| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09588806B2 |
Cluster-based business process management through eager displacement and on-demand recovery
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for transporting processes within a distributed computing system, such as a cluster. In one aspect, the computer-implemented method may receive an event at a first node. The event may correspond to a process instance for handling the received event. The process instance may be transported from a second node to the first node. The process instance may be transported from a persistence when the process instance is inactive and, when the process instance is active, the process instance may be persisted to enable transport to the first node. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US09588803B2 |
Executing native-code applications in a browser
Techniques for leveraging legacy code to deploy native-code desktop applications over a network (e.g., the Web) are described herein. These techniques include executing an application written in native code within a memory region that hardware of a computing device enforces. For instance, page-protection hardware (e.g., a memory management unit) or segmentation hardware may protect this region of memory in which the application executes. The techniques may also provide a narrow system call interface out of this memory region by dynamically enforcing system calls made by the application. Furthermore, these techniques may enable a browser of the computing device to function as an operating system for the native-code application. These techniques thus allow for execution of native-code applications on a browser of a computing device and, hence, over the Web in a resource-efficient manner and without sacrificing security of the computing device. |
| US09588799B1 |
Managing test services in a distributed production service environment
Systems and methods are described for a storage processing service that processes multiple storage commands. The storage processing service uses tags from test storage commands to determine whether a test storage service is to be instantiated that reflects a corresponding production service. Test storage commands with the same tag are tested on that test service. Additionally, the storage processing service determines a strategy for testing processes on production services when the storage system is overloaded. In one embodiment, the test service manager can determine to stop testing processes for a period of time, and issue a shed command that queues or sheds test storage commands. Advantageously, a shed command, while active at a storage processing service, may alleviate the overload on production services. The test service manager can continue to monitor the storage system to determine whether the overload continues to exist. |
| US09588795B2 |
Monitoring and reporting resource allocation and usage in a virtualized environment
Various aspects of the disclosure relate to monitoring of resource usage in a virtualized environment, including usage of a physical processor that executes a virtual machine or an application of the virtualized environment. By monitoring physical computing resources (e.g., by number and type) that are used to execute a virtual machine or an application of the virtualized environment, a user may, for example, be informed as to when physical computing resources are used in excess or less than the limits set by the license. In some embodiments, additional actions may be taken to update the license to better satisfy the user's resource requirements or reduce the amount paid annually for ongoing technical services. To inform a user, or form the basis for the additional actions, a report may be generated that includes data describing how a virtual machine or application executed on the physical computing resources. |
| US09588794B2 |
Method, system and device for managing software on virtual machine in cloud environment
A method for managing software on a virtual machine in a cloud environment is provided. The method includes: a host transmits a software management request to a virtual machine; the host acquires a software management script from a shared storage server according to a request for the management script returned by the virtual machine after the software management request is received; and the host transmits the acquired software management script to the virtual machine and indicates the virtual machine to execute the software management script. a system and a device for managing software on the virtual machine in a cloud environment are also provided. By the schemes of the present invention, the operation of needing to configure an IP address to the virtual machine when the virtual machine software is managed is avoided. Meanwhile, the problem that the software of a virtual machine not configured with an IP address in a cloud environment cannot be managed is solved. |
| US09588791B2 |
Flexible physical function and virtual function mapping
Techniques and mechanisms provide a flexible mapping for physical functions and virtual functions in an environment including virtual machines. |
| US09588790B1 |
Stateful virtual compute system
A system for providing a stateful virtual compute system is provided. The system may be configured to maintain a plurality of virtual machine instances. The system may be further configured to receive a request to execute a program code and select a virtual machine instance to execute the program code on the selected virtual machine instance. The system may further associate the selected virtual machine instance with shared resources and allow program codes executed in the selected virtual machine instance to access the shared resources. |
| US09588786B2 |
Dynamic multi-user computer configuration settings
In an approach for managing user profiles, a computer identifies a first user profile and one or more additional user profiles, wherein the first user profile is active on a computing device. The computer receives streaming data. The computer receives a trigger wherein the received trigger includes biometric data. The computer identifies a second user profile from the identified one or more additional user profiles that is associated with the received trigger. The computer compares biometric data from the second user profile with the biometric data in the received trigger. The computer determines whether the biometric data matches, within a defined tolerance level, the biometric data in the second user profile. |
| US09588785B2 |
General property hierarchy systems and methods for web applications
Systems and methods are disclosed for configuring a web application based on a general property hierarchy. An application property scheme including one or more property hierarchy levels may be generated based on values within a system configuration file. Each level defines configuration values for various properties associated with the web application. A property retrieval subsystem of the general property hierarchy may be used to look up configuration values from the appropriate hierarchy level(s) of the application property scheme in order to configure one or more properties of the web application during its execution. The values in the system configuration file may be changed and the changes may be reflected dynamically in the application property scheme without substantial interruption to the execution of the web application. |
| US09588782B2 |
Method and device for processing a window task
A method and a device for processing a window task are provided. The method includes: creating a thread class including a first member variable for representing whether a task processed currently has been cancelled and a first member function for initiating a backstage thread; creating a backstage thread object based on the thread class when a task that takes time needs to be processed, and initializing the first member variable in the backstage thread object as FALSE, invoking the first member function in the backstage thread object to initiate the backstage thread; in process of the backstage thread processing the task that takes time, if a close instruction for a current window is received, setting the first member variable in the backstage thread object as TRUE to release the memory space occupied by the backstage thread object and closing the current window. |
| US09588778B2 |
JNI object access
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, system, and computer program product for a JNI object access system. A computer receives a JNI reference and obtains the pointer data and call site of the referenced object. The computer determines whether a record of the object and call site exist and, if not, the respective records are created. The computer applies a heuristic analysis of the object and call site in which it determines whether the object is larger than a threshold size, whether the object is part of a particular region of the heap, whether the call site is associated with a read-only or a read-write function, and whether the object or call site has caused more non-moving garbage collections than a threshold number. Based on the heuristic, the computer either copies the object data or pins the object and any non-moving garbage collections are recorded. |
| US09588777B2 |
Method and system of knowledge transfer between users of a software application
Knowledge transfer between users of a software application. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: tracking steps performed by a plurality of users of a software application, and the tracking creates tracked steps; identifying a first task as a first series of steps of the tracked steps, and identifying a second task as a second series steps of the tracked steps, the second series of steps distinct from the first series of steps; and providing, on a display device associated with the software application, an indication of the first series of steps of the first task and the second series of steps of the second task, the providing to a later user interacting with the software application. |
| US09588775B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring electronic devices to perform selectable predefined functions using device drivers
A multifunctional mobile telephone handset is connected to a PC using a Universal Serial Bus. During bus enumeration, a device class descriptor is returned by the handset to the PC. The PC's operating system receives information relating to one of the functions of the handset and assigns an appropriate device driver. |
| US09588773B2 |
Software based application specific integrated circuit
A processing device is provided. A cluster includes a plurality of groups of processing elements. A multi-word device is connected to the processing elements within the groups. Each processing element in a particular group is in communication with all other processing elements within the particular group, and only one of the processing elements within other groups in the cluster. Each processing element is limited to operations in which input bits can be processed and an output obtained without reference to other bits. The multi-word device is configured to cooperate with at least two other processing elements to perform processing that requires reference to other bits to obtain a result. |
| US09588770B2 |
Dynamic rename based register reconfiguration of a vector register file
Reconfiguring a register file using a rename table having a plurality of fields that indicate fracture information about a source register of an instruction for instructions which have narrow to wide dependencies. |
| US09588769B2 |
Processor that leapfrogs MOV instructions
A processor performs out-of-order execution of a first instruction and a second instruction after the first instruction in program order, the first instruction includes source and destination indicators, the source indicator specifies a source of data, the destination indicator specifies a destination of the data, the first instruction instructs the processor to move the data from the source to the destination, the second instruction specifies a source indicator that specifies a source of data. A rename unit updates the second instruction source indicator with the first instruction source indicator if there are no intervening instructions that write to the source or to the destination of the first instruction and the second instruction source indicator matches the first instruction destination indicator. |
| US09588762B2 |
Vector find element not equal instruction
Processing of character data is facilitated. A Find Element Not Equal instruction is provided that compares data of multiple vectors for inequality and provides an indication of inequality, if inequality exists. An index associated with the unequal element is stored in a target vector register. Further, the same instruction, the Find Element Not Equal instruction, also searches a selected vector for null elements, also referred to as zero elements. A result of the instruction is dependent on whether the null search is provided, or just the compare. |
