| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09582298B2 |
Executing commands within virtual machine instances
Technologies are disclosed herein for executing commands within virtual machine (“VM”) instances. A public web service application programming interface (“API”) is exposed within a service provider network that includes methods relating to the execution of commands within VM instances. For example, the API might include a method for obtaining a list of the commands that can be executed within a VM instance. The API might also include a method for requesting the execution of a command within a VM instance. The API might also include a method for requesting data describing the status of the execution of a command within a VM instance. The API might also expose other methods. A software agent executing on a VM instance may be utilized to provide a list of commands that can be executed in the VM, to execute requested commands, and to provide data describing the status of execution of a command. |
| US09582297B2 |
Policy-based data placement in a virtualized computing environment
An example method is provided to perform policy-based data placement in a virtualized computing environment. The method may comprise receiving a request to create a virtual disk for a virtual machine in the virtualized computing environment. The request may include a usage type associated with the virtual disk. The method may further comprise, based on a data placement policy associated with the usage type, determining a datastore on which to place the virtual disk and to store data of the usage type associated with the virtual disk. |
| US09582295B2 |
Architectural mode configuration
A determination is made that a configuration architectural mode facility is installed in a computing environment that is configured for a plurality of architectural modes and has a defined power-on sequence that is to power-on the computing environment in one architectural mode of the plurality of architectural modes. Based on determining that the configuration architectural mode facility is installed, the computing environment is reconfigured to restrict use of the one architectural mode. The reconfiguring includes selecting a different power-on sequence to power-on the computing environment in another architectural mode of the plurality of architectural modes, wherein the another architectural mode is different from the one architectural mode, and executing the different power-on sequence to power-on the computing environment in the another architectural mode in place of the one architectural mode restricting use of the one architectural mode. |
| US09582294B1 |
Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for automatic internationalization of grammatical output
Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are provided for automatically internationalizing grammatical output for presentation to a user of a program based on the user's locale. In particular, AST transformations are described that cause a compiler to generate a programming method during compilation of a portion of source code containing a predefined token, where the programming method is incorporated (by the compiler) into a file produced by the compiler and serves to call an instance of a message bundle file that provides translation of grammatical output without requiring the programmer/developer to manually incorporate individual message bundles into each portion of source code to be internationalized. |
| US09582290B2 |
Wireless initialization of electronic devices for first time use
Apparatuses, devices, and methods of initializing an electronic device such as a wrist-worn device are provided. An optical input device may read the display of the wrist-worn device to obtain input corresponding to a pairing token presented at the display. An optical input processor may process the input to identify the pairing token. The pairing token may be provided to the wrist-worn device during a handshake process in order to establish a wireless communications session with the wrist-worn device. An initialization process may be performed via the wireless communication session. The initialization process may initialize the wrist-worn device such that a user may operate the wrist-worn device following the initialization process. |
| US09582284B2 |
Performance of processors is improved by limiting number of branch prediction levels
A method utilizes information provided by performance monitoring hardware to dynamically adjust the number of levels of speculative branch predictions allowed (typically 3 or 4 per thread) for a processor core. The information includes cycles-per-instruction (CPI) for the processor core and number of memory accesses per unit time. If the CPI is below a CPI threshold; and the number of memory accesses (NMA) per unit time is above a prescribed threshold, the number of levels of speculative branch predictions is reduced per thread for the processor core. Likewise, the number of levels of speculative branch predictions could be increased, from a low level to maximum allowed, if the CPI threshold is exceeded or the number of memory accesses per unit time is below the prescribed threshold. |
| US09582283B2 |
Transfer triggered microcontroller with orthogonal instruction set
A microcontroller includes a program memory, data memory, central processing unit, at least one register module, a memory management unit, and a transport network. Instructions are executed in one clock cycle via an instruction word. The instruction word indicates the source module from which data is to be retrieved and the destination module to which data is to be stored. The address/data capability of an instruction word may be extended via a prefix module. If an operation is performed on the data, the source module or the destination module may perform the operation during the same clock cycle in which the data is transferred. |
| US09582280B2 |
Branching to alternate code based on runahead determination
The description covers a system and method for operating a micro-processing system having a runahead mode of operation. In one implementation, the method includes providing, for a first portion of code, a runahead correlate. When the first portion of code is encountered by the micro-processing system, a determination is made as to whether the system is operating in the runahead mode. If so, the system branches to the runahead correlate, which is specifically configured to identify and resolve latency events likely to occur when the first portion of code is encountered outside of runahead. Branching out of the first portion of code may also be performed based on a determination that a register is poisoned. |
| US09582275B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining a call stack to an event of interest and analyzing the same
In one embodiment, a processor includes a performance monitor including a last branch record (LBR) stack to store a call stack to an event of interest, where the call stack is collected responsive to a trigger for the event. The processor further includes logic to control the LBR stack to operate in a call stack mode such that an entry to a call instruction for a leaf function is cleared on return from the leaf function. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09582272B1 |
Method and system for remote computing session management
A method and apparatus for image encoding. In one embodiment, the method comprises encoding a first image portion by a first encoder associated with a first processor at a host system; dynamically determining a requirement to encode a second image portion by the first encoder or by a second encoder associated with a second processor at the host system; and encoding, based on the requirement, the second image portion by the first encoder or the second encoder. |
| US09582271B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying software performance influencers
Described are a system and method for identifying variables which impact performance of software under development. Data is collected that is related to performance characteristics of the software under development. Performance change gradients are determined between previous builds of the software under development. A set of performance change factors are generated from the collected data that corresponds to each performance change gradient. Performance characteristic data corresponding to a current build of the software under development are compared to the performance change gradients. At least one fault component from the set of performance change factors that influences performance of the current build is output in response to the comparison between the performance characteristic data corresponding to the current build and the plurality of performance change gradients. |
| US09582269B1 |
Adaptable applications in a client/server architecture
Adapting web-based applications in a client/server web-based architecture is provided. At least a first version and a second version of a client/server application is provided. An adaptable application platform monitors a client and a server in a client/server web-based architecture for one or more performance characteristics. If one or more configurable performance characteristics exceeds a threshold, the adaptable application platform switches dynamically between executing the first version to executing the second version. The first version is server preferring and the second version is client preferring. |
| US09582259B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing template-based applications
An approach is provided for template or component-based applications. A service platform determines one or more application components preloaded on at least one device. The service platform causes, at least in part, a generation of code for at least one application. The code is at least one graph of one or more references to the application components. The service platform then causes, at least in part, a transmission of the code to the at least one device, wherein the code is processed by the at least one device to construct the application from the application components. |
| US09582257B2 |
Package design and generation
Solution packages for a product for deployment on a collection of servers can be designed using one or more designers that provide user interfaces for visually arranging and configuring elements of the product. A package object model includes a managed object model that represents a package or feature manifest as defined by a product manifest XML schema. The object model can be used to create references to other project item and feature definitions. The extended object model can be used to generate an equivalent package or feature manifest XML file. |
| US09582255B1 |
Method of splitting register live ranges
A method, executed by a computer, for splitting live register ranges includes identifying one or more H pathways comprising one or more H nodes having high register pressure, identifying an L pathway consisting of two or more L nodes, and inserting register splitting instructions for each symbolic register that is live in both the one or more H pathways and the L pathway, wherein the register splitting instructions are inserted at a starting node of the one or more H pathways. A computer program product and computer system corresponding to the above method are also disclosed herein. |
| US09582254B2 |
Generating runtime components
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for generating runtime components in various hardware and software computer systems. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention describe a design-time interface by which applications may be designed, generated, and deployed in accordance within the underlying source systems of a computer system. Components may be selected, customized, and linked together to form a functional end-to-end application based on a multitude of underlying technologies within a system. Upon completion of the application design, application metadata and/or runtime components may be generated and deployed within the computer system. During execution, such the runtime components deployed within the system may collaborate to receive and process event streams from various event sources, analyze incoming data, and generate logical transaction objects, alerts, and other responses using various source systems. |
| US09582252B1 |
Adaptively shrinking software
Methods, articles, signals, and systems are provided for adaptively shrinking software. The software includes one or more adaptive features. A tracking facility tracks use of the adaptive features, and when it is determined that a given feature is unwanted or unnecessary in the software configuration preferred by a given user, a separation facility separates the feature from the rest of the software. The feature is then archived or deleted. In this manner, resources such as disk space are conserved, program load time and memory requirements are reduced, and user interfaces and supporting code are tailored to meet the needs of particular users. |
| US09582251B2 |
Algorithm to achieve optimal layout of decision logic elements for programmable network devices
A processing network including a plurality of lookup and decision engines (LDEs) each having one or more configuration registers and a plurality of on-chip routers forming a matrix for routing the data between the LDEs, wherein each of the on-chip routers is communicatively coupled with one or more of the LDEs. The processing network further including an LDE compiler stored on a memory and communicatively coupled with each of the LDEs, wherein the LDE compiler is configured to generate values based on input source code that when programmed into the configuration registers of the LDEs cause the LDEs to implement the functionality defined by the input source code. |
| US09582248B2 |
Standalone floating-point conversion unit
A data processing apparatus includes floating-point adder circuitry and floating-point conversion circuitry that generates a floating-point number as an output by performing a conversion on any input having a format from a list of formats including: an integer number, a fixed-point number, and a floating-point number having a format smaller than the output floating-point number. The floating-point conversion circuitry is physically distinct from the floating-point adder circuitry. |
| US09582247B1 |
Preserving data correlation in asynchronous collaborative authoring systems
To prevent correlated data from being inadvertently altered by subsequent modifications or additions, changes to correlated data are automatically detected. Corrections may be automatically applied to data to preserve data correlation. Change detection data is determined from an initial correlation between source data and dependent data. The change detection data is stored in association with the dependent data. A subsequent evaluation of the data defines a current correlation between the source data and the dependent data. The current correlation is evaluated with the change detection data to determine if the current correlation differs from the initial correlation. If the current correlation between source data and dependent data does not match the initial correlation, the current correlation is reevaluated using topological; geometric, or other analysis techniques. The reevaluated correlation can be provided as part of the authored state of a computer graphics component. |
| US09582246B2 |
Voice-command suggestions based on computer context
A contextual state of a graphical user interface presented via a display of the computing system is identified. A voice command is selected from a set of voice commands based on the contextual state of the graphical user interface. A context-specific voice-command suggestion corresponding to the selected voice command is identified. A graphical user interface including the context-specific voice-command suggestion is presented via a display. |
| US09582245B2 |
Electronic device, server and control method thereof
Provided are a display apparatus, a control method thereof, a server, and a control method thereof. The display apparatus includes: a processor which processes a signal; a display which displays an image based on the processed signal; a command receiver which receives a voice command; a communicator which communicates with a first server; a storage; and a controller which receives, from the first server, a voice recognition command list comprising a voice recognition command and control command information corresponding to the voice recognition command, and stores the received voice recognition command list in the storage, the voice recognition command being among user's voice commands which have successfully been recognized a predetermined number of times or more, determines whether the voice command corresponds to the voice recognition command included in the voice recognition command list, and if so, controls the processor to operate based on the control command information, and if not, transmits the voice command to the first server, receives corresponding control command information from the first server, and controls the processor to operate based on the received control command information. |
| US09582243B2 |
Gaming system, a sound controller, and a method of gaming
A method of gaming comprising: outputting a plurality of different game accompanying sounds individually during at least part of play of one or more games; and outputting two or more sounds together in response to at least one game event occurring. |
| US09582241B2 |
Control apparatus and control method thereof
A control apparatus, according to the present invention, for controlling a display apparatus having a liquid crystal panel and a backlight which is configured from a plurality of divided regions and which emits light, with one or more divided regions as one light-emitting unit, based on decided emission brightness of each light-emitting unit, comprises a control unit that sets, upon displaying a second image formed by enlarging a first image, a size of the light-emitting unit larger in comparison to a case of displaying the first image according to an enlargement ratio of the second image relative to the first image. |
| US09582225B2 |
Document solution management platform in a decentralized environment
Apparatus and methods related to a framework for carrying out tasks using transactions with printing networks are provided. The framework is provided to utilize a printing network. The printing network can include a plurality of printing-related devices that include at least one of: a cloud server, a print server, a controlling computing device, a client computing device, and a printing device. The framework can be configured to enable one or more operations to be performed by at least some of the plurality of printing-related devices. Software of the framework can be installed on each of the plurality of printing-related devices. The framework can be utilized to enable an operation of the one or more operations to be performed by at least some of the plurality of printing-related devices. |
| US09582223B2 |
Efficient reclamation of pre-allocated direct memory access (DMA) memory
For efficient reclamation of pre-allocated direct memory access (DMA) memory in a computing environment, hot-add random access memory (RAM) is emulated for a general purpose use by reclamation of pre-allocated DMA memory reserved at boot time for responding to an emergency by notifying a non-kernel use device user that the non-kernel use device has a smaller window, stopping and remapping to the smaller window, and notifying a kernel that new memory has been added, wherein the new memory is a region left after the remap. |
| US09582222B2 |
Pre-cache similarity-based delta compression for use in a data storage system
A data storage caching architecture supports using native local memory such as host-based RAM, and if available, Solid State Disk (SSD) memory for storing pre-cache delta-compression based delta, reference, and independent data by exploiting content locality, temporal locality, and spatial locality of data accesses to primary (e.g. disk-based) storage. The architecture makes excellent use of the physical properties of the different types of memory available (fast r/w RAM, low cost fast read SSD, etc) by applying algorithms to determine what types of data to store in each type of memory. Algorithms include similarity detection, delta compression, least popularly used cache management, conservative insertion and promotion cache replacement, and the like. |
| US09582216B2 |
Method and device to distribute code and data stores between volatile memory and non-volatile memory
A method, device, and system to distribute code and data stores between volatile and non-volatile memory are described. In one embodiment, the method includes storing one or more static code segments of a software application in a phase change memory with switch (PCMS) device, storing one or more static data segments of the software application in the PCMS device, and storing one or more volatile data segments of the software application in a volatile memory device. The method then allocates an address mapping table with at least a first address pointer to point to each of the one or more static code segments, at least a second address pointer to point to each of the one or more static data segments, and at least a third address pointer to point to each of the one or more volatile data segments. |
| US09582213B2 |
Object store architecture for distributed data processing system
Embodiments described herein provide an object store that efficiently manages and services objects for use by clients of a distributed data processing system. Illustratively, the object store may be embodied as a quasi-shared storage system that interacts with nodes of the distributed data processing system to service the objects as blocks of data stored on a plurality of storage devices, such as disks, of the storage system. To that end, an architecture of the object store may include an on-disk layout, e.g., of the storage system, and an incore layout, e.g., of the nodes, that cooperate to illustratively convert the blocks to objects for access by the clients. |
| US09582207B1 |
Queued parallel processing of block handling for virtual tape control units
Embodiments are described for a method and system for performing data writes in a virtual tape emulation system. A parallel processing component receives data blocks from a mainframe host and upon receipt provides indication to the mainframe that a current block is received so that the mainframe can proceed to send the next block while the current block is processed. The component initiates parallel processing of the received block in a separate task, and as the operation completes, the data is written to non-tape media in a block-wise manner. |
| US09582205B2 |
Protection scheme with dual programming of a memory system
A memory system or flash memory device may include a linking or grouping of blocks that are used for dual writing. In particular, meta-blocks in the memory may be linked in such a way that enables a data transfer to simultaneously occur in two meta-blocks. The dual versions of the programming may be used for error correction. If there is a failure or write error in one of the meta-blocks, then the data from the other meta-block may be used. If there is no failure then the secondary meta-block may be erased. |
| US09582200B2 |
Storage apparatus, method of controlling storage apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium having stored therein storage apparatus control program
A storage apparatus includes a processor. The processor calculates an upper limit of an input/output processing amount, which is determined based on priority levels set to a plurality of storage devices, for each storage device. The processor schedules an execution sequence of processes relating to input/output requests received from information processing apparatuses based on processing amounts relating to the input/output requests and the upper limits. The processor executes the processes relating to the input/output requests in the scheduled execution sequence. The processor is configured to determine, for each storage device, whether or not a processing amount of the storage device exceeds a processing bandwidth of the each storage device for a first predetermined time. The processor changes the upper limit for each storage device in a predetermined bandwidth accommodation unit in a case where the processing amount for each storage device is determined to exceed the processing bandwidth. |
| US09582198B2 |
Compressed block map of densely-populated data structures
Embodiments of the disclosure provide techniques for creating a compressed mapping structure in a system of resources. For example, a distributed resources system may use delta encoding to store, in memory, numerous entries of dense data structures in the system. In a compressed block of such entries, the distributed resources system encodes the key of each entry as the delta from the key of the previous entry. The content of each entry is encoded similarly. The distributed resources system suppresses the leading zero bits of each resulting field. |
| US09582191B2 |
Memory block quality identification in a memory
Methods of operating electronic systems having a memory include reading indications of memory block quality from a plurality of memory blocks of the memory in which a memory defect has been detected, wherein a value of the indication of memory block quality stored in a respective memory block of the plurality of memory blocks indicates a type of memory defect detected in the respective memory block, and, in response to the values of the indications of memory block quality, deeming a first portion of memory blocks of the plurality of memory blocks as usable, allocating a second portion of memory blocks of the plurality of memory blocks for storing only data of a particular type, and indicating a third portion of memory blocks of the plurality of memory blocks as defective. |
| US09582190B2 |
Time management using time-dependent changes to memory
A time manager controls one or more timing functions on a circuit. The time manager includes a data storage and a time calculator. The data storage device stores a first indication of a performance characteristic of a memory cell at a first time. The data storage device also stores a second indication of the performance characteristic of the memory cell at a second time. The time calculator is coupled to the data storage device. The time calculator calculates a time duration between the first time and the second time based on a change in the performance characteristic of the memory cell from the first indication to the second indication. |
| US09582189B2 |
Dynamic tuning of memory in MapReduce systems
Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamic tuning of memory in MapReduce systems are provided herein. A method includes analyzing (i) memory usage of a first sub-set of multiple tasks associated with a MapReduce job and (ii) an amount of data utilized across the first sub-set of the multiple tasks; determining a memory size to be allocated to the first sub-set of the multiple tasks based on said analyzing, wherein said memory size minimizes a cost function related to said memory usage and said amount of data utilized; performing a task-wise performance comparison among a second sub-set of the multiple tasks associated with the MapReduce job using the determined memory size to be allocated to the first sub-set of the multiple tasks to generate a set of memory allocation results; and dynamically applying the set of memory allocation results to one or more additional tasks associated with the MapReduce job. |
| US09582186B2 |
Signature verification between a mobile device and a computing device
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium has stored therein instructions, which when executed by a mobile device, cause the mobile device to: provide, at a processing circuit, a signal to a transmitting electrode of a first touch panel; transmit, at the transmitting electrode, the signal to a receiving electrode of a second touch panel of a computing device; and perform further operation with the computing device when the signal corresponds to a signature stored in the computing device. |
| US09582182B2 |
Team gaming machine and method therefor
A system and method for allowing multiple players to place independent wagers on a single game is disclosed. The game may be played on either a gaming machine or at a gaining event. A main player is physically located at a system operator, such as a casino. Additional players may join the main player and place wagers on the games that the main player is playing. The wagers that the additional players place are treated and paid out independently from the wagers placed by the main player. Furthermore, the players and the main player may communicate with each other throughout the betting process. The gaming machine may have an input module, an output module, a communication module, and a processor that all allow multiple players to place independent wagers on a single game. |
| US09582180B2 |
Automated touch screen zoom
Systems and techniques are described for automated zoom and selection of content on a touch screen device. A described technique includes receiving a first touch input contacting a touch screen display of a user device at a first position in a user interface presented at a first magnification, while continuing to receive the first touch input determining that a duration of the first touch input has exceeded a predetermined threshold duration, and increasing, based on determining that the duration of the first touch input has exceeded than the predetermined threshold duration, the magnification of the user interface to a second magnification, and performing an action based on the first touch input. |
| US09582179B2 |
Apparatus and method for editing image in portable terminal
An apparatus and a method for editing an image in a portable terminal which can conveniently edit the image are provided. The apparatus for editing the image includes a touch screen unit for displaying an image, and a controller for controlling such that, when one or more edit points are selected from edit points displayed in the image in an image edit mode, an edit function window for editing the selected one or more edit points is displayed. |
| US09582178B2 |
Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces
Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment of a method comprises receiving a first sensor signal from a touch-sensitive input device in response to a first contact of a first object on the touch-sensitive input device, the first sensor signal comprising a first location and a first pressure of the first contact, receiving a second sensor signal from the touch-sensitive input device in response to a second contact of a second object on the touch-sensitive input device substantially simultaneously with the first contact, the second sensor signal comprising a second location of the second contact and a second pressure of the second contact, generating a signal based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the signal configured to cause a haptic effect, and outputting the signal. |
| US09582173B1 |
Navigation control for an electronic device
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for suggesting search queries relevant to a user's context. One of the methods includes providing a navigation control for navigating in a graphical space. A portion of a large-scale graphical space is displayed on a screen of an electronic device and a navigation control is generated and displayed on the screen. The navigation control includes a ring-shaped graphical entity and a knob graphical entity positioned at point on the ring-shaped graphical entity. A zooming user input can be received to the navigation control, and in response, zooming in the graphical space is provided. The zooming user input includes the user selecting the knob graphical entity and tracing a shape of the ring-shaped graphical entity with the knob graphical entity in either a first direction to zoom in or in a second direction to zoom out. |
| US09582172B2 |
Display control apparatus and method, image display apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A display control apparatus includes a first controller, a detector, and a second controller. The first controller performs control to divide a display region of a display into divided regions arranged in a first direction, for which attributes of images are determined, and to collectively display images in the divided regions according to each classification item. The display includes a specifying unit specifying a position in the display region and an operation on the displayed image. The detector detects a scrolling operation in a second direction intersecting the first direction. When the scrolling operation is detected and particular divided regions in which images belonging to the same classification item are displayed exist, the second controller performs control to scroll images collectively displayed according to each classification item in the second direction at speeds at which predetermined positions of the displayed images are synchronous among the particular divided regions. |
| US09582170B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing a configurable display environment
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in order to manage a medical imaging study display environment. The method includes receiving, from at least one display device coupled to a medical imaging workstation, display environment context data. The method also includes extracting, by processing circuitry, metadata from a medical imaging study accessed by the medical imaging workstation, determining based at least in part on the metadata, image viewing context data, determining, based on the display environment context data and the image viewing context data, whether a display environment of the medical imaging workstation complies with one or more rules for viewing the medical imaging study, and in response to determining that the display environment of the medical imaging workstation does not comply with the one or more rules, performing at least one action before allowing viewing of the medical imaging study to proceed. |
| US09582167B2 |
Real-time management of presentation delivery
Managing the delivery of a presentation in real-time includes receiving a presentation including a plurality of slides, wherein each slide of the plurality of slides is allocated an amount of time for display during delivery of the presentation and is associated with a slide subject, determining subjects of interest for an audience of the presentation from a social media website, and correlating, using a processor, the subjects of interest with the plurality of slides of the presentation. A recommendation is generated using the processor. The recommendation specifies a modification to the presentation according to the correlation of subjects of interest with the plurality of slides of the presentation. Further, the recommendation is indicated using a display. |
| US09582164B2 |
Dialysis apparatus with versatile user interface and method and computer program therefor
An apparatus, method and computer program for performing a plurality of operation steps of a dialysis process is disclosed. In one embodiment, a process controller controls the apparatus to perform the operation steps, monitor the dialysis process and monitor sensor inputs of sensors of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a user interface (“UI”), comprising a display, an input device and a UI controller, wherein the UI controller enables presentation of graphical data on the display, enables user interaction with the graphical data and exchanges information with the process controller. Each of the operation steps is classified as a sequential operation step or a non-sequential operation step. The UI controller, for each of the operation steps, dynamically controls enabling and disabling of interaction with displayed corresponding operation step items based on a state of the respective operation step (i.e., completed, non-completed, selectable, non-selectable). |
| US09582162B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, storage medium and information processing method
A non-limiting example game system includes an information processing apparatus that functions as a game apparatus to which a terminal device and a television are connected. A game screen is displayed on the television and an item screen is displayed on an LCD of the terminal device, for example. If a player touches-on an item in the item screen and drags the item onto an assigning image, and then, performs a touch-off, the item is assigned to an operating button corresponding to the assigning image. When an item is touched-on, images corresponding to the item and the assigning image are displayed on the game screen in a superposed manner. |
| US09582161B2 |
Configurable animated scatter plots
In embodiments of configurable animated scatter plots, a data visualization interface includes a charting region to display data points in a scatter plot format. A scatter plot application is implemented to receive a request to display the data visualization interface at a client device, and initiate a display of the data points in a scatter plot in the charting region of the data visualization interface at the client device. The scatter plot application is implemented to then recursively update the display of the data points based on sequential data for each of the data points effective to animate a progression of the data points in the scatter plot over a time duration. The next sequential data is obtained for each of the data points and the display of each of the data points in the scatter plot is updated at a respective position based on the next sequential data. |
| US09582153B1 |
Converging tool terminology
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for automatically generating a display to present different terms. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to identify a first and a second user using applications in a software as a service (SaaS) environment and store, for the first and the second user, a first term associated with the first user and a second term associated with the second user in the SaaS environment. Responsive to identifying the first term associated with the first user and the second term associated with the second user have functionally equivalent definitions, embodiments of the present invention can replace the second term associated with the second user with the first term associated with the first user and generate a display for the first term associated with the first user that replaced the second term associated with the second user. |
| US09582152B2 |
Medical image providing apparatus and medical image processing method of the same
Provided is a medical image providing apparatus including: a display configured to display a first image including an object; a user interface (UI) configured to output a first list comprising at least one protocol applied while scanning the object in response to in response to a first region included in the first image being selected, and to receive a selection of a first protocol included in the first list; and a controller configured to control to overlay and display a second image reconstructed by using image data obtained by applying the first protocol, on the first region of the first image. |
| US09582150B2 |
User terminal, electronic device, and control method thereof
A photographing device is provided, including a photographing unit, an image processor which separates an object from a first photographing image obtained by the photographing unit, a display which displays background live view on which the separated object is superimposed, and a controller which obtains a second photographing image corresponding to the background live view when a command to shoot a background is input, and generates a composite image by adding the separated object onto the second photographing image. Accordingly, a composite image may be easily generated. |
| US09582146B2 |
Causing display of search results
Apparatus has at least one processor and at least one memory having computer-readable code stored thereon which when executed controls the at least one processor: to cause a list of search results to be displayed, each of the search results being caused to be displayed with a number of elements of associated information, wherein the number is greater than or equal to zero; after a predetermined time period in which no user input is received, to cause the number of elements of associated information that are displayed for each of plural ones of the search results to be increased; and to respond to a user initiated scroll command after the number of elements of associated information that are caused to be displayed for each of plural ones of the search results has been increased by causing the number of elements of associated information that are displayed to be decreased. |
| US09582144B2 |
Three-dimensional, multi-depth presentation of icons associated with a user interface
A three-dimensional display presents a plurality of icons that are associated with a user interface. These icons include at least a first icon presented at a first depth of presentation and at least a second icon presented at a second, different depth of presentation. By one approach this first icon is available for interaction by an input component of the user interface while the second icon is unavailable for interaction by the input component of the user interface. The aforementioned first depth of presentation may be substantially coincide with a surface, for example, a touch-sensitive display, of the corresponding electronic device. So configured, the first icon (which is presently available for selection) appears at a depth that coincides with that surface. This approach can serve to facilitate three-dimensional presentation of an icon based on whether it is available for interaction via an input component of a user interface. |
| US09582143B2 |
User input device and method
In accordance with one implementation, a method is illustrated that allows a computing device to determine a user input. The method includes detecting one or more user input objects in a 3-dimensional field relative to a 2-dimensional surface. The method also includes determining coordinates for the one or more user input objects relative to the 2-dimensional surface. And, the method further includes determining a user input based on the coordinates. |
| US09582140B2 |
Multi-touch object inertia simulation
The inertia system provides a common platform and application-programming interface (API) for applications to extend the input received from various multi-touch hardware devices to simulate real-world behavior of application objects. To move naturally, application objects should exhibit physical characteristics such as elasticity and deceleration. When a user lifts all contacts from an object, the inertia system provides additional manipulation events to the application so that the application can handle the events as if the user was still moving the object with touch. The inertia system generates the events based on a simulation of the behavior of the objects. If the user moves an object into another object, the inertia system simulates the boundary characteristics of the objects. Thus, the inertia system provides more realistic movement for application objects manipulated using multi-touch hardware and the API provides a consistent feel to manipulations across applications. |
| US09582135B2 |
Multiple display modes for a pane in a graphical user interface
Systems and methods for providing multiple display modes for a pane in a graphical user interface are provided. In some implementations, a computer-implemented method for displaying a pane in a user interface, includes: in a first display mode: displaying the pane in the user interface, wherein display of the pane persists regardless of a position of a pointer icon in the user interface; and ceasing to display the pane in response to detecting selection of an indicator; and in a second display mode: displaying the pane in the user interface, wherein display of the pane persists while the pointer icon is positioned over the indicator or within the perimeter of the pane; and ceasing to display the pane in response to detecting that the pointer icon is no longer positioned over the indicator or within the perimeter of the pane. |
| US09582130B2 |
Transparent conductor and touch panel
The transparent conductor includes a transparent substrate, a first metal oxide layer, a metal layer, and a second metal oxide layer laminated. At least one of the first and the second metal oxide layers contains four components of Al2O3, ZnO, SnO2, and Ga2O3. X, Y, and Z are within a region surrounded by line segments between point a, point b, point c, point d, point e, and point f, in terms of (X, Y, Z) coordinates shown in a ternary diagram in FIG. 2, or on the line segments where X is a total molar ratio of the Al2O3 and the ZnO, Y is a molar ratio of the SnO2, and Z is a molar ratio of the Ga2O3, relative to the total amount of the four components. A molar ratio of the Al2O3 relative to the total amount of the four components is 1.5 to 3.5% by mole. |
| US09582122B2 |
Touch-sensitive bezel techniques
Touch-sensitive bezel techniques are described. In one or more implementations, touch sensors located in a display portion and a bezel portion detect a touch input and determine, based on one or more characteristics of the touch input, a likelihood that a user intends or does not intend to interact with the computing device. A location of a centroid of an area of the touch input is on such characteristic that can be utilized. In at least some implementations, the bezel portion has display capabilities such that when a touch input is detected, the display capabilities in a region of the bezel portion can be made active to cause a menu to be displayed in the region of the bezel. |
| US09582120B2 |
Display device, mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A display device which may enhance recognition precision of an operation command input by a user, a mobile terminal which communicates with the display device, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The display device includes a display panel, an image collector configured to collect an image of an object in a first direction, a communicator configured to receive an image of the object collected in a second direction by a mobile terminal, and a controller configured to process the collected image and the received image together into a processed image, to recognize a motion of the processed image, determine an operation command corresponding to the recognized motion, and control an operation of the display panel based on the determined operation command. |
