| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09582125B2 |
Projected capacitive touch sensor with asymmetric bridge pattern field
A capacitive touch sensitive device includes a matrix of pads patterned in a first electrically conductive material on a substrate. Horizontally adjacent pads within each even row of the matrix are electrically coupled to one another via channels to form a plurality of horizontally arranged electrodes. Insulators are positioned over respective channels. Conductive links are formed over respective insulators and are configured to electrically couple vertically adjacent pads between odd rows of the matrix to form a plurality of vertically arranged electrodes. The dimensions of the channels and the conductive links are configured such that an RC time-constant (RCtc) of each of the vertically arranged electrodes substantially matches an RCtc of each of the horizontally arranged electrodes. |
| US09582121B2 |
Signal processing for acoustic user input
An electronic apparatus has a transmitter arranged to transmit an acoustic signal. It also has a receiver, for receiving acoustic energy comprising a reflection of the acoustic signal from an input object. It generates an electronic received signal from the received acoustic energy. The apparatus has processing means arranged to: (i) analyze at least a portion of the received signal to determine a linear combination of basis functions which represents an interference component in the received signal; (ii) use the determined linear combination to attenuate interference within the received signal, to give a post-attenuation signal; and (iii) use the post-attenuation signal to determine a user input to the electronic apparatus. |
| US09582118B2 |
Optical touch system and object detection method therefor
The present invention provides an optical touch system configured to determine an object region according to a brightness information acquired by a brightness sensing unit and to identify a block information of objects within the object region according to an image information acquired by an image sensing unit. The present invention further provides an objection detection method for an optical touch system. |
| US09582116B2 |
Systems and methods for sensing and tracking radiation blocking objects on a surface
Several systems for tracking one or more radiation blocking objects on a surface are disclosed. At least three radiation sensors are provided adjacent the surface and a plurality of radiation sensers are provided adjacent the surface. Radiation from at least some of the radiation sources can reach each of the radiation sensors. One or more radiation blocking objects on the surface attenuate radiation from one or more radiation sources from reaching each of the sensors. One or more polygons is calculated based on the attenuated radiation sources and the positions of the sensors. The position of the one or more radiation blocking objects is estimated and may be tracked based on the polygons. |
| US09582114B2 |
Display to touch crosstalk compensation
A touch sensitive display capable of compensating for crosstalk in the display is disclosed. Crosstalk in display components can be reduced, eliminated, or otherwise compensated for by reducing or eliminating parasitic capacitances that cause the crosstalk. To do so, gate voltages to the display components, such as thin film transistors (TFTs), that introduce the parasitic capacitances can be reduced or otherwise adjusted. In one approach, the gate voltage can be set at multiple different low levels to generate respective sets of touch signals having different amounts of crosstalk. The different crosstalk amounts can then be used to determine and compensate for the crosstalk in the touch signals. In another approach, gate voltage can be modulated between multiple different low levels to push crosstalk out of band with the generated touch signals. The out-of-band crosstalk can then be used to compensate for the crosstalk in the touch signals. |
| US09582112B2 |
Low ground mass artifact management
A processing system for a capacitive sensing device includes a sensor module and a determination module. The sensor module is coupled to transmitter electrodes and receiver electrodes. The sensor module is configured to transmit transmitter signals with the transmitter electrodes and receive resulting signals with the receiver electrodes. The resulting signals include effects corresponding to the transmitter signals. The determination module is configured to determine response values from the resulting signals, and determine a first adjusted response value by applying a negative multiplier to a first response value of the response values. The first response value is a negative value. The determination module is further configured to determine positional information for a first input object based on at least one of the first adjusted response value and a second response value of the response values, and report the positional information. The second response value is a positive response value. |
| US09582107B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes a display having a display screen that displays an image; an acquiring section that acquires information indicating a contact point which is a position where an operator is brought into contact with the display screen by a user; a display controller that makes the display screen display an image showing a designation point designated by the user; and a setting section that sets an operation mode by switching between a first operation mode in which a disposition of the designation point relative to the contact point is changeable and a second operation mode in which the designation point is moved in accordance with movement of the contact point so that the disposition changed in the first operation mode is maintained. The display controller controls display of the designation point in accordance with the operation mode set by the setting section. |
| US09582103B2 |
Touch type input device having a piezoelectric sensor connected to a displacement detector and a sound emission controller by a switch
A touch panel having a piezoelectric sensor and an electrostatic sensor that are integrally formed. The piezoelectric sensor is connected to a displacement detector and a sound emission amplifier through a relay switch. A controller performs switch control on the relay switch. The piezoelectric sensor emits sound while the sound emission amplifier and the piezoelectric sensor are connected to each other by the relay switch. When the operation input is detected through the electrostatic sensor and the touch position detector, the controller performs the switch control on the relay switch to connect the piezoelectric sensor to the displacement detector. A detection voltage is input from the piezoelectric sensor to the displacement detector to also detect the pressing amount. |
| US09582099B2 |
Serrated input sensing intervals
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a technique for input sensing using an input device having a display device with an integrated sensing device. Input sensing is performed over a long sensing interval to attain narrow-band filtering, and is temporarily suspended for short intervals (within the long sensing interval) to refresh the row selection logic of the display device. |
| US09582095B1 |
Integrated document editor
Provided are methods and computing devices wherein in one embodiment, a positional input is utilized to identify variables associated with operations configured to designate groups or ranges of user chosen locations within a document, and operations having access to the designated locations to edit the document. For example, two variables, corresponding to two ends of a line, drawn at various positions on a touch screen within which a text document is displayed, may be utilized to designate groups of two locations in the document within which to move a character: a first representing locations “from” and a second representing locations “to” in which, to move a character. Other embodiments are disclosed, such as grouping user entered symbols, commands and text at various positions on a touch screen within which a document is displayed, into consolidated editing commands and the locations in the document at which to apply them. |
| US09582093B2 |
Passive pen with ground mass state switch
A passive pen includes a pen body, and a tip disposed at a first end of the pen body. The tip capacitively couples to the pen body, and the capacitive coupling is configured to change the tip from a first ground mass state to a second ground mass state. |
| US09582072B2 |
Motion recognition clothing [TM] with flexible electromagnetic, light, or sonic energy pathways
This invention is an article of clothing or clothing accessory for measuring body motion, posture, and/or configuration comprising sets of multiple flexible electromagnetic, light, and/or sound energy pathways, wherein each set longitudinally spans the same body joint in a selected configuration to increase measurement accuracy. Multiple flexible energy pathways longitudinally spanning the same body joint can transmit the same type or different types of energy (e.g. electromagnetic, light, or sound) and can transmit energy flows with the same flow parameters or different flow parameters. |
| US09582071B2 |
Device hold determination using bone conduction
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for device hold determination using bone conduction. According to one aspect, a device side transducer of a user device can receive a bone conduction signal from a user side transducer. The bone conduction signal can propagate through one or more bones of a user, such as one or more finger bones. An application can be executed by a processor of the user device to analyze the bone conduction signal to determine how the device is being held. In some embodiments, data regarding how the user device is being held by the user can be exposed to an application that is executable by the processor of the user device, an application external to the user device, an operating system that is executable by the user device, and/or a website. |
| US09582069B2 |
Electronic apparatus and wake-up method thereof
An electronic apparatus having an input unit and a network card and a wake-up method thereof are provided. In the method, an input event triggered by the input unit is received. Next, whether the electronic apparatus is in a partial wake-up mode entered after being woken up by the network card is determined. Then, the electronic apparatus is woken up to a normal operation mode if the electronic apparatus is in the partial wake-up mode. |
| US09582056B2 |
Method for amplifying a signal and amplifying device
The present invention relates to a method for amplifying a signal in an amplifying device, and in particular to a method for an amplifying device being adapted for a plurality of available powers. The method comprises determining an available power by retrieving a value indicating an available power, the available power being one of the plurality of available powers, setting an operating voltage level for a power amplifier, the operating voltage level being based on the available power, generating a pre-amplified signal by applying a signal gain to the signal, the signal gain being based on the available power, and generating an output signal by amplifying the pre-amplified signal at the power amplifier. |
| US09582043B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
A novel foldable display device or an electronic device using the same, a portable information processor or a portable communication information device, is provided. A foldable display device of which a display panel can be folded n times (n≧1, and n is a natural number) at a curvature radius of greater than or equal to 1 mm, and less than or equal to 100 mm is obtained. The display device can be miniaturized by being foldable. In addition, in the state where the flexible display panel is opened, display which is unbroken and continuous over a plurality of housings is possible. The plurality of housings can store a circuit, an electronic component, a battery and the like inside as appropriate, and the thickness of each housing can be small. |
| US09582041B2 |
Touch-control display and fabrication method thereof
A touch-control display includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a display panel disposed on a side of the first surface of the first substrate, and a touch control panel disposed on a side of the second surface of the first substrate. The display panel includes a first transparent conductive layer disposed on the first surface of the first substrate, and the first transparent conductive layer is in contact with the first substrate. The touch control panel has a second transparent conductive layer disposed on the second surface of the first substrate, and the second transparent conductive layer is in contact with the first substrate. |
| US09582038B1 |
Smart hub for smart garment
Disclosed are various embodiments for a smart hub for a smart garment including a mate-able top housing and a bottom housing, the top housing configured for engagement with a controller, the controller comprising automated computing machinery for information processing functions for the smart garment; an engagement for mating the top housing and the bottom housing; wherein the top housing and the bottom housing form an interior cavity to house a baseboard and a PCB when mated; a baseboard within the interior cavity including a pattern of lead paths conforming at least to a portion of the pinout of the PCB; a plurality of electrical leads within the one or more of the lead paths providing electrical connectivity from a plurality of terminals of the PCB through the baseboard to the controller when installed and providing structural support to maintain the PCB to the baseboard. |
| US09582034B2 |
Wearable computing device
The present disclosure describes a wearable computing device (WCD) in the form of a ring that can be worn on the finger of a human user. |
| US09582033B2 |
Apparatus for providing a tablet case for touch-sensitive devices
An apparatus is provided that includes a case for securing an overlay template and a touch-sensitive surface in an aligned relationship. The case is configured to receive an overlay template and a touch-sensitive surface. The case includes at least one opening enabling access to a sensing area of the touch-sensitive surface in which an object comes into contact. The touch-sensitive surface is divided into a plurality of regions associated with respective functions of a software application. The overlay template depicts the regions and a layout of the regions into which the touch-sensitive surface is divided. The case is configured to securely hold the received touch-sensitive surface and the overlay template in place in an instance in which the overlay template is placed on the touch-sensitive surface while inserted in the case. |
| US09582029B2 |
Method of fabricating housing and housing
A method of fabricating a housing includes: providing a metal member including a base plate and a sidewall, the base plate having an inner surface connected to the sidewall; providing a filler having a connecting surface and a first top surface; fixing the filler onto the metal member to make the connecting surface connect to the inner surface and the first top surface to respectively form first and second included angles larger than 90 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees; providing a film attached with an ink layer, and then performing a process of In-Mold-Roller Injection Molding to form a plastic on the sidewall and the filler, the ink layer attached to the plastic; and removing a part of the filler and a part of the plastic at the sidewall to form a machined surface connected to the inner surface and the upper appearance surface. |
| US09582028B1 |
Circuits and methods of TAF-DPS based chip level global clock signal distribution
Circuits for distributing a global clock signal to all clock sinks on a chip for synchronous operation comprises 1) a plurality of synchronous clock areas (SCA), each SCA having a Time-Average-Frequency Direct Period Synthesis (TAF-DPS) clock source for generating a function clock, said TAF-DPS clock source has frequency synthesis and phase adjustment capabilities on its output of function clock; 2) a network for distributing a low frequency global clock signal to said plurality of synchronous clock areas, said global clock signal is used as reference for said TAF-DPS clock sources in all SCAs; 3) a plurality of clock sinks in each SCA, said clock sinks are driven by said function clock generated from said TAF-DPS clock source. Methods of distributing a low frequency global clock signal to all clock sinks in a chip for synchronous operation are also disclosed. |
| US09582026B2 |
System-on-chip to support full handshake and mobile device having the same
A system-on-chip (SoC) comprises a clock management unit (CMU) including a first clock generator and a second clock generator, the first and second clock generators being configured to generate clock signals. The SoC comprises at least one logic block configured to request the clock signals from the CMU according to a full handshake method and receive the clock signals from the CMU in response to the request. The first clock generator and the second clock generator are configured to communicate according to the full handshake method. |
| US09582024B2 |
Active vibratory pedal assembly
An active vibratory pedal assembly including a pedal and means integrated with the pedal for causing the vibration of the pedal which, in one embodiment, comprises a vibration generation assembly located and mounted to the underside of the pedal plate which includes an electric motor and an eccentric coupled to and rotatable relative to the motor and adapted to generate a force that causes the vibration of the pedal plate for providing an operator with a sensory signal of a vehicular condition or event such as, for example, a vehicle's excessive speed. |
| US09582020B2 |
Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization using AMI-based data control and analysis
A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of a voltage control and conservation (VCC) system used to optimally control the independent voltage and capacitor banks using a linear optimization methodology to minimize the losses in the EEDCS and the EUS. An energy validation process system (EVP) is provided which is used to document the savings of the VCC and an EPP is used to optimize improvements to the EEDCS for continuously improving the energy losses in the EEDS. The EVP system measures the improvement in the EEDS a result of operating the VCC system in the “ON” state determining the level of energy conservation achieved by the VCC system. In addition the VCC system monitors pattern recognition events and compares them to the report-by-exception data to detect HVL events. If one is detected the VCC optimizes the capacity of the EEDS to respond to the HVL events by centering the piecewise linear solution maximizing the ability of the EDDS to absorb the HVL event. |
| US09582019B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device including: a resistance section that includes a first terminal and a second terminal disposed in contact with an outer periphery, and a serial resistance section in which plural resistance elements are connected in series, wherein one end of the serial resistance section is connected to the first terminal, and another end of the serial resistance section is connected to the second terminal; and a current adjustment section that includes a current source that supplies current to the serial resistance section, and disposed adjacent to the resistance section such that a distance between the first terminal and the current adjustment section along the outer periphery of the resistance section and a distance between the second terminal and the current adjustment section along the outer periphery of the resistance section are equal. |
| US09582017B2 |
Method of preventing inversion of output current flow in a voltage regulator and related voltage regulator
The reversal of the flow of output current in a voltage regulator is prevented by equipping the voltage regulator of a regulation transistor controlled by an analog voltage control, having its current terminals connected between the control terminal of the fifth transistor power of the regulator and the power supply line or the common ground node of the regulator. The regulation transistor is configured to provide an electrical path of conduction between the control terminal and the power supply line or the ground node and is controlled by an analog voltage control that varies in a continuous manner between a first level, suitable to extinguish the regulation transistor, and a second level suitable for biasing it in an operating condition of deep conduction, as the difference between the supply voltage and the regulated output voltage approaching an offset voltage. |
| US09582008B2 |
Systems and methods for fluid pump outlet pressure regulation
Fluid pump pressure regulation systems and methods have a valve body with a bore and a valve spool. The valve spool connects a first and second port to a third port in different valve spool positions. The first port is in fluid communication with an output of a fluid pump to receive a first fluid pressure from the fluid pump. The second port is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. The third port is in fluid communication with a fluid pump input to provide a second fluid pressure to the fluid pump to control the first fluid pressure from the fluid pump. A linear actuator is adjacent the valve body, with a first spring and a second spring biasing the valve spool in a first or second direction. |
| US09582007B2 |
Pressure regulator
A fluid pressure regulator has a high pressure side and a low pressure side separated by a plunger. The plunger is biased against fluid pressure on the low pressure side. The fluid pressure on the low pressure side in opposition to the biasing means moves a primary passage through the plunger into and out of flow communication with fluid on the high pressure side under normal conditions. A fine passage through the plunger moves into and out of flow communication with fluid on the high pressure side under start-up conditions. |
| US09582004B2 |
Apparatus and method for prediction of time available for autonomous driving, in a vehicle having autonomous driving capabilities
Provided are a method and an apparatus for prediction of time available for autonomous driving, in a vehicle having autonomous driving capabilities and including at least one remote sensor configured to acquire vehicle surrounding information and at least one vehicle dynamics sensor configured to determine vehicle dynamics parameters. The method and apparatus include at least one of a positioning arrangement that provides map data with associated information, a route planning arrangement that enables route planning, and a real time information acquiring arrangement that acquires at least one of real time traffic information and real time weather information. The time available is calculated based on a planned route and at least one of vehicle surrounding information, vehicle dynamics parameters, map data with associated information, real time traffic information and real time weather information, for the planned route. The calculated time is output to a human machine interface in a vehicle. |
| US09582002B2 |
Robotic platform and method for performing multiple functions in agricultural systems
An autonomous vehicle platform and system for selectively performing an in-season management task in an agricultural field while self-navigating between rows of planted crops, the autonomous vehicle platform having a vehicle base with a width so dimensioned as to be insertable through the space between two rows of planted crops, the vehicle base having an in-season task management structure configured to perform various tasks, including selectively applying fertilizer, mapping growth zones and seeding cover crop within an agricultural field. |
| US09582001B1 |
Motor system for vehicle steering and locomotion
The present disclosure provides an example motor system. The motor system includes a steering motor with a first rotor positioned within a first stator. The steering motor is configured to rotate the first rotor about a steering axis. The motor system also includes a traction motor including a second stator positioned within a second rotor. The second rotor includes a traction surface defining a wheel. The traction motor is configured to rotate the second rotor about a rolling axis, and the traction motor is positioned within an opening in the first rotor. The motor system also includes an axle positioned coaxial to the second rotor and coupled to the first rotor such that the traction motor rotates about the steering axis as the steering motor rotates the first rotor about the steering axis. |
| US09582000B2 |
Robot cleaner, and system and method for remotely controlling the same
A robot cleaner is accessed to a terminal through a network. A situation inside a house can be real-time checked from the outside, and the situation can be rapidly handled according to a state of the robot cleaner. The robot cleaner can patrol a predetermined region or move to a user's desired location, and can provide, to the user through the terminal, images captured on a moving path or the user's desired location. The robot cleaner can provide image information captured during the cleaning to the terminal. And, the terminal can video-record the image information. |
| US09581996B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for managing abnormality data measured in the substrate manufacturing process
A management device includes a measurement data storage unit configured to store measurement data transmitted from a substrate processing apparatus; a setting unit configured to set an item of the measurement data as a determination target, reference data, and upper and lower limit values with respect to the reference data; a counting unit configured to count the number of times that the value of the measurement data corresponding to the item exceeds the upper and lower limit values; and a determining unit configured to determine that the measurement data as a determination target is abnormal, when the counted number exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US09581992B2 |
Method and apparatus for a cutting process automatic generation tool of CAM
In a conventional CAM apparatus, cutting regions and a tool axis angle by which the cutting time is minimized cannot be automatically set for a finish shape having a free formed surface shape. Accordingly, the CAM apparatus generates quadrangle-shaped patterns of cutting regions using coordinate data of a finish shape and an initial shape. Triangle-shaped cutting regions are generated for concave-convex faces of the finish shape. For cutting regions generated by subtraction by boolean operation with a subtract shape calculated by subtraction by boolean operation between the initial shape and the finish shape, the tool axis angle is set so that the tool does not interfere and the face is maximized. For other regions, the tool axis is set so as to satisfy a remainder standard and to minimize a tool path length. |
| US09581991B2 |
DNC operation system
When a numerical controller enters a DNC operation mode, a host apparatus transmits NC data to the numerical controller. When the received NC data includes a sub program call, a repeat instruction or a branch instruction, the numerical controller stores search information that is required for executing these instructions. When the numerical controller includes search information, the host apparatus transmits, to the numerical controller, NC data corresponding to the search information. The numerical controller analyzes the received NC data and executes operation. |
| US09581989B2 |
Control device of machine tool which estimates overheating of motor
A control device of a machine tool which filters possible continued machining time data estimated from a value of current of a motor to thereby enable an accurate grasp of the time regardless of fluctuation of the load, that is, a control device of a machine tool which has a motor which drives a spindle, which control device of a machine tool can use a value of current of the motor, an overheat temperature of the motor, and a temperature of the motor to estimate the time until reaching the overheat temperature when the current operating current continues to be run through the motor, filter the estimated value of time by a filter to display a possible continued processing time, change a filter time constant based on either of a value of current and current command value, and accurately display the possible continued processing time even if the load fluctuates. |
| US09581987B2 |
Device control apparatus, program, device control server, and device control system, for determining control contents of load device by performing negotiation on behalf of user
An agent 10 is associated with a user as a representative of the user. The agent 10 includes a utility value calculation unit 15 that calculates an expected utility value indicating utility for the user with respect to an operating condition of the load device 20 and a cooperation processing unit 16 that judges whether an operating condition of the load device 20 is acceptable or not to the user and uniquely determines an operating condition to be instructed to the load device if the operating condition is not acceptable to the user cooperating with other agents 10. Agents 10 that do not accept the operating condition of the load device 20 determine the operating condition of the load device 20 such that one agent acting as a manager and the other agent acting as a contractor so as to make (some) concession to each other. |
| US09581984B2 |
Energy management of a system according to an economic market model approach
The invention relates to a method and to a device for the energy management of a system having a number of components according to an economic market model approach. At least one of the components is characterized by a non-monotonic price-performance or price-power relation. By taking into consideration the non-monotonic price-performance or price-power relation, a realistic description of the at least one component is provided and thus used to improve energy management of the system. |
| US09581979B2 |
Automated demand response energy management system
The power flexibility of energy loads is maximized using a value function for each load and outputting optimal control parameters. Loads are aggregated into a virtual load by maximizing a global value function. The solution yields a dispatch function providing: a percentage of energy for each individual load, a time-varying power level for each load, and control parameters and values. An economic term represents the value of the power flexibility to different players. A user interface includes for each time interval upper and lower bounds representing respectively the maximum power that may be reduced to the virtual load and the maximum power that may be consumed. A trader modifies an energy level in a time interval relative to the reference curve for the virtual load. Automatically, energy compensation for other intervals and recalculation of upper and lower boundaries occurs. The energy schedule for the virtual load is distributed to the actual loads. |
| US09581977B2 |
Appliance management apparatus and appliance management method
There is provided an appliance management apparatus including a connection state acquiring unit acquiring information generated due to an appliance terminal of an electronic appliance being positioned close to or connected to a power supplying terminal that supplies power, and a connection state management unit managing a connection state of the appliance terminal to the power supplying terminal using the information acquired by the connection state acquiring unit. |
| US09581973B1 |
Dual mode clock using a common resonator and associated method of use
An integrated circuit comprising, a resonator, a first clock circuit for generating a first clock signal having a first frequency in response to the resonator, a second clock circuit for generating a second clock signal having a second frequency in response to the resonator, wherein the second frequency of the second clock signal is determined by the programmable frequency divider and a clock mode control circuit coupled to the first clock circuit and the second clock circuit, the clock mode control circuit for gradually switching the resonator between the first oscillator circuit and the second oscillator circuit of the integrated circuit, using a shift register based state machine and utilizing the inertia of the resonator to smoothly transition between the two oscillators, to provide a dual mode clock output signal. |
| US09581971B2 |
Sleeve and glove keeper watch bracket
A sleeve keeper bracket for use with a wrist accessory worn by a user comprises a first member coupled to the wrist accessory, and a second member coupled to the first member and adapted to extend away from the wrist accessory and adapted to retain a long sleeve of a garment worn by the user from obscuring the wrist accessory. |
| US09581970B2 |
Sleeve keeper watch bracket
A sleeve keeper watch bracket for use with a wristwatch worn by a user, comprises a first member having a shape and size generally corresponding to a case of the wristwatch, the first member generally lying in a first plane, a second member generally lying in a second plane parallel to and above the first plane, a third member coupling the first member and second member, and wherein the first member is affixed to the wristwatch case and the second member extends away from the user's hand and is adapted to hold back a long sleeve of a garment worn by the user. |
| US09581968B2 |
Timepiece
The present invention improves the weathering performance of a stopper structure preventing inadvertent rotation or a rotated body accommodated in a case. An operation member having a head portion rotated outside the case and a shaft portion inserted into a pipe so as to be movable between a first position and a second position that is outer than the first position. A stopper structure is provided inside the case to prevent rotation of the head portion when the operation member is positioned at the second position, whereas the stopper structure allows rotation of the head portion when the operation member is positioned at the first position. |
| US09581967B1 |
Motion compensated multi-wavelength digital holography
A holography imaging system includes a first laser, a second laser, a transmitter optical system, a receiver optical system, and a detector array. The first laser has a constant frequency, and the second laser has a non-constant frequency. The transmitter optical system can illuminate a target simultaneously using portions of the first and second laser signals. The receiver optical system can focus a returned light onto the detector array. A first and second illumination point sources can direct portions of the first and second laser signals onto the detector array. The first and second illumination point sources are located in-plane with a pupil of the receiver optical system. The system can detect simultaneously holograms formed on the detector array based on the returned light and the portions of the first and second laser signals directed by the first and second illumination point sources. |
| US09581966B1 |
Systems and methodologies related to 3-D imaging and viewing
Systems and methods for three-dimensional imaging and viewing are disclosed. A method for generating a three-dimensional image may include producing a pattern in a spatial light modulator based on data representative of an image of an object, illuminating the spatial light modulator so as to yield a projection beam, masking at least one portion of the projection beam such that a portion of the projection beam is selected, and propagating the selected portion to an exit pupil so as to form a virtual 3-D image of the object when viewed at the exit pupil. An apparatus may include a projector comprising a spatial light modulator array that modulates the phase of light to produce a phase modulated beam that is projected to a viewer thereby forming a 3-D image of the object when viewed by the viewer, and processing electronics configured to extract phase information from a signal. |
| US09581961B2 |
Holographic microscope, holographic image generation method, and method for acquiring data for holographic image
The present method includes a data acquisition process and tomographic image generation processes. In the data acquisition process, holograms of an object light and so forth are acquired for each light with a wavelength by changing the wavelengths of the illumination light, off-axis spherical wave reference light, and inline spherical wave reference light. In the tomographic image generation process, a reconstructed light wave of the object light and a reconstructed light wave of the illumination light on a reconstruction surface are generated from these holograms. A reconstruction light wave with adjusted phase is added up for each wavelength to generate a tomographic hologram. From this, an accurate and focused tomographic image without distortion can be generated. |
| US09581959B2 |
Process cartridge
A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a developer carrying member for developing an electrostatic image on the image bearing member; a first gear provided on the developer carrying member and a second gear driving-connected to the first gear; and a supporting portion for rotatably supporting the second gear. The supporting member is mounted on a frame of the process cartridge through a vibration damping member having a vibration transmission performance lower than that of at least the supporting portion. |
| US09581957B2 |
Image forming apparatus and detachable component
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a detachable component attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body, a secured part that is provided in the detachable component and that is secured to a predetermined securing position on an apparatus body side, and a regulating part that is provided on the apparatus body side and that regulates a movement of the secured part secured to the securing position. During attachment of the detachable component to the apparatus body, the secured part is brought into contact with the regulating part so as to be displaced or set in a state changed from a state before the contact of the secured part with the regulating part, and the secured part that is displaced or set in the changed state becomes able to pass the regulating part so as to reach the securing position. |
| US09581946B2 |
Fixing device having heating section support with hole for releasing heat
A fixing device having: a fixing member extending in a first predetermined direction; a heating roller extending in the first predetermined direction; a fixing belt stretched between the fixing member and the heating roller and being annular when viewed in a plan view in the first predetermined direction; a heating section heating the heating roller and being provided in the heating roller; a first support section supporting the heating roller in such a manner that the heating roller is movable with respect to the fixing member along a predetermined plane perpendicular to the first predetermined direction; a pressure section exerting a force upon the heating roller in such a direction that the heating roller moves away from the fixing member; and a second support section supporting the heating section in such a manner that the heating section is movable together with the heating roller. |
| US09581943B2 |
Heat fixing apparatus and grease composition for the heat fixing apparatus
Provided is a heat fixing apparatus, which suppresses the depletion of a lubricant applied to an inside of the heat fixing apparatus and which has long life and high reliability, the heat fixing apparatus including a heating rotary member and a pressurizing rotary member, and containing, as a lubricant in a sliding portion, (A) perfluoropolyether oil having a kinetic viscosity at 40° C. of from 100 to 200 mm2/s and an evaporation loss being 1.2 mass % or less in a case where 10 g of a sample of the perfluoropolyether oil is placed in a petri dish having an inner diameter of 41 mm and allowed to stand still at 250° C. for 200 hours and (B) polytetrafluoroethylene. |
| US09581942B1 |
Tissue transfer method and apparatus
A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a permeable tissue collection vessel or filter element disposed within a collection container. Collected tissue is deposited within the filter element through an inlet. Fluid that passes through the filter element is withdrawn from the collection canister through an outlet. An access port can be provided in a lid of the collection container to facilitate the removal of collected tissue from the tissue collection vessel. |
| US09581940B1 |
Transfer device and image forming apparatus
Provided is a transfer device including a primary transfer roller that selectively takes a contact position where an intermediate transfer belt is brought into contact with an image holding member, and a separation position where the intermediate transfer belt is separated from the image holding member, a tension applying roller on which the intermediate transfer belt is wound thereon together with a driving roller and which is urged in a direction receding from the driving roller, and a relaxing member that is attached to a shaft portion of the tension applying roller, is urged by an urging unit in a direction approaching the driving roller, and relaxes an urging force of the tension applying roller in a direction receding from the driving roller when the primary transfer roller is at the separation position. |
| US09581939B2 |
Developing device and developing method
The present disclosure provides a developing device and method. The developing device includes the nozzle for spraying the developing liquid, the machine table for bearing the glass substrate, and the inclination controller for controlling the nozzle and the machine table to be inclined towards a predetermined direction of the machine table at a predetermined angle and keeping the inclined angle within a preset period. The method includes controlling, by the inclination controller, the machine table and the nozzle to be inclined towards a first direction of the machine table at a predetermined angle during the inclination cycle period and keeping the inclined angle within the preset period, and controlling, by the inclination controller, the machine table and the nozzle to be sequentially inclined towards other directions of the machine table at a predetermined angle according to the preset inclination direction sequence and keeping the inclined angle within the preset period. |
| US09581936B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus including a contact member which is elastically deformed
A developing device includes: a developer bearer configured to bear developer thereon; a developer conveyance path for conveying developer to be fed to the developer bearer; a developer conveying member configured to convey the developer in the developer conveyance path; a developer discharge port disposed in the developer conveyance path to discharge developer from the developer conveyance path by overflow; and a contact member configured to be brought into contact with the developer conveyed toward the developer discharge port in the developer conveyance path, the developer conveyance path being configured to receive externally-supplied developer therein, the contact member being configured to repeat a sequence of movements including being elastically deformed by being brought into contact with the developer conveying member being driven and thereafter being elastically restored by being brought out of contact with the developer conveying member. |
| US09581932B2 |
Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A developing apparatus includes a developer carrying member configured to carry developer, a blade configured to be deformed by contacting the developer carrying member, and an operation member provided on an opposite side to a side of the blade contacting the developer carrying member. The operation member is configured to contact the deformed blade so as to cause the blade to act on the developer carrying member at a predetermined pressure. |
| US09581923B2 |
Carboxylic acid or acid salt functionalized polyester polymers
The present disclosure describes a polyester that contains plural pendant adjacent carboxylic acid or acid salt side groups for use in making a toner for use in imaging devices. |
| US09581922B2 |
Treated fumed silica
Disclosed herein are treated fumed silica particles comprising a modified polydialkylsiloxane on the surface thereof, a method for preparing treated fumed silica particles, and a rheological system comprising a polar liquid and treated fumed silica particles. Also disclosed are toner compositions comprising toner particles and treated fumed silica particles comprising a modified polydialkylsiloxane. |
| US09581921B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a photosensitive layer containing a charge generating material, a charge transport material, and a binder resin. The photosensitive layer is a multi-layer type photosensitive layer or a single-layer type photosensitive layer. The multi-layer type photosensitive layer includes a charge generating layer that contains the charge generating material and a charge transport layer that contains the charge transport material and the binder resin, and in which the charge transport layer is located on the charge generating layer. The single-layer type photosensitive layer contains the charge generating material, the charge transport material, and the binder resin. The charge transport material is an enamine derivative represented by general formula (1). In general formula (1), R1, R2, l, m, and n are each as defined in the specification. |
| US09581920B2 |
Coating film-removing method for cylindrical substrate and manufacturing method for electrophotographic photosensitive member
Provided is coating film-removing method for removing unnecessary coating film on outer peripheral surface of lower side of cylindrical substrate by dip coating, the method comprising: supplying solvent to inside of substrate; causing, through use of outer peripheral surface coating film-removing member configured to remove coating film at portion to be subjected to coating film removal in outer peripheral surface of the substrate, the outer peripheral surface coating film-removing member to abut against region ranging from upper end to lower end of coating film at the portion; and removing, under a state wherein the outer peripheral surface coating film-removing member abuts against the region, the coating film at the portion through rubbing by relatively rotating the substrate and the outer peripheral surface coating film-removing member while supplying the solvent, which is supplied to inside and then flows to lower end of the substrate, to abutting portion. |
| US09581919B1 |
Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor that includes a conductive substrate, an organic photosensitive layer provided on the conductive substrate, and an inorganic protective layer provided on the organic photosensitive layer; a charging unit that charges a surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on a charged surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to thereby form a toner image, by using a developer which contains a toner, and a carrier in which a ratio occupied by carrier particles having a particle diameter of 50 μm or greater is equal to or smaller than 1% by number; and a transfer unit that transfers the toner image to a surface of a recording medium. |
| US09581914B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
In a lithographic projection apparatus, a liquid supply system maintains liquid in a space between the projection system and the substrate. The liquid supply system may further include a de-mineralizing unit, a distillation unit, a de-hydrocarbonating unit, a UV radiation source, and/or a filter configured to purify the liquid. A gas content reduction device may be provided to reduce a gas content of the liquid. A chemical may be added to the liquid using an adding device to inhibit lifeform growth and components of the liquid supply system may be made of a material which is non-transparent to visible light such that growth of lifeforms may be reduced. |
| US09581913B2 |
Exposure apparatus, exposure method, method for manufacturing device
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate via a projection optical system and liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a first pipe section that flows liquid supplied from a liquid supplying device, and a second pipe section that is disposed at an outside of the first pipe section so as to surround the first pipe section and flows liquid supplied from the liquid supplying device. |
| US09581912B2 |
Model-based control of an optical imaging device
The disclosure provides a method of determining an actual input value of an input variable for a control unit of a microlithography imaging device. The actual input value is assigned to a first location of the microlithography optical imaging device. The method includes: a) detecting, at a second location of the microlithography optical imaging device, an actual detection value of a detection variable of a detection device of the microlithography optical imaging device; b) using a second relation to computationally ascertain an actual computational value of the detection variable at the second location; c) comparing the actual computational value of the detection variable with the actual detection value of the detection variable to provide a result; and d) based on the result in c), using a relationship between a first predefinable relation and the second relation to correct the predefinable first relation. |
| US09581911B2 |
Polarization-modulating optical element
A microlithography optical system includes a projection objective and an illumination system that includes a temperature compensated polarization-modulating optical element. The temperature compensated polarization-modulating optical element includes a first polarization-modulating optical element of optically active material, the first polarization-modulating optical element having a first specific rotation with a sign. The temperature compensated polarization-modulating optical element includes also includes a second polarization-modulating optical element of optically active material, the second polarization-modulating optical element having a second specific rotation with a sign opposite to the sign of the first specific rotation. |
| US09581910B2 |
Method of lithographically transferring a pattern on a light sensitive surface and illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A method of lithographically transferring a pattern on a light sensitive surface in a multiple exposure process comprises the following steps: a) providing a mask comprising a first mask pattern area and a second mask pattern area; b) directing projection light on the mask, thereby producing on the light sensitive surface a first exposed pattern area, which is an image of the first mask pattern area, and a second exposed pattern area, which is an image of the second mask pattern area. The projection light illuminating the first and second mask pattern area has different angular light distributions. c) repeating step b) using the same mask so that an image of the first mask pattern area is superimposed on the second exposure pattern area. |
| US09581908B2 |
Photoresist and method
A photoresist with a group which will decompose bonded to a high etching resistance moiety is provided. Alternatively, the group which will decompose can additionally be attached to a re-attachment group that will re-attach to the polymer after the group which will decompose has cleaved from the polymer. The photoresist may also comprise a non-leaving monomer with a cross-linking site and a cross-linking agent. |
| US09581905B2 |
Composition for film formation, resist underlayer film and forming method thereof, pattern-forming method and compound
A composition for film formation includes a compound represented by formula (1) and a solvent. In the formula (1), R1, R2 and R3 each independently represent a group represented by the formula (a). In the formula (a), RA represents a hydrogen atom, an aryl group, or an alkyl group unsubstituted or substituted with at least one of a hydroxy group and an aryl group. RB represents a single bond or an arylene group. A part or all of hydrogen atoms on an aromatic ring of the aryl group and the arylene group may be substituted with a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino group, a sulfanyl group, or a monovalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and not including an aromatic ring. |
| US09581901B2 |
Photoacid-generating copolymer and associated photoresist composition, coated substrate, and method of forming an electronic device
A copolymer includes repeat units derived from an acid-labile monomer, an aliphatic lactone-containing monomer, a C1-12 alkyl (meth)acrylate in which the C1-12 alkyl group includes a specific base-soluble group, a photoacid-generating monomer that includes an aliphatic anion, and a neutral aromatic monomer having the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, X, m, and R5 are defined herein. The copolymer is used as a component of a photoresist composition. A coated substrate including a layer of the photoresist composition, and a method of forming an electronic device using the coated substrate are described. |
| US09581896B2 |
Agglutinant for pellicle and a pellicle including the same
There is provided a pellicle 1 for lithography having a frame 12, a film 11 and an agglutinant layer 13 (an adhesive to bond the pellicle on a photomask), in which the agglutinant layer 13 is doped with a luminescence material so as to facilitate the inspection of the quality of the adhesion between the agglutinant layer 13 and the photomask; preferably the luminescence material is a kind that glows in response to UV irradiation, and a preferable dosage of the luminescence material is no less than 0.01 mass % but less than 1.0 mass %. |
| US09581894B2 |
Image mask film scheme and method
A system and method for repairing a photolithographic mask is provided. An embodiment comprises forming a shielding layer over an absorbance layer on a substrate. Once the shielding layer is in place, the absorbance layer may be repaired using, e.g., an e-beam process to initiate a reaction to repair a defect in the absorbance layer, with the shielding layer being used to shield the remainder of the absorbance layer from undesirable etching during the repair process. |
| US09581874B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device capable of maintaining data even after instantaneous power reduction or interruption. The semiconductor device includes first to sixth transistors. The first and fourth transistors are p-channel transistors. The second and fifth transistors are n-channel transistors. In the third and sixth transistors, a channel formation region is included in an oxide semiconductor layer. A high voltage is applied to one of a source and a drain of the first transistor and one of a source and a drain of the fourth transistor. A low voltage is applied to one of a source and a drain of the second transistor and one of a source and a drain of the fifth transistor. |
| US09581871B2 |
Display panel comprising a wire disposed and sandwiched in between a sealant and a planarization layer and method for manufacturing the same
A display panel, including a device substrate, an opposite substrate, a sealant, and a display medium, is provided. A pixel array of the device substrate is located in a display region, and a periphery circuit of the device substrate is located in a non-display region, wherein the periphery circuit includes at least one driving device, a planarization layer, and at least one wire. The planarization layer covers the driving device. The wire is located on the planarization layer, and the wire is electrically connected with the driving device and disposed to overlap the driving device. The opposite substrate is located opposite to the device substrate, and the sealant is located in the non-display region therebetween and covers the wire. The display medium is located between the device substrate, the opposite substrate, and the sealant. A manufacturing method of a display panel is also provided. |
| US09581868B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a liquid-crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid-crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a pixel electrode provide, the first electrode includes an electrode base portion extending in a first direction and comb tooth portions extending in a second direction and protruding in a comb teeth shape from the electrode base portion with a predetermined distance interposed therebetween, and adjacent comb tooth portions include adjacent comb tooth portions having a relation in which a first long side of one comb tooth portion closest to a boundary between pixels is not parallel to a first long side of the other comb tooth portion. |
| US09581866B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a display device includes: forming a thin film transistor on a substrate; forming a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor in at least one of the plurality of pixel areas on the substrate; forming a sacrificial layer on the pixel electrode; forming an opening in the sacrificial layer by removing at least a part of the sacrificial layer; forming a roof layer on the sacrificial layer and forming a support member in the opening; forming an injection hole by patterning the roof layer to expose at least a part of the sacrificial layer; forming a microcavity between the pixel electrode and the roof layer by removing the sacrificial layer; forming a liquid crystal layer in the microcavity by injecting a liquid crystal material through the injection hole; and forming an encapsulation layer on the roof layer to seal the microcavity. |
| US09581857B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method of the same
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display panel configured to hold a liquid crystal layer between a first substrate and a second substrate, a cover member positioned at a side of the second substrate of the display panel, a first optical element positioned at an outer surface side of the first substrate, and a second optical element positioned between the second substrate and the cover member, bonded to an inner surface of the cover member but not bonded to the second substrate. |
| US09581856B2 |
Display panel and liquid crystal display
A display panel includes: an upper substrate, a lower substrate disposed under the upper substrate, a lower polarizer disposed under the lower substrate, and a step smoothing member disposed under the lower substrate and not overlapping with the lower polarizer. |
| US09581855B2 |
Liquid crystal device, electronic apparatus, and method of manufacturing liquid crystal device
A liquid crystal device comprising: a first lens array that is provided to be closer to a light incident side of the liquid crystal device than the light shielding portion, a second lens array that is provided between the first lens array and the light shielding portion. The second lens array includes a plurality of first lenses each of which has a surface convex toward the light shielding portion, and the second lens array includes a first slit which is provided between two first lenses adjacent to each other among the plurality of first lenses of the second lens array so as to extend toward the light shielding portion. |
| US09581854B2 |
Light emitting device and display device using the same
The disclosure relates to a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a first electrode, a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second semiconductor layer and a second electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer. The second electrode is electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a metal metamaterial layer. The metal metamaterial layer comprises a number of metamaterial units arranged to form a periodic array. A distance between the metal metamaterial layer and the active layer is less than or equal to 100 nanometers. The display device using the light emitting device is also provided. |
| US09581852B2 |
Color filter substrate, display panel and display device
A color filter substrate, a display panel and a display device are provided. The color filter substrate includes a substrate and a color filter layer provided on the substrate. The color filter layer includes a plurality of pixel units in a matrix form, each of the pixel units includes at least three subpixels in different colors, and each of the subpixels includes a sub-subpixel in one color. Within each of the pixel units, areas of the sub-subpixels are inversely proportional to wavelengths that the sub-subpixels correspond to. |
| US09581847B2 |
Display device
The present disclosure provides a display device including a rubber frame, a liquid crystal panel, a backplane, and a front frame which is connected with the backplane. The rubber frame is located between the backplane and the front frame. A periphery of the liquid crystal panel is retained between a support surface of the rubber frame and the front frame. The rubber frame is provided with a through-hole, a central axis of which is perpendicular to a plane where a light emitting surface of the liquid crystal panel is located. The backplane is provided with a slot-hole. The center axis of the through-hole passes through the slot-hole. The display device further includes a screw corresponding to the through-hole. The screw extends into the through-hole and is movable toward the front frame along the center axis of the through-hole relative to the rubber frame. |
| US09581844B2 |
Method for fabrication of curved-surface display panel
A curved-surface display panel fabrication method for fabricating a curved display panel having a desired curved shape using a flat display panel having a first substrate and a second substrate, includes: paring partially outer surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate so as to reduce thicknesses thereof to a predetermined thickness; and attaching a reinforcing plate having the same shape with the desired curved shape and light transmitting characteristics to the display panel using an adhesive layer which is formed on at least a portion of edge portions of the display panel in a state that the pared flat display panel is bent to the desired curved shape. |
| US09581841B2 |
Display device
A display device is configured to provide a crack detection line running from a first crack detection terminal along a side of a TFT substrate to extend to a second crack detection terminal. A switching transistor for switching between an image display and crack detection is provided at a side opposite a terminal portion between the crack detection line and a video signal line. The crack that may cause disconnection in the crack detection line is detected by turning the switching transistor on, and applying the voltage for lighting inspection to the first crack detection terminal and the second crack detection terminal sequentially in this order. |
| US09581838B2 |
System and method for manipulating color changing materials
Systems and methods of manipulating a color displayed by an article of wear comprising iron oxide colloidal nanocrystals arranged within chains are described. Steps may include forming the article of wear from a raw material that include the chains of nanocrystals, applying a magnetic field to the raw material, applying energy to at least some of the chains of nanocrystals to soften materials within the raw material immediately surrounding the chains of nanocrystals to which the energy is applied, adjusting a strength of the magnetic field to control the color displayed by the raw material, removing the energy to allow the materials within the raw material immediately surrounding the chains of nanocrystals to harden and fix a location of the nanocrystals within the chains, and removing the magnetic field. |
| US09581837B2 |
Wearable apparatus, detection system and detection method
Embodiments of the present invention provide a wearable apparatus, a detection system and a detection method. The wearable apparatus includes a frame, a controller and LCD lenses. The controller and the LCD lenses are provided on the frame. The frame is used for fixing the LCD lenses in front of human eyes, the controller is used for applying a predetermined voltage to the LCD lenses, and the LCD lenses are used for displaying a color corresponding to the predetermined voltage according to the applied predetermined voltage, so that the detection system, in which the wearable apparatus is applied, can detect qualified rate of the display panel under light with any colors by equipping with a white light source only, thereby reducing the apparatus cost. In addition, it is possible to switch over among different display colors conveniently and efficiently for the wearable apparatus, thereby improving the efficiency of detection. |
| US09581836B2 |
Dynamic stabilization zones for contact lenses
A contact lens incorporating one or more dynamic stabilization zones fabricated from a material that is readily deformable under eyelid pressure during blinking allows for the control over rotation of the contact lens on the eye. As the material deforms, the angle of contact between the eyelid and the one or more dynamic stabilization zones changes as does the rotational force acting on the contact lens. |
| US09581831B2 |
Optical lens, method for designing optical lens, and apparatus for manufacturing optical lens
An optical lens including, an object-side surface including an atoric surface element and an eyeball-side surface including an element that cancels a surface power shift produced by the atoric surface element, wherein the atoric surface element causes horizontal surface power at a fitting point to be greater than vertical surface power at the fitting point and causes a difference between the horizontal surface power and the vertical surface power to decrease along a horizontal reference line passing through the fitting point in a direction from the fitting point toward a periphery of the optical lens or causes a sign of the difference between the horizontal surface power and the vertical surface power to change along the horizontal reference line. |
| US09581828B2 |
Optical system for imaging an object
An optical system for imaging an object has at least a first objective, at least a first image stabilizing unit and at least a first eyepiece, wherein, as seen in the direction of the first eyepiece from the first objective, the first objective is arranged first along a first optical axis, then followed by the first image stabilizing unit and then followed by the first eyepiece. The first image stabilizing unit is rotatably mounted in cardan-joint fashion about a first hinge point, and the first hinge point is arranged between the first objective and the first eyepiece. The optical system is distinguished by virtue of the fact that the first image stabilizing unit comprises a first lens unit and at least a further optical element, wherein the first lens unit and the optical element are arranged such that the first lens unit is, together with the optical element, rotatably mounted in cardan-joint fashion about the first hinge point. |
| US09581823B2 |
2D/3D switchable display device and manufacturing method thereof
A 2D/3D switchable display device including a display panel and a switch unit is provided. The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a display unit located between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the display unit is located above the first surface. The switch unit located on the second surface includes a third substrate, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a switchable medium layer between the first and second electrode layers. The second electrode layer is located on the second surface, the first electrode layer is located on the third substrate, and the switchable medium layer and the third substrate are respectively located on two opposite surfaces of the first electrode layer. A manufacturing method of a 2D/3D switchable display device is also provided. |
| US09581816B2 |
Digital glass enhanced media system
A digital glass enhanced media system (DGEMS) is provided that is capable of performing routing and processing of audio and video inputs received from a plurality of digital glass devices, as well as a plurality of agencies, in order to provide enhanced and coordinated information distribution among the digital glass devices. Such routing may include distributing information received from the devices to relevant agencies providing assistance to the wearers of those devices, as well as to other team member devices. Control is also provided, such that a user of such a digital glass device car select how or what information is received. In this manner, coordinated information distribution can be provided so as to allow users to optimize the coordination of their teamwork. |
| US09581811B2 |
Method for evaluating and improving pupil luminance distribution, illumination optical system and adjustment method thereof, exposure apparatus, exposure method, and device manufacturing method
Improvement of pupil luminance distribution includes: a fifth process in which an index value obtained from the illumination pupil, using evaluation method of a first process to fourth process; a sixth process wherein a unit change amount of the index value in the discrete data acquired in the previous process is acquired for each unit pupil area; a seventh process wherein discrete data modulated by an improving technique using the unit change amount so that the index value nears a target index value is acquired; and an eighth process wherein an index value obtained corresponding to the modulated discrete data in the seventh process is acquired, using the evaluation method of the first process to the fourth process, and by repeatedly performing the sixth process to eighth process so an error of the index value obtained corresponding to the modulated discrete data falls within permissible range. |
| US09581809B2 |
Autofocus lens system
An autofocus lens system includes no conventional moving parts and has excellent speed and low power consumption. The system includes a small electronically-controlled focusing-module lens. The focusing-module lens includes two adjustable polymeric surfaces (e.g., two adjustable-surface lenses in a back-to-back configuration). The curvature of the surfaces can be adjusted to change focus. The performance of the autofocus lens system is extended by adding a conventional first and second lens, or lens group, on either side of the focusing-module lens. What results is an autofocus lens system with excellent near field and far field performance. |
| US09581806B2 |
Display device
The purpose of the present invention is to cut down the travel distance of a display image on receiving a stop instruction intended for a stepping motor and thereby reduce a feeling of strangeness perceived by a user. A display device allows a user to view the image displayed on a display at a prescribed display position. The display device comprises: a stepping motor having a rotor including a magnet and driven by a micro-step drive method; a reflector which moves in accordance with the rotation of the rotor in the stepping motor so as to move the display position; and a motor control device. The motor control device identifies a rotational position of the rotor between adjacent stable excitation positions, and moves the rotor to reach the closer of the stable excitation positions on the basis of the identified rotational position on receiving a stop instruction intended for the stepping motor. |
| US09581801B2 |
Microscope system
A microscope system including: an observation optical system acquiring an image of an observation position of a sample; a stimulation optical system irradiating the sample with stimulation light; an observation position setting section setting the observation positions; a stimulation position setting section setting a common stimulation position; a stage switching the observation positions; a synchronization condition setting section setting a common synchronization condition in which the timing of the image acquisition is associated with the timing of the irradiation with stimulation light; an observation condition registration section registering the common stimulation position and the common synchronization condition as observation conditions associated with each of the observation positions; and a control section, according to the registered conditions, switching the observation positions, making the observation optical system acquire an image of each of the observation positions, and making the stimulation optical system irradiate each of the stimulation positions with stimulation light. |
| US09581797B2 |
High-throughput hyperspectral imaging with superior resolution and optical sectioning
An imaging system includes a light source configured to illuminate a target and a camera configured to image light responsively emitted from the target and reflected from a spatial light modulator (SLM). The imaging system is configured to generate high-resolution, hyperspectral images of the target. The SLM includes a refractive layer that is chromatically dispersive and that has a refractive index that is controllable. The refractive index of the refractive layer can be controlled to vary according to a gradient such that light reflected from the SLM is chromatically dispersed and spectrographic information about the target can be captured using the camera. Such a system could be operated confocally, e.g., by incorporating a micromirror device configured to control a spatial pattern of illumination of the target and to modulate the transmission of light from the target to the camera via the SLM according to a corresponding spatial pattern. |
| US09581793B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
Provided is a zoom lens, including, in order from an object side to an image side: a positive first lens unit that does not move for zooming; a negative second lens unit that moves during zooming; and a positive N-th lens unit that does not move for zooming and is arranged closest to the image side. Among lenses constructing the second lens unit, two lenses closest to the image side are a positive lens and a negative lens, and partial dispersion ratios for g-line and F-line and Abbe numbers for a d-line of the positive and negative lenses, and an average value of refractive indices of all the lenses of the second lens unit are appropriately set. |
| US09581790B2 |
Mobile phone lens
A mobile phone lens, including in the direction from an object being imaged to an imaging plane: a first lens group, a diaphragm, a second lens group, a third lens group, and a filter. The first lens group and the third lens group are stationary. The second lens group is adapted to move along an optical axis. The first lens group includes a first lens. The second lens group includes in the direction from the object being imaged to the imaging plane: a second lens, a third lens, and a fourth lens. The third lens group includes in the direction from the object being imaged to the imaging plane: a fifth lens, and a six lens. |
| US09581784B2 |
Composite plastic lens and method of manufacturing the same
A composite plastic lens including: a lens having a convex surface, a lens back surface, and a protrusion formed on at least part of an periphery; and a holder, the lens and the holder being molded integrally, wherein the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the lens including an optical axis on the convex surface side is such that a profile line on the convex surface side is curved in a direction getting closer to the lens back side as it goes from the optical axis side toward a turning point out of an optical effective area, and the cross sectional shape of the protrusion is inverted from the turning point out of the optical effective area toward the periphery in a direction away from the lens back surface, and the holder is fitted to the protrusion so as to include the turning point and is molded integrally on the peripheral side of the resin lens. |
| US09581783B2 |
Fiber cable and drop wire organizer
A cable supporting device includes a first support and a second support. The first and second supports have respective first and second channel members with an inwardly facing opening. The channel members support and retain a cable or fiber optic component, for example a fiber optic cable or drop wire. The supports may be used in an enclosure. |
| US09581776B1 |
Photoelectric conversion module
A photoelectric conversion module is proposed. The photoelectric conversion module comprises two parts, interposer and optical bench. At least one optical element is configured on the interposer. The interposer is configured on a first concave portion of the optical bench. A first lens array is configured under the interposer to align the at least one optical element. A mirror is configured under the first lens array, with an optical micro-reflection surface. A second lens array is configured left side of the mirror. |
| US09581775B2 |
Optical receptacle
According to one embodiment, an optical receptacle includes a fiber stub including an optical fiber, and a ferrule having a through-hole through which the optical fiber is fixed; a sleeve holding a portion of the fiber stub; a holder holding a portion of the fiber stub on an opposite side to a side that is held by the sleeve; an accommodation unit accommodates at least a portion of the fiber stub and the sleeve, an end surface of the fiber stub being formed as a convex spherical surface inclined with a specific angle with respect to a plane that is orthogonal to a center axis of the optical fiber, the end surface being optically connected to a plug ferrule to be inserted into the sleeve, the holder being provided with a positioning unit controlling an inclined direction of the end surface of the fiber stub. |
| US09581765B2 |
Scalable optical switches and switching modules
Telecommunications switches are presented, including expandable optical switches that allow for a switch of N inputs×M outputs to be expanded arbitrarily to a new number of N inputs and/or a new number of M outputs. Switches having internal switch blocks controlling signal bypass lines are also provided, with these switches being useful for the expandable switches. |
| US09581764B2 |
Optical coupling member and optical connector using the same
The present invention provides an optical coupling member and an optical connector using the optical coupling member, capable of improving the efficiency of an assembly work of the optical connector and positioning optical fibers in the optical connector with high accuracy. The optical coupling member (10) has: holding members (11) for being able to hold optical fibers (21) that are inserted from insertion holes (11a) formed at end parts; lenses housed in housing parts formed at opposite end parts of the holding members (11); and a joining member (13) for connecting the holding members (11) as aligned in parallel to each other, the joining member being formed of an elastic material. |
| US09581762B2 |
Pixel structure using a tapered core waveguide, image sensors and camera using same
A pixel structure having a cladding and tapered core waveguide, the core dimensioned to refract EM radiation through the cladding at differing depth dependent on the wavelength of the radiation, and a plurality of transducers disposed to convert the band of radiation they receive into electrical signals. In some embodiments the transducers are disposed within lateral waveguides, and in some embodiments below the tapered core waveguide. Further disclosed is an image array sensor comprising a plurality of such pixel structures. Further disclosed is an array comprising stacked layered waveguides having transducers disposed therewithin, and a plurality of refractors to refract different bands of EM radiation into differing waveguides. |
| US09581760B2 |
Rare-earth doped gain fibers
Rare earth oxides doped multicomponent glass fibers for laser generation and amplification, including a core and a cladding, the core comprising at least 2 weight percent glass network modifier selected from BaO, CaO, MgO, ZnO, PbO, K2O, Na2O, Li2O, Y2O3, or combinations; wherein the mode of the core is guided with step index difference between the core and the cladding, a numerical aperture of the fiber is between 0.01 and 0.04; core diameter is from 25 to 120 micron, and a length of the gain fiber is shorter than 60 cm. |
| US09581759B2 |
Quantum dot sheet and light unit and liquid crystal display including the same
Aspects according to one or more embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a quantum dot sheet, and a light unit and a liquid crystal display including the same, having desirable features of being capable of increasing light efficiency. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to increase light efficiency by forming a quantum dot sheet including quantum dots in a pattern in which multiple layers having different refractive indexes are repeatedly stacked. |
| US09581757B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television device
A backlight device (a lighting device) 12 includes LEDs (a light source) 17, a light guide plate 16, a chassis 14, LED boards 18, and heat dissipation members 19. The light guide plate 16 includes an end surface that is opposite the LEDs 17 and configured as a light entrance surface 16b through which light from the LEDs 17 enters. One of the plate surfaces of the light guide plate 16 is configured as a light exit surface 16a through which the light exits. The chassis 14 supports another plate surface 16c of the light guide plate 16 opposite from the light exit surface 16a. Each LED board 18 includes a bottom plate 18b that extends parallel to at least the other plate surface 16c of the light guide plate 16. Each heat dissipation member 19 extends parallel to a plate surface 18b1 of the bottom plate 18b and is in surface contact with the plate surface 18b1 of the bottom plate 18b. |
| US09581751B2 |
Optical waveguide and lamp including same
An optical waveguide includes a body of optically transmissive material having a width substantially greater than an overall thickness thereof and including a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a central bore extending between the first and second sides and adapted to receive a light emitting diode, and extraction features on the second side. A light diverter extends into the central bore for diverting light into and generally along the width of the body of material. The extraction features direct light out of the first side and wherein at least one extraction feature has an extraction surface dimension transverse to the thickness that is between about 5% and about 75% the overall thickness of the body of material. |
| US09581750B2 |
Outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED luminaire
A luminaire for use in lighting a large open space such as a parking lot or deck of a parking garage includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relationship and together defining a closed path and at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide. |
| US09581749B2 |
Lighting unit, display, and three-dimensional display
In a scan system, a lighting unit, a display, and a three-dimensional display that have all of high luminance, low power consumption, and high reliability of a circuit board are provided. A light modulation device bonded to a light guide plate is provided with a light modulation layer exhibiting scattering property or transparency to light propagating through the light guide plate. The light modulation layer is interposed between a lower electrode that is configured of a plurality of partial electrodes extending in a direction parallel to a light incident surface and a sheet-like upper electrode. A drive circuit sequentially drives the plurality of partial electrodes to scan a region exhibiting the scattering property of the light modulation layer in a direction orthogonal to the light incident surface. |
| US09581747B2 |
Method for producing optical film, optical film, laminated polarizing plate, and image display
A method for producing an optical film including a birefringence layer having a refractive index distribution that satisfies nx>nz>ny, by which productivity of an optical film becomes high because there are a few steps, and a contamination is reduced, is provided. The method for producing an optical film including a birefringence layer includes forming an applied film by applying a birefringence layer forming material containing a non-liquid crystalline material with a birefringence (Δnxz) in the thickness direction thereof of 0.0007 or more directly on a shrinkable film, and forming a birefringence layer having a refractive index distribution that satisfies nx>nz>ny by shrinking the applied film through shrinking the shrinkable film. |
| US09581746B1 |
Method of manufacturing wire grid polarizer
A method of manufacturing a wire grid polarizer includes: preparing a stamp having a nanostructure body at one surface and forming a mask layer with anisotropic vapor deposition at the one surface; forming a metal film on a substrate; transferring a mask layer of an upper portion of a nanostructure body in the mask layer onto the metal film; and patterning the metal film into metal lines by removing a portion that is not covered with the mask layer in the metal film with dry etching. |
| US09581745B2 |
Wire grid polarizer and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a wire grid polarizer according to an embodiment comprises: forming a conductive layer on a substrate; forming a guide layer on the conductive layer; forming a hard mask pattern to partially expose the guide layer; forming a guide pattern to partially expose the conductive layer; providing a block copolymer of two monomers having different etching rates; forming two sets of monomer blocks by aligning the block copolymer; selectively removing one set of monomer blocks; and forming a conductive wire pattern using the remaining set of monomer blocks and the guide pattern as etching masks. A width of an upper end of the guide pattern adjacent to the hard mask pattern is smaller than a width of a lower end adjacent to the conductive layer. The width of the upper end of the guide pattern is smaller than a width of the hard mask pattern. |
| US09581743B2 |
Optical film roll
An optical film roll is disclosed capable of realizing excellent display characteristics while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. The optical film roll has a width corresponding to a pair of opposite sides of a liquid crystal cell and is used by being cut to a length corresponding to another pair of opposite sides of the liquid crystal cell to be continuously attached to a surface of the liquid crystal cell. The optical film roll includes a long optical film wound into a roll shape, the long optical film being obtained by subjecting a long optical raw film, which includes a polarizing film having an absorption axis in its width direction, to a slitting process in a machine direction while conveying the long optical raw film in its lengthwise direction. The polarizing film includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film that contains a dichromatic substance and has an Nz coefficient of 1.10 or more. |
| US09581739B2 |
Transflective articles and light assemblies
Transflective articles comprising a first layer having a first, outer major surface having a plurality of apertures therein; and a second layer having a major transflective surface. The transflective articles are useful, for example, in light assemblies. |
| US09581738B2 |
Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus which has a sufficient luminance even when viewed at a large viewing angle, and which can overcome a problem of color change. The display apparatus is a display apparatus including a display device showing a color change in accordance with viewer's viewing angle, and an anisotropic optical film having a diffusing property changed in accordance with the incident angle of light radiated thereinto. The anisotropic optical film has at least one scattering central axis, and an angle made between the scattering central axis and a direction along which the display device shows a minimum color change is from 20 to 65°, or −20 to −65°. |
| US09581736B2 |
Liquid optics image stabilization
A lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The lens system employs liquid optics to provide stabilization of an image. A liquid lens cell provides stabilization of the image. A second liquid lens cell may provide stabilization in another direction. A third liquid lens cell may liquid lens cells may provide compensation for changes in the focus position. |
| US09581734B2 |
Optical film exhibiting excellent blocking properties for ultraviolet light and polarizing plate including the same
There is provided an optical film including an ultraviolet light absorbent having a first peak with a maximum absorption coefficient of 0.07 to 0.10 phr−1μm−1 in a wavelength band of 290 to 320 nm and a second peak with a maximum absorption coefficient of 0.11 to 0.16 phr−1μm−1 in a wavelength band of 330 to 400 nm, and acrylic resin, wherein the content of the ultraviolet light absorbent is 0.3 to 1.0 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the acrylic resin, and a polarizing plate including the same. |
| US09581733B2 |
Anti-reflection coating and optical member comprising same
An anti-reflection coating having an three-layer structure comprising first to third layers formed in this order on a substrate, the substrate having a refractive index of 1.6-1.9, the first layer having a refractive index of 1.37-1.57, the second layer having a refractive index of 1.75-2.5, and the third layer having a refractive index of 1.18-1.32, to light in a wavelength range of 550 nm; the third layer being formed by silica aerogel; and the first and second layers containing no Al2O3. |
| US09581731B2 |
Anti-glare and anti-sparkle transparent structures
A distortion-reducing anti-glare (DRAG) structure is disclosed, wherein the DRAG structure includes first and second transparent mediums. The first transparent medium has a first refractive index and a first light-scattering anti-glare (AG) surface. The first AG surface by itself reduces glare but introduces an amount of distortion to the transmitted light. A second transparent medium having a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index is selectively added to the first transparent medium to reduce the amount of distortion in the transmitted light. |
| US09581729B2 |
Compound, photosensitive resin composition comprising the same and color filter
A compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, wherein in Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is the same as defined in the detailed description, a photosensitive resin composition including the same, and a color filter manufactured using the photosensitive resin composition are provided. |
| US09581724B2 |
Method for making a coiled tubing assembly
A coiled tubing assembly includes coiled tubing having a side wall that defines an opening and an insert covering the opening and affixed to the coiled tubing. The coiled tubing has a longitudinal axis. The insert defines a capillary window therethrough. The opening and the insert include ends that are non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A method of making a coiled tubing assembly includes providing coiled tubing defining a side wall opening and pulling a capillary tube into the interior of the coiled tubing through the side wall opening. The method further includes attaching the capillary tube to a capillary window of an insert for covering the side wall opening and affixing the insert to the coiled tubing. |
| US09581722B2 |
Apparatus and method for noninvasively determining positioning of a component beneath a substrate
A method of noninvasively determining desired positioning of a component beneath a substrate is described. The component has a concealing surface longitudinally separated by a substrate body from an accessible surface of the substrate. A component having longitudinally differing activated and deactivated positions is provided. The component is located longitudinally beneath the concealing surface of the substrate. The accessible surface of the substrate is inspected with an inspection device while the component is beneath the concealing surface. With the inspection device, at least one of an activated and a deactivated position of the component is detected. The detected activated and/or deactivated position of the component is indicated, in a user-perceptible format. An apparatus for noninvasively determining desired positioning of a component beneath a substrate is also provided. |
| US09581721B2 |
Method for making downhole electromagnetic logging while drilling measurements
A method for obtaining fully gain compensated propagation measurements includes rotating an electromagnetic logging while drilling tool in a subterranean wellbore. The tool includes first and second transmitters and first and second receivers axially spaced apart from one another in which each of the transmitters and each of the receivers include an axial antenna and collocated first and second transverse antennas. The first and second transverse antennas in the first receiver are rotationally offset by a predefined angle from the first and second transverse antennas in the first transmitter. A plurality of electromagnetic voltage measurements are acquired at the first and second receivers while rotating and processed to compute harmonic coefficients. The harmonic coefficients are mathematically rotated through at least the predefined angle to obtain rotated coefficients. Ratios of selected ones of the rotated coefficients are processed to compute fully gain compensated measurement quantities. |
| US09581717B2 |
Receiver using an approximated dipole signal