| US09588757B2 |
Data update method, user terminal, and data update system
A data update method, a client, a server and a system for data update are provided. Identifiers and update priorities of data strings to be updated in an application data packet are acquired. The data strings to be updated are classified, according to a predetermined threshold, as data strings to be updated having priority higher than the predetermined threshold and data strings to be updated having priority lower than or equal to the predetermined threshold. Before the application data packet is started, update data of the data strings to be updated having priority higher than the predetermined threshold are acquired and updated. After the application data packet are started, the update data of the data strings to be updated having priority lower than or equal to the predetermined threshold are acquired and updated. |
| US09588754B2 |
Dynamic web application notifications including task bar overlays
Drag and drop operations are associated with the installation of web applications. In some instances, drag and drop operations include the selection of an icon associated with a URL in a web browser. When the selected icon is dragged to a taskbar of a desktop, a corresponding web application file is created. |
| US09588752B2 |
Performing unattended software installation
Methods may perform unattended software installation. The method may include receiving a user's selection of one or more software installation files, and reading at least a portion of the one or more user-selected software installation files. The method may additionally include extracting, from the read one or more software installation files, questions that a user will be asked to answer during execution of the one or more user-selected software installation files, and compiling the extracted questions. The method may further include prompting a user to provide answers to the compiled questions, and receiving answers to one or more questions of the compiled questions prior to execution of the one or more user-selected software installation files. The method may additionally include storing the received answers, and providing the stored answers when requested during execution of the one or more user-selected software installation files. |
| US09588750B2 |
Pseudo program use during program installation
A method, computer-readable storage medium, and computer system are provided. In an embodiment, install a first program product with an installation manager. Run a pseudo first program product while the first program product is installing. Perform functions of the first program product with the pseudo first program product while the first program product is installing. |
| US09588748B2 |
Information processing terminal, information processing system, computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon information processing program, and information processing method
An information processing apparatus includes connection means, reception means, and installation means. The connection means automatically connects to a server. The reception means automatically performs processes of receiving one or more programs from the server. The installation means automatically performs processes of installing the programs on the information processing apparatus. |
| US09588747B2 |
Method and apparatus for converting programs
Methods and apparatuses of converting a program, which may enhance an execution speed of a computer program, are provided. The method may include receiving a program, detecting at least one loop statement including at least one branch statement within the program, determining whether the loop statement may be split into at one or more sub-loop statements which perform the same function as a function of the loop statement and from which the branch statement has been removed, splitting the loop statement into the sub-loop statements and removing the branch statement included in the loop statement if it is determined that the loop statement may be split as a result of the determination, and outputting a result of removing the branch statement. |
| US09588745B1 |
Customizable service delivery system with scalable workflow
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for providing an entity wide customizable service or application delivery system that is scalable. As such, the invention allows effective management and delivery of customizable services or service bundles to users with various requirements. As provided, the invention includes a unique scalable workflow system to effectively manage and deliver customizable services or service bundles to users, where the user requirements for the services may vary from one another. The invention allows for on-the-spot profile and service portfolio customization by application support and capacity planning. Users may dynamically adjust their service selections to better reflect their application need changes. All steps are performed as self-service through an interface generated via the system. It allows for seamless integration of reporting, controls, accountability, and optimizes service delivery process. |
| US09588741B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for improving productivity for building applications
An apparatus is provided for building an application. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to generate a build of an application in a C Object-Oriented Programming Language. The processor is also configured to generate a unity file including a plurality of source files having references to one or more header files. At least two of the source files include references to a same header file. The processor is also configured to compile the unity file including the plurality of source files to obtain an object file. The processor is also configured to link the object file to generate an executable of the application. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided. |
| US09588740B1 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for construction of cloud applications
An application term of a declarative programming language is provided for creating an application to be executed on a node in a cloud network. The application term is independent of an application configuration for the application prior to compilation of the application term and the application configuration is associated with the application at execution time. A resource term for preparing a resource for the application is provided independent of the application configuration prior to compilation and the application configuration prepares the resource of a selected node for the application at execution time. An action term for performing an action and a task term for performing a task of the action are provided independent of the application configuration prior to compilation. The terms are compiled and executed to build the application in the cloud network. |
| US09588737B2 |
Random number generating method and apparatus using light source and single photon detector
A random number generating includes a light source to emit a luminous flux having light intensity distribution symmetrical about a center axis, and a plurality of single-photon detectors arranged at an equal radial distance from an extending line of the central axis of the light source to generate a bit value of either 0 or 1 according to whether a photon is detected or not. |
| US09588733B2 |
System and method for supporting a lazy sorting priority queue in a computing environment
A system and method can support queue processing in a computing environment. A lazy sorting priority queue in a concurrent system can include a priority queue and one or more buffers. The one or more buffers, which can be first-in first-out (FIFO) buffers, operate to store one or more requests received from one or more producers, and move at least one message to the priority queue when no consumer is waiting for processing a request. Furthermore, the priority queue operates to prioritize one or more incoming requests received from the one or more buffers, and allows one or more consumers to pick up the requests based on priority. |
| US09588729B2 |
Projector, image output apparatus, and control method thereof
A projector, an image output apparatus, and a control method thereof are provided. In the method, a search signal transmitted by a controller is received, and accordingly at least one user apparatus supporting a wireless protocol is searched from surroundings by using the wireless protocol and a wireless connection is established with each user apparatus. Then, a control signal transmitted by the controller is received, and accordingly one of the at least one user apparatus is selected. An image provided by the selected user apparatus is received through the wireless connection and projected. |
| US09588728B2 |
Mobile display system and mobile display device
A mobile display system includes a first mobile display device and a second mobile display device. The first mobile display device includes a first power storage module, a first screen, and a wireless power transmitter. The first screen is configured to display a first image by using the power stored in the first power storage module. The second mobile display device includes a second power storage module, a second screen, and a wireless power receiver. The second screen is configured to display a second image by using the power stored in the second power storage module. During a period when the first power storage module is charged, the wireless power transmitter provides a first wireless power signal to the wireless power receiver, so as to charge the second power storage module by the first wireless power signal. |
| US09588723B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit, a use authority information acquisition unit, and a transmission controller. The image processing unit processes an image in accordance with an instruction from a terminal apparatus. The use authority information acquisition unit acquires use authority information in which, for each user, use authority is set for a resource that the image processing apparatus has. The transmission controller transmits, in a case where a change has occurred in a state of the resource, resource-state information, which is information regarding the state of the resource, to a terminal apparatus of a user who has authority to use the resource, in accordance with the use authority information acquired by the use authority information acquisition unit. |
| US09588722B2 |
Printer with a web browser for sending status information to a server
A network system has a printer with an internal web browser connected to a web server. The printer has a request unit that sends an HTTP request with printer status information embedded in the URL to the server, a data acquisition unit that gets HTML data from the server, and a print unit that executes a printing process based on the supplied HTML data. The server includes a request receiving unit that receives HTTP requests from the printer, a data transmission unit that sends HTML data to the client, and a status management unit that manages the printer status based on the status information embedded in the URL of the HTTP request. |
| US09588718B2 |
Image processing system, image formation apparatus, processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing control program
When an MFP in a group accepts log-in, in a case where a log-in user is not a user belonging to the group, the MFP requests of other MFPs as representative apparatuses of other groups, for information about jobs associated with the log-in user stored in the other groups. Based on the information about the jobs from the other MFPs, the MFP displays a selection screen to accept selection of a job by the user. The MFP outputs a control request for the selected job to an MFP storing the job. |
| US09588717B2 |
Fault-tolerance through silicon via interface and controlling method thereof
A fault-tolerance through silicon via (TSV) interface is disposed in a three-dimensional random access memory (3-D RAM) with N memory layers and M data access path sets, and each of the memory layers containing K memory arrays, and each of the data access path sets containing a plurality of TSV paths connecting to the memory layers. The fault-tolerance TSV interface includes a path controlling unit and a processing unit. The path controlling unit detects and controls the data access path sets. When a fault occurs in any data access path set connecting to a memory layer, the processing unit provides at least two different fault-tolerance access configurations. In each of the fault-tolerance access configurations, μ data access path sets are enabled to access all K memory arrays in the corresponding memory layer, where 0<μ |