| US09582119B2 |
Interactive input system and method
An image capture method comprises generating a synchronization signal based on modulated illumination; and synchronizing image frame capture of at least one image sensor using the synchronization signal with the illumination timing of an active pointer within a region of interest in the field of view of the at least one image sensor. |
| US09582117B2 |
Pressure, rotation and stylus functionality for interactive display screens
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to touch and gesture recognition with an electronic interactive display. The interactive display has a front surface that includes a viewing area, a planar light guide disposed proximate to and behind the front surface, a light source, and at least one photo sensing element coupled with the first planar light guide. The planar light guide is configured to receive scattered light, the received scattered light resulting from interaction between light emitted by the light source and an object in optical contact with the front surface. The photo sensing element is configured to detect at least some of the received scattered light and to output, to a processor, image data. The processor is configured to recognize, from the image data, one or both of a contact pressure and a rotational orientation of the object. |
| US09582113B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving coordinate accuracy of a touch panel
A method for improving coordinate accuracy of a touch panel having sensing lines arranged to form an array includes the steps of: detecting existence of a touch point influencing at least one sensing line; determining existence of an edge sensing line; providing signal strengths to the at least one sensing line and a sensing line immediately adjacent to the at least one sensing line; generating a virtual sensing line extending out the touch panel and immediately adjacent to the at least one sensing line; providing a signal strength to the virtual sensing line; and obtaining actual coordinate of the touch point by weighing coordinates of the at least one sensing line, the sensing line immediately adjacent to the at least one sensing line and the virtual sensing line via system generated coordinates. |
| US09582109B2 |
Method for detecting touch panel noise and performing signal control and associated controller
A method for detecting noise of a touch panel and performing signal control is provided, where the method may determine how many cycles of frame data are influenced by noise, may determine whether the frame data is influenced by noise by determining whether a number of cycles influenced by noise is greater than a first threshold value or not, and may determine whether a number of continuous frame data determined to be influenced by noise is greater than a second threshold value to generate a determination result. Finally, the method may determine whether to adjust a frequency of the transmitting signals according to the determination result. |
| US09582108B2 |
Touch input device and touch detecting method
A touch input device includes a planar location sensing board, a depth sensing layer, a first interpretation unit, a second interpretation unit, and a processing unit. The planar location sensing board senses a first electrical variation of different locations in the directions parallel to the planar location sensing board due to an object approaching or touching the planar location sensing board. The depth sensing layer is disposed below the planar location sensing board and separated by a distance from the planar location sensing board. The depth sensing layer senses a second electrical variation corresponding to a degree in which the object presses the planar location sensing board. The first interpretation unit is electrically connected to the planar location sensing board. The second interpretation unit is electrically connected to the depth sensing layer. The processing unit determines a three-dimensional touch location of the object. A touch sensing method is also provided. |
| US09582106B2 |
Method and system of providing a picture password for relatively smaller displays
Embodiments described herein relate to a device operable to process input for a picture password for proof of knowledge. In some embodiments, the device includes a display, an input subsystem, processor(s), and memory containing instructions executable by the processor(s) such that the device is operative to display, on the display of the device, an image for the picture password proof of knowledge. The image is associated with an overlaid grid comprising a plurality of elements, and each element corresponds to a distinct area of the image. The device is further operative to, determine an offset to be used and, in response to receiving an input via the input subsystem at a first location of the display, highlight an element of the overlaid grid at a second location on the first image on the display. The second location is offset from the first location by the offset. |
| US09582101B2 |
Method and electronic apparatus for adjusting display frames by detecting touch of cover
A method and an electronic apparatus for adjusting display frames by detecting touch of a cover are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a touch screen and a cover, and the cover has at least one transparent area. In the method, a touch of the cover is detected by using the touch screen. At least one cover range of the at least one transparent area of the cover on the touch screen is determined according to a detected energy variation, in which the at least one transparent area and other areas of the cover have different conductivities. The frames displayed by the touch screen are adjusted in response to the at least one cover range of the at least one transparent area on the touch screen. |
| US09582098B2 |
Touch sensor detector system and method
A touch sensor detector system and method incorporating an interpolated sensor array is disclosed. The system and method utilize a touch sensor array (TSA) configured to detect proximity/contact/pressure (PCP) via a variable impedance array (VIA) electrically coupling interlinked impedance columns (IIC) coupled to an array column driver (ACD), and interlinked impedance rows (IIR) coupled to an array row sensor (ARS). The ACD is configured to select the IIC based on a column switching register (CSR) and electrically drive the IIC using a column driving source (CDS). The VIA conveys current from the driven IIC to the IIC sensed by the ARS. The ARS selects the IIR within the TSA and electrically senses the IIR state based on a row switching register (RSR). Interpolation of ARS sensed current/voltage allows accurate detection of TSA PCP and/or spatial location. |
| US09582094B2 |
Information processing device, display device with touch panel, information processing method, and program
An information processing device includes: an operation type judgment unit that judges a type of touch operation, based on information representing a number of pixels per unit length of a screen of a display with a touch panel connected to an own device and on information indicating a touch position at which the display with the touch panel was touched. |
| US09582090B2 |
Touch display device
A touch display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a display medium sandwiched between the two substrates, and a touch-sensitive layer including sensitive electrode lines. The first substrate includes a first surface facing the display medium layer and a second surface far away from the display medium layer and opposite to the first surface. The touch-sensitive layer is disposed on the second surface of the first substrate, and first pins are disposed on a side area of the first substrate corresponding to a side of the touch display device to connect the sensitive electrode lines. Second pins are disposed on a side area of the second substrate corresponding to the same side of the touch display device, and connected to the first pins via a first printed circuit board (PCB). The first PCB is a flexible PCB. |
| US09582088B2 |
Microscope
A touch screen (60) disposed on a display surface of a display means (58) is used as an inputting means so that a variety of actions of a microscope can be controlled with sufficient ease and precision.A variety of actions are controlled based on an operator's various finger gestures used on the touch screen disposed on the display surface of the display means, for example, making contact by a finger (tap), making two consecutive contacts by a finger (double-tap), making contact by a finger, and moving the finger without releasing it (drag), making contact by a finger and maintaining the contact for a predetermined time or longer (touch-and-hold), making simultaneous contact by two fingers, and increasing spacing between the fingers (pinch-out) or decreasing the spacing (pinch-in), and making simultaneous contact by two fingers, and moving the fingers in parallel (double-drag). |
| US09582085B2 |
Electronic devices with molded insulator and via structures
An electronic device may have printed circuits to which electrical components are mounted. Plastic may be molded over a printed circuit. Vias may be formed in the printed circuit that connect metal traces on the surface of the molded plastic to metal traces on the printed circuit. The vias may be formed by drilling or by covering the metal traces on the printed circuit with mold pins in a molding tool during plastic molding operations. Plated metal traces or other metal traces may extend onto the interior surface of via holes. Vias may also be filled with conductive material such as solder or conductive adhesive. Metal members that are soldered or otherwise connected to printed circuit traces may be used in coupling surface metal traces to printed circuit traces. Antenna structure, shielding structures, and electrodes for a stylus may be formed using the metal traces on the molded plastic. |
| US09582084B2 |
Interactive projector and interactive projection system
An interactive projector includes a projection section, a plurality of cameras, and a position detection section for detecting a three-dimensional position of the pointing element based on images captured by the plurality of cameras. Defining a unit vector representing a normal direction of the projected screen as a projected-screen normal vector, a unit vector representing a direction of an optical axis of the first camera as a first optical axis vector, and a unit vector representing a direction of an optical axis of the second camera as a second optical axis vector, the first camera and the second camera are arranged such that an absolute value of an inner product of the second optical axis vector and the projected-screen normal vector is smaller than an absolute value of an inner product of the first optical axis vector and the projected-screen normal vector. |
| US09582082B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying character selection during user input
The present disclosure describes a method and apparatus for displaying character selection during a user input process. A method of displaying character selection during a user input process comprises: determining a character entry area; receiving one or more original characters from a user via the character entry area; identifying a plurality of character choices corresponding to the one or more original characters; determining a character selection area based on an optimal viewpoint range centered around the character entry area; and displaying the character choices in the character selection area. |
| US09582074B2 |
Controlling method and electronic apparatus utilizing the controlling method
A controlling method for an electronic apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises: detecting a location for vision of an eye on a display of the electronic apparatus; controlling the electronic apparatus to operate in a first mode if a time period for the vision stops on an objective on the display is not larger than a predetermined time period; and controlling the electronic apparatus to operate in a second mode if the time period for the vision stops on an objective on the display is larger than the predetermined time period. The electronic apparatus detects at least turning operation for a head comprising the eye and performs corresponding operation according to the turning operation in the second mode. |
| US09582068B2 |
Circuits and methods providing state information preservation during power saving operations
Methods, systems, and circuits for preserving state information during power saving operations are disclosed. One example embodiment includes a circuit having a processing core, where the processing core includes logic processing circuits as well as circuits (e.g., flip-flops registers) that are used to store state information in the processing core. The logic processing circuits have power connections to a power rail that are subject to a switch, which can disconnect the power connections from the power rail. The circuits that are used to store state information have different power connections that are subject to a different switch. Therefore, the logic processing circuits and the state information circuits can be separately power-collapsed. |
| US09582067B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for power control under a plurality of power modes including an unsupported power mode
An information processing apparatus includes an application program; a power control unit configured to switch power modes so as to control ON/OFF of power supply to each piece of hardware; and a function execution unit configured to execute control of a specified function based on an instruction from the application program. The function execution unit is configured to inquire at the power control unit for the power modes in response to an instruction from the application program. The power control unit is configured to return a power mode to the function execution unit. The function execution unit is configured to notify the power control unit of a recovery request for powering ON the hardware that has been powered OFF in the power mode not supported. |
| US09582062B2 |
Decentralized sleep management
Techniques for employing a decentralized sleep management service are described herein. In some instances, each computing device of a group of computing devices periodically shares information about itself with each other computing device of the group. With this information, each computing device within the group that is awake and capable of managing other devices selects a subset of devices to probe. The devices then probe this subset to determine whether the probed devices are asleep. In response to identifying a sleeping device, the probing device takes over management of the sleeping device. Managing the sleeping device involves informing other devices of the group that the sleeping device is being managed, in addition to monitoring requests for services on the sleeping device. In response to receiving a valid request for a service hosted by the sleeping device, the managing device awakens the sleeping device and ceases managing the now-woken device. |
| US09582061B2 |
Adaptive frame rate control for power savings
Embodiments disclosed herein pertain to power conservation for electronic devices. According to one embodiment, power conservation can be achieved through adaptive frame rate control for a display associated with an electronic device. The frame rate is able to be controlled so as to adapt to a frame rate that is adequate for the display task. Since the display often times displays content that is not very dynamic, the frame rate in such situations can be controlled to use a reduced frame rate, which thereby reduces power consumption. However, when the display displays content that is substantially dynamic, the frame rate in such situations can be controlled to use an enhanced (or not reduced) frame rate, which ensures reasonable display quality. |
| US09582060B2 |
Battery-powered device with reduced power consumption based on an application profile data
A device includes a processor that is operative to process a data stream such as executable code, encoded video or other suitable data stream, and has a plurality of processor portions. The device further includes a power management controller coupled to the processor portions that controls power consumption of the processor portions based on application profile data associated with the data stream. The application profile data may be included with executable code or provided separately and may directly indicate usage/nonusage of portions of the processor or the data stream may have inherent application profile data in the header that indirectly identifies usage of the processor portions. |
| US09582055B2 |
Medical communication hub and associated methods
A medical sensing system including a data acquisition module operable to receive patient data from a medical sensing device, the data acquisition module being operable to packetize the patient data, a processing module operable to process the packetized first patient data, a user interface module operable to present the processed packetized patient data within a graphical user interface, and a message queue module in communication with the data acquisition module, processing module, and user interface module, the message queue module being operable to receive the packetized patient data from the modules, temporarily store the packetized patient data, and make the packetized patient data available for retrieval by the modules. |
| US09582054B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting the output of programmable power adapter
An apparatus of programming an output of a programmable power adapter according to the present invention comprises a control circuit. The method according to the present invention sends a signal to a device. A resistor is coupled to the signal to determine the level of the signal. The resistor is installed in the device. The method according to the present invention checks the level of the signal in the programmable power adapter and determines an output voltage of the programmable power adapter in accordance with the level of the signal. The output voltage of the programmable power adapter is coupled to the device to provide a power for a load of the device. |
| US09582053B2 |
Method and apparatus for erasing memory data
A memory erasing method and apparatus for erasing important data of a nonvolatile memory within the apparatus to prevent illegal access using attitude information measured in an inertial measurement sensor and a low power microprocessor regardless of the power supply state of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a power switching circuit unit for selecting one from among an external power source and a battery. An inertial measurement sensor measures attitude information of the memory erasing apparatus, using power supplied from the external power source or the battery. A low power microprocessor erases important data from a memory device in a first manner using power from the external power source, and in a second manner using power from the battery, the first manner being different from the second manner. |
| US09582050B2 |
Installation mechanism for replaceable device and electronic apparatus therewith
An electronic apparatus includes a replaceable device, an apparatus casing, a supporting structure, an abutting structure, and a removable carrier. The supporting structure, the abutting structure, and the removable carrier function as an installation mechanism for installing the replaceable device into the apparatus casing. The supporting structure and the abutting structure are disposed in the apparatus casing. The abutting structure has two side walls oppositely disposed. The removable carrier includes a fixing frame and an actuation part pivotally connected to the fixing frame. The replaceable device is fixed on the fixing frame. When the removable carrier is disposed on the supporting structure, the actuation part can be rotated relative to the fixing frame and alternatively abut against one side wall so that the fixing frame moves on the supporting structure and a connector of the replaceable device is engaged with or disengaged from a connector of the electronic apparatus respectively. |
| US09582049B2 |
Method and device for controlling user interface based on user's gesture
A mobile device and a method for controlling a user interface of the mobile device are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes detecting a movement of the mobile device as applied by a user's gesture, scrolling at least one of a page displayed on the display and a selection point on the display according to the detected movement of the mobile device, determining whether a selectable item displayed within the page is positioned on the selection point of the display, and selecting the selectable item in response to a predetermined event, once the determining step determines that the selectable item is positioned on the selection point of the display. |
| US09582047B2 |
Electronic device and locking structure thereof
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a first pivot structure, a second pivot structure, and a locking structure not in contact with the second pivot structure. The second pivot structure is pivoted to the first body along a first axis through the first pivot structure. The second body is pivoted to the first pivot structure along a second axis through the second pivot structure. When the second body is unfolded to an open position along the first axis, the first pivot structure drives the locking structure to go to an unlocked state, and the second body is adapted to rotate along the second axis. When the second body is folded or unfolded to other positions along the first axis, the first pivot structure drives the locking structure to go to a locked state, and the locking structure stops the second body rotating along the second axis. |
| US09582045B2 |
Coupling structure for input devices
A coupling structure capable of coupling a metal plate-like member and a resin chassis member with high assembling efficiency and sufficient coupling strength while preventing damage to parts is disclosed. The coupling structure is a structure for coupling a housing plate as a resin chassis member to a base plate as a metal plate-like member in a direction to overlap the housing plate with the base plate. The housing plate includes a latch having a pair of arm members extending along a direction parallel with a coupling face to the base plate and whose distal ends are spaced out from each other, and the base plate includes a coupling hook formed upright toward the side of the housing plate and engaged between the pair of arm members. |
| US09582044B2 |
Shock absorption structure and electronic device with same
A shock absorption structure includes a receiving portion and at least one shock absorption assembly. The receiving portion is configured to receive a main body of an electronic device. Each shock absorption assembly includes a fixing member, a mounting member, and an elastic member. The fixing member is secured to the receiving portion. The mounting member is mounted to the fixing member and defines a through hole. The elastic member is received in the through hole and is configured to seals a gap between the mounting member and the main body. |
| US09582039B2 |
Touch screen protector
The invention relates to a touch screen protector for a hand held electronic device having a front face that includes a touch screen portion and a non-functional band. The touch screen protector of the invention comprises a plastic film having front and back sides, an outer perimeter that corresponds to that of the device, and a transparent window; a spacer provided along the outer perimeter of the plastic film surrounding the transparent window, having a thickness sufficient to space the plastic film near but not in contact with the touch screen portion; an exposed adhesive for removably mounting the protector upon the outer perimeter of the front face to form an enclosed air space between the transparent window of the plastic film, the spacer and the touch screen portion of the device; and a joining adhesive for adhering the spacer to the back side of the plastic film. |
| US09582037B2 |
Docking station, control method and commodity sales data processing apparatus
In one embodiment, a docking station on which a data processing terminal is to be mounted has a power source device and a processor. The power source device applies an operating voltage of the data processing terminal and a testing voltage lower than the operating voltage to a power feeding terminal which is in contact with a power source terminal of the data processing terminal. The processor, when having determined that the mounting mechanism is locked, controls the power source device, so that the testing voltage is applied to the power feeding terminal. Further, the processor, when having determined that the mounting mechanism is locked and having determined that the data processing terminal is mounted on the mounting mechanism, controls the power source device, so that the operating voltage is applied to the power feeding terminal. |
| US09582031B2 |
Mobile device
A mobile device, including a main body provided with an input device, and a cover portion including a display unit, the cover portion including a first bezel portion and a second bezel portion, the second bezel portion having a hinge portion to couple the cover portion to the main body, wherein the first bezel portion includes a fastening portion of the display unit and the second bezel portion includes at least one of a camera and a wireless antenna. |
| US09582027B2 |
Clock swallowing device for reducing voltage noise
Systems and methods for controlling a frequency of a clock signal by selectively swallowing pulses in the clock signal are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for adjusting a frequency of a clock signal comprises receiving the clock signal, and swallowing pulses in the clock signal according to a repeating clock-swallowing pattern, wherein the pattern is defined by a sequence of numbers. |
| US09582025B2 |
Systems and methods for pressure actuated pedal control
Electronic pedal control systems and methods for a vehicle are provided. One electronic pedal control system includes a first sensor configured to produce a first output corresponding to a user applied force and a second sensor configured to produce a second output corresponding to a release of user applied force. A controller is configured to receive the first output and the second output and to control one of a brake system, a clutch system, and a throttle system of the vehicle based on the first and second outputs, and the first and second sensors are positioned relative to one another such that an application of force to the first sensor unloads the second sensor and the removal of force from the first sensor loads the second sensor. |
| US09582021B1 |
Bandgap reference circuit with curvature compensation
A bandgap reference circuit with curvature compensation. The circuit includes a first current mirror that mirrors the current conducted by the bandgap reference. A difference between the gate-to-source voltages in the two legs provides a first mirrored current with non-linear temperature stability. This first mirrored current is again mirrored by a second current mirror in which the mirror transistors also have differing gate-to-source voltages, with the current from this second current mirror coupled to the bandgap reference to compensate for curvature in the CTAT current over temperature. |
| US09582016B2 |
Boost converter with capacitive boost stages
An apparatus includes an inductor coupled between an input voltage node and a switching node. The switching node selectively enables the inductor to generate a voltage on the switching node based on a voltage on the input voltage node. The apparatus includes a passive circuit configured to generate an intermediate voltage on an intermediate node with respect to a reference voltage and based on the voltage on the switching node. The apparatus includes a boost circuit configured to generate an output voltage on an output node referenced to the intermediate voltage, the output voltage has a magnitude with respect to the reference voltage greater than a magnitude of the intermediate voltage with respect to the reference voltage. The boost circuit may include n boost circuit stages, the intermediate voltage may be VI, and the output voltage may be (n+1)×VI with respect to the voltage on the reference node. |
| US09582015B2 |
Voltage regulator
There is provided a voltage regulator that stably operates without using a large phase compensation capacitance. The voltage regulator has a voltage 3-stage amplifier circuit comprised of a differential amplifier circuit, a first source ground amplifier circuit provided with a phase compensation circuit, and a second source ground amplifier circuit, which serves as an output circuit. The voltage 3-stage amplifier circuit is provided, between the first source ground amplifier circuit and the second source ground amplifier circuit, with a phase compensation circuit that is effective for reducing the gains of the differential amplifier circuit and the first source ground amplifier circuit. |
| US09582013B2 |
Additive delivery system and method for controlling said system
An additive delivery system including a tank for storing an additive, an active component, and a controller connected to the component, wherein the controller is adapted to determine a value representative of temperature of the additive in the system based on an electrical characteristic of a part inside the component, or inside the controller, wherein the part has a further function next to the temperature estimation function in normal operation of the additive delivery system. |
| US09582012B2 |
Energy efficiency aware thermal management in a multi-processor system on a chip
Various embodiments of methods and systems for energy efficiency aware thermal management in a portable computing device that contains a heterogeneous, multi-processor system on a chip (“SoC”) are disclosed. Because individual processing components in a heterogeneous, multi-processor SoC may exhibit different processing efficiencies at a given temperature, energy efficiency aware thermal management techniques that compare performance data of the individual processing components at their measured operating temperatures can be leveraged to optimize quality of service (“QoS”) by adjusting the power supplies to, reallocating workloads away from, or transitioning the power mode of, the least energy efficient processing components. In these ways, embodiments of the solution optimize the average amount of power consumed across the SoC to process a MIPS of workload. |
| US09582010B2 |
System and method of rack management
A rack management method and system is disclosed. The method includes detecting the presence of a computing device releasably mounted in a frame, the detecting based on an electrical connection established between a configuration bar disposed in a rear portion of the frame and the computing device, and determining a physical location of the computing device within the frame based on the electrical connection. The method also includes retrieving management information about the computing device from a profile storage disposed within the computing device via the electrical connection and storing the management information in a management table, the management table associating the computing device with the physical location within the frame. |
| US09582006B2 |
Systems and methods for semi-autonomous convoying of vehicles
The present invention relates to systems and methods for facilitating participants of vehicular convoys to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. |
| US09581999B2 |
Property preview drone system and method
A method of home inspection comprising guiding a drone through a home along a selected inspection path, transmitting signals from the drone to establishing a flight path through the home, storing the flight path on a server, accessing the flight path from a programmed interactive digital device, launching the drone using said programmed interactive digital device, directing the drone through the home along the flight path and transmitting video signals from the drone and employing the video signals to provide a visual view of the property on a display of the interactive digital device. In another embodiment, the buyer can guide the drone along a flight path determined by the buyer in real time. |
| US09581995B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring of equipment using a configurable rule base
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for monitoring of equipment using a configurable rule base are disclosed. Configuration information associated with equipment may be identified, and a set of one or more configured rules may be generated from one or more configurable base rules based at least in part on the configuration information. One or more measured parameters associated with the equipment based at least in part on the set of one or more configured rules, and output information associated with the equipment may be generated based at least in part on the analysis. |
| US09581990B2 |
Method for the programming of a safety controller
The invention relates to a method for the programming of a safety controller to be interconnected with encoders and actuators, wherein a wiring plan or a specific wiring is first prepared, whereupon an automated programming of the safety controller takes place using the wiring information. |
| US09581981B2 |
Method and apparatus for preconditioned continuation model predictive control
A method for a continuation model predictive control (CMPC) of a system determines at least a part of a preconditioner using an approximate coefficient function and determines a solution vector by solving a matrix equation of the CMPC with a coefficient matrix defined by an exact coefficient function at a current time step of a control using an iterative method with the preconditioner. The approximate coefficient function applied to a vector approximates a result of an application of the exact coefficient function to the vector. A control signal for controlling the system is generated using the solution vector. |
| US09581978B1 |
Electronic system with servo management mechanism and method of operation thereof
An apparatus includes: a media; a head over the media; a head actuation motor (HAM) coupled to the head; control circuitry, coupled to the head actuation motor, including: a system-on-chip (SOC) configured to manage a control of the head actuation motor, a pulse width modulation (PWM) code bus, coupled to the SOC, configured to communicate the control of the HAM, and a power integrated circuit (PIC), coupled to the PWM code bus, configured to drive a HAM control signal. |
| US09581975B2 |
Electronic timepiece and control method of an electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece has a reception unit that receives satellite signals; a power supply including a battery; a remaining battery capacity detector that detects the remaining battery capacity of the power supply; an interface member; a timekeeping reception controller; and a positioning reception controller. If the user performs a positioning reception operation, the positioning reception controller does not execute a positioning reception process if the remaining battery capacity is less than a first threshold. If the timekeeping reception operation is performed, the timekeeping reception controller executes a timekeeping reception process if the remaining battery capacity is less than the first threshold. |
| US09581974B2 |
Digital color clock
A digital color clock employs six Color Outputs to represent the time of day. A first Color Output represents a tens digit of hours, a second Color Output represents a ones digit of hours, a third Color Output represents a tens digit in minutes, a fourth Color Output represents a ones digit in minutes, a fifth Color Output represents a tens digit in seconds, and a sixth Color Output represents a ones digit in seconds. The digital color clock can optionally display the date, temperature, humidity, and/or barometric pressure using Color Outputs. Front and back light sensors can be included for measuring brightness of ambient light to enable adjustment of Color Outputs in response to changes in brightness of ambient light. In one embodiment, the Color Outputs are interspersed among other unchangeable Color Outputs of a display. The display can be a component of a stationary or hand-held computing device. |
| US09581969B2 |
Combined resonator with improved isochronism
A timepiece assembly including a combined resonator with at least two degrees of freedom which includes a first linear or rotary oscillator with reduced amplitude in a first direction relative to which oscillates a second linear or rotary oscillator with reduced amplitude in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The rotary oscillator includes a second weight carrying a sliding-block. A wheel set is arranged for application of a torque to the resonator, the wheel set including a groove in which the sliding-block slides with minimal play. The sliding-block is arranged at least either to follow curvature of the groove when present, or to rub with friction in the groove, or to repel the inner lateral surfaces of the groove by magnetically or electrically charged surfaces in the sliding-block. |
| US09581964B2 |
Method of coding a holographic pattern, a corresponding coding device and computer program
A method for coding at least one holographic pattern recording a light signal representative of light received by a perspective object in a scene. The method includes: determining, from the light signal and for each point xj(1≦j≦M) of the holographic pattern, a set of N light rays passing through the point and corresponding respectively to N different viewing positions for viewing the pattern; generating from the M sets of N determined light rays, a plurality N of two-dimensional views of the object corresponding respectively to the N viewing positions of the pattern, by causing M determined rays to intersect at each of the viewing positions that are contained in a viewing plane parallel to a plane containing the holographic pattern; arranging the N generated views as a multi-view image of the object, the N views corresponding respectively to sub-images of the multi-view image; and compressing the multi-view image. |
| US09581962B1 |
Methods and systems for generating and using simulated 3D images
A three-dimensional image simulation device for managing a live event comprising an image capturing device for capturing live captured data corresponding to a presenter and generating, in real-time, hologram data based on the live captured data. An output interface for broadcasting the hologram data in real-time to at least one additional location containing an audience, wherein the hologram data is used to create a hologram of the presenter at the at least one additional location based on an apparent parallax effect in a simulated three-dimensional display device, the hologram creating a three-dimensional illusion for the audience regarding actual presence of the presenter at the at least one additional location. Furthermore, an input interface for receiving audience data from the at least one additional location regarding interaction between the hologram and the audience and a display device for displaying images based on audience data to the presenter. |
| US09581955B2 |
Drum unit
A drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, a side plate, a cleaning unit, a waste-toner conveyor unit. The photosensitive drum has a first drum body and a second drum body, each having a photosensitive layer and a supported portion extending from one end of the drum body in a first direction along a rotational axis of the photosensitive drum. The side plate supports the supported portions. The cleaning unit has cleaners and conveyors corresponding to the drum bodies so as to remove waste toner from the photosensitive drums and convey the waste toner removed by the cleaners in the first direction. The waste-toner conveyor unit has a collecting conveyor configured to convey the waste toner conveyed by the. The collecting conveyor is disposed between the side plate and the drum bodies. The collecting conveyor is disposed below the first conveyor. |
| US09581954B2 |
System and method for cleaning an image receiving surface in an inkjet printer
A printer cleaning device cleans an image receiving surface with a surface preparation material, includes a roller having a perforated cylindrical wall surrounded by a foam material. The cylindrical wall has an interior volume for holding a fluid pumped into the interior volume by a pump. The pressurized fluid flows through the cylindrical wall into the foam material as the roller is moved into engagement with the image receiving surface. The roller is rotated in a direction opposition to a direction of movement of the image receiving surface to help the foam material to scrub the image receiving surface and apply the fluid to the surface. As the roller is moved away from the surface, the foam material expands to facilitate absorption of fluid and remove material from the image receiving surface. The foam material in one embodiment is hydrophobic. |
| US09581952B2 |
Humidification device and image forming apparatus
A humidification device for humidifying a sheet, comprising a control unit that rotates a water-supply roller in a separate state where the water-supply roller and a humidification roller are separated from each other. |
| US09581951B2 |
Image forming apparatus
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a scanner, a printer, and a controller. The controller estimates a maximum size of a document sheet scanned by the scanner. Further, the controller controls the scanner to reduce a document image at a predetermined reduction magnification ratio when the estimated maximum size of if larger than a predetermined size of a printing sheet. |
| US09581950B2 |
Image forming apparatus with first and second power supply
An image forming apparatus includes a first power supply unit configured to generate first output power, a second power supply unit configured to generate second output power, a switching unit disposed on the primary side of the second power supply unit, a monitoring unit configured to monitor the second output power generated by the second power supply unit, a power source control unit supplied with the first output power, and configured to turn the switching unit ON or OFF, and a control unit supplied with the first output power, and configured to control operations of the power source control unit. When the second output power is lower than a threshold value, the power source control unit turns the switching unit OFF and then back to ON in a state where the first output power generated by the first power supply unit is supplied to the control unit. |
| US09581948B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator and a pressure rotator pressed against a nip formation pad via the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator, through which a recording medium is conveyed. The nip formation pad includes an increased thermal conduction portion having an increased thermal conductivity and a decreased thermal conduction portion having a decreased thermal conductivity and being inboard from the increased thermal conduction portion in the axial direction of the fixing rotator. The increased thermal conduction portion is disposed opposite a non-conveyance span of the fixing rotator where the recording medium is not conveyed and includes an inboard edge inboard from a lateral edge of the recording medium toward a center of the recording medium in the axial direction of the fixing rotator by a predetermined first distance. |
| US09581945B2 |
Fixing exit guide plate, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A fixing exit guide plate for use in a fixing device, which supports the conveyance of a paper while being curved in a direction opposite to a curl direction of the paper in a paper conveyance path downstream of conveyance support rollers, includes a conveyance downstream portion having a paper conveyance plane and a conveyance upstream portion having a paper conveyance plane, wherein the fixing exit guide plate is retracted in a paper jam process to move such that the paper conveyance plane of the conveyance downstream portion rotates about a rotation axis of the conveyance support driving roller to be substantially parallel to the paper conveyance plane of a conveyance upstream portion. |
| US09581941B2 |
Belt for electrophotography and production method therefor, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
Provided is a belt for electrophotography which is capable of suppressing the occurrence of adhesion to other members and blocking and which is less liable to cause image defects due to a singular protrusion. The belt for electrophotography comprises a surface layer which comprises heteroaggregate including an inorganic oxide particle having an average primary particle diameter of from 10 to 30 nm and an electroconductive metal oxide particle having an average primary particle diameter of from 5 to 40 nm, and a ten-point average roughness Rzjis of a surface of the surface layer satisfies a relationship: 0.3 μm≦Rzjis≦0.7 μm. |
| US09581938B2 |
Toner cartridge
A toner cartridge comprises a toner container which contains toner, a driving member which rotationally drives a conveying member, an agitating member which agitates a toner in the toner container while being rotated, a driven member which rotates in association with the driving member which is for rotationally driving the agitating member, and a rotational body which rotates according to rotation of the driven member, has a plurality of slits in rotational circumference for identifying a type of the toner cartridge, and has 1/K or more of the slits when a ratio of a rotational speed R1 (rad/s) of the driving member and a rotational speed R2 (rad/s) of the driven member is K=R2/R1. |
| US09581934B2 |
Developing apparatus, developing method, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