Location determination is performed using a transmitter including an elongated generally planar loop antenna defining an elongation axis. The elongation axis is positioned along at least a portion of a path. A magnetic field is then generated which approximates a dipole field. Certain characteristics of the magnetic field are then determined at a receiving position radially displaced from the antenna elongation axis. Using the determined certain characteristics, at least one orientation parameter is established which characterizes a positional relationship between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The magnetic field may be transmitted as a monotone single phase signal. The orientation parameter may be a radial offset and/or an angular orientation between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The antenna of the transmitter may be inserted into a first borehole to transmit the magnetic field to a receiver inserted into a second borehole. |
| US09581704B2 |
System and method for accelerating a mass using a pressure produced by a detonation
The present invention pertains to a system and method for accelerating a mass using a pressure produced by a detonation, where the mass is accelerated over a movement range using a detonation of a pressure wave generator that produces a pressure within a coupling component that is applied to a piston having a surface area that produces a resultant force, where the acceleration of the mass determines the resulting force. The resulting force may be directed vertically and perpendicular to a target media to conduct an acoustic wave into the target media. The system may be configured to direct the resulting force horizontally and parallel to a target media to conduct a plane shear wave into the target media. Two systems may be configured to direct two resulting forces horizontally and parallel to a target media to conduct a spherical shear wave into a target media, where the two resulting forces are directed in opposite directions and separated by some distance. |
| US09581703B2 |
Photonic spectrometry device, corresponding method, and use of the device
A photonic spectrometry device is provided. The photonic spectrometry device includes at least one sensor capable of detecting photons, at least one photon-emitting calibrating source having a reference spectral line, and processing means capable of providing, for the or each sensor, a measurement spectrum corresponding to the measurements, made by the or each sensor, of the radiation from a product during a time interval, and establishing, on the basis of the or each measurement spectrum, a net corrected spectrum according to a measured characteristic line corresponding to the or each calibrating source. The or each calibrating source is positioned outside the or each sensor. |
| US09581693B2 |
Ultrasound sensor
An ultrasound sensor includes a transmitting/receiving device configured to transmit/receive ultrasound waves; and a controller configured to make the transmitting/receiving device transmit an ultrasound burst wave, as each of the ultrasound waves, and detect an object through a reception signal that is output from the transmitting/receiving device. The controller is configured to shift operation mode to a detecting mode, when the object is detected in a monitoring mode. In the monitoring mode, the number of waves included in the ultrasound burst wave is changed in two stages. The detecting mode is of detecting the object, using the ultrasound burst wave having the waves that are being used at a time point when the object is detected in the monitoring mode. |
| US09581688B2 |
Pulse radar apparatus
A pulse radar apparatus is disclosed. The pulse radar apparatus includes a pulse generation unit, a receiver unit, a synchronization unit, and a switch unit. The pulse generation unit generates a pulse based on a transmission trigger signal having a transmission pulse repetition period, and sends the pulse to a target via a transmission antenna. The synchronization unit generates the transmission trigger signal using an external reference clock, provides the transmission trigger signal to the pulse generation unit, and generates a plurality of clock signals having a time delay with respect to the transmission pulse trigger signal using the external reference clock. The switch unit selects any one clock signal from the plurality of clock signals in response to an external selection signal, and provides the selected clock signal to a receiver unit which utilizes a sampler with provided sampling clocks. |
| US09581685B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with pulse timing controller
There are provided a transducer that irradiates an ultrasonic wave, a transmitter that drives the transducer, and a plurality of power sources that supply a plurality of positive voltages and negative voltages to the transmitter. The transmitter includes a plurality of switches (SW1 to SW4) that connect the power sources selectively, and a timing controller that controls a plurality of the switches. A driving pulse is generated through a selection of the switches. A plurality of the positive voltages and a plurality of the negative voltages have absolute values different from each other. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allows the amplitude of the driving pulse to be varied in multiple stages, is low in cost, and requires small amounts of both material and control. |
| US09581684B2 |
Optical distance measurement device
Optical range finders are configured to transmit optical bursts toward a target and detect a corresponding received burst. DC offset in the received burst due to square law detection can be offset based on a difference between high pass and low pass filtered portions of the received burst. Edge records associated with bursts can be obtained, and correlated with a reference signal or waveform to obtain a range estimate. |
| US09581682B2 |
Frequency modulated continuous wave radar device, and object detection method using continuous wave thereof
Disclosed herein is a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar device, including: a continuous wave (CW) signal generator configured to generate a transmit (Tx) CW signal; a radio frequency (RF) transmitter configured to transmit the generated Tx CW signal as an RF signal through a Tx antenna; an RF receiver configured to receive a CW signal which is reflected and returned from a forward object after the Tx CW signal is transmitted; a target detector configured to extract speed and angle using a frequency difference between the Tx CW signal and the reflected CW signal, and detect an approaching target; and a detection controller configured to control the RF transmitter to transmit the Tx CW signal as a signal having a triangular waveform in a time-frequency graph and to additionally transmit the Tx CW signal as a signal having a crossbar waveform at a predetermined frequency for a predetermined time, and extract speed and angle from the reflected CW signal having a crossbar waveform so as to detect the approaching target, when the sign of the target speed extracted from the reflected CW signal having a triangular waveform is negative (−). |
| US09581681B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing coded aperture radar (CAR) signals
A radar system in which Coded Aperture Radar processing is performed on received radar signals reflected by one or more objects in a field of view which reflect a transmitted signal which covers a field of view with K sweeps and each sweep including Q frequency changes. For Type II CAR, the transmitted signal also includes N modulated codes per frequency step. The received radar signals are modulated by a plurality of binary modulators the results of which are applied to a mixer. The output of the mixer, for one acquisition results in a set of Q·K (for Type I CAR) or Q·K·N (for Type II CAR) complex data samples, is distributed among a number of digital channels, each corresponding to a desired beam direction. For each channel, the complex digital samples are multiplied, sample by sample, by a complex signal mask that is different for each channel. |
| US09581676B2 |
Method of calibrating and debugging testing system
A method of calibrating and debugging a testing system is provided. First, values of different electrical path segments are calibrated, and parameters of the electrical path segments while being calibrated are saved. After calibration, electrical tests can be processed on a DUT. If the testing system malfunctions, the values of the electrical path segments are calibrated again to compare the current parameters to the previously saved parameters. The component which goes wrong can be found out quickly in this way. |
| US09581672B2 |
Magnetic resonance apparatus and method for acquiring navigator signals
A magnetic resonance apparatus which acquires navigator signals generated from a navigator region including a first portion and a second portion, the navigator signals acquired using a coil having a plurality of channels, is provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a scan unit configured to execute a first navigator sequence for acquiring first navigator signals generated from the navigator region, a profile generating unit configured to generate first profiles each including position information on the first portion for every channel, a determining unit configured to determine correlations between the first profiles and a template, and a selecting unit configured to select each channel used to acquire the position information on the first portion based on the correlations. |
| US09581669B2 |
System and methods for providing magnetic resonance imaging data for an image reconstruction
The embodiments relate to an image reconstruction to be carried out on a base unit of a MRI system, where data is formed by reception signals obtained by a local coil unit. Provisions are made for an alternating magnetic field, modulated in accordance with a reference clock, the alternating magnetic field to be used by the local coil unit for obtaining electric energy for supplying local electronics of the local coil unit and the reference clock to be retrieved from the received alternating magnetic field by the local electronics, a radio signal containing MRI information representing the reception signals and clock information representing the retrieved reference clock to be produced by the local electronics and transmitted to the base unit, and the received radio signal to be processed by the base unit such that the data and the clock information are retrieved therefrom and provided for the image reconstruction. |
| US09581661B2 |
XMR-sensor and method for manufacturing the XMR-sensor
An XMR-sensor and method for manufacturing the XMR-Sensor are provided. The XMR-sensor includes a substrate, a first contact, a second contact and an XMR-structure. The substrate includes a first main surface area and a second main surface area. The first contact is arranged at the first main surface area and the second contact is arranged at the second main surface area. The XMR-structure extends from the first contact to the second contact such that an XMR-plane of the XMR-structure is arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the first main surface area or the second main surface area. |
| US09581657B2 |
Magnetic field sensor device using different types of magnetic field sensors
Devices, methods and systems are disclosed using a first magnetic field sensor of a first type and a second magnetic field sensor of a second type different from the first type. A signal from the first sensor may be used in a first magnetic field, range, and a signal from the second sensor may be used in a second magnetic field range. |
| US09581655B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus of the present invention includes: a light source; a power source unit arranged to power the light source; a detector unit arranged to detect the deterioration of ability of the power source unit to power the light source; and a determination unit arranged to determine the life of the power source unit in response to the detector unit. |
| US09581653B2 |
Post-deterioration performance estimating apparatus and post-deterioration performance estimating method for energy storage device, and energy storage system
A post-deterioration performance estimating apparatus estimates a post-deterioration performance value indicating performance of an energy storage device at a predetermined deterioration point, wherein discharge capacity of the energy storage device discharging at a predetermined first current is referred to as energy storage capacity, discharge capacity of the energy storage device discharging at a second current of a current value smaller than that of the first current is referred to as small current discharge capacity, a relational expression on relation among initial capacity of the energy storage device, a first capacity decreased amount obtained by subtracting the small current discharge capacity from the initial capacity, a second capacity decreased amount obtained by subtracting the energy storage capacity from the small current discharge capacity, and a cumulative operating period as a cumulative value of operating periods of the energy storage device is referred to as a first relational expression, and the post-deterioration performance estimating apparatus includes a post-deterioration performance estimator configured to estimate the post-deterioration performance value at the deterioration point in accordance with the first relational expression and the cumulative operating period at the deterioration point. |
| US09581644B2 |
Digital IC simulation
The present invention discloses a digital integrated circuit simulation method and simulator. The method comprises: obtaining a circuit diagram of the digital integrated circuit and a checkpoint in the circuit diagram; determining a point relevant to a boundary between a two-value simulation and a multi-value simulation in the circuit diagram and a state of the relevant point according to the checkpoint; determining a boundary position, as well as a boundary type of the boundary position, of the boundary between the two-value simulation and the multi-value simulation in the circuit diagram according to the relevant point and the state of the relevant point; inserting a conversion circuit at the boundary position according to the boundary type of the boundary position; and modeling and simulating the circuit diagram into which the conversion circuit is inserted. The method and simulator can reduce simulation time and the needed storage resources. |
| US09581643B1 |
Methods and circuits for testing partial circuit designs
Methods and circuits are disclosed for testing a partial circuit design including circuit modules having a set of ports configured to be driven by signals from ports of one or more circuits omitted from the partial circuit. The set of ports are identified by identifying ports that are not connected by a net to another port or input/output (I/O) pin in the circuit design and that form inputs to slave circuits in the circuit modules. A traffic generator circuit is added to the partial design to form a test circuit design. The traffic generator circuit is configured to provide to the set of ports respective input data signals having a pattern consistent with master-to-slave communication. Operation of a test circuit design is modeled. A set of data signals generated by the circuit modules during the modeled operation of the test circuit design is captured and stored. |
| US09581640B2 |
Vision-guided alignment method
A method for performing an operation on an article, the article including a plurality of fiducial marks and a set of features. A digital imaging system is used to capture a digital image of the article, which is analyzed to determine spatial relationships between positions of the features and positions of the fiducial marks. The article is positioned in proximity to an instrument and a fiducial sensing system including a plurality of fiducial sensors is used to determine positions of the fiducial marks. Predicted positions of the features are determined responsive to the determined spatial relationships and the determined fiducial mark positions. The position of the instrument or the article is adjusted responsive to the predicted positions of the features, and the instrument is used to perform an operation on the article. |
| US09581634B2 |
Power supply current monitoring device
A power supply current monitoring apparatus is used for a load drive apparatus with two systems to drive a load. Each system includes a drive circuit connected in parallel with a battery and a relay connected between the drive circuit and a point at which power of the battery is divided between the systems. When overcurrent is detected once in one system, a repetitive monitoring process is performed. The monitoring process determines whether the overcurrent occurs by repeating a monitoring cycle. The monitoring cycle turns OFF the relay of one system and then monitors currents by turning ON the relay of one system when a predetermined cycle time elapses since the overcurrent detection. The monitoring process includes a mask procedure to stop monitoring the current in the other system. The mask procedure is performed after the relay of one system is turned OFF in each monitoring cycle. |
| US09581630B2 |
Method for calibrating a vector network analyzer
A method for calibrating a vector network analyzer may include performing a first set of measurements on a first port of a plurality of ports and determining error coefficients for the first port. The error coefficients may be used to obtain a first calibrated port. For an uncalibrated port of the plurality of ports, a connection via a known through between an already calibrated port and the uncalibrated port may be established and a first signal from a first signal source may be applied to the calibrated port and a second signal form a second signal source may be applied to the uncalibrated port. A further set of measurements with respect to the uncalibrated port may be performed and error coefficients may be determined for the uncalibrated port based on the further set of measurements and relation to error coefficients of the calibrated port. |
| US09581626B2 |
Circuit and method for detecting zero-crossings and brownout conditions on a single phase or multi-phase system
A circuit configuration detects zero-crossings and/or a brownout condition. The circuit configuration contains a zero-crossing detection circuit, a brownout detection circuit, an isolation and digitization circuit connected to the zero-crossing detection circuit and the brownout detection circuit, and a filtering circuit connected to the isolation and digitization circuit. The single circuit configuration can be used for detecting zero-crossings of single-phase and multi-phase systems as well as ascertaining a brownout condition of either the single-phase or the multi-phase systems. |
| US09581624B2 |
Corona avoidance electric power line monitoring, communication and response system
An electric power line monitoring, communication and response system schedules the transmission of packets to occur during voltage zero-crossing intervals when corona is minimized. The transmitters may be located at high voltage hanging directly from the power line conductors along with associated current transformers and voltage sensors. A system of these transmitters distributed throughout the power grid communicate with each other in a data-forward manner to bring complete, real-time current and voltage waveform, device status and fault monitoring information to data aggregation waypoints, such as transmission substations where supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) equipment is installed. The power line monitoring data is then transmitted from the data waypoints to a central monitoring and control center, typically using existing SCADA equipment, to provide h detailed power line monitoring data for a large number of data monitoring points distributed throughout the power grid. |
| US09581617B2 |
Apparatus for scanning nano structure with plural AFM probes and method thereof
Plural AFM probes with different resolutions are implemented on an apparatus for scanning a nearly free-standing nanometer-scale specimen. The apparatus identifies the location and the shape of the nano structure on a specimen piece using a high resolution AFM probe, and then measures a three-dimensional shape of the identified nano structure using an atomic resolution AFM probe. |
| US09581611B2 |
System and method for detecting a rotational speed of a turbocharger
A system for detecting a rotational speed of a turbocharger includes: a rotational speed sensor unit which includes a radar transmitter for emitting radar waves and a radar receiver for receiving the radar waves and which is designed to detect radar waves reflected by a machine element of the turbocharger and to provide them as a measuring signal; and an evaluation unit which is coupled to the rotational speed sensor unit and is designed to check whether the reflected radar waves are detectable by the radar receiver based on a predetermined criterion and to ascertain the rotational speed of the turbocharger based on an evaluation of the measuring signal. |
| US09581610B2 |
Position-identifiable tire pressure monitor, monitoring system and method thereof
A method for determining position of a tire pressure monitor equipped on a tire of a vehicle. The method is performed by a controller and comprises: detecting a radial acceleration and a tangential acceleration of the tire; computing a radial-versus-gravity value and a tangent-versus-gravity value based on the radial acceleration, the tangential acceleration and a gravity acceleration; determining an operating state according to variations of the radial-versus-gravity value and the tangent-versus-gravity value; determining whether the operating state is changed to another operating state; and when the operating state is changed, determining a position of the tire pressure monitor according to a change sequence of the operating states. |
| US09581606B2 |
Method for determining depression, kit for analyzing serotonin transporter, and kit for analyzing ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in blood
[Problem] To provide: a method for utilizing a novel marker, including a method for determining depression; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter.[Solution] A method for determining depression, comprising a step of analyzing the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a blood sample collected from a subject; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in blood, which comprises an ubiquitinated protein collector material and an anti-serotonin transporter antibody and is used for the analysis of the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a collected blood sample. |
| US09581605B2 |
Trapping reagents for reactive metabolites screening
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and (II): (I) (II) wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, X and n are as defined herein, and wherein R3 is hydrogen or a sulfur protecting group. Compounds of Formula (I) and (II), wherein R is hydrogen, may be useful in methods for detecting a reactive metabolite in a sample, e.g., wherein the metabolite is generated from the metabolism of a test compound, and wherein the metabolite and the compound of Formula (I) or (II) react to form a detectable adduct, e.g., detectable by mass spectrometry. |
| US09581599B2 |
Diagnosis of benign and cancerous growths by measuring circulating tumor stem cells and serum AnnexinA2
Provided herein is a method for diagnosing/prognosing a metastatic cancer in a subject by measuring and detecting one or more of CS-ANXA2, DCAMKL, Lgr5 or CS-ANAX2 and DCAMKL or CS-ANXA2 and Lgr5 positive circulating tumor stem cells in the subject's blood or plasma. Also provided is a method for distinguishing the presence of early stage primary cancer from advanced stage metastatic cancer in the subject by measuring and detecting AnnexinA2, CS-ANXA2 and DCAMKL−1 or Lgr5 in the blood or plasma. In addition, there is provided a method for distinguishing the presence of benign, pre-cancerous tumorous growths or cancerous tumors in the subject by measuring and detecting AnnexinA2 and circulating tumor stem cells positive for CS-ANXA2 and DCAMKL or CS-ANXA2 and Lgr5 in the blood or plasma. |
| US09581597B2 |
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. |
| US09581593B2 |
Micro-sensor based test apparatus
There is provided a fluid test strip, comprising a micro-sensor formed on a substrate surface and a reagent deposition site formed on the substrate surface, operate to control the size and location of a reagent deposition. There is also provided a method of forming fluid test strip, comprising forming a micro-sensor on a substrate surface and forming a reagent deposition site on the substrate surface, operable to control the size and location of a reagent deposition. |
| US09581584B2 |
Apparatus for measuring blood cells and immunity from whole blood
A diluted cleaning solution is contacted with the inner wall surface of an immunity measuring cell every time an immunity measurement treatment of a specimen is performed. Therefore, a diluting liquid is injected in advance, then a cleaning solution is injected, whereby a diluted cleaning solution is produced in the immunity measuring cell. As a result, the inner wall surface of the immunity measuring cell is maintained in a preferable state and the interval of the routine cleanings can be prolonged. |
| US09581579B2 |
Quick extraction kit adapted to a procedure of detecting pesticide residues in agricultural products and a method of obtaining a primary test liquid from an agricultural sample by the quick extraction kit
The present invention provides a quick extraction kit adapted to a procedure of detecting pesticide residues in agricultural products and a method of obtaining a primary test liquid from an agricultural sample by the quick extraction kit. The quick extraction kit comprises a pipe, a first powder mixture layer and a second powder mixture layer. The method of taking primary test liquid is performed as follows. First, obtaining fragments of the agricultural sample. Second, adding an extraction solvent into the fragments of the agricultural sample to obtain a sample solution. Third, adding the sample solution into the pipe. Finally, driving the sample solution to export from the pipe to become the primary test liquid. The quick extraction kit and the method solve the problem of being unable to quickly obtain the result of detecting pesticide residues. |
| US09581578B1 |
Fully automated sequential injection analysis method for preconcentration of haloacetic acids in drinking water samples
The utilization of a specific preconcentration protocol within an automated, on-line drinking water analysis method to amplify detection levels of individual halo acetic acids is provided. The proposed sequential injection analysis procedures allow for measuring such levels in drinking water samples from remote locations with post-column reaction of ion chromatography (PCR-IC). The novel remote preconcentration method injects such known concentrations via a syringe at regular intervals in a manner to provide a baseline measurement that accords a reliable comparison with the unknown amounts present within the drinking water samples at issue. In such a manner, the on-line, remote system provides the necessary reliability for a water utility or like entity on which to base any further needed water treatment activities without having to perform such measurements in a distinct lab setting. |
| US09581577B2 |
Miniaturized flow-through cell
The present disclosure relates to a diffusion cell for testing the permeation of a compound(s) across a membrane. Also, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a diffusion cell. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method of performing an assay using a diffusion cell. |
| US09581576B2 |
Dual sensor analyzer
Systems, methods, and devices for testing gaseous samples for concentrations of specific chemicals. An apparatus has two sensing assemblies for testing for hydrogen sulfide concentrations in gaseous samples. A first assembly is disposed to expose a first side of a sensing tape to a first stream of a gaseous sample. A second assembly is disposed to expose a second side of the same sensing tape to a second stream of another gaseous sample. Both assemblies detect and analyze the hydrogen sulfide concentrations of their respective gaseous samples by way of their respective sides of the sensing tape. |
| US09581572B2 |
Device for determining properties of a medium
A device for determining properties of a medium has a hollow body which accommodates the medium and a housing which circumferentially surrounds the hollow body. At least one portion of a wall of the hollow body is formed as waveguide for acoustic surface waves, which forms an interface to the medium. There is provided at least one transmitter for exciting acoustic waves in the waveguide and at least one receiver for receiving acoustic waves from the waveguide, which are arranged at a distance from each other, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are in direct contact with an outer surface of the waveguide and wherein the distance between transmitter and receiver is chosen such that acoustic waves excited by the transmitter can at least partly propagate on paths extending through the medium. There is provided at least one contact carrier on which the transmitter and/or the receiver are arranged. Between the waveguide and the contact carrier a continuous air gap is formed. The space between the hollow body, the contact carrier and the housing is filled with a filling mass. |
| US09581571B2 |
Acoustic sensor and acoustic sensor system
According to one embodiment, an acoustic sensor includes a base and a first strain sensing element. The base includes a support and a first film unit supported by the support. The first film unit is flexible. The first strain sensing element is provided on a first surface of the first film unit. The first strain sensing element includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. An angle between a magnetization of the first magnetic layer and a magnetization of the second magnetic layer is variable by an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave is transmitted to a first film unit by a first transmitting material in contact with the first film unit. |
| US09581569B2 |
Method for measuring bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance using suspended microchannel resonators
Methods for improving measurements of bacterial growth, such as mass, in Suspended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Methods include techniques to provide for bacterial growth over time in response to changing fluid environment to aid in determining parameters such as drug resistance and drug susceptibility. In particular the methods include trapping multiple bacteria in the SMR for a time period and varying the fluid to include sequences of nutrients and antibiotics, and measuring the rate of mass change of the bacteria in response to the changes in fluid composition. |
| US09581568B2 |
System for measuring pressure and temperature
The present invention relates to system for measuring pressure and temperature based on change in the characteristic properties of a medium for ultrasound under the effect of pressure and temperature. The invention is based on two waveguides where geometry is adapted to the medium's characteristic properties for ultrasound such that only planar pressure waves are generated in the waveguides. The first of the waveguides is arranged for measuring temperature due to thermal expansion of the medium, where the medium is pressure-compensated by means of an internal compensator to prevent thermal pressure accumulation, and where measuring temperature is based on the medium's specific known characteristic data for ultrasound under the effect of temperature under constant pressure. The second waveguide is arranged for measuring pressure, based on waveguide and the medium's known characteristic properties for thermal expansion and pressure, and where the thermal effect is corrected analytically based on measurement of temperature in the first channel. The physical principle of the invention is based on the properties of a medium (oil) where the stability for high temperature and pressure is crucial for long-term properties. Long-term properties of ultrasound sensors are not physically linked to the medium's properties, such that change in characteristic properties of ultrasound sensors does not impair the accuracy of the medium unless the function of the ultrasound sensors ceases. The physical principle of the invention allows an arrangement where ultrasound sensors can be separated from measuring channels by a pressure barrier, such that the integrity of the pressure barrier is not broken. |
| US09581567B2 |
System and method for inspecting subsea vertical pipeline
A device for discovering, identification and monitoring, of mechanical flaws in metallic structures is disclosed, based on magneto-graphic/magnetic tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The device can determine the position of the defect or stress including depth information. The device includes registration means that optimized for use with metallic structures of various types, shapes and sizes. Applications include a real-time quality control, monitoring and emergency alarms, as well structural repairs and maintenance work recommendations and planning. Examples of the device implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry monitoring, detection of flaws in rolled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships, reservoirs. etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection. |
| US09581564B2 |
Electrochemical sensing using voltage-current time differential
A device for signal processing. The device includes a signal generator, a signal detector, and a processor. The signal generator generates an original waveform. The signal detector detects an affected waveform. The processor is coupled to the signal detector. The processor receives the affected waveform from the signal detector. The processor also compares at least one portion of the affected waveform with the original waveform. The processor also determines a difference between the affected waveform and the original waveform. The processor also determines a value corresponding to a unique portion of the determined difference between the original and affected waveforms. The processor also outputs the determined value. |
| US09581558B2 |
Method for determining at least one piece of information representative of a phase fraction of a fluid in a pipe
A method is presented for determining at least one piece of information representative of a phase fraction of a fluid in a pipe. The method comprises the estimation of a number of counts received in each measuring interval based on each piece of representative information determined at a preceding iteration, then calculating a residual comprising a first criterion calculated from probabilities using a given statistical law to measure, for each energy, the number of counts measured in each interval, the given statistical law being parameterized based on the number of estimated counts. |
| US09581556B1 |
Laser probe for use in an inspection system
A non-contact optical probe for inspecting an inside surface of a cylindrical workpiece includes a laser source that emits an incident light beam, a polarizing beam splitter that transmits one polarization of the incident beam and reflects the opposite polarization, and a quarter wave plate that together with the polarizing beam splitter separates back reflected return light from the incident laser beam. The non-contact optical probe further includes an optical system that directs the incident laser beam onto the cylinder surface and directs reflected light from the surface back to the beam splitter, and at least one detector that receives a portion of the reflected light and generates data about the cylinder surface. |
| US09581550B2 |
Analytical devices having compact lens train arrays
Apparatus, systems and methods for use in analyzing discrete reactions are provided. The analytical devices of the invention use an array of nanoscale regions (a chip) that has discrete patches of nanoscale regions. The chip mates with a collection device comprising an array of compact lens trains (CLTs) where each of the CLTs corresponds to a single patch of nanoscale regions. Each CLT collects the emitted light from a patch on the chip, collimates the light, performs color separation on the collimated emitted light, and focuses the separated light onto a portion of pixels on the detector below the CLT. Such systems are useful for monitoring many analytical reactions at one time including single molecule sequencing reactions. |
| US09581542B2 |
Device for detecting the concentration of a solution
A device for detecting the concentration of a given component in a solution, preferably the concentration of urea in solution with water includes a means for emitting radiation, at least one means for receiving radiation, which is prearranged for determining at least one characteristic of the radiation, and a light guide, which is prearranged for optically connecting the emitting means to the receiving means, wherein the light guide has at least one surface that is to come into contact with the solution so as to determine an interface of separation between the propagation medium and the solution. Control means are configured for obtaining a value indicating the concentration of the compound in the solution as a function of the signal coming from the receiving means. |
| US09581535B2 |
Measurement of interfacial property
Interfacial tension between first and second immiscible liquids is determined using a device in which entrance and exit channels are connected by a cavity with wider cross-section. A flow of the first liquid enters the cavity as a jet and breaks into droplets within the cavity. Passage of a droplet through the exit channel feeds back to perturb the jet entering the cavity. An alternating signal applied to a heating element perturbs the incoming jet and is progressively scanned over a frequency range which includes the system's resonant frequency (frequency of droplet formation with no signal to the heating element). A bandwidth of frequency is observed in which the frequency of droplet formation is phase locked to the frequency applied to the heater. The ratio of resonant frequency to this bandwidth is a measurement of the interfacial tension between the two liquids. |
| US09581533B2 |
Modular hardness testing machine
A modular hardness testing machine has a measuring component and a set of frames. The measuring component includes a housing and locating slot. The measuring component has a locating slot configured to receive a frame. The locating slot allows a user to modularly interchange the frame. The measuring component's housing encloses a presshead, which encloses a load cell having through-holes holding transmission pins. The first end of each transmission pin contacts a displacement measurement sleeve, and a second end contacts a transmission plate. A motor is mounted to the housing. The motor is connected to a reduction drive. The reduction drive reduces speed and drives a lead screw mounted on a bearing mount, and a moveable presshead is driven by the lead screw. |
| US09581531B2 |
Yarn entanglement strength tester
A yarn entanglement strength tester includes first and second rolls that apply incrementally increasing elongation levels on a yarn in order to remove entanglements from the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester also includes a third roll, where the second and third rolls apply a constant tension on the yarn which enables optimum diameter measurements of the yarn by a camera. The camera captures images of diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester further includes a computing device that controls operation of the camera and the first, second, and third rolls, and determines an entanglement strength of the yarn based on the captured images of the diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn. |
| US09581530B2 |
Multichannel impact response for material characterization
A non-destructive test system includes a plurality of impact devices including a knob configured to generate at least one flexural mode in a material when a surface of the material is impacted by the knob, a controller configured to independently control each of the plurality of impact devices, the controller having a communications channel for each of the plurality of impact devices, and a microphone configured to detect an acoustic response generated upon impact of the knob on the surface of the material, the acoustic response being based on the at least one flexural modes generated in the material. |
| US09581529B2 |
Test piece, test method, wind turbine generator system
The invention relates to a test piece for determining a specific material property of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite under applied mechanical loading.According to the invention, it is provided that an inner core is incorporated in a composite with the fiber-reinforced plastic, the inner core being widened in a transverse axis in relation to the mechanical load in such a way that the composite with the inner core has a greater buckling stability than a comparative body, such as the composite without the inner core, and that the inner core is formed in such a way that an influence on the specific material property to be determined of the fiber-reinforced plastic composite lies in a range of acceptance. |
| US09581528B2 |
Method and apparatus for the processing and/or analysis and/or selection of particles, in particular, biological particles
Methods and apparatus are described for the processing (for example washing, incubation, etc.) of particles in which the particles suspended in a first fluid are introduced under laminar flow conditions into at least one first microchamber or first region of the same, in which a second fluid is introduced under laminar flow conditions into at least one second region of the microchamber or of a second microchamber, in such a way as not to mix with the first fluid, and in which at least one field of force acting on the particles is activated in the microchamber(s), to provoke a shift of the particles alone in a predetermined direction and to transfer the same in suspension into the second fluid; an apparatus is preferably used including at least three microchambers n microchambers arranged in sequence with each other in one direction and each connected with the microchamber immediately before it and after it with two orifices offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sequence of the microchambers. |
| US09581519B2 |
Filling implantable medical devices for leak checking
A method for introducing an analyte gas into a cavity of an implantable medical device includes analyzing gas that exits the cavity through an outlet in communication with the cavity and introducing an analyte gas into the cavity via an inlet in communication with the cavity until the composition of the gas exiting the cavity comprises a predetermined percent or amount of the analyte gas. The inlet and outlet may be sealed, and the device may be leak tested. |
| US09581517B2 |
Real time tire pressure gauge
A real time tire pressure gauge has a first connector for connecting to a compressed air source, a second connector for connecting to a tire valve, an internal passage between the first and second connectors, a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure in the internal passage and generate a pressure signal indicating air pressure, a controller connected to the pressure sensor to receive the pressure signal, and a display connected to the controller. The controller is configured to store a static pressure in memory based on an initial pressure sensor and display the static pressure, detect a sudden change in pressure and store a changed pressure in memory in response to detecting the sudden change, periodically sample the pressure signal and store a periodic pressure in memory, calculate an estimated tire pressure based on the static pressure, the changed pressure the periodic pressure, and display the estimated tire pressure. |
| US09581513B2 |
Diaphragm-type pressure gauge
A diaphragm-type pressure gauge which is attached to a vessel to be measured and measures a pressure by introducing a gas inside the vessel includes a housing into which the gas is introduced, and a sensor unit which is arranged in the housing, and includes a diaphragm electrode, a measurement surface of which is arranged parallel to an introduction direction of the gas. When the housing is attached to the vessel, the measurement surface of the diaphragm electrode is arranged parallel to a direction of gravitational force. |
| US09581500B2 |
Diagnosis of the defective state of a bolometric detection array
Method of diagnosing the state of signal-forming chains of a detector including an array of detection bolometers, each chain comprising a bolometer, a circuit of stimulation, and a circuit forming a signal according to said stimulation, including forming an image of a substantially uniform scene on the array; applying at least first and second stimulations to the chains; reading the formed signals; and for each chain in a predetermined set, defining a neighborhood of chains; calculating coefficients of a polynomial interpolating the values of signals formed by said chain; calculating, for each chain of the neighborhood, coefficients of a polynomial interpolating the values of signals formed by said neighborhood chain; calculating an average and standard deviation of said coefficients of the neighborhood chains or of the set of neighborhood chains and said chain; and diagnosing if said chain is defective using the coefficients and the calculated average and standard deviation. |
| US09581498B2 |
Rotating-element spectroscopic ellipsometer and method for measurement precision prediction of rotating-element spectroscopic ellipsometer, recording medium storing program for executing the same, and computer program stored in medium for executing the same
Provided are a rotating-element spectroscopic ellipsometer and a method for measurement precision prediction of a rotating-element spectroscopic ellipsometer, a recording medium storing program for executing the same, and a computer program stored in a medium for executing the same, and more particularly, a rotating-element spectroscopic ellipsometer and a method for measurement precision prediction of a rotating-element spectroscopic ellipsometer capable of calculating the measurement precision of the rotating-element spectroscopic ellipsometer based on a theoretical equation on standard deviations of ellipsometric parameters for a sample, a recording medium storing program for executing the same, and a computer program stored in a medium for executing the same. |
| US09581493B2 |
Acquiring a Raman spectrum with multiple lasers
A spectrometer is provided for acquiring a Raman spectrum from a sample. The spectrometer includes a first laser, a second laser, a detector and a processing device. The first laser is adapted to produce a first laser beam for generating first Raman spectra from the sample. The second laser is adapted to produce a second laser beam for generating second Raman spectra from the sample. The detector is adapted to collect the first Raman spectra and the second Raman spectra. The processing device is adapted to process the collected first and second Raman spectra to provide the Raman spectrum. |
| US09581490B2 |
Pipeline integrity monitoring using fiber optics