| US09588715B2 |
Scheduling realtime information storage system access requests
Access requests (12) that are to be scheduled to an information storage system (18) include realtime access requests and non-realtime access requests. The realtime access requests are associated with respective completion deadlines. Pending ones of the access requests (12) that are awaiting submission to the information storage system (18) are received. Outstanding ones of the access requests (12) that have been submitted to the information storage system (18) and are awaiting completion by the information storage system (18) are tracked. The pending access requests are submitted to the information storage system (18) based on rules that prioritize the submission of pending access requests such that realtime ones of the pending access requests and realtime ones of the outstanding access requests will be serviced by the information storage system (18) by their associated completion deadlines. |
| US09588714B2 |
Method of operating memory controller and data storage device including memory controller
In one embodiment, the method includes determining, at the memory controller, a status of a selected page of memory based on a program/erase cycle count for a block of the memory. The block of the memory includes the selected page. The program/erase cycle count indicates a number of times the block has been erased. The status is selected from a plurality of status states. The status states include a normal state, a weak state and a bad state. |
| US09588713B2 |
Lighting device
The invention discloses an optical assembly comprising a plurality of optical components that are concentric to one another, each optical component having a partially reflective and partially transmissive interface with an oblique angle of incidence, and the reflectivity of the interface increasing with distance from a common center; a transitional optical component is provided between the light source and the first optical component in order to direct lights from a light source to the partially reflective and partially transmissive interface of the first optical component. By assembling the plurality of optical components, a much thinner lighting device (100) can be achieved. |
| US09588711B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method thereof
A communication apparatus includes a wireless communication unit which makes a wireless communication with a wireless apparatus, and is configured to read out data from a memory included in the wireless communication unit when electric power is not supplied from a power supply to the wireless communication unit. The communication apparatus specifies storage target data to be stored in the memory from those managed by the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus then saves the specified storage target data in the memory. The communication apparatus reads out data, which is saved in the memory, by the wireless communication unit in a state in which electric power is not supplied from the power supply to the wireless communication unit, and outputs the readout data to the wireless apparatus. |
| US09588709B2 |
Flash memory controller
A flash memory controller for controlling a flash memory module includes a communication interface for receiving a first data and a second data; and a processing circuit for dynamically controlling a data writing mode of the flash memory module according to an amount of stored data in the flash memory module. If the amount of stored data in the flash memory module is less than a first threshold when the communication interface receives the first data, the processing circuit controls the flash memory module so that the first data is written into the first data block under an one-bit-per-cell mode. If the amount of stored data in the flash memory module is greater than the first threshold when the communication interface receives the second data, the processing circuit controls the flash memory module so that the second data is written into the second data block under a two-bit-per-cell mode. |
| US09588708B2 |
Semiconductor memory device, operating method thereof, and data storage device including the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a setting information area suitable for storing setting information necessary for driving of memory cells, a control logic suitable for loading the setting information stored in the setting information area on a content-addressable memory (CAM) block, a CAM state information storage block suitable for storing information on whether the setting information loaded on the CAM block is changed, wherein when a reloading operation of the setting information stored in the setting information area on the CAM block is requested, the control logic selectively performs the reloading operation based on the information stored the CAM state information storage block. |
| US09588704B2 |
Secondary storage operation instruction tags in information management systems
According to certain aspects, a system can include a client computing device configured to: in response to user interaction, store an identifier associated with a first tag in association with a first file; and in response to instructions to perform a secondary copy operation, forward the first file, a second file, and the identifier associated with the first tag. The system may also include a secondary storage controller computer(s) configured to: based on a review of the identifier associated with the first tag, identify the first file as having been tagged with the first tag; electronically obtain rules associated with the first tag; perform on the first file at least a first secondary storage operation specified by the rules associated with the first tag; and perform on the second file at least a second secondary storage operation, wherein the first and second secondary storage operations are different. |
| US09588703B1 |
Method and apparatus for replicating the punch command
The punch command may be replicated in a replication environment including a production site and a replication site. The solution includes implementing a punch command to free storage received at a replication site in a replication environment by applying the punch command to storage at the replication site and writing data being freed from the storage at the replication site to an undo stream of a journal at the replication site. If the punch command is not supported, a command to write zeros may be used. Further, an unpunch command is provided for properly undoing a punch command and storing data written to the volume before the punch command freed the storage. Additionally, large punch commands may be split into a plurality to smaller punch commands for efficient journal management. Additionally, volume space may be reclaimed by writing a punch command to the journal instead of zeros. |
| US09588702B2 |
Adapting erase cycle parameters to promote endurance of a memory
In a data storage system including a non-volatile memory array, a controller repeatedly determines at least one health metric of the non-volatile memory array during an operating lifetime of the non-volatile memory array. In response to determining the at least one health metric, the controller selectively varies an erase parameter of the non-volatile memory array over the operating lifetime of the non-volatile memory array, such that endurance of the non-volatile memory array is improved. |
| US09588701B2 |
Multi-stage programming at a storage device using multiple instructions from a host
A method performed by a data storage device includes receiving, from a host device, a first instruction of a first set of instructions to write a first group of pages of data to a memory of the data storage device and receiving a second instruction of the first set of instructions to write the first group of pages of data. A first stage of a multi-stage programming operation is performed at a first physical address of the memory using a first copy of the first group of pages, and a second stage of the multi-stage programming operation is performed at the first physical address of the memory using a second copy of the first group of pages. The first copy and the second copy are received from the host device in association with the first instruction and the second instruction, respectively. |
| US09588698B1 |
Managing the write performance of an asymmetric memory system
Some implementations include a method of managing a hosted non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) based storage subsystem that includes NVRAM devices. The method includes: receiving, at a device driver on the host computing device, write requests each requesting to write a respective unit of data to the NVRAM-based storage subsystem; categorizing the write requests into subgroups of write requests, where write requests within respective subgroups are mutually exclusive; ascertaining a load condition of each of several of the NVRAM devices of the NVRAM-based storage subsystem; identifying a target location on at least one NVRAM device to service a particular subgroup of write requests according to the ascertained load conditions of the NVRAM devices of the NVRAM-based storage subsystem; and servicing the particular subgroup of write requests by writing the corresponding units of data to the identified target location on the at least one NVRAM device of the NVRAM-based storage subsystem. |
| US09588696B2 |
Montgomery modular multiplication-based data processing method
Disclosed is a Montgomery modular multiplication-based data processing method. The method includes: a CPU initializing a fifth random access memory, and performing the following operations on content in a unit of a word in a second random access memory, namely: (1) calling a multiplying and adding module to multiply one word of the content of the second random access memory and content of a first random access memory and add the product to content of the fifth random access memory; (2) extracting one word from an operation result of the step (1) and multiplying the word with content of a constant register, and writing a low-order word of the multiplied result into a fourth register; (3) calling the multiplying and adding module to multiply content of a fourth register with content of a third random access memory and add the product to the content of the fifth random access memory; and finally, outputting the content of the fifth random access memory according to the content of the third memory. |
| US09588695B2 |
Memory access bases on erase cycle time
Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments for improving a read margin in non-volatile semiconductor memory device. An embodiment includes measuring an erase-time of a memory block in a memory device and associating an indicator from the plurality of indicators for the memory block. The indicator is saved and later retrieved during a read operation. |
| US09588686B2 |
Adjusting execution of tasks in a dispersed storage network
A method includes a set of execution units of a dispersed storage network (DSN) receiving sets of sub-task requests from a computing device and storing the sets of sub-task requests, where each execution unit stores a request of each of the sets of sub-task requests to produce a corresponding plurality of sub-task requests. The method continues with each execution unit generating sub-task estimation data and adjusting timing, sequencing, or processing of the corresponding plurality of sub-task requests based on the estimation data to produce a plurality of partial results, where, due to one or more difference factors from a list of difference factors, the execution units process pluralities of sub-task requests at difference paces, where the list of difference factors includes differences in amounts of data to be processed per sub-task request, processing capabilities, memory storage capabilities, and networking capabilities. |
| US09588682B2 |
Thumb operated keyboard device
A thumb operated keyboard device provides a keyboard which can be held such that a user's thumbs are free and positioned to manipulate keys on the keyboard. The device includes a rectangular panel. Each of a plurality of keys is positioned on a front face of the panel. The panel is configured for operationally coupling to a computer such that the computer receives input from manipulation of the keys on the panel. Each of a plurality of pads is coupled to a peripheral edge of the panel. Each of the pads is positioned to extend around an associated corner of the panel to abut a user's fingers such that the panel is holdable in a stable position with the user's thumbs positioned proximate the front face to manipulate the keys. Alternatively, projections extend from a back face of the panel to facilitate holding the panel. |