The developing apparatus includes a toner, a developing container, a developing roller, and a toner layer thickness controlling member, wherein the toner contains toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant, and silica fine particles; the covering rate X1 of the surface of each of the toner particles with the silica fine particles is 40.0 to 75.0 area %; and a diffusion index represented by X1/X2 satisfies a predetermined range where the theoretical covering rate with the silica fine particles is defined as X2, the developing roller includes a substrate, a base layer, and a coverage portion; and the volume resistivity of the coverage portion and the average thickness of the coverage portion are within predetermined ranges. |
| US09581933B2 |
Regulating member, developing device and process cartridge
A regulating member for regulating a developer amount carried on a developer carrying member includes a plate-like supporting member having an elasticity, the supporting member being provided with a fixed portion for being fixed to a fixed part; a first contact portion contactable to the developer carrying member, the first contact portion protruding from the regulating member from a side of the supporting member; and a second contact portion contactable to and the developer carrying member, the second contact portion being at a position closer to the fixed portion than the first contact portion. |
| US09581931B2 |
Electrophotographic member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
Provided is an electrophotographic member conducive to the formation of a high-quality electrophotographic image, the member showing a small increase in resistance even after long-term electrification under a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each including the electrophotographic member as a charging member and/or a developer carrying member. Specifically, provided is an electrophotographic member including a substrate and an electro-conductive layer, in which the electro-conductive layer contains a resin having a structure unit represented by the following structural formula (1) and a specific anion: in the structural formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and Z represents a cationic organic group. |
| US09581928B2 |
Image forming apparatus
According to the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus for minimizing a shift amount of the registration roller for the first and subsequent sheets is provided. The image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet conveyed on a conveying path. The image forming apparatus includes an exposure device. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a pair of registration rollers 110 configured to convey the sheet in a conveying direction with the sheet nipped by the pair of the registration rollers, and a detection unit configured to detect the side edge position in the width direction of the sheet conveyed. The control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus determines the image writing position for the first sheet, and controls the image writing of the exposure device based on the detection result of the CIS 141 for the first sheet. |
| US09581926B2 |
Imaging processes
The present disclosure provides processes for producing images with toner particles. In embodiments, toner particles of a certain diameter in size are applied to a substrate as an incomplete monolayer, and then fused to form an image that is a complete monolayer and possesses a thickness less than the diameter of the particles utilized to form the image. |
| US09581924B2 |
Bio-based acrylate and (meth)acrylate resins
(Meth)acrylate resins of at least one bio-based (meth)acrylate monomer, where the monomer includes a rosin or isosorbide moiety obtained from natural sources, can be used in toner, carrier coating or both. |
| US09581917B2 |
Shadow mask tensioning method and apparatus
In a system and method of shadow mask tensioning, an object having second set of alignment features is positioned on a side of shadow mask having a first set of alignment features such that the object and the shadow mask can move independently of each other and the first and second sets of alignment features are not in final alignment. Tension is then applied to the shadow mask to bring the first set of alignment features into final alignment with the second set of alignment features. The alignment features of the shadow mask can include at least one deposition aperture of the shadow mask. |
| US09581909B2 |
Method of trimming resist pattern
A method of trimming a resist pattern, including forming a positive resist film on a substrate, the positive resist film is exposed and the positive resist film is subjected to an alkali development to form a first resist pattern having an alkali-insoluble region on the surface thereof; applying a resist trimming composition including an acid to the substrate on which the first resist pattern is formed; a heating the first resist pattern coated with the resist trimming composition, and the solubility of the first resist pattern in a developing solution is changed under action of the acid included in the resist trimming composition; and developing the first resist pattern after heating with an organic solvent to remove the alkali-insoluble region of the first resist pattern, the resist trimming composition including the acid and a solvent which does not dissolve the first resist pattern. |
| US09581906B2 |
Device substrate and fabricating method thereof
A device substrate and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The device substrate includes a substrate and a patterned light-shielding layer. The patterned light-shielding layer having a plurality of pixel openings and a plurality of first exposure openings is disposed on the substrate, and an area and/or shape of one of the first exposure openings is different from an area and/or shape of one of the pixel openings. |
| US09581902B2 |
Vinyl ether group-containing copolymer, preparation process and use thereof
The invention provides a vinyl ether group-containing copolymer, preparation process and use thereof. The copolymer comprises of the structural units represented by the following general formulae I, II and III, wherein, R1 is O or HN, R2 is an alkyl group with a carbon atom number of 1-4, cyclohexyl or a group represented by the following general formula IV (m represents a positive integer of 1-3), n is a positive integer of 1-4, the molar numbers of the structural units represented by the general formulae I, II and III are x, y and z, respectively, and x:y:z=3-8:1-4:1-5, the weight average molecular weight of the copolymer is 5000-20000. A color light blocking agent added with the copolymer can increase sensitivity. Furthermore, the copolymer has solubility in an alkaline solution, and thus, the color light blocking agent added with the copolymer has a superior developing property. |
| US09581899B2 |
2-dimensional patterning employing tone inverted graphoepitaxy
After formation of a template layer over a neutral polymer layer, a self-assembling block copolymer material is applied and self-assembled. The template layer includes a first linear portion, a second linear portion that is shorter than the first linear portion, and blocking template structures having a greater width than the second linear portion. The self-assembling block copolymer material is phase-separated into alternating lamellae in regions away from the widthwise-extending portion. The blocking template structures perturb, and cause termination of, the lamellae. A cavity parallel to the first and second linear portions and terminating in self-alignment to the blocking template structures is formed upon selective removal of a polymeric block component. The pattern of the cavity can be inverted and transferred into the material layer to form fins having different lengths. |
| US09581897B2 |
Pellicle frame and process for producing same
The present invention provides a pellicle frame that can prevent generation of haze and reduces a surface glittering defect under irradiation with collected light, and a method of manufacturing the pellicle frame. Specifically, provided are a pellicle frame, including: an aluminum frame material formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; and an anodic oxide film on a surface of the aluminum frame material, in which the anodic oxide film includes a film formed by using an alkaline anodic oxidation solution and a film formed by using an acid anodic oxidation solution, and a method of manufacturing the pellicle frame. |
| US09581895B2 |
Mask blank substrate, substrate with multilayer reflective film, reflective mask blank, reflective mask, method of manufacturing mask blank substrate, method of manufacturing substrate with reflective film and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
An object of the present invention is to provide a mask blank substrate and the like that enables critical defects to be reliably detected as a result of reducing the number of detected defects, including pseudo defects, even when using highly sensitive defect inspection apparatuses that use light of various wavelengths. The present invention relates to a mask blank substrate that is used in lithography, wherein the power spectral density at a spatial frequency of 1×10−2 μm−1 to 1 μm−1, obtained by measuring a 0.14 mm×0.1 mm region on a main surface of the mask blank substrate on the side of which a transfer pattern is formed at 640×480 pixels with a white-light interferometer, is not more than 4×106 nm4, and the power spectral density at a spatial frequency of not less than 1 μm−1, obtained by measuring a 1 μm×1 μm region on the main surface with an atomic force microscope, is not more than 10 nm4. |
| US09581889B2 |
Planarized extreme ultraviolet lithography blank with absorber and manufacturing system therefor
An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask blank production system includes: a substrate handling vacuum chamber for creating a vacuum; a substrate handling platform, in the vacuum, for transporting an ultra-low expansion substrate loaded in the substrate handling vacuum chamber; and multiple sub-chambers, accessed by the substrate handling platform, for forming an EUV mask blank includes: a first sub-chamber for forming a multi-layer stack, above the ultra-low expansion substrate, for reflecting an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light; and a second sub-chamber for forming a bi-layer absorber, formed above the multi-layer stack, for absorbing the EUV light at a wavelength of 13.5 nm provides a reflectivity of less than 1.9%. |
| US09581886B2 |
Projector and light emission control method in projector
A projector including: a plurality of light sources; a modulator that modulates light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources; a projection unit that projects the modulated light modulated by the modulator; a storage unit that stores grayscales of the light sources and adjustment values for adjusting the light emission amounts of the light sources in order to make white balance of the modulated light projected through the projection unit in relation to each other; and a light-emission-amount adjusting unit that adjusts the light emission amounts of the light sources based on the adjustment values corresponding to the grayscales of the light sources. |
| US09581883B2 |
Method, apparatus, and manufacture for a tracking camera or detector with fast asynchronous triggering
An image projection device for displaying an image onto a remote surface. The image projection device employs a scanner to project image beams of visible light and tracer beams of light onto a remote surface to form a display of the image. The device also employs a light detector to sense at least the reflections of light from the tracer beam pulses incident on the remote surface. The device employs the sensed tracer beam light pulses to predict the trajectory of subsequent image beam light pulses and tracer beam light pulses that form a display of the image on the remote surface in a pseudo random pattern. The trajectory of the projected image beam light pulses can be predicted so that the image is displayed from a point of view that can be selected by, or automatically adjusted for, a viewer of the displayed image. |
| US09581881B2 |
Focal plane shutter for cameras and digital camera provided with the same
A focal plane shutter includes: a first blade-driving unit that makes switches between normally open and normally closed methods; a second blade-driving first unit engaging with and locked by a locking unit in a cocking operation of the cocking unit so as to keep a second blade covering the exposure opening, and making the second blade move away from the exposure opening when the second blade-driving first unit is released from the engagement with the locking unit just before the cocking unit reaches to its cocking position; and a second blade-driving second unit rotated by the cocking operation of the cocking unit in a direction bringing the second blade-driving second unit to its cocking state, and rotating the second blade-driving first unit in a direction in which the second blade-driving first unit is made to perform its exposure operation, so as to make the second blade cover the exposure opening. |
| US09581879B2 |
Light wavelength conversion module, illumination system, and projection apparatus
A light wavelength conversion module including a substrate, a first light wavelength conversion layer, and a first light transmissive layer is provided. The substrate has a light passing-through area and a first light wavelength conversion area. The first light wavelength conversion layer is located at the first light wavelength conversion area and between the first light transmissive layer and the substrate. The first light wavelength conversion layer is suitable for converting a coherent light beam into a first conversion light beam, wherein wavelengths of the coherent light beam and the first conversion light beam are different from each other. An illumination system and a projection apparatus are also provided. |
| US09581877B2 |
Electrochromic multi-layer devices with charge sequestration and related methods
An electrochromic multi-layer stack is provided. The multi-layer stack includes an electrochromic multi-layer stack having a first substrate, a first electrically conductive layer, a first electrode layer, an ion conductor layer, a second substrate, a second electrically conductive layer, and a second electrode layer. The multi-layer stack includes a redox element, wherein the redox element is electrically isolated from the first and second electrically conductive layers and the first and second electrode layer and is laterally adjacent to either the first electrically conductive layer and the first electrode, or the second electrically conductive layer and the second electrode layer. A method for controlling an electrochromic device is also provided. |
| US09581876B1 |
Electrochromic device
Provided is an electrochromic device and a method for driving the electrochromic device, the electrochromic device including a first electrode, a first electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, a second electrochromic layer, and a second electrode which are laminated in sequence, at least one selected from among the group consisting of the first and second electrochromic layers and the electrolyte layer including scattering particles, and the electrochromic device further including an additional layer that contains the scattering particles and is disposed between the electrolyte layer and the first or second electrochromic layer. |
| US09581875B2 |
Electrochromic devices and methods
A heat treated electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode layer comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide and lithium, which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide are also disclosed. |
| US09581873B2 |
Gate driver on array circuit repair method
In the GOA circuit repair method provided by the present invention, the repair signal (Repair signal) is received by the GOA unit circuits of the Nth stage and the N+1th stage via the repair signal line (L1) respectively to be the output signal of the GOA unit circuit of the Nth stage, and the scan control signal of the GOA unit circuit of the N+1th stage to achieve the repair to the GOA unit circuit of the Nth stage; or the start signal (STV) is received by the GOA unit circuits of the N+1th stage and the N+2th stage via the start signal line (L5) respectively to be the output signal of the GOA unit circuit of the N+1th stage, and the scan control signal of the GOA unit circuit of the N+2th stage to achieve the repair to the GOA unit circuit of the N+1th stage, and meanwhile, the repair signal (Repair signal) is received by the GOA unit circuits of the N+2th stage and the N+3th stage via the repair signal line (L1) respectively to be the output signal of the GOA unit circuit of the N+2th stage, and the scan control signal of the GOA unit circuit of the N+3th stage to achieve the repair to the GOA unit circuit of the N+2th stage, it is capable of reducing the repair difficulty of the GOA circuit to raise the yield of the GOA production and to decrease the production cost. |
| US09581872B2 |
Slot die coating apparatus and coating method using the same
A slot die coater planarizing an upper surface of an encapsulation layer and a coating method using the same. The slot die coater includes a slit nozzle configured to supply a coating solution. The slit nozzle includes a hole vertically penetrating a center portion thereof, a first bottom surface disposed at a movement direction side of the slit nozzle with reference to the hole, and a second bottom surface disposed at an opposite direction side of the movement direction of the slit nozzle with reference to the hole. A width of the first bottom surface is different from the width of the second bottom surface. |
| US09581865B2 |
Array substrate and display device
The invention provides an array substrate and a display device, wherein the array substrate comprises a peripheral line in a frame region of the array substrate through which ultraviolet light is capable to pass. |
| US09581864B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a first alignment film formed over the first substrate, a second substrate, a second alignment film formed over the second substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first alignment film and the second alignment film, and a projecting portion formed over the second substrate. The first alignment film is a photo alignment film, and a thickness “d2” of the second alignment film over the projecting portion and a film thickness “d1” of a portion of the first alignment film facing the projecting portion satisfy formula (1) and (2): 0 nm |
| US09581860B2 |
Illumination device with multiple phosphor layers
An illumination device includes a light source that emits primary light and a wavelength conversion element that converts at least a portion of the primary light from the light source. The wavelength conversion element includes a phosphor layer having phosphors that absorb at least a portion of the primary light from the light source to emit secondary light, which is polarized, and polymers having birefringence. The phosphors have an anisotropic structure and are aligned generally along a first direction, and the polymers have polymer molecules that are aligned generally along the first direction. An angle formed by a direction of a transition dipole moment of each of the phosphors to a delayed phase axis of each of the polymer molecules with respect to the secondary light emitted from the phosphors towards the polymer molecules is 0° to 45°. |
| US09581846B2 |
Display device and television device
A liquid crystal display device includes LEDs, a liquid crystal panel 11, a chassis, a frame 13, positioning ribs 23, and step portions 30. The liquid crystal panel 11 is configured to display using light from the LEDs. The chassis is arranged on an opposite side of the liquid crystal panel 11 from a display surface that is for display. The frame 13 is arranged on the display surface side of the liquid crystal panel 11. The frame 13 holds at least the liquid crystal panel 11 and the LEDs with the chassis such that the liquid crystal panel 11 and the LEDs are sandwiched between the frame 13 and the chassis. The positioning rib 23 having a block-like shape projects from the frame 13 toward the chassis and includes a peripheral surface opposite a peripheral surface of the liquid crystal panel 11 for positioning the liquid crystal panel 11 relative to the display surface direction. The step portion 30 projects from a portion of a distal end surface of the positioning rib 23 toward the chassis so as to form a step. The step portion 30 includes a peripheral surface (the inner surface 30a) opposite the peripheral surface of the liquid crystal panel 11. The peripheral surface of the step portion 30 is on the same plane with the peripheral surface of the positioning rib 23 (the inner surface 23a) which is opposite the peripheral surface of the liquid crystal panel 11. |
| US09581845B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, electronic apparatus, and method of fixing display cover
The present disclosure includes a liquid crystal panel; a backlight that illuminates the liquid crystal panel; a display cover that covers a display surface of the liquid crystal panel; a housing case that houses the backlight; a display cover support case to whose inside the housing case is fixed and whose outer circumferential surface serves as a pasting surface pasted to the display cover; pressure-sensitive adhesive members that are arranged between the pasting surface of the display cover support case and the display cover, and join together the display cover and the display cover support case with a pressure-sensitive adhesive force; and an adhesive that is arranged in an area located on the pasting surface and interposed between the pressure-sensitive adhesive members in the longitudinal direction of the pasting surface, and that bonds together the display cover and the display cover support case. |
| US09581840B2 |
Liquid crystal display screen detecting device
A liquid crystal display screen detecting device is provided. The liquid crystal display screen detecting device comprises: a supporting unit configured to have two opposed support frames; a conveying unit configured to carry a liquid crystal display screen to be detected and move on the support frames; a driving unit configured to drive the conveying unit; and a detecting unit configured to detect the liquid crystal display screen to be detected. |
| US09581835B2 |
Patient interactive fit tool and methodology for contact lens fitting
An interactive fit tool and methodology which may be utilized by an eye care professional to improve the efficiency and final outcome in selecting a pair of contact lenses targeted towards a specific patient visual need in the treatment of presbyopia. The interactive fit tool comprises an application which includes images that would allow a patient to decide if he or she desires balanced visual acuity, near biased visual acuity, or distance biased visual acuity. In addition, the interactive fit tool comprises fit guide tables and performs the calculations for vertex distance and spherical equivalent. |
| US09581834B2 |
Single microstructure lens, systems and methods
Systems and methods for providing enhanced image quality across a wide and extended range of foci encompass vision treatment techniques and ophthalmic lenses such as contact lenses and intraocular lenses (IOLs). Exemplary IOL optics can include a circular surface structure which acts as a diffractive or phase shifting profile. In some cases, a single ring IOL includes an anterior face and a posterior face, where a profile can be imposed on the anterior or posterior surface or face. The profile can have an inner portion such as a microstructure or central echelette, and an outer portion. Between the inner portion and the outer portion, there may be a transition zone that connects the inner and outer portions. |
| US09581833B2 |
Energized biomedical device
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a biomedical device, such as an ophthalmic lens with an energy receptor capable of powering a processing device. More specifically, this invention discloses a polymerized ophthalmic lens wherein the energy receptor is included within the lens through use of a binder layer. The energized ophthalmic lens may be activated and operated while the ophthalmic lens is in use on an eye. |
| US09581832B2 |
Method and apparatus for encapsulating a rigid insert in a contact lens for correcting vision in astigmatic patients
The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods for forming an Ophthalmic Lens that encapsulates a Rigid Insert, wherein the Rigid Insert may be tailored to correct specific astigmatic characteristics of an eye and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well as Ophthalmic Lenses formed with the Rigid Inserts. |
| US09581829B1 |
Eyeglass assembly
An eyeglass assembly is revealed. The eyeglass assembly mainly includes lenses assembled with an eyeglass frame. Each lens is disposed with a covering portion that shields an outer edge of the eyeglass frame. A locking portion is formed by inward extension of the covering portion and is against the inner surface of the eyeglass frame. A circular slot is arranged between the locking portion and the covering portion, and is used for mounting and locking the eyeglass frame. Thereby the lenses are secured firmly on the eyeglass frame. The lenses of the present invention are assembled with the eyeglass frame in different way so as to get a pair of novel and attractive eyeglasses. |
| US09581827B1 |
Optical system
Optical systems including first and second optical stacks and adapted to provide an adjustable dioptric correction are described. The first optical stack includes a first optical lens and a partial reflector. The second optical stack is convex along orthogonal first and second axes and includes a second optical lens and a reflective polarizer. The reflective polarizer has at least one first location having a radial distance r1 from an optical axis of the second optical stack and a displacement s1 from a plane perpendicular to the optical axis at an apex of the reflective polarizer, where s1/r1 is at least 0.1. A quarter wave retarder is disposed between the second optical stack and the first optical stack. |
| US09581824B2 |
Three-dimensional (3D) display device
A 3D display device is provided. The 3D display device includes a display panel and a liquid crystal lens panel. The display panel operates in one of a 2D mode for displaying a 2D image, a 3D mode for displaying a 3D image, and a coincident mode for displaying the 2D image and the 3D image. The liquid crystal lens panel is disposed on the display panel. The liquid crystal lens panel is configured to refract the 3D image through a third region of the liquid crystal lens panel and to transmit the 2D image without refracting the 2D image when the display panel operates in the coincident mode. |
| US09581822B2 |
Head-mounted display
According to an illustrative embodiment, a head-mounted display is provided. The head-mounted display includes a casing having an opening portion; and a movable member movable between a first position in which the movable member covers the opening portion, and a second position in which the movable member does not cover the opening portion. |
| US09581821B2 |
Head mounted augmented reality display
Compact and low mass augmented and fully virtual head mounted display designs are disclosed. The disclosed displays employ a display located between the eye and the main optical element of the head mounted display. These designs additionally afford the ability to support augmented reality displays because the user can see both the virtual image from the display and the real world if desired. The designs use semi-transparent displays where either the display emits circularly polarized light or the displays which emits light from one surface or the view of the display directly from the eye is obscured. |
| US09581819B1 |
See-through augmented reality system
A see-through augmented reality system is disclosed. The system includes a head-wearable frame and a lens. The lens has at least one field-of-view (FOV). A sensor is configured to be coupled with respect to a head of a user. The sensor generates sensor data that changes responsive to movements of the head. A display apparatus is mapped to an interior surface of the lens. A controller is coupled to the sensor and to the display apparatus. The controller is configured to determine a current scene within the FOV based at least in part on the sensor data. The controller determines an out-the-window (OTW) scene portion of the current scene and a non-OTW scene portion of the current scene and generates OTW imagery that depicts the OTW scene portion. The controller causes the display apparatus to emit light in accordance with the OTW imagery toward the interior surface of the lens. |
| US09581815B2 |
Head-mounted display
A head-mounted display includes a main body, an operation unit, and a controller. The main body includes a display unit capable of displaying an image in front of an eye of a user. The operation unit includes a buffer that is connected to the main body and deformable with respect to the main body, and a first detector configured to output a detection signal depending on the deformation. The controller is configured to generate an image signal for generating an image based on the detection signal and to output the image signal to the display unit. |
| US09581813B2 |
Method for improving the imaging properties of a projection objective, and such a projection objective
The invention relates to a method for improving the imaging properties of a micro lithography projection objective, wherein the projection objective has a plurality of lenses between an object plane and an image plane, a first lens of the plurality of lenses being assigned a first manipulator for actively deforming the lens, the first lens being deformed for at least partially correcting an aberration, at least one second lens of the plurality of lenses furthermore being assigned at least one second manipulator, and the second lens being deformed in addition to the first lens. Furthermore, a method is described for selecting at least one lens of a plurality of lenses of a projection objective as actively deformable element, and a projection objective. |
| US09581812B2 |
Architectures and techniques for optical aberration correction
Aspects of the disclosure relate to correction of aberration in optical systems. In one aspect, correction of aberration can rely on a corrector lens that is movably positioned between an objective lens and an optical member, and that can introduce a perturbation to a convergent beam of light that forms an image at the substantially the focal point of the objective lens. The formed image presents aberration and such a perturbation can correct at least a portion thereof. In another aspect, the corrector lens can embody or can comprise a positive power lens, that introduces the perturbation via, at least in part, a radially symmetric wavefront correction into the convergent beam, where such a correction varies as a fourth power of a radial distance from a central axis of propagation of the convergent beam of light. |
| US09581807B2 |
Supply independent and programmable non-resonant MEMS driver
A motor driver circuit for a Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) micro-mirror device, the motor driver circuit comprising: a non-inverting buffer circuit; an inverting buffer circuit; and a scalar circuit, the scalar circuit comprising a Supply Tracked Common Mode Voltage (VCMSC) generation circuit, wherein the non-inverting buffer circuit, the inverting buffer circuit, and the scalar circuit are configured, together with the VCMSC generation circuit, to provide a common mode voltage to a motor in response to a VCMSC voltage generated by the VCMSC generation circuit, and wherein the VCMSC voltage is generated by the VCMSC generation circuit in response to a control supply voltage and a driver supply voltage provided to the VCMSC generation circuit. |
| US09581799B2 |
Microscopic examination of an object using a sequence of optical microscopy and particle beam microscopy
For the microscopy of an object using a combination of optical microscopy and particle beam microscopy, a microscope slide system comprises an electrically conductive holder, wherein at least one window is configured in the holder, and wherein the holder has the dimensions of a standard glass microscope slide for the optical microscopy; a microscope slide element, which is designed to carry the object for the microscopy and which is designed such that the element can be placed over the window; and a fastening device, which is designed to fix the microscope slide element over the window. By means of said microscope slide system, the object can be analyzed using separate microscopes, without having to relocate the object. |
| US09581795B2 |
Projection-type video display device
Provided is a projection-type video display device implementing further reduction of a projection distance and further miniaturization of a projection optical system. The projection-type video display device includes a lens group which includes a plurality of lenses, a free-form-surface lens, and a free-form-surface mirror which projects light from the free-form-surface lens on a screen, wherein the lens group includes a third lens which has a bi-convex shape, a fourth lens which has a bi-concave shape, a fifth lens which has a bi-convex shape, the third to fifth lenses constitute a triplet lens, and wherein the free-form-surface lens has a meniscus lens shape of which a convex surface is oriented toward the magnification side. |
| US09581792B2 |
Imaging lens
A compact high-resolution imaging lens which provides a wide field of view of 80 degrees or more and corrects various aberrations properly. Designed for a solid-state image sensor, the imaging lens includes constituent lenses arranged in the following order from an object side to an image side: a first positive (refractive power) lens having a convex object-side surface; a second negative lens having a concave image-side surface; a third positive lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a convex object-side surface; a fourth positive lens having a convex image-side surface; a fifth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface; and a sixth negative lens having a concave image-side surface. The image-side surface of the sixth lens has an aspheric shape with a pole-change point in a position off an optical axis. |
| US09581791B1 |
Optical image capturing system
A six-piece optical lens for capturing image and a six-piece optical module for capturing image are provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis includes a first lens with refractive power, a second lens with refractive power, a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power, a fifth lens with refractive power and a sixth lens with refractive power. At least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the six lens elements is aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09581788B2 |
Lens system and image capturing system including the same
A lens system includes a lens device including an optical member, and a position detection device including a detection unit that obtains position information regarding the optical member. The position detection device includes a generation unit that generates a connection request signal for requesting the lens device to establish a first communication path between the lens device and the position detection device. The generation unit includes, in the connection request signal, the position information obtained by the detection unit. |
| US09581786B2 |
Imaging lens assembly
An imaging lens assembly includes first, second, third and fourth optical lens elements that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side along an optical axis. The first optical lens element and at least one of the second, third and fourth optical lens elements have positive refractive powers near the optical axis. At least one of object-side and image-side surfaces of at least one of the second to fourth optical lens elements is aspheric. The imaging lens assembly satisfies the following optical conditions: 0.7≦|f/f1|≦1.0, and HFOV≧35 deg, in which, f and f1 represent focal lengths of the imaging lens assembly and the first optical lens element, respectively, and HFOV stands for half field-of-view of the imaging lens assembly. |
| US09581785B2 |
Springless voice coil actuator and pre-compression magnetic force calibration method thereof
A springless voice coil actuator is provided. The springless voice coil includes a base, a coil, a guiding rod, a slidable base, a main magnetic component and a balance magnetic component. The coil is disposed on the base. The guiding rod is disposed on the base. The slidable base is for sliding along the guiding rod to a predetermined direction. The main magnetic component is connected to the slidable base. The balance magnetic component is coupled with the main magnetic component for generating a magnetic induction. |
| US09581782B2 |
Cable management spool mounting assembly
A spool assembly and a cable management assembly are provided for supporting cables in a rack or housing. A mounting member is provided having a spool opening for receiving a spool. The spool opening has a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension where the longitudinal dimension is greater than the transverse dimension. A detent extends from a longitudinal side edge of the spool opening toward a second longitudinal side edge of the spool opening to define a first open portion and a second open portion. In one embodiment, the first open portion and second open portion can be substantially same size and have a substantially circular configuration. In another embodiment, the first open portion can have a dimension greater than a dimension of the second open portion. |
| US09581781B2 |
Patch panel pivoting tray cable retention mechanisms
A system may facilitate access to communication connectors that are supported within a housing. The system may include one or more of the devices, which each include a connection means supporting the connectors. The system may also include a device that manages, e.g., guides and supports cables that are operatively coupled to the connectors. The patch panel device may have at least one tray engageable with the housing and having a first position within the housing and a second position pulled out of the housing. A proximal arm may have a proximal segment pivotably coupled to a distal segment. The proximal and distal segments may be pivotably coupled to the tray and the housing, respectively. The system may include a cable retainer configured to guide the cables. As the tray transitions from the first position to the second position, the tray is capable of rotating with respect to the housing. |
| US09581780B2 |
Fiber optic cable packaging management
A fiber optic enclosure assembly for enclosing optical fiber connections is disclosed herein. The fiber optic enclosure assembly includes a housing having an interior region, a housing port extending through the housing, a cover surrounding the housing, a cable management recess in the cover, a cover port disposed through a section of the cover, a cable distribution system in the interior region of the housing, and a fiber optic cable. The cover port aligns with the housing port. The fiber optic cable is wrapped about a portion of the cable distribution system, extended through the housing port and the cover port, and wrapped around a cable portion of the cable management recess in the cover. Further, the fiber optic cable has an end portion located within the cable management recess. |
| US09581778B2 |
Optical fiber cables having multiple subunit cables
Micromodule cables include subunit, tether cables having both electrical conductors and optical fibers. The subunits can be stranded within the micromodule cable jacket so that the subunits can be accessed from the micromodule cable at various axial locations along the cable without using excessive force. Each subunit can include two electrical conductors so that more power can be provided to electrical devices connected to the subunit. |
| US09581777B2 |
Coupling system for fiber optic cable using folded tape
A fiber optic cable includes a tube, a stack of fiber optic ribbons twisting along a lengthwise axis through the tube, and water-blocking tape positioned at least partially around the stack, between the stack and the tube. The water-blocking tape is folded such that an elevated portion of the water-blocking tape is raised. As the stack twists along the lengthwise axis of the tube, corners of the stack interface with the elevated portion to provide intermittent frictional coupling between the stack and the tube. |
| US09581772B2 |
Optical electrical module used for optical communication
An optical electrical module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a bearing portion and at least one optical electrical element. The second substrate is combined with the first substrate and has a reflective surface facing the first substrate. The bearing portion is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to limit at least one light guide element. The optical electrical element is disposed on a surface of the first substrate facing the reflective surface and faces the reflective surface. The optical electrical element is configured for providing or receiving light signals. The reflective surface and the light guide element are disposed on an optical path of the light signals. |
| US09581771B2 |
Assembling device for the optical fiber connector
An assembly device for assembling an optical fiber connector is provided. The assembly device includes an assembling tool and a clamping assembly. The assembling tool is configured to slide a locking member of the optical fiber connector. The clamping assembly is loaded on the base seat for gripping the optical fiber connector. The assembling tool comprises a base portion and a pair of elastic arms extending from opposite ends of the base portion. The elastic arms is capable of engaging with a pair of gripping portions of the locking member through a pair of sliding grooves defined in an inner housing of the optical fiber connector and a pair of operating grooves defined in an outer housing of the optical fiber connector to drive the locking member to slide along the support member to grip or unlock the optical fiber. |
| US09581770B2 |
Centering ferrule mount for polymer waveguide
An apparatus includes a polymer waveguide element disposed on a circuit board and having a waveguide core between a first outer reference waveguide core and a second reference waveguide core having top and side exposed surfaces and defining opposing outer edges of the polymer waveguide element. A ferrule mount element optically couples the polymer waveguide element to an optical element through the circuit board. The ferrule mount includes two tapered features that mate with and form an interference fit with the exposed side surfaces of the first outer reference waveguide core and second outer reference waveguide core. |
| US09581768B1 |
Fiber optic connector sub-assemblies and related methods
A fiber optic connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, and a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends along a longitudinal axis. The fiber optic connector sub-assembly also includes a bonding agent disposed in the ferrule bore and having first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The bonding agent has been melted and solidified at the first and second ends. |
| US09581758B2 |
Backlight module and display device having the same
A backlight module includes a frame structure, a heat sink, a light source and a light guiding plate. The frame structure includes a cover unit that defines an airgap therein. The heat sink is located below the airgap of the cover unit. The light source directly contacts the heat sink. The light guiding plate is disposed to correspond in position to the light source for receiving light emitted from the light source. The heat sink is located between the light guiding plate and the cover unit. |
| US09581756B2 |
Light guide for low profile luminaire
A luminaire comprising a heat sink, a light source to emit a source light, a heat spreader having inner and outer surfaces, and LEDs carried by a circuit board and disposed generally along a periphery of the inner surface and positioned in thermal communication therewith. The luminaire comprises a reflector disposed coextensively with the LEDs and comprising an aperture. An outer edge of the aperture defines an inner rim of the reflector. A light guide positioned between the reflector and the light source exhibits a height defined as the distance between the inner surface of the heat spreader and a plane defined by the inner rim of the reflector. The light guide comprises deformations and/or lens portions configured to change the source light into a shaped light that is directed through the aperture. The deformations are characterized by a common shape positioned about a center of the light guide. |
| US09581754B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes: a light guide plate that includes upper, lower and side surfaces; a light emitting element disposed to face an edge surface that is a part of the side surfaces; a reflection sheet that is bent to face the lower surface of the light guide plate and parts of the side surfaces thereof except for the edge surface; and an adhesive material disposed on the reflection sheet in a planar shape of dots or stripes and attaches the reflection sheet to the light guide plate. The lower surface of the light guide plate includes concaves and convexes formed to cause light that advances in the light guide plate to be reflected inside and to advance toward the upper surface. The thickness of the adhesive material is smaller than a maximum value of a height difference of the concaves and convexes. |
| US09581744B1 |
Optical stack and optical system
Integral optical stacks and optical systems including an image surface, a stop surface and an integral optical stack disposed between the image surface and the stop surface are described. The integral optical stack includes an optical lens, a partial reflector, a multilayer reflective polarizer and a quarter wave retarder. At least one chief light ray transmitted through the stop surface and the image surface passes through the stop surface at an incident angle of at least 40 degrees. |
| US09581742B2 |
Monolithic, linear glass polarizer and attenuator