In some examples of monitoring pipeline integrity using fiber optics, a first set of values that represent an attenuation of a light signal transmitted through an optical fiber positioned adjacent a pipeline to carry fluids and a second set of values that represent a dispersion of the light signal transmitted through the optical fiber are received. An attenuation profile of the light signal and a dispersion profile of the light signal through the optical fiber are generated based on the first and second sets of values, respectively. Using the profiles, a light-based profile signature describing an environment surrounding the optical fiber is generated, and compared with a baseline light-based profile signature describing an environment surrounding the optical fiber under a normal operating condition. A notification describing an operation of the pipeline is provided in response to the comparing. |
| US09581488B2 |
Weighing apparatus with secured communication means
A weighing apparatus 1 comprising a load cell 4, a processing unit 3 external of the load cell 4 and data means 7, 8, 9, 10 for operating the weighing apparatus wherein a portion of the data means 7, 9, 10 is distributed between the processing unit 3 and the load cell 4 with secured communication means 6 operative between the load cell 4 and the processing unit 3. Preferably the data means 7, 9, 10 distributed between the processing unit 3 and the load cell 4 is subject to legal control or legally relevant software. |
| US09581487B2 |
Transport rail system with weighing means comprising a sensor for measuring a change of a magnetic property
Transport rail system capable of detecting a weight of a rail vehicle, includes one or more rails, and one or more sensors for measuring a magnetic property. At least one of the sensors is adapted to measure a change of a magnetic property in order to determine a weight bearing on one or more of the rails, the change of the magnetic property being caused by stress exerted on the rail by the weight, and one or more of the sensors are adapted to measure the change of a magnetic property of the rail itself and/or that one or more of the sensors are adapted to measure the change of a magnetic property of a supporting structure of the rail. |
| US09581479B2 |
Ultrasonic meter flow measurement monitoring system
The present invention provides an automated meter station monitoring system for a fluid comprising a processor having algorithms for verifying performance of a fluid flow measurement system. A pressure sensor is operatively connected to the processor to measure the pressure of the fluid. A temperature sensor is operatively connected to the processor to measure the temperature of the fluid. A gas chromatograph is operatively connected to the processor to monitor changes in gas composition and chromatograph response factors of the fluid. An ultrasonic meter is operatively connected to the processor to monitor the velocity of the fluid, speed of sound of the fluid, and meter diagnostics. A flow computer is operatively connected to the processor to record pressure of the fluid, record temperature of the fluid, record gas composition of the fluid, calculate compressibility ratio of the fluid, calculate standard flow rate of the fluid, and calculate energy rate of the fluid. |
| US09581478B1 |
Pool skimmer flow measuring systems
The present invention relates to systems that allow users to observe the operation of pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the system includes a flow sensor system, which may be located in a ring above the skimmer basket. The flow sensor system may include, for example a microphone or a paddle wheel. Optionally, the system may further include a remote computer (e.g., smart phone/tablet computer) that receives the inputs measured by the flow sensor system and displays on its display screen alerts based on the inputs (e.g., to notify the user to clean the skimmer basket or backwash the filter). |
| US09581477B2 |
Measuring head clamp-on device for ultrasonic flow-measuring heads
A measuring head clamp-on device for ultrasonic flow measuring heads includes a guide element for receiving at least one measuring head protective housing for at least one measuring head and includes at least one clamping unit connected to the guide element, and thereto connected clamping device for detachably fastening the guide element to the measuring tube, wherein the guide element is non-positively or positively connected to at least one apparatus for centering and clamping the same on the measuring tube, so that the guide element is oriented and fastened parallel and with a defined distance to the apex of the measuring tube irrespective of the tube diameter. |
| US09581476B2 |
Method and measuring device for volume measurement and evaluation
The invention relates to a method for measuring the volumetric flow (Q) of a fluid in a preferred direction by means of a volume measurement device having an electronic circuit and an incremental encoder, a sensor for detecting a rotational change of angle, preferably designed as two giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors in a double measuring bridge, wherein a first sinusoidal signal of the incremental encoder, namely a raw sine signal (S1), and a second sinusoidal signal of the incremental encoder with identical angular frequency ω which is phase-shifted by 90° relative to the first signal (S1), namely a raw cosine signal (S1), are generated, wherein said signals (S1) are preferably initially conditioned (S1+), interpolated/digitized (S2), and said digital signals (S2) are processed and evaluated in an evaluation unit, preferably in a process computer unit having a quadrature encoder counter. The invention further relates to a method for measuring a volumetric flow by means of a quadrature signal, comprising a first signal from a first sensor and a second signal from a second sensor having identical angular frequency ω which are phase-shifted by 90° relative to one another, wherein the quadrature signal serves to determine the flow (Q) of a fluid in a preferred direction by a volume measurement device having an electronic circuit. The invention further relates to a volume measurement device for carrying out a measurement method and to a programmable process computer unit having at least one quadrature encoder interface/quadrature encoder encounter for use in a volume measurement device for measuring a volumetric flow. |
| US09581475B2 |
Multiphase flowmeter
A multiphase flow meter comprising two Venturis separated by a choke. The choke may be varied to adjust the properties of the multiphase fluid flow being measured. The two Venturis may be identical and may be arranged horizontally with respect to the multiphase fluid flow. The choke may be a choke in a return line of a managed pressure drilling system. |
| US09581472B2 |
Strip lighting device
A strip lighting device includes a main body having front and rear sides extending along a length of the main body. The front side is disposed towards a viewer of the device and the rear side includes a light scattering layer for scattering light from a source of illumination towards the viewer when the device is illuminated. The main body has a front and rear cladding layer each of which is made of a first light transmissive material. The strip lighting device includes a light pipe made of a second light transmissive material sandwiched between the front and rear cladding layers at interfaces extending along the length of the main body. A rear interface of the light pipe has a plurality of angled portions which allow some light to escape into the rear cladding layer to impinge on the light scattering layer and scatter light towards the viewer. |
| US09581470B2 |
Sensor device for measuring at least one property of a fluid medium
A sensor device for measuring at least one property of a fluid medium, in particular of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor device includes at least one protective housing for accommodating at least one sensor element; within the protective housing, at least one flow path being provided that allows flow therethrough by the fluid medium. The flow path has a number of at least three deflection points, where the fluid medium undergoes a directional change about an angle of at least 90°. The sensor device is highly resistant to thermal shock, while, at the same time, the sensor element has a high dynamic response. |
| US09581469B2 |
Retractable environment detector
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a retractable environmental detector system includes two portions, a base or retractor unit that can be attached to a ceiling and a retractable environmental detector operably coupled to the base or retractor through a flexible retractable connector that retracts and extends the retractable environmental detector from and to the base or retractor. |
| US09581467B1 |
Orientation estimation based on backward-forward bayesian filtering
A system includes one or more processors, and data storage configured to store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform functions. In this example, the functions include receiving sensor data that is collected by one or more sensors of a device over one or more locations and over a time period. Further, in the present example, the functions also include determining location estimates of the device by performing filtering of the sensor data to determine offsets for a least one sensor providing sensor data. The filtering is an iterative process of filtering control input data to determine the sensor bias based on data from a second sensor of the at least two sensors and adjusting the set of sensor data based on the determined bias. |
| US09581465B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying a synthetic vision system view direction
A system and method displays a synthetic vision system (SVS) image combined with a primary flight display (PFD) including a compass indicating the aircraft heading. An arc on or near the outer edge of the compass indicates the viewing frustum of the SVS view. |
| US09581464B2 |
Map display device, navigation device and map display method
A map display device includes a position information acquiring unit for acquiring the present position of a vehicle; a map data storage unit for storing map data; a remaining energy acquiring unit for acquiring a residual quantity of energy for driving the vehicle and equipment mounted on the vehicle; a range calculating unit for computing a range the vehicle can travel with the remaining energy, using a moving energy consumption rate which is energy consumption per unit time required for moving the vehicle and a driving energy consumption rate Eci which is energy consumption per unit time required for driving the equipment mounted on the vehicle; and an output control unit for displaying the range on a map using the map data. |
| US09581463B2 |
Systems and methods for in-vehicle navigated shopping
Systems and methods to provide a navigated-shopping service are discussed. In an example, a method for navigated-shopping can include receiving a destination location, accessing a route to the destination, displaying the route with indications of a plurality of items for purchase, receiving selection of a selected item, and purchasing the selected item. The plurality of items for purchase can be within a predefined distance of at least one point along the route. The selection of the selected item can include selection of a retail location of a plurality of retail locations along the route. |
| US09581462B2 |
Systems and methods for generating and displaying multiple layers on a digital map
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating and displaying a POI data associated with multiple searches on a single digital map. Searches may be activated from pre-set layers within a layer panel. Searches may also be activated by adding custom layers. |
| US09581460B1 |
Apparatus and method transitioning between driving states during navigation for highly automated vechicle
A navigation apparatus for an autonomous vehicle includes circuitry configured to receive at least one route between a start location and a destination, display the at least one route on a first screen that allows selection of a first set of routes from the at least one route, receive a plurality of characteristics corresponding to each of the at least one route. Each characteristic of the plurality of characteristics is associated with a measure and a longest block within which each characteristic can be performed continuously. The circuitry further configured to divide a route of the at least one route to generate a plurality of segments based on the plurality of characteristics, and display the first set of routes, the plurality of characteristics corresponding to the first set of routes, the measure and the longest block corresponding to the plurality of characteristics on a second screen. |
| US09581452B2 |
Navigation system and method
An apparatus and method are provided. A hierarchical navigation database with multiple levels including tiles is defined. Link data records representative of a road segments are stored in the hierarchical navigation database. A lower level tile containing a starting point data record of a route is identified. A link data record crossing the lower level tile border is identified. Whether the identified link data record also crosses a tile border of a higher level tile is determined. If the identified link data record crosses a tile border of a higher level tile, whether the higher level tile includes a destination point record is determined. Unless the higher level tile is determined to include the destination point record, a next link data record is determined in the route from the higher level. |
| US09581446B2 |
Vibrating element with an increased amount of change in detuning frequency per unit mass, vibrator, electronic apparatus, and moving object
A vibrating element includes: drive vibrating arm supported to the base portion and extending in a direction of the second axis; and detection vibrating arm supported to the base portion at a position different from the drive vibrating arm and extending in the direction of the second axis. When the vibrating element is subjected to rotation about the second axis while the drive vibrating arm being reciprocally driven in a direction of the first axis, an amount of displacement of the detection vibrating arm in a direction of the third axis at a position distant from the base portion by a distance y1 along the direction of the second axis is greater than an amount of displacement of the drive vibrating arm in the direction of the third axis at a position distant from the base portion by the distance y1 along the direction of the second axis. |
| US09581440B2 |
In-situ blade-mounted optical camera inspected systems for turbine engines
Turbine engine casing interiors are visually inspected in a fully assembled turbine casing by mounting an optical camera on a turbine blade that captures optical images, such as of the casing abradable surface. Optical images are recorded as the blade circumferentially sweeps the turbine casing when the turbine is operated in turning gear mode or manually rotated. Blade rotational position data are collected by a rotational position sensor. A data processing system correlates the captured optical images and rotational position data about the turbine casing circumference. This method and apparatus provide an accurate and cost effective solution for accessing a turbine casing interior. |
| US09581435B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a photodetector, a notification light emitter, and a determination component. The photodetector detects reflected light of light from a projection device within a detection region, the projection device projecting the light in a projection region on a projection surface. The notification light emitter emits on the projection surface two notification lines of visible wavelength that approach each other towards the photodetector. The determination component determines that the projection region is at least partially located outside the detection region based on a detection result of the photodetector. The determination component further determines that an edge of the projection region that is located closest to the photodetector is substantially parallel to a line segment that connects ends of the two notification lines. |
| US09581431B1 |
Method and system for parallactically synced acquisition of images about common target
A method and system are provided for parallactically synced acquisition of images about a common target from mutually displaced imaging positions. At least first and second imaging devices are disposed respectively at first and second imaging positions. The first imaging device is actuated to acquire a first image with a target of interest disposed at a predetermined relative position within a field of view thereof. The second imaging device is actuated to acquire a second image with the target of interest disposed within a field of view thereof. A target feature finder is executed in a processor to detect the target of interest within the second image. A plurality of user prompts are generated at the second imaging device responsive to detection of the target of interest in the second image. The user prompts include: visual indicia adaptively applied to the second image to visually distinguish the target of interest, and orientation correction alerts adaptively generated to guide angular displacement of the second imaging device to situate the target of interest at the predetermined relative position within its field of view. |
| US09581430B2 |
Phase characterization of targets
Systems and methods are provided which derive target characteristics from interferometry images taken at multiple phase differences between target beams and reference beams yielding the interferometry images. The illumination of the target and the reference has a coherence length of less than 30 microns to enable scanning the phase through the coherence length of the illumination. The interferometry images are taken at the pupil plane and/or in the field plane to combine angular and spectroscopic scatterometry data that characterize and correct target topography and enhance the performance of metrology systems. |
| US09581426B2 |
Magnetic field measuring device
The present invention provides a magnetic field measuring device comprising first to fourth magnetoelectric transducers, magnetic convergence plates, and a calculation unit that calculates the strength of a magnetic field applied in a horizontal direction and/or a vertical direction with respect to a magneto-sensing surface of the magnetoelectric transducers, wherein the magnetic convergence plates are placed in the vicinity of the first to fourth magnetoelectric transducers so as to convert magnetic field vectors, and the calculation unit includes a first calculation block that adds or subtracts output from the first to fourth magnetoelectric transducers, and outputs a calculation result. |
| US09581425B2 |
Sensor for indicating a position or a change in position of a coupling element and method for operating the sensor
Sensor having a primary coil, two secondary coils as well as an evaluator. An excitation signal may be applied to the primary coil. An output signal depending on a position of a coupling element may be induced in each secondary coil. An evaluator is configured to evaluate the output signals in order to evaluate a phase offset between the output signals. Further, the evaluator is configured to provide a sensor output signal indicating the position or change in position of the coupling element. |
| US09581418B2 |
Electrical shocking self-defense training device
An edge weapon training device includes a handle body for gripping in a hand of a user and first and second contacts spaced apart at a first end of the handle body for delivering an electrical shock to a person being trained for self-defense against edge weapons when the handle body is thrust against the trainee in a simulated stabbing motion. In some instances a knife body protrudes beyond the contacts to visually represent a knife, but the knife body is supported to either retract into the handle body or be compressed against the handle body when the handle is thrust against a user in a simulated stabbing motion. Alternatively, the training device may take the form of a resilient adapter body which supports the contacts thereon and which can be supported over an existing stun gun with the contacts in connection to the electrical posts of the stun gun. |
| US09581416B1 |
Rail mount
The present disclosure generally relates to a rail mount having one side that is releasably attached to a rail of a firearm and the other side that is releasably attached to accessories for the firearm, and more particularly to a rail mount that may be releasably attached to a rail in an easy and firm manner, and may be adjusted to a minute change of a rail. |
| US09581414B1 |
Tactical retainer belt
A Tactical retainer belt is disclosed. This invention allows for the correct fitment of any sidearm, any magazine, and any tactical accessories without the need to purchase additional gear or pouches, thus lowering long-term costs for the user. This system allows the user the ability to rapidly adjust to mission or job changes by accommodating any load out. |
| US09581409B2 |
Acceleration of objects to high velocity by electromagnetic forces
Two exemplary approaches to the acceleration of projectiles are provided. Both approaches can utilize concepts associated with the Inductrack maglev system. Either of them provides an effective means of accelerating multi-kilogram projectiles to velocities of several kilometers per second, using launchers of order 10 meters in length, thus enabling the acceleration of projectiles to high velocities by electromagnetic forces. |
| US09581408B2 |
Cable guard for compound bow
A cable guard for a compound bow includes a rod extending along an axis, and a base releasably fixed to the rod and adjustable relative to the rod along the axis. The cable guard includes a lock releasably fixing the base to the rod along the axis. A pair of bearings each supported by the base. The base, and the pair of bearings supported by the base, are adjustable along the axis for adjustment relative to a riser of the compound bow. The lock fixes the base at a desired position along the axis relative to the riser. |
| US09581405B2 |
Slingshot with handle guard and palm plate
A slingshot with handle guard and palm plate is disclosed. The slingshot includes a handle, a pair of forward facing arms with band attachment devices, an arm brace and a retaining clip for securing the arm brace to the handle. The handle includes a plurality of grooves adapted to receive a palm plate at various locations along the length of the handle. The handle further includes a groove formed therein for engaging one end of a handle guard as well as a recess for receiving the other end of the handle guard, which is secured by the retaining clip. The handle further includes a bore formed therethrough for accessories, such as stabilizers, dampeners, storage containers and the like. |
| US09581403B2 |
Bipod
An apparatus for stabilizing a device includes a rail, a first carriage, a second carriage, a first leg housing, and a first linking member. The rail is configured for attachment to the device and includes a length extending from a distal end and a proximal end. The first carriage is configured to slidably receive the rail. The second carriage is configured to slidably receive the rail. The first leg housing includes a first upper end pivotally coupled with a first portion of the first carriage and a first mount disposed distal to the first upper end. The first linking member includes a first distal end pivotally coupled with the first mount and a first proximal end pivotally coupled with a first portion of the second carriage. |
| US09581391B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus
An air conditioning apparatus includes an aluminum heat exchanger, an aluminum gas pipe, an aluminum liquid pipe and a copper gas pipe. The aluminum heat exchanger performs heat exchange between air and a refrigerant, and is disposed upright. The aluminum gas pipe channels gas refrigerant, and extends from a side part of the aluminum heat exchanger. The aluminum liquid pipe channels liquid refrigerant, and extends from an area below the aluminum gas pipe in the side part of the aluminum heat exchanger. The copper gas pipe channels gas refrigerant. The aluminum gas pipe is connected in a connecting part to the copper gas pipe from above the copper gas pipe. The aluminum pipe is disposed in an area outside of directly under the connecting part of the aluminum gas pipe and the copper gas pipe. |
| US09581383B2 |
Refrigerator appliances
A refrigerator appliance including a refrigerated chamber defined by a liner positioned within a cabinet is provided. At least one track extends generally along a vertical direction of the refrigerator appliance attached to or positioned adjacent to the liner. Additionally, a shelf assembly is configured to attach to the track. An electrical bar extends at least partially within the track and a probe of the shelf assembly is configured to extend into the track and press against the electrical bar along a transverse direction. The probe may accordingly make an electrical connection with electrical bar when the shelf assembly is attached the track. |
| US09581381B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is described. The refrigerator includes a cabinet that includes a storage compartment; an inner case that defines the storage compartment. The refrigerator further includes a first door that is pivotally mounted to the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a second door that is pivotally mounted to the cabinet and that is provided with a pillar that is configured to rotate between a folded orientation and an unfolded orientation, the pillar being configured to contact the first door and thereby close a gap between the first door and the second door based on the pillar being oriented in the unfolded orientation and the first door and the second door being closed. The refrigerator further includes a drive assembly that is located at the inner case and that is configured to rotate the pillar. The refrigerator further includes a controller that is configured to drive the drive assembly. |
| US09581380B1 |
Flexible refrigeration platform
In a new flexible-monoblock refrigeration configuration arrangement, all of the refrigeration components are gathered within its one and only flexible chassis platform. These units are one piece, meaning that their condenser, refrigerant control assemblies, compressor and the evaporator are fixed to their one and only integrated flexible chassis. No refrigeration components are outside its enclosure. There is no need to perform any assembling or service to the refrigeration itself at the time of installation. The new flexible monoblock refrigeration system can be configured in many different forms using parallel rigidly interconnected side plates. The sub platforms are rigidly connected to the side plates so that all of the weight, forces and stress are borne by the side plates and none is transferred among the refrigeration elements, units or subassemblies. |
| US09581379B2 |
Floor-standing air-conditioning apparatus
A floor-standing air-conditioning apparatus includes a lower air inlet, an air outlet having an air outlet opening, a heat exchanger that is provided in the body, a crossflow fan that is provided in the body and produces a flow of air in which the air that has flowed into the body passes through the heat exchanger and is guided to the air outlet, a drain pan that is provided below the heat exchanger in the height direction of the body. The heat exchanger includes a front heat exchanger and a rear heat exchanger, a pair of which form a V shape with their lower ends being in contact with, or in proximity to, each other, and are arranged so that the crossflow fan is positioned between the front heat exchanger and the rear heat exchanger. |
| US09581377B2 |
Refrigerator
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a heat exchange chamber defined in a side of the cabinet to provide a space for receiving an evaporator, a storage compartment defined in the cabinet, the storage compartment being independent from the refrigerating compartment, the freezing compartment, and the heat exchange chamber, a supply duct assembly connecting the heat exchange chamber to the storage compartment to provide a cool air supply passage, and a guide duct communicating with the supply duct assembly, the guide duct extending from a rear surface of the storage compartment up to a front portion of the storage compartment to guide cool air into a front side of the storage compartment. The guide duct discharges the cool air from the front portion of the storage compartment toward the inside of the storage compartment. |
| US09581375B2 |
Cooling apparatus for cooling a liquid in a container
A liquid container designed to include an autonomous selective cooling device and cooling device applicable to the liquid container. The cooling device includes a heat exchanger comprising a first body with a cavity, a second body inside the cavity, a fluid passage formed between an outer surface of the second body and the surface of the cavity, and some means for causing a cooling fluid to flow while expanding along fluid passage up to an exhaust duct of the second body. A container comprises a cavity for a liquid, a first filling opening provided with a first closing element and a second opening with a first coupling element where a second coupling element is coupled to the second coupling element being formed at an extension of a second closure cap and connected to the heat exchanger, in such a way that the closure cap closes the second opening of the container and the heat exchanger is housed in the cavity of the container and in contact with the liquid contained in it. |
| US09581370B2 |
Refrigerant cycle device
When a temperature of feed air blown into a space for air conditioning cannot be increased up to the target temperature in an indoor condenser of a heat pump cycle included in a gas injection cycle, the volume of the feed air flowing into the indoor condenser is decreased. Thus, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the indoor condenser is increased, while the amount of a compression work in a high-pressure side compression stage of the compressor is increased, which suppresses the lack of the heating capacity of the feed air blown into the space for air conditioning. |
| US09581369B2 |
Evaporator with phase change material
An evaporator configured to transfer heat between air flowing through the evaporator and refrigerant within the evaporator, and transfer heat between the refrigerant within the evaporator and phase change material (PCM) within the evaporator. The evaporator includes a first plate, a second plate, and a first tube. The second plate is coupled to the first plate to form an assembly that defines a cavity to contain PCM. The assembly also defines a first opening that cooperates with corresponding first openings in other assemblies to define a first manifold to convey refrigerant. The first manifold is defined when the assembly is arranged with the other assemblies to form a stack. The first tube is in fluidic communication with the first manifold. The assembly cooperates with an adjacent assembly of the other assemblies when the stack is formed to define a first slot configured to receive the first tube. |
| US09581368B2 |
Automobile air-conditioning system
An automobile air-conditioning system is provided, which includes an evaporator and an electrical expansion valve in communication via pipes, with the electrical expansion valve including a coil and a valve body, the coil being fixedly mounted on the valve body; the system also includes a support, the support including a heat-sinking bridge and a cooling ring, with the evaporator provided on one side of the heat-sinking bridge and the cooling ring provided on the other side of the heat-sinking bridge; the heat-sinking bridge and the cooling ring are formed in one piece or are connected with each other fixedly, and the coil is provided within the cooling ring. The automobile air-conditioning system has the advantages of a compact structural design, is capable of effectively cooling the electrical expansion valve, and has high system strength, stable transmission of coolant, and high security. |
| US09581367B2 |
Multi-fluid plate heat exchanger for a refrigeration system
Heat exchanger systems described and illustrated here in include multiple stacked plates each defining an aperture, first and second flow ducts formed by the stacked plates, multiple inflow and outflow ducts formed by the apertures in the stacked plates, a first heat exchanger section defining a condenser including first and second flow ducts, a second heat exchanger section defining an evaporator, first, second and third fluids, and an expansion element for the first fluid connected to the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the first fluid is in heat-exchanging contact with the second fluid in one of the first and second heat exchanger sections, the first fluid is in heat-exchanging contact with the third fluid in the other of the first and second heat exchanger sections, and/or the first fluid flows through the first flow duct in the first heat exchanger section. |
| US09581366B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner having a first circulation channel which drives a thermodynamic cycle while normally circulating a refrigerant, a second circulation channel which is branched from an outlet of a condenser of the first circulation channel to recover oil from the refrigerant to a compressor and to cause the refrigerant to pass through a supercooling heat exchanger, and a third circulation channel which is directly branched from an evaporator of the first circulation channel to recover oil from the refrigerant and to the compressor and to cause the refrigerant to pass through the supercooling heat exchanger, thereby preventing the wet compression of the compressor to achieve improved reliability of the compressor, and preventing the degradation of heat-exchange performance. |
| US09581365B2 |
Refrigerating apparatus
In an air conditioner which is a refrigerating apparatus, a superheat degree controller is provided, which is configured to control, in an evaporation mode of an outdoor heat exchanger, the opening degree of an expansion valve such that the superheat degree of refrigerant whose flows are joined together after passing through a main heat exchange part and an auxiliary heat exchange part reaches a predetermined superheat degree. Moreover, in the air conditioner, a flow volume adjustment valve configured to adjust, in the evaporation mode of the outdoor heat exchanger, a flow ratio of refrigerant in the heat exchange parts and a flow ratio controller configured to control the flow volume adjustment valve such that refrigerant temperatures after passage through the heat exchange parts are substantially equal to each other are provided. |
| US09581358B2 |
Multi-phase passive thermal transfer for subsea apparatus
A system, including: a subsea pressure vessel; and a passive heat transfer apparatus, wherein the passive heat transfer apparatus penetrates a hull or shell of the subsea pressure vessel. |
| US09581356B2 |
Subsea ROV-mounted hot water injection skid
A remotely operated vehicle mountable hot water injection skid comprises skid frame, one or more floats, a power interface, one or more subsea power transformers, one or more electrical power interfaces, one or more data communication interfaces, one or more heater skid telemetry systems, a predetermined set of integration equipment, a water collection and heating container, a pumping and circulation system, and a hot seawater circulation flying lead or spray wand which allows delivery of heated fluid directly to a subsea asset using heated seawater delivered through a common hydraulic hot stab or directly to via a pressurized spraying wand. |
| US09581348B2 |
Method of controlling the temperature of a controller of an electric compressor for an air conditioner in a vehicle
A method of controlling the temperature of a controller of an electric compressor for an air conditioner in a vehicle is provided, which prevents an excessive increase in temperature of the controller under the control of an output current of the controller. The method includes a temperature-determination stage of detecting the temperature of the controller and determining whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or lower than a reference temperature that is lower than a predefined target temperature by a specified number of degrees when an actuating signal of the air conditioner is generated in a switched-on stage of a vehicle. A current-control stage controls an output current of the controller to decrease the temperature until the detected temperature reaches the reference temperature or lower if the detected temperature is determined to be higher than the reference temperature. |
| US09581343B2 |
Air-conditioning unit
An air-conditioning unit for air-conditioning an air flow may include a multipart housing including a first housing part and a second housing part arranged on top of the first housing part. The housing may further include an air-conditioning segment and a blower segment defining an axis of rotation. The blower segment may have a blower for driving the air flow. A suction chamber and a pressure chamber may be disposed in the blower segment, and the suction chamber and the pressure chamber may be open with respect to one another via a connecting opening. The blower may have an impeller arranged in the connecting opening. The impeller may include a suction side facing towards the suction chamber and a pressure side facing towards the pressure chamber. The housing may further include a connecting duct for fluidically connecting the blower segment to the air-conditioning segment. |
| US09581342B2 |
Mounting stand for multi-sensing environmental control device
A thermostat stand for a thermostat device may include a base and a mounting fixture configured to receive a thermostat device. The thermostat stand may additionally include an opening configured to allow one or more wires to pass through the opening to connect to the thermostat device, the one or more wires originating from either a power supply or from the boiler control device. The thermostat stand may further include a reflective horizontal surface positioned such that motion detection of energy-emitting objects is enhanced by virtue of reflections of energy emissions off of the reflective horizontal surface into the occupancy sensor. |
| US09581341B1 |
Safety razor holder with zinc strip to reduce corrosion of the razorblades and interior leaf spring to facilitate retention of the razorblade cartridge within the razor holder
A container used in conjunction with a safety razor including a razorblade cartridge which in turn retains at least one razorblade having a sharp front edge within the container. The container includes a zinc metal strip within the container against which at least one of the razorblades from the safety razor are forced into contact with the zinc metal strip and the remaining blades are in close proximity to the zinc metal strip. A leaf spring affixed above the zinc metal strip serves to securely retain the razorblade cartridge when the container is in the closed condition. |
| US09581338B2 |
Extractor hood
An extractor hood changes an air volume of a fan in response to a temperature of a cooking subject on a cooker. The hood includes an infrared sensor that detects an average temperature between the cooking subject temperature and an ambient temperature of the cooking subject, a temperature sensor that detects an ambient temperature of the cooker, a signal receiver, and an air-volume controller. The air volume controller calculates the cooking subject temperature based on the average temperature by using the ambient temperature of the cooker as the ambient temperature of the cooking subject, and then determines the air volume of a fan based on the cooking subject temperature and a cooker signal. |
| US09581337B2 |
Arrangement in the ventilation of a kitchen appliance
The invention relates to an arrangement in the ventilation of a kitchen appliance. The arrangement is arranged to be connected to a ventilation system. The arrangement includes at least one hood (10), which is intended to be installed above the kitchen appliance (11). There is an exhaust-air connection (27) in each hood (10), for connecting the hood (10) to the exhaust-air duct (12) belonging to the ventilation system. The arrangement also includes a separator (15), for separating grease form the exhaust air. The arrangement further includes a cell (14), which is arranged after the hood (10) and is separate from the hood (10), and to which a separator (15) is fitted, and which is connected to the exhaust-air duct (12). |
| US09581336B2 |
Thermostat
A thermostat for gas-powered cooking appliances includes a body having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit that respectively receive and supply a gas flow, and a chamber in fluid communication both with the inlet conduit, and also with the outlet conduit either directly, through a main opening formed at one end thereof, or indirectly, through a secondary conduit formed in the body of the thermostat, which reaches the outlet conduit bypassing the main opening. A valve that adjusts gas flow rate is coaxially fitted in the chamber and has a position that is controlled by an expandable member of a thermostatic bulb of the thermostat. The valve is axially deformable beyond a predefined load threshold and compensates for dilations of the expandable member under a normal operating condition, absorbing axial forces exerted by the thermostat knob when rotated to switch off a burner driven by the thermostat. |
| US09581335B2 |
Fuel nozzle tube retention
A system for retaining a fuel nozzle premix tube includes a retention plate and a premix tube which extends downstream from an outlet of a premix passage defined along an aft side of a fuel plenum body. The premix tube includes an inlet end and a spring support feature which is disposed proximate to the inlet end. The premix tube extends through the retention plate. The spring retention feature is disposed between an aft side of the fuel plenum and the retention plate. The system further includes a spring which extends between the spring retention feature and the retention plate. |
| US09581334B2 |
Annular combustion chamber in a turbine engine
An annular combustion chamber of a turbine engine, the chamber including inner and outer coaxial walls forming two surfaces of revolution, which are connected together upstream by an annular chamber end wall including injection systems passing therethrough, each including an injector and at least one swirler for producing a rotating air stream that mixes downstream with fuel from the injector, and at least one ignition spark plug mounted in an orifice of the outer wall downstream from the injection systems. The spark plug is situated circumferentially between two adjacent injection systems that are configured to produce two air/fuel mixture sheets rotating in opposite directions. |
| US09581333B2 |
Igniter assembly and method for operating
An igniter assembly includes a bushing for installation in a burner. The bushing has a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A gas tube is secured through a central portion of the bushing, and an electrode assembly is secured through the central portion of the bushing. The electrode assembly includes an electrically conductive conductor element and an insulator element in surrounding relationship to the conductor element. The igniter assembly further includes a flame holder element secured to a distal end of the electrode assembly, and a ground rod secured to the electrode assembly. A distal end of the ground rod defines a spark gap with the flame holder element. |
| US09581331B2 |
Control of stepper motor operated gas valve
A controller is provided for a gas valve including a movable valve element, a main diaphragm chamber having a main diaphragm therein coupled to the valve element to displace the valve element relative to a valve opening, and a servo-regulator diaphragm for regulating flow of gas that acts against the main diaphragm, to adjust the valve element and vary the flow rate. A stepper motor is configured to move in a stepwise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm to adjust the valve element and gas flow rate. The controller for the stepper motor includes a microprocessor that receives an input signal indicating an operating capacity level, and determines the steps the stepper motor must move to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm to establish a flow rate corresponding to the operating capacity level. The microprocessor generates a signal to move the stepper motor the number of steps to adjust the gas valve. |
| US09581330B2 |
Oxy-fuel combustion oxidant heater internal arrangement
A regenerative oxidant preheater internal arrangement, including a system and method for use thereof, utilizing a unique recycle oxy-combustion methodology which includes at least two primary combustion oxidant sectors placed adjacent to both the flue gas side as well as a secondary oxidant sector positioned between the two primary sectors. A tri-sector regenerative oxidant preheater apparatus, method and arrangement for utilization with oxy-fired pulverized coal combustion power plants. |
| US09581329B2 |
Gas-fueled heater
A gas-fueled heater can have a housing with pressure regulators, a control valve, a fluid selection valve and a burner positioned therein. The pressure regulators, control valve, fluid selection valve and burner can be configured to combust a fuel to create heat. The housing can include a number of holes passing therethrough to control access to the various components. |
| US09581327B2 |
Continuous steam generator with equalizing chamber
An evaporator 10 for evaporating a liquid includes a plurality of harps 20 disposed within a duct or chamber such that a heated fluid flow 22 (e.g., heated gas or flue gas) passes through each successive row of harps 20 of the evaporator 10. Each of the harps 20 includes a lower header 24, a plurality of lower tubes 26, an intermediate equalizing chamber 28, a plurality of upper tubes 30, and an upper header 32. The lower tubes 30 are in fluid communication with the lower header 24 and extend upward vertically from the lower header. The upper ends of the lower tubes 26 are in fluid communication with the equalizing chamber 28. The upper tubes 30 are in fluid communication with the equalizing chamber 28 and extend upward vertically from the equalizing chamber. The upper ends of the upper tubes 30 are in fluid communication with the upper header 32. |
| US09581321B2 |
LED lighting apparatus with an open frame network of light modules
The present disclosure is directed to a light emitting diode (LED) light module. In one embodiment, the LED light module includes a plurality of light sections and a plurality of open sections formed by a plurality of heat sink fins between the plurality of light sections, wherein each one of the plurality of light sections is adjacent to two different light sections of the plurality of light sections. |
| US09581320B2 |
Lighting apparatus
