planar platform traps the device within the recessed surface of one of the corrugations or discontinuities of the sump pit. |
| US09574335B2 |
Drain trap adaptor
A drain trap adaptor adapted to allow draining of a drain trap and retrieval of a material. The drain trap includes a first drain pipe having an entry portion and an exit portion, a second drain pipe extending from the exit portion and a bore disposed substantially at the exit portion. The drain trap adaptor includes a ball valve having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is adapted to connect to the bore; and a container adapted to connect to the outlet end of the ball valve. The container is configured to receive the drainage trapped in the drain trap and the material at the bore upon opening of the ball valve such that the drain trap can be drained and the material can be retrieved. |
| US09574334B2 |
Stationary cutter ring for waste disposals
In one aspect, a cutter system for a waste disposal may generally include a cutter ring having an upper surface and a lower surface. In addition, the cutter ring may define a plurality of cutter slots. Each cutter slot may extend between a top end and a bottom end and may be defined by a first curved sidewall and a second curved sidewall. The first and second curved sidewalls may extend between the top and bottom ends such that each cutter slot defines a curved profile extending axially and circumferentially between the upper and lower surfaces of the cutter ring. |
| US09574332B2 |
Faucet with wand
The present invention provides a faucet with a wand that has a geometric orientation of the wand and/or a geometric relationship between components of the faucet. |
| US09574328B2 |
Power regeneration device for working machine and working machine
In a lowering operation of a boom, the amount of operation of a control lever is detected by a pressure sensor and input to a controller. Based on the input operation amount, the controller obtains a target flow rate Q0 of return oil discharged from a boom cylinder, calculates a deviation ΔQ between the target flow rate Q0 and an actual flow rate Q obtained from an actual rotation speed N of an electric motor acquired by a rotation speed sensor, calculates a signal Sm for controlling the opening area of a proportional solenoid valve in a manner allowing hydraulic fluid to flow to a control valve in just as much as ΔQ, and controls an operation pilot pressure of the control valve supplied from a sub-pump in accordance with the signal Sm so that the hydraulic fluid will flow to the control valve exactly in the amount of ΔQ. |
| US09574324B2 |
Work machine
A work machine includes a swing hydraulic motor and a swing electric motor for driving an upper swing structure. A capacitor supplies electricity to the swing electric motor and an operating device outputs through one operation, an operating signal for concurrently operating the swing hydraulic motor and the swing electric motor. A main controller switches between a hydraulic-alone drive mode and an electric-alone drive mode, the hydraulic-alone drive mode being a mode to drive only the swing hydraulic motor selected from the swing hydraulic motor and the swing electric motor when the operating device is operated, the electric-alone drive mode being a mode to drive only the swing electric motor selected from the swing hydraulic motor and the swing electric motor when the operating is operated. Therefore, the actuator that malfunctions can easily be specified among the plurality of mounted actuators. |
| US09574321B1 |
Ram that pushes soil from beneath buried pipe
A device that excavates soil from beneath buried utility pipe. The excavated soil is pushed out using a piston shaft actuated ram's head. The piston shaft is attached to a power shovel's bucket. The piston shaft is hydraulically operated. Soil from the excavated area, when pushed out, falls into a previously dug opposite trench that is deeper than the bucket side trench where the shovel bucket is positioned for the pushing operation. Once the soil is pushed out from beneath buried pipe, the pipe is now accessible for inspections. |
| US09574317B2 |
Wall block and wall block system
A wall block, wall block system and method of making a wall block. The wall block including at least one core extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the at least one core having opposed front and rear surfaces and first and second side surfaces the wall block also including at least one pin hole opening onto the top surface of the block and extending at least a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface. The at least one pin hole may open onto at least a portion of at least one surface of the at least one core. The block may be provided with channels; the pin hole, channels and core may all be formed in a mold box by a single forming member. |
| US09574311B1 |
Oscillation with vibratory pod design
A vibratory pod system for a vibratory compactor includes a central bulkhead defining a first mounting orifice and a plurality of second mounting orifices. The first mounting orifice is defined at a center of the central bulkhead and the second mounting orifices are defined at a location radially outward from the first mounting orifice. The vibratory pod system includes a transfer bearing hub supporting a transfer shaft for transferring rotary motion, and the transfer bearing hub is mounted within the first mounting orifice. The vibratory pod system includes a plurality of vibratory pods, each of the vibratory pods having a pod shell for rotatably supporting an eccentric mass. Each of the vibratory pods is partially inserted through one of the plurality of second mounting orifices and mounted to the central bulkhead. |
| US09574309B2 |