The disclosure is directed to an element that is capable of acting as both an optical polarizer and an optical attenuator, thus integrating both functions into a single element. The element comprises a monolithic or one piece glass polarizer (herein also call the “substrate”), a multilayer “light attenuation or light attenuating” (“LA”) coating that has been optimized for use at selected wavelengths and attenuations deposited on at least one polarizer facial surface, and a multilayer anti-reflective (AR) coating on top of the LA coating. The disclosure is further directed to an integrated optical isolator/attenuator comprising a first and a second polarizing elements and a Faraday rotator for rotating light positioned after the first polarizing element and before the second polarizing element, the integrated optical isolator/attenuator both polarizing and attenuation a light beam from a light source. |
| US09581741B1 |
Infrared control coating of thin film devices
Systems and methods for creating an infrared-control coated thin film device with certain visible light transmittance and infrared reflectance properties are disclosed. The device may be made using various techniques including physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, sputter deposition, and sol-gel processes. In particular, a pulsed energy microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process may be used. Production of the device may occur at speeds greater than 50 Angstroms/second and temperatures lower than 200° C. |
| US09581737B2 |
Transparent optical device element
The present invention relates to transparent optical device elements comprising a deformable lens body and to a method for changing the refractive index (RI) of a deformable lens body. The deformable lens body of the invention has an improved mechanical stability, a high refractive index, an optimal degree of stiffness and sheer modulus for use as optical lens. |
| US09581735B2 |
Backlight unit including array of hyperbolically-shaped micro lenses
A backlight unit includes a light source and a two-dimensional micro lens array (MLA) sheet including a plurality of lens unit each having a conic lens shape with a cross-section, taken through the lens axis, having a shape defined by the equation: y = x 2 / r 1 + 1 - ( 1 + k ) ( 1 / r ) 2 x 2 where k is a constant with a value of less than or equal to −1, and r is the radius of curvature at the peak of the lens unit. |
| US09581728B2 |
Retardation film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display
The retardation film contains a cellulose ester, has a film thickness of 15 to less than 40 μm, has a film thickness variation both in the widthwise direction and lengthwise direction of 0 to 4 μm, and satisfies an Rt humidity fluctuation of 1% to 12%: (a difference of retardation Rt (590) values in the thickness direction represented by the following formula (ii) measured at a wavelength of 590 nm after the film has been left to stand for 5 hours in each of a 23° C., 20% relative humidity environment and a 23° C., 80% relative humidity environment)/(Rt (590) value measured after the film has been left to stand for 5 hours in a 23° C., 55% relative humidity environment)×100 Rt(590)={(nx+ny)/2−nz}×d Formula (ii) wherein nx: a refractive index in the slow axis direction in the film plane, ny: a refractive index in the direction perpendicular to the slow axis in the film plane, nz: a refractive index in the thickness direction of the film, and d: a film thickness. |
| US09581725B2 |
Evaluating surface data
Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to evaluating surface data. Geodetic data for a plurality of surface locations are received. The geodetic data may include surface gradient information and/or surface elevation information for multiple surface locations. A set of constraining relationships is generated based on the geodetic data. The set of constraining relationships relates undetermined values of surface elevation movement and/or undetermined values of surface gradient movement to measured surface elevation changes and/or measured surface gradient changes. Some or all of the constraining relationships include multiple undetermined values. Particular values for surface elevation movements and/or particular values for surface gradient movements are calculated for multiple surface locations based on determining a solution to the set of constraining relationships. In some implementations, a minimum curvature surface may be generated deterministically based on the geodetic data and the particular values identified using the constraining relationships. |
| US09581720B2 |
Finding oil viscosity and surface tension by means of dielectric spectroscopy
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating an earth formation using complex dielectric permittivity. The method may include estimating at least one property of the earth formation using a real part and an imaginary part of complex permittivity at a plurality of frequencies. The at least one property may include one or more of: oil viscosity and surface tension of a water-oil system. The method may include performing dielectric permittivity estimates using an electromagnetic tool in a borehole. The apparatus may include the electromagnetic tool and at least one processor configured to store information obtained by the electromagnetic tool in a memory. The at least one processor may also be configured to estimate at least one property of the earth formation. |
| US09581716B2 |
Methods and apparatus for estimating borehole mud slownesses
Methods and apparatus for estimating borehole mud slownesses are disclosed. An example method includes estimating a borehole drilling fluid slowness value based on a tube wave modulus value, a tube-wave slowness value, and a drilling fluid density value. The borehole is associated with an anisotropic elastic medium. |
| US09581714B2 |
System and method for seismic streamer control
A control system for use in a marine seismic survey is provided. The system may include one or more processors configured to receive a desired position for one or more seismic streamers during the marine seismic survey. The one or more processors may be further configured to determine a current position for the one or more seismic streamers and to adjust a position of a steering device on each streamer, based upon, at least in part, a comparison between the current position of the one or more seismic streamers and the desired position of the one or more seismic streamers. |
| US09581712B2 |
Methods and systems for conducting reconnaissance marine seismic surveys
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting reconnaissance marine seismic surveys. In one example method of acquiring a marine seismic survey, a plurality of streamers are towed behind an acquisition vessel, the plurality of streamers defining a swath. An independent source is towed by an independent source vessel above one or more of the plurality of towed streamers. |
| US09581711B2 |
Interbed multiple prediction
A method and apparatus for predicting interbed multiples is described herein. Trace geometries may be generated for one or more desired shot-side traces, one or more desired receiver-side traces, and one or more desired interbed multiple generator traces, for a first target trace. A first set of reflections at the interbed multiple generator layer may be extracted from one or more recorded traces closest to the desired interbed multiple generator traces. A second set of reflections below the interbed multiple generator layer may be extracted from one or more recorded traces closest to the desired shot-side traces. A third set of reflections below the interbed multiple generator layer may be extracted from one or more recorded traces closest to the desired receiver-side traces. The interbed multiples for the first target trace may be estimated based on the first set, the second set, and the third set. |
| US09581709B2 |
Suppressing 4D-noise by weighted stacking of simultaneously acquired wave-fields
A method for generating an image of a subsurface feature, comprises providing seismic data containing information about the feature, comprising i) a first dataset comprising a first up-going wave-field and a first down-going wave-field, ii) a second dataset comprising a second up-going wave-field and a second down-going wave-field, wherein the second dataset is collected at a time that is later than the first dataset by a time interval, creating an up-going 4D difference dataset U by subtracting one of the first and second up-going wave-fields from the other and creating a down-going 4D difference dataset D by subtracting one of the first and second down-going wave-fields from the other, creating a weighting function W that is a function of the similarity of the difference datasets, and creating an image of the feature by generating a 4D similarity stack, where the 4D similarity stack is defined as (U+D)*W/2. |
| US09581708B2 |
Guided acoustic waves isolation system for downhole applications
An apparatus for estimating a property of a subsurface material includes a carrier configured to convey an acoustic wave guide though a borehole. The acoustic wave guide includes an acoustic plate configured to guide an acoustic wave along a path of the plate and an acoustic reservoir coupled to the acoustic plate and at least partially surrounding the acoustic plate. The acoustic reservoir has a mass greater than the mass of the acoustic plate and is configured to absorb acoustic wave leakage from the acoustic plate. A first acoustic transducer is coupled to the acoustic plate and configured to transmit an acoustic wave along the path. A second acoustic transducer is coupled to the acoustic plate and configured to receive the acoustic wave that travels along the path. A controller is configured to operate the first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer in order to estimate the property. |
| US09581699B2 |
Distortionless mean phase antijam nulling of GPS signals
System and method for mean phase compensation of code and carrier phase distortions induced by Space Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) filters used for removing interferences from received GPS signals. The phase distortion is mitigated (without the use of beamforming) using a single STAP filter for processing the GPS satellite channels in which appropriate bundling of constraints is applied to the filter weights. The complete solution can be contained in the antenna electronics with no required changes to the legacy GPS receiver. |
| US09581696B2 |
Image sensor and light source driver integrated in a same semiconductor package
An apparatus is described that includes an image sensor and a light source driver circuit integrated in a same semiconductor chip package. The image sensor includes visible light pixels and depth pixels. The depth pixels are to sense light generated with a light source drive signal. The light source drive signal is generated with the light source driver circuit. |
| US09581695B2 |
Generating a map using radar data
Various implementations described herein are directed to generating a map using radar data. In one implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may have stored thereon a plurality of computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to receive radar data for a marine environment proximate to a vessel, where the radar data are received from a radar sensor disposed on or proximate to the vessel. The computer-executable instructions may further be configured to cause the computer to generate a map of one or more substantially stationary objects in the marine environment based on the radar data. |
| US09581694B2 |
Method for the improved actuation of ultrasonic sensors, driver assistance device and motor vehicle
A method for operating an ultrasonic system having a multiplicity of ultrasonic sensors is disclosed. The sensors are arranged distributed on a motor vehicle and are actuated in measuring cycles for the emission of an ultrasonic signal, where the measuring cycles are repeated. An object in the surroundings of the motor vehicle is detected by a detection device, different from the ultrasonic system, of the motor vehicle, and a relative position of the object relative to the motor vehicle is determined. The number of ultrasonic sensors which are actuated within one measuring cycle is then defined as a function of the current relative position. |
| US09581691B2 |
System and method for ground penetrating radar communication using antenna crosstalk
An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40′) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42). |
| US09581687B2 |
Detecting an underground object
In a method of detecting an underground object which is at least partially under a surface of ground, a first view of the object determined by transmitting a first radar signal from a first known geolocation. A second view of the object is determined by transmitting a second radar signal from a second known geolocation. The respective first and second trajectories of the first and second radar signals are oblique with respect to the surface of the ground and the respective first and second trajectories are at a first angle with respect to each other. A position of the object is estimated by maximizing a correlation between the first view and the second view by adjusting an estimated dielectric constant associated with medium between the object and the surface of the ground. |
| US09581686B2 |
Silicon-based monolithic integrated sonar array
The invention discloses a silicon-based monolithic integrated sonar array which includes a cantilevered sensing array structure, a sound-transparent jacket, and a support structure. The cantilevered sensing array structure is fixed on the support structure and in the sound-transparent jacket, wherein the sound-transparent jacket is filled with insulating dielectric oil, and the cantilevered sensing array structure is immersed in the insulating dielectric oil. The sound-transparent jacket is sealed and is treated with water tightness processing. The array can be applied into devices for underwater ultrasonic imaging, ultrasonic ranging, torpedo navigating, etc. |
| US09581679B2 |
Obtaining reference time for positioning when cells are unknown
Methods and apparatus for determining an assistance data transmission time to account for cell timing acquisition are disclosed. In an example method, a network node determines whether a target wireless communication node (110) will need to obtain timing information for at least one cell to be included in the assistance data. The network node then estimates an acquisition time ΔT for the wireless communication node (110) to obtain timing information for at least a first cell. The network node then transmits the positioning assistance data to the wireless communication node (110) at least ΔT before an expected time for the wireless communication node (110) to begin performing positioning measurements. In some embodiments, the network node is configured to wait for a time period at least equal to an expected reporting delay that accounts for the acquisition time ΔT, before deciding that the positioning has failed. |
| US09581678B2 |
Torque limiter devices, systems and methods and solar trackers incorporating torque limiters
A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers. |
| US09581677B2 |
Direction of arrival determination for a radio signal
At least two input signals, each characterizing a radio signal having a radio frequency (RF), are received. The input signals are converted into at least three output signals. The output signals have a unique combination of corresponding magnitudes for each RF phase difference between the input signals. A set of magnitudes corresponding to the output signals is measured using a mobile measuring device. An RF phase angle value is determined based the measured set of magnitudes. The RF phase angle value is converted into an angle value indicative of the direction of arrival of the radio signal. |
| US09581675B2 |
Virtual model adapter removal and substitution technique for cascaded networks
System and methods may allow an operator of a signal measurement instrument to characterize and calibrate a network with unsupported connector types, e.g., not traceable to known standards. Adapters having supported and unsupported interfaces can be used to measure the system responses of networks in a system under test. These measurements can be mathematically cascaded to deduce virtual models that produce an accurate and fully calibrated total system response. |
| US09581670B2 |
Method and control device for operating a magnetic resonance system
In a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, multiple slices are initially spatially selectively excited in a first time interval by respective RF pulses followed by at least one RF refocusing pulse that causes one echo signal from each slice, with a time interval of two consecutive echo signals equal to the first time interval. A second RF refocusing pulse is emitted at a second time interval from the last echo signal that causes, one further echo signal per slice, with the time interval of two consecutive echo signals equal to the first time interval. At least one further RF refocusing pulse is emitted in a third time interval following the preceding RF refocusing pulse producing multiple temporally separated echo signals per refocusing pulse. The third time interval is selected so that the number of echo signals per RF refocusing pulse is twice the number of excited slices. |
| US09581665B2 |
Systems and methods for damping common-mode energy
Systems and methods for damping cable common-mode energy in magnetic environments are provided. One system includes a damping arrangement having a transmission line within an electric (E) field environment and an energy damping device formed having a conductive plastic body and positioned adjacent a conductor of the transmission line. The energy damping device is configured to dampen common-mode energy induced within the transmission line by the E field environment. |
| US09581664B2 |
Control of a pressure of a local coil in relation to an object under examination
A local coil system for a magnetic resonance imaging system and a magnetic resonance imaging system include a local coil. The local coil includes a pressure element that may be filled with a fluid, and a controllable fluid supply device that at least at the imposition of the local coil to the object under examination and/or during the operation of the local coil, is coupled to the pressure element. The controllable fluid supply device is embodied such that the pressure of the pressure elements attained with the aid of the fluid, imposed on the object under examination may be changed, at least area by area. |
| US09581663B2 |
NMR sample tube and NMR spectrometer
An NMR sample tube is offered which can be spun at high speed stably. The NMR sample tube is adapted for use in solid-state NMR spectroscopy and includes a tubular member, spacers, and cover bodies. The spacers are disposed inside the tubular member. Each spacer has first and second surfaces located on opposite sides. The first surfaces of the spacers define a space filled up with a sample. The tubular member has openings which are closed off by the cover bodies. |
| US09581660B2 |
Electronic device comprising hall effect region with three contacts
An electronic device is disclosed as a part of a magnetic field sensor or a mechanical stress sensor. The electronic device includes a Hall effect region, a first contact (temporarily functioning as a first supply contact), a second contact (second supply contact), and a third contact (temporarily functioning as a first sense contact) that are arranged in or on a surface of the Hall effect region. The first contact and the third contact are arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner to each other with respect to the second contact. An electrical current distribution within the Hall effect region is influenced by a physical quantity (e.g. magnetic field strength or mechanical stress) to be measured. A sense signal tapped at the third contact is a function of the current distribution, the sense signal thus being indicative of the physical quantity. A corresponding sensing method using the electronic device is also disclosed. |
| US09581651B2 |
Diagnostic use of physical and electrical battery parameters and storing relative condition data
In at least one embodiment, a power management module measures an electromagnetic radiation spectrum or a voltage response of a battery module. The measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum or voltage response of the battery is compared to a plurality of reference electromagnetic radiation spectrums or voltage responses, respectively, which may be determined for authentic batteries, for example. A relative condition of the battery, such as an age or state of health, may be estimated based on the measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum or voltage response of the battery module, and stored in a memory store. The rate of change of the relative condition of the battery over a period of time may be determined to identify potential defects in the battery. |
| US09581649B2 |
Method and apparatus for load fault detection
Described examples include controllers and methods for controlling an inverter to drive a load and for detecting load faults by determining phasor values representing voltages and currents associated with the individual load phases based on sets of input values, determining voltage and current sequence components according to the phasor values, determining a sequence impedance value by recursively solving a set of update equations at least partially according to the voltage and current sequence components, and detecting a load fault when the sequence impedance value exceeds a threshold value. |
| US09581647B2 |
Motor drive having function of detecting welding of electromagnetic connector
A motor drive includes an electromagnetic connector for connecting an alternating current (AC) power source to an AC/DC conversion unit or disconnecting therefrom, a DC link unit, a DC/AC conversion unit for converting smoothed direct current voltage to AC voltage, a DC link voltage detection unit for measuring voltage of the DC link unit, and a control unit. The control unit includes a time measurement unit for measuring elapsed time since switching by the electromagnetic connector, and a welding judgment unit for judging that the electromagnetic connector is welded, provided that the difference between voltage between terminals of the DC link unit after charging the DC link unit and voltage between the terminals of the DC link unit after predetermined time has elapsed since disconnecting the AC power source from the AC/DC conversion unit, after the charge of the DC link unit, is less than a predetermined voltage level. |
| US09581646B2 |
Electrical arc detection in electrical switching devices
An electrical arc detector for switchgear includes a fiber-optic cable configured to receive light emitted from switchgear at a first end and transport the light to a second end. The detector further includes a sensor arranged adjacent the second end of the fiber-optic cable configured to sense the light and generate an electrical signal, and analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the electrical signal to a digital signal, and a processor configured to monitor the digital signal and at least one of transmit information related to the digital signal, store information related to the digital signal, and take action based on the digital signal. |
| US09581638B2 |
Chip-on-wafer process control monitoring for chip-on-wafer-on-substrate packages
An embodiment method includes providing a standardized testing structure design for a chip-on-wafer (CoW) structure, wherein the standardized testing structure design comprises placing a testing structure in a pre-selected area a top die in the CoW structure, and electrically testing a plurality of microbumps in the CoW structure by applying a universal testing probe card to the testing structure. |
| US09581632B2 |
Apparatus and method for remote monitoring of partial discharge in electrical apparatus
Apparatus for remote monitoring of partial discharge events in electrical apparatus 1 includes one or more sensors 5 for detecting partial discharge pulses in one or more conductors 2 conveying electrical power to the apparatus. A programmed computer 5 analyzes measured pulses and discriminates between those originating from the apparatus being monitored and elsewhere. Discrimination is achieved by analyzing pulse shape, and by comparing pulses to partial discharge events measured locally to the sensors. The apparatus enables partial discharge events in electrical apparatus to be monitored without having to install sensors at the equipment itself. |
| US09581629B2 |
Sensor sleeve for health monitoring of an article
A sensor sleeve for use in detecting a failure in an article (e.g., a hydraulic hose), the sensor sleeve includes an insulator layer that separates two electrode layers. As such, the electrode layers deform to contact each other, which changes the impedance as measured across the electrode layers. The sensor sleeve is designed to change electrical impedance (resistance) due to fluid pressure initiating a hole through the sensor itself. The sensor sleeve will detect the fluid leak when the hole penetrates the sensor and brings the two elastic electrodes in contact with each other and/or the fluid, which when the fluid is conductive fluid, creates a signal path between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, which also changes the impedance as measured across the electrode layers. |
| US09581627B2 |
Method and system for tomographic imaging
Approaches are disclosed for electrical impedance tomography which apply a current to a region at two or more frequencies and acquire voltage measurements at each frequency to generate a set of multi-frequency voltage measurements. One or more images of the region are generated, using spectral constraints, based on the multi-frequency data. |
| US09581621B2 |
Method of calculating current correction formula for power strip, current measuring method, and power strip
A method of calculating a current correction formula may include first measuring voltage values at each of current measuring parts configured to measure currents in socket parts of a power strip in a state in which no current flows in the socket parts, second measuring the voltage values at each of the current measuring parts in a state in which a current flows in one of the socket parts, and calculating a correction formula formed by a inverse matrix of a matrix having as its elements differences between the voltage values measured by the second measuring and the voltage values measured by the first measuring. |
| US09581619B2 |
Radiation detection
A method of and device for processing a radiation pulse are described based on: detecting an event at the detector; producing a pulse; determining for the pulse: a pulse height measurement representative of pulse magnitude; a pulse width measurement representative of pulse duration; assigning the pulse to one of at least two classes based on the determined pulse height/pulse width; applying to each pulse an algorithm specific to its particular class to produce an output pulse height/pulse width profile. |
| US09581618B1 |
Method and apparatus for triggered capture of voltage phase angle data on an alternating current power grid
A method and apparatus are provided for capturing voltage phase angle data on an alternating current power grid. The method includes periodically making a voltage phase angle measurement at each of a plurality of locations on the alternating current power grid relative to a timing reference signal (e.g., a GPS timing signal) that is available at each location. For each of the locations, the voltage phase angle measurements are stored locally at the location. A trigger event is selected that will be simultaneously detectable at two or more of the locations. The method includes monitoring for the trigger event at each of the plurality of locations. In response to detecting the trigger event at one or more of the locations, a select amount of pre-trigger and post-trigger measurements are transmitted over a data communications network to a pre-designated destination from each location at which the trigger event was detected. |
| US09581614B2 |
High-output MEMS accelerometer
A MEMS acceleration sensor is provided. In one embodiment, the MEMS acceleration sensor comprises: a frame; a first proofmass located within the frame, the first proofmass including a left side, right side, top, and bottom; an axis running from the left side to the right side at about a median point between the top and bottom; a first flexure running along the axis and coupling the left side to the frame; a second flexure running along the axis and coupling the right side to the frame; a first channel that extends from the bottom up past the axis to a first channel end; a second channel that extends from the top down past the axis to a second channel end; a second proofmass located within the first channel and coupled to the first proofmass via a first hinge and a first gauge at the first channel end and coupled to the frame at the bottom via a second hinge and a second gauge; and a third proofmass located within the second channel and coupled to the first proofmass via a third hinge and a third gauge at the second channel end and coupled to the frame at the top via a fourth hinge and a fourth gauge. |
| US09581613B2 |
Micromechanical acceleration sensor
A micromechanical acceleration sensor is provided, including a substrate, a first seismic mass, which is movably suspended on the substrate and deflectable in an acceleration acting on the substrate in a first direction, first detection means for detecting a deflection of the first seismic mass in an acceleration acting on the substrate in the first direction, a second seismic mass, which is movably suspended on the substrate and deflectable in an acceleration acting on the substrate in a second direction, the second direction running perpendicularly to the first direction, second detection means for detecting a deflection of the second seismic mass in an acceleration acting on the substrate in the second direction, the second seismic mass furthermore being deflectable in an acceleration acting on the substrate in a third direction, the third direction running perpendicularly to the first direction and to the second direction, and third detection means for detecting a deflection of the second seismic mass in an acceleration acting on the substrate in the third direction. |
| US09581612B2 |
Systems and methods for a power efficient method for detecting wear and non-wear of a sensor
The present solution provides a system and a method for determining the wear compliance of a wearable sensor. More particularly, the systems and methods described herein enable the power-efficient and accurate determination of a sensor's wear and non-wear state. Accurately, detecting the wear and non-wear state ensures the correct and accurate measurement of behavioral signals. Additionally, the systems and methods enable caretakers to remotely monitor patient wear compliance and behavioral parameters. |
| US09581609B2 |
Automatic coagulation analyzing apparatus and analyzing method
A detection unit 113 measures scattered light intensity E as a coagulation index. A first curve fitting function 120B-a c calculates, at a predetermined time interval, a parameter for an approximate curve of a coagulation curve by curve fitting, based on the measured scattered light intensity E. An early reaction checking function 120B-b determines whether there is a lag phase as an early coagulation index change, based on the parameter for the approximate curve. The parameter has been calculated at the predetermined time interval by the first curve fitting function 120B-a. A clotting time calculation function 120B-f calculates clotting time, based on whether there is the lag phase. |
| US09581607B2 |
Test station and method for testing fluidic components
A test station for testing at least one of fluidic component arranged on a substrate, each fluidic component having a fluidic port, comprises a carrier device for holding the substrate with the at least one fluidic component, a connecting device for fluidically connecting the fluidic port of the at least one fluidic component located in a testing position to a first adapter element of the connecting device, and a displacement device configured to displace the substrate and the connecting device relative to each other, and to bring the substrate into the testing position. |
| US09581603B2 |
Collagen-derived recombinant proteins with von Willebrand factor-binding activity
A method for diagnosing von Willebrand disease and novel polypeptides which bind to von Willebrand factor. |
| US09581601B2 |
Method of detection of amino acid sequence and/or identification of peptides and proteins, by use of a new derivatization reagent and synthesis of 5-formyl-benzene-1,3-disulphonic acid as derivatization reagent
Present invention refers to a novel and improved method of derivatization and detection of amino acid sequence and/or identification of proteins, peptides by a new derivatization compound. Precisely, the method discloses a novel approach to derivatization of peptides or proteins by compounds comprising two or more sulfonyl groups and analysis of derivatized analytes in negative mode of operation of mass spectrometer. This method allows unambiguous analysis of amino acid sequence of long-chain peptides/proteins. Also, the invention discloses a novel synthesis procedure of 5-formyl-benzene-1,3-disulphonic acid as derivatization compound. |
| US09581600B2 |
In vitro mitochondrial function test (MFT) and uses thereof
The present document describes an in vitro method for determining a level of mitochondrial function from a subject by determining a change in a labeled compound labeling a viable cell or tissue sample isolated from a subject following introduction of a volume of a solution over said viable cell or tissue sample. The comparison of the change to a normal reference is indicative of mitochondrial function in the subject. |
| US09581598B2 |
Diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor
Cellular targets on cancer cells have been identified that can be used with targeted molecular imaging to detect the cancer cells in vivo. Non-invasive methods for detecting cancer cells, such as metastasized cancer cells, are therefore provided. Also provided are compositions and kits for use in the disclosed methods. |
| US09581595B2 |
Compositions and methods for determining whether a subject would benefit from co-receptor inhibitor therapy
The present invention provides methods and compositions for determining whether a subject would benefit from co-receptor inhibitor therapy. In certain aspects, the methods can be used to determine whether a subject infected with a dual-mixed tropic population of HIV would benefit from CCCR5-inhibitor therapy or CXCR4-inhibitor therapy, the methods comprising determining whether the HIV population is a homogeneous or heterogeneous population of HIV, wherein the nature of the homogenous or heterogenous population of HIV indicates whether the patient would benefit from co-receptor inhibitor therapy. |
| US09581594B2 |
Porphyrin—modified antimicrobial peptides for application as indicators of microbial targets
Porphyrin-modified antimicrobial peptides as described here may be used as indicators of the presence of microbial targets. Their application may be as (for example) (1) fluorescent indicators in a microarray format, (2) fluorescence or absorbance based indicators in traditional solution based applications, or (3) reflectance based indicators for use in reagent-less detection platforms. |
| US09581592B2 |
SERS, fluorescence, absorption, and luminescence detection with flow-through multi-hole capillaries
3-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as well as absorption/fluorescence/luminescence detection is carried out using a platform based on nanoparticle-functionalized flow-through multi-hole capillaries for rapid analyte detection. The configuration provides an increased active area and fluidic channels for efficient sample delivery, and also confines and transmits light for a large signal accumulation. Using a capillary consisting of thousands of micron-sized holes adsorbed with gold nanoparticles, a detection limit better than 100 fM is achieved. |
| US09581591B2 |
Systems and methods for medical data processing and analysis
We describe a system/method for predicting the outcome of a medical procedure on a patient. The system/method uses using complement cascade data representing levels of a set of complement cascade markers in the patient at a succession of peri-operative time intervals, determining deviations from a model of the response to provide a pre-symptomatic prediction of the outcome. In embodiments the complement cascade pathways include the lytic pathway and at least one of the lectin pathway, the classical pathway and the alternative pathway, and the biomarkers include at least C3. The system may include an electroluminescence or plasmon-resonance multianalyte detector to analyze a blood sample from the patient. |
| US09581590B2 |
Metallic nanoparticle synthesis with carbohydrate capping agent
The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides. |
| US09581589B2 |
High sensitivity quantitation of peptides by mass spectrometry
The instant invention provides an economical flow-through method for determining amount of target proteins in a sample. An antibody preparation (whether polyclonal or monoclonal, or any equivalent specific binding agent) is used to capture and thus enrich a specific monitor peptide (a specific peptide fragment of a protein to be quantitated in a proteolytic digest of a complex protein sample) and an internal standard peptide (the same chemical structure but including stable isotope labels). Upon elution into a suitable mass spectrometer, the natural (sample derived) and internal standard (isotope labeled) peptides are quantitated, and their measured abundance ratio used to calculate the abundance of the monitor peptide, and its parent protein, in the initial sample. |
| US09581587B2 |
Sperm staining and sorting methods
A method of sex sorting sperm is disclosed. The sperm may be stained with a DNA selective fluorescent dye, which fluoresces when excited, a dead quenching dye, which selectively quenches fluorescence emitted by the DNA selective fluorescent dye within the membrane of compromised sperm, and a split enhancing dye. The stained sperm may then sorted into one or more gender enriched subpopulations of viable sperm. |
| US09581585B2 |
Breath acetone monitor and method of detecting breath acetone
A breath acetone meter is provided. The blood glucose meter includes a receiver comprising a first polymer and a second plurality of layers arranged in an alternating arrangement. The receiver is configured to receive a breath sample from a user. The first plurality of layers and second plurality of layers being configured to interact in response to the level of acetone in the breath sample. The breath acetone meter further including a light source arranged to emit a light onto the receiver. A sensor is arranged to receive the light and output a voltage in response to receiving the light, wherein the voltage is proportional to an amount of acetone in the breath sample. |
| US09581581B2 |
Methods of determining crude oil stability
The stability of an oil-based fluid crude oil fluid may be determined by measuring a first RI value of the crude oil that does not comprise a solvent where the first RI value is used to determine a first solubility parameter therefrom. A second RI value may be taken from the crude oil at a point of asphaltene flocculation during a turbidimetric flocculation titration. The second RI value may be used to determine a second solubility parameter. A process for refining the crude oil may be controlled by maintaining the process or implementing a change to the process based on a ratio of the first solubility parameter to the second solubility parameter. |
| US09581580B2 |
Measurement tool and method of use
This invention relates to a measurement tool and method of use, and in particular to a measurement tool for use in determining a parameter of a stationary or moving fluid. The measurement tool has been designed primarily for use in borehole formation testing. The measurement tool can measure the dielectric constant of a fluid within a pipe or surrounding the tool. The pipe or wall between the tool and the fluid is electrically insulating. The tool has pair of capacitor plates mounted adjacent to the pipe or wall, a signal generator which can deliver an alternating electrical signal to at least one of the capacitor plates, and a detector for measuring a signal dependent upon the electrical capacitance between the capacitor plates. The measurement tool can additionally measure the electrical resistivity of the fluid. |
| US09581575B2 |
Safety system for detection and elimination of toxic gases
There is provided a safety system comprising at least one gas detector for detecting presence and concentration of at least one toxic gas inside the target space and for generating corresponding analog signals; (2) an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the at least one gas detector for converting the analog signals into digital signals; (3) a controller connected to the ADC for receiving the digital signals and generating commands as a function of pre-programmed instructions; (4) at least one exhaust fan connected to the controller for receiving the commands and operating as a function thereof for exhausting the at least one toxic gas outside the target space; and (5) at least one draught fan connected to the controller for receiving the commands and operating as a function thereof for generating a flow of air inside target space. |
| US09581574B2 |
Method and device for detecting odorants in hydrocarbon gases
A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is disclosed for use in a hand-held detection device for detecting the presence of an odorant in hydrocarbon gaseous fuels. The odorant is a thiol-based compound, such as ethanethiol. The QCM is coated with a coating typically containing a reagent that specifically reacts with the thiol of the odorant and alters its oscillation frequency as a result of mass gained in the reaction. Signal measurement and processing circuitry is provided for monitoring the change in oscillation frequency, for nulling out the effect of interfering compounds, and for reporting out the result. |
| US09581573B2 |
Liquid chromatograph
A liquid chromatograph includes a liquid chromatograph unit that has a pump sending an eluent to a detector and a control unit that controls the liquid to be sent by the pump based on a predetermined time table. The control unit stores an elution response of the liquid chromatograph unit which is obtained when a predetermined command value is input and another elution response which is obtained when the same command value is input to another liquid chromatograph. The time table is converted in the control unit based on the elution response and the other elution response to obtain respective elution profiles. In this manner, even when a measuring method related to another liquid chromatograph is used, it is possible to provide a liquid chromatograph capable of obtaining measurement results which are the same as those obtained when the measuring method is used in the other liquid chromatograph. |
| US09581570B2 |
Determination of the remaining life of a structural system based on acoustic emission signals
In accordance with the present disclosure, a method of using acoustic emission data to predict the state of a structural element is described. The method includes capturing acoustic emission data for a structural element. The method further includes predicting the future stress intensity in the structural element using the captured acoustic emission data and calculating the probability of future failure of the structural element using the predicted future stress intensity. |
| US09581566B2 |
Biological sample measurement device
A biological sample measurement device comprising a main body case including a sensor mounting component; a measurement component including an input side; a controller connected to the measurement component, the controller including a measurement preparation mode and a measurement mode, the controller configured to determine whether there is an abnormality in the measurement component; a memory component connected to the controller; a switching component connected to the input side of the measurement component, a first reference resistor, and to the sensor mounting component; the switching component configured to switch between at least two states. |
| US09581563B2 |
System for communicating information from an array of sensors
A system for communicating information from an array of sensors is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor array that includes a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor senses a physical property of a material that is in communication with the sensor. The system further comprises signal processing circuitry associated with each sensor that integrates the output of the sensor over time and compares the integrated output to a threshold. The system further comprises a communication network coupled to the signal processing circuitry that outputs information indicating that the integrated output corresponding to a given sensor has reached the threshold. |
| US09581562B2 |
Handheld device for electrophysiological analysis
A handheld device for analysis of electrophysiological properties of a cellular membrane ion channel in an ion channel containing lipid cellular membrane includes a handheld body with a pump, an electronic controller, and a disposable pipette tip including a pathway for fluid. The pathway connects an open end of the pipette tip to an analysis substrate in the pipette tip. The substrate is adapted to transmit an electrical current through the ion channel. The handheld body and the disposable pipette tip are configured to releasably attach the pipette tip to the body, to provide a hydraulic connection between the pump and the pathway, and to provide an electric connection between the electronic controller and at least one of the electrodes of the substrate. The electronic controller of the handheld body is configured to operate the assembled device for microfluidic analysis of aspirated fluid. |
| US09581561B2 |
Integrated optoelectrochemical sensor for nitrogen oxides in gaseous samples