Provided is a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes one or more light-emitting modules; a base plate having a bottom surface to which the one or more light-emitting modules are attached; and a heat dissipation fin assembly seated on a top surface of the base plate, wherein the heat dissipation fin assembly includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins which are mounted upright on the top surface of the base plate, wherein each of the heat dissipation fins has a predetermined width in a radial direction from a center of the base plate, and is formed by a thin sheet of a graphite material. |
| US09581317B2 |
Array holder and LED module with same
A holder is configured to support an LED array and includes terminals that have an insulation displacement portion (IDP) and contacts to electrically connect to the LED array. An LED module can be provided that supports a holder and an LED array. The LED module includes a housing with a floor and a wall that extends from the floor to define a first enclosure that receives the holder and LED array. The floor includes one or more channels that allow insulated conductors to extend through the floor and engage the IDP so as to provide power to the LED array. |
| US09581316B2 |
Apparatus and method for encapsulating tritium
A module comprising: one or more vials containing tritium; one or more tritium covers; and an open space within the one or more tritium covers, wherein the one or more vials containing tritium are located within the open space of the one or more tritium covers so that the one or more tritium covers protect the one or more vials containing tritium, and wherein the one or more tritium covers are made from a material that exhibits sufficient strength so that the module protects the one or more vials containing tritium from damage when dropped from a distance of 1 m or more. |
| US09581315B2 |
Laser-pointing device
A laser-pointing device includes a housing having a front opening, a laser-generating mechanism for generation of a pointing light beam through the front opening, a support member movably supporting the laser-generating mechanism in the housing, a controller, and a drive mechanism connected with the laser-generating mechanism and used for driving the laser-generating mechanism to move along a predetermined track in the housing under control of the controller. |
| US09581314B2 |
Integrating cone for an illumination device
A device for increasing the optical power of a solid state light source in the green and/or yellow bands, is disclosed. The device has an integral body having an ingress surface configured to receive light from an emitting portion of the solid state light source, an egress surface substantially opposite the ingress surface, and a recess formed within the body. The recess has an input opening in the ingress surface, an output opening in the egress surface, and a recess surface within the body extending between the input opening and the output opening. The recess surface is configured to reflect visible light with Lambertian scatter characteristics. |
| US09581312B2 |
LED light fixtures having elongated prismatic lenses
A light fixture having at least one light engine comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged on mount surfaces of an elongated mount structure, and an elongated lens mounted over the LEDs so that light emitted from the LEDs interacts with the lens before it escapes the fixture. The elongated lens is shaped to disperse more light in a direction away from an axis normal to the elongated mount structure. The light fixture further comprises a housing and an exit lens attached to the housing to define an interior chamber, the at least one light engine disposed within the interior chamber. |
| US09581309B2 |
LED illumination device with a highly uniform illumination pattern
An LED (light emitting diode) illumination device that can generate a uniform light output illumination pattern. The illumination device includes an array of LEDs, each having a LED central axis. The LED central axis of the array of LEDs is angled approximately toward a central point. The illumination source includes a reflector with a conic or conic-like shape. The reflector wraps around the front of the LED to redirect the light emitted along a LED central axis. |
| US09581306B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes a light source, a projection optical member, a light deflector, and a tube shaped housing. The projection optical member projects light, which is incident on the projection optical member, ahead. The light deflector includes a plurality of optical devices that are arrayed. The optical devices are individually switchable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the optical devices reflect light emitted from the light source to a direction other than a direction towards the projection optical member. In the second state, the optical devices reflect the emitted light towards the projection optical member. The light deflector is disposed inside the housing. The projection optical member is disposed in an opening portion of the housing. A first portion, of the housing, intersecting a path of a light beam incident on the light deflector is transparent. |
| US09581305B2 |
Method for the arrangement of a retaining ring on a reflector
A method for the arrangement of a retaining ring (10) for holding a light source in the opening (11) of a reflector (12) for a vehicle headlamp. The retaining ring (10) extends in a plane and is arranged on the back side flush with the opening (11) on the reflector (12). For the arrangement of the retaining ring (10) of the reflector (12), a molded retainer part (13) is arranged on the reflector (12) and a recess (14) is formed in the retaining ring (10). The retaining ring (10) is placed on the reflector (12), so that the molded retainer part (13) is guided through the recess (14), after which the retaining ring (10) is turned in the plane of its extent about the molded retainer part (13), so that the retaining ring (10) clamps on the molded retainer part (13). |
| US09581304B2 |
Easily mountable lighting luminaire with fitting arrangement
A lighting device for outdoor use comprising a lighting body and a socket body, where the lighting body comprises a lighting unit, a first electrical connection and a first locking member. The socket body comprises a second electrical connection and a second locking member, wherein the first and second electrical connections are arranged to connect to each other in a closed position in order supply the lighting unit with power. The first locking member and the second locking member are arranged for locking and unlocking the lighting body to the socket body in said closed position. The lighting body comprises a first fastening device and the socket body comprises a second fastening device, wherein the fastening devices are arranged to. The lighting body comprises a first guiding means and the socket body comprises a second guiding means, which are arranged to interact. |
| US09581300B2 |
LED illumination device with color converting surfaces
An illumination module includes a color conversion cavity with a first interior surface having a first wavelength converting material and a second interior surface having a second wavelength converting material. A first LED is configured to receive a first current and to emit light that preferentially illuminates the first interior surface. A second LED is configured to receive a second current and emit light that preferentially illuminates the second interior surface. The first current and the second current are selectable to achieve a range of correlated color temperature (CCT) of light output by the LED based illumination device. |
| US09581293B2 |
Refillable and rechargeable grease gun reservoir
A refillable reusable grease gun reservoir has grease inlet and outlet ports coupled with dry break fittings enabling the reservoir to be used and refilled. The reservoir may be filled through the top and/or bottom of the reservoir body. |
| US09581289B2 |
Multipurpose attachment system and methods for attachment
An attachment system for an offshore structure includes a porch configured to be affixed to the offshore structure, an adaptor configured to engage with one or more plates of the porch, and a latch to retain the adaptor into engagement with the one or more plates, in which the adaptor is configured to support an equipment device. A method of attaching equipment device to a structure includes affixing a porch of an attachment system to the structure, engaging an adaptor with one or more plates of the porch, and attaching an equipment device to the adaptor. |
| US09581288B2 |
Bracket for RF monoblock filter and filter-PCB assembly incorporating the same
A combination RF filter and printed circuit board assembly wherein the RF filter is defined by a block of dielectric material including at least first and second side surfaces. A metal bracket with a plurality of fingers is secured to each of the first and second side surfaces. The fingers on the brackets extend through respective apertures in the printed circuit board and are soldered to the printed circuit board. The brackets relieve and transfer the thermal and mechanical stresses that result from use of a filter and printed circuit board that are made of materials with different thermal and mechanical characteristics and reduce the risk of cracking or damage to the filter, the printed circuit board, and the solder joints during use. |
| US09581287B2 |
Invertible structure with a track
The disclosed invertible structures rely on combinations of translational movements to effect inversion. An exemplary invertible structure includes a track operable to be slidably coupled to at least two connectors of a longitudinal structure. The track may have a slot having a plurality of translational axes for translational movements of the connectors of the longitudinal structure that would effect the inversion of the longitudinal structure. |
| US09581285B2 |
Cam balance mechanism systems and methods
Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided. |
| US09581275B2 |
Hoses principally for automatic swimming pool cleaners
Creating and utilizing electricity and radiation via actions of hoses is detailed. Likewise described is using electricity to heat the hoses and radiation to sanitize fluid such as water of a pool or spa. Electricity may be generated by pulsation of the hoses when employed together with a water-interruption type of automatic pool cleaner, for example. Hoses alternatively or additionally may include chemicals or materials reactive to light or other radiation. |
| US09581273B2 |
Fluid fitting
A fluid fitting of an embodiment mainly includes a socket part, a spherical valve inserted in the socket part, and a plug part configured to be inserted at a tip portion thereof into the spherical valve. Moreover, the plug part is fixed in the direction of turn by engaging an expanded-diameter portion of the plug part with a recess of the socket part. Thus, the plug part is prevented from being detached from the socket part while the fluid fitting is in use. |
| US09581271B2 |
Sealing gland
A sealing gland is provided for forming a seal between a plurality of elongate members and a surface having an aperture, or a pipe, through which the elongate members extend. The sealing gland includes a main sealing portion for sealing to the surface or the pipe. Skirts extend from a base of the sealing gland, where each skirt includes a lumen extending from the base to a distant end of the skirt for receiving one of the elongate members. Each skirt provides a flexible seal for sealing around a periphery of the elongate member, and adjacent skirts are adjoined along a portion of the length of the skirts. |
| US09581270B2 |
Wire tray for a wire harness assembly
A wire tray includes tray walls defining a tray channel configured to receive corresponding wires of a wire bundle. A wire cradle extends from a corresponding tray wall. The wire cradle has a cradle channel open to the tray channel having a wire exit at a front of the wire cradle. The wire cradle has a pocket and a protrusion aligned with the pocket on an opposite side of the cradle channel. The wire is routed in the cradle channel around the protrusion into the pocket to form at least two bends in the wire between the tray channel and the wire exit. The wire cradle includes a retention cap extending into the cradle channel that captures the wire in the cradle channel. |
| US09581269B2 |
Sleeve valve with sync cam
A method of controlling the flow of a fluid in a pipe system includes controlling a sleeve valve in the pipe system, the sleeve valve includes a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a body cavity between the inlet and the outlet, a sleeve disposed at least partially within the body cavity, the sleeve including at least one opening fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet, a gate proximate to the sleeve, and a drive assembly including a pair of drive lines, each drive line including a drive shaft, a first drive line of the pair of drive lines including a sync cam on the first drive line movably positioned between the front stop and the back stop, and moving the gate to uncover the at least one opening to allow fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. |
| US09581268B2 |
Valve with an anti-loosening stem
A valve has a valve body, a valve member, a bonnet, an anti-loosening stem and multiple fillers. The valve member is mounted inside the valve body, and has a first mounting part and a groove that is defined annually in the first mounting part. The anti-loosening stem is mounted through the valve body, and has multiple embedding elements and a second mounting part that is mounted in the first mounting part. The embedding elements are mounted radially in the anti-loosening stem and abut the groove. Thus, the anti-loosening stem is mounted firmly in the valve member. The bonnet abuts the fillers and is mounted in the valve body. Therefore, the anti-loosening stem is prevented from detaching or jetting out of the valve member and damaging the user when removing the bonnet to replace the fillers. |
| US09581267B2 |
Hydroelectric control valve for remote locations
Herein described is a hydroelectric control valve (HCV) for a fluid pipeline including an inlet and outlet (or input and output) section attached to the same pipeline wherein fluid flows into and out of the HCV comprising a bell reservoir section and a seat reservoir section which are both capped, where the bell reservoir section and the seat reservoir section are aligned with each other and are also perpendicular to fluid flowing through the pipeline. A channel which can be electrically activated and thus controlled is attached to a bell section, such that a bell reservoir section includes a bell relief channel in fluid communication with an outlet section and also a separate hydraulic poppet channel in communication with a locating needle head. In addition, turbine and deactivation channels are employed such that the deactivation channel connects the input section and the seat reservoir. |
| US09581261B2 |
Valve assemblies with internal protective elements and methods of using same
Valve assemblies which comprise a valve housing; an inner valve element; an outer valve element spaced apart from the inner valve element; a valve stem on which both the inner valve element and the outer valve element are located; a portion of the valve stem between the inner valve element and the outer valve element is threaded; and a protective element located within the valve housing and covering the threaded portion of the valve stem. |
| US09581259B2 |
Method of installing an emergency flow restrictor device (EFRD) on a pipeline
A method of installing an Emergency Flow Restrictor Device (EFRD) on a pipeline without stopping the flow of fluid through the pipeline includes the steps of: assembling first and second face plates on a pipeline such that the first and second sealing face are in face to face, spaced relation; assembling a cutting device between the first face plate and the second face plate; assembling a valve body that has an access opening on a length of pipeline such that the valve body encloses the first and second face plates and the cutting device; installing an access valve on the access opening; operating the cutting device to sever the pipeline between the first and second sealing faces; retracting the cutting device and severed section of pipeline; and attaching a valve gate member of the EFRD to the access opening. |
| US09581258B2 |
Check valve with improved sealing member
Check valves are disclosed, including check valve included in an aspirator, that includes a housing defining an internal cavity having a first port and a second port both in fluid communication therewith, and a sealing member within the cavity. The sealing member is translatable between a closed position against a first seat within the internal cavity of the housing and an open position against a second seat within the internal cavity of the housing. The sealing member has a sealing material positioned for sealing engagement with the first seat when the sealing member is in the closed position and a reinforcing member positioned for engagement with the second seat when the sealing member is in the open position. |
| US09581257B2 |
Fluid evacuation valve with break-away groove
A device for removing oils, fuels and other fluids from reservoirs is disclosed that works in conjunction with engine-powered devices via a vacuum-actuated valve containing a multi-tiered U-groove. The U-groove allows a disconnection of the valve bolt shaft from the threaded end that fits inside the reservoir, trapping and holding the fluid in the reservoir. |
| US09581250B2 |
Pressurised container valve
A valve for a pressurized fluid cylinder. The valve comprises a shut off valve biased against a seat to seal the cylinder. An actuation element is movable linearly to open the valve against the biasing force. A linkage element couples the actuation element to the shut off valve and comprises a first piston towards its top and a second piston towards its bottom. The valve also comprises a gas refill inlet between the pistons such that refill gas pressure biases the linkage element away from the valve. The actuation element is a depressed position pushes against the linkage element to hold the linkage element down and the valve open so that the cylinder can be refilled. When the actuation element is in a non-depressed position, the linkage element is free to move with the refill gas pressure so that it is spaced from the valve. |
| US09581247B2 |
Shaft seal apparatus
A pumping ring 46 producing an axial flow of sealed flow is secured to a rotary shaft 6 at an axial position different from a rotary ring 56 so that the sealed fluid positioned in the sealed space 33 flows along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 6. A discharge hole 14 is formed on an inner circumferential surface of a seal cover 8 positioned in the downstream side of the axial flow of the sealed fluid resulting from a rotation of the pumping ring 46. An inflow hole 15 is formed in the upstream side of the axial flow of the sealed fluid resulting from the rotation of the pumping ring 46, so that the sealed fluid discharged from the discharge hole 14 returns to the inside of the sealed space from the inflow hole 15. On the inner circumferential surface of the seal cover 8 provided with the discharge hole 14, a baffle member 18 is provided so that it protrudes radially inward in order to block the flow of the sealed fluid along the rotating direction of a retainer 52 and orient the sealed fluid toward the discharge hole 14. |
| US09581238B2 |
Device and method for switching range of automatic transmission
A device for switching an automatic transmission range includes an actuator, a detent mechanism driven by the actuator and engageable with concave portions, and a control unit. The control unit sets first and second positions of the detent mechanism as first and second target values for positions corresponding to first and second transmission ranges. The first position is detected when the detent mechanism is driven to a limit position, is driven by a first predetermined amount, moves toward a valley of a first concave portion without being driven by the actuator, and then stops naturally. The second position is detected when the detent mechanism is driven by a second predetermined amount to move away from the first target value, move toward a valley of a second concave portion without being driven by the actuator, and then stop naturally. |
| US09581236B2 |
Structure for lubricating transmission
An oil-feeding member (100) catches oil picked up by a gear, and is provided with a gutter (132) guiding the oil from one side to the other of a transmission in an axial direction. The gutter (132) has a bottom which is divided into a first bottom portion (141) and a second bottom portion (142). The second bottom portion (142) is provided with an oil-dripping hole (142a, 142b). The first and second bottom portions (141, 142) are configured so that (i) the oil flows over only the first bottom portion (141) toward the other side if an amount of the oil caught by the oil-feeding member (100) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined amount, and that (ii) the oil flows over both of these bottom portions (141, 142) toward the other side if the amount of the oil is greater than the predetermined amount. |
| US09581233B2 |
Torsional vibration damper with an interlocked isolator
Torsional vibration dampers having isolator members (crankshaft damper-isolators) are disclosed that include a hub defining an annular receptacle, a pulley body having a belt engaging surface, a damper assembly disposed between an outermost radial surface of the hub and the pulley body, an isolator member seated in the annular receptacle of the hub, and a slide bearing disposed between an outer radial surface of the hub and the sleeve of the pulley body. The isolator member is engaged with both the hub and the pulley body for rotation therewith when the hub and pulley body rotate at the same speed and when the hub rotates relative to the pulley body. The isolator member may be an elastomeric isolator or a torsion spring isolator. The slide bearing axially retains the pulley body to the hub and allows the pulley body to rotate relative to the hub. |
| US09581230B2 |
Sprocket
A sprocket includes first teeth having a first maximum width, and second teeth having a second maximum width greater than the first maximum width alternately arranged with the first teeth. The second teeth have a leading surface relative to a drive direction of the sprocket, a lateral surface at the second maximum width, and a relief between the leading surface and the lateral surface, with a midline of the lateral surface being offset relative to a plane extended radially through a center of a respective tooth. |
| US09581229B2 |
Sprocket
A sprocket includes first teeth having a first maximum width, and second teeth having a second maximum width greater than the first maximum width alternately arranged with the first teeth. The second teeth have a leading surface relative to a drive direction of the sprocket, a lateral surface at the second maximum width, and a relief between the leading surface and the lateral surface, with a midline of the lateral surface being offset relative to a plane extended radially through a center of a respective tooth. |
| US09581222B2 |
Multi-speed transmission in planetary design
A planetary multi-speed transmission for a vehicle with a housing is proposed. A first shaft provided as a drive (An) is axially parallel to a second shaft provided as an output (Ab). Three planetary gear sets, additional shafts, and six shifting elements are provided, through which the actuation of several gears are realized. Machine elements provide torque transfer between the drive (An) and the output (Ab). The first shaft is connectable to the planetary gear carrier of the third planetary gear set, to the ring gear of the first planetary gear set, to the sun gear of the second planetary gear set, to the ring gear of the third planetary gear set, to the ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and to the first machine element. The second shaft is connected or connectable to the first machine element and to the second machine element. |
| US09581220B2 |
Separable actuator
An actuator for controlling joint movement of a robot includes a first deceleration module and a second deceleration module, which receives and outputs driving force by being in gear with the first deceleration module. The first deceleration module includes a driving motor, a first print circuit board for controlling the driving motor by feeding back the output of the second deceleration module, at least one first reduction gear which is rotated by a driving motor, and a housing on which the driving motor, the first print circuit board, and the first reduction gear are mounted. The second deceleration module includes at least one other reduction gear, which rotates by being in gear with the first reduction gear, and a case on which the second reduction gear is mounted and which is connected to the housing. |
| US09581219B2 |
Power transmission belt, in particular toothed belt, and method for the production thereof
A power transmission belt (20) having an elastic main body (17) includes a top layer as the belt backing and a bottom section having a power transmission zone. The power transmission zone and/or the top layer has/have a coating (15, 16), characterized in that the coating (15, 16) of the power transmission zone and/or the top layer includes at least the following layer construction: a base coating (18) made of a textile material, wherein the base coating (18) forms a bond with the elastic main body (17) and has a surface coating (19) including at least a mixture A, which contains at least one reactive diluent as per DIN 55945:2007-03. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a power transmission belt. The novel coating concept is applicable in particular in a toothed belt. |
| US09581217B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber includes a shock absorber body interposed between a vehicle body and a wheel, a cylinder connected to a wheel side and standing in a shaft center portion of the shock absorber body, a liquid chamber formed in the cylinder and filled with an operating liquid, an annular rod guide fixed to the cylinder and closing a liquid chamber's vehicle body side, a piston rod connected to a vehicle body side, penetrating a shaft center portion of the rod guide, and going into and out of the cylinder, an annular seal member held on a rod guide's inner periphery and in sliding contact with a piston rod's outer peripheral surface, and a relief portion formed on a piston rod's outer periphery and forming a gap between the piston rod and the seal member when the piston rod retreats from the cylinder by a predetermined amount. |
| US09581211B2 |
Friction material and methods of making and using the same
One variation includes a friction material and method of manufacture thereof wherein the friction material includes a transfer layer on a ferritically nitrocarburized component, wherein the transfer layer may be fabricated from glass, rubber, carbon, aramid fiber, filler material, abrasive, or a high-temperature resin. |
| US09581209B2 |
Spring pack, clutch and method of producing a clutch
Spring pack for a clutch arrangement of a motor vehicle drivetrain. The spring pack has a first ring element, has a second ring element and has a multiplicity of individual springs which are coupled to the first and the second ring elements such that the first and the second ring elements are movable relative to one another in an axial direction in a manner coupled by the springs. The first and the second ring elements each have an inner circumferential section and an outer circumferential section. At least one of the first and the second ring elements has, in the region of at least one of its inner circumferential section and its outer circumferential section, a multiplicity of radially deformable elements which are designed so as to enable the spring pack to be centered in relation to a ring surface or so as to enable the spring pack to be mounted captively on the ring surface. |
| US09581208B2 |
Automatic transmission and a dog clutch for an automatic transmission
A dog clutch for an automatic transmission includes a mating clutch that defines a plurality of helical splines and a sliding clutch that defines a plurality of helical splines. The helical splines of the sliding clutch mesh with the helical splines of the mating clutch in an engaged configuration. The dog clutch also includes a synchronizer positioned at the sliding clutch. A related automatic transmission is also provided. |
| US09581207B2 |
Transfer mechanism structure
A structure of a transfer mechanism is supported by a bearing (15) attached to a disc (10) of a rotary table (1), connects between driven shafts (20) extending in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft (11) and a driving shaft (30) which rotates and drives the rotation shaft (11), and transfers rotation power from the driving shaft (30) to the driven shafts (20). Rollers (31) that turn around a radially extending shaft are arranged at intervals on an outer periphery of one of the driven shafts (20) and the driving shaft (30) in a circumferential direction, and at least one radially extending pins (23) are provided on an outer periphery of the other of the driven shafts (20) and the driving shaft (30), and the pins (23) enter among the rollers (31) arranged adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction in a state in which the driven shafts (20) and the driving shaft (30) are connected. |
| US09581206B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity universal joint
A fixed type constant velocity universal joint has an outer joint member including first track groove portions and second track groove portions. Each of the first track groove portions includes an arc part having a curvature center that is not offset in an axial direction with respect to a joint center. The first track groove portions are inclined in a peripheral direction of the outer joint member with respect to a joint axial line and adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction with inclination directions opposite to each other. Each of the second track groove portions has a different shape than the first track groove portions. Each of the first track groove portions and each of the second track groove portions are connected to each other at a position on an opening side with respect to the joint center. |
| US09581202B2 |
Tilling implement and bearing assembly for use therewith
A tilling implement for use with a farm vehicle includes a frame, a tilling element attached to the frame, a bearing assembly configured to allow the tilling element to rotate relative to the frame. The bearing assembly can include a first race, a second race spaced apart from the first race to define a gap therebetween, a bearing rotatably disposed within the gap to allow relative movement between the first race and the second race, a seal including a flexible protrusion having a distal end that presses against the first race to seal off the gap, and a stop positioned adjacent to the flexible protrusion configured to prevent the distal end of the protrusion from bending towards the bearing. |
| US09581201B2 |
Bearing
A bearing (91), more particularly a radial anti-friction bearing, including a bearing ring (61) with a lateral surface (63) formed by at least one undercut (65), and at least one sealing element (93) having an elastomer portion (103) and an elastic retaining lip (99), wherein the elastomer portion of the sealing element is received in the undercut at least in some portions, wherein the lateral surface of the undercut has a contour (67) with a contact portion (69) for axially securing the elastic retaining lip, as well as an axial contact surface (71), on which an axial contact surface (101) of the elastomer portion of the sealing element lies flat, is provided. |
| US09581198B2 |
Rolling bearing device
A rolling bearing device includes a rolling bearing and an oil supply unit. The oil supply unit includes a lubrication oil tank, a pump which sucks lubrication oil from the lubrication oil tank and discharges the lubrication oil from a discharge porta driving section which drives the pump and a generator section which supplies the driving section with electric energy. The oil supply unit is attached to a fixed-ring-side member of the rolling bearing or a spacer adjacent to the rolling bearing. The oil supply unit further includes a communication unit which transmits operation information of the oil supply unit to an outside. |
| US09581195B2 |
Low-vibration floating metal bearing
A low-vibration floating metal bearing includes a slide bearing. The slide bearing includes oil supply holes formed at six isogonal positions in an isotropic manner with respect to an axial center, and a substantially circular bearing hole having a surface on which at least six regions with different fluid lubrication conditions are formed by inner machining so as to be continuously disposed at isogonal positions in an isotropic manner with isotropic distance with respect to an axial center. Each of the regions with different fluid lubrication conditions forms a narrow flow path that is substantially convex in cross section and extends in an axial center direction in an oil flow path by changing the amount of clearance between the surface of the substantially circular bearing hole and the surface of a substantially circular axis. |
| US09581192B2 |
Double-row tapered roller bearing unit and method for manufacturing same
Construction of a double-row tapered-roller bearing unit that is able to improve the contact state between the rolling contact surfaces of plural tapered rollers and a first inner-ring raceway (7) and second inner-ring raceway (8), and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The inclination angle θ1 of the first inner-ring raceway (7) and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inner-ring raceway (8) in a state before the first inner ring (10) and the second inner ring (11) are press-fitted onto the fitting surface section (13a) of the hub main body (12a), the amount of decrease δθa in the inclination angle of the first inner-ring raceway (7) and the amount of decrease δθb in the inclination angle of the second inner-ring raceway (8) occurring due to press-fitting of the first inner ring (10) and the second inner ring (11) onto the fitting-surface section (13a), and the amount of increase δθk in the inclination angle of the first inner-ring raceway (7) occurring due to formation of the crimped section (15) are adjusted, so that the inclination angle φ1 of the first inner-ring raceway (7) and the inclination angle Θ2 of the second inner-ring raceway (8) in a state after the crimped section (15) has been formed are kept within respective proper ranges. |
| US09581189B2 |
Ball-and-socket joint member
The ball-and-socket joint member includes an inner ring, of a general shape of revolution around a first axis, having an outer surface provided with an inner raceway, an outer ring, of a general shape of revolution around a second axis, having an inner surface provided with an outer raceway, and at least one row of balls aligned circumferentially, extending radially between the inner raceway and the outer raceway. The outer surface of the inner ring comprises a portion with a generally truncated sphere shape, forming the inner raceway. The inner surface of the outer ring comprises, for each row of balls, a groove of complementary shape to that of the balls of this row, said groove forming the outer raceway. |
| US09581185B2 |
Blind fastener
A blind fastener device for fastening at least two workpieces, including a sleeve, an expander having a tensioning section, a locking section, and an expansion section, and a nut. A portion of the expander passes through the sleeve to cooperate with the nut so that relative rotation of the expander and nut draws the expander's distal end toward the sleeve's proximal end thereby drawing a portion of the expansion section of the expander into a structural region located on the sleeve and expanding at least a portion of the sleeve's structural region, and drawing a portion of the locking section past the sleeve's distal end toward the sleeve's proximal end and deforming at least a portion of the sleeve's distal end to a locked state. The sleeve may be configured as a multi-section sleeve having a sleeve retainer to locate the sections in a predetermined relationship. |
| US09581184B2 |
Screw for coupling wooden members together
There is provided a screw for fastening a wooden member which includes: a shank that extends along a datum line; a head that is disposed at an end of the shank and has a plate portion having a cross-section that narrows as it goes to the shank such that the boundary of the cross-section and the datum line make a plate angle; and a tapered blade that protrudes from the outer side of the plate portion, has a bottom perpendicular to the datum line and a side making an obtuse angle with the bottom, and has a taper angle that is made by the side and the datum line and is 2.50° to 12.5° smaller than the plate angle. |
| US09581183B2 |
Screw-type fastener
A multi-thread screw includes a head end, a shank and a tapered end. Both a high thread and a low thread begin on the tapered end and extend onto the shank. A set of intermediate threads are located on the shank portion only and overlap with and intersect at least part of the high thread. |
| US09581180B2 |
Clamper and device using the same
A clamper includes a base, a movable element, a sliding element, a connecting bar, a clamping element and a first elastic element. The movable element is movable in a first direction relative to the base. The sliding element is movable in a second direction relative to the base. The connecting bar connects the movable element and the sliding element. The clamping element sets on the sliding element. The first elastic element includes a terminal setting on the sliding element. |
| US09581179B2 |
Systems for modifying a fluid flow of a vehicle
Drag experienced by a vehicle traveling through an environmental media, such as air or water, may be modified by one or more energy beams which may increase or decrease drag. A control system may be used to actively modulate the drag of the vehicle by selectively transmitting energy beams. Energy beams may include electric pulse signals, pulsed air, piezoelectric, infrared, ultraviolet, laser, optical band, microwave, thermal other known acoustic, electric, optical, or other electromagnetic energy and any combination thereof. This could be a constant or pulsed energy beam and adjusted for the speed and/or vertical lift, frequency, density, angle, pulse and wavelengths experienced by the vehicle. Charged particles may be emitted from the vehicle itself and then utilized in front or behind the vehicle via electric current to improve the boundary layer, boundary flow. |
| US09581173B2 |
Compressor housing remanufacturing method and apparatus
A compressor housing defines an inlet bore having a first inlet collar disposed therein. The inlet collar is connected to the housing with a first plurality of radially extending posts. The first plurality of posts is removed to detach the inlet collar from the housing, and the inlet collar is removed from the housing. The same or another inlet collar is concentrically located within a liner. The liner can be located at a radial distance around at least a portion of the inlet collar. The inlet collar is connected to the liner by radially inserting a second plurality of posts through the liner and into the inlet collar. An assembly of the liner containing the inlet collar is inserted into the inlet bore of the housing such that the inlet collar forms the inducer bore of the compressor housing. |
| US09581172B2 |
Method for manufacturing turbocharger bearing housing, and turbocharger bearing housing
There is provided a method for manufacturing a turbocharger bearing housing which can prevent a collapsible core from being damaged when molten metal is cast in the mold. The method for manufacturing a bearing housing of a turbocharger is that the bearing housing of the turbocharger is formed with a cooling passage for circulating cooling liquid by casting using a collapsible core. The collapsible core includes the end part forming portions (a one end forming portion and an other end forming portion) corresponding to the end portions of the cooling passage and having a substantially elliptical cross-section, and a fixing portion holding the end part forming portions and being embedded in a mold and fixed to the mold. |
| US09581165B2 |
Systems and methods for avian mitigation for wind farms
A wildlife detection system includes a tracking device, a receiver, and a wildlife deterrent system. The tracking device may be mounted to a wildlife. The receiver is configured to track movement of the tracking device relative to an object of danger to the wildlife. The wildlife deterrent system is configured to reduce risk of danger to the wildlife in response to movement of the wildlife within a predetermined distance from the object of danger as tracked by the receiver. |
| US09581164B2 |
Manufacturing method for fuel pump
A stator has ribs, which are configured to make contact with an inner wall of a housing when accommodated in the housing. In a deformation process, force is applied from a radially outside to first portions of the housing to elastically deform the housing. In an insertion process subsequent to the deformation process, the stator is inserted into the housing, such that the ribs are enabled to make contact with second portions of the housing, which are elastically deformed radially outward. In an affixation process subsequent to the insertion process, application of the force is released to cause the ribs to make contact with an inner wall of the housing. |
| US09581157B2 |
Pump having a housing and a rotor capable of rotating in the housing
A pump includes a housings and a rotor capable of rotating within the housing. The rotor engages an interior surface of the housing in use, with at least two radially-inward shaped surfaces on the rotor forming respective chambers with the interior surface. In use, the chambers transport fluid from an inlet in the housing to an outlet in the housing as the rotor rotates. A seal provided between the inlet and the outlet will engage each of the shaped surfaces to prevent fluid passing from the outlet to the inlet as each shaped surface travels from the outlet to the inlet. The rotor includes a surface portion extending axially and circumferentially between respective edges of the shaped surfaces. On planes normal to an axis of rotation of the rotor, the surface portion of the rotor has a greater curvature than that of the interior surface of the housing. |
| US09581155B2 |
Self-priming positive displacement constant flow high capacity pump
A rotary action, self-priming positive displacement constant flow high capacity fluid pump is described. None of the pump parts touch in the pump chamber to minimize pump wear allowing for extended pump life. Since there are no touching parts in the pump chamber, the pump can be operated dry without the pump liquid being present without damage to the pump. The pump may be operated either clockwise or counter-clockwise without loss of positive displacement or reduction in fluids input or output. Due to the design of the pump, the pump is inherently low-maintenance and is highly resistant to clogging by debris and the like. Fluid pressure relief sections are provided by carving out of the inside portions of the housing structure to which the ends of the shaft are mounted to vary or improved pump performance. |
| US09581151B2 |
Cylinder head for a piston compressor
An unloader ring 20 has a plurality of unloader fingers 21 passing through intake channels 16 of the intake valve 5 arranged in the ring-shaped intake chamber 11 such that the unloader ring 20 is guided on the wall 24, 31 of the intake chamber 11, where it is arranged displaceably by means of the circumferential surface 23 of the unloader ring 20 on the outside radially or by the circumferential surface 30 of the unloader ring 20 on the inside radially. A radial step 25 is provided on the circumferential surface 23 of the unloader ring on the outside radially or on the circumferential surface 30 of the unloader ring 20 on the inside radially, and a control chamber 26 is formed between the wall 24, 31 of the intake chamber 11 and the radial step 25, this control chamber being connected to a control line 27 for supplying a control medium into the control chamber 26. A lower stop (32) for the unloader ring (20) is provided in the intake chamber (11), this stop being designed so that the unloader finger overhang (f) of the unloader ring finger (21) is smaller than the intake stroke (h) of the intake valve (5). |
| US09581148B1 |
Compact vacuum material handler
An improved vacuum material handler having an onboard drive engine powering a vacuum pump and a hydraulic pump. The vacuum material handler also having a frame with integrated forklift lugs. |
| US09581146B2 |
Smart susceptor for a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator inductive heating system
A system for heating a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator may include an SMA actuator, a smart susceptor, a plurality of induction coils, and a control module. The SMA actuator may have at least one layup. The SMA actuator may be selectively heated to a transition temperature. The smart susceptor may be in thermal contact with the at least one layup of the SMA actuator. The induction heating coils may be configured to receive an alternating current and generate a magnetic field based on the alternating current. The magnetic field may create an eddy current in at least one of the SMA actuator and the smart susceptor to heat the SMA actuator to the transition temperature. The control module may be configured to drive the alternating current supplied to the induction heating coils. |
| US09581136B2 |
Wind turbine rotor
Wind turbine rotor comprising a hub, a plurality of blades and at least one pitch system for rotating a blade substantially along its longitudinal axis. The pitch system comprises a bearing, a gear and a pitch drive. The pitch drive is arranged on a flange and has a motor and a pinion which meshes with the gear. The flange is provided with a hole and an intermediate support is concentrically arranged with respect to the hole. The intermediate support comprises an off-center opening with respect to a central axis of the hole and the pitch drive is mounted through said off-center opening. The position of the off-center opening is such that the intermediate support can be arranged in a first and a second position in which the drive pinion meshes with a first and second section of the gear respectively. |
| US09581133B2 |
Wind turbine blade with noise reduction devices and related method
The present disclosure relates to a wind turbine blade, in particular a wind turbine blade having devices or structures for reducing noise generated by the wind turbine blade during use and related method. The wind turbine blade comprises at least a first longitudinal section having a cross section perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction, the cross section having a plurality of flow modulating devices including a first primary flow modulating device and a secondary flow modulating device for modulating noise spectra, wherein the first primary flow modulating device and the first secondary flow modulating device are spaced perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting a wind turbine blade. |