| US09588679B2 |
Virtual viewport and fixed positioning with optical zoom
Various embodiments utilize a layout viewport and a visual viewport separate from the layout viewport. The layout viewport is utilized for such things as page layout operations and reporting Document Object Model values to script. The layout viewport can be thought of as an initial rectangle which is equivalent in size to the initial containing block. The initial containing block is a containing block that contains web content that is initially visible to the user. The visual viewport is separate from the layout viewport and is allowed to be freely manipulated relative to the layout viewport. For example, the visual viewport may “push” the layout viewport around when it collides with the layout viewport boundaries. The visual viewport can be thought of as the rectangle that is visible to the user. |
| US09588668B2 |
Methods of displaying a second view
Methods of displaying information on an electronic device have a first touchscreen display and a second touchscreen display are disclosed. As the user enters inputs on the first touchscreen display, the second touchscreen displays the results of the user's inputs on the first touchscreen display. Either touchscreen can be used as an input device. Display information generated by an application can be the same on both displays. Alternatively, the first and second displays comprise a single, larger screen. An single application can address the displays as distinct devices. A touchscreen display can be dedicated to a single application, or a single instance of an application such that the two displays can run different applications, or different instances of the same application. In conjunction with a wireless communications module, the electronic device can be used as a portable teleconferencing device. |
| US09588667B2 |
Transformation of tabular data across multiple browser viewports
Systems and methods are disclosed regarding the reformatting tabular data in a browser on a client device received from a server. The browser on the client device is capable of being resized in a number of potential sizes—e.g., desktop browser viewport, laptop browser viewport, tablet browser viewport and mobile browser viewport. Tabular data may comprise main data, row data and associated column data. Depending on the browser viewport, one embodiment may dynamically position the tabular data so that the associated column data is displayed near its associated row data. |
| US09588666B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
First, a displacement field (first displacement field) for deforming a first image so as to associate the first image with a second image is calculated based on information on an input corresponding point group. Then, upon a corresponding point candidate pair being input, a displacement field (second displacement field) for deforming the first image so as to associate the first image with the second image is calculated with the corresponding point candidate pair taken into consideration as well. Thereafter, a matching degree is calculated based on a difference between the two displacement fields, and a determination result indicating a match or a mismatch is displayed on a display unit. |
| US09588662B2 |
Data research and risk management assessment application
Systems, apparatus, and computer program products provide for a comprehensive platform in which users can gain access to data mapping and linkage information associated with multiple data sources, data systems, databases within the systems and the like. As such, the platform provides for time-efficient and reliable data management and research which aids the user in comprehending the connections between data from different data sources and included within different data systems, and the downstream impact (i.e., the impact of the data on other data fields) and upstream data source(s) (i.e., the secondary data fields used to calculate the data filed) of such data. |
| US09588659B2 |
Information display
A system and method for a computer implemented display of information organizes a visual screen display to a user in such a way that the user is able to efficiently select information content, and then be presented with topical associations relating to that content. The display enables selection of a particular information segment having an association with particular information content. A selected information segment has multiple topical associations with various categories and sub-categories of information. A user may navigate to a particular segment of information content, and then be presented with a string of topically related segments, as well as with one or more connecting categories of information, which may otherwise not have been readily apparent to the particular selected segment, but for the display system and method. One or more of the information segment indicators can optionally include a publication date and/or a source identifier. |
| US09588651B1 |
Multiple virtual environments
Technology is described for generating an electronic book. A 3D (three dimensional) virtual environment may be identified. A scene depicting a 3D virtual sub-environment may be identified. A page object may be generated in the 3D virtual environment. A plurality of page panels may be generated that include the scene depicting the 3D virtual sub-environment and the page panels are associated with the page object. |
| US09588650B2 |
Online logo tool
An online tool allows a user, such as an online merchant, to access a page of a service provider, select a format, customize funding sources and designs, and copy and paste the code to the merchant page to quickly and easily create a customized funding source graphic. |
| US09588643B2 |
Electronic devices with hand detection circuitry
An electronic device may include a touch-sensitive display and sensor circuitry that detects whether a user's right hand or left hand is being used to operate the touch-sensitive display. Control circuitry may arrange icons and virtual buttons on the touch-sensitive display based on which hand is being used to provide touch input to the touch-sensitive display. For example, when the sensor circuitry detects a user operating the electronic device with his or her left hand, the control circuitry may position icons and virtual buttons closer to the left edge of the touch-sensitive display so that the icons and virtual buttons are easier to reach with the user's left hand. The sensor circuitry may include one or more touch sensors, proximity sensors, fingerprint sensors, motion sensors, or other suitable sensors capable of gathering information about which hand is being used to operate the electronic device. |
| US09588642B2 |
Information processing apparatus and application controlling method
An application control method executed by an information processing apparatus the application control method includes: determining a first application from among a plurality of applications that were activated after inactivation of a second application, according to time periods from a time of the inactivation to a time when each of the plurality of the applications were activated, when the second application enters active state, and presenting the first application after another inactivation of the second application. |
| US09588638B2 |
Intelligent embedded experience gadget selection
A method for selecting an embedded experience gadget may include displaying an activity stream of a user on a social network, the activity stream comprising a plurality of events and detecting selection of an event from the plurality of events by the user. The method may also include determining a level of intersection between the selected event and each of a plurality of known gadgets and finding an optimal embedded experience gadget from the plurality of known gadgets based on the level of intersection between the selected event and each known gadget. The method may additionally include associating the optimal embedded experience gadget with the selected event and displaying the optimal embedded experience gadget in association with the selected event. |
| US09588632B1 |
Techniques for providing personalized behavior-based content
Systems and methods for providing personalized content in substantially real time are presented. In one embodiment, a method for providing personalized content in substantially real time includes providing first content including a plurality of user-selectable content elements, detecting an interaction of a user with respect to the provided content including a selection by the user of one of the plurality of the user-selectable content elements displayed on a page of the first content, and providing second content in response to a request. The second content includes at least a portion of the first content modified according to the detected interaction by moving the user-selectable content element up on a page of the second content relative to a position of the content element on the page of the first content. |
| US09588630B2 |
Electrostatic capacitance-type input device and input device-attached electro-optical apparatus
An electrostatic capacitance-type input device in which input position detecting electrodes are disposed in an input area of a substrate, includes a lower layer-side conductive film, an interlayer insulating film, and an upper layer-side conductive film, which are stacked on the substrate in order from the substrate side. A first input position detecting electrode and a second input position detecting electrode are formed as the input position detecting electrodes by a first conductive film out of the lower and upper layer-side conductive films. A relay electrode overlaps with the first input position detecting electrode in the intersection portion to be electrically connected to the discontinued portion of the second input position detecting electrode. An input area shield electrode that overlaps with the first and second input position detecting electrodes are formed by a second conductive film out of the lower and upper layer-side conductive films. |
| US09588626B2 |
Capacitive sensing button on chip
A method and apparatus include a plurality of sensor elements arranged within an integrated circuit package and a controller arranged within the integrated circuit package and coupled to the plurality of sensor elements. The controller is configured to apply a transmit signal to a first sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements and receive a receive signal from a second sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements. The receive signal represents a mutual capacitance of the first sensor element and the second sensor element. |
| US09588625B2 |
Interactive textiles
This document describes interactive textiles. An interactive textile includes a grid of conductive thread woven into the interactive textile to form a capacitive touch sensor that is configured to detect touch-input. The interactive textile can process the touch-input to generate touch data that is useable to control various remote devices. For example, the interactive textiles may aid users in controlling volume on a stereo, pausing a movie playing on a television, or selecting a webpage on a desktop computer. Due to the flexibility of textiles, the interactive textile may be easily integrated within flexible objects, such as clothing, handbags, fabric casings, hats, and so forth. In one or more implementations, the interactive textiles may be integrated within various hard objects, such as by injection molding the interactive textile into a plastic cup, a hard casing of a smart phone, and so forth. |
| US09588624B2 |
Capacitive touch sensor within wrist worn device
A wrist worn device includes a metal device housing and a capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor includes a conductive plate which is supported by and separated from the metal body of the device housing via an isolation body formed of PTFE (low static relative permittivity). An outer plate is formed over the conductive plate and is formed of glass (high static relative permittivity). The action of the isolation body is to reduce the effect of the metal device housing on the capacitance detected by the conductive plate. The effect of the outer plate is to try to increase the effect of the capacitance associated with the object being brought into proximity with the conductive plate. |
| US09588623B2 |
Touch sensor and display device