A gas-phase detection system based on detecting optochemical and optoelectrochemical signals. The sensing platform is particularly powerful for detection of nitrogen oxides at low ppbV concentrations. The optochemical analysis is based on the color development due to a chemical reaction taking place in an optimized material. The electrochemical analysis can be based on the doping level or redox potential changes of an electrochemical sensor; and optoelectrochemical detection can be based on a combination of the electrochemical and optoelectrochemical methodologies. Each independent signal can be simultaneously detected, increasing the reliability of detection. |
| US09581560B2 |
Multiple-excitation multiple-receiving (MEMR) capacitance tomography
A method for operating a sensor, including simultaneously exciting a first set of electrodes and sensing an output of each electrode of a second set of electrodes, storing output data corresponding to the output of each electrode of the second set of electrodes in a memory storage device, shifting at least one electrode from the first set of electrodes to the second set of electrodes and at least one electrode from the second set of electrodes to the first set of electrodes, and repeating the simultaneously exciting and sensing, the storing, and the shifting until an output data has been stored for each possible pair of electrodes in the first and second set of electrodes. |
| US09581557B2 |
Use of radiofrequency wave absorbing markets for the authentication of security documents
The present invention relates to the use of non-deactivatable security compositions comprising the combination of at least two types of particles of oxide materials, where said particles have a different size and/or morphology, and where the inorganic oxide materials have at least one transition metal or one lanthanide element, and radiofrequency wave absorption properties. The invention also relates to security articles, documents or elements incorporating these compositions, as well as to a method and to a system for detection thereof. |
| US09581554B2 |
Photon emitter array
Provided herein is an apparatus, including at least two photon emitters, each with a preselected polarization orientation, and configured to emit polarized photons onto a surface of an article, and a processing means configured to process photon-detector-array signals corresponding to photons scattered from surface features of the article, and generate one or more surface features maps for the article from the photon-detector-array signals corresponding to the photons scattered from the surface features of the article. |
| US09581553B2 |
Examination method for distinguishing between natural diamond and synthetic CVD/HPHT diamonds
This invention is within the technical field of distinguishing between natural diamond and synthetic CVD and HPHT diamonds, involves an examination technique using the Raman spectra. Procedurally, a highly sensitive Raman spectrometer (S/N>10,000) is used to scan and examine the diamond sample. The spectrometer is fitted with a tailor-made probe that has a large facula and surface area. Specially developed software is then used to perform an intensity correction and a background elimination to obtain a specific Raman spectral range (250-2800 cm−1) with the corrected intensity and a smooth baseline. Next, the Raman peak intensity of 2030 cm−1 (the post-correction and -standardization characteristic peak) is used as a basis to distinguish between natural diamond and synthetic CVD and HPHT diamonds. This method has the advantages of being non-destructive, simple, fast, and practical identification for diamonds. |
| US09581545B2 |
Optical sensing system and method of determining a change in a refractive index in an optical sensing system
An optical sensing system may include a light separation element configured to separate an input light into a plurality of sliced lights and a first resonator configured to receive one sliced light of the plurality of sliced lights. An effective refractive index of the first resonator may be changeable in response to a change in a refractive index of a cladding of the first resonator, a second resonator coupled to the first resonator and a detector configured to measure an intensity of the sliced light, the intensity of the sliced light based on a difference between a resonant wavelength of the first resonator and a resonant wavelength of the second resonator. The difference between a resonant wavelength of the first resonator and a resonant wavelength of the second resonator may be based on the effective refractive index of the first resonator. |
| US09581543B2 |
Infrared detection and imaging device with no moving parts
A device images radiation from a scene. A detector is sensitive to the radiation in a first wavelength band. A lens forms an image of the scene on the detector. A filtering arrangement includes two sets of radiation absorbing molecules. A control unit switches the filtering arrangement between two states. In the first state, all of the radiation in the first wavelength band is transmitted to the detector. In the second state, the radiation in a second wavelength band within the first wavelength band is absorbed by the radiation absorbing molecules. The control unit synchronizes the switching of the filtering arrangement with the detector. Each pixel of the image formed on the detector includes two signals. The first signal includes information from the scene radiation in the first wavelength band. The second signal excludes information from the scene radiation absorbed by the filtering arrangement in the second wavelength band. |
| US09581541B2 |
Optical cup
The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a disposable cartridge and an optical cup or cuvette having a tapered surface; wherein the walls are angled to allow for better coating and better striations of the light, an optics system including an optical reader and a thermal controller; an optical analyzer; a cooling system; and an improved spectrometer. The system may utilize the disposable cartridge in the sample processor and the optical cup or cuvette in the optical analyzer. |
| US09581539B2 |
Device for measuring the consumption of oxygen and the consumption of carbon dioxide by a subject
A device for measuring the consumption of oxygen and the consumption of carbon dioxide by a subject comprises an air collecting member for collecting the flow of air breathed, a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of air exhaled by the subject, and a sampling line for sampling a portion of the flow of air exhaled by the subject. A pump, with substantially constant capacity draws the aforesaid portion of flow of air into the sampling line. A mixing chamber is interposed in the sampling line for collecting and mixing together flows of air exhaled by the subject in a number of breathing cycles. Means for sensing the concentration of oxygen and means for sensing the concentration of carbon dioxide are arranged in the sampling line. The pump is with constant capacity, but is controlled in a PWM mode in order to simulate a capacity that varies in proportion to the variation of the flow during the breathing cycle so as to render measurement of the consumption of oxygen reliable even though the mixing chamber does not receive the entire flow exhaled by the subject. The device further comprises a bypass line of the mixing chamber, through which the flow of air can pass without passing through the mixing chamber. A valve for selecting the measuring mode can be displaced selectively into two different positions, to get the flow of air that traverses the sampling line to converge either through the mixing chamber, when an average measurement is to be made of the consumption of oxygen by the subject in the course of a number of breathing cycles, or through said bypass line, when an instantaneous measurement is to be made of the consumption of oxygen by the subject in each breathing cycle. |
| US09581534B2 |
Tribometer
A test apparatus and methods of measuring wear of a material with a laser displacement measurement apparatus based upon displacement of a test sample of the material or the wear of a testing surface and a specimen. A lubricant test method and apparatus measures the thickness of a lubricant film between two test surfaces by comparing the location of the test surfaces at rest and dynamically. |
| US09581532B2 |
Substrate edge clamping force tester
An apparatus and methods for measuring the clamping force applied to a substrate by clamping elements of a substrate holder. The apparatus include a pneumatic cylinder, a two position, three way valve and a pressure gauge. In a first position of the valve, the gauge and a bore of the cylinder are vented or pre-pressurized. In a second position of the valve, the bore and gauge are isolated. The methods include placing the apparatus with the valve in the first position between clamping elements set to a non-clamping position, moving the valve to the second position, setting the clamping elements to a clamping position and reading a pressure on the gauge. |
| US09581527B2 |
Apparatus for processing a sample in a liquid droplet and method of using the same
A device for processing a sample in a liquid droplet containing a hydrophilic liquid is described. The device includes: a circumferential wall and a base including an immobilisation member. The circumferential wall and the base define a reservoir adapted to accommodate a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the liquid droplet. The medium is of a lower surface energy than a liquid of the liquid droplet. The immobilisation member includes a surface with a plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas and a hydrophobic area. The plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas is: (a) of a higher surface energy than the medium, (b) of a higher surface energy than the hydrophobic area, and (c) of a sufficient surface energy and a sufficient width to allow, in the medium, immobilisation of liquid droplets on the hydrophilic immobilisation areas via interfacial interactions. Methods of using and rinsing the device are also described. |
| US09581526B2 |
Method for S/TEM sample analysis
An improved method and apparatus for S/TEM sample preparation and analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods for TEM sample creation, especially for small geometry (<100 nm thick) TEM lamellae. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide an in-line process for S/TEM based metrology on objects such as integrated circuits or other structures fabricated on semiconductor wafer by providing methods to partially or fully automate TEM sample creation, to make the process of creating and analyzing TEM samples less labor intensive, and to increase throughput and reproducibility of TEM analysis. |
| US09581521B2 |
Systems and methods for inspecting wound optical fiber
Systems and methods for inspecting wound optical fiber to detect and characterize defects are disclosed. The method includes illuminating the wound optical fiber with light from a light source and capturing a digital image based on measurement light that is redirected by the wound optical fiber to a digital camera. The method also includes processing the digital image with a computer to detect and characterize the defects. The types of defects that can be detected using the systems and methods disclosed herein include bubbles, abrasions, punctures, scratches, surface contamination, winding errors, periodic dimensional errors, aperiodic dimensional errors and dents. |
| US09581518B2 |
Physical quantity measuring device
A plate-shaped circuit board configured to receive a detection signal from a detector is housed in a case and is held by a holder with a flat substrate surface thereof intersecting with a bottom surface of a cover member. The holder is attached to the cover member. The cover member includes a cover body, and elongated supporting portions projecting from the bottom surface of the cover body into the case. The supporting portions each include a pair of support projections that support one of opposite side surfaces of the circuit board along a projecting direction of the supporting portions. The holder includes a flat portion provided with engagement pieces engageable with a second substrate. |
| US09581516B2 |
Differential pressure sensor and differential pressure sensor manufacturing method
A differential pressure sensor has a sensor chip that is, between a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface of a sensor chamber, joined by a first adhesive agent layer between one face of the sensor chip and the first inner wall surface of the sensor chamber and joined through a second adhesive agent layer between other face of the sensor chip and the second inner wall surface of the sensor chamber. The first adhesive agent layer is an adhesive agent layer that has a Young's modulus that is smaller than the Young's modulus of a material that structures a sensor diaphragm. The second adhesive agent layer is an adhesive agent layer that has a Young's modulus that is smaller than the Young's modulus of the material that structures the sensor diaphragm and larger than the Young's modulus of the first adhesive agent layer. |
| US09581511B2 |
Microelectromechanical pressure sensors
A pressure sensitive element is provided. In one embodiment the pressure sensitive element comprises: a diaphragm with a gage side and a back side and a rim surrounding the diaphragm; a pair of inner islands on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the pair of inner islands are spaced to form a first gap between the pair of inner islands; a first freed gage spanning the first gap; at least one bridge to provide an electrical communication path between the rim and the first freed gage; an outer island on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the outer island and the rim are spaced to form a second gap; and a second freed gage spanning the second gap. |
| US09581510B1 |
Sputter chamber pressure gauge with vibration absorber
A pressure gauge for measuring pressure in a vacuum chamber includes a flange couplable with the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure, an air valve between the flange and the pressure sensor, and a vibration dampening assembly configured to dampen vibration in the pressure gauge. A sputtering system for sputter deposition includes a sputter chamber and the pressure gauge. The flange of the pressure gauge is coupled with the sputter chamber. A method of measuring pressure in a vacuum chamber with the pressure gauge includes coupling the flange with the vacuum chamber, dampening vibration in the pressure gauge with the vibration dampening assembly, and obtaining a pressure measurement from the pressure sensor. |
| US09581509B2 |
Diaphragm pressure gauge
A diaphragm pressure gauge includes a base, an inner cover, a diaphragm, a movement assembly, a pointer assembly, a dial plate, and an outer cover. The movement assembly is disposed within the inner cover. The diaphragm is disposed at a bottom end of the inner cover. The pointer assembly is disposed above the inner cover and connected with the movement assembly. A pressing worm shaft connected to the movement assembly is disposed at a central portion of the diaphragm. The base includes a connecting portion defining therein a pressure chamber in which a piston is disposed. The base defines a piston hole for engaging with the piston. One end of the piston extends through the piston hole and presses against the pressing worm shaft. The diaphragm pressure gauge can effectively prevent corrosion and damage of components inside the pressure gauge and detect a pressure as high as 1000 kg/cm2. |
| US09581508B2 |
Bicycle pedaling force detector
A bicycle pedaling force detector is basically provided with that basically includes a first sensor circuit, a wireless communicator and a first electrical connection member. The first sensor circuit is coupled to a first housing that is configured to be mounted to a crank assembly. The wireless communicator is coupled to a second housing that is configured to be detachably mounted to a crank assembly. The second housing is a separate member from the first housing. The first electrical connection member is configured to electrically connect the wireless communicator and the first sensor circuit. |
| US09581506B1 |
Methods for evaluating strain of crystalline devices
Methods for evaluating strain of crystalline structure are provided herein. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for evaluating strain of a crystalline structure includes directing an electron beam at the crystalline structure to produce an electron diffraction pattern including a reflection point area. The electron diffraction pattern is detected with a detector that includes a plurality of pixels to produce a raw data set. The raw data set is filtered by applying a mathematical median filter to produce a filtered data set, and a contrast of the filtered data set is enhanced to produce an enhanced data set. A center point of the reflection point area is determined with the enhanced data set, and the strain of the crystalline structure is determined based on analysis of the center point. |
| US09581505B2 |
Sensor device
The detection range and the detection precision of a sensor device that makes use of the deformation of a viscoelastic elastomer are made variable. The sensor device comprises a magnetic viscoelastic elastomer containing electroconductive magnetic particles dispersed therein so as to demonstrate an elastic modulus that varies depending on a magnetic field applied thereto and an electric resistance in a prescribed direction that varies depending on a deformation thereof, electromagnets for applying a magnetic field that can be varied to the magnetic viscoelastic elastomer, a resistance detection circuit for detecting the electric resistance of the magnetic viscoelastic elastomer, and a control unit for computing at least one of a deformation state of the magnetic viscoelastic elastomer and a load applied to the magnetic viscoelastic elastomer according to a detection value of the resistance detection circuit and a magnitude of the magnetic field applied by the electromagnets. |
| US09581503B2 |
Sensor and sensor mounting structure
A sensor (200) includes a temperature sensitive element (203); a first tubular member (212); a tubular rib (240); a second tubular member (260); and a tubular mounting member (250) that surrounds the rib through the second tubular member, is rotatable with respect to the rib, and has a threaded portion (254). The rib includes a main body (243) and a protruding portion (242). A flat portion (244L) is formed on a rearward-facing surface of the protruding portion, and an inclined surface (242b) is formed radially outward of the flat portion. A forward-facing surface (250f) of the mounting member is in line contact with the inclined surface at a prescribed contact position (P), and an intersection (R) of the inclined surface and a perpendicular (M) thereto from a radially innermost point (Q) of a forward-facing surface (244f) of the protruding portion is located radially inward of the contact position. |
| US09581502B2 |
Temperature control apparatus
A temperature control apparatus includes a temperature monitoring integrated circuit (IC). The temperature monitoring IC has an output pin and is configured to generate an output signal having a voltage dependent on a sensed temperature. An output terminal is operatively connected to the output pin. An insulating material substantially surrounds the temperature monitoring IC. The insulating material substantially insulates the temperature monitoring IC from ambient heat and electromagnetic interference. |
| US09581497B2 |
Cars microscope
A microscope includes: a first light dividing part that divides a light flux of light from a light source into a first pump light flux and a second pump light flux; a Stokes light source that receives the second pump light flux as an input and outputs a Stokes light flux; a multiplexing part that multiplexes the first pump light flux and the Stokes light flux to generate a multiplexed light flux; a first light-collecting part that collects the multiplexed light flux in a sample; a first detector that detects CARS light generated from the sample, the CARS light having a wavelength different from the multiplexed light flux; a second light dividing part that lets at least one of the second pump light flux and the Stokes light flux branch partially as a reference light flux; a second multiplexing part that multiplexes a light flux from the sample and the reference light flux to generate interfering light; and a second detector that detects the interfering light. |
| US09581496B2 |
Snapshot spectral imaging based on digital cameras
Snapshot spectral imagers comprise an imaging lens, a dispersed image sensor and a restricted isometry property (RIP) diffuser inserted in the optical path between the source image and the image sensor. The imagers are used to obtain a plurality of spectral images of the source object in different spectral bands in a single shot. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser is one dimensional. An optional disperser may be added in the optical path, to provide further dispersion at the image sensor. In some embodiments, all imager components except the RIP diffuser may be part of a digital camera, with the RIP diffuser added externally. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser may be included internally in a digital camera. |
| US09581494B2 |
Method and device for analyzing small particles in gas
A method for detecting decalibration of a device for analyzing particles, including irradiating particles with light, detecting light scattered from the particles, amplifying, digitizing and detecting the electric signal obtained in a plurality of digital channels corresponding to the intensity representing the particle size and monitoring the appearance of the Mie peak in the measured size-dependent frequency distribution and sending a report if the Mie peak deviates in a digital channel other than the digital standard channel belonging to it based on measurement settings. The electronic analyzing unit detecting a Mie peak in the measured particle size distribution and assigning it to a digital detection channel in a device for detecting the concentration of small particles in gas, with a sample tube, a light source, a detector detecting scattered light scattered on the particles, an analog amplifier, an analog-digital converter, an electronic analyzing unit and a display and operating unit. |
| US09581491B2 |
Flow cell modules and liquid sample analyzers and methods including same
A flow cell for a fluorescence spectrometer includes a flow channel to receive a flow of a liquid sample, an excitation light entrance window to receive excitation light from a light source, and an emission light exit window to transmit fluorescent emission light from the liquid sample in the flow channel from the flow cell. The excitation light entrance window and/or emission light exit window includes a waveguide including: a waveguide core formed of a core material; and a cladding medium surrounding a portion of the waveguide core, wherein the cladding medium has a refractive index less than the refractive index of the core material. The waveguide defines a portion of the flow channel. |
| US09581489B2 |
Distributed acoustic sensing with multimode fiber
A method and system for distributed acoustic sensing using multimode optical fibers. |
| US09581485B2 |
Removable magnetostrictive probe with automatic calibration
A magnetostrictive sensing instrument comprises a probe including a tube having a near end and a distal end. A magnetostrictive wire is in the tube. An adaptor at the tube near end includes a probe circuit comprising a drive circuit for the magnetostrictive wire, a pickup sensor, a preamplifier and a memory circuit storing calibration parameters for the probe. An instrument housing includes a control circuit. A connector is operatively disposed between the instrument housing and the adaptor and comprises electrical conductors for connecting the control circuit to the probe circuit. |
| US09581481B2 |
Air mass flowmeter
An air mass flowmeter having a sensor element of microelectromechanical design, a heating element, and a temperature sensor element. The temperature sensor element is a thermocouple assembly having a multiplicity of thermocouples connected in series. Each thermocouple is a first metal conductor and a second, different metal conductor connected to one another at one end by a connection point. To reduce the distortion of measurement results by the soiling of the sensor element, the first thermocouple(s) and the last thermocouple(s) of the thermocouple assembly are polarized such that an electrical current flows first through the second metal conductor and then through the first metal conductor in each case. The remaining thermocouples of the thermocouple assembly are polarized such that the electrical current flows first through the first metal conductor and then through the second metal conductor. |
| US09581474B2 |
Flow measuring device for lubrication systems
A flow measuring device for measuring flow of a fluid. A housing has a passage which extends between an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is disposed within the housing and is rotatable about a central axis. A flow detector is mounted on the shaft and disposed at least partially within the passage. The flow detector includes a rotatable, generally cylindrical body that rotates about a central axis as the fluid flows. A magnet is mounted on the rotatable body or on the shaft, and is configured to rotate simultaneously with the body about the central axis. A sensor is disposed within the housing and configured to sense rotation of the magnet as the flow detector angularly displaces about the central axis so as to detect angular displacement of the flow detector. |
| US09581473B2 |
Flow rate measuring device and method capable of correcting gradient
The following disclosure relates to a flow rate measuring device and method capable of correcting a gradient. More particularly, the following disclosure relates to a flow rate measuring device and method capable of correcting a gradient that may measure a flow rate having a minimized measurement error by including a sensor unit provided on a bottom surface of an inner portion of a fuel tank in order to accurately measure a flow rate value remaining in the fuel tank to obtain distance information between the bottom surface of the fuel tank and an oil surface and gradient information of the fuel tank itself. |
| US09581468B2 |
Methods for fabricating apparatus having a hermetic seal
Methods for fabricating a hermetic seal to seal a portion of an apparatus, for example and without limitation, a portion having a MEMS sensor. One such method uses crimping devices to compress a seal in a cavity formed in a housing that includes a MEMS sensor attached to a stress isolator. Under such compression, the seal deforms to hermetically seal surfaces around the inside, outside and bottom of the stress isolator. |
| US09581466B2 |
Sensor auto-calibration
Aspects of the disclosure relate to computing technologies. In particular, aspects of the disclosure relate to mobile computing device technologies, such as systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for scheduling an execution of a task, such as a non-real time, non-latency sensitive background task on a computing device. In one implementation, the technique includes detecting a first state of a device, wherein the first state of the device is associated with a first power level and a first task, wherein the first power level is at least partially based on power consumption of a first task, determining that the first power level associated with the first state is above a threshold, and in response to determining that the first power level associated with the first state is above the threshold, and scheduling an execution of a second task on the device, wherein the second task is associated with automatically collecting of calibration data using at least one sensor. |
| US09581458B2 |
Navigation system with landmark recognition mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a travel context with a control unit for traveling through a geographic region; generating a mental model for the travel context; and determining a guidance landmark based on the mental model for providing a navigation guidance for presenting on a device. |
| US09581457B1 |
System and method for displaying points of interest on a heads-up display
A system for displaying points of interest on a heads-up display is disclosed. In particular, the system may utilize vehicular cameras, a touchscreen device, and a heads-up display to provide the functionality supported by the system. The system enables a user to select a point of interest within a field of view on the touchscreen device. Based on the selection of the point of interest, the system may display information associated with the point of interest on the heads-up display. The point of interest may be determined by the location of the vehicle, the vehicle's azimuth, and the real-time measured distance to an object corresponding to the point of interest. In order to accurately display the point of interest information at the correct location on the heads-up display, the system may utilize a calibration mechanism specific to the user to determine the correct location. |
| US09581456B2 |
Determining an estimated time of arrival of a vehicle at an endpoint of a journey
The disclosure includes a system and method for determining a current location of a user at a current time. The method may include determining journey data associated with one or more of the user, the current location, and the current time, where journey data describes one or more historical journeys of the user. The method may include determining, based on the journey data, an estimated time of arrival (ETA) describing an arrival estimate of when the user and a vehicle will arrive at an endpoint of a journey; and transmitting the ETA to a network. |
| US09581455B2 |
Systems and methods for providing at least a portion of a travel plan that calls for at least one transportation vehicle unit
Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving a request for transporting one or more end users towards a destination location; presenting at least one or more portions of a travel plan for facilitating the one or more end users to travel to the destination location from a starting location, the travel plan identifying at least two route legs including at least one transport route leg that calls for at least one transportation vehicle unit to transport the one or more end users over the transport route leg; and transmitting a request for one or more transportation vehicle units to rendezvous with the one or more end users at a rendezvous location in order to transport the one or more end users over the at least one transport leg. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text. |
| US09581454B2 |
Route information processing apparatus and route information processing method
A route information processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to execute a program; and a memory configured to store the program, wherein, based on the program, the processor performs operations to: calculate maximum values corresponding to a Frechet distance between one line segment of one or more line segments between observation points included in a trajectory and each of sets of two nodes corresponding to the one line segment, the nodes being included in a route graph including linked paths which link nodes; and acquire a path corresponding to the trajectory having a smallest value among the maximum values of the one or more line segments. |
| US09581451B2 |
Real-time traffic reporting based on rate of change of traffic delays
A device may receive location information associated with mobile devices. The location information may identify locations associated with the mobile devices. The device may determine speed information associated with the mobile devices. The speed information may identify speeds associated with the mobile devices. The device may identify a traffic segment to be analyzed, and may determine a length of the traffic segment based on the location information and the speed information. The device may calculate a traffic delay associated with the traffic segment based on the length and the speed information. The device may calculate a rate of change of the traffic delay based on calculating the traffic delay, and may provide traffic information based on the rate of change of the traffic delay. The traffic information may identify an expected traffic delay at a future point in time. |
| US09581450B2 |
Navigation system with content retrieving mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a travel context with a control unit based on a vehicle information for identifying a vehicle; determining a restriction level based on the travel context for controlling a content retrieval by a head unit from a device; and determining the content retrieval based on the restriction level for displaying a display content on the head unit. |
| US09581449B1 |
Floor patterns for navigation corrections
For a vehicle using dead reckoning or some other type of navigation which accumulates error as the vehicle moves, this invention provides a simple, single-sensor, low-cost, highly-accurate system for correcting navigation errors. The system uses a marker structure with optical density which is formed from one or more periodic patterns. The vehicle's navigation computer records the density, measured by the sensor, as the sensor moves on a line over a marker at a known location, then it processes the recorded density function to get the correct navigation parameters. If the vehicle's usual path passes over a marker, that path can be used without change for acquiring navigation corrections. |
| US09581448B2 |
Optical sensors using stimulated brillouin scattering
A method for enhancing a sensitivity of an optical sensor having an optical cavity counter-propagates beams of pump light within the optical cavity to produce scattered light based on Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS). The properties of the pump light are selected to generate fast-light conditions for the scattered light, such that the scattered light includes counter-propagating beams of fast light. The method prevents the pump light from resonating within the optical cavity, while allowing the scattered light to resonate within the optical cavity. At least portions of the scattered light are interfered outside of the optical cavity to produce a beat note for a measurement of the optical sensor. The disclosed method is particularly applicable to optical gyroscopes. |
| US09581447B2 |
MEMS gyro motor loop filter
A motor drive loop circuit for a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope is provided. The motor drive loop circuit includes a motor configured to drive a proof mass in the MEMS gyroscope and a minus-90-degree phase-shift twin-tee notch filter. The motor is configured to cause the proof mass to oscillate at a primary-proof-mass mode. The a minus-90-degree phase-shift twin-tee notch filter is configured to: provide a minus 90 degree phase at a motor resonance frequency equal to the primary-proof-mass mode; suppress resonance at undesired mechanical modes of the motor during a startup of the motor; and provide gain at the motor resonance frequency. |
| US09581445B2 |
Torsional rate measuring gyroscope
A torsional gyroscope is provided that includes: a pickup tine and a drive tine of piezoelectric material, pickup electrodes disposed along the pickup tine, drive electrodes disposed along the drive tine, and a drive mass. The drive tine has a first end attached to the pickup tine and is transverse to the drive tine. The drive mass is attached to a second end of the drive tine opposite the first end of the drive tine. An electric field applied to the drive electrodes induces a rotational oscillation of the drive tine causing the drive tine to rotate about the first axis, inducing the drive mass to rotate about the first axis. Angular rotation of the drive mass along a third axis induces a torque in the pickup tine that induces an electric field in the pickup tine that induces an electrical charge to build up in the pickup electrodes. |
| US09581444B2 |
Electronic roll pitch and yaw sensor using conductive fluid
A method and apparatus for determining a rotational orientation of an object is provided. Embodiments of the present invention utilize an electrically conductive fluid enclosed within a shell attached to the object such that the conductive fluid contacts different portions of electrically conductive nodes, located on the inner wall of the shell, depending on the rotational orientation of the shell. The electrically activated nodes in contact with the conductive fluid act as sensors and individually transmit electric signals to a microcontroller for transformation into an indicator of a rotational orientation of the object. The indicator of the rotational orientation is then output. |
| US09581441B2 |
Method and device for determining an area cut with a cutting roll by at least one construction machine or mining machine
In a method for determining an area milled by at least one construction machine or at least one mining machine by means of a milling drum (2) by means of working a predetermined area in several milling trajectories by at least one machine (1), determining the length of the milling trajectories along which a milling operation has taken place by evaluating the continuous machine positions, adding up the previously milled partial areas taking into account the length of the milling trajectory and the installed width of the milling drum (2), wherein the partial area currently milled along the milling trajectory is checked, either continuously or subsequently, for overlapping or multiple overlapping with any previously milled partial areas, and any partial areas which overlap are deducted, as overlapping areas, from the added-up previously milled partial areas, the total added-up partial areas milled minus the total overlapping areas established give the milled area. |
| US09581438B2 |
Systems and methods for control of a non-destructive testing system
A system may include a non-destructive testing (NDT) device. The NDT device may further include a communications system configured to receive control data from an external system, wherein the NDT device is configured to use the control data to control a component included in the NDT device, to control a parameter of the NDT device, or a combination thereof. |
| US09581437B2 |
Interferometric non-contact optical probe and measurement
A non-contact optical probe utilizes an optical reference surface that projects a curved test wavefront toward the test surface and detects it by creating curved interferometric fringes localized in space in front of the reference surface. When a point to be measured on the test surface intersects the location of the fringes, the condition is detected by the probe. Because the fringes are localized at a known position in space with respect to a reference system, the precise coordinate of the surface point can be established. Such localized fringes are preferably produced by a spectrally controllable light source. The curvature of the fringes ensures a sufficiently large angle of acceptance for the probe to capture light reflected from points of high surface slope. The probe is particularly suitable for coordinate measurement machines. |
| US09581436B2 |
Image processing device, image capturing apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing device obtains a depth information image representing a distribution of depth information about an object on the basis of first and second images that have different degrees of blurring and that are captured by an image sensor including groups each including pixels that obtain different color information about the object. The image processing device includes an extracting unit configured to extract signals, each corresponding to one of the pixels of each group, from the groups and generate first and second extracted images respectively corresponding to the first and second images, and a calculating unit configured to calculate the depth information image from a difference in degree of blurring between the first and second extracted images. The signals each corresponding to one of the pixels of each group and extracted from the groups are signals corresponding to pixels that obtain the same color information. |
| US09581429B2 |
Method and system for reconstructing optical properties of diffracting objects immersed in a liquid medium
A method for reconstructing optical properties of a diffracting object immersed in a liquid medium using a reconstruction system that comprises a spatially coherent light source and a matrix photodetector, wherein the liquid medium and the matrix photodetector are separated by a distance along a vertical direction. The method comprises illuminating the liquid medium, measuring (with the matrix photodetector) an intensity of a diffraction pattern transmitted by the illuminated medium along a vertical direction, and reconstructing the optical properties of the diffracting object at a reconstruction height according to a reconstruction algorithm from the measured intensity, wherein the reconstruction height has a value less than that of the distance between the medium and the matrix photodetector along the vertical direction. |
| US09581427B2 |
Mechanical quantity measuring device
A mechanical quantity measuring device (semiconductor strain sensor) has a semiconductor chip including a plurality of piezoresistive elements formed on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate, a lead wire unit electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes of the semiconductor chip, and a plate member joined to a rear surface of the semiconductor chip. Further, the plate member includes a first region facing the rear surface of the semiconductor chip and a second region provided adjacent to the first region, and a thickness of the plate member in the first region is made larger than a thickness in the second region. |
| US09581423B2 |
Method for measuring a three-dimensional object
A method for measuring a three-dimension object (10, 10a, 10a′, 10h), includes the stationary fixing of the object to a holder (12) rotatable about an axis of rotation (R). At least one surface (22, 22′, 24, 26, 26a′, 28, 28a) of the object is scanned by a probe (20). The object is rotated about the axis of rotation, and the holder and the probe are moved relative to one another. The holder and the probe are moved linearly relative to one another along a translation axis (T) enclosing an acute angle, with the axis of rotation of the holder and spans a plane within which the probe can be moved. |
| US09581421B2 |
Universal holder for a clip or magazine for a firearm
Holders usable to retain a clip, magazine, or other container for ammunition can include a body configured for attachment to a surface and an insertable member extending from the body, the insertable member being adapted for insertion into the interior of a container for ammunition. The insertable member can bias the container for ammunition against a portion of the body to create friction between the container and the body and prevent relative movement between the two objects. Alternatively or additionally, contact between the insertable member and the interior of the container, can create friction for preventing relative movement between the container for ammunition and the holder. The insertable element can be compressible to enable passage through an external opening in the container to facilitate removal or insertion. |
| US09581420B2 |
Projectile system including a projectile mount and a projectile
A projectile and a projectile mount having a central bore into which the projectile is mounted and includes rotational formations functionally engaging between the projectile and the projectile mount which in use provides rotational motion to the projectile around an axis of rotation by the propulsion of the projectile along the axis of rotation. |
| US09581419B2 |
Plasma gap detonator with novel initiation scheme
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in initiating explosives used in application including well perforating systems. The initiator uses an air gap separating an electrically triggered semiconductor bridge plasma energy creator and a reactive foil abutting an explosive. |
| US09581412B2 |
Keymod mount
A keymod mount, which is arranged for detachably coupling at a firearm having one or more keymod slots, includes a securing member and a locking member movably extended from the securing member. The securing member includes a mounting body having a top utility surface, and a coupling head downwardly extended from a bottom surface of the mounting body for slidably engaging with a narrow slot portion of the keymod slot to retain said mounting body on a top surface of the keymod slot. The locking member includes a locking body and a locking head downwardly extended from a bottom surface of the locking body for inserting into an enlarged slot portion of the keymod slot after the coupling head is engaged with the narrow slot portion thereof, so as to securely lock up the securing member on the firearm. |
| US09581410B1 |
Projectile launcher and method of operating the same
A toy configured to operate in two modes of operation wherein projectiles are launched from different portions of the toy depending upon which mode of operation the toy is in, the toy having: a housing with a forward pistol grip portion and a rearward pistol grip portion, the rearward pistol grip portion being movably mounted to the housing for movement between a first position to a second position; a mode selector switch movably mounted to the housing for movement from a first position to a second position; wherein movement of the rearward pistol grip portion between the first position and the second position launches a projectile from one portion of the toy when the mode selector switch is in the first position; and wherein movement of the rearward pistol grip portion between the first position and the second position launches a projectile from another portion of the toy when the mode selector switch is in the second position. |
| US09581407B2 |
Compound bow to adjust draw length
Provided is a compound bow comprising: a bow main body; upper and lower pulley assemblies; a bowstring; and first and second cam cables, wherein at least one of the first and second cam cables is coupled to the fixing projection that moves along as a cam module moves, is wound on a cam cable winding portion via a compensation projection, and then extends toward the other side pulley assembly, and a front portion of the cam module is in contact with the one cam cable and thus the one cam cable is bent when the cam module is moved, to thus release the one cam cable from the cam cable winding portion via the compensating projection from the fixing projection that the one cam cable is coupled, to thereby maintain constant tension of the cam cable and keep the power of the bow. |