| US09581132B2 |
Wind turbine having flow-aligned blades
A wind turbine blade is configured such that the lift force from the blade airfoil is always normal, or nearly normal, to the shaft torque. This condition maximizes energy conversion. This objective may be achieved by a) having the airfoil chord always aligned to the actual wind direction (subject only to small angle of attack variations), and b) slowing the turbine rotation rate so that no blade twist is needed. As a result, blade tip speed due to shaft rotation is less than the wind speed, and preferably much less. This low tip speed eliminates any hazard to birds. The lift force from the blade airfoil directly drives the torque on the shaft, so the control problem simplifies to adjusting the blade angle of attack to keep the lift constant across varying wind speeds. For most airfoils, a slightly negative angle of attack results in zero lift, so this simple approach has a ready fail-safe condition. This fail-safe condition is operable up to very high wind speeds, eliminating any need to provide for turbine overspeed control. The same teachings are equally applicable to water turbines and other types of turbines. |
| US09581131B1 |
Aerostatic force transducer
In one aspect, a device comprises a means for generating an aerostatic force exclusive of a buoyancy force acting on the device, wherein the aerostatic force acting on the device is a significant portion of a total force acting on the device due to the aerostatic force exclusive of a buoyancy force, a reaction force, and a buoyancy force. In another aspect, a device includes a cavity with a first internal pressure of a first fluid, and a plurality of conduits extending from the cavity to an environment outside of the device with a second pressure different from the first pressure, wherein fluid flows through the plurality of conduits, and an aerostatic force exclusive of a buoyancy force acting on the device is greater than a reaction force acting on the device due to the fluid flow or is a substantial portion of the total force acting on the device. |
| US09581127B2 |
Device for generating hydro-electric energy
Device for generating energy using the current of a river (2) or similar, which device (1) includes a paddlewheel (11) and at least one generator set (14) of which the drive shaft (17a) is coupled to the shaft (11) of the paddlewheel (10), characterized in that the paddlewheel (10) is self-floating and that the device (1) is provided with an at least partly submerged housing (3) with an open bottom (4) that is located at a height (A) above the bed (5) of the river (2), wherein the paddlewheel (10) is bearing mounted and of which the internal space (8) is pressurized to regulate the height of the water level (12) in the housing (3). |
| US09581123B2 |
Electronic safety shutdown system for motor vehicles
Electronic switch in motor vehicles comprising a switch network having an input, a first output and a second output and a first switch element arranged between the first output and the second output, a second switch element arranged between the input and the first output, and a third switch element arranged between the input and the second output. Starting switch-on current limitation is enabled if the input can be electrically connected to a battery pole, the first output can be connected to a generator-battery line, and the second output can be connected to a starter-battery line. |
| US09581122B2 |
Stop control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A stop control apparatus is applied to an internal combustion engine (11) whose crankshaft (11a) is connected to an input shaft (15) via a torsional damper (14), wherein the direction in which the crankshaft (11a) rotates while the operation of the internal combustion engine (11) is assumed to be the positively rotating direction, and a state of the torsional angle of the torsional damper (14) when the crankshaft (11a) is advancing in the positively rotating direction with respect to the input shaft (15) is assumed to be positive. When a predetermined engine stop condition is satisfied, a stop control for outputting torque from a first MG (12) such that the crankshaft (11a) decelerates is executed. The timing at which the torque is output from the first MG (12) is controlled such that the positive peak of the torsional angle of the torsional damper (14) occurs in the expansion stroke of the internal combustion engine (11). |
| US09581117B2 |
Fuel injection device
A fuel injection device comprising electricity-generating means generating electricity by rotation of an engine and outputting a predetermined signal, and a solenoid valve injecting fuel; the valve being opened as a result of a drive current applied to a coil, and the fuel being injected into an intake passage of the engine at a predetermined timing during the rotation of the engine; to ensure that the flow rate required during high-speed operation ca be adequately provided in a fuel injection device for injecting/supplying fuel to an engine. The electricity-generating means is an alternating current generation means attached to the engine in a crank angle position at which an output is generated in synchronization with the intake timing of the engine; the signal is an injection command signal applied to the solenoid valve as an alternating-current drive current; and the applied voltage increases with increased engine speed. |
| US09581110B1 |
Maverick igniter cable saver
A maverick igniter cable saver employs a longitudinal housing having a first portion, a second portion, an outer surface, an inner surface, a forward end, and an aft end. The inner surface of the first portion is configured to snap fasten substantially around an igniter cable. The second portion has off-setting tapered tabs. Each of the tapered tabs has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends are interfaces configured to friction-fit in an umbilical slot groove. |
| US09581108B2 |
Pivot thrust reverser with multi-point actuation
One embodiment includes a pivot thrust reverser with a first pivot door with an upper linkage and a lower linkage and a second pivot door, spaced from the first pivot door, with an upper linkage and a lower linkage. A first actuator is located on a first side of an attachment location to drive the first pivot door. A second actuator is located on a second side of the attachment location to drive the second pivot door. A third actuator is located substantially radially opposite the attachment location to drive both the first pivot door and the second pivot door. The first pivot door is configured to be pivoted from a stowed position to a deployed position by both the first actuator and the third actuator. The second pivot door is configured to be pivoted from the stowed position to the deployed position by both the second actuator and the third actuator. |
| US09581107B2 |
Exhaust gas heat exchanging device
An EGR cooler includes a heat exchanging core which has a plurality of tubes, an upstream-side gas tank portion upstream of the tubes and a downstream-side gas tank portion downstream of the tubes. A water tank portion forms a first water passage around the tubes and forms a second water passage around the upstream-side gas tank portion. A double pipe portion forms a gas passage which communicates with the upstream-side gas tank portion and forms an annular water passage which communicates with the second water passage. A water inflow pipe is connected to the double pipe portion such that the cooling water flows into the annular water passage, and a water outflow pipe that is connected to the water tank portion such that the cooling water flows out from the first water passage. |
| US09581106B2 |
Welded engine block for small internal combustion engines
A small air-cooled internal combustion engine includes an aluminum cylinder block, an aluminum cylinder head welded to the aluminum cylinder block, and a weld securing the aluminum cylinder block to the aluminum cylinder head, wherein a joint having a first length is formed between the aluminum cylinder block and the aluminum cylinder head and wherein the weld extends for a second length that is at least 25% of the first length. |
| US09581102B2 |
Control apparatus for operating a fuel metering valve
A method and control apparatus are disclosed for operating a fuel-metering valve associated to a fuel pump arranged to supply fuel into a fuel rail, the fuel-metering valve having a valve member and an electric actuator arranged to move that member for regulating a fuel flow-rate. The control apparatus includes an electronic control unit connected to the fuel-metering valve and configured to implement a method of control using a target value, a nominal function corrected value to set an adjustable parameter of a control signal for the fuel-metering valve. |
| US09581100B2 |
Vehicle torque compensation system
A control system configured to control an internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft and an engine speed sensor. The crankshaft is rotated in response to combusting a mixture of air and fuel delivered to at least one cylinder included in the internal combustion engine. The engine output speed sensor is configured to output an engine output speed signal indicating a rotational speed of the crankshaft. An engine control module controls an amount of air and fuel delivered to the at least one cylinder and estimates a torque output based on the amount of air and fuel. A torque compensation module is configured to determine at least one weak cylinder based on the engine output speed signal. The torque compensation module is further configured to determine a torque compensation value that adjusts the estimated torque output based on the weak cylinder. |
| US09581098B2 |
Engine diagnostics with skip fire control
Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders. |
| US09581094B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A target air amount for achieving a requested torque is calculated from the requested torque by using a virtual air-fuel ratio. The virtual air-fuel ratio is changed from a first air-fuel ratio to a second air-fuel ratio in response to a condition for switching an operation mode from an operation by the first air-fuel ratio to an operation by the second air-fuel ratio being satisfied. After the virtual air-fuel ratio is changed from the first air-fuel ratio to the second air-fuel ratio, a target air-fuel ratio is switched from the first air-fuel ratio to the second air-fuel ratio. After the virtual air-fuel ratio is changed from the first air-fuel ratio to the second air-fuel ratio, a target valve timing is switched from a first valve timing to a second valve timing. |
| US09581092B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine includes a controller. The controller controls the relative rotation phase of the exhaust camshaft in accordance with the relative rotation phase of the intake camshaft. When a request for locking the relative rotation phase of the intake camshaft at an intermediate phase is generated, the controller controls the relative rotation phase of the exhaust camshaft such that the relative rotation phase of the exhaust camshaft is changed to a phase corresponding to the intermediate phase independently from the relative rotation phase of the intake camshaft. |
| US09581086B2 |
Turbine operational flexibility
A device receives sensed operation parameters related to the operation of a machine. The device utilizes the sensed operation parameters in a first analyzer that generates first characteristics related to degradation of the machine and utilizes the sensed operation parameters in a second analyzer configured to generate second characteristics related to thermal characteristics of the machine, wherein the thermal characteristics include thermal stresses present in the machine. The device also utilizes the first and second characteristics and a third characteristic related to operator behaviors related to the current operation of the machine to generate remaining useful life characteristics of components of the machine and generates operational set points for control of the machine based in part on the remaining useful life characteristics, desired machine performance characteristics based on the operator behaviors, and maintenance characteristics of the machine. |
| US09581085B2 |
Hot streak alignment for gas turbine durability
Embodiments of hot streak alignment for gas turbine durability include structures and methods to align hot streaks with the leading edges of aligned first stage nozzle vanes in order to improve mixing of the hot streaks with cooling air at a stator nozzle of a first stage turbine and reduce usage of cooling air at first stage non-aligned stator nozzle vanes disposed adjacent to the aligned stator vanes. |
| US09581082B2 |
Partial oxidation reaction with closed cycle quench
The present disclosure relates to a power production system that is adapted to achieve high efficiency power production with complete carbon capture when using a solid or liquid hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuel. More particularly, the solid or liquid fuel first is partially oxidized in a partial oxidation reactor. The resulting partially oxidized stream that comprises a fuel gas is quenched, filtered, cooled, and then directed to a combustor of a power production system as the combustion fuel. The partially oxidized stream is combined with a compressed recycle CO2 stream and oxygen. The combustion stream is expanded across a turbine to produce power and passed through a recuperator heat exchanger. The expanded and cooled exhaust stream is scrubbed to provide the recycle CO2 stream, which is compressed and passed through the recuperator heat exchanger and the POX heat exchanger in a manner useful to provide increased efficiency to the combined systems. |
| US09581077B2 |
Variable combustion system for an internal combustion engine
A variable combustion system for an internal combustion engine, which suppresses mechanical compression ratio change control by a variable mechanical compression ratio control mechanism and carries out internal EGR amount change control by a variable valve actuating control mechanism on a preferential basis in a first operating region in which a compression self-ignition combustion is carried out, and which suppresses the internal EGR amount change control by the variable valve actuating control mechanism and carries out the mechanical compression ratio change control by the variable mechanical compression ratio control mechanism on a preferential basis in a second operating region in which a spark ignition combustion is carried out. |
| US09581076B2 |
Cooler apparatus and control method therefor
A cooler apparatus includes: a coolant passageway; a water pump that circulates coolant in the coolant passageway; a thermostat that includes a heater that heats a temperature sensitive portion; and a controller. The controller is configured to drive the water pump and cause electric current to flow through the heater at a first energization amount when an operation in which the coolant is injected into the coolant passageway is started. The controller is also configured to stop electric current to flow through the heater if the water pump races when the electric current flows through the heater at the first energization amount. |
| US09581071B2 |
Cooling system for industrial vehicle
A cooling system for an industrial vehicle includes one or more heat radiation devices located in a containment. The one or more heat radiation devices may be configured to cool a plurality of components in the industrial vehicle. An air intake device may be configured to create airflow from outside of the industrial vehicle into the containment. The airflow passes through the one or more heat radiation devices. The cooling system may further include a control device operatively connected to the containment. The control device may be configured to selectively direct at least a portion of the airflow to the plurality of components in the industrial vehicle after the airflow passes through the one or more heat radiation devices. |
| US09581070B2 |
Uncoupling element
In an uncoupling element for uncoupling vibrations of the turbocharger of an internal combustion engine from an exhaust system with a bellows, provisions are made, especially for achieving a lower stiffness with short overall length, for the bellows to be a diaphragm bellows. |
| US09581069B2 |
Microparticle detection system
A particulate detection system (1) for detecting the amount of particulates S in a gas under measurement EG includes a detection section (10), a drive circuit (210, 240), and a drive control section (225). The detection section includes a first potential member (31, 12, 13) maintained at a first potential PV1, a second potential member (14, 51, 53) maintained at a second potential PVE, PV3, and an insulating member (121, 77, 76) disposed between the first and second potential members. The system includes insulation test means (215, S3, 245, S5) for testing the degree of insulation between the first and second potential members. The drive control section includes drive permission/prohibition determination means S4, S6 for determining, on the basis of the degree of insulation tested by the insulation test means, whether to permit the drive of the detection section by the drive circuit. |
| US09581064B2 |
Truck provided with a device for lowering the temperature of exhaust gas
A device for use in a truck for lowering the temperature of exhaust gas of a combustion engine has a diffuser 1, which is provided with a cylindrical housing 3 provided with an inlet opening 5 in an end wall 7 and an elongated axially extending outlet opening 9 in the cylinder wall.The device furthermore has a bent guide plate 25 which extends from the outlet opening 9, so that, as a result of the Coanda effect, the hot exhaust gas is diverted along the plate and the jet widens, so that a better mixing with the ambient air, and hence greater cooling, takes place. |
| US09581060B2 |
Evacuator system for supplying high suction vacuum or high suction flow rate
A turbocharged engine air system is disclosed. The engine air system includes at least two devices requiring vacuum, a turbocharger having a compressor fluidly connected to an intake manifold of an engine, a first evacuator and a second evacuator. The first evacuator defines a first motive section, a first discharge section, and at least two first suction ports. The first motive section of the first evacuator is fluidly connected to the compressor, and each of the at least two first suction ports are fluidly connected to one of the at least two devices requiring vacuum. The second evacuator defines a second motive section, a second discharge section, and at least two second suction ports. The second motive section of the second evacuator is fluidly connected to at least one of the at least two devices requiring vacuum. |
| US09581055B2 |
Method and apparatus for winding a return spring with a two piece rotor for a cam phaser
A camshaft phaser, including: a drive sprocket; a stator; a rotor at least partially rotatable with the stator; a rotor extension fixedly connected to the rotor, having a slot at at least one outer circumferential position; a spring for biasing the rotor relative to the stator, having a first and a second end, the first end secured in the slot in the rotor extension and the second end secured on the stator. |
| US09581050B2 |
Waste heat recovery ranking cycle system
A waste heat recovery Rankine cycle system has a first Rankine cycle operated with a first working medium and a second Rankine cycle operated with a second working medium having a lower boiling point than the first working medium, the first Rankine cycle has a second scroll type fluid machine as an expander, a second electric generator, a second condenser, a condensing tank, a second condensing pump, a gas-liquid separation device, a heat exchanger, a low rate regulation valve, and a control device. This structure can drive a generator by a waste heat not only in a first Rankine cycle but also in a second Rankine cycle. |
| US09581048B2 |
Panel attachment system
A panel attachment system includes a panel, a casing, and a plurality of hangers that enable the panel to be secured in a pre-determined position relative to the casing. Each of the hangers is formed as an elongate strip having a single corrugation, with each hanger having a center portion, a first end portion, and an opposite second end portion. The plurality of hangers are positioned in length-wise alignment, with the first end portion of each hanger being attached to the second end portion of an adjoining hanger. The attached first and second end portions are secured to the casing, and the center portion of each hanger is secured to the panel to thereby secure the panel in a pre-determined position relative to the casing. |
| US09581043B2 |
Turbocharger
A turbocharger includes: a thrust bearing fixed to a turbocharger main body; and a supply oil passage provided in the turbocharger main body to the thrust bearing. The thrust bearing includes: an insertion hole in which to insert the turbine shaft; pressure receiving portions displaced from one another in phase in a rotational direction of the turbine shaft, and each configured to form an oil film between the pressure receiving portion and the thrust collar to receive a thrust load by use of oil film pressure; and intervening portions each located between two of the pressure receiving portions adjacent in the rotational direction of the turbine shaft, and being further away from the thrust collar than the pressure receiving portions. The intervening portion vertically under the insertion hole at least partially has a surface further away from the thrust collar than the other intervening portions. |
| US09581042B2 |
Composite article having metal-containing layer with phase-specific seed particles and method therefor
A composite article includes a substrate and a metal-containing layer on the substrate. The metal of the metal-containing layer is oxidizable to a plurality of different oxide phases. The metal-containing layer includes a plurality of phase-specific seed particles promoting formation of a selected one of the different oxide phases. |
| US09581039B2 |
Fiber preform for a turbine ring sector, and its method of fabrication
A fiber preform for a turbine ring sector obtained by three-dimensional weaving and including a base-forming first portion, two tab-forming L-shaped portions each presenting two branches, two ends of the first portion being extended by respective ones of the first branches, and a second portion connecting together the two tabs, first and second strips woven together forming the first branches, a first fraction of the thicknesses of the second branches, and the first portion, there being a non-linked zone between them that is situated in the first branches and in the first portion, and a third woven strip forming the second portion and a second fraction of the thickness of the second branches of each of the tabs. |
| US09581036B2 |
Seal system including angular features for rotary machine components
Systems and devices configured to seal interfaces/gaps between stationary components of turbines and manipulate a flow of coolant about portions of the turbine during turbine operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a seal element includes: a first surface shaped to be oriented toward a pressurized cavity of the turbine; a second surface oriented substantially opposite the first surface and shaped to sealingly engage a contact surface of the static components; and a first set of angular features disposed in the second surface, the first set of angular features fluidly connecting the pressurized cavity and the flowpath of the turbine. |
| US09581035B2 |
Turbine nozzle components having reduced flow areas
Embodiments of a method for controllably reducing of the flow area of a turbine nozzle component are provided, as are embodiments of turbine nozzle components having reduced flow areas. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining a turbine nozzle component having a plurality of turbine nozzle flow paths therethrough, positioning braze preforms in the plurality of turbine nozzle flow paths and against a surface of the turbine nozzle component, and bonding the braze preforms to the turbine nozzle component to achieve a controlled reduction in the flow area of the turbine nozzle flow paths. |
| US09581034B2 |
Turbomachinery stationary vane arrangement for disk and blade excitation reduction and phase cancellation
A turbomachine includes a plurality of rotating blades adjacent to a plurality of stationary vanes attached to a stationary casing. Stationary vanes are spaced apart circumferentially with equal spacing around an inner perimeter of the casing. Optionally, stationary vanes are offset radially and/or circumferentially. Stationary vanes may alternate with leading and/or trailing edges at different distances from the rotating blades. In one embodiment, stationary vanes have tapered leading and/or trailing edge angles to homogenize flow and reduce stator wake excitation, flow excitation, and acoustic excitation due to interaction with spinning modes of acoustic pressure pulsations at rotating blade passing frequency. Tapered trailing edges are arranged such that they are inclined at mutually opposing angles to reduce rotor blade and/or disk excitation by: a) homogenizing the successive wakes within the flow stream, and b) reducing the effect of vortices shed-off the stationary vanes on acoustic modes of the gas within the casing. |
| US09581032B2 |
Coated articles and manufacture methods
An article (50; 100) has a metallic substrate (22), a bondcoat (30) atop the substrate, and a thermal barrier coating (28; 27, 28) atop the bondcoat. The thermal barrier coating or a layer thereof comprises didymium oxide ore and zirconia. |
| US09581030B2 |
Ultra high temperature environmental protection coating
An environmental protective coating (EPC) for protecting a surface subjected to high temperature environments of more than 3000 degree F. The coating includes a dense platelet lamellar microstructure with a self-sealing, compliant binder material for holding the platelets together. The platelets may be formed from materials that are resistant to high temperatures and impermeable, such as ceramics. The lamellar microstructure creates a tortuous path for oxygen to reach the surface. The binder material may have free internal volume to increase the strain capability between the platelets and absorb increased volume during operation. The binder may be formed from a material that is softer and has a lower temperature capability than the platelets to provide the system with the required compliance and sealing capability. The binder may have sufficient glass content and glass-forming content for initial and long-term sealing purposes. |
| US09581027B2 |
Airfoil for gas turbine, blade and vane
The invention relates to an airfoil for a gas turbine, which comprises a compound fillet disposed between the airfoil and a platform. The compound fillet consists of a first arc and a second arc. A first end of the first arc tangentially adjoins an outer surface of the airfoil. A second end of the first arc tangentially adjoins a first end of the second arc. A second end of the second arc tangentially adjoins a surface of the platform, wherein the following equation is satisfied: 0.15≦R1/s≦0.45, and 0.09≦a/s≦0.27. |
| US09581026B2 |
Steam turbine
A steam turbine 10 according to an embodiment includes: rotor blade cascades each made up at a turbine rotor 22; an inner casing 21 where the turbine rotor 22 is provided to penetrate; an outer casing 20 surrounding the inner casing 21; stationary blade cascades each made up at an inner side of the inner casing 21; and an annular diffuser 60 provided at a downstream side of a final turbine stage, formed by a steam guide 40 and a bearing cone 50, and discharging steam toward outside in a radial direction. An enlarged inclination angle θ1 of an inner surface 70 of a diaphragm outer ring 26a at the final turbine stage relative to a turbine rotor axial direction is an enlarged inclination angle θ2 of an inner surface 80 at an inlet of the steam guide 40 relative to the turbine rotor axial direction or more. |
| US09581023B2 |
Opencast coal mine underground water reservoir
An opencast coal mine underground water reservoir comprising an impermeable layer and, provided below the impermeable layer, a water storage space and a purification layer. The water storage space comprises a first water storage space and a second water storage space. The purification layer comprises a first purification layer and a second purification layer. The first purification layer is provided horizontally in the water storage space and divides the water storage space into the first water storage space and the second water storage space. The first water storage space is provided below the impermeable layer and between same and the first purification layer. The second water storage space is provided below the first water storage space and the bottom of the second water storage space is provided at the bottom of the opencast coal mine underground water reservoir. The second purification layer is provided vertically within the second water storage space. The present invention, by constructing the opencast coal mine underground water reservoir, prevents wastage of water resource produced during a coal mining process, and by providing the purification layer in the opencast coal mining underground water reservoir, implements repeated purification of water, prevents environmental pollution, and implements a water conservation mining policy during the coal mining process. |
| US09581022B2 |
Free-wheeling-resistant rolls for mining roof support and the combination of a mining machine and such rolls
A roll of grid material for mine roof support, and a mining machine in combination with such a roll, in which the roll has bands of adhering material injected or otherwise forced into the roll in spaced locations along the roll's width. The adhering material interconnects the overlapped layers within the roll and is sufficiently strong to hold the grid material in the rolled configuration for transport and storage, and yet is readily pulled apart in response to sufficient manual or mechanical pressure applied against the roll, or tension applied to the unwound portion thereof, so as to enable the grid material to be incrementally unwound and installed in the mine. The rolls can be installed using a range of mining machines without need for any specialized dispensing or other apparatus mounted on the machine and without the need for any mechanical device to control unwinding. |
| US09581014B2 |
Prediction of asphaltene onset pressure gradients downhole
A method for predicting asphaltene onset pressure in a reservoir is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes performing downhole fluid analysis of formation fluid via a downhole tool at a measurement station at a first depth in a wellbore and determining an asphaltene gradient for the formation fluid at the measurement station. Asphaltene onset pressure for a second depth in the wellbore may then be predicted based on the downhole fluid analysis and the determined asphaltene gradient. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed. |
| US09581013B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining orientation of a device and mill position in a wellbore utilizing identification tags
In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: placing a first device at a first location in the wellbore, wherein the first device includes a plurality of circumferentially placed tags at known orientations in the wellbore, conveying a second device in the wellbore, the second device including a sensor that provides signals in response to detecting signals from each of the tags in the first device, determining from the signals from the sensor orientation of the second device in the wellbore. In another aspect the method may include a plurality of axially placed tags on a first device and the sensor on a second device, wherein the sensor provides signals when it passes proximate each of the axially spaced tags and determining from the sensor signals location of the second device relative to the first device. |
| US09581011B2 |
Downhole imaging systems and methods
Downhole Camera systems and methods. Certain systems include a high-speed video camera configured with a 360 degree optical field-of-view, a jet-flushing system capable of temporarily displacing debris substantially simultaneously along all azimuths within the optical field-of-view, and optionally a downhole real-time image processing system for reducing the amount of captured video transmitted to surface. Certain methods include capturing a set of images downhole using a high-speed video camera having a 360 degree optical field-of-view, substantially simultaneously temporarily displacing debris in the optical field-of-view for at least a portion of the time the camera is capturing video using a jet-flushing system capable of projecting flushing fluid substantially simultaneously along all azimuths in the borehole. The methods may also involve pre-processing the set of images to reduce the number of images or reduce the amount of information transmitted to surface. |
| US09581009B2 |
Coiled tubing injector with load sensing tubing guide
The invention pertains to methods and apparatus for monitoring loads on an arched tubing guide of a coiled tubing injector caused by tension on coiled tubing. The load is sensed by a load sensor, for example, a load cell placed in a strut that supports the arched tubing guide, or in a load pin or load cell placed within the structure arched tubing guide or the connection of the arched tubing guide to a frame for the coiled tubing injector, at a location where the load is representative of the load placed on an arched tubing guide by tension in the coiled tubing. The load sensor generates a feedback signal. The load is monitored, either by an operator or a controller, and torque applied to a reel around which the tubing is wound is adjusted to avoid, or in response to, excessive loads on the arched tubing guide. |
| US09581008B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing stick-slip
A method and apparatus for damping stick-slip oscillations in a drill string. In one embodiment a method includes damping the stick-slip oscillations using a drilling mechanism at the top of said drill string. The speed of rotation of the drilling mechanism is controlled using a PI controller. The control is characterized by tuning the PI controller so that the drilling mechanism absorbs most torsional energy from the drill string at a frequency that is at or near a frequency of the stick-slip oscillations. |
| US09580999B2 |
Gravel packing apparatus having a jumper tube protection assembly
A gravel packing apparatus is provided, including first and second joints, each including a sand control screen assembly including a base pipe and a filter medium positioned exteriorly of the base pipe; and a slurry delivery subassembly positioned exteriorly of the sand control screen assembly, the slurry delivery subassembly including a ring assembly positioned around the base pipe; and a transport tube extending through the ring assembly and longitudinally along the sand control screen assembly; a jumper tube coupled to, and extending between, the transport tube of the first joint and the transport tube of the second joint; and a cage assembly extending circumferentially about respective portions of the first and second joints and positioned exteriorly of the jumper tube, the cage assembly comprising a plurality of cage sections that are each independently connected to the respective ring assemblies of the first and second joints. A method is also provided. |
| US09580996B2 |
Modular assembly for processing a flowback composition stream and methods of processing the same
A method for processing a flowback composition stream from a well head includes controlling a first flow rate of the flow back composition stream to a second flow rate by regulating the flowback composition stream from a first pressure to a second pressure. The method also includes separating the flowback composition stream into a first gas stream and a condensed stream. The method includes discharging the condensed stream to a degasser and degassing a carbon dioxide rich gas from the condensed stream. The method also includes mixing the carbon dioxide rich gas stream with the first gas stream to produce a second gas stream. The method includes controlling a third flow rate of the second gas stream by regulating a third pressure of the second gas stream to a fourth pressure that is different than the third pressure. |
| US09580992B2 |
Sealing device having high differential pressure opening capability
A sealing device is used in a flow control apparatus, the sealing device including a static seal and a protective seal or fluid restriction. The protective seal is formed between two members formed from resilient materials being substantially resistant to wear or failure when exposed to large pressure differentials and associated jetting action. The static seal is formed using a sealing element that includes a material that is at least partially deformable, such as an elastomer or the like. The protective seal is engaged prior to engaging or disengaging the static seal in order to prevent damage to the deformable material of the static seal. |
| US09580990B2 |
Synchronic dual packer with energized slip joint
A downhole tool having a first packing element and a second packing element configured to synchronically set to selectively hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore. The lower packing element may be first set against the well with the upper packing element next being set against the well. A slip joint permits a change in distance between the packing elements during the setting of the packing elements. The slip joint may be energized to apply a force to the lower packing element to prevent the unsetting of the lower packing element during the setting of the upper packing element. A resilient member may be used to energize the slip joint or the slip joint could be hydraulically or pneumatically energized. Once both packing elements are set, the wellbore may then be treated by flowing fluid out of a ported sub positioned between the packing elements. |
| US09580988B2 |
Variable ram packer with strain reduction features
A variable ram packer has an elastomeric body having a central semi-cylindrical recess and wings extending from opposite lateral sides of the recess. Inserts are positioned around the recess, each having an upper plate, a lower plate and a web joining the plates. Inserts at the junction with the wings have barrier plates between and parallel with the upper and lower plates. Upper and lower wing plates are located on upper and lower surfaces of the wings. An adhesive layer on an outer portion of each of the wing plates bonds the wing plates to the elastomer of the body. Each wing plate has an inner portion in abutment with the elastomer and free of the adhesive layer. |
| US09580987B2 |
Spherical blowout preventer with energizeable packer seal and method of using same
A blowout preventer includes a housing having a flow path therethrough in fluid communication with a wellbore penetrating a subsurface formation and a sealing assembly positionable in the housing about the flow path. The sealing assembly includes a piston slidably positionable in the housing and a packer element. The packer element includes a plurality of fingers and a packer seal. The fingers include a housing portion and a piston portion. The housing portion is slidably movable along the housing and the piston portion is slidingly movable along the piston. The fingers are engageable by the piston and movable to a sealed position about the flow path, and the packer seal is energized to form a seal about the blowout preventer to seal the wellbore in the subsurface formation. |
| US09580986B2 |
Mudline suspension metal-to-metal sealing system
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to metal-to-metal sealing systems and methods for use with the various pressure-retaining components, and in particular to pressure-retaining components that may be used in mudline suspension systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a first pressure-retaining component having an outside face, the outside face including first and second metal sealing surfaces proximate an end of the first pressure-retaining component, wherein the second metal sealing surface is positioned along the outside face between the first metal sealing surface and the end of the first pressure-retaining component. The system further includes, among other things, a second pressure-retaining component having an inside face, the inside face of the second pressure-retaining component including a third metal sealing surface that is adapted to sealingly engage at least the first metal sealing surface. |
| US09580975B2 |
Cylinder release arrangement
The invention relates a cylinder release arrangement, wherein at least one cylinder is arranged with a piston within the cylinder, and a cylinder head closing off one end of the cylinder, forming a chamber between the piston and the cylinder head, wherein the cylinder is provided to arrange a leakage of fluid from one side of a piston to the other side of the piston, when the piston is in a given position within the cylinder, and release means are provided for the subsequently controlled release of the cylinder head from the cylinder. The invention also comprises a cylinder arrangement with a release mechanism. |
| US09580968B2 |
Rotary steerable drilling tool with electromagnetic steering system
A rotary steerable drilling tool with an electromagnetic steering system can include a drill collar, a bit shaft, an orientation control module, a mud tube, a mud tube coupler, a universal joint, a mud sealing device, and a drill bit. The bit shaft can be mechanically coupled to the drill collar through the universal joint and the orientation control module and rotate about the universal joint. The orientation and the inclination angle of the bit shaft against the drill collar can be controlled by the orientation control module with the electromagnetic steering system. The orientation control module can include an array of electromagnets, an array of permanent magnets, a rotor, and a set of bearings. The orientation control module can be coupled to the bit shaft through the rotor. The movement of the rotor can be driven by the interaction between the array of electromagnets and the array of permanent magnets. |
| US09580967B2 |
Increasing formation strength through the use of temperature and temperature coupled particulate to increase near borehole hoop stress and fracture gradients
A method of increasing near-wellbore rock strength so as to mitigate or remediate lost circulation events through increased hoop stress in the near-wellbore in a subsurface formation comprises a) cooling a near-wellbore region of the formation, b) allowing a lost circulation material to enter the cooled near-wellbore region; and c) heating the near-wellbore region. |
| US09580966B2 |
All electric powered mobile jumbo drill machine
An all-electric powered mobile jumbo drill machine configured to use provided AC electric power and on board battery provided electric power and operated in a mining environment. |
| US09580964B2 |
Drilling tool and method for earth drilling
The invention relates to a drilling tool for earth drilling with a drill rod element which can be connected to a rotary drive and can be driven in a rotating manner about a drilling axis, a frame-like housing and at least one removal tooth which is supported in a radially adjustable manner in the housing between a retracted position in the housing and an operating position, in which the at least one removal tooth projects radially from the housing.Furthermore, on the drill rod element in the housing a transmission mechanism is arranged, through which a stroke and/or rotational movement of the drill rod element can be translated into a radial movement for radial adjustment of the at least one removal tooth. |
| US09580961B2 |
Utility vehicle with monitoring system for monitoring the position of the vehicle
The present invention relates to a utility vehicle, in particular to a firefighting vehicle, including an aerial apparatus (i.e. a turnable ladder and/or an aerial rescue platform) and lateral ground supports movable between retracted positions and extracted operating positions in which the ends of the supports rest on the ground. The vehicle includes a monitoring system for monitoring the position of the vehicle. The system includes surveillance cameras at the sides of the vehicle, each camera being allocated to one support to monitor the ground area on which the end of this support rests in its operating position and to take a real-time image of the respective ground area. The system also includes a visual display presenting the images of all cameras at the same time in different screen areas, superposed by visual markings representing expected operating positions of the supports. |
| US09580960B2 |
Aerial ladder for a fire apparatus
An aerial ladder assembly for a fire apparatus includes a first truss member, a second truss member, and a plurality of rungs coupling the first truss member to the second truss member. The first truss member includes a first base rail, a first hand rail elevated from the first base rail, and a plurality of lacing members coupling the first base rail to the first hand rail. The second truss member includes a second base rail, a second hand rail elevated from the second base rail, and a plurality of lacing members coupling the second base rail to the second hand rail. The first truss member and the second truss member define a first zone and a second zone separated by a transition, and the first base rail and the second base rail have a first shape within the first zone and a second shape within the second zone. |
| US09580959B2 |
Foldable ladder
A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a shifting mechanism and a ladder angle selector coupled thereto to allow manual selection of the angle between the first and second ladder portions, and a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position. |
| US09580957B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring automatic doors
Monitoring systems for automatic doors comprise at least one input device configured for sensing at least one characteristic of at least one operational parameter of an automatic door system, a door system controller coupled to the at least one input device, at least one monitor display comprising a first interface operatively coupled to the door system controller, and at least another interface operatively coupled to the monitor display and configured to be operatively coupled to at least one remote display device. The at least one monitor display is configured to continuously request information representative of the at least one operational parameter characteristic from the door system controller and display the information. Methods of monitoring an automatic door system comprise transmitting data representative of an operational parameter characteristic from an input device to at least one door system controller; sending a description of the operational parameter to a monitor display continuously; and displaying indicia representative of the description of the operational parameter. |