A touch sensor comprises first and second touch electrode stings. Each first touch electrode string comprises the same number of first touch electrodes in a first direction. Two adjacent first touch electrodes connect by a first or second conductive bridge. The resistance of the bridges is different to adjust the mutual capacitance such that the mutual capacitance or the difference of the mutual capacitance of the first touch electrode strings is the same or within a first predetermined range. Each second touch electrode string comprises the same number of second touch electrodes arranged in a second direction. Two adjacent second touch electrodes connect by a third or forth conductive bridge. The resistance of the bridges is different to adjust the mutual capacitance such that the mutual capacitance or the difference of the mutual capacitance of the second touch electrode strings is the same or within a second predetermined range. |
| US09588621B2 |
Touch screen controller and method for controlling thereof
Disclosed are a touch screen controller and a method for controlling the same. The touch screen controller includes: a driving part which transmits a driving signal to a touch screen including a plurality of sensing cells; a touch signal sensing unit which transmits a sensing signal to the touch screen and transmits information on a capacitance change pattern of a predetermined area including at least two sensing cells among the plurality of the sensing cells by the driving signal and the sensing signal in correspondence with an object which has touched the touch screen; and a control unit which determines a kind of the object which touches the touch screen, by receiving the information on the capacitance change pattern from the touch signal sensing unit, sets a threshold in correspondence with the determined kind of the object, and determines that a touch signal is generated when a capacitance change amount greater than the set threshold is detected in one sensing cell or a group of sensing cells among the plurality of the sensing cells included in the touch screen. |
| US09588618B2 |
Display device with touch sensing unit that compensates for display data and touch sensing method thereof
Provided are a display device and a touch sensing method of a display device. The display device includes a timing controller temporally dividing one frame period and driving a display panel such that a display mode for displaying an image in the display panel and a touch mode for sensing a user's touch are alternately driven, and a touch sensing unit detecting the user's touch with a touch raw data difference between adjacent touch sensing blocks in the touch mode. In the display mode, the touch sensing unit generates a display compensation value for compensating for an error of the touch raw data due to a differential of display data applied to the adjacent touch sensing blocks to detect the user's touch. |
| US09588616B2 |
Cantilevered displacement sensors and methods of determining touching forces on a touch screen
Cantilevered displacement sensors with enhanced displacement sensitivity and methods of determining touching forces for multiple touch locations are disclosed. The cantilevered displacement sensors support the touch screen adjacent a touch screen perimeter. A displacement of the touch screen is amplified by a cantilevered member that extends over a proximity sensor. Touching forces at multiple touch locations are determining by performing a fit to the measured displacements based on the touch locations to obtain displacements at all positions of the touchscreen, then relating the displacement of the touch screen at the multiple touch locations to applied distributed loads at the respective multiple touch locations, and then multiplying the applied distributed loads by the corresponding touch-location area. |
| US09588607B2 |
Method for improving touch recognition and electronic device thereof
A method for recognizing touch information in an electronic device and an electronic device. The method includes, when a touch is detected, determining whether or not a touch input mode for the touch; determining a reference distance in consideration of the touch input mode; and determining an event type corresponding to the touch by comparing a change distance of a touch point related to the touch with the reference distance. |
| US09588602B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic pen system using same
Disclosed herein are a liquid crystal display device and an electronic pen system using the same. The liquid crystal display device includes an infrared reflection layer configured to reflect infrared irradiated thereto, the infrared reflection layer including an information pattern having virtual grid lines and a plurality of marks; and a liquid crystal layer formed on the infrared reflection layer and configured to be changed an orientation of liquid crystal molecules by an external pressure. |
| US09588598B2 |
Efficient orientation estimation system using magnetic, angular rate, and gravity sensors
A system that efficiently estimates an object's orientation using magnetic, angular rate, and gravity sensors. The object may be for example a virtual reality headset or a user in a virtual reality environment. Magnetic and gravity data are used to correct errors that accumulate from integrating angular velocity. Unlike systems that use Kalman filter approaches, embodiments of the system apply a simple, highly efficient technique to generate magnetic and gravity error vectors; these error vectors are added directly to the angular velocity prior to integration. Error calculations are performed in the sensor reference frame rather than in the Earth reference frame. Magnetic error correction uses only the horizontal component of the magnetic field, which is efficiently calculated by subtracting off the projection of the magnetic field onto the measured gravity vector. Sensors and processors for calculating orientation may be integrated into a low-latency virtual reality display system. |
| US09588595B2 |
Password reveal selector
In embodiments of a password reveal selector, a password entry box is displayed for input of password characters of a password, and the password entry box includes a password reveal selector for user-selection to reveal the password. The password reveal selector is initially concealed from view when the password entry box is displayed. The password characters can be received in the password entry box and the password characters are obfuscated when displayed. The password reveal selector can then be displayed for user-selection according to a selector display condition. |
| US09588594B2 |
Electronic device, method for controlling the electronic device, recording medium, and ear-jack terminal cap interworking with the electronic device
An electronic device, a method for controlling the electronic device, a recording medium, and an ear-jack terminal cap interworking with the electronic device are provided. The method includes determining whether an ear-jack terminal cap has been inserted into an ear-jack terminal provided in the electronic device, setting at least one function for a button of the ear-jack terminal cap, and performing the set at least one function, upon receipt of an input of the button of the ear-jack terminal cap. |
| US09588593B2 |
Virtual reality system with control command gestures
A virtual reality system that uses gestures to obtain commands from a user. Embodiments may use sensors mounted on a virtual reality headset to detect head movements, and may recognize selected head motions as gestures associated with commands. Commands associated with gestures may modify the user's virtual reality experience, for example by selecting or modifying a virtual world or by altering the user's viewpoint within the virtual world. Embodiments may define specific gestures to place the system into command mode or user input mode, for example to temporarily disable normal head tracking within the virtual environment. Embodiments may also recognize gestures of other body parts, such as wrist movements measured by a smart watch. |
| US09588592B2 |
Information display apparatus with proximity detection performance and information display method using the same
An information display apparatus with proximity detection performance contains a display device that displays image information, a sensor constituted of plural detection electrodes, and an adjusting device of detection resolution that adjusts the detection resolution to be detected based on a distance between the sensor and an object that is contacted to any one of the detection electrodes. |
| US09588591B2 |
Primary device that interfaces with a secondary device based on gesture commands
An incoming call from a remote device can be received by a primary device. The primary device can determine a numerical count of detected user gestures. Responsive to determining the numerical count of detected user gestures, the primary device can automatically generate an electronic message indicating a user will return the incoming call in a time frame corresponding to the numerical count of detected user gestures. The primary device can automatically communicate the electronic message to the remote device. |
| US09588590B2 |
Processing for distinguishing pen gestures and dynamic self-calibration of pen-based computing systems
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media process and distinguish user input device gestures, such as gestures input via a pen in a pen-based computing system, e.g., to quickly and reliably distinguish between electronic ink entry, single taps, double taps, press-and-hold actions, dragging operations, and the like. Systems, methods, and computer-readable media also are provided for dynamically calibrating a computer system, e.g., calibrating a displayed input panel view based on input data recognized and received by a digitizer. Such systems and methods may operate without entering a dedicated or special calibration application, program, or routine. |
| US09588585B2 |
Electronic device and control method of electronic device
An electronic device includes a tactile sensation providing unit configured to provide a tactile sensation to a contact object being in contact with a panel and a controller configured to control the tactile sensation providing unit on the basis of data based on press to the panel, in which the controller determines, after the tactile sensation providing unit provides a tactile sensation, a press pattern on the basis of the data based on press to the panel. |
| US09588582B2 |
Motion recognition clothing (TM) with two different sets of tubes spanning a body joint
This invention can be embodied in smart clothing for recognizing full-body human motion based on the pressure levels of a flowable substance within two different sets of flexible tubes or channels which are integrated into clothing (or a wearable accessory) and which span the same body joint. This technology can be used to create a wearable, mobile, reasonably-priced, and relatively-unobtrusive full-body motion-capture system which can be used in diverse environments. Compared to camera-based motion capture systems, this invention can be mobile and does not suffer from optical occlusion. |
| US09588577B2 |
Electronic systems including heterogeneous multi-core processors and methods of operating same
A method of operating an electronic system including a heterogeneous multi-core processor is provided. The method includes measuring the temperature and/or workload of a big (high-performance) core and switching a current core load from the big core to a small (low-power) core in response to the measured temperature and workload of the big core. |
| US09588575B2 |
Link power savings with state retention
Methods and apparatus relating to link power savings with state retention are described. In one embodiment, one or more components of two agents coupled via a serial link are turned off during idle periods while retaining link state in each agent. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09588570B2 |
Apparatus and method for adjusting bandwidth
A method for adjusting bandwidth, a bandwidth scaler and an apparatus are provided. The method for adjusting bandwidth involves determining a dynamic context of a processor, and based on the determined dynamic context, scaling bandwidth between the processor and a memory. |
| US09588562B2 |
Method for waking up a distant device from a local device without waking up a physical layer unit in the distant device
A method for waking up a distant device from a local device, through a transmission medium and distant and local media converters. Initially, at least one of the physical and link layer units of the distant device is off, and its processing layer unit is off or in Low Power mode. The transceiver of the distant media converter is on. When receiving an initial wake-up signal from the local device, the transceiver of the distant media converter generates an electrical wake-up signal converted from the initial wake-up signal. The transceiver of the distant media converter sends the electrical wake-up signal, or derived wake-up information, to the processing layer unit of the distant device, through a transmission line independent of the physical and link layer units of the distant device. When receiving the electrical wake-up signal or the wake-up information, the processing layer unit of the distant device turns on. |