| US09581406B1 |
Wedge lock limb pocket
A limb mounting pocket receives butt ends of split limbs of an archery bow. The pocket includes a top wall extending above the butt ends. First and second outer side walls extend from opposite sides of the top wall for engaging outer sides of the butt ends. First and second tabs each have a first end coupled to the lower face of the top wall and having an opposing free end for engaging the inner side walls of the butt ends. An actuating member, which may be a tapered wedge, is disposed between the free ends of the first and second tabs for pushing the first and second tabs generally away from each other and against the inner sides of the butt ends of the limbs to minimize lateral movement thereof. |
| US09581401B2 |
Firearm grip safety
A passive safety for an AR platform firearm includes a sliding or pivoting rotating safety which is normally active to prevent trigger movement as would cause the firearm to discharge, and even when any active safety on the firearm is in a “fire” position. The passive safety is deactivated when an operator grips the firearm in a normal position to engage and pivot the trigger to discharge the firearm. Alternative embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09581400B2 |
Apparatus for loading rounds from magazines bundled on a multi-magazine manifold
The invention is an apparatus that facilitates repeatedly aligning and loading a magazine into a magazine-well of a firearm, where the firearm is a barreled weapon, including replicas, novelty firearms, mock firearms, gaming firearms such as paint ball guns, computerized guns, toys guns, pressurized gas propelled guns, and virtual guns that are digital representation. The apparatus includes multi-magazine manifold which can hold a plurality of magazines (clips), where the multi-magazine manifold is mounted to one or more vertical slides that automatically align a magazine with the magazine well. Ejection and reloading is faster and easier, and can be done without visually disengaging from a target because alignment is substantially established by the apparatus. The apparatus is rugged and simple to use, and can be fitted to wide variety of firearms. |
| US09581397B2 |
Heat exchanger assembly having a distributor tube retainer tab
A heat exchanger assembly having an insertable distributor tube retainer tab configured to position and retain a distributor tube disposed within a first manifold extending along an axis Amanifold. The first manifold includes a manifold wall having an interior surface defining an interior chamber, an exterior surface opposite of the interior surface, and a retainer slot connecting the interior surface and the exterior surface. The retainer slot extends substantially transverse to the manifold axis Amanifold. The retainer tab is inserted through the retainer slot and includes a first tab portion disposed within the interior chamber and a second tab portion 104 engaged to the wall of the first manifold, and may also include a third tab portion engaged to a width surface of the retainer slot. The retainer tab includes a tab opening configured to engage and maintain the distributor tube within the predetermined position. |
| US09581396B2 |
Strengthening embossment for mounting
Heatshield with at least one hole, characterized in that an embossment pattern is arranged around the hole, whereby the embossment pattern comprises of a plurality of protruding elongated elements extending or radiating essentially perpendicular to the perimeter of the hole. |
| US09581389B2 |
Method for heat treatment, heat treatment apparatus, and heat treatment system
There are provided a method for heat treatment, a heat treatment apparatus, and a heat treatment system capable of efficiently controlling heat treatment such as a bright treatment with high precision and without causing oxidation and decarbonization. Computation of ΔG0 (standard formation Gibbs energy) is performed by referring to sensor information from respective sensors, and an Ellingham diagram, a control range, and a status of the heat treatment furnace in operation expressed with ΔG0 are displayed on a display device 531, while a flow rate of hydrocarbon gas is controlled by a control unit 534 so that ΔG0 is within the control range. |
| US09581388B2 |
Vessel transfer insert and system
A system for removing molten metal from a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a pump and a refractory casing that houses the pump. As the pump operates it moves molten metal upward through an uptake section of the casing until it reaches an outlet wherein it exits the vessel. The outlet may be attached to a launder. Another system uses a wall to divide a cavity of the chamber into two portions. The wall has an opening and a pump pumps molten metal from a first portion into a second portion until the level in the second portion reaches an outlet and exits the vessel. |
| US09581387B2 |
Method for iron-making with full oxygen and hydrogen-rich gas and equipment thereof
A method of ironmaking using full-oxygen hydrogen-rich gas which includes hot transferring and hot charging the high-temperature coke, sinter and pellet into the ironmaking furnace through transferring and charging device, and injecting oxygen and hydrogen-rich combustible gas at a predetermined temperature into the ironmaking furnace through the oxygen tuyere and the gas tuyere disposed at the ironmaking furnace, respectively. It also provides an apparatus for ironmaking using full-oxygen hydrogen-rich gas which includes a raw material system, a furnace roof gas system, a coke oven gas injecting system, a dust injecting system, a slag dry-granulation and residual heat recovering system and an oxygen system. Additionally an apparatus and method for hot transferring and hot charging of ironmaking raw material is disclosed. |
| US09581386B2 |
Apparatus and process for separating air by cryogenic distillation
In a process for delivering pressurized gas from an apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation, a stream of oxygen-rich liquid or gas having a nominal flow rate is withdrawn from a low-pressure column, an oxygen-rich liquid purge stream is withdrawn as bottoms from the low-pressure column and the oxygen-rich liquid purge stream is sent to a storage tank, in the event of a reduction in the production by the column system or an increase in the demand by a customer, a back-up stream is withdrawn from the storage tank and vaporized in a back-up reboiler and only if the liquid level in the storage tank exceeds a given threshold, a liquid stream is withdrawn from the storage tank constituting at most 2% of the nominal production output of the oxygen-rich stream and is sent to the back-up reboiler. |
| US09581385B2 |
Methods for separating hydrocarbon gases
The present invention relates to a process for separating a hydrocarbon gas into a fraction containing a predominant portion of the methane or ethane and lighter components and a fraction containing a predominant portion of the C2 or C3 and heavier components in which process the feed gas is treated in one or more heat exchange, and expansion steps; partly condensed feed gas is directed into a separator wherein a first residue vapor is separated from a C2 or C3-containing liquid; and C2 or C3-containing liquids, at substantially the pressure of separation, are directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into a second residue is separated to recover a C2 or C3-containing product. The foregoing process is improved by cooling said second residue to partially condense it. |
| US09581382B2 |
Lever for dispenser and refrigerator having the same
A refrigerator having an operation lever for a dispenser includes first and second levers interconnected to perform respectively different functions. At least one of the first and second levers is moved relative to the other one. Accordingly, the operability and the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator may be improved. |
| US09581378B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit
The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket. |
| US09581376B2 |
Ejector
An interior of a nozzle in an ejector is formed with a swirling space in which a refrigerant swirls, and a refrigerant passage in which the refrigerant that has flowed from the swirling space is depressurized. The refrigerant passage includes a minimum passage area part most reduced in the refrigerant passage area, and a divergent part that gradually enlarges in the refrigerant passage area from the minimum passage area part toward a refrigerant ejection port. Plate members, which reduce a velocity component of the refrigerant flowing into the minimum passage area part in a swirling direction, are disposed within the refrigerant passage. |
| US09581374B2 |
Method for preconditioning latent heat storage elements
A method is for preconditioning at least one latent heat storage element, which is arranged in a thermally insulated, closed container having a space for accommodating goods to be transported. The latent heat storage element has a target temperature preferably slightly in excess of 0 DEG C. In such an arrangement, it is particularly practical for the accommodation space in the container to be filled with a certain amount of a coolant, particularly ice, and for the container to be closed, and therefore the latent heat storage element located in the container is cooled to the target temperature. |
| US09581362B2 |
High-efficiency power conversion architecture for driving a thermoelectric cooler in energy conscious applications
Systems and methods are disclosed herein relating to an Alternating Current-Direct Current (AC-DC) power conversion system for supplying power to one or more Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs). In some embodiments, a system comprises one or more TECs and an AC-DC power conversion system configured to supply power to the one or more TECs for a high efficiency mode of operation and a high heat pumping mode of operation. The AC-DC power conversion system comprises a first AC-DC power converter configured to convert an AC input to a DC output at a first output power level for the high efficiency mode of operation of the one or more TECs. The AC-DC power conversion system further comprises a second AC-DC power converter configured to convert the AC input to a DC output at a second output power level for the high heat pumping mode of operation of the one or more TECs. |
| US09581361B2 |
Heat pump system
A heat pump system includes a heat source unit, a discharge refrigerant communication tube, a liquid refrigerant communication tube, a gas refrigerant communication tube, a first usage unit and a second usage unit. The first usage unit has a first usage-side heat exchanger capable of functioning as a radiator of the heat-source-side refrigerant introduced from the discharge refrigerant communication tube. The first usage unit is capable of performing operation in which an aqueous medium is heated by radiation of the heat-source-side refrigerant in the first usage-side heat exchanger. The second usage unit has a second usage-side heat exchanger capable of functioning as an evaporator of the heat-source-side refrigerant introduced from the liquid refrigerant communication tube. The second usage unit is capable of performing operation in which an air medium is cooled by evaporation of the heat-source-side refrigerant in the second usage-side heat exchanger. |
| US09581359B2 |
Regenerative air-conditioning apparatus
A regenerative air-conditioning apparatus is provided. The regenerative air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor unit including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor unit provided on a side of the outdoor unit, the indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger, a refrigerant tube that connects the outdoor unit to the indoor unit to guide circulation of a refrigerant, a heat accumulation bath provided on at least one side of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit to store cool air or heat, a first tube that extends from the refrigerant tube to one side of the heat accumulation bath, a second tube that extends from the other side of the heat accumulation bath to the refrigerant tube, and a third tube branched from the second tube, the third tube being connected to the refrigerant tube. |
| US09581357B1 |
Dynamic asymmetric solar concentrator
Solar energy concentration systems and methods that includes a curved lower solar reflective dish, and a smaller curved solar concentrator located on a focal line above the dish. The dish reflects input light rays onto the smaller curved solar concentrator. Moveable supports adjusts the shape of the deformable solar concentrator mounted directly below the concentrator to receive concentrated light rays reflected from the concentrator. A controller for storing and executing a set of instruction controls the shape of the concentrator to focus the reflected concentrated light rays onto a focal collector. A mirror point list adjusts the shape of the concentrator based on a sun angle. |
| US09581355B2 |
Motor/damper assembly for fuel-fired water heater
A motor/damper assembly installable on the top end of a fuel-fired water heater includes a support plate structure upon which a flue collar with a pivotally supported flue damper, a drive motor, and a drive shaft interconnecting the motor damper are mounted. The assembly is installed by placing the collar over the upper end of the water heater flue, securing the support plate structure to the top end of the water heater, and positioning a top cover housing on the support plate structure. Using the assembly provides improved support rigidity and alignment for the motor and shaft relative to the damper, improved repeatable precise manufacturing placement of the motor and shaft, improved construction aesthetics, with the cover also protecting the shaft from shipping and handling damages. |
| US09581352B2 |
Control device for air conditioner
The present disclosure simplifies the H-bridge circuit of the direct current motor for driving the damper (door) that switches the air passages in the indoor unit of an air conditioning device. The control device for an air conditioner that takes in inside or outside air and conditions the air inside an air conditioning unit using an evaporator and a heater core is provided with: a first actuator and a second actuator that drive the multiple dampers installed inside the air conditioning unit for switching the air passages; and three half-bridge circuits that control the first actuator and the second actuator sharing one of the half-bridge circuits. Of the multiple dampers, the first actuator is connected to the inside/outside air switching damper. Of the multiple dampers, the second actuator is connected to at least one air mix damper. |
| US09581351B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus with control device for varying the angle of air conditioning discharge flaps
An air conditioning apparatus includes a control device that controls a swing action of flaps of an air conditioning apparatus. The flaps are swung up and down. The control device includes an operation mode determining section, a swing pattern storage area and a control command generator. The operation mode determining section determines at least an air-cooling operation mode and an air-warming operation mode that are operation modes of the air conditioning apparatus. The swing pattern storage area stores a plurality of swing patterns that include information pertaining to the swing action. The control command generator generates a control command of the air conditioning apparatus on the basis of a swing pattern corresponding to the mode determined by the operation mode determining section from among the plurality of swing patterns. |
| US09581346B2 |
System for regulating the temperature and humidity in an enclosure
A system (S) for regulating temperature and humidity in an enclosure (20), including: a thermal storage (5), a desiccant fluid (F), a second fluid (F′) consisting at least partially of water, wherein the second fluid (F′) includes an equilibrium humidity above the liquid desiccant, and a first and a second trickle element (1, 2), wherein the system (S) includes a first cycle (3), which is configured to supply the desiccant fluid (F) to an inlet (I) of the first trickle element (1), to let the desiccant fluid (F) pass a surface of a heat exchanger (6) for transferring heat between said first cycle (3) and a second fluid cycle (4) containing said second fluid (F′), and to pass back the desiccant fluid (F) to the inlet (I) of the first trickle element (1), wherein in said second cycle (4) the second fluid (F′) is supplied to an inlet (I′) of the second trickle element (2) and a run back (R) is connected to the inlet (I) of the second trickle element (2) after passing the surface of the heat exchanger (6), wherein the second trickle element (2) is designed to allow for evaporation of aqueous constituents out of the second fluid cycle (4), wherein said second fluid (F′) having a reduced temperature is returned to the surface of the heat exchanger (6), and wherein the first and/or second trickle element (1, 2) is configured for exchanging heat and aqueous constituents between air and the desiccant fluid (F). |
| US09581325B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved firing of biomass and other solid fuels for steam production and gasification
A ground supported single drum power boiler is described combining a refractory lined and insulated V-Cell floor; refractory lined and insulated combustion chamber; integrated fuel chutes configured to pre-dry wet solid fuel; top mounted fuel bin; internal chamber walls; configurable combustion air systems; and a back pass with after-burner ports and cross flow superheaters. The boiler can be configured in pre-assembled modules to minimize the field construction time and cost. An alternative embodiment is adaptable as a gasifier. |
| US09581324B2 |
LED illumination device having a heat sink with a plurality of sets of fins defining air tunnels of different sizes
An LED illumination includes a heat sink, and an LED module mounted on the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base, a receiving tube extending upwardly from a first face of the base, and a plurality of fins arranged on the first face of the base and surrounding the receiving tube. The plurality of fins extends radially and outwardly beyond an outer periphery of the base in relation to the receiving tube. A band engages and encloses the plurality of fins. A plurality of air tunnels are defined between the base, the band and the plurality of fins. The LED module is mounted on a second face of the base opposite to the first face. |
| US09581323B2 |
LED lighting
Apparatus and associated methods relate to development of a LED system with high thermal dissipation power relative to the system weight by the inclusion of open regions. The open regions reduce the weight of the optical system while improving airflow. Associated optics are described to efficiently and evenly distribute the light from an LED by tailoring the optical distribution. In addition, circuitry and methods are described to allow for the LED system to operate with existing power sources such as ballast or offline AC voltage sources or both. |
| US09581322B2 |
Heat-sink for high bay LED device, high bay LED device and methods of use thereof
A heat sink comprises a base, primary fins on and vertically extending from the base, and a fin-free region on the base. The primary fins each have a first arm, a second arm, which meets the first arm to form a primary fin bottom, and a stem, which extends away from the primary fin bottom. The heat sink is particularly useful in a high bay LED device, with a molecular fan coating on the heat sink. |
| US09581318B2 |
Twist lock optical holder for recessed lighting
A recessed lighting optical holder for a recessed lighting fixture, comprises a retainer 100 having a generally annular shape, including a resilient snap projection 105 formed on an inner circumference and resilient beam 130 supported at both ends on an outer circumference. The beam slides into engagement with a heat sink extension 122 on a bottom portion of a circular heat sink 110, when a top surface of the retainer is positioned against a bottom portion of the heat sink and the retainer is rotated with respect to the heat sink, to lock the retainer to the heat sink. An optic 120 has a generally conical shape, with a bottom portion surrounded by circular lip 125 that snaps into holding engagement with the snap of the retainer, to positively retain the optic. The holder is relatively simple to manufacture and is conveniently accessible for installation and occasional maintenance or replacement. |
| US09581307B2 |
Block light module
A light module for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The light module includes a light source and a reflecting unit. The light module also includes an optical waveguide, wherein the waveguide is formed by a plate-shaped body having an L-shaped cross section, the light-reflecting unit comprises a reflector arranged in front of a shorter input part of the waveguide, and wherein at a place where a shorter inlet part of the waveguide passes into a longer outlet part of the waveguide, an angled surface is provided for total reflection of light passing through the shorter inlet part of the waveguide to the longer outlet part of the waveguide, wherewith a bottom area and an adjacent face of the outlet part of the waveguide are provided with a white coating. |
| US09581302B2 |
Recessed lighting module with interchangeable trims
A recessed lighting system is provided. The recessed lighting system a universal light module to emit light through a light transmissive cover, a plurality of trims wherein each trim has the same means for attaching to the light module and the same size opening that aligns with the light transmissive cover of the module, but have different flange widths; and a plurality of different size recessed lighting fixture housings that each include an annular cavity to receive the light module attached to one of the trims. Each of the cavities is differently sized and is coupled to the trims using support brackets on the trims. |
| US09581299B2 |
LED bulb has multiple features
The current invention make a big improvement than conventional market available all kind of LED bulb which only can offer near-by areas illumination not like the current invention can use one LED bulb to offer near-by and far-away illumination or image or both or any combination with other light effects and digital data display images. Also, The current invention may has more than one light beam emit out from LED bulb which under more than one control means for the one of the light beam may selected from power failure, remote control, Infra red controller, blue-tooth with mobile phone, motion sensor to trigger at least one of the light beam to offer the light beam for illumination or image to area(s). |
| US09581298B2 |
Overpressure absorption mechanism for fluid bed processors
An overpressure absorption mechanism is provided for a fluid bed processor. The mechanism includes spring assemblies mounted in the legs of the processor. The arms of the lower housing section extend into the legs and are supported on the springs. If an overpressure condition arises within the processor, the springs compress to allow movement between the housing sections to allow engagement of clamping rings which contain the over pressure condition. |
| US09581297B2 |
Method of, and apparatus for, measuring the true contents of a cylinder of gas under pressure
There is provided a sensor assembly (200) for measuring physical properties of a gas under pressure within a pressure vessel (100). The sensor assembly (200) comprises a housing and a piezoelectric oscillator (202) for immersion in the gas within the pressure vessel (100). The sensor assembly (200) is arranged, when immersed in said gas, to measure the density of the gas within the pressure vessel (100). The housing comprises a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber and substantially encloses said piezoelectric oscillator. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the interior of the pressure vessel. By providing such an arrangement, the true contents (i.e. mass) of fluid in a pressure vessel such as a cylinder can be measured directly and accurately. The housing of the present invention alleviates noise and errors generated by convective currents within a gas cylinder 100, enabling an accurate determination of mass, or rate of change of mass. through direct derivation from the density of the gas in the cylinder. |
| US09581295B2 |
Economizer biasing valve for cryogenic fluids
Described herein are systems and methods for cryogenic fluid delivery. The systems may include a pressure vessel containing a cryogenic fluid formed of liquid and vapor that is connected to a use device via a withdrawal line. The withdrawal line connects to the cryogenic fluid in the pressure vessel via two routes, a liquid tube and a vapor line. The vapor line may include a back-pressure regulator that opens the vapor line depending on pressure in the system. The withdrawal line may include a pressure relief valve that exerts pressure on the liquid tube. A bypass line may connect the withdrawal line to the liquid tube. The bypass line has a check valve that permits free flow of cryogen from the withdrawal line to the liquid tube via the bypass line while prohibiting cryogen flow from the pressure vessel through the bypass line. The methods employ the systems described herein. |
| US09581292B2 |
Magnetic surface mounting apparatus
A magnetic surface mounting apparatus used for hanging items is described. The apparatus has several parts that can assemble and disassemble easily. The magnet housed in a magnetic case is surrounded by a boot. The boot is designed so the user can easily dislodge the magnet from the surface using the safety handle. The hanger is attached to the boot using the swivel pin. This apparatus can be used to hang working tools in a building or construction area or any area where several people use common tools and want ease of access and less clutter. It can be used in many sites and prevent health and safety hazards. |
| US09581291B2 |
Positioning grip for a mobile electronic device
An electronic device interface is provided that is selectively interconnectable to a portable electronic device. The interface is preferably interconnected to the portable electronic device via inwardly-biased arms that end in fingers that engage opposing edges or corners of the portable electronic device. The interface may receive a positioning grip that includes a support having at least one selectively deflectable surface. |
| US09581290B2 |
Security wall rack and television mount combination
A security wall rack and television mount combination is described to deter or prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to the back of a television or the wall mount that supports the television and to deter or prevent theft of a television. The wall mount includes security covers that are rotatably attached to the frame that cover the location where screws will secure the frame to a wall or other surface. The mount is rotatably attached to the frame and provides for the system to be locked in place in a nested way. |
| US09581286B2 |
Tablet computer holding device
A tablet computer holding device having a rigid and substantially rectangular base is provided. A pair of upstanding walls extends vertically upward from the perimeter of the base and partially bound the base. The upstanding walls provide a widened area for a user to grip. The upstanding walls extend along a pair of opposing sides of the holding device and wrap around the corners thereof, such that the upstanding walls resemble a pair of opposing U-shapes. Since the upstanding walls do not extend around the entire base, inputs and buttons disposed on the sides of the tablet computer can be easily accessed. A plurality of elongated ridges is disposed about the perimeter of the holding device to facilitate grasping the holding device. One or more fasteners, such as clips, are disposed on the periphery of the base and are used to securely hold a tablet computer in place thereon. |
| US09581283B2 |
Leveling machines on support surfaces
A method of leveling a machine on a support surface includes supporting the machine on the support surface, the machine including multiple load-bearing supports, and inserting a stack of support plates underneath a load-bearing support of the multiple load-bearing supports, the stack of support plates having an area and a strength that are sufficient to support the machine. The stack of support plates includes a first plate that includes multiple projections that extend outward from a bottom surface of the first plate and a second plate that includes multiple recesses that extend inward from a top surface of the second plate, the multiple recesses being sized to receive the multiple projections, respectively, and multiple grooves disposed along respective edges of the top surface. When the first plate is stacked adjacent the second plate, the first and second plates bear against each other to support a load of the machine. |
| US09581279B1 |
Multi-layered conduit repair system
A conduit repair liner includes at least two sheets of planar material that are connected to each other as pages of a book and coated with silica resin then closed against one another to form the conduit repair liner for wrapping around a carrier. The conduit repair liner includes a feature for removably affixing the conduit repair liner to the carrier during positioning within a failed conduit. |
| US09581277B2 |
In-line water hammer arrester
An in-line water hammer arrester comprises a housing connectable at each end to a piping system, a fluid channel disposed within the housing to permit fluid to flow from the piping system through the housing and back into the piping system, a piston and a pressurized chamber. When a pressure spike occurs, the piston is pushed against the pressurized chamber allowing an expanded area for water flow until the pressure spike is dissipated and the piston returns to its resting position. When used with flexible hoses and tubing typically found with household appliance water supply lines, the in-line arrester is easily installed by a crimping or clamping type connector and takes up little space. |
| US09581272B2 |
Garden hose
A flexible hose having an inner tube member made from a thermoplastic elastomeric material and an outer tube member made from a fabric like material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler incorporates a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water. |
| US09581265B2 |
Rotary actuator and valve
Various systems, methods and apparatuses for a rotary valve are disclosed. A rotary valve apparatus may have a case, a fluid conducting apparatus inside the case, and an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator may align the fluid conducting apparatus with various ports in the case. In this manner, fluid may be conducted through the ports. The electromagnetic actuator may rotate the fluid conducting apparatus to align with different ports in the case. Thus, the apparatus may operate as a valve, connecting and disconnecting various ports in response to the electromagnetic actuator. |
| US09581262B2 |
Vacuum valve
A vacuum valve including a closure element (3) and a valve housing (1) with a valve opening (4) and an interior (2) in which the closure element (3) is arranged, the closure element resting against a valve seat (6) surrounding the valve opening (4) in the closed state of the vacuum valve. The valve housing (1) has a housing wall (19) made of sheet metal, the housing wall delimiting the interior (2) and being provided with a window opening (20) in order to form the valve opening (4). The valve opening (4) is surrounded by a flange ring (21) that can be connected to a connection flange (28) of a vacuum unit (27) via screw connections, the vacuum unit having an interior and being attachable to the vacuum valve. The flange ring (21) has the valve seat (6) on which the closure element (3) is placed in the closed state of the vacuum valve. |
| US09581260B2 |
Friction welding drive apparatus for repair of pipes and valves
In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians. |
| US09581256B2 |
Valve flapper spring stop mechanism
A check valve with a housing and a first flapper rotatable about an axis between open and closed positions includes a first spring mechanism operatively positioned between a static component and the first flapper. When the first flapper is in the closed position there is a distance between the first spring mechanism and either the static component or the first flapper. |
| US09581255B2 |
Multiple proportion delivery systems and methods
A valve that includes a control spline positioned to move from a first position to a second position and the control spline being axially rotatable in both the first position and second position. The valve also includes a portion of a first fluid mixing cartridge rotatably coupled to at least one portion of the control spline when the control spline is in the second position. The valve includes a portion of a second fluid mixing cartridge rotatably coupled to the at least one portion of the control spline when the control spline is in the second position and the first fluid mixing cartridge is configured to rotate in a different direction than the second fluid mixing cartridge when the control spline is in the second position. |
| US09581254B2 |
Pressure regulator and hydraulic brake system for vehicle equipped with the same
A pressure regulator configured to regulate a working fluid by a pilot pressure, including: a spool valve mechanism having a spool; a biasing mechanism having a pilot-pressure chamber and a pilot piston, the biasing mechanism being configured to bias the spool toward the other end of the pressure regulator in its axial direction by a pressure of the working fluid in the pilot-pressure chamber; a counter biasing mechanism having a regulated-pressure chamber and a counter biasing piston, the counter biasing mechanism being configured to bias the spool toward one end of the pressure regulator in the axial direction by a pressure of the working fluid in the regulated-pressure chamber; and at least one of a first damping mechanism configured to damp a movement of the pilot piston and a second damping mechanism configured to damp a movement of the counter biasing piston. |
| US09581253B2 |
Valve member for a floating ball valve
A valve member including a pair of substantially hemispherical shell components fixed together to form a substantially spherical, hollow shell. The shell has an exterior surface, an interior surface, and two opposing annular openings. The valve member further includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end. The sleeve is positioned between the annular openings of the shell to define a central bore between the annular passages. The sleeve is in contact with and fixed to the shell solely at the first end and the second end thereof in a way that a continuous void is defined between the sleeve and the interior surface of the shell from the first end of sleeve to the second end of the sleeve. |
| US09581252B2 |
Fluid flow control valve and actuator
A fluid flow control valve is housed within a canister (31) which is semi-permanently fixed in the wall (12) of a fuel tank, and has pipe connections (17, 18). The movable valve parts, including a valve sub-assembly (32, 33) and an electrical actuator (34), may be removed without requiring access to the fuel tank. |
| US09581251B2 |
Fluid flow regulator assembly
A fluid flow resistance assembly includes a fluid pathway. A width of the fluid pathway orthogonal to a flow of fluid through the fluid pathway varies along its length. Positioning of one or more ports at different locations over the fluid pathway at different locations controls a flow rate of fluid. |
| US09581249B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly includes a housing having a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve seat disposed therebetween. A valve head disposed in the housing and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve head defines a bore extending along an axis from the first chamber to the second chamber when the valve head is in the closed position. A valve stem is disposed in the bore and is coupled to the valve head in the bore for moving the valve head between the open and closed positions. The valve assembly allows for selective fluid communication between the first and second chambers to alleviate pressure differences between the first and second chambers. In one embodiment, the valve stem moves in the bore between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In another embodiment, a check valve is disposed in the bore. |
| US09581248B2 |
Mechanical seal
To provide a mechanical seal in which degradation or tearing of a bellows does not occur, the spring constant of the bellows is reduced, and the fluctuation in the load due to stretching and contracting of the bellows is reduced. An inside-type mechanical seal includes a sleeve fixed to a rotating shaft, and a cartridge fixed to a housing. A rotation-side sealing ring is provided to the sleeve. A fixed-side sealing ring, which slides against the rotation-side sealing ring, and a bellows for axially urging the fixed-side sealing ring is provided to the cartridge. The bellows is made from a metal; and the metal bellows has one end fixed to a case for holding the fixed-side sealing ring and another end fixed to the cartridge. The plate thickness of the metal bellows is set so as to be smaller than the plate thickness of the case or the cartridge. |
| US09581245B2 |
Metal seal for ultra high vacuum system
A metal seal flange assembly for a vacuum system is presented. Its metal gasket has a crossectional shape that is an irregular hexagon with two acute angles between the longest side and the second- and third-longest sides, respectively. The longest side of the irregular hexagon is the vertical inner wall of the metal gasket. This design can reduce the normal force required to seal the metal seal flange assembly and reduce the number of bolts needed, enabling use in a limited working space. |
| US09581244B2 |
Seal bead structure of gasket
Provided is a seal bead structure of a gasket capable of reducing the reactive force generated in a common bead portion provided between multiple through-holes and thereby capable of achieving a stable sealing function by means of aligning the compression property over the entire bead. In order to achieve this, two through-holes are provided in a row in the flat portion of a metal gasket, with one seal bead provided on the edge of one through-hole, the other seal bead provided on the edge of the other through-hole, and a common bead portion for the both seal beads provided in the intermediate position between the both through-holes, the common bead portion having a two-stage half bead shape in which the half beads are formed on two stage in the same direction. |
| US09581242B2 |
Fluid pressure cylinder and manufacturing method therefor
A fluid pressure cylinder includes a cylinder tube, a piston and a solid piston rod. The piston rod includes a head-side passage defined by a head-side shaft hole extending in an axial direction, a head-side outer hole open on a part projecting from the cylinder tube and a head-side inner hole open to a head-side chamber and allowing communication between a head-side chamber and a fluid pressure source, and a bottom-side passage allowing communication between a bottom-side chamber and the fluid pressure source. The head-side shaft hole includes an opening end and a tip formed inside the piston rod. The opening end of the head-side shaft hole is sealed by a sealing member. |
| US09581241B2 |
Plastic primary piston with insert for a tandem penetration-type master cylinder and a master cylinder equipped with such a piston
A primary piston of molded plastic material equipped with a metallic insert and having grooves, mounted in a master cylinder comprising at least a primary piston and a secondary piston mounted in the bore hole of the master cylinder. These pistons can create pressure, respectively, in a primary pressure chamber and in a secondary pressure chamber due to the action of a push rod on the primary piston. |
| US09581234B2 |
Liquid cooled power inductor
A vehicle electrical power system includes a variable voltage converter. The variable voltage converter includes an inductor assembly having a housing that defines a chamber containing dielectric fluid. An inductor is disposed within the chamber and is in contact with the fluid. The power system also includes a pump configured to circulate the dielectric fluid to cool the inductor. |
| US09581232B2 |
Noise damping arrangement for a combustion engine component assembly
A combustion engine component comprises an assembly of a belt pulley for driving auxiliary engine equipment and a torsional vibration damper. The assembly is adapted to be fixed on an engine crankshaft, wherein the belt pulley is of a so called decoupling type, arranged to be able to change its rotational angle relative to the crankshaft and the torsional vibration damper. The torsional vibration damper is partially positioned in a corresponding annular recess in the belt pulley, creating an annular cavity in the recess between the torsional vibration damper and the belt pulley. An annular seal ring is positioned in the annular cavity and is arranged to close off at least a part of the annular cavity from the air surrounding the assembly. |
| US09581231B2 |
Sprocket
A sprocket includes a first body with teeth radially projecting therefrom, and second bodies on alternating ones of the teeth, with the second bodies being asymmetrical about a plane extended radially from a rotational axis of the sprocket through a root center and a tip center of the alternating ones of the teeth, and the second bodies increasing an overall width of the alternating ones of the teeth. |
| US09581227B2 |
Transmission for vehicle
A transmission for a vehicle may include a first input shaft to which power may be selectively transmitted by a first clutch, a second input shaft to which power may be selectively transmitted by a second clutch, wherein the second input shaft concentrically surrounds the first input shaft, first and second output shafts disposed in parallel with the first and second input shafts, a multiplicity of shifting gears disposed in the first and second output shafts so as to be meshed with gears of the first and second input shafts to respectively form gear steps, a plurality of synchronizing devices configured to selectively couple or decouple the shifting gears to or from the first or second output shafts, and a planetary gear train configured to selectively switch a revolution direction of one of the shifting gears. |
| US09581226B2 |
Barrel cam rudder pedal system
A barrel cam rudder pedal system is provided. The system includes an outer housing with a chassis assembly carried by the outer housing. A barrel cam arrangement is rotationally mounted within an interior space of the chassis assembly. A pair of pedal assemblies is mechanically coupled to the barrel cam arrangement such that linear movement of either of the pair of pedal assemblies results in a rotation of the barrel cam arrangement about a central longitudinal axis defined by the barrel cam arrangement. |
| US09581224B1 |
Final drive chain adjuster for single and multi track vehicles
A vehicular final drive chain path length compensation and adjustment system using an idler assembly which is moved in a prescribed geometry by a stiff system. The system and method maintains constant the chain path length during suspension travel. An idler arm assembly guides the idler assembly along an arc-shaped path, with displacement along this path determined not by a spring, but by a cam rotated by a trailing arm on the vehicle. The idler arm assembly allows for a simple static adjustment to compensate the chain path length for wear of components and tolerances in the vehicle assembly. |
| US09581218B2 |
Multi-state electronically switchable engine mount assembly
An engine mount assembly includes a housing, an inertia track received in the housing and an elongated fluid damped first path that is adapted to communicate with an associated first fluid chamber on a first side and an associated second fluid chamber on a second side. A non-damped second path is adapted to communicate with the associated first and second fluid chambers. A decoupler is received in the housing, an idle diaphragm in the housing that selectively controls communication between the first and second fluid chambers to selectively alter the damping. First and second ports in the housing communicate with the decoupler and the idle diaphragm, respectively. A first solenoid selectively controls fluid flow through the first port and a second solenoid selectively controls fluid flow through the second port. |
| US09581216B2 |
Tensioning device and component having such a tensioning device
A tensioning device for applying a tensioning force to a component has a cylinder housing having a hydraulic medium filled axial cylinder, a piston rod guided in the cylinder recess telescoping in a longitudinal axis direction, and displaceable back and forth, projecting out of the cylinder housing at one end, a piston guided in an axial piston rod recess, and displaceable, back and forth, by a limited amount, in the longitudinal axis direction, from a moved-in position to a moved-out position, and a spring element connected with the piston driving the piston in an outward piston movement direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Force is applied to the piston by the spring element and by the hydraulic medium, so that inward movement of the piston rod into the cylinder housing (8), in the inward piston rod movement direction (77), brings about inward movement of the piston into the piston rod. |
| US09581215B2 |
Steering wheel vibration suppressors
Vibration suppressors can include a resiliently flexible spring system that may be mounted at an exterior of a steering wheel of a vehicle, such as at a hub portion of a steering wheel armature. The spring system can include a fixable portion and a displaceable portion that is configured to be displaced relative to the fixable portion. A mass system can be coupled to the displaceable portion of the spring system and may also be at an exterior of the steering wheel. |
| US09581214B2 |
Semi-active isolators based on magnetorheological nanocomposites