| US09580953B1 |
Pulley joint assembly
A window regulator assembly particularly adapted for motor vehicle applications having a pulley assembly featuring snap in insulation of a pulley ring into a pulley housing. The pulley housing features the clearance area and a number of retention tabs and hooks which enable the pulley ring to be snap fit into position. The assembly may be implemented with a discrete window regulator or as part of a modular inner door plate as well as and for other applications. |
| US09580949B2 |
Apparatus for supporting display panel
An apparatus for supporting a display panel is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes first and second support portions configured to support a display panel and respectively rotatable based on first and second rotation axes substantially parallel to each other. The apparatus also includes a first connecting portion positioned on the first rotation shaft and fixedly combined to one side of the first support portion and a second connecting portion positioned on the second rotation shaft and fixedly combined to one side of the second support portion. The apparatus further includes a spacer maintaining a constant distance between the first and second rotation axes, wherein the spacer is penetrated by the first and second connecting portions such that the first and second connecting portions are rotatable and a link member rotatably combined to one side of the first connecting portion and one side of the second connecting portion. |
| US09580948B2 |
Connecting system of multi-section housing and electronic device provided with that connecting system
A connecting system of a multi-section housing having first to fourth housings including housings with different thicknesses and can be spread open from the connected state to form a flat surface, comprising first hinges which connect end faces of the first and fourth housings, second hinges which connect end faces at the same sides of the second and third housings, and pull-out mechanisms provided between the first and second housings and between the third and fourth housings, which pull out the first and fourth housings from the superposed positions, and which make them adjoin the second and third housings without changing the positions in the thickness direction, the first and fourth housings being made to rotate about the shafts built into the pull-out mechanisms with respect to the second and third housings while being rotated about the first and second hinge shafts to open to form a single flat surface. |
| US09580941B2 |
Handle module for a motor vehicle door
A handle module is provided for fastening an outer door handle to a motor vehicle door with a modular basic body that in a final assembly state with its outer door handle protrudes through an opening in the outer door panel and comes to lie on the inside of the outer door panel. A giver is mounted on the modular basic body in a manner allowing pivoting or turning can be brought in operational connection with a taker of the door lock via an actuation rod. A shielding device is provided that at least partially encloses the giver at least in some regions. |
| US09580940B2 |
Vehicle cover opening and closing control device
An opening and closing control device of a vehicle cover is configured to control opening and closing of a cover covering a connection part of a vehicle connecting a connection member, and includes a drive unit which performs the opening and closing operation by moving the cover. An operation status detection unit an operation position of the cover, a control unit drives and controls the drive unit so that the cover is set in one of a plurality of positions based on whether the connection member is connected or not, the operation position detected by the operation status detection unit, and the ON/OFF state of the power of the vehicle when a control signal is input from a control switch or a remote key. |
| US09580938B2 |
Motor vehicle door lock
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2, 15), an actuation lever unit (3, 4) acting on the locking mechanism (1, 2, 15), and a catch lever (10). The catch lever (10) renders the actuation lever unit (3, 4) ineffective, at least when acceleration forces of a given magnitude occur, e.g. in case of an accident (crash). According to the invention, the catch lever (10) blocks the actuation lever unit (3, 4) during non-deflected normal operation and in the event of a crash while releasing the actuation lever unit (3, 4) only for deflected normal operation. |
| US09580936B2 |
Bicycle handlebar-stored cable lock
A lock assembly for a bicycle may comprise a shackle and a lock body. The shackle may have first and second end portions, and a central portion. The shackle may include a cable disposed in a cushioning sleeve extending between the first and second end portions. A resilient member may be disposed on or included in the central portion of the shackle. The first end portion may include a locking member, and the second end portion may be connected to the lock body. The lock assembly may be operable between stowed position corresponding to the shackle and a portion of the lock assembly contained within a bore of a handlebar of the bicycle, and a removed position corresponding to the lock assembly removed from the bore. |
| US09580935B2 |
Electric strike assembly
An electric strike assembly includes a housing including a mounting device and defining an internal longitudinal cavity, a keeper pivotally arranged in the housing, and a selectively locatable component including a locking device to cooperate with the mounting device to secure the component at a predetermined incremental position along the length of the removable cavity. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, an electric strike assembly includes a housing defining an internal longitudinal cavity, a keeper pivotally arranged in the housing, and a keeper shim assembly, including a shim, slidably engaged with the keeper to position the shim at a predetermined position along a length of the cavity. A method of securely capturing a latch bolt mounted in a door includes mounting an electric strike assembly in an associated door jamb and positioning a shim at a predetermined position in the cavity. |
| US09580932B2 |
Two-piece key assembly
A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade with a head portion, a shank, and a transition region connecting the head portion to the shank. The key assembly may also have a head configured to receive the blade. The head may have a shoulder located at the transition region to limit engagement of the head with the blade, and at least one tang located at an end of the head opposite the shoulder. The at least one tang may be configured to engage a recess located within a side of the head portion and inhibit removal of the head from the blade. |
| US09580928B1 |
Adaptable tent system with interconnecting member
An adaptable tent system is described. The adaptable tent system may include a base system having a rigid surface defining a perimeter edge and a canopy including a flexible membrane with a membrane edge and a canopy fastener, the canopy fastener extending along and fixably attached to the membrane edge, the canopy fastener adapted to mate with an interconnecting member fastener. The tent system may also include an interconnecting member including an interconnecting member body, an attachment member, and the interconnecting member fastener. The attachment member may be attached to the base member, so that the interconnecting member and base member are fixably attached together. The interconnecting member fastener may be configured to mate with any one of a plurality of different canopy fasteners so that when the canopy fastener and the interconnecting member fastener are mated, the interconnecting member and the canopy are connected. |
| US09580926B1 |
Utility or meter pole top reinforcement method and apparatus
The present invention includes a prosthetic apparatus for reinforcing a top of a rotted/deteriorated upstanding pole. The prosthetic ensleeves or sandwiches the pole at its uppermost end to provide an elongate support on which insulators and other various equipment can be safely secured. The present invention may include diametrically opposed support stringers to increase support and rigidity. An embodiment may include pole access apertures, insulator cutouts, and bolt receiving channels. The present invention provides a simplistic and inexpensive fix to preexisting rotting utility poles while also enabling a safe and efficient installation. |
| US09580925B2 |
Frangible guy wire of an airport mast
A frangible guy wire of an airport mast, which breaks on impact without presenting a hazard or causing critical damage to the object impacting with it. The main part of the length of the guy wire consists of a tube or tubular profile made of composite material, the proportions of the dimensions and materials of which have been selected in such a way that in the event of impact, the tube (4) or tubular profile will break by fracturing, that is, by breaking into pieces. The wall thickness of the tube or tubular profile is selected to be so thin that the desired fracturing is achieved. |
| US09580924B1 |
Motion damping system designed for reducing obstruction within open spaces
The invention provides for a method, system and apparatus for resisting and restraining potentially destructive movement within a building structure while introducing little or no obstruction with respect to how a building structure is designed and how it is intended to function. |
| US09580922B2 |
Locking device having wall formwork locking device and process
The invention relates to a locking device for an anchor rod which may be mounted to a wall formwork. Moreover the invention relates to an associated wall formwork as well as process for mounting the locking device to the wall formwork. Moreover the invention relates to a system having a locking device and wall formwork. A locking device having a locking means for mounting the locking device to one end of an anchor rod and a mounting device for mounting the locking device to a wall formwork is provided. The mounting device comprises a screw which is tilted such that it may be secured in a hole of a supporting element of a wall formwork. A wall formwork thus advantageously does not require a thread in order to be able to mount the locking device to a wall formwork. |
| US09580917B2 |
System for forming floor underlayment
A process for making a fibrous panel member and a flooring structure is disclosed. The flooring structure has a subfloor, a surface layer, and an insulative pad disposed between the subfloor and the surface layer. The insulative pad has an MDI binder and reinforcement fibers distributed uniformly and randomly within a first plane. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber batt is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed batt to form a bound flexible batting material. |
| US09580912B1 |
System for installing ceiling sheets in buildings
A tensioned panel extended insulation system includes a support structure, a panel support structure and a pair of insulation panels. A telescoping tube extended insulation system includes a support structure and a ceiling sheet material. A rafter clip may be attached to a rafter for attachment of an end of the support structure. A cable arched telescoping tube extended insulation system includes an arched support structure, an adjustable spacer, a cable and the ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system includes a support structure, an insulation support structure and an ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system may be arched. A system for installing ceiling sheet material in buildings preferably includes either two roller supports or two sheave supports, a middle section, a first end section and a second end section. A rotary strut could also be used to replace an existing strut. |
| US09580905B2 |
Insulating panels made of stone wool, and concrete wall provided with such panels
Insulating panel (10) having a top face (12) and a bottom face (14) opposite the top face, comprising a body (20) made of stone wool with a part of substantially uniform first density and a part of substantially uniform second density, different from the first density, at least one profiled groove (22) being formed in said insulating panel starting from the top face, the top face (12) being made of stone wool, the groove (22) being formed in the stone wool, the number of grooves being less than or equal to three for 60 cm of a dimension of said panel perpendicular to the direction of the grooves. |
| US09580903B2 |
Liquid column damping system
The invention relates to a liquid column damping system, particularly for damping building vibrations, comprising a tank (B, S1, S2) filled with a liquid, said tank having, in particular, a substantially U-shaped geometry in at least one direction. At least two columns (S1, S2) of the tank arranged at a distance from each other, particularly for forming communicating liquid columns, are connected by a base region (B) of the tank, and means for adjusting the damping of the liquid column damping system and/or the natural frequency of the liquid column damping system are provided. At least one column wall region (W1) in at least one of the columns (S1, S2), preferably in all columns, can be moved in order to change the column cross-section. |
| US09580900B2 |
Fitting for channel framing
A fitting for use with channel framing including an outer surface and a fitting groove formed in the outer surface includes a base comprising an inner face, an outer face, and sides extending between the inner face and outer face. The base is configured for insertion into the fitting groove of the channel framing. A spring member is mounted on the base and disposed generally above the outer face of the base. The spring member is configured to engage the outer surface of the channel framing when the base is inserted into the fitting groove. The base and the spring member form a clamp for securing the fitting in the fitting groove. |
| US09580899B2 |
Storm-pod system for collecting and utilizing storm water
Applicant's underground storm-pod structure is directed to a system for collecting and utilizing storm-water. A pod structure includes at least one pod member. This pod member's structure is defined by sidewall members, end flanges, sidewall interfacing members, an upper section base member, reinforcing members, and a slab member. The sidewall member and the end flange form an opening. A retention chamber formed within the pod member is structured to store liquid. Weep holes formed through the sidewall members permit liquid to flow between a partially-elliptically-shaped pathway and a corresponding chamber. The liquid retention chamber can be in further communication with an outlet mechanism, which is itself in communication with an external environment. In one embodiment, adjacent pod members are fixedly coupled with respect to each other by coupling corresponding flange members. |
| US09580894B2 |
Urinal clog removal device
A urinal clog removal device is provided. The urinal clog removal device may include a urinal flange connecting member formed of a body. The urinal flange connecting member may include slots on opposing sides configured to couple to the urinal flange connecting member to a urinal flange. The urinal flange connecting member comprises an aperture extending through the urinal flange connecting member to provide access to the urinal flange. The device may also include a hose coupled on a first end to the urinal flange connecting member with a hose connector. The hose connector of the urinal flange connecting member directs water into the urinal flange. The device may also include a valve and is coupled to a flush valve of the urinal, wherein the hose is coupled between the valve and the hose connector in order to supply water through the hose and into the urinal flange during unclogging. |
| US09580892B2 |
Faucet without compartments
A faucet body without compartment is disclosed. The faucet body is casted and forged integrally with an upright tubular shell, and the upper portion of shell comprises a thread segment. A first annular convex and a second annular convex are formed at a lower portion of the thread segment, and a flow space is formed between the first annular convex and the second annular convex. Below the second annular convex, At least a first bearing base, a second bearing base and a support block extend from the second annular convex. The first bearing base, second bearing base and support block are connected by a protruding shoulder to support the fined ceramic valve in the faucet body. An outlet conduit extends forward from a periphery of top of the shell, and an outlet channel is formed inside the outlet conduit to connect to the flow space of the shell. |
| US09580890B2 |
Machine activity monitor with speed based conditional
A control system for a machine having a brake is disclosed. The control system may include an operator interface configured to receive inputs from an operator of the machine, and output data to the operator of the machine, and a controller in communication with the operator interface. The controller may be configured to monitor operator inputs received by the operator interface, monitor a speed of the machine, and send a signal to the operator interface to notify the operator to apply the brake based at least in part on the operator inputs and the speed of the machine. |
| US09580884B2 |
Industrial vehicle
The present invention addresses the problem of providing an industrial vehicle in which an industrial device can be reliably prevented from turning in a near direction beyond a restricted position. The solution is an industrial vehicle provided with an industrial device configured so as to be capable of turning about a joint in a near direction or an away direction, and a control device for restricting the turning of the industrial device so that the industrial device does not turn in the near direction beyond a restricted position, wherein the control device is configured such that an offset position is set in the away direction beyond the restricted position, and the control device initiates an action that stops the industrial device from turning in the near direction when the industrial device, which is turning in the near direction, has turned to the offset position. |
| US09580883B2 |
System and method for automatically controlling a lift assembly of a work vehicle
In one aspect, a method for automatically controlling the operation of a work vehicle during the performance of a material moving operation may generally include monitoring cycle times for moving the work vehicle between a first location and a second location as the material moving operation is being performed and determining a work cycle time for moving the work vehicle between the first and second locations based on the monitored cycle times. In addition, the method may include automatically controlling the operation of a lift assembly of the work vehicle based on the work cycle time such that loader arms and an implement of the lift assembly are moved to a pre-defined loading position as the work vehicle is moved from the first location to the second location and to a pre-defined unloading position as the work vehicle is moved from the second location to the first location. |
| US09580879B1 |
Remotely-operable reciprocating compactor
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a remotely-operable percussion compactor comprising: a primary power source; a plurality of electric motors coupled to the primary power source and attached to the compactor body; a plurality of reaction wheels coupled to respective electric motors; an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a remote control interface; and a controller configured to: receive one or more commands from the remote-control interface and a feedback signal from the IMU, and set a desired operating condition for at least one of the electric motors based on at least one of the feedback signal and the one or more commands. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to determine an angular disturbance relative to at least one rotational axis of the compactor; and set the desired operating condition for one or more electric motors to generate a reactive force to at least partially counteract the angular disturbance. |
| US09580878B2 |
Bollard coverings and methods of manufacture and use thereof
A bollard covering formed from a body, a body connector, a first center, a second center, a bottom, and a top is disclosed. The body connector and bottom further comprise post guide surfaces. In order to secure the bollard covering to the post, one or more holes are provided within the bottom, threaded to accommodate a set screw, or the like. Bollard covering elements are joined by welding, bonding, or mechanical fastening. Bollard coverings may be formed from a manufacturer's standard inventory elements in order to create a standard inventory or a customized bollard covering product that may be economically configured on an individual bollard covering basis, or on small or large scale runs, with as much variation in optional components, features, and conveniences as may be required by the marketplace. |
| US09580876B2 |
Device for damping vibrations in cables of a suspension system of a civil engineering structure
The damping device comprises an interconnecting structure between cables of a group of at least three cables of the suspension system which extend substantially in one and the same suspension plane P. The interconnecting structure has, outside the plane P, at least one bearing point for an energy dissipating element arranged so as to develop a damping force in response to a movement of one of the cables of the group relative to the other cables of the group in a direction perpendicular to the suspension plane. |
| US09580874B2 |
Portable material delivery apparatus
A portable material delivery apparatus for transporting and depositing a flowable material at a deposit site, including a vehicle and a hopper mounted on the vehicle for holding the material and having a lower opening for releasing the material. First and second circulating conveyors move the material released from the hopper to the deposit site. The first conveyor is fixed beneath the hopper. The second conveyor is vertically tiltable and laterally rotatable relative to the first conveyor. The apparatus includes a control station with an operator platform and controls for controlling the conveyors. The control station is mounted to and is movable with the second conveyor as it tilts and rotates. The control station is positioned such that a single operator standing on the operator platform can operate the controls while directly observing the material moving on the second conveyor and being ejected toward the deposit site. |
| US09580872B2 |
Soft through air dried tissue
A multi-layer through air dried tissue including a first exterior layer comprised substantially of hardwood fibers, an interior layer comprised substantially of softwood fibers, and a second exterior layer comprised substantially of hardwood fibers. The interior layer includes a first wet end additive comprising an ionic surfactant and a second wet end additive comprising a non-ionic surfactant. |
| US09580869B2 |
Process for applying high viscosity composition to a sheet with high bulk
A process is disclosed for topically applying additive compositions to planar substrates, such as tissue webs. In one embodiment, the process is designed to apply relatively high viscous compositions to base sheets at high speeds in a manner that prevents the additive composition from penetrating into the sheet. The additive composition having the relatively high viscosity can be applied to the base sheet in one embodiment using an offset gravure printing process. The applicator roll includes a pattern of raised elements. The raised elements define a surface having at least one dimension that is less than 500 microns. The raised elements are also spaced closely together in order to prevent fiber buildup on the roll during relatively fast processing speeds. |
| US09580866B2 |
Cationic wet strength resin modified pigments in water-based latex coating applications
Methods for improving one or more surface properties of a sheet of paper or paperboard, which method comprises (a) coating at least one side of the sheet of paper or paperboard with a dispersion having a cationic zeta potential formed by combining (1) a mixture containing one or more anionic pigments with (2) one or more polyamine-epihalohydrin cationic wet strength resins at a coating weight of from about 0.1 g/m2 to about 20 g/m2; (b) drying the coated sheet of paper or paperboard; (c) applying a functional barrier top coating that resists one or more of the following: liquid water, water vapor, gas permeability, oil and grease, slip, and static or an anionic latex based pigment coating that imparts improved opacity, brightness, or printability. The invention also includes the dispersions as well as paper or paperboard coated with the dispersion. |
| US09580865B2 |
Method for dissolving cationic starch, papermaking agent and its use
The invention relates to a method for dissolving cationic starch. In the method is obtained an aqueous polyelectrolyte solution comprising a synthetic cationic polymer, which has a charge density value of at least 0.1 meq/g, determined at pH3, the concentration of the cationic polymer in the polyelectrolyte solution being >2.5 weight-%, and the aqueous polyelectrolyte solution is brought together with cationic starch having a degree of substitution, DS, >0.1. The cationic starch is dissolved to the polyelectrolyte solution by heating and/or mixing. The invention relates also to a papermaking agent comprising 2-40 weight-% of synthetic cationic polymer which has a charge density value of at least 0.1 meq/g, determined at p H 3, and 2.5-25 weight-% cationic starch having degree of substitution, DS, >0.1. The papermaking agent is in slurry form and has a viscosity of 50-20 000 m Pas, measured at 25° C. with Brookfield DVI+ viscometer. |
| US09580864B2 |
Kraft cooking method using polysulfide cooking liquor
The method is for the preparation of kraft pulp with increased pulping yield from lignin-containing cellulosic material using polysulfide cooking liquor. In order to increase carbohydrate stabilization and hence the yield from a kraft cooking process a first impregnation stage using polysulfide cooking liquor is implemented at high alkali and polysulfide concentration and at a low temperature. Knots are added to a high-pressure conduit extending between an impregnation vessel and a digester. |
| US09580860B2 |
Method for operating a clothes dryer using load temperature determined by an infrared sensor
A method for controlling a clothes dryer based on a characteristic of the load determined by temperatures provided by an infrared sensor. |
| US09580859B2 |
Lint retention for a laundry drying appliance
A lint retention apparatus for a laundry drying appliance has a lint separator, upstream of which a lint wetter is connected. A laundry drying appliance has a laundry drum and a process air condenser, which are connected by way of a process air channel conducting process air. It also has a lint separator disposed in the process air channel for flow purposes downstream of the laundry drum and upstream of the process air condenser, wherein a lint wetter is disposed for flow purposes downstream of the laundry drum and upstream of the lint separator. |
| US09580856B1 |
Clothes dryer with a drum seal
An apparatus for sealing the drum of a clothes dryer comprising an attachment with a recess sized to receive the lip of a dryer drum to mount the seal about the lip and a seal element abutting the corresponding front or rear bulkhead wherein the length of the seal is such that when in place there remains an intervening gap in which a spacer capable of changing shape is located allowing the seal to expand and contract with thermal variations. |
| US09580853B2 |
Auxiliary washing machine and clothes treatment apparatus using the same
Provided is a washing machine which may include a cabinet that defines an accommodation space, a washing device configured to be withdrawn from the accommodation space of the cabinet, and a front panel provided in front of the washing device that defines a front external appearance of the auxiliary washing machine. The washing device may include a drawer configured to be slidably inserted or withdrawn from the accommodation space of the cabinet, the drawer including a tub for wash water, a rotating drum assembly provided in the drawer, the rotating drum assembly having a drum and a rotating shaft connected to the drum and extending through the tub, and a suspension assembly configured to support a vertical load of the rotating drum assembly such that the rotating drum assembly is suspended relative to the tub and to dampen vibration from the rotating drum assembly in a lateral direction. |
| US09580851B2 |
Composite panel stitching apparatus and method
In at least one implementation, a method for forming openings for a stitched seam in a composite panel having an outer layer, and a substrate behind the outer layer includes providing a laser beam onto the substrate, with the laser beam forming an opening through the substrate but not through the outer layer, and moving at least one of the laser or the substrate relative to the other so that a new opening can be formed that is spaced from the already formed opening. Successive openings can be formed in desired locations around the panel to facilitate subsequent panel stitching. In at least some implementations, the laser may form such openings while stitches are formed in the panel, wherein a stitch is provided in a previous opening while or nearly at the same time the laser forms a different opening for a subsequent stitch. |
| US09580850B2 |
Lower thread bobbin for sewing machine
The present invention relates to a lower thread bobbin for a sewing machine able to hold a thread, the bobbin comprising a crescent moon-shaped winding part on which a thread can be wound and a crescent moon-shaped securing part for covering the winding part on which the thread has been wound. The lower thread bobbin for a sewing machine has the advantage of being able to hold a greater amount of a lower thread than the very limited amount of a lower thread that is wound on general conventional bobbins, and so increasing the efficiency of sewing work as the user or sewing machinist does not replace the bobbin frequently. |
| US09580849B2 |
Overlock sewing machine
An overlock sewing machine includes a first switching part for switching an interlocked state where an upper knife drive part and an upper knife are interlocked and a released state where the upper knife drive part and the upper knife are not interlocked; a second switching part for switching the upper knife between a projection position and a retreat position; and an operation part for switching the first switching part and the second switching part between a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. |
| US09580848B2 |
Apparatus and methods for producing nonwoven fibrous webs
Methods and apparatus including a fiber opening chamber having an open upper end and a lower end, at least one fiber inlet for introducing a multiplicity of fibers into the opening chamber, a first multiplicity of rollers positioned within the opening chamber wherein each roller has a multiplicity of projections extending outwardly from a circumferential surface surrounding a center axis of rotation, at least one gas emission nozzle positioned substantially below the first multiplicity of rollers to direct a gas stream generally towards the open upper end of the opening chamber, and a forming chamber having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end of the forming chamber is in flow communication with the open upper end of the opening chamber, and the lower end of the forming chamber is substantially open and positioned above a collector having a collector surface. |
| US09580847B2 |
Porous laminate
Provided is a porous laminate having satisfactory resistance to a mechanical load such as a bending stress while maintaining the characteristics of a porous structure. A porous laminate includes: a layer A formed on a support, the layer A including a porous film containing polymer nanofibers; and a layer B formed on the layer A, the layer B including a porous film containing polymer nanofibers, in which: an existence ratio of the polymer nanofibers contained in the layer A) is larger than an existence ratio of the polymer nanofibers contained in the layer B; and a difference between the existence ratio of the polymer nanofibers contained in the layer A and the existence ratio of the polymer nanofibers contained in the layer B is more than 40%. |
| US09580846B2 |
Curable sheared or extruded, cross linked starch nanoparticle latex binder for use with mineral, natural organic or synthetic fibre products and non-woven mats
A curable aqueous binder composition comprising sheared or extruded cross linked starch particles and a crosslinking agent for use in the formation of composite materials such as mineral, natural organic or synthetic fiber products including mineral fiber insulation, non-woven mats, fiberglass insulation and related glass fiber products as well as wood based products and construction materials. In one application the curable aqueous starch binder composition may be blended with a second non-formaldehyde resin to make fiberglass insulation. In another application the curable aqueous starch binder composition may be mixed into a formaldehyde based resin to make fiberglass roof shingles. |
| US09580842B2 |
Fire retardant compositions and methods and apparatuses for making the same
An apparatus for producing a textile product generally includes a feeding section for providing a starting material to facilitate producing a textile product derived from the starting material; a drafting section operably coupled to the feeding section for gripping, pulling, stretching and breaking at least one strand of the starting material into at least one continuous and cohesive network of an intermediate product; and a spinning section operably coupled to the drafting section for winding and twisting the at least one continuous and cohesive network of an intermediate product onto a removable receiving member to form the textile product; the feeding section, the drafting section, and the spinning section are configured to form the textile product in a continuous operation. |
| US09580841B2 |
False twist device for an open-end spinning device
A false twist device for an open-end spinning device to introduce a false twist in a yarn has a largely tubular carcass and several false twist edges arranged behind one another in the yarn draw-off direction and inclined by an angle in the carcass with regard to the yarn draw-off direction. The false twist edges protrude in such a way into the interior of the tubular carcass that the yarn experiences a deflection on each one of the false twist edges. The several false twist edges are arranged offset in such a way in the carcass in circumferential direction that the yarn simultaneously experiences a spatial deflection compared to its regular yarn draw-off direction through the successive deflections on the several false twist edges. |
| US09580834B2 |
Growth methods for controlled large-area fabrication of high-quality graphene analogs
In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of growing chalcogen-linked metallic films on a surface in a chamber. In some embodiments, the method comprises placing a metal source and a chalcogen source in the chamber, and gradually heating the chamber, where the heating leads to the chemical vapor deposition of the chalcogen source and the metal source onto the surface, and facilitates the growth of the chalcogen-linked metallic film from the chalcogen source and the metal source on the surface. In some embodiments, the chalcogen source comprises sulfur, and the metal source comprises molybdenum trioxide. In some embodiments, the growth of the chalcogen-linked metallic film occurs by formation of nucleation sites on the surface, where the nucleation sites merge to form the chalcogen-linked metallic film. In some embodiments, the formed chalcogen-linked metallic film includes MoS2. |
| US09580829B2 |
Copper foil for printed circuit
Disclosed is a copper foil for printed circuits prepared by forming a primary particle layer of copper on a surface of a copper foil, and then forming a secondary particle layer based on ternary alloy composed of copper, cobalt and nickel on the primary particle layer; in which the average particle size of the primary particle layer is 0.25 to 0.45 μm, and the average particle size of the secondary particles layer based on ternary alloy composed of copper, cobalt and nickel is 0.05 to 0.25 μm. Provided is a copper foil for printed circuits, in which powder fall from the copper foil can be reduced and the peeling strength and heat resistance can be improved by forming a primary particle layer of copper on a surface of a copper foil, and then forming a secondary particle layer based on copper-cobalt-nickel alloy plating on the primary particle layer. |
| US09580828B2 |
Self-terminating growth of platinum by electrochemical deposition
A self-terminating rapid process for controlled growth of platinum or platinum alloy monolayer films from a K2PtCl4—NaCl—NaBr electrolyte. Using the present process, platinum deposition may be quenched at potentials just negative of proton reduction by an alteration of the double layer structure induced by a saturated surface coverage of underpotential deposited hydrogen. The surface may be reactivated for platinum deposition by stepping the potential to more positive values where underpotential deposited hydrogen is oxidized and fresh sites for absorption of platinum chloride become available. Periodic pulsing of the potential enables sequential deposition of two dimensional platinum layers to fabricate films of desired thickness relevant to a range of advanced technologies, from catalysis to magnetics and electronics. |
| US09580823B2 |
Biomass transition metal hydrogen-evolution electrocatalysts and electrodes
A catalytic composition from earth-abundant transition metal salts and biomass is disclosed. A calcined catalytic composition formed from soybean powder and ammonium molybdate is specifically exemplified herein. Methods for making the catalytic composition are disclosed as are electrodes for hydrogen evolution reactions comprising the catalytic composition. |
| US09580822B2 |
Three-electrode buffer generator and method
An electrodialytic buffer generator is described. The buffer generator may include a central buffer-generating channel having an inlet and outlet, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The buffer-generating channel, the second chamber, and the third chamber may each include an electrode. The buffer generator may also include a first ion exchange barrier and a second ion exchange barrier. The first ion exchange barrier can be disposed between the second chamber and the buffer-generating channel. The second ion exchange barrier can be disposed between the third chamber and the buffer-generating channel. |
| US09580821B2 |
Control method of differential pressure water electrolysis system
In a control method of a differential pressure water electrolysis system, a reference water level of a gas-liquid separator for normal operations is set to discharge a liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator to a discharge tube. A depressurization reference water level which is a lower water level than the reference water level is set to discharge the liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator to the discharge tube upon depressurizing. A depressurization valve is opened to reduce pressure at a cathode side after operation of a differential pressure water electrolysis device has been stopped, in a state with voltage applied. A permissible water level upper limit value at which an open/close valve is opened is switched from the reference water level to the depressurization reference water level when the depressurization valve is opened. |
| US09580820B2 |
Self-breathing electrochemical oxygenerator
A self-breathing electrochemical oxygenerator includes an outer housing including an upper housing part and a lower housing part. A cavity formed by the upper housing part includes a battery installation cavity, a controller installation cavity and an electrochemical assembly installation cavity. Batteries are installed within the battery installation cavity. A controller is installed within the controller installation cavity. A self-breathing electrochemical pure oxygen generation assembly is installed within the electrochemical assembly installation cavity. An upper housing body of the upper housing part corresponding to the electrochemical assembly installation cavity has air holes. After the external oxygen output pipe is blocked, through timely manual operation, the pressure within the pure oxygen generation assembly is ensured to fall within a normal range, so as to ensure that the pure oxygen generation assembly works normally, thereby ensuring long service life of the oxygenerator. |
| US09580810B2 |
Dispersion of metal nanoparticles, method for producing the same, and method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles
The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a dispersion of metal nanoparticles which enables to control the shape and the particle diameter over a wide range, a dispersion of metal nanoparticles having superior dispersion stability, and a method for producing the same. In addition, the present invention further aims to provide a dispersion of metal nanoparticles which has a volume resistivity of 2×10−6 to 6×10−6 Ω·cm and is suitable for use as an electrically conductive material, and a method for producing the same. Moreover, the present invention further aims to provide a method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles which can produce metal nanoparticles suitable for use as electrically conductive materials by synthesizing the metal nanoparticles from a insoluble metal salt which is free of corrosive materials. |
| US09580809B2 |
Article with gradient property and processes for selective etching
An article includes a substrate; and a coating disposed on the substrate that includes a microporous layer; a gradient in a density of a volume of the microporous layer, and a plurality of dendritic veins that are anisotropically disposed in the coating. A process for forming a coating includes disposing an activating catalyst on a substrate; introducing an activatable etchant; introducing an etchant oxidizer, performing an oxidation-reduction reaction between the substrate, the activatable etchant, and the etchant oxidizer in a presence of the activating catalyst, the oxidation-reduction reaction occurring in a liquid medium including the activatable etchant; and the etchant oxidizer, forming an etchant product comprising atoms from the substrate; removing a portion of the etchant product from the substrate; and forming a dendritic vein in the substrate to form the coating, the dendritic vein being anisotropically disposed in the coating. |
| US09580808B2 |
Apparatus for performing a plasma chemical vapour deposition process
The invention relates to an apparatus for performing a plasma chemical vapor deposition process. The apparatus comprises a mainly cylindrical resonator being provided with an outer cylindrical wall enclosing a resonant cavity extending in a circumferential direction around a cylindrical axis. The resonator is further provided with side wall portions bounding the resonant cavity in the cylindrical direction, and with a slit configuration extending in a circumferential direction around the cylindrical axis providing access from the resonant cavity radially inwardly. Further, the slit configuration includes slit sections that are mutually offset in the cylindrical direction. |
| US09580807B2 |
Method for obtaining a substrate provided with a coating
The subject of the invention is a process for obtaining a substrate (1) provided on at least one of its sides with a coating (2), comprising a step of depositing said coating (2) then a step of heat treatment of said coating using a main laser radiation (4), said process being characterized in that at least one portion (5, 14) of the main laser radiation (4) transmitted through said substrate (1) and/or reflected by said coating (2) is redirected in the direction of said substrate in order to form at least one secondary laser radiation (6, 7, 18). |
| US09580803B2 |
Thin film deposition device and method of depositing thin film using thereof
A thin film deposition device and a method of depositing thin film materials are disclosed. In one aspect, the thin film deposition device includes a deposition chamber configured to accommodate a substrate and a first chamber plate placed in the deposition chamber and configured to mount the substrate on a first surface thereof. The thin film deposition device also includes a second chamber plate placed in the deposition chamber on the opposite side of the first chamber plate with reference to the substrate. A plurality of recesses are formed on a surface of the second chamber plate facing the first surface of the first chamber plate such that gas flow is formed through the respective recesses. |
| US09580801B2 |
Enhancing electrical property and UV compatibility of ultrathin blok barrier film
Embodiments described herein generally relate to the formation of a UV compatible barrier stack. Methods described herein can include delivering a process gas to a substrate positioned in a process chamber. The process gas can be activated to form an activated process gas, the activated process gas forming a barrier layer on a surface of the substrate, the barrier layer comprising silicon, carbon and nitrogen. The activated process gas can then be purged from the process chamber. An activated nitrogen-containing gas can be delivered to the barrier layer, the activated nitrogen-containing gas having a N2:NH3 ratio of greater than about 1:1. The activated nitrogen-containing gas can then be purged from the process chamber. The above elements can be performed one or more times to deposit the barrier stack. |
| US09580798B2 |
High-barrier polyethylene terephthalate film
A high-barrier film is provided that includes a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a cross-linked acrylic primer layer, and a metal barrier layer. The cross-linked acrylic primer layer is adjacent to the second side of the PET layer and has a dynamic coefficient of friction (μD) to steel of less than about 0.45, while the metal barrier layer is adjacent to the first side of the PET layer. The film has a total thickness of less than about 10 μm and has a tensile strength of at least about 2500 kg/cm2. Processes for producing the high-barrier film are also provided. |
| US09580797B2 |
Magnetic-field-generating apparatus for magnetron sputtering