| US09588559B2 |
Configurable power supplies for dynamic current sharing
An apparatus includes a distribution network that includes circuitry configured to receive first power from a first voltage source and second power from a second voltage source, and to deliver power to each of a plurality of electronic circuitry blocks (ECBs), including to deliver first ECB power to a first ECB and second ECB power to a second ECB. The first ECB power includes a first portion of the first power and a first portion of the second power. The apparatus also includes power management logic to dynamically adjust the power to be provided to each ECB. Responsive to a change in a first activity level of the first ECB, the power management logic is to change the first ECB power by adjustment of the first portion of the first power and adjustment of the first portion of the second power. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09588557B2 |
Reactive following for distributed generation and loads of other reactive controller(s)
Systems and methods for providing generated power to a power grid subject to reactive power requirements. A reactive follower includes a reactive power generator coupled to a distributed power plant via a series impedance such as a step-up transformer. A reactive follower controller controls the reactive power generator on the basis of an estimated reactive power commanded by a reactive power management system and includes multi-variable control logic to determine when to increase reactive power produced by the reactive power generator based on the reactive power commanded by the distributed reactive power management system and point-of-interconnection measurements of power, reactive power, and voltage. |
| US09588555B2 |
Managing cooling operations in a parallel computer comprising a plurality of compute nodes
Managing cooling operations in a parallel computer comprising a plurality of compute nodes, including: receiving, by a target compute node from an origin compute node, a message; identifying, by the target compute node, one or more characteristics of the message; and controlling, by the target compute node, cooling operations in dependence upon the one or more characteristics of the message. |
| US09588554B2 |
Hybrid heat exchanger
A thermoelectric cooler assembly comprises a cold plate, a first thermoelectric cooler, and a second thermoelectric cooler. The cold plate has a first side and a second side. The first thermoelectric cooler is in thermal communication with the first side of the cold plate, and the second thermoelectric cooler is in thermal communication with the second side of the cold plate. A heat exchanger assembly is also disclosed. |
| US09588549B2 |
Electronic device
Provided is an electronic device with high portability and/or high browsability. The electronic device includes first and second support bodies, a first hinge, and a flexible display panel. The first hinge has a first rotation axis and connects the first and second support bodies to each other, and the first and second support bodies are capable of relatively rotating on the first rotation axis. The display panel includes at least first and second portions supported by the first and second support bodies, respectively; the first rotation axis and a first plane including the display surface overlapping with the first portion or a second plane including the display surface overlapping with the second portion are parallel to each other; and each of a distance between the first rotation axis and the first plane or the second plane is greater than zero. |
| US09588548B2 |
Docking station for a portable electronic device
A docking station for a portable electronic device that includes a base having a lower surface arranged to lie on a support surface in use, an upper surface and an aperture communicating between the lower and upper surfaces; an annular pedestal having a lower end engageable with the aperture in the base and an upper end including a support for a device-engaging terminal of a cable, arranged so that a cable received in the channel may extend through the aperture and annular pedestal with the terminal secured to have its connector extend upwardly from the pedestal; a support extending upwardly from the base, the support being moveable between locations in adjustable spaced relation rearwardly of the pedestal; and a clamp for securing the support in a said location. |
| US09588545B2 |
Windows position control for phone applications
Methods and devices for selectively presenting a user interface for a phone application are provided. More particularly, a change in the display mode of a multiple screen device can be determined. More particularly, a presentation of a user interface for an in-process call of a phone application can be retained after receiving a flick in an off-screen gesture area of the device. However, the user interface moves from a first screen to a second screen (or vice versa) in response to receiving the flick. The user interface provides detail information about a phone call that is currently in-process. |
| US09588542B2 |
Rack server system and method for automatically managing rack configuration information
A rack server system and a method for automatically managing rack configuration information are disclosed herein. The rack server system includes a plurality of servers, plurality of fan modules, a plurality of fan control boards, and a rack management controller. The rack management controller is connected to the fan control boards, detects rack configuration information stored in the fan control boards during the operation of the rack server system, configured to update local rack configuration information stored in the rack management controller with the rack configuration information stored in the fan controllers when the local rack configuration information stored in the rack management controller is different from the rack configuration information stored in the fan control boards. |
| US09588539B2 |
Band-gap reference circuit based on temperature compensation
A band-gap reference circuit includes a proportioned current generating circuit, a startup circuit, a current mirror circuit, a high-order temperature compensation generating circuit and a reference generating circuit. The proportioned current generating circuit is configured to generate a current in direct proportion to the absolute temperature. The startup circuit is configured to start up the proportioned current generating circuit when the startup circuit is power on. The current mirror circuit is configured to reproduce a current which is the same as the current in direct proportion to the absolute temperature. The high-order temperature compensation generating circuit is configured to generate a compensation current of high-order temperature coefficient. The reference generating circuit is configured to add the voltage which is generated by the proportioned current generating circuit to a voltage of negative temperature coefficient according to a certain proportion, and output a reference voltage of zero temperature coefficient. |
| US09588537B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling consumer electric power consumption
A computer-based electrical power management and allocation system is provided that collects demand for electric power usage and allocates electric power supply in satisfaction thereof. A load control server is used to collect and schedule electrical power start and stop requests according to policies established by either or both of the electric power consumers and electric power suppliers. The energy system collects accumulation messages to reserve electrical power and processes them using the prescribed customer and supplier policies and according to an overall optimization criterion of the energy system. Stop messages are then subsequently issued to cease device operation and the devices are then moved to a reservation pool until the energy system's operational criterion is relaxed or the accumulation messages become obsolete. Similar accumulation requests for delayed or conservation-based operation may also be applied to the distribution of other utilities, such as water, natural gas, or guaranteed internet bandwidth. |
| US09588536B2 |
Power supply system control method for the same, and recording medium
Is provided a power supply system optimizing a power conversion efficiency of its entire system, including at least one main power supply unit converting an input power into an output power supplied to a load; an auxiliary power supply unit including a power storage unit supplying an output power by the power storage unit to the load; a power measurement unit for measuring an output power from the main and auxiliary power supply units; and a power supply control unit for calculating an optimal output power in the main power supply unit maximizing its power conversion efficiency according to the output power measured by the power measurement unit and an optimal output power or charge power in the auxiliary power supply unit, controlling the main power supply unit based on the optimal output power, and controlling the auxiliary power supply unit based on the optimal output power or charge power. |
| US09588532B2 |
Voltage regulator having an emulated ripple generator
According to an exemplary implementation, a voltage regulator includes an emulated ripple generator. The emulated ripple generator includes a high side switch configured to control charging of an emulated ripple. The emulated ripple generator further includes a low side switch configured to control discharging of the emulated ripple. The high side switch and the low side switch are configured to control the charging and the discharging such that the emulated ripple is substantially in-phase with an inductor current of the voltage regulator. The high side switch can be configured to control the charging by selectively enabling a high side current source. Furthermore, the low side switch can be configured to control the discharging by selectively enabling a low side current source. |
| US09588529B2 |
High-voltage tolerant voltage regulator
Circuits and methodologies related to high-voltage tolerant regulators are disclosed. In some implementations, a voltage regulator can be configured to be capable of being in a regulating state and a bypass state. In the regulating state, an input voltage greater than a selected value can be regulated so as to yield a desired output voltage such as a substantially constant voltage. In the bypass state, an input voltage at or less than the selected value can be regulated so as to yield an output voltage that substantially tracks the input voltage. Such a capability of switching between two modes can provide advantageous features such as reducing the likelihood of damage in a powered circuit due to high input voltage, and extending the operating duration of a power source such as a rechargeable battery. Also disclosed are examples of how the foregoing features can be implemented in different products and methods of operation and fabrication. |
| US09588528B2 |
Inrush current suppression circuit and method for controlling when a load may be fully energized
A circuit and method for controlling when a load may be fully energized includes directing electrical current through a current limiting resistor that has a first terminal connected to a source terminal of a field effect transistor (FET), and a second terminal connected to a drain terminal of the FET. The gate voltage magnitude on a gate terminal of the FET is varied, whereby current flow through the FET is increased while current flow through the current limiting resistor is simultaneously decreased. A determination is made as to when the gate voltage magnitude on the gate terminal is equal to or exceeds a predetermined reference voltage magnitude, and the load is enabled to be fully energized when the gate voltage magnitude is equal to or exceeds the predetermined reference voltage magnitude. |
| US09588525B2 |
Hot water cooling device for drains
A water-tempering apparatus reduces water temperature, to prevent overly-hot water from flowing into a drain. One disclosed apparatus includes a drain water tempering assembly that fits into the collection pan of a trough floor drain. The apparatus includes a valve, a cold water line connected to the valve, and a temperature control for causing the valve to open and dump controlled amounts of water into the over-heated water in order to cool the heated water to or below a legal-maximum predetermined temperature. A related apparatus includes portable tub with wheels and with temperature control components. A related method is also disclosed and claimed. The assemblies can be shaped for retrofit installation into an existing commercial drain, or can be for new installations, or can be a portable unit. The apparatus preferably uses non-electrical thermostat-operated control on a cold-water-supply valve. |