Systems, devices, uses and methods relating to magnetorhological materials including carbon nanotubes, such as single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, are disclosed. Uses of magnetorheological materials such as in motion damping/vibration isolation are also disclosed. |
| US09581213B2 |
Rolling bearing and suspension apparatus for automobile
Provided are a rolling bearing and a suspension apparatus for an automobile enhanced in stiffness. To do so, in a rolling bearing and a suspension apparatus for an automobile according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an upper cover's upward surface in contact with an upper case and an upper cover's peripheral surface in contact with the upper case are orthogonal to each other, and a length of the upward surface in a radial direction is longer than a length of the peripheral surface in a vertical direction. |
| US09581212B2 |
Force generating device, in particular for a parking brake, method for operating the device and system having the device
A device for generating a force applied to a component includes a force generating element supported on a resilient support device having first and second, or only a second, spring elements in series in a force transmission chain being stressed during force transmission. The first spring element is less stiff than the second. The first spring element is stressed by a first supporting force over a first spring travel. A spring travel exceeding the first spring travel and a force absorption by the first spring element exceeding the first supporting force are prevented by a first mechanical engaging device. The second spring element is formed by a spring module having a second spring stressed by a second mechanical engaging device with a second supporting force permitting the second spring to only be further stressed when exceeding the second supporting force. A travel sensor detects displacement of the force generating element. |
| US09581210B2 |
Modular hybrid electric vehicle rotor hub
A rotor hub includes a sheet metal cylinder including spline teeth including angularly spaced crests and valleys, a tube surrounding the cylinder, secured to the crests and supporting a rotor thereon, a hub secured to the cylinder and supported for rotation, a torque converter, and a flex plate secured to the hub and the torque converter. |
| US09581205B2 |
Coupling element with non-regular shaft interface
A shaft coupling assembly includes a shaft coupling element having a coupling wall defining a channel configured to receive a shaft end of a shaft. The channel includes a coupling interface configured to mate to a shaft interface defined by the shaft end. Each of the coupling interface and the shaft interface define a mating non-regular shape, which may be configured as one of an irregular polygon and a hybrid polygon including linear and non-linear sides. The shaft coupling element includes a fastener bore and a counterbore having an axial counterbore depth greater than an axial depth of the fastener bore. The shaft end inserted in the channel to an inserted depth greater than the fastener bore depth and less than the axial counterbore depth is displaceable into the counterbore such that the shaft end is not engaged with the coupling interface by the fastener bore receiving the fastener. |
| US09581196B2 |
Sliding member
A sliding member having more improved wear resistance is provided at a low cost. A sliding member is provided with: a substrate which is made of a nonwoven fabric; and a base resin which includes a phenol resin and which is impregnated into the substrate. The nonwoven fabric is preferably a bonded nonwoven fabric which is produced by a thermal bonding method, a binder method or the like and which has a strength that can tolerate the tension applied to the substrate in the step for producing the sliding member. It is preferable that the nonwoven fabric is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber which exhibits a high affinity for the phenol resin. Further, it is preferable that the phenol resin contains a chelating agent which can increase sites of crosslink with hydroxyl groups of the phenol resin. |
| US09581194B2 |
Motion guide device
Provided is a motion guide device in which a moving member is equipped with circulation path moldings. With the device, ease of assembly and moldability can be improved. A moving member is provided with circulation path moldings, which have: holding sections that extend along loaded rolling-element rolling sections; return path configuring sections that configure return paths; and a pair of direction-change path inner circumference configuring sections that configure the inner circumferences of a pair of direction-change paths. The circulation path moldings are provided with a first molding in which one direction-change path inner circumference configuring sections is integrally molded with the holding section and a second molding in which the other direction-change path inner circumference configuring section is integrally molded with the return path configuring section. The first molding and the second molding are separate bodies. |
| US09581190B2 |
Adjustable support arm
An adjustable support arm device includes a plurality of segments. Ball-and-socket joints each connect two adjacent segments. Each joint includes a plurality of interleaved friction layers between a ball and a socket of that joint. A locking mechanism applies a normal force to the friction layers to lock the joints, the mechanism being releasable to enable bending of the joints. |
| US09581188B2 |
Mechanical connection forming a pivot for MEMS and NEMS mechanical structures
A mechanical connection between two parts of a microelectromechanical and/or nanoelectromechanical structure forming a pivot with an axis of rotation pivot includes two first beams with an axis parallel to the pivot axis, the first beams configured to work in torsion, and two second beams with an axis orthogonal to the axis of the first beams, the second beams configured to work in bending, each one of the first and second beams being connected at their ends to the two parts of the structure. |
| US09581177B2 |
Clutch transmission
A clutch transmission, in particular a dual clutch transmission, includes a hydraulic circuit for actuating and/or cooling the clutch transmission. The hydraulic circuit includes at least one cooler for cooling a hydraulic medium conveyed by at least one pump, wherein a bypass with a thermostatic bypass valve is associated with the cooler. The thermostatic bypass valve has hereby three switching positions, wherein it can be moved to a first switching position by a spring force, from the first switching position to the second switching position by a thermal element against the spring force and from the second switching position to a third switching position against the spring force by a pressure difference exceeding a predeterminable limit value. |
| US09581174B2 |
Fan frame
A fan frame accommodates a fan for blowing air or cooling and has a hole into which a tapping screw is fixed. The hole has a first hole portion opened in an attachment surface onto which a supporting member fixed by the tapping screw is attached and a second hole portion extending from the first hole portion and having a predetermined inner diameter. The first hole portion of the hole is formed to have a diameter larger than that of the second hole portion. |
| US09581170B2 |
Methods of designing and making diffuser vanes in a centrifugal compressor
Centrifugal compressors, methods of forming centrifugal compressors, and methods of designing diffuser vanes in centrifugal compressors are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method of designing diffuser vanes includes providing an initial two-dimensional diffuser vane layout including initial diffuser vane peripheries radially spaced about an axis. The initial diffuser vane peripheries are rotated using a computer processor to produce rotated diffuser vane peripheries having offset trailing ends relative to the initial diffuser vane peripheries. The rotated diffuser vane peripheries are circumferentially shifted about the axis to produce shifted diffuser vane peripheries. Leading ends of the shifted diffuser vane peripheries are offset from the leading ends of the initial diffuser vane peripheries. Diffuser vane surfaces are generated that connect the shifted diffuser vane peripheries to the corresponding initial diffuser vane peripheries to form diffuser vanes in a twisted configuration. |
| US09581166B2 |
Method and device for pneumatically driving a turbocharger rotor in a balancing machine
Disclosed is a method in which the propulsive power of a drive nozzle (2) is controlled by means of a programmable logic control device (24) having an adjustable internal controller (25) in dependence upon the rotational frequency of a turbocharger rotor (1) detected by a speed sensor (26). Parameters necessary for control are determined empirically in a tuning run which includes tuning the controller (25) to a proportional control action with high gain Kp and inputting the nominal balancing speed as target value for the controller (25), monitoring and comparing the actual speed with the target value. If the actual speed exceeds the set target value, halving the gain Kp of the controller (25) and repeating the run until the actual speed is below the set target value. Then it includes approximating the actual speed to the target speed by generating an additional target value, additively applying the additional target value to the target value, and incrementing or decrementing the additional target value until the target speed of the turbocharger rotor (1) is reached. |
| US09581163B2 |
Air diffuser systems, methods, and apparatuses
Aircraft, air conditioning systems, and air diffusers that may be used to create a quiet, comfortable environment within an aircraft cabin are disclosed. The systems and apparatuses are configured to flow air at a rate that meets and/or exceeds the FAA minimum requirement of 0.55 lbs/min (about 250 g/min) per occupant. In use, even at higher flow rates, the systems and apparatuses are configured to create a quiet cabin experience, by contributing little to ambient cabin noise. Thus, the systems and apparatuses may be used to provide fresh air at a comfortable rate and a comfortable noise level. |
| US09581161B2 |
Compressor with service valve assembly
A scroll machine can include a shell, a first scroll member, a second scroll member and a valve assembly. The valve assembly can permit intermediate pressure in the shell to flow to an area of suction pressure in the shell. The valve assembly can include a first valve manifold that selectively couples to the shell. A second valve manifold can slidably and non-threadably locate against the first valve manifold. A retainer can couple to the first valve manifold to capture the second valve manifold against the first valve manifold. A valve can selectively connect an intermediate flow exiting the shell through the first and second valve manifolds to a suction flow entering the shell. |
| US09581159B2 |
Electric oil pump
An electric oil pump includes an electric motor and an oil pump that is driven by the motive power from an electric motor, wherein; the oil pump has an introducing channel that guides a drain oil that has leaked from an interior of the oil pump to an interior of the electric motor; and the electric motor has a discharging channel that discharges the drain oil that has been guided to the interior of the electric motor to a tank. |
| US09581156B2 |
Gear pump including an inner rotor having a plurality of teeth
In a gear pump, an outer inner wall surface of a suction port which is located on a downstream side in a rotor rotation direction, that is, a first inner wall surface, is located inward of a bottom land between internal teeth of an outer rotor, and the suction port has a shallow portion extended inward from the first inner wall surface on the downstream side in the rotor rotation direction, and a deep portion that is formed so as to be continuous with the shallow portion and that is deeper than the shallow portion. Communication between an inter-tooth chamber and the suction port is cut off with the inter-tooth chamber facing only the shallow portion. |
| US09581153B2 |
Pump for vehicle suspension system
A pump includes a housing defining an interior volume, a diaphragm partitioning the interior volume into a pumping chamber and an actuating chamber, a diaphragm support associated with the actuating chamber and configured to limit movement of the diaphragm, and a dispersion element coupled to the housing. The dispersion element includes a network of channels that is configured to distribute a fluid within the pump. |
| US09581149B2 |
Double-headed piston type swash plate compressor
A double-headed piston type swash plate compressor includes a swash plate, a double-headed piston, a control pressure chamber, a discharge pressure region, a suction pressure region, a supplying passage, which extends from the discharge pressure region to the control pressure chamber, a narrowing portion, which narrows an opening degree of the supplying passage, and a displacement control valve. The displacement control valve controls a pressure in the control pressure chamber. The displacement control valve includes a driving force transmission rod, a valve chamber, a guide wall, and a back pressure chamber. The back pressure chamber is in communication with the valve chamber through a clearance between the guide wall and the driving force transmission rod. The narrowing portion has a passage cross-sectional area that is larger than a passage cross-sectional area of the clearance. |
| US09581147B2 |
Actuator having at least one control element which has thermal transducer material
The invention is an actuator which includes at least one control element which has thermally activatable transducer material and which, in response to the supply or dissipation of energy, changes from a first shape state into a second shape state, and a mechanical energy storage, which is functionally connected to the control element. When the control element is in the second shape state, it exerts a restoring force on the control element which returns the control element to the first shape state. The mechanical energy storage includes an elastomer body, which at least in some regions is in direct physical and thermal contact with the control element. The elastomer body is connected in a spatially fixed manner to the control element in at least two spatially separated joining regions along the control element. |
| US09581145B2 |
Shape memory alloy actuation system for variable area fan nozzle
A variable area fan nozzle comprising an array of hinged rigid petals and a petal actuation system in which the principle of actuation is realized by changes in shape (i.e., deformation) of the actuators rather than by movement of cooperating mechanical parts. Because these actuators have no rotating or sliding mechanical components, wear and associated maintenance are reduced. Each deformable actuator has a portion made of shape memory alloy that has been trained to change shape in a specific manner when heated to a temperature above a transition temperature. In addition, each shape memory alloy actuator is shaped to act as a fairing to reduce aerodynamic drag. |
| US09581144B2 |
Arrangement for adjusting a valve
The invention relates to an arrangement for adjusting a valve (12) which has a plunger (21) which is under the action of a restoring element (23) and has a valve closing member (18), having a housing (31) which can be attached to the valve (12) and in which is arranged at least one temperature-dependent actuating element (41) which interacts with an actuating device (34), by means of which actuating element (41) the actuating device (34) is activated so as to be movable between a rest position (57) and a working position, wherein the actuating element (41) is formed as at least one spring element from a shape-memory alloy, wherein the actuating device (34) is movable in the axial longitudinal direction of the actuating element (41) and the actuating element (41) extends substantially longitudinally with respect to the movement direction of the actuating device (34), and an air exchange is provided between an interior space (61) and an exterior space (65) of the actuating element (41) and an interior space and an exterior space of the actuating device (34). |
| US09581139B2 |
Voltage control for wind turbines
A wind turbine having a rotor, a generator driven by the rotor, a converter, a control device having an input for a control signal for reactive power output and a controller for the converter, the controller determining a reactive power target value for the wind turbine and correcting the output reactive power in dependence on the voltage present at the wind turbine, and an additional module for the controller having separate small and large signal paths and interacting with the controller such that the small signal path has an additional storage element in comparison with the large signal path, which additional storage element stores state values of the small signal path for the past. Thus, small voltage changes can be reacted to more slowly and while taking into account past values, whereas large changes can be reacted to quickly, in particular in the event of a network short circuit. |
| US09581135B2 |
Cable-suspended wind energy generator
An electrical generation system is based upon sail craft that move between towers through wind power. The system includes at least two support towers (or support structures on buildings, for example), and upper and lower cables extending from one tower to another. At least one sail craft is coupled to the upper and lower cables such that wind moves the sail craft along the cables. Each sail craft is coupled to the upper and lower cables with respective upper and lower modules, one or both of which includes a wheel that rotates as the craft moves along the cables. The wheel is coupled to an electrical generator that that feeds one or both of the cables for further distribution through at least one of the towers. A structure at each tower causes the craft to reverse its direction and travel back and forth between the towers in such a way that sail craft travelling in opposite directions to not block the wind to other craft. |
| US09581125B2 |
Internal-combustion engine ignition device and ignition method
In an ignition device of an internal combustion engine which carries out ignition of an air-fuel mixture by repeatedly applying a voltage across electrodes of an ignition plug thereby producing a plurality of discharges, an improvement is proposed in which in the presence of gas flow of which direction is perpendicular to a direction that connects the electrodes with a shortest distance, a time interval between n-th time discharge and (n−1)-th time discharge is so set that a discharge channel caused or proposed by the n-th time discharge is more extended in the gas flow direction than a discharge channel caused by the (n−1)-th time discharge. |
| US09581124B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting performance of an APU starter
The present invention relates to a method for detecting performance of an APU starter, comprising: obtaining APU-related messages at multiple time points within one time period; obtaining running parameters of the APU starter according to the messages, the running parameters comprise starting time STA; calculating average value AVG and deviation index δ of the starting time within said time period; determining whether performance of the APU starter is in a stable phase, decline phase or failure phase according to the deviation index δ. |
| US09581120B2 |
Fuel injector with injection control valve cartridge
A fuel injector that includes an injector control valve assembly. The injector control valve assembly includes a contact spring positioned between a fuel injector upper body and the injector control valve assembly to isolate a stator housing from clamping forces that occur during fuel injector assembly and clamping in an internal combustion engine. The injector control valve assembly further includes a cartridge configuration that permits preassembly of the injector control valve assembly prior to mounting in the fuel injector. |
| US09581116B2 |
Integrated fuel injectors and igniters and associated methods of use and manufacture
The present disclosure is directed to injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. These integrated injectors/igniters can include, for example, insulators with adequate mechanical and dielectric strength to enable high-energy plasma generation by components that have very small dimensions, multifunction valving that is moved to injector multiple bursts of fuel and to induce plasma projection, a fuel control valve at the interface to the combustion chamber for the purpose of eliminating fuel drip at undesired times, and one or more components at the interface of the combustion chamber for the purpose of blocking transmission of combustion sourced pressure. |
| US09581115B2 |
Induction system including a passive-adsorption hydrocarbon trap
An induction system in an engine is provided. The air induction system includes an induction conduit including an air flow passage in fluidic communication at least one combustion chamber in the engine and a passive-adsorption hydrocarbon trap positioned within the induction conduit, a portion of the passive-adsorption hydrocarbon trap defining a boundary of the air flow passage, the passive-adsorption hydrocarbon trap including a breathable layer coupled to a substrate layer coupled to the induction conduit, a hydrocarbon adsorption layer interposing the breathable layer and the substrate layer. |
| US09581114B2 |
Systems and methods for dedicated EGR cylinder exhaust gas temperature control
Systems and methods for increasing EGR gas temperature for an engine that includes at least one dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may provide exhaust gas to engine cylinders and the exhaust gas does not include exhaust gases from cylinders other than the dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may allow the engine to operate at higher EGR dilution levels. |
| US09581113B2 |
Fuel injection nozzle having an anti-leakage device
A nozzle for a gaseous fuel injector has a converging portion, a tip connected to the converging portion, and an anti-leakage device disposed at the tip to selectively inhibit leakage of a residual gaseous fuel from the nozzle. |
| US09581112B2 |
Air filter arrangement having a carburetor
An air filter and carburetor arrangement includes a round filter and a round filter carrier having a filter plate. The round filter has a central filter axis, which lies at an angle to the filter plate. The carburetor has a carburetor body, in which an intake duct is configured with a duct longitudinal axis, and at one end of the intake duct on the carburetor body a filter connection side for the round filter carrier is configured, wherein the round filter carrier is fixed with at least one surface portion of the filter plate on the connection surface of the carburetor. The design is provided such that the duct longitudinal axis of the intake duct lies in the plane of the filter plate at a lateral distance (r) to the filter axis of the round filter fixed to the round filter carrier. |
| US09581109B1 |
Axially translating and radially tilting fan nozzle segments with combined actuation and position sensing
An aircraft engine variable area fan nozzle structure disposed abaft a thrust reverser, including a sleeve translatable over a cascade array, comprises two semi cylindrical segments that can be axially translated and radially tilted to enlarge the fan duct exhaust area in order to optimize exhaust pressure and associated noise in high thrust circumstances such as on take-off, and to constrict that area under lower thrust conditions such as cruise. The segments are moved by actuators anchored to the fixed engine framework and independently of the thrust reverser translating sleeve. Each actuator incorporates a linear variable differential transformer acting as a fan nozzle position sensor. The tilting movement is imposed by the pivoting links of each segment to carriages that ride in a non-linear trackway secured to a thrust reverser translating sleeve slider. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the thrust reverser sleeve actuator and the variable area fan nozzle actuator are coaxially mounted in a compact assembly anchored to stationary components of the nacelle. |
| US09581103B1 |
Cylinder liner and method of forming the same
A cylinder liner is disclosed, the cylinder liner having a smoother internal surface of an internal side than known cylinder liners. The internal surface having at least one of a reduced peak height of (Rpk) of ≦0.25 μm, a core roughness (Rk) of about 0.2 μm to about 0.6 μm, a reduced valley depth (Rvk) of about 1.2 μm to about 2.5 μm, a material ratio (Mr1) of ≦ 10%, and a material ratio (Mr2) of about 70% to about 90%. |
| US09581099B1 |
Method for diagnosing SCR catalyst and feed gas quality in a diesel after-treatment system
An exhaust diagnostic system. The system includes a diesel engine having an exhaust system with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, a first NOx sensor located upstream of the SCR catalyst and a second NOx sensor located downstream of the SCR catalyst. In addition, an engine control unit (ECU) is in electronic communication with the first NOx sensor and the second NOx sensor. An SCR coordinator can be included and be configured to execute a non-intrusive SCR deNOx efficiency test, an intrusive SCR/DOC deNOx efficiency test and an intrusive DOC non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) conversion efficiency test on the exhaust system. As a result of the conversion efficiency tests, a distinction can be made as to whether the SCR catalyst or DOC is failing. |
| US09581093B2 |
Bi-fuel system and a method for operating such a system
The invention relates to a bi-fuel system (100) and a method for operating such a system, in which the following steps are performed by a control system (104) being part of the bi-fuel system (100): determining whether a relative amount of first fuel in the second fuel tank (2) is less than a predetermined minimum relative amount of first fuel in the second fuel tank (MIX %_min), and if said relative amount is less than MIX %_min, supplying first fuel via the fuel return line (18) to the second fuel tank (2), by temporarily opening the return line shut-off valve (12). |
| US09581090B2 |
Engine control unit for construction machinery
Provided is an engine control apparatus for construction machinery, including: an engine control dial manually operated by a user and configured to generate a control signal for increasing and decreasing revolutions per minute (rpm) of an engine by a predetermined unit; a jog shuttle including a jog switch, which is manually rotated and pressed by the user, and configured to generate a selection signal for selecting or changing functions corresponding to various operation modes; an instrument panel configured to display operation information of various elements which the user requires while driving the construction machinery; an engine controller configured to control the engine to respond to the control signal generated by the engine control dial; and an equipment controller configured to receive either the control signal generated by the engine control dial or the control signal corresponding to the rotation and the press of the jog switch, and provide the engine controller with a value of an rpm of the engine corresponding to the received control signal among values of the rpms of the engine corresponding to the respective control signals. |
| US09581089B2 |
Gas dosage control for gas engine
A gas engine assembly includes a compressor, a combustion system, a bypass line and a control system. The control system is configured to control gas supply parameters based on a transportation delay value. The transportation delay value corresponds to a delay between a time when a gas supply control mechanism is adjusted and a time that gas having a corresponding adjustment of a gas characteristic is received at a predetermined point downstream from the gas supply control mechanism. |
| US09581087B1 |
Method and system for thermal expansion compensation in heated flow characterization
Techniques for a chamber, such as gas turbine engine (100), surrounding a heated fluid include a sensor (150) mounted in a first wall (228b, 229b) of the chamber to detect phenomenon inside the chamber and a processor (702). The processor is in electrical communication with the sensor and is configured to receive first data, determine a first temperature of the first wall, determine a current path length, determine properties of the fluid flow, and operate a device based on the properties. First data indicates a value of the phenomenon along a path between the first wall and a different wall of the chamber. The current path length (268b) is based on a nominal path length (268a) and thermal expansion of the first wall due to the first temperature. The property of fluid flow in the chamber is based on the first data and the current path length. |
| US09581080B2 |
Rate-based model predictive control method for internal combustion engine air path control
A rate based model predictive controller for air path control for a diesel engine regulates turbine lift and EGR valve flow rate to specified set points by coordinated control of intake manifold air pressure and EGR valve flow rate. The controller utilizes a rate-based reduced order linear model for model predictive control. |
| US09581079B2 |
Two-stage turbocharger apparatus
A two-stage turbocharger apparatus includes first and second passages having different cross-sectional areas. The first and second passages are connected to an inlet end of a high-pressure turbine and are configured to supply exhaust gas discharged from an exhaust manifold of an engine to the inlet end of the high-pressure turbine. Third and fourth passages, having different cross-sectional areas, connect an outlet end of the high-pressure turbine to an inlet end of a low-pressure turbine. An EGR valve has one end connected to one of the first and second passages. A bypass line has a first end connected to the other of the first and second passages and a second end connected to one of the third and fourth passages. |
| US09581078B2 |
Super-turbocharger having a high speed traction drive and a continuously variable transmission
A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission. Gas recirculation in a super-turbocharger is also disclosed. |
| US09581074B2 |
Engine thermostat with integrated coolant filter
A thermostat assembly for use with an engine cooling system includes a thermostat, a frame, a bypass valve and an integrated filter. The frame supports the thermostat and is positioned upstream of a thermostatic valve. The frame also defines a primary coolant passage. The bypass valve is positioned on the frame and selectively defines a bypass coolant passage. The filter is positioned on the frame upstream of the thermostat and is configured to filter coolant flowing through the primary coolant passage to the thermostat. The bypass valve moves between a normally closed position and an open position where coolant is free to pass through the bypass coolant passage and to the thermostat. The bypass valve moves to the open position upon being subjected to a predetermined pressure caused by a reduction in a coolant flow rate through the filter so as to provide for coolant flow to bypass the filter. |
| US09581066B2 |
Fuel dispensing system with heating method
Embodiments of a heating system maintains the temperature of a fuel additive (e.g., AUS32) at and/or above freezing temperature to avoid crystallization. The heating system can form a fluid circuit with one or more coaxially arranged sleeves disposed about hoses that transport the additives. The fluid circuit can also include a central compartment that encloses a flow meter. A fluid heater couples with the fluid circuit to provide heating fluid, e.g., to the central compartment. The heating fluid disperses throughout the heating compartment and into the sleeves, thereby direction heating fluid in thermal proximity to the hoses and other components that handle the fuel additive. |
| US09581065B2 |
Welding structure of warm-up catalytic converter
A welding structure for a warm-up catalytic converter (WCC) of a vehicle includes a flange of a turbine housing connected to a front cone of the WCC which reduces an exhaust gas emitted from an engine. A through hole is formed in the flange, through which the exhaust gas flows. An extending portion, which extends in a direction in which the exhaust gas flows from the through hole, is formed and surface-contacts the front cone. The front cone is welded to the extending portion to connect the flange to the front cone. |
| US09581062B2 |
Reversible solid adsorption method and system utilizing waste heat for on-board recovery and storage of CO2 from motor vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gases
A method and system for on-board treatment of an exhaust stream containing CO2 emitted by an internal combustion engine in order to reduce the amount of CO2 discharged into the atmosphere which include: a. a treatment zone, preferably operating in swing mode with at least two subsystems, on board the vehicle containing a capture agent having a predetermined capacity for extracting CO2 from the exhaust stream, each subsystem having a heat exchanger with an inlet for admitting the hot exhaust gas stream for passage in heat relation with the capture agent to release CO2 and regenerate the capture agent, an outlet for passage of a treated, cooled exhaust stream having a reduced CO2 content, and an outlet for CO2 released from the regenerated capture agent; b. a compression zone for reducing the volume of the CO2; and c. a storage zone for the temporary storage of compressed CO2. |
| US09581059B2 |
Lubrication system for vehicle engine
A combustion engine includes a supercharger which pressurizes intake air to be supplied to an engine body. A lubrication system for the combustion engine includes a main lubrication passage through which lubricating oil flows to lubricate the engine body, a supercharger lubrication passage through which lubricating oil flows to lubricate the supercharger, and an oil pump which supplies a shared lubricating oil to both of the main and supercharger lubrication passages. |
| US09581057B1 |
Valve actuator system capable of operating multiple valves with a single cam
A valve actuator system is capable of operating a number of valves with a single cam. The system includes a power shaft, a cam mounted around the power shaft and a gear train to drive the cam when the shaft rotates. Hydraulic actuator assemblies corresponding to the number of valves are radially positioned around the shaft axis for operation by the cam. Hydraulic tubes connect each actuator to a valve follower disposed adjacent to the respective valves. The cam profile pressing each actuator plunger in sequence as the cam rotates causes the hydraulic fluid to flow out of the actuator assembly, through the like-numbered pipe, and into the like-numbered follower assembly, which in turn causes the follower plunger to move the like-numbered valve from an open position or a closed position. This occurs sequentially for each valve. |
| US09581053B2 |
Camshaft adjustment device for an internal combustion engine
A camshaft phaser for an internal combustion engine having—a stator (1) driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine; a rotor (3) connected to the camshaft (24) for co-rotation therewith; and working chambers, which are configured between the stator (1) and the rotor (3) and which are subdivided into pressure chambers (A, B) by vanes (18) that are associated with the rotor (3); and—a pressure medium circuit having a plurality of pressure medium channels (A1, B1, C1, E1) that fulfill different functions, at least two of the pressure medium channels (A1, B1, C1, D1) merging into one another in one section (14); and one of the pressure medium channels (A1, B1, C1, D1) being separated in a pressure medium-tight manner from the other pressure medium channel (A1, B1, C1, D1) by a guide sleeve (13) that is inserted into the section (14). |
| US09581046B2 |
Scroll structure of centrifugal compressor
In a scroll structure of a centrifugal compressor, there are provided a radius increase arc portion E in which a radius from the center of a scroll 12 to a scroll centroid P of the cross section of the scroll 12 is gradually increased in any range in a circumferential direction from the start of winding of the scroll, and a radius decrease arc portion F in which the radius is gradually decreased toward a scroll end point Z. |
| US09581045B2 |
Sheet metal turbine housing
The turbine housing 1 is formed by sheet metal scroll members 5 and 7 butted opposite each other and welded together. A center core part 9 arranged in a central part of the scroll part 3 is integrally formed in one piece from a steel pipe member such as to include a housing portion 93 surrounding a turbine wheel 24, a bearing receiving portion 91 axially supporting the turbine wheel 24, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced supports 92 bridging a gap between the housing portion 93 and the bearing receiving portion 91. |
| US09581041B2 |
Abradable ceramic coatings and coating systems
The disclosure relates to a high temperature mechanical system, such as a gas turbine engine, including a first coating deposited on a first substrate and a second coating deposited on a second substrate. The first coating includes a first bond layer, a second bond layer, and a first ceramic outer layer, wherein the second bond layer is between the first bond layer and first ceramic outer layer. The second coating includes a third bond layer deposited on the substrate and a second ceramic outer layer deposited on the third bond layer. The second coating is configured to abrade the first coating, e.g., during operation of the high temperature mechanical system. |
| US09581040B2 |
Module, system and method for generating electric power inside a pipeline
A module, configured to generate electric power inside a pipeline, in particular as the pipeline is being laid on the bed of a body of water, has a turbine configured to intercept an airflow fed in a travelling direction; and a rotating electric machine connected to the turbine, surrounding the turbine, and configured to produce electric power. |
| US09581025B2 |
Aircraft power plant
An aircraft power plant is disclosed having a plurality of bladed rotors in flow communication driven by separate work producing devices. The work producing devices can take a variety of forms including an internal combustion engine and electric motor, for example. The bladed rotors can be associated with an aircraft pylon and can be driven independently to separate operating conditions to provide optimum performance. For example, the bladed rotors can be driven to separate operating conditions that improve a noise signature or performance of the aircraft. |
| US09581024B2 |
Air handling constructions for opposed-piston engines
An opposed-piston engine has a cylinder block with a plurality of cylinders arranged inline, with each cylinder including an intake port longitudinally separated from an exhaust port. The engine is equipped with an air handling system that includes intake and exhaust chambers inside the cylinder block. All of the cylinder intake ports are contained in the intake chamber to receive charge air therein. The intake chamber includes elongated air inlets opening through opposing sides of the cylinder block. The exhaust chamber includes at least one exhaust outlet opening through a side of the cylinder block; all of the cylinder exhaust ports are contained in the exhaust chamber to discharge exhaust thereinto. |
| US09581021B2 |
System for extraction of volatiles from planetary bodies using microwave and RF processes
A system for extraction of volatiles from bodies in a vacuum. The volatile containing solid may be subsurface heated with microwave or RF energy subliming volatiles that are captured with a containment structure that directs the flow of the volatile through a cold trap for collecting and condensing the volatile. In one variation, a sample, or an entire body may be enveloped in a sealed container for extraction of volatiles that are then collected and condensed. In a further variation, a planetary surface area is covered and the perimeter sealed at the surface. The area is then heated from above to release volatiles that are then collected and condensed. To heat layers below the surface that contain high concentrations of volatiles, a hollow auger can gain access to the subsurface volatile and microwave or RF energy can be delivered down the hollow auger with a coax cable and vapor can escape through the hollow auger to a capture apparatus. |
| US09581020B2 |
Injection for sampling heavy oil
A downhole tool is conveyed within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation. A void is created in a sidewall of the borehole by extending a rotating member from the downhole tool into the sidewall. A portion of the sidewall surrounding the void is mechanically compressed, and the viscosity of hydrocarbons in the subterranean formation proximate the void is reduced by injecting a fluid from the downhole tool into the formation via the void. Fluid comprising the reduced viscosity hydrocarbons and the injected fluid may then be drawn from the subterranean formation into the downhole tool. |
| US09581019B2 |
Measurement pretest drawdown methods and apparatus
Methods of and apparatus to perform a drawdown of a formation fluid in a downhole environment are disclosed. An example method includes contacting a borehole wall with a fluid communication device of a formation testing tool and performing a first type of drawdown to draw fluid into the fluid communication device. The method also includes detecting a breach of a mudcake on the borehole wall during performance of the first type of drawdown and performing a second type of drawdown to draw fluid into the sample probe in response to detecting the breach of the mudcake. The second type of drawdown is different than the first type of drawdown. Furthermore, the example method includes confirming the breach of the mudcake on the borehole wall during performance of the second type of drawdown. |
| US09581018B2 |
System and method for determining soil characteristics and drilling instability during horizontal directional drilling
Disclosed is a system and method for horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The system and method utilize predictive algorithms to both characterize the soil within the borehole and to quantify instability within the drillstring. The soil characteristics are represented by a soil coefficient (α) which relates the curvature of the borehole with the length of thrust of the drill rig as well as by comparison of thrust while thrusting with torque while drilling. The value of (α) is obtained by comparison of the historical orientation of the drilling head over the length of the borehole and the borehole shape as determined by an arbitrary navigation sensor. Drillstring instability is determined as a function of historical thrust and torque efficiencies and windup over the length of the borehole. |
| US09581016B2 |
Transmission line for drill pipes and downhole tools
A method of forming a wired pipe transmission line includes: providing an assembly that includes an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating material; attaching a fixation element to the assembly at or near an end thereof; providing a tubular outer conductor; disposing the assembly and the fixation element within the outer conductor; and fixedly attaching the fixation element to the inner portion of the tubular outer conductor. |
| US09581007B2 |
Optimized salinity for enhanced water flood applications
Methods for enhanced oil recovery from subterranean formations by treating a produced water prior to injection into the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir and manipulating produced water compositions to increase the rate and/or amount of oil that is recovered from producing wells and/or a hydrocarbon reservoir. The treatment of the produced water can increase the pH of the water from about 0.75 to about 2.0. |
| US09581005B2 |
Method to underdisplace hydraulic fractures in horizontal or deviated well
A method for underdisplacing fracture proppant in a well bore. The method can include providing a set retainer having a passage configured to receive a wiper plug. The method may also include installing the set retainer in the well bore and injecting a proppant-laden fluid into the well bore, through the passage of the set retainer and through a perforation to create the fracture. The method may include providing a wiper plug configured to be received in the passage of the set retainer. The method may also include inserting the wiper plug into the well bore and allowing the wiper plug to wipe a portion of the proppant-laden fluid past the set retainer and into the fracture. Additionally, the method may include allowing the set retainer to receive the wiper plug. |
| US09581003B2 |
Completing a well in a reservoir
Methods and systems for completing a well including injecting stimulation fluid to stimulate a first interval in the reservoir. The stimulation fluid has a pressure sufficient to open a number of check valves in the first interval, allowing stimulation fluid to flow into the first interval. A number of ball sealers configured to block flow through the check valves are dropped into the well to stop the flow of stimulation fluid into the first interval and begin treatment of a second interval. The stimulation fluid is injected to stimulate a subsequent interval with pressure sufficient to open a number of check valves in the subsequent interval, allowing stimulation fluid to flow into the subsequent interval. The dropping of ball sealers is repeated until all intervals are treated. At least part of the check valves are configured to allow stimulation fluid to flow into a distribution chamber with multiple openings. |
| US09581002B2 |
Method of heating a hydrocarbon resource including slidably positioning an RF transmission line and related apparatus
A method for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include positioning a tubular conductor within a wellbore in the subterranean formation and slidably positioning a radio frequency (RF) transmission line within the tubular conductor so that a distal end of the transmission line is electrically coupled to the tubular conductor. The method may also include supplying RF power, via the RF transmission line, to the tubular conductor so that the tubular conductor serves as an RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. |