Concrete plate and sleeve dowel device with break-away alignment tabs
A concrete dowel device including a sleeve and plate in which the sleeve includes break-away alignment tabs at the opening of the sleeve to ensure proper alignment of the plate within the sleeve during field installation. The tabs are positioned at the sleeve opening, rather than along the length of the socket, to avoid misalignment of the plate in the sleeve, simplify use and reduce manufacturing costs of the product. The sleeve and plate may include additional alignment surfaces on the plate, at the rear corners, or along the rear side of the plate and sleeve. To facilitate manufacturing, the break-away alignment tabs may be formed as molded components rotated and snapped into position. Alternatively, the break-away alignment tabs may be formed as part of an insert plate manufactured apart from and attached to the flange of the sleeve. |
| US09574304B2 |
Sheet-manufacturing device and method for controlling sheet-manufacturing device
A sheet-manufacturing device that manufactures a sheet of which the quality is stable, by controlling airflow to be constant and causing a defibrated state to be constant. A sheet-manufacturing device including a defibrating unit configured to generate a defibrated material by defibrating a defibration object; a temperature acquiring unit configured to acquire a temperature of the defibrating unit; and a control unit configured to change a mass flow rate of the air including the defibrated material transported from the defibrating unit. |
| US09574303B2 |
Method of recovering pulping chemicals from dissolved ash having a high carbonate content
A method of recovering wood pulping chemicals from black liquor produced in a wood pulping process where the process entails burning the black liquor in a recovery boiler to form ash containing high levels of carbonate as well as sodium, potassium and chloride. The ash is dissolved to form a dissolved ash solution that is directed to a first stage crystallization unit that concentrates the dissolved ash solution and which results in the precipitation of sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate. Thereafter the concentrated dissolved ash solution is directed to a second stage crystallization unit which adiabatically cools the concentrated dissolved ash solution to form a glaserite slurry and a purge stream that is rich in chloride. In order to reduce the tendency of sodium carbonate and burkeite to crystallize in the second stage crystallization unit and to encourage pure glaserite to crystalize in the crystallizer, the method entails mixing a sulfate source, such as sodium sulfate or sulfuric acid, to the concentrated dissolved ash solution upstream of the crystallizer. |
| US09574298B2 |
Laundry dryer with accessible recirculation air filter
A laundry dryer is provided with an air recirculation channel which recirculates air from an air exhaust channel to an air supply channel. The air recirculation channel comprises a recirculation air filter which removes debris from the recirculated air before it is redirected to the air supply channel. The recirculation air filter is removably accessible behind an access door at a peripheral region of an access passage to the drying chamber such that it may be easily serviced by a user of the laundry dryer. In some embodiments, the air recirculation channel may comprise a nozzle with an outlet which is concentrically arranged at an inlet of the air supply channel. In these embodiments, the nozzle may direct the recirculated air to the air supply channel such that it is enveloped by fresh air entering from within a cabinet of the laundry dryer. |
| US09574296B2 |
Washing machine
The present disclosure relates to a washing machine. The washing machine may include an integrated tub/drum that includes a drum main body that has a cylindrical shape or a truncated conical shape, stores water, holds or accommodates laundry and water, and rotates, and a plurality of hollow lifters that extend or protrude outward from a circumferential surface of the drum main body, and extend or protrude inward from the circumferential surface of the drum main body; a hollow rotary shaft that is coupled to and/or that penetrates one end and/or surface of the drum main body; and a drain pipe that is in the integrated tub/drum through the hollow rotary shaft, configured to discharge water from the drum main body and that may be collected by the lifter. |
| US09574295B2 |
Washing machine and method of controlling same
Disclosed are a washing machine that performs a washing course by heating wash water and a control method thereof. The method may include selecting a certain washing course from a plurality of washing courses, sensing an amount of laundry received in an inner tub and determining a wash water level required for main washing of the determined amount of laundry, supplying wash water up to a wash water level for generation of steam such that a portion of the laundry is moistened, the wash water level being higher than a bottom surface of the inner tub and lower than the wash water level for main washing, heating the wash water to a first set temperature and driving a wash water heater to generate steam from the wash water, supplying additional wash water up to the wash water level for main washing, and performing a main washing cycle. |
| US09574294B2 |
Washing machine using bubbles
A washing machine includes a water tub; a water supply device to supply water into the water tub; a detergent supply device to supply detergent; a circulating device to circulate the water supplied into the water tub; a drum mounted in the water tub to receive clothes therein; a motor to rotate the drum; and a control unit to control the water supply device and the detergent supply device so that the water and the detergent are supplied into the water tub, bubbles of detergent dissolved water are generated, and washing of functional clothes is performed using the bubbles by varying a drive operation rate of the motor stepwise for a washing period. |