| US09588523B2 |
Multi-stream compressor management system and method
This disclosure describes a natural gas collection system utilizing a single compressor to manage collection of natural gas from both high-pressure and low-pressure sources. The operation of the single compressor is controlled by a PLC configured to receive pressure data from sensors and to direct compressor speed in order to maintain natural gas pressure at the user defined targets. |
| US09588518B2 |
Autonomous mobile apparatus, control device, and autonomous mobile method
A control device capable of providing smooth movement even in a crowded environment is to be provided. The control device includes a movement processing section (101) that creates a movement plan that is information relating to movement of an autonomous mobile apparatus (1); a movement control section (21) that moves the autonomous mobile apparatus (1) according to the movement plan created by the movement processing section (101); a congestion degree estimating section (102) that calculates the degree of congestion in a movement direction of the autonomous mobile apparatus (1); a visual field estimating section (103) that estimates a visual field of a moving obstacle when the degree of congestion on an immediately front side of the autonomous mobile apparatus (1) is a predetermined value or higher; and an attention calling control section (104) that calls attention using an attention calling device (15) to enter the estimated visual field. |
| US09588517B2 |
Automated vehicle control take-over alert timing based on infotainment activation
A system for automated operation of a vehicle includes an infotainment-device and a controller. The infotainment-device is operable to provide an infotainment-activity to an operator of a vehicle. The controller is operable to estimate a take-over-interval for an operator to prepare for a mode-transition from automated-control of the vehicle by the controller to manual-control of the vehicle by the operator. The take-over-interval is determined based on the infotainment-activity of the operator. The controller is operable to notify the operator that the mode-transition is needed at least the take-over-interval prior to a take-over-time. |
| US09588515B2 |
Systems and methods for remote control of a non-destructive testing system
A system may include a non-destructive testing (NDT) device. The NDT device may further include a wireless system configured to communicate 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. |
| US09588510B2 |
Database event driven motion systems
A data collection system for distributing data from at least one target asset to at least one software application, comprising a machine platform and a data routing system. The machine platform stores data associated with the at least one target asset. The data routing system collects data from the machine platform. The data routing system operates in a pass through mode and a data processing mode. In the pass through mode, data is passed from the at least one target asset to the at least one software application without modification. In the data processing mode, the data routing system generates modified data based on the data stored by the machine platform and sends the modified data to the at least one software application. |
| US09588507B2 |
Low-power mechanism for wearable controller and associated control method
A low-power wearable controller and associated control method are provided. The wearable controller includes: a processing unit; a memory unit; a peripheral interface unit including a plurality of peripheral interfaces; and a control module, coupled to the processing unit, the memory unit and the peripheral interface unit, wherein the control module is enabled when the wearable controller is operated in a first operation mode, and the control module is disabled when the wearable controller is operated in a second operation mode. |
| US09588505B2 |
Near non-adaptive virtual metrology and chamber control
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for a near non-adaptive virtual metrology for wafer processing control. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for processing control comprises diagnosing a chamber of a processing tool that processes a wafer to identify a key chamber parameter, and controlling the chamber based on the key chamber parameter if the key chamber parameter can be controlled, or compensating a prediction model by changing to a secondary prediction model if the key chamber parameter cannot be sufficiently controlled. |
| US09588500B2 |
Power generator protection unit
A generator protection unit is provided including a central processing unit including at least one programmable device configured to utilize an Ethernet communication protocol. The central processing unit may be configured to synchronize a first signal generated by a generator electrically coupled to the generator protection unit to a second signal including an electrical power grid parameter of an electrical power grid, the first signal and the second signal having a phase offset. The generator protection unit may also include a plurality of multimeters, each electrically coupled to the electrical power grid and the central processing unit, and at least one display filter electrically coupled to the central processing unit and configured to separate a defined portion of a protection parameter signal, such that a remaining portion of the protection parameter signal is transmitted to the central processing unit. The generator protection unit may further include a user interface coupled to the central processing unit and configured to relay at least the remaining portion of the protection parameter signal to an operator of the generator protection unit. |
| US09588499B2 |
Electronic timepiece and control method for an electronic timepiece
A control method is provided for an electronic device that has a receiver to receive a satellite signal, and a time display unit to display time. The method includes selecting, by manual operation using a crown or a button, a first time correction processing or a second time correction processing. When the first time correction processing is selected, the control method further includes receiving a satellite signal, acquiring time information based on the received satellite signal, and correcting the displayed time based on the acquired time information. When the second time correction processing is selected, the control method further includes receiving a satellite signal, calculating the position of the electronic device based on satellite orbit information contained in the received satellite signal, and correcting the displayed time based on the calculated position. |
| US09588498B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing an intelligent alarm notification
An approach is provided for providing alarm notification to the intended user while minimizing disturbance to the nearby users. The approach involves determining sensor information associated with at least one first user and at least one second user collected while the at least one first user and the at least one second user are asleep. The approach also involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of the sensor information to determine sleep characteristic information for the at least one first user, the at least one second user, or a combination thereof. The approach further involves determining one or more alarm notification parameters for one or more alarm notifications based, at least in part, on the sleep characteristic information to direct the one or more alarm notifications to the at least one first user while minimizing a disturbance of the at least one second user. |
| US09588492B2 |
Timepiece movement and timepiece including such a movement
A clockwork movement includes a mechanical energy source, a first regulating part and a first escapement, which are connected by a first gear-train to the energy source, and a second regulating part and a second escapement, which are connected by a second gear-train to the energy source. The first gear-train, the first escapement (4) and the first regulating part (2) define a first assembly. The second gear-train, the second escapement and the second regulating part (10) define a second assembly. At least one differential gear is arranged to provide a kinematic connection between the first assembly and the energy source and between the second assembly and the energy source. |
| US09588491B2 |
Portable acoustic holography systems for therapeutic ultrasound sources and associated devices and methods
The present technology relates generally to portable acoustic holography systems for therapeutic ultrasound sources, and associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method of characterizing an ultrasound source by acoustic holography includes the use of a transducer geometry characteristic, a transducer operation characteristic, and a holography system measurement characteristic. A control computer can be instructed to determine holography measurement parameters. Based on the holography measurement parameters, the method can include scanning a target surface to obtain a hologram. Waveform measurements at a plurality of points on the target surface can be captured. Finally, the method can include processing the measurements to reconstruct at least one characteristic of the ultrasound source. |
| US09588484B2 |
Image-forming apparatus provided with guide for guiding movement of developing cartridge
An image-forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a developing cartridge including a developing roller; a developing pressing member for pressing the developing cartridge; a first developing guide; and a second developing guide. The developing cartridge is movable among a detachable position; a contact position at which the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum; and a separated position at which the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. The developing pressing member presses the developing cartridge to place the developing cartridge at the contact position. The developing pressing member is disabled from pressing the developing cartridge to place the developing cartridge at the separated position lower than the contact position. The first developing guide can guide movement of the developing cartridge between the detachable position and the contact position. The second developing guide can guide movement of the developing cartridge between the contact position and the separated position. |
| US09588480B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a main body, a belt unit configured to accommodate a belt, a belt cleaning member and an accommodating unit. The belt cleaning unit is configured to remove waste toner adhered on the belt. The accommodating unit is configured to accommodate the toner removed by the belt cleaning unit. The apparatus further includes a drum unit having a drum cleaning member, and a waste toner conveying mechanism configured to convey the waste toner to the collecting unit. The conveying mechanism has a drum-side conveying unit configured to be connected with the drum cleaning member. Communication between the drum-side conveying unit and the collecting unit is enabled in association with movement of the drum unit from the outside position to the inside position, and disabled in association with movement of the drum unit from the inside position to the outside position. |
| US09588477B2 |
Image forming apparatus having overlapping rotator and recording medium receiving member
There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body and a cartridge having an image carrier and a first coupling configured to rotate the image carrier. The main body includes a second coupling, a rotator and a receiving member. The second coupling is configured to rotate together with the first coupling about a rotation axis coaxially with the first coupling. The rotator includes gear teeth. The rotator is configured to rotate the second coupling in response to receiving the drive force from the drive source, and to rotate together with the second coupling about the rotation axis coaxially with the second coupling. The rotator, which is configured to rotate about the rotation axis coaxially with the first coupling configured to rotate the image carrier, overlaps with the receiving member when viewed from an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis. |