| US09581001B2 |
Apparatus and methods for stimulating reservoirs using fluids containing nano/micro heat transfer elements
In one aspect, a method of stimulating flow of a fluid present in a subsurface reservoir to a wellbore is provided, which method, in one non-limiting embodiment, may include providing a working fluid that includes a heated base fluid and heated nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticle have a core and a shell; supplying the working fluid into a selected section of the subsurface reservoir; allowing the heated nanoparticles to transfer heat to the fluid in the subsurface reservoir to stimulate flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the wellbore. |
| US09580998B2 |
Recovery or storage process
A method for recovering gases and/or liquids stored within one or more gas and/or liquid reservoirs comprising locating the upper consolidated boundary of the one or more gas and/or liquid reservoirs; drilling an access well which extends downwardly to at least adjacent the upper consolidated boundary of the one or more gas and/or liquid reservoirs; drilling a section of the access well extending along or adjacent at least a portion of the upper consolidated boundary of the one or more gas and/or liquid reservoirs; creating permeability pathways into the one or more gas and/or liquid reservoirs to enable the release of gas and/or liquid from the one or more gas and/or liquid reservoirs into the access well; and recovering the released gas and/or liquid through the access well. The method is also used for storage or sequestering of gases and/or liquids into one or more gas and/or liquid reservoirs wherein permeability pathways are created to inject the gases and/or liquids into the reservoirs from the access well. |
| US09580997B2 |
Power wave optimization for oil and gas extracting processes
Disclosed is a method for restoring, maintaining, or increasing well productivity or reducing a water cut. The method comprises positioning an acoustic device in a well located within the geological formation and performing an acoustic treatment impacting a muddled zone in cycles comprising one or more manipulated waves of ultrasonic pressure on the muddled zone. The cycles comprising treatment comprise a Fourier transformation of a periodic function, wherein the transformation determines a rate at which an acoustic treatment pressure of each cycle rises from a value of zero to a maximum value. This rate is directly proportional to a force of an impact on the formation, and the greater the rate, the greater the impact. A cycle frequency is determined and designed based on particular formation parameters and particular treatment parameters obtained by sensors positioned on the acoustic device. The treatment is repeated until well productivity is restored. |
| US09580995B2 |
Controlled pressure equalization
Systems and methods for controlled equalization of fluid pressure are described. The system can include a flow restricting nozzle in line with an accumulator which together provide a gradual, controlled equalization of pressure between two locations. For example, in the subsea environment, the pressures can vary between a subsea processing station and a subsea flow line. The systems can be configured as ROV retrievable, or they can be integrated into the subsea processing station. In some cases, more than one accumulator and/or more than one flow restricting nozzles can be used in the system to provide for versatility and robustness. |
| US09580994B2 |
Straddle packer equalization and self recovery module
A packer that may be used to isolate a portion of a wellbore and a method of using the packer within the wellbore. The packer includes a body with a central bore, an upper sealing element, a lower sealing element, treatment ports, upper equalization ports, and a sleeve positioned within the central bore. The sleeve may be moved to selectively permit fluid communication through the treatment ports and the upper equalization ports. The packer may include lower equalization ports and the sleeve may be moved to also selectively permit fluid communication through the lower equalization ports. The sleeve may include a closed end and an inner wall that separates a secondary cavity from a main cavity. The sleeve includes a plurality of openings that either permits or inhibits fluid communication through the ports of the packer depending on the position of the sleeve within the central bore of the packer. |
| US09580989B2 |
Interventionless method of setting a casing to casing annular packer
An annular packer to create an annulus seal that includes a solid mandrel with a first end, second end, central bore, and exterior. The annular packer includes first and second sealing elements connected to the exterior. The second sealing element is expanded radially by axial movement of at least a portion of the second sealing element. The annular packer includes a first piston movable from a first position to a second position. Pressure applied exterior of the mandrel moves a portion of the first sealing element away from the mandrel to create a first seal causing a pressure differential. The pressure differential moves the first piston to its second position axially moving at least a portion of the second sealing element to create a second seal against the casing. A port may be opened releasing the first seal, but the second seal remains set against the casing. |
| US09580984B2 |
Apparatus and methods for overcoming an obstruction in a wellbore
Apparatus and methods for penetrating a downhole target within a wellbore include providing a body with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end into a wellbore, the body having a nozzle at the first end. The nozzle is adapted to project a medium, such as molten thermite, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, such as in a downhole direction. An initiation source is usable to consume a fuel load associated with the body to cause projection of the medium in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore, to affect an obstruction in the wellbore. A series of such apparatus can be used in succession, such that the actuation of each preceding apparatus enhances the effect of each subsequent apparatus on the obstruction. |
| US09580982B2 |
Coring tools with improved reliability during core jams, and related methods
An inner barrel assembly for use with a coring tool may include a sleeve located coaxially within an inner barrel in a telescoping manner. The core barrel assembly may also include a cap located above a top end of the sleeve when the inner barrel assembly is in an initial coring position. The cap may include a skirt having a portion extending downwardly from the cap. A coring tool including an inner barrel assembly and methods of forming an inner barrel assembly are also disclosed. |
| US09580980B2 |
Tubing hanger running tool system and method
A system including a tubing hanger running tool (THRT), including one or more stab connectors, and a planetary gear system, wherein the planetary gear system is configured to couple and uncouple the THRT from a first hydrocarbon extraction component. |
| US09580979B2 |
Tubulars handling system and apparatus
System and apparatus (1) for moving a tubular between a substantially horizontal position and an upward angled position, e.g. substantially vertical position. The apparatus comprises a base (3), and a boom (4) pivotally attached to the base about a horizontal boom pivot axis between a substantially horizontal position and an upward angled position, e.g. substantially vertical position. A boom pivot drive (50) is mounted on said base and adapted to pivot the boom. A tubular gripper (7; 80) is attached to the boom and adapted for gripping the tubular (20, 20′, 20″). The boom pivot drive comprises a central gear wheel (53) that is rotatable mounted on the base about a central gear wheel axis (54) parallel to the horizontal boom pivot axis (6), which central gear wheel is connected directly or via a transmission to the boom. One or more drive gear members (51) are each rotatable mounted on the base and each rotatable about a corresponding drive gear member axis (52), meshing with the central gear wheel. One or more motors (55) connect to said drive gear members and allow to pivot the boom. |
| US09580977B2 |
Blowout preventer transport and handling system
A blowout preventer transport and handling system for a blowout preventer on a well rig. The system includes a skid for a receipt of a blowout preventer. A pair of trolley beams parallel to the skid are moveable between a lowered storage position and a raised use position. A trolley hoist mechanism is provided on each of the trolley beams. At least one cylinder moves the pair of trolley beams between the lowered storage position and the raised use position. |
| US09580976B1 |
Deployable centralizers
A centralizer assembly is disclosed that allows for the assembly to be deployed in-situ. The centralizer assembly includes flexible members that can be extended into the well bore in situ by the initiation of a gas generating device. The centralizer assembly can support a large load carrying capability compared to a traditional bow spring with little or no installation drag. Additionally, larger displacements can be produced to centralize an extremely deviated casing. |
| US09580973B2 |
Method and system for data-transfer via a drill pipe
The present invention relates to a drill-pipe communication assembly. The drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe and an insulated tube disposed within, and generally concentric with, the first drill pipe. A male insert is disposed within a first end of the first drill pipe and a female insert is disposed within a second end of the first drill pipe. A conductor is electrically coupled to the male insert and the female insert. The conductor extends along a length of the first drill pipe. The conductor facilitates transmission of electrical signals from the first end of the first drill pipe to the second end of the first drill pipe. |
| US09580971B2 |
Coated apparatus for improved corrosion resistance and associated system and method for artificial lift
Embodiments provide a coated apparatus for improved corrosion resistance and associated system and system and method for artificial lift. |
| US09580970B2 |
Cutting element, tool and method of cutting within a borehole
A cutting element includes, a body having two planes, each of the two planes defining a plurality of edges, and a support extending from a first of the two planes. The support and the body are configured such that when the cutting element is resting against a planar surface such that at least one of the plurality of edges and the support are in contact with the planar surface, the second of the two planes forms an acute angle with the planar surface. Additionally, a protrusion extends laterally from at least one face of the body and an indentation is formed in at least one face of the body. The protrusion and the indentation are complementary to one another such that the protrusion of a first of the cutting elements is positionable within the indentation of a second of the cutting elements. |
| US09580969B2 |
Cutting assembly suitable for use on a drillable drill bit
A cutting assembly suitable for use on a drillable drill bit includes one or more cutting members comprising pre-formed pockets. A set of one or more cutters are located within the pre-formed pockets. A detachment facilitating feature is located at the interface between the cutting members and the cutters. |
| US09580963B1 |
Sliding platform with an outrigger that attaches to a ladder for safety
A sliding platform with an outrigger attaches to a ladder for stabilization by urging the outrigger against the underside of a structure (e.g., an eave). The device prevents the ladder from sliding or falling away from the structure. The device is adjustable from right to left to accommodate an angle of the engaged underside. |
| US09580951B2 |
Buffer device having a self-adjusting abutment
A buffer device with a self-adjustable stop comprises a buffer head (5) in the form of a shank presenting along its length a flat and touching ribs or grooves (6), and a socket (8) into which the buffer head in the form of a shank can be driven axially, serration by serration. The device further comprises an annular ring (7) inserted axially in an axial bore in said socket and presenting a bottom edge defining a thrust ramp. The ring has an inner surface presenting a smooth strip and an adjacent serrated strip such that actuating the ring by turning it causes the buffer head to be raised and its axial position to be blocked. |
| US09580947B1 |
Cowls and latching assemblies for cowls on outboard marine propulsion devices
A cowl for an outboard marine propulsion device having an internal combustion engine. The cowl comprises a first cowl portion; a second cowl portion that mates with the first cowl portion to enclose the internal combustion engine; a service door on the second cowl portion, wherein the service door is positionable in an open position and in a closed position; and a carrying handle on the second cowl portion, wherein the carrying handle is accessible when the service door is in the open position and inaccessible when the service door is in the closed position. A plurality of latches are spaced apart around the perimeter. The latches latch the second cowl portion to the first cowl portion. An actuator assembly actuates each of the plurality of latches. The actuator assembly can be actuated by movement of the carrying handle. |
| US09580946B2 |
Screw conveyor having linked latch closure
A conveyor includes a container and a cover. A plurality of upper latches each include an upper hook. A plurality of lower latches each include a lower hook. A plurality of brackets are fixedly attached to the container and are disposed along the container, where each bracket is configured to pivotally support each lower latch at a pivot point. A rigid linkage member couples the body portion of each lower latch. Urging in a first direction at any point along linkage member causes each lower hook to simultaneously disengage from the upper hook to unlock the cover. The pivot point is arranged such that the weight of the body portion and the linkage member cause the lower hooks to be urged against the upper hooks to lock the cover to the container, in the absence of a force applied to the linkage member in the first direction. |
| US09580945B2 |
Hold open rod locking sleeve
The present disclosure includes a telescoping hold open rod which is controllably lockable and unlockable for use in holding a panel such as a nacelle open to provide a user access to an opening covered by the panel. The hold open rod is useful in allowing the rod to be unlocked and telescopically collapsed. The rod can be locked into a telescopically extended position to maintain the panel in an open position relative to the opening to facilitate access to the opening without the rod telescoping closed. A retention assembly includes structures and devices to maintain the rod in an open condition although subject to compressive loads. |
| US09580943B1 |
Cowls and latching devices for outboard marine engines
A latching device is for a cowl on an outboard marine engine, the cowl having first and second cowl portions that are separated from each other in an open cowl position and that are latched together by the latching device in a closed cowl position. A retainer is adapted to be fixed to the first cowl portion and a latch is adapted to be fixed to the second cowl portion. The latch is movable into and between a latched position in which the latch is latched to the retainer and an unlatched position in which the latch is unlatched from the retainer. The latch comprises an engagement member, a bell crank, and a spring that is coupled to the engagement member and the bell crank. Movement of the bell crank with respect to the engagement member generates an overcenter force on the engagement member that facilitates latching and unlatching of the engagement member and the retainer. |
| US09580933B2 |
Apparatus for detecting opening and closing of door
Provided is an apparatus for detecting opening and closing of a door. The apparatus includes a sensor unit, which is installed at a location close to a first member and detects an opening and closing of a door, a loading unit coupled to the sensor unit and a folded unit, folded and rotated based on a center of the folded unit when a back set distance from a side surface of the door to a center line of an indoor unit is small, and led in an installation groove of an indoor unit, and a case coupled to the loading unit when the back set distance from the side surface of the door to the center line of the indoor unit is larger, and separated from the loading unit when the back set distance from the side surface of the door to the center line of the indoor unit is small. |
| US09580930B2 |
Fence and method of assembling same
A gate configured to be shipped in a compact disassembled state and assembled in situ into a structurally rigid frame around an area is provided. In one embodiment, the gate includes first and second vertical support posts, a lower horizontal support, a cross-brace, first and second upper vertical posts, a screen, first and second elbow joints, and first and second Tee joints. The elbow joints are configured to couple the vertical support posts to the lower horizontal support. The Tee joints are configured to couple the vertical support posts, the upper vertical posts, and the cross-brace together. The screen is configured to be coupled to the vertical support posts, the upper vertical posts, and the lower horizontal support post. The cross-brace is configured to extend between the first and second vertical support posts at a distance below the upper end of the screen and rearwardly away from the screen. |
| US09580929B2 |
Shelter with extended eaves
A shelter that includes a slider and a strut mechanism mounted on support posts of the shelter that automatically actuate and extend from the side of the support posts when the shelter is expanded from its collapsed state. The strut mechanism provides support for an eave that extends outside from all or a portion of the perimeter of the shelter defined by the corners of the support posts. An automatic hard-stop mechanism is incorporated into the support posts that prevent the eave sliders and strut mechanisms from becoming over-extended. The support posts are configured and oriented relative to the other components of the shelter frame and shelter boundary so to minimize the footprint or size of the shelter when in the collapsed state. |
| US09580921B2 |
Line conduit
A line conduit (10) to be cast into a structural element (12), especially a floor/ceiling and/or wall made of concrete, including an elongated housing (18) that has a holding space (25) for at least one line (16). The space is continuous in the lengthwise direction (L), and includes a fire-protection element (26) made of an intumescent material that is arranged around the inner wall of the housing (18) in the circumferential direction, whereby at least one anchoring element (34) is provided on the inner wall of the housing (18), the element being anchored inside the fire-protection element (26). |
| US09580920B1 |
Hardware mountable blockout apparatus and structural member integrating the same
A blockout apparatus for preserving a through passage in a structural member formed thereabout is provided. The blockout apparatus comprises a tubular body portion having first and second ends defining mouth openings and an intermediate section extending therebetween to define a longitudinal through passage. The tubular body portion includes a gasket flange formed at least partially about each of the first and second end mouth openings to project transversely outward therefrom. A hardware mounting portion is integrated with the tubular body portion, which hardware mounting portion defines an engagement base disposed in open communication with the through passage. The engagement base is structurally augmented relative to the tubular body portion to retentively engage preselected mounting hardware for weight bearing support of an implement therefrom. |
| US09580919B2 |
Scaffold with scaffolding elements and methods for erection thereof
A scaffold comprising at least two horizontally adjacent scaffold sections, the scaffold sections being defined substantially by lengthwise ledgers, transverse ledgers and uprights, characterized in that the scaffold comprises a guide adapted to be able to displace in substantially horizontal direction therealong a displaceable platform corresponding thereto and guided thereby; a method for erecting the scaffold, and a mobile platform. |
| US09580915B2 |
Decorative concrete and method of installing the same
A method of imprinting a visual and textural pattern upon a concrete surface. The method includes configuring a decorative finishing tool to define a particular visual and textural pattern. An exposed surface of a concrete mixture is finished to dispose a quantity of cement/fines paste derived from the concrete mixture at the exposed surface thereof. The exposed surface of the concrete mixture is further finished with the decorative finishing tool to imprint the visual and textural pattern upon the exposed surface, with at least a portion of the decorative finishing tool being troweled over the exposed surface to create the visual and textural pattern in the concrete. |
| US09580911B1 |
Stair tread and improved method of building a stairway
A stair tread and method of building a stairway is provided. Each stair tread includes a metal pan having one or more walls forming a cavity. Concrete filler is disposed in the cavity to provide an upper walking surface. Reinforcement bars and foam blocks can be positioned within the cavity. Concrete treads including the pan can then be transported to a job site for attachment between a pair of stringers. |
| US09580910B1 |
Operable ramp
An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position, in which the ramp forms a pair of steps, and a lowered position, in which the operable ramp provides an inclined surface. The operable ramp includes a first panel rotatably coupled about a first axis that moves back and forth when the operable ramp moves between the lowered position and the raised position. A link is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis and is itself rotatable about a fixed third axis. A second panel is rotatably coupled to the link between the second axis and the third axis, and a third panel is rotatably coupled to the second panel about a fourth axis. When the ramp moves between the raised and lowered positions, the fourth axis rotates about a fixed fifth axis. A linkage selectively rotates the first panel about the first axis. |
| US09580908B2 |
Fiber reinforced composite system for strengthening of wall-like RC columns and methods for preparing such system
A shape modification of a wall-like column includes the preparation of the column by chamfering the corners and roughening the sides of cement segments thereto. The process requires a simple formwork in the form of generally circular PVC pipe segments which are cut to required shapes which are arcuate such as the segments of a circle, oval or even elliptical. After those forms formed from the PVC pipe affixed around the reinforced concrete column are then filled with grout/cement. A plurality of vertical steel strips are attached to the column by steel rod-like shear studs that extend through previously drilled passageways passing through the reinforced concrete column and segments. The reinforced concrete column is then strengthened by increasing the area of cross section and more importantly by confining the column and attached segments by FRP materials. In addition, the vertical strips with steel studs contribute to the column strengthening. |
| US09580906B1 |
Modular insulated building panels
A building panel includes an insulating member having a first surface and a second, opposing surface, and a first sheathing member secured to the first surface of the insulating member and including a coupling portion. The coupling portion has a recessed portion, a first extension portion adjacent the recessed portion, and a second extension portion on the opposite side of the recessed portion from the first extension portion. A sum of a width dimension of the first extension portion and a width dimension of the second extension portion is substantially equal to a width dimension of the recessed portion, and at least one side surface of the insulating member is substantially coplanar with a respective side surface of the first sheathing member. |
| US09580901B2 |
Optimized pattern of a damping layer for wall, floor, and ceiling constructions
An acoustic damping article includes a substrate, wherein the substrate has a surface area S. The acoustic composition further includes a polymer resin. The polymer resin coats partially the surface area with a set of areas. The ratio of the coated areas over the surface area S is less than 1 and the polymer resin coverage is not greater than about 500 g/m2. Embodiments of the present disclosure include an acoustic damping article including a release liner; and an acoustic damping composition disposed on the release liner. The acoustic damping composition partially coats the release liner, and the acoustic damping composition has a Patterned Interlayer Stiffness of at least about 1 GN/m3. |
| US09580898B2 |
Liquid run-off disposal system
A liquid run-off disposal system 100 comprising an elongate tank structure having one or more culvert sections 102 adapted to be arranged end to end in a substantially horizontal orientation below ground. Each culvert section 102 also includes a plurality of louvre-shaped inserts 114 provided in the sidewalls thereof wherein, in use, when liquid run-off is piped into the culvert section 102 it can drain away by soaking into the surrounding soil. |
| US09580897B2 |
System and method for purifying rainfall runoff
A system for purifying rainfall runoff including a bar screen; a collection and diversion device; a filter channel; a grass ditch; and a water storage tank. The bar screen is disposed around the collection and diversion device for preliminarily filtering the road rainfall runoff. The collection and diversion device collects the road rainfall runoff and diverts early rainfall runoff to the filter channel, after the filter channel is full, later rainfall runoff is directly diverted to the grass ditch through open channels. The grass ditch includes a percolation bed capable of filtering the early and later rainfall runoff. The water storage tank is connected to the grass ditch via a guiding pipe, to receive the rainfall runoff effusing out of the grass ditch. Part of the rainfall runoff received by the water storage is transported to the percolation bed by a return conduit. |
| US09580889B2 |
Work vehicle
A work vehicle of the present invention includes an engine, a cooling core, a fan, a hydraulic drive unit, and an idle reduction execution unit. The cooling core is mounted in the work vehicle. The fan is configured to blow air to the cooling core and to be capable of making regular and reverse rotations. The hydraulic drive unit is configured to drive the fan by driving the engine. The idle reduction execution unit is configured to stop the engine based on a state of rotation of the fan caused by the hydraulic drive unit and based on an idle state. The idle reduction execution unit stops the engine on a condition that the fan makes regular rotation and the idle state has continued for a predetermined time, and does not stop the engine on a condition that the fan makes reverse rotation. |
| US09580887B2 |
Method for controlling cooling fan-brake of construction equipment
The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a cooling fan-brake of construction equipment, including: generating a brake charging signal of a brake unit; charging hydraulic oil with a high flow rate in the brake unit and completing the charging of hydraulic oil; turning a loading valve of a cooling fan unit off and turning an unloading valve of the cooling fan unit on when the hydraulic oil is charged; and turning the loading valve of the cooling fan unit on and turning the unloading valve of the cooling fan unit off after the charging of hydraulic oil is completed and a predetermined time elapses. |
| US09580882B2 |
Pile upending device
A pile upending device for large diameter tubular elements includes; an annular base ring for extending along substantially the entire circumference of the tubular element, a central lifting arm for coupling the pile upending device to a hoisting element, which lifting arm is hingeably coupled with the base ring, a number of wedge assemblies disposed along the outside circumference of the base ring for facing the inside surface of the tubular element and frictional engagement with the tubular element. |
| US09580877B2 |
Delineator post having restoration function
A delineator post with a restoration function includes a base panel, a delineator body fixed to the base panel and a tubular elastic band connecting the base panel and the delineator body. The delineator body has a disposition space formed therein. The tubular elastic band extends from the base panel to the top of the delineator body through the disposition space. The delineator post further includes a restoration rod having an upper portion inserted into the disposition space of the delineator body and capable of restoring the delineator body. In this configuration, when the delineator post is tilted by an external force caused by a vehicle or laid down by being trampled by a tire of a vehicle, the delineator post may restore its original shape by the above configuration of the restoration rod. |
| US09580875B1 |
Hopper system for paving machine
A paving machine is disclosed. The paving machine includes a frame and a hopper system mounted on the frame. The hopper system includes a rear wall member coupled to the frame. The hopper system also includes a side wall member movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the frame. The rear wall member and the side wall member are together configured to receive a paving material. The hopper system further includes a cover member pivotally coupled to the side wall member. The cover member blocks an opening defined between the rear wall member and the side wall member, when the side wall member moves to the open position. |
| US09580870B2 |
Tissue having high strength and low modulus
The present invention provides tissue products having a high degree of stretch and low modulus at relatively high tensile strengths, such as geometric mean tensile strengths greater than about 1500 g/3″ and more preferably greater than about 2000 g/3″. The combination of a tough, yet relatively supple sheet is preferably achieved by subjecting the embryonic web to a speed differential as it is passed from one fabric in the papermaking process to another, commonly referred to as rush transfer. |
| US09580868B2 |
Method of making a paper and paperboard and the paper and paperboard thereof
A method of making paper or paperboard using a composition made by the hydrogenation or partial hydrogenation of an alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl ketene dimer, or ketene multimer (collectively labeled H2-AKD). Also, relates to a paper or paperboard having increased water and water vapor resistance while maintaining good recyclability and repulpability. |
| US09580867B2 |
Fibrous structured amorphous silica including precipitated calcium carbonate, compositions of matter made therewith, and methods of use thereof
A nano-composite structure. A synthetic nano-composite is described having a first component including a fibrous structured amorphous silica structure, and a second component including a precipitated calcium carbonate structure developed by pressure carbonation. The nano-composite may be useful for fillers in paints and coatings. Also, the nano-composite may be useful in coatings used in the manufacture of paper products. |
| US09580863B2 |
Process for obtaining low residual aramid materials
The present invention provides for a process for reducing the content of one or more residuals in aramid fibers or filaments, comprising, in this order, the steps of introducing the aramid fiber or filaments into a extraction solution adjusted to a pH ranging from of 2 to 7, adjusting the extraction solution and the aramid fibers or filaments to a temperature of to from 80° C. to 140° C., removing the aramid fibers or filaments from the extraction solution, introducing the aramid fiber or filaments into a first rinsing solution adjusted to a pH ranging from of 2 to 7, optionally comprising a detergent, adjusting the first rinsing solution and the aramid fibers and filaments to a temperature of from 70° C. to 100° C., removing the aramid fibers or filaments from the first rinsing solution. |
| US09580862B2 |
Device and method for treating (softening) continuously conveyed material
A device for treating a continuously conveyed thread group in order to produce tire cord has a roller pair for locally softening the thread group, wherein each roller (3, 4) is provided with a toothing formation. When the thread group is guided through between the rollers (3, 4), it is deformed by the mechanical loading of the teeth. The rollers (3, 4) can be driven in a separate manner directly or indirectly by way of actuable electric motors, as a result of which the gap spacings (A) and (B) can be set precisely identically. The axle spacing (C) of the two rollers (3, 4) can be set depending on the fabric thickness and the fabric type. |
| US09580861B2 |
Iron
An iron (10) which comprises a first arm (12) mounted to a second arm (14) about a pivot (16); where the first arm (12) includes a first arm body (20), a first arm opposing portion 18 and a grip handle (24); and the second arm (14) includes a second arm body (26) and a second arm opposing portion (23); where at least a portion of the grip handle (24) of the first arm (12) extends away from the first arm body (20) towards the second arm (14); with the first and second arms being movable about the pivot (16) between an open configuration in which the first arm opposing portion (18) is separated from the second arm opposing portion (23), and a closed configuration, in which the first arm opposing portion (18) is in contact with the second arm opposing portion (23); wherein movement of the second arm (14) towards the grip handle (24) brings the iron into the closed configuration from the open configuration. |
| US09580857B2 |
Clothes treating apparatus and operating method thereof
A clothes treating apparatus including a drum, an air suction duct forming a flow path of air introduced into the drum, an auxiliary fan introducing air into the air suction duct, an air exhaustion duct forming a flow path of air exhausted from the drum, a main fan exhausting air to the air exhaustion duct from the drum, a condenser heating air sucked into the drum through the air suction duct, an evaporator cooling air exhausted from the drum through the air exhaustion duct, and a compressor and an expander forming a heat pump together with the condenser and the evaporator. The method includes measuring a discharge side pressure of the compressor, and comparing the measured discharge side pressure with a maximum allowable pressure, and determining that the auxiliary fan does not operate when the discharge side pressure is more than the maximum allowable pressure. |
| US09580854B2 |
Continuous batch tunnel washer and method
A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water. |
| US09580845B2 |
Nonwoven substrate comprising fibers comprising an engineering thermoplastic polymer
A nonwoven substrate comprising a polyolefin and an engineering thermoplastic polymer. The engineering thermoplastic polymer may be present in the nonwoven substrate at a level of between about 1% and about 20% by weight of the nonwoven substrate. The layer of fibers is free of a compatibilizer. |
| US09580844B2 |
Method for weaving pile fabrics and for configuring a weaving loom therefor
A weaving method for the double-face weaving of pile fabrics wherein at least five different pile warp threads (12-19), (20-27) with a yarn number of between 6 and 10 Nm final and at least two tension warp threads (8),(9); (10,11) are provided for each warp thread system (100) and for each fabric (28), (29), wherein the weft threads (1,2), (2,3) of each fabric are divided over at least three levels, while the ground weave repeat runs over at least eight insertion cycles (I-VIII), wherein between 200 and 1000 warp thread systems per meter are provided, and at least 16 pile rows per cm are formed in the warp direction. |
| US09580843B2 |
Cloth and textile product
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a cloth that is excellent in terms of not only flame retardancy but also stretchability, and also a textile product using the cloth. As a means for resolution, a composite yarn is obtained using a spun yarn that contains a flame-retardant fiber having a limiting oxygen index of 25 or more as measured in accordance with JIS K7201 and a conjugate fiber that is made of two components put together in a side-by-side manner or an eccentric sheath-core manner, and then a cloth is obtained using the composite yarn, in which the weight proportion of the flame-retardant fiber is 75 wt % or more based on the weight of the cloth, and the weight proportion of the conjugate fiber is within a range of 5 to 15 wt % based on the weight of the cloth. |
| US09580840B2 |
Combing cylinder for comber
A combing cylinder for a comber includes a cylinder shaft having threaded bores, and a base directly attached to the cylinder shaft. The base includes threaded bores formed in an inner surface of the base. The combing cylinder includes combing needles supported on an outer circumferential surface of the base and a balance weight directly attached to part of the cylinder shaft that is opposite from the part where the base is attached. The combing cylinder includes balance weight fixing bolts screwed to the threaded bores of the cylinder shaft to secure the balance weight to the cylinder shaft and base fixing bolts extending through the cylinder shaft and screwed to the threaded bores of the base to secure the base to the cylinder shaft. Each base fixing bolt includes a head, and the cylinder shaft includes in it a seat that receives the head. |
| US09580835B2 |
Multizone control of lamps in a conical lamphead using pyrometers
A method and apparatus for processing a semiconductor substrate is described. The apparatus is a process chamber having an optically transparent upper dome and lower dome. Vacuum is maintained in the process chamber during processing. The upper dome is thermally controlled by flowing a thermal control fluid along the upper dome outside the processing region. Thermal lamps are positioned proximate the lower dome, and thermal sensors are disposed among the lamps. The lamps are powered in zones, and a controller adjusts power to the lamp zones based on data received from the thermal sensors. |
| US09580832B2 |
Pulling head having a magnetic drive
A pulling head for a crystal growth furnace. The pulling head includes a servomotor and a rotatable housing attached to the servomotor, wherein the housing includes first, second, third and fourth housing magnets. The pulling head also includes a shaft attached to a scale and a connection device having first and second connection magnets. The first connection magnet is arranged between the first and second housing magnets to generate first and second magnetic repulsion forces and the second connection magnet is arranged between the third and fourth housing magnets to generate third and fourth magnetic repulsion forces. A rotation coupling is attached between the shaft and the connection device wherein the scale weighs the shaft, rotation coupling and the connection device. The servomotor rotates the housing and rotation of the housing is transmitted by the magnetic repulsion forces to the connection device to rotate the connection device. |
| US09580826B2 |
Method for recovering platinum group metals from catalytic structures
A method for recovering platinum group metals from a catalytic structure, such as a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, involving dissolution of the platinum group metal by treating the catalytic structure in an electrolytic cell with a suitable electrolyte containing a complexing agent and introducing an electric current into the electrolytic cell; and subsequently re-precipitating the platinum group metal by increasing the pH of the electrolyte system and adding a reducing agent. |
| US09580825B2 |
Electrolyzer cell stack system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a balance-of-plant system and apparatus suited for regulating the operation of an electrolyzer cell stack. Specifically, in some embodiments, a balance-of-plant system and apparatus is operable to regulate the respective pressures of at least two reaction products relative to one another. Various examples are provided to demonstrate how the respective pressures of two reaction products can be regulated in relation to one another in a pressure following configuration, thereby regulating the pressure differential across an electrolyte layer according to aspects of different embodiments of the invention. Some of the examples provided also include design simplifications and alternatives that may reduce production costs of electrochemical cells configured according to aspects of different embodiments of the invention. |
| US09580819B2 |
Adaptive active cathodic protection
A device comprising an electrically conductive surface portion is provided for immersion in an electrically conductive liquid such as water. At least one load electrode is provided for supplying an electric load current into the electrically conductive liquid. Further, an electrode, e.g., one or more of the at least one load electrode acts as protection electrode. A protection current source, e.g., a resistor, is electrically coupled to the conductive surface portion and to the protection electrode for providing a protection current flowing between the electrically conductive surface portion and the electrode. Further, the protection current source is adapted for changing the protection current in response to a change in the load current. |
| US09580818B2 |
Etching liquid for film of multilayer structure containing copper layer and molybdenum layer
The present invention relates to an etching solution for a multilayer thin film containing a copper layer and a molybdenum layer, and a method of etching a multilayer thin film containing a copper layer and a molybdenum layer using the etching solution. There are provided an etching solution for a multilayer thin film containing a copper layer and a molybdenum layer, including (A) an organic acid ion supply source containing two or more carboxyl groups and one or more hydroxyl groups in a molecule thereof, (B) a copper ion supply source and (C) an ammonia and/or ammonium ion supply source, the etching solution having a pH value of from 5 to 8, and an etching method using the etching solution. |
| US09580816B2 |
Apparatus for continuous electrolytic treatment of steel sheet and method for producing surface-treated steel sheet using the same
Provided are an apparatus for continuous electrolytic treatment of a steel sheet that is suitable for producing a surface-treated steel sheet and a method for producing the surface-treated steel sheet using the apparatus for continuous electrolytic treatment of a steel sheet. The apparatus includes N pairs of tabular electrodes having a length L and being arranged to respectively face two surfaces of a steel sheet. Each electrode includes n sections arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electrode and disposed on the surface of the electrode facing the steel sheet surface. Each section is constituted by a conductive portion including an electrode portion having a length T1 and a nonconductive portion made by making an electrode portion having a length T2 nonconductive, where n×N≧10, 0.96≧T2/(T1+T2)≧0.05, and 0.9≧T1/L≧0.1. |
| US09580815B2 |
Method and apparatus for nanocrystallizing a metal surface by shock wave-accelerated nanoparticles
A method and apparatus for nanocrystallizing a metal surface by laser-induced shock wave-accelerated nanoparticles. The apparatus comprises a control system, a light guiding system, a workbench control system and an auxiliary system, wherein the auxiliary system comprises an air compressor, a paint feeder device, a nanoparticle nozzle, a powder feeder device, an exhaust, a sealed working chamber and a metal nanoparticle recycler device. The method comprises the following steps: pre-processing and fixing a workpiece; activating the air compressor to feed a powder; controlling and adjusting the paint feeder device to eject a black paint; transmitting a high-power pulse laser beam; recycling excess metal nanoparticles; and rinsing non-vaporized/ionized black paint off a surface of the workpiece. |
| US09580811B2 |
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. |
| US09580805B2 |
Vapor deposition system and method
A deposition system includes a system housing having a housing interior, a fixture transfer assembly having a generally sloped fixture transfer rail extending through the housing interior, a plurality of processing chambers connected by the fixture transfer rail, a controller interfacing with the processing chambers and at least one fixture carrier assembly carried by the fixture transfer rail and adapted to contain one substrate. The fixture carrier assembly travels along the fixture transfer rail under influence of gravity. A deposition method is also disclosed. |
| US09580802B2 |
Film formation method and apparatus for semiconductor process
A film formation method performs a supply cycle of sequentially supplying two kinds of reactive gases inside a vacuum container to form a thin film on the substrate. The method includes placing the substrate, including a depressed portion formed thereon, on a table, then adjusting a temperature of the substrate to a temperature at which a first reactive gas is adsorbed and condensed, then supplying the first reactive gas and thereby depositing a condensed substance of the first reactive gas on the substrate, then rotating the table, then partly vaporizing the condensed substance by supplying a heated gas to the substrate; and then supplying a second reactive gas in an activated state to the substrate and thereby causing the second reactive gas to react with the condensed substance. |