| US09574293B2 |
Bodkin
A bodkin includes first and second holding plates, an operation plate and an elongated bar member. The second holding plate overlaps with the first holding plate. The operation plate is rotatably supported by the first holding plate with a part of the second holding plate disposed between the first holding plate and the operation plate. The bar member is connected to the first holding plate so that the operation plate is operable independently of the bar member. Use of the operation plate enables the bodkin to selectively take an opened state and a closed state. In the opened state, the two holding plates are apart from each other, providing a gap into which an end of a string can be inserted. In the closed state, the two holding plates are brought closer to each other, thereby pinching the end of the string between them. |
| US09574292B2 |
Method of dynamically changing stitch density for optimal quilter throughput
A method of dynamically changing stitch density of a quilting pattern during sewing is provided. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically changing stitch density along an axis of a sewing pattern based on identifying sewing pattern elements, which may include line segments and arc segments. Each of the line segments and/or arc segments is assigned a dynamically adjusted stitch density based on analysis of each pattern element and/or adjacent element. An adjusted stitch density is assigned to portions of pattern elements that satisfy a threshold measurement for sewing with an adjusted stitch density. In embodiments, a standard stitch density, intermediate stitch density, or an altered stitch density is automatically assigned to each portion of a sewing pattern based on an analysis of threshold length of an element, a threshold angle of a portion of the element with respect to the axis, and/or the stitch density assigned to an adjacent element. |
| US09574291B2 |
Base interlining, methods for their manufacture and application thereof
The invention relates to a novel binder system and its use for bonding textile fabrics as well as products containing such bonded textile fabrics. The materials according to the invention are suitable for manufacturing base interlinings which may be used for manufacturing base interlinings for sarking, roofing and sealing membranes, particularly for manufacturing coated sarking, roofing and sealing membranes. |
| US09574287B2 |
Gallium nitride material and device deposition on graphene terminated wafer and method of forming the same
A method of forming an epitaxial semiconductor material that includes forming a graphene layer on a semiconductor and carbon containing substrate and depositing a metal containing monolayer on the graphene layer. An epitaxial layer of a gallium containing material is formed on the metal containing monolayer. A layered stack of the metal containing monolayer and the epitaxial layer of gallium containing material is cleaved from the graphene layer that is present on the semiconductor and carbon containing substrate. |
| US09574285B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling thickness of a crystalline layer
An apparatus to monitor thickness of a crystalline sheet grown from a melt. The apparatus may include a process chamber configured to house the melt and crystalline sheet; an x-ray source disposed on a first side of the crystalline sheet and configured to deliver a first beam of x-rays that penetrate the crystalline sheet from a first surface to a second surface opposite the first surface, at a first angle of incidence with respect to the first surface; and an x-ray detector disposed on the first side of the crystalline sheet and configured to intercept a second beam of x-rays that are generated by reflection of the first beam of x-rays from the crystalline sheet at an angle of reflection with respect to the first surface, wherein a sum of the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection satisfies the equation λ=2d sin θ. |
| US09574284B2 |
Depression filling method and processing apparatus
A method of filling a depression of a workpiece is provided. The method includes forming a first thin film made of a semiconductor material substantially not containing an impurity along a wall surface which defines the depression, forming an epitaxial region conforming to crystals of the semiconductor substrate from the semiconductor material of the first thin film moved toward a bottom of the depression by annealing, etching the first thin film remaining on the wall surface, performing gas phase doping upon the epitaxial region, forming a second thin film made of a semiconductor material substantially not containing an impurity along the wall surface, further forming an epitaxial region from the semiconductor material of the second thin film moved toward the bottom of the depression by annealing, and performing gas phase doping upon the second thin film remaining on the wall surface and the epitaxial region. |
| US09574282B2 |
Abrasive thermal coating
A protective coating for a surface exposed to hot gas flow comprises a thermal layer, a conducting layer and an abrasive layer. The thermal layer comprises alumina having a sufficient amount of impurities to lower the thermal layer thermal conductivity. The layer is formed from a powder having a thermal conductivity no more than 10 BTU in/hr ft2° F., and overlies the surface. The conducting layer overlies the thermal layer. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive particles bonded in a metal matrix that is electroplated onto the conducting layer. |