A racetrack-shaped magnetic-field-generating apparatus for magnetron sputtering comprising a linear portion and corner portions, the linear portion comprising a magnetic base, a center permanent magnet disposed on its surface, and side permanent magnets disposed on both sides thereof with a gap; the center and side permanent magnets being vertically magnetized with opposite polarities; the corner portions comprising a non-magnetic base, a center magnetic pole member disposed on its surface, a semicircular or semi-polygonal, peripheral magnetic pole member, and plural permanent magnets arranged between both magnetic pole members with their magnetization directions in parallel to a target surface; and the magnetic poles of plural permanent magnets opposing the center magnetic pole member having the same polarity as those of the center permanent magnet opposing the target. |
| US09580795B2 |
Sputter source for use in a semiconductor process chamber
In some embodiments, a sputter source for a process chamber may include: a first enclosure having a top, sides and an open bottom; a target coupled to the open bottom; an electrical feed coupled to the top of the first enclosure proximate a central axis of the first enclosure to provide power to the target via the first enclosure; a magnet assembly having a shaft, a support arm coupled to the shaft, and a magnet coupled to the support arm disposed within the first enclosure; a first rotational actuator disposed off-axis to the central axis of the first enclosure and rotatably coupled to the magnet to rotate the magnet about the central axis of the first enclosure; and a second rotational actuator disposed off-axis to the central axis of the first enclosure and rotatably coupled to the magnet to rotate the magnet about a central axis of the magnet assembly. |
| US09580793B2 |
Subwavelength coatings and methods for making and using same
Methods are disclosed for forming subwavelength coatings for use in the UV, visible, or infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. A first material and a second material are deposited onto a substrate. The first material may include dielectric spheres of subwavelength size that self-assemble on the substrate to form a template or scaffold with subwavelength size voids between the spheres into which the second material is deposited or filled. First and second materials are heated on the substrate at a preselected temperature to form the subwavelength coating. |
| US09580792B2 |
Shadow mask alignment using variable pitch coded apertures
In a shadow mask-substrate alignment method, a substrate and a shadow mask each include a grate having a plurality of bars in spaced relation, wherein for each grate, each pair of spaced bars of each grate is separated by a gap. The spacing between at least three adjacent gaps is different or not of constant pitch, and at least one grate includes a gap that extends therethrough. The grate of the substrate and the grate of the shadow mask are positioned in a light path. Thereafter, the orientation of the substrate, the shadow mask, or both are caused to be adjusted to position the grate of the substrate, the grate of the shadow mask, or both until a predetermined amount of light or range of an amount of light on the light path passing through one or both of the grates is received by a light receiver. |
| US09580790B2 |
System and method for surface hardening of refractory metals
A process of converting an outer layer of an object made of a refractory metal, such as titanium, into a carbide of the refractory metal. A molten metal, such as molten lithium, is placed adjacent the outer surface of the object. The lithium does not react with the titanium, nor is it soluble within the titanium to any significant extent at the temperatures involved. The molten lithium contains elemental carbon, that is, free carbon atoms. At high temperature, the carbon diffuses into the titanium, and reacts with titanium atoms to form titanium carbide in an outer layer. Significantly, no other atoms are present, such as hydrogen or oxygen, which can cause problems, because they are blocked by the molten lithium. |
| US09580786B2 |
High Mn steel sheet for high corrosion resistance and method of manufacturing galvanizing the steel sheet
A high-manganese hot-dip coated steel sheet is disclosed which provides high corrosion resistance, high ductility and high strength, mainly used for inner and outer panels of automobiles, and a method of manufacturing the same. The high-manganese hot-dip coated steel sheet includes a substrate steel sheet having a composition of (in weight %) 0.1 to 1.5% of C, 5 to 35% of Mn, and the remainder includes Fe and other unavoidable impurities, and a hot-dip zinc coating layer formed on the substrate steel sheet, the hot-dip zinc coating layer having a composition of (in weight %) 0.1 to 10% of Mn, 5 to 15% of Fe, and the remainder including Zn and other unavoidable impurities. |
| US09580783B2 |
Electronic component metal material and method for manufacturing the same
There are provided an electronic component metal material which has low insertability/extractability, low whisker formability, and high durability, and a method for manufacturing the metal material. The electronic component metal material 10 includes a base material 11 , an A layer 14 constituting an outermost surface layer on the base material 11 and formed of Sn, In or an alloy thereof, and a B layer 13 constituting a middle layer provided between the base material 11 and the A layer 14 and formed of Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Os, Ir or an alloy thereof, wherein the outermost surface layer (A layer) 14 has a thickness of 0.002 to 0.2 μm, and the middle layer (B layer) 13 has a thickness larger than 0.3 μm. |
| US09580782B2 |
Thick high-tensile-strength hot-rolled steel sheet having excellent low-temperature toughness and manufacturing method thereof
A high-tensile-strength hot-rolled steel sheet is provided having a composition which contains 0.02 to 0.08% C, 0.01 to 0.10% Nb, 0.001 to 0.05% Ti and Fe and unavoidable impurities as a balance, wherein the steel sheet contains C, Ti and Nb in such a manner that (Ti+(Nb/2))/C<4 is satisfied, and the steel sheet has a structure where a primary phase of the structure at a position 1 mm away from a surface in a sheet thickness direction is one selected from a group consisting of a ferrite phase, tempered martensite and a mixture structure of a ferrite phase and tempered martensite, a primary phase of the structure at a sheet thickness center position is formed of a ferrite phase, and a difference ΔV between a structural fraction (volume %) of a secondary phase at the position 1 mm away from the surface in the sheet thickness direction and a structural fraction (volume %) of a secondary phase at the sheet thickness center position is 2% or less. |
| US09580779B2 |
High strength steel sheet having excellent formability and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing the high strength steel sheet having excellent formability includes hot-rolling a steel slab having a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.03% or more and 0.35% or less, Si: 0.5% or more and 3.0% or less, Mn: 3.5% or more and 10.0% or less, P: 0.1% or less, S: 0.01% or less, N: 0.008% or less and the balance comprising Fe and inevitable impurities, coiling the hot-rolled steel sheet at a temperature range of the Ar1 transformation point to the Ar1 transformation point+(the Ar3 transformation point−the Ar1 transformation point)/2, cooling the coiled steel sheet down to 200° C. or lower, heating and holding the cooled steel sheet at a temperature range of the Ac1 transformation point−200° C. to the Ac1 transformation point for 30 minutes or more, pickling the heated steel sheet, cold-rolling the pickled steel sheet under the condition that the rolling reduction is 20% or more, and heating and holding the cold-rolled steel sheet at a temperature range of the Ac1 transformation point to the Ac1 transformation point+(the Ac3 transformation point−the Ac1 transformation point)/2 for 30 seconds or more. |
| US09580773B2 |
Niobium based alloy that is resistant to aqueous corrosion
A niobium or niobium alloy which contains pure or substantially pure niobium and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Mo, W and Re to form a niobium alloy that is resistant to aqueous corrosion. The invention also relates to the process of preparing the niobium alloy. |
| US09580772B2 |
Electrorecovery of metals
A method and ionic liquid for the electrorecovery of metal from a metal salt including at least one metal ion. The method includes the steps of dissolving the metal salt in an ionic liquid, the ionic liquid including an ionic liquid cation and an ionic liquid anion; whereby the metal ion of the metal salt forms a metal complex in solution with at least the ionic liquid cation; and subjecting the metal complex to an electrical potential between a cathode and anode to recover metal at the cathode. The ionic liquid includes an ionic liquid cation and an ionic liquid anion, wherein the ionic liquid cation has an affinity for the metal ion which is at least about equal to that of the ionic liquid anion for the metal ion. |
| US09580770B2 |
Process for preparing a spent catalyst for precious metals recovery
A process is provided for preparing a spent noble metal fixed-bed catalyst for precious metals recovery, comprising: a) adding the catalyst to a caustic solution to wash the spent catalyst and to make a wash slurry having an alkaline pH, wherein the spent catalyst has been in contact with chloroaluminate ionic liquid catalyst, and wherein the spent catalyst comprises from 5 to 35 wt % chloride; and b) filtering the wash slurry and collecting: i) a filter cake having from at least 70 wt % of the chloride in the spent catalyst removed and having the noble metals retained, and ii) a wash filtrate. Also provided is a filter cake comprising a washed consolidated cake having 40 to 75 wt % solids, a cake moisture content from 25 to less than 60 wt %, 0.1 to 1.5 wt % total noble metals, and a residual chloride content of from zero to less than 4 wt %. |
| US09580768B2 |
Synthetic slag briquettes for use in steelmaking
The invention relates to a synthetic slag forming briquette encased in an aluminum shell. The briquette may include a deoxidizing agent, calcium oxide, calcium fluoride, calcium aluminate, magnesia, or dolomitic lime, or combinations thereof. The deoxidizing agent may include calcium carbide, powdered aluminum or magnesium, or combinations thereof. The aluminum shell may be formed from molten aluminum, or aluminum sheet or foil. |
| US09580765B2 |
Deformation correcting device
A deformation correcting device to correct a deformation occurring in a ring shaped article, which has been heated, while the heated ring shaped article is cooled, includes a support table, on which the ring shaped article in a heated condition is placed; a pair of receiving rolls; a press roll provided in opposition to the pair of the receiving rolls with the ring shaped article intervening therebetween; a press roll drive mechanism for driving the press roll between an advanced position, at which the press roll is urged against the outer peripheral surface of the ring shaped article, and a retracted position, at which the press roll is separated away from the outer peripheral surface of the ring shaped article; and a press roll rotating mechanism for rotating the press roll then urged against the ring shaped article by the press roll drive mechanism. |
| US09580750B2 |
P13K pathway mutations in cancer
Given the important role of protein kinases in pathways affecting cellular growth and invasion, we have analyzed 340 serine/threonine kinases for genetic mutations in colorectal cancers. Mutations in eight genes were identified, including three members of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway; the alterations in the latter genes each occurred in different tumors and did not overlap with mutations in PIK3CA or other non-serine-threonine kinase (STK) members of the PI3K pathway, suggesting that mutations in any of these genes had equivalent tumorigenic effects. These data demonstrate that the PI3K pathway is a major target for mutational activation in colorectal cancers and provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. |
| US09580748B2 |
Detection of an amplification reaction product using pH-sensitive dyes
Methods are provided for a rapid, low cost approach to monitoring an amplification reaction. This includes monitoring the progress of isothermal or PCR amplification reactions to completion using pH-sensitive dyes that are either colored or fluorescent. Compositions are described that include a mixture of a DNA polymerase, deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate and a weak buffer of less than 1 mM Tris or equivalent or no buffer. |
| US09580738B2 |
Method for producing extracellular proteins from genus Tepidimonas
The disclosure provides a method for producing extracellular proteins from genus Tepidimonas, including: performing a fermentation culturing to a bacteria of genus Tepidimonas with a culturing medium to form a fermented liquid, wherein the composition of the culturing medium includes a carbon source which is an organic acid, selected from a group consisting of acetate, lactate and butyrate; a nitrogen source selected from a group consisting of (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3, NH4Cl and urea; phosphate; carbonate; MgCl2; yeast extract; and trace elements, and wherein the gas feeding rate for the fermentation culturing is about 0-0.1 vvm; and after the fermentation culturing is completed, collecting the fermented liquid, wherein the fermented liquid contains extracellular protein secreted from the bacteria of genus Tepidimonas. |
| US09580735B2 |
Saccharifying enzyme composition and method for producing saccharified solution using the same
A saccharifying enzyme composition, by which excellent saccharification performance can be attained even with a low usage thereof, as well as a method for producing a saccharified solution using the same are provided. The saccharifying enzyme composition subjects lignocellulose-based biomass as a substrate to a saccharification treatment. The saccharifying enzyme composition comprises an endoglucanase not containing a cellulose-binding domain, a cellobiohydrolase containing a cellulose-binding domain, and a β-glucosidase containing a cellulose-binding domain. |
| US09580734B2 |
Production of high yields of bacterial polysaccharides
The instant invention provides improved culture, fermentation and purification conditions for preparing Neisseria meningitidis polysaccharides. The invention in particular relates to a novel fermentation medium, optimal feed solution addition strategies and an improved purification process devoid of any chromatographic methods for obtaining high yield of Neisseria meningitidis X polysaccharide. |
| US09580732B2 |
Oxidation and amination of primary alcohols
A method including the steps a) providing a primary alcohol of the formula HO—(CH2)x—R1, where R1 is —OH, —SH, —NH2 or —COOR2; x is at least 3; and R2 is H, alkyl or aryl, b) oxidizing the primary alcohol by contacting it with an NAD(P)+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, and c) contacting the oxidation product of step a) with a transaminase, where the NAD(P)+-alcohol dehydrogenase and/or the transaminase is a recombinant or isolated enzyme. A whole cell catalyst for carrying out the method. The use of such a whole cell catalyst for oxidizing a primary alcohol. |
| US09580731B2 |
Methods of producing 7-carbon chemicals via c1 carbon chain elongation associated with coenzyme B synthesis
This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine or 1,7-heptanediol by forming one or two terminal functional groups, each comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the C1 elongation enzymes or homolog associated with coenzyme B biosynthesis. |
| US09580728B2 |
Methods for isoprene and pinene production in cyanobacteria
Methods of isoprenoid production are provided by the present invention. In particular, transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacteria and methods for producing isoprene and pinene using a host transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacterium are provided. |
| US09580727B1 |
Compositions and methods of engineered CRISPR-Cas9 systems using split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides
The present specification discloses engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn-casPNs), including systems comprising three split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn1-casPN/sn2-casPN/sn3-casPN) and systems comprising two split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn1-casPN/sn2-casPN). Together with a Cas9 protein, the sn-casPNs facilitate site-specific modifications, including cleavage and mutagenesis, of a target polynucleotide in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising sn-casPNs are useful in methods of regulating expression of a target nucleic acid. Methods are described herein for the creation of a variety of engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising two or more sn-casPNs. Polynucleotide sequences, expression cassettes, vectors, compositions, and kits for carrying out a variety of methods are also described. Furthermore, the present specification provides genetically modified cells, compositions of modified cells, transgenic organisms, pharmaceutical compositions, as well as a variety of compositions and methods involving the engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems. |
| US09580726B2 |
Tomato plants comprising transgenic event Bs2-X5
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato comprising transgenic event Bs2-X5 and progeny thereof comprising this transgenic event and uses of such seeds and plants in the production of tomato fruit. The invention thus relates to non-hybrid and hybrid plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of tomato comprising transgenic event Bs2-X5, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09580722B2 |
Transcription factors that regulate nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco
The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding transcription factors and methods of using these nucleic acids to modulate nicotine production in plants and to produce plants having modulated nicotine production. |
| US09580721B2 |
Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code
This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided. |
| US09580720B2 |
Cells and methods for producing rhamnolipids
This invention relates to cells and nucleic acids and also use thereof for producing rhamnolipids, and also methods for producing rhamnolipids. |
| US09580719B2 |
Method for rapidly screening microbial hosts to identify certain strains with improved yield and/or quality in the expression of heterologous proteins
The present invention provides an array for rapidly identifying a host cell population capable of producing a heterologous protein with improved yield and/or quality. The array comprises one or more host cell populations that have been genetically modified to increase the expression of one or more target genes involved in protein production, decrease the expression of one or more target genes involved in protein degradation, or both. One or more of the strains in the array may express the heterologous protein of interest in a periplasm compartment or may secrete the heterologous protein extracellularly through an outer cell wall. The strain arrays are useful for screening for improved expression of any protein of interest including therapeutic proteins, hormones, growth factors, extracellular receptors or ligands, proteases, kinases, blood proteins, chemokines, cytokines, antibodies and the like. |
| US09580716B2 |
Site-specific incorporation of phosphoserine into proteins in Escherichia coli
Nucleic acids encoding mutant elongation factor proteins (EF-Sep), phosphoseryl-tRNA synthetase (SepRS), and phosphoseryl-tRNA (tRNASep) and methods of use in site specific incorporation of phosphoserine into a protein or polypeptide are described. Typically, SepRS preferentially aminoacylates tRNASep with O-phosphoserine and the tRNASep recognizes at least one codon such as a stop codon. Due to the negative charge of the phosphoserine, Sept-tRNASep does not bind elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). However, mutant EF-Sep proteins are disclosed that bind Sep-tRNASep and protect Sep-tRNASep from deacylation. In a preferred embodiment the nucleic acids are on vectors and are expressed in cells such as bacterial cells, archeaebacterial cells, and eukaryotic cells. Proteins or polypeptides containing phosphoserine produced by the methods described herein can be used for a variety of applications such as research, antibody production, protein array manufacture and development of cell-based screens for new drug discovery. |
| US09580712B2 |
Compositions and methods for treatment of prostate and other cancers
Therapeutic agents which target heat shock protein (hsp) 27 in vivo are used to provide treatment to individuals, particularly human individuals, suffering from prostate cancer and other cancers that overexpress hsp27. A therapeutic agent, for example an antisense oligonucleotide or RNAi nucleotide inhibitor with sequence specificity for hsp27 mRNA, for example human hsp27 mRNA, is administered to an individual suffering from prostate cancer or some other cancer expressing elevated levels of hsp 27 in a therapeutically effective amount. The therapeutic agent is suitably formulated into a pharmaceutical composition which includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and packaged in dosage unit form. A preferred dosage unit form is an injectable dosage unit form. |
| US09580707B2 |
Peptide antimicrobials
Provided are methods and compositions for in vivo display and screening of peptides for antimicrobial activity. The methods can include expressing a random peptide library in a microbial cell culture and identifying clones in which microbial cell growth or survival is affected by the peptide expressed by that clone. Also provided are peptide antimicrobials identified using these methods and compositions. |
| US09580706B2 |
Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of threonyl-tRNA synthetases
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications. |
| US09580705B2 |
DHAD variants and methods of screening
Methods of screening for dihydroxy-acid dehydratase (DHAD) variants that display increased DHAD activity are disclosed, along with DHAD variants identified by these methods. Such enzymes can result in increased production of compounds from DHAD requiring biosynthetic pathways. Also disclosed are isolated nucleic acids encoding the DHAD variants, recombinant host cells comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecules, and methods of producing butanol. |
| US09580702B2 |
Thermostable cellobiohydrolase and amino acid substituted variant thereof
A thermostable cellobiohydrolase including a cellobiohydrolase catalytic domain, the cellobiohydrolase catalytic domain including:(A) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1;(B) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence obtained by deletion, substitution or addition of at least one amino acid of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and having at least a cellobiohydrolase activity under conditions of 75° C. and pH 5.5;(C) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and having at least a cellobiohydrolase activity under conditions of 75° C. and pH 5.5;(D) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3;(E) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence obtained by deletion, substitution or addition of at least one amino acid (with a proviso that cysteine residues at positions 291 and 296 in the amino acid sequence are excluded) of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, and having at least a cellobiohydrolase activity under conditions of 75° C. and pH 5.5; or(F) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence (with a proviso that cysteine residues are present at positions 291 and 296) having at least 85% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, and having at least a cellobiohydrolase activity under conditions of 75° C. and pH 5.5. |
| US09580692B2 |
Method for endotoxin removal
The present invention relates to a method for endotoxin removal from a sample comprising the following steps: combining the sample comprising one or more target molecule(s) with a chromatography media comprising beads having an inner porous core functionalized with ligands capable of binding endotoxin and an outer porous layer without functional groups and a pore size small enough to exclude the target molecule from the inner core; and collecting the sample from the media, wherein the sample comprises an endotoxin level which is at least 75% less, preferably 90% less, than before the removal and the yield of the target molecule is at least 75%. |
| US09580689B2 |
Induced pluripotent stem cells
Described herein is a major breakthrough in nuclear reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Fusion of the powerful transcription activation domain (TAD) of MyoD to the Oct4 protein makes iPSCs generation faster, more efficient, purer, safer and feeder-free. Also, disclosed herein is the first report of the use of a TAD fused to a transcription factor as a method for making iPSCs. By combining transcription factors and TADs, this approach to nuclear reprogramming can have a range of applications from inducing pluriopotency to inducing transdifferentiation without transitioning through iPSCs. |
| US09580687B2 |
Method for culturing mesenchymal stem cells
Disclosed is a method for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, comprising culturing mesenchymal stem cells in a medium containing calcium in a concentration of from 2.1 to 3.8 mM and magnesium in a concentration of from 1.0 to 3.0 mM under a hypoxic condition of 2 to 5% oxygen. The culturing method can increase the population of mesenchymal stem cells even with a small number of passages by improving mesenchymal stem cells in proliferative capacity and viability. In addition, the mesenchymal stem cells prepared by the culturing method are effectively used not only as a safe cell therapeutic agent due to their lacking immunogenicity, but also as a cartilage regenerating medicine owing to their excellent secretion of cytokines. |
| US09580686B2 |
MSC surface marker
The present invention relates to the use of at least one antibody which binds to the SUSD2 antigen, or to functional fragments of the antibody, in combination with at least one of the following: an antibody which binds to CD140b, an antibody which binds to CD56, and/or an antibody which binds to TNAP, or functional fragments thereof, for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells, especially those having particularly chondrocytic and osteogenic differentiation potential. The invention further relates to processes for isolating such stem cells using these antibodies. |
| US09580685B2 |
Truncated epiderimal growth factor receptor (EGFRt) for transduced T cell selection
A non-immunogenic selection epitope may be generated by removing certain amino acid sequences of the protein. For example, a gene encoding a truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor polypeptide (EGFRt) that lacks the membrane distal EGF-binding domain and the cytoplasmic signaling tail, but retains an extracellular epitope recognized by an anti-EGFR antibody is provided. Cells may be genetically modified to express EGFRt and then purified without the immunoactivity that would accompany the use of full-length EGFR immunoactivity. Through flow cytometric analysis, EGFRt was successfully utilized as an in vivo tracking marker for genetically modified human T cell engraftment in mice. Furthermore, EGFRt was demonstrated to have cellular depletion potential through cetuximab mediated antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) pathways. Thus, EGFRt may be used as a non-immunogenic selection tool, tracking marker, a depletion tool or a suicide gene for genetically modified cells having therapeutic potential. |
| US09580682B1 |
Method for inducing endodermal and mesodermal differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells by CXCR2 suppression
The present invention relates to a method of inducing the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into endoderm and mesoderm by CXCR2 inhibition, and more particularly, to a method of promoting the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into endoderm and mesoderm by inhibiting the expression of the surface receptor CXCR2 in the stem cells by use of an shRNA technique. The method of inducing the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into endoderm or mesoderm by CXCR2 inhibition according to the present invention can increase the efficiency and utility of stem cells as a cell therapeutic agent, because it promotes the differentiation of stem cells into a specific germ layer serving as the origin of target cells, which is the first important step for inducing the differentiation of stem cells into specific cells. |
| US09580679B2 |
Methods and devices for sample lysis
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for use in preparing a sample. The methods and systems may be used for lysing one or more structures in a sample (e.g., cells, viral particles, etc.). The methods and compositions may comprise a microfluidic chip or use thereof. The microfluidic chips disclosed herein may comprise (a) a substrate comprising a chamber, wherein at least one mechanical element may be located within the chamber; (b) a thermal element in contact with the chamber; and (c) at least one aperture within the surface of the substrate, wherein the aperture may be configured to insulate the chamber. |
| US09580676B2 |
Oenological product comprising compressed pieces of oak wood and a method for preparing such a product
The present invention relates to an oenological product intended to be used in making wine or spirits. This product includes a piece of wood made of compressed pieces of oak wood. |
| US09580675B2 |
Production of low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer with Pichia kluyveri yeast strains
It has unexpectedly been found that a low alcohol or alcohol-free beverage, with a flavor profile very close to a beer of at least 4% (vol/vol) alcohol, can be produced by using Pichia kluyveri yeast strains. In particular, Pichia kluyveri yeast strains only use the glucose in the wort, and have the ability of converting this substrate into a high concentration of specific flavor compounds, which are normally produced by Saccharomyces ssp. yeast strains used for the brewing of beer. In this way the Pichia kluyveri yeast strains can be used to produce either a low alcohol or alcohol-free beverage, depending on the glucose levels in the wort. The main flavor compounds produced by Pichia kluyveri in the fermentation of wort are isoamyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate and ethyl octanoate. |
| US09580674B2 |
Method for adding hops in beer manufacture
The invention relates to a method for adding hops in beer manufacture, having the following process steps; a) separation of a sub-quantity (07a) of water and/or wort (07) and/or beer as an aqueous fluid, b) addition of hop extract (10) in liquid or pasty form to the separated aqueous fluid (07a), c) production of a macroemulsion (13) of the hop extract by emulsifying the hop extract (10) in the aqueous fluid (07a), d) increasing the pressure in the macroemulsion (13) of the hop extract to a feed pressure of in particular higher than 100 bar, e) production of a microemulsion (17) of the hop extract by feeding the pressurized macroemulsion (13) through a gap or a valve (16) or by feeding the pressurized macroemulsion against a baffle plate, f) at least partial return of the microemulsion (17) of the hop extract to the beer manufacturing process. |
| US09580671B2 |
Intercalated bleach compositions, related methods of manufacture and use
The invention relates to compositions, methods of use, and methods of manufacture for an intercalated bleach compound and compositions thereof. The intercalated bleach compound has the formula Mx(OCl)y(O)m(OH)n where M is an alkaline earth metal such as magnesium, calcium or mixture thereof. The values of x and y independently equal any number greater than or equal to 1 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), and m and n independently equal any number greater than or equal to 0 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), but m and n are not both 0. In addition, the molar ratio of the alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium or calcium) to hypochlorite is at least 3:1. In other words, x is ≧3y. The compounds exhibit excellent stability, little or no chlorine bleach odor, exhibit excellent pH buffering characteristics, and less reactivity with organic materials as compared to alternative chlorine bleach products. |
| US09580670B2 |
Consumer product compositions comprising organopolysiloxane conditioning polymers
Consumer product compositions comprising organopolysiloxane conditioning polymers. Also disclosed are processes for making such compositions and to methods of using such compositions to provide a conditioning benefit. |
| US09580665B2 |
Countercurrent oxygen enhanced torrefaction
The invention relates to a method of torrefaction of an optionally predried biomass in a torrefaction reactor such that torrefied biomass and torrefaction gases are obtained, and wherein an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the torrefaction reactor at a first position in the reactor such that oxygen reacts with components of the torrefaction gases under the formation of heat and wherein torrefaction gases are withdrawn from the torrefaction reactor at a second position of the torrefaction reactor and wherein the first position is located downstream of the second position in relation to a biomass transport direction in the torrefaction reactor such that the torrefaction gases moves through the torrefaction reactor countercurrent with the biomass transport and wherein the optionally predried biomass has a temperature of between 30° C. and 230° C., preferably between 50° C. and 200° C., most preferably between 60° C. and 180° C. when entering the torrefaction rector. |
| US09580661B2 |
Integrated hydrocarbon desulfurization with oxidation of disulfides and conversion of SO2 to elemental sulfur
A process to produce a sulfur-free hydrocarbon product stream from a liquid hydrocarbon disulfide product, e.g., of the Merox Process, includes subjecting the hydrocarbon disulfide to a catalytic oxidation step to produce SO2 which is separated from the remaining desulfurized hydrocarbons that form the clean sulfur-free hydrocarbon product stream; the SO2 is introduced into a Claus processing unit with the required stoichiometric amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas to produce elemental sulfur. |
| US09580660B2 |
Deoxygenation of biomass derived oxygenates to hydrocarbons via direct methane intervention
The application describes a process where methane or any short chained hydrocarbon could be catalytically coupled with an oxygenate (preferably derived from thermal processing of biomass) to dehydrate and produce a deoxygenated hydrocarbon. The presence of oxygen in biomass derivatives adversely affects its ability to be further processed into hydrocarbon fuels because the resulting water poisons many catalysts (including alumina containing catalysts, zeolites, etc.) found in petrochemical refineries. While commonly used hydrodeoxygenation methods require expensive hydrogen to instigate deoxygenation, the present process uses short chained hydrocarbons (such as methane or natural gas) to instigate hydrodeoxygenation. |
| US09580652B2 |
Liquid crystal compound, liquid crystal composition including the same and liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal composition
A liquid crystal compound represented by Formula 1: |
| US09580650B1 |
Method of manufacturing Ce:YAG polycrystalline phosphor
A method of manufacturing Ce:YAG polycrystalline phosphor with the formula (Y1-x-mAxCem)3(Al1-yBy)5O12; 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦m≦0.05; wherein A is one of Lu, Tb, Pr, La and Gd; and wherein B is one of Ga, Ti, Mn, Cr and Zr. |
| US09580649B2 |
Process for production of phosphors
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a europium-doped alkaline-earth metal siliconitride or silicooxynitride having increased emission efficiency. The present invention furthermore relates to europium-doped alkaline-earth metal siliconitrides or silicooxynitrides which are obtainable by the preparation process according to the invention, and to the use of the europium-doped alkaline-earth metal siliconitrides or silicooxynitrides according to the invention as conversion phosphors. The present invention furthermore also relates to a light-emitting device which comprises a europium-doped alkaline-earth metal siliconitride or silicooxynitride according to the invention. |
| US09580647B2 |
Simultaneous optimization of absorption and emission of nanocrystals
The present invention relates to low reabsorbing semiconductor nanocrystals having, simultaneously, an emission center core surrounded by at least one absorbing shell capable of absorbing blue or purple light and a protective exterior shell. The emission center core is capable of emitting at least one different wavelength range of light. The low reabsorbing semiconductor nanocrystals demonstrate an absorbance ratio greater than or equal to 10. These low reabsorbing semiconductor nanocrystals can be used in optical applications, some of which can include, for example, light-emitting diodes, solid-state-lighting, solar cells, lasers, and biomedical tags. |
| US09580635B2 |
Polyurea compositions and methods of use
Disclosed are polyurea compositions comprising the reaction products of a polyformal-isocyanate prepolymer and a curing agent comprising an amine. The compositions are useful as sealants in aerospace applications. |
| US09580633B2 |
Reaction resin composition and use thereof
A reaction resin composition that can be used for the chemical fastening of anchoring means in boreholes and for construction gluing is described. The composition includes (A) a resin component, which contains at least one radically hardenable compound and at least one epoxy resin, which contains, on average, more than one epoxy group per molecule, and a (B) hardener component, which contains a hardening agent for at least one radical compound and at least one amine. The radically hardenable compound and hardening agent in each case being reaction-inhibiting spatially separated from one another. In an embodiment the composition contains no Cu—, Mn—, and iron compound, and no bridging compound. The ratio of double bond value to epoxy value nDB:nEP in the resin component is between 0.01 and 0.55 or between 5 and 50. |
| US09580631B2 |
Method of making package viscoelastic compositions by polymerizing ethylenically-unsaturated materials using ionizing radiation
Methods of forming an adhesive composition including the steps of (a) combining a non-deaerated mixture comprising at least one free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material with a sealable packaging, wherein the packaging contains the non-deaerated mixture; (b) sealing the non-deaerated mixture in the packaging to form a sealed packaging; and (c) exposing the non-deaerated mixture in the sealed packaging to a source of ionizing radiation for a time sufficient to initiate (co)polymerization of at least a portion of the at least one free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material to form an adhesive composition in the sealed packaging. The (co)polymerization takes place essentially non-adiabatically. At least a portion of the packaging is meltable and mixable with the adhesive composition so as to provide a flowable coatable adhesive composition when the sealed packaging containing the adhesive composition is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the packaging. |
| US09580630B2 |
Adhesive compound
An adhesive compound consisting essentially of an organic phase and inorganic phase, the organic phase comprising an amorphous aliphatic (co)polymer having a Ring & Ball softening point of between 75 and 180° C., and a second aliphatic material having a Tg of about −5° C. or lower and a kinematic viscosity of 4500 mm2/s at 100° C. or less, wherein said organic components are present in weight amounts of between 95/5 and 10/90; the inorganic phase comprising a filler, the filler being present in amount of at least about 15 wt % in the total composition. The compositions are suitable for anti-corrosion coatings or sealants against filtration or penetration of water or moisture. A rubber material may be added to this compound or other anti-corrosion coatings to increase the yield point at high temperatures. |
| US09580629B2 |
Adhesive having insulative properties
An improved adhesive composition having increased insulative properties is provided. The adhesive composition having improved insulative properties includes a starch component; an alkaline component; sodium tetraborate; water; and a plurality of expandable microspheres. Products having improved insulation capabilities and methods of making the products having improved insulation capabilities are also provided. The present adhesive and products including the adhesive is environmentally friendly. |
| US09580621B2 |
High temperature resistance, radiation curable maskant for metal substrates
A method for shielding a metal substrate surface during the application of heat to the surroundings of the substrate which comprises. A liquid maskant composition is formed which comprises: a) at least one of a polycarbonate urethane diacrylate oligomer, a polycarbonate urethane dimethacrylate oligomer, a polycarbonate caprolactone urethane diacrylate oligomer, or a polycarbonate caprolactone urethane dimethacrylate oligomer; b) a reactive diluent capable of free radical polymerization; and c) a photoinitiator capable of generating free radicals when exposed to actinic radiation. The maskant composition is applied onto a surface of the substrate. The maskant composition is then exposed to sufficient actinic radiation to polymerize or crosslink the composition into a dried maskant. In use the dried maskant is heated on the substrate to a temperature of from about 400° F. to about 600° F. for from about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes, and then the maskant is removed. |
| US09580616B2 |
Dispersants
Compound of Formula (1); wherein: Zw is an organic radical comprising w amino groups, in which w is a number and 5≦w≦3,000; A and B are independently oxy-C1-C20-alkylene carbonyl groups or oxy-C2-C20-alkenylene carbonyl groups derived from hydroxy carboxylic acids or lactones; T is hydrogen or R—CO—, where R is a C1-C50 hydrocarbyl group; Y is a C3-C4-alkylene radical linked to an amino group of Zw; Y′ is an ionic salt link between an amino group of Zw and the terminal carbonyl of (A)r-(B)p-T; r and p are independently numbers between 0 and 50 and r+p>2; s, m and v are numbers; 0.99w≦s+m≦2w; and 0.3w≦s+v≦2w are suitable as dispersants and milling aids. |
| US09580610B2 |
Aluminium oxide pastes and process for the use thereof
The present invention relates to aluminium oxide pastes and to a process for the use of the aluminium oxide pastes for the formation of Al2O3 coatings or mixed Al2O3 hybrid layers. |
| US09580604B2 |
Pentafluorosulfanyl phthalocyanine derivatives and intermediates thereof
Provided is a phthalocyanine derivative of the following general formula (1) which has superior solubility in organic solvents:General formula (1): (wherein M is a hydrogen atom, a metal element, a metalloid element, a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide, a metal hydroxide, a metalloid hydroxide, a metal halide, or a metalloid halide, and R is each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl ethyl group, an aryl ether group, an alkyl sulfide group, an aryl sulfide group, or a trifluoromethyl group). |
| US09580603B2 |
Red thermochromic dyes and their ink compositions
A red leuco dye demonstrates unusually good thermal and photo stability. The red dye may be used with developers and wax carries for microencapsulation to form thermochromic pigments for use in inks, coatings and the like. This pigment is particularly desirable for use in metal-deco coatings, such as those used in aluminum cans in high beverage canning operations. |
| US09580602B2 |
Methods and systems for processing lignin during hydrothermal digestion of cellulosic biomass solids
Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids may be complicated by lignin release therefrom, which can produce a highly viscous phenolics liquid phase comprising lignin polymer. Methods for digesting cellulosic biomass solids may comprise: providing cellulosic biomass solids in the presence of a digestion solvent, molecular hydrogen, and a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; at least partially converting the cellulosic biomass solids into a phenolics liquid phase comprising lignin, an aqueous phase comprising an alcoholic component derived from the cellulosic biomass solids, and an optional light organics phase; wherein at least a portion of the slurry catalyst accumulates in the phenolics liquid phase as it forms; and reducing the viscosity of the phenolics liquid phase. |
| US09580597B2 |
Polycarbonate composition and article comprising the same
The present invention relates to a polycarbonate composition including a polycarbonate and an impact reinforcing agent, and an inorganic filler to improve a mechanical property thereof, and a copolycarbonate to solve a problem of appearance defect caused by including the inorganic filler. |
| US09580594B2 |
FDCA-based polyesters
A polymer comprising reaction product of (a) one or more diacid or diester thereof, and (b) one or more polyol, wherein component (a) comprises 5 to 100 mole %, based on the total amount of component (a), of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), or one or more C1 to C10 alkyl diester thereof, and component (b) comprises a mixture of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, or combinations thereof. |
| US09580593B2 |
Fiber reinforced composite
The present invention relates to a fiber reinforced composite comprising a reinforcing constituent of fibers embedded in a resin matrix, wherein the resin matrix comprises epoxy resin crosslinked with aminated lignin. The invention further relates to a method for the production of a fiber reinforced composite. |
| US09580591B2 |
Use of hybrid copolymers as protective colloids for polymers
Water-redispersible polymer powders having a high proportion of base polymer are prepared by spray drying a base polymer dispersion, employing as a spraying aid, a hybrid copolymer prepared by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of a water soluble polymer. |
| US09580589B2 |
Polyvinyl chloride mixture and preparation method therefor
The present invention discloses a polyvinyl chloride mixture and a preparation method thereof. The mixture comprises the following components in parts be weight: (a) polyvinyl chloride resin of 100 parts and (b) a toughening modifier of 2-20 parts, the toughening modifier being rubber powder whose elongation at break is 1601%-2200% and which contains the percentage of chlorine of 5-45 wt %. The elongation at break of the polyvinyl chloride mixture of the present inventions is greatly improved, and the defect of low elongation at break of the polyvinyl chloride product is substantially solved accordingly; therefore, the application scope of polyvinyl chloride surely will be greatly widened. |