| US09574277B2 |
Electrochemical water softening system
Systems and methods for treating water are provided. The systems and methods may utilize an electrochemical water treatment device comprising ion exchange membranes. In certain systems and methods, a concentrate stream and a dilution stream may be in fluid communication with ion exchange membranes. The ion exchange membranes may be configured to provide a ratio of a pH of the concentrate stream and a pH of the dilution stream to be less than about 1.0. In some instances, the LSI of the concentrate stream may be less than or about 1.0. In certain instances, the electrochemical water treatment device does not require a reverse polarity cycle. |
| US09574271B2 |
Method for forming metal oxide film, metal oxide film and apparatus for forming metal oxide film
The present method of forming a metal oxide film can increase production efficiency while maintaining the low resistance of the metal oxide film. The present method of forming a metal oxide film includes first misting a solution containing a metallic element and ethylenediamine; meanwhile, heating a substrate; and then, supplying the misted solution onto a first main surface of the substrate. |
| US09574268B1 |
Pulsed valve manifold for atomic layer deposition
A vapor deposition device includes a reactor including a reaction chamber and an injector for injecting vapor into the reaction chamber. The device also includes a manifold for delivering vapor to the injector. The manifold includes a manifold body having an internal bore, a first distribution channel disposed within the body in a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the bore, and a plurality of supply channels disposed within the body and in flow communication with the first distribution channel and with the bore. Each of the first supply channels is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore, and each of the supply channels connects with the bore at a different angular position about the longitudinal axis. The distribution channel (and thus, the supply channels) can be connected with a common reactant source. Related deposition methods are also described. |
| US09574264B2 |
Method and apparatus for stably evaporation depositing uniform thin films
In a method for evaporation depositing uniform thin films, a film is deposited on a substrate of a vacuum environment while maintaining a constant deposition rate. A cover is installed on a wall of the evaporation vessel. When the evaporation material is heated to an evaporation state and the interior of the evaporation vessel reaches a first vapor saturation pressure, the vapor of the evaporation material flows towards a pressure stabilizing chamber. When the pressure stabilizing chamber reaches a second vapor saturation pressure which is smaller than the first vapor saturation pressure, the vacuum environment has a vacuum background pressure which is smaller than the second vapor saturation pressure, so that the evaporation material vapor flows from the pressure stabilizing chamber towards the vacuum environment at constant rate due to the pressure difference, so as to evaporate the substrate. |
| US09574263B2 |
Controlled deposition of metal and metal cluster ions by surface field patterning in soft-landing devices
A soft-landing (SL) instrument for depositing ions onto substrates using a laser ablation source is described herein. The instrument of the instant invention is designed with a custom drift tube and a split-ring ion optic for the isolation of selected ions. The drift tube allows for the separation and thermalization of ions formed after laser ablation through collisions with an inert bath gas that allow the ions to be landed at energies below 1 eV onto substrates. The split-ring ion optic is capable of directing ions toward the detector or a landing substrate for selected components. The inventors further performed atomic force microscopy (AFM) and drift tube measurements to characterize the performance characteristics of the instrument. |
| US09574262B2 |
Scratch-resistant coatings, substrates having scratch-resistant coatings and methods for producing same
A substrate having a coating for enhanced scratch resistance is provided. The coating includes at least one high refractive index transparent hard material layer. The hard material layer includes crystalline aluminum nitride having a hexagonal crystal structure that exhibits a predominant (001) preferred orientation of the hexagonal symmetry. |
| US09574261B1 |
System and method for wire arc spray thermal spraying
A wire arc spray system (100) includes a plurality of arc spray subsystems (130) mounted to a movable carriage (120) on an x-y robot (110). Each arc spray subsystem includes a wire drive (132) that provides wire (133, 134) to a spray head (138) through a pair of lead cables (136). The spray heads are mounted for circular motion, such that the molten spray is applied to an underlying substrate in a swirling pattern. In one embodiment, the spray heads are mounted to a distal end of a rod (164) that extends through a swivel ball joint (166) and engages an eccentric link (162) fixed to a motor (160). The system applies an overlapping pattern of molten spray to provide excellent non-skid and adhesion properties. The system is particularly suited to spray coating with a wire comprising a hollow metallic portion and a core having ceramic particles. |
| US09574260B2 |
Process for producing a brake disk
The invention relates to a process for producing a brake disk for a vehicle, in which a friction layer is arranged at least in certain regions on a base body of the brake disk. |