| US09588476B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a duplex conveyance path through which the sheet having the image formed by the image forming unit on a first side passes when an image is formed on a second side that is a back side of the first side, a guiding member provided along the duplex conveyance path, a reversing roller pair capable of rotating in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, h, and a conveyance roller pair provided on the duplex conveyance path, wherein at least one of the reversing roller pair is inclined to the width direction so that, in the width direction, the side end of the sheet being conveyed by the reversing roller pair rotating in the reverse direction moves closer to the contact portion. |
| US09588474B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet stacking portion, a feed portion, a transfer portion transferring a toner image on a sheet fed by the feed portion, and a switching portion. The switching portion switches the sheet stacking portion between a grounded condition in which the sheet stacking portion is electrically earthed and an insulated condition in which the sheet stacking portion is electrically insulated. The sheet stacking portion is switched into the insulated condition in a state in which the transfer bias is applied and the sheet stacking portion is switched into the grounded condition in a state in which no transfer bias is applied. |
| US09588470B2 |
Fixing belt
Provided is a fixing belt which has a high effect of preventing offset and the like and is capable of forming a clear image, which has high adhesion between a surface layer and another layer, and which has no problems in terms of appearance. The fixing belt includes a tubular base, a surface layer provided as an outermost layer and composed of a fluororesin A, and a primer layer provided in contact with the surface layer, wherein the primer layer is composed of a material obtained by mixing a fluorine-containing ion conductive agent, such as a fluorine-containing alkali metal salt, with a fluororesin B. |
| US09588469B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring member, an exciting coil and a belt guide. The pressuring member comes into pressure contact with the fixing belt to form a fixing nip. The exciting coil is provided at an outer diameter side of the fixing belt and configured to generate a magnetic flux to inductively heat the fixing belt. The belt guide supports the fixing belt from an inner diameter side. The belt guide includes a contact part which is in contact with an inner circumferential face of the fixing belt and a non-contact part which is not in contact with the inner circumferential face of the fixing belt. A magnetic flux blocking member configured to block the magnetic flux that passes through the fixing belt is provided between the fixing belt and the non-contact part. |
| US09588468B2 |
Image forming apparatus and fixing device with movable member
An apparatus includes: an image forming portion that forms an image on a medium; a fixing device removably mounted to an apparatus body to fix the image to the medium, the fixing device including a first rotator that contacts the medium, a second rotator that contacts the first rotator, a movable member movable in first and second directions in which the first and second rotators are moved closer to and away from each other, respectively, an urging member, a first end of which is mounted to the movable member and which urges the movable member in the first direction, and a first support portion that supports a second end of the urging member; a cam member that moves the movable member in the second direction; a shaft member to which the cam member is mounted; and a second support portion that supports the shaft member and the first support portion. |
| US09588466B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member; a transfer unit that includes a transfer member, first and second separating portions configured to separate ends of the transfer member that are on one side and on another side, respectively, from the image carrying member; an engaging unit that includes first and second engaging portions configured to engage with the first and second separating portions, respectively, the engaging unit being configured to separate the transfer member from the image carrying member when the first engaging portion engages with the first separating portion and the second engaging portion engages with the second separating portion; and a regulating member configured to regulate a movement of the engaging unit. The engaging unit is moved by the regulating member from the one side toward the other side or from the other side toward the one side. |
| US09588463B2 |
Developer container, image forming unit, and image forming apparatus
A developer container includes: a housing having at least one storage chamber for storing developer; a first rotating member extending from a first end portion to a second end portion through at least one of the at least one storage chamber; a first gear connected to the first end portion; and a second gear connected to the second end portion, the first rotating member being configured to transmit driving force from the first gear to the second gear. |
| US09588462B2 |
Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having an engagement member for positioning a magnetic sensor
A toner cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housing having a toner reservoir. An outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir is positioned on a front of the housing near a first side of the housing. An interface gear is exposed on the front of the housing near a second side of the housing. A magnet is movable in response to rotation of the interface gear. An engagement member is positioned on an exterior of the top of the housing proximate the second side of the housing. The engagement member is aligned with a point in a path of movement of the magnet. The engagement member has a front surface that is unobstructed to contact and push a housing in the image forming device supporting a magnetic sensor to an operating position of the magnetic sensor during insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming device. |
| US09588460B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer, a developing device, a toner container, a toner feed connector, a processor, and a notifier. The developing device develops, with toner, a latent image on the latent image bearer. The toner container contains the toner. The toner container is detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus. The toner feed connector guides the toner of the toner container to the developing device. The information detector detects identification information including toner type information and maintenance contract information stored in the toner container. The processor determines whether the toner type information of the toner container coincides before and after replacement and whether the maintenance contract information of the toner container is matched with maintenance contract information of the image forming apparatus. The notifier indicates a determination made by the processor. |
| US09588454B2 |
Method of producing an electrically conductive roller from a rubber foam tube
A rubber foam tube (5) is produced by extruding a rubber composition into a tubular body (4) and feeding the tubular body (4) in an elongated state without cutting to pass the tubular body (4) through a microwave crosslinking device (8) and then through a hot air crosslinking device (9) for continuously foaming and crosslinking the rubber composition. At this time, a ratio V2/V1 between a speed V2 at which the tubular body (4) passes through the hot air crosslinking device (9) and a speed V1 at which the tubular body (4) passes through the microwave crosslinking device (8) is not less than 1.0 and not greater than 1.6. |
| US09588449B2 |
Electrostatic printing
There is provided a method for electrostatic printing comprising providing a print substrate having a layer comprising a polymeric material, the layer comprising a polymeric material having thereon a surface layer comprising an aminofunctional silane; carrying out an electrostatic printing process to transfer an ink onto the surface layer comprising the aminofunctional silane. Also disclosed herein are print substrates producible by the method, and print substrates for use in the method. |
| US09588448B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, electrophotographic apparatus, and method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes an undercoat layer containing a resin and a metal oxide particle whose surface has been treated with a compound represented by formula (1), and the resin is a polymerized product of a composition containing a compound having a group represented by formula (2) and a polyol. |
| US09588447B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method for manufacturing the same, and electrophotographic apparatus
A surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member has a change region in which a ratio of the number of carbon atoms with respect to the sum of the number of silicon atoms and the number of carbon atoms gradually increases toward a surface side of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from a photoconductive layer side, wherein the change region has an upper charge injection prohibiting portion containing a Group 13 atom, and a surface-side portion which is positioned closer to the surface side of the electrophotographic photosensitive member than the upper charge injection prohibiting portion and does not contain the Group 13 atom, and the distribution of the Group 13 atom in a boundary portion between the surface-side portion and the upper charge injection prohibiting portion is precipitous. |
| US09588444B2 |
Balance mass system shared by workpiece table and mask table, and lithography machine
A balance mass system shared by a workpiece stage and a mask stage includes a balance mass and an anti-drift and compensation apparatus (16). The balance mass includes a first part (11) for mounting thereon a workpiece stage system, a second part (20) for mounting thereon a mask stage system, and a third part (14) for interconnecting the first part (11) and the second part (20). The first part (11) of the balance mass is floatingly supported on a base frame (1) of a lithography machine, and the third part (14) of the balance mass is in connection with the base frame (1) via the anti-drift and compensation apparatus (16). The anti-drift and compensation apparatus (16) is disposed in proximity to the center of gravity of the balance mass as a whole. This balance mass system can eliminate the need for using an additional support for the mask stage system and allow the construction of a lithography machine with a higher structural compactness, reduced size and weight, and reduced total mass of used balance masses. |
| US09588442B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate; and a shutter configured to isolate the space from the substrate or a space to be occupied by a substrate. |
| US09588440B2 |
Method for monitoring focus in EUV lithography
This invention relates to a method of obtaining optimal focus for exposing a photoresist in an EUV lithography with an EUV mask containing a pattern with an assist feature. The invention also relates to an EUV mask with a special focus test target for monitoring focus in EUV lithography, and a method of fabricating this EUV mask by designing the special focus test target. The EUV mask contains a repeating pattern, wherein the repeating pattern has two different pitches, i.e. a first pitch and a second pitch, and contains an assist feature between main features. Because the two different pitches have different focus offsets, the difference between linewidths of said gratings provides a calibration curve which is a measure of focus. The method for monitoring focus is performing an EUV exposure using a focus position with a pre-determined focus position as calibrated using the linewidth difference between the two gratings. The EUV mask for monitoring focus of present invention is applicable to both test and product masks. |
| US09588436B2 |
Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and device producing method
An exposure apparatus (EX) exposes a substrate (P) by irradiating exposure light (EL) on the substrate (P) via a projection optical system (PL) and a liquid (LQ) supplied from a liquid supply mechanism (10). The exposure apparatus (EX) has a pressure adjustment mechanism (90) for adjusting pressure of the liquid (LQ) supplied from the liquid supply mechanism (10). A liquid immersion area is satisfactorily formed to obtain high exposure accuracy and measurement accuracy. |
| US09588433B2 |
Optical system, in particular of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
The invention relates to an optical system, in particular of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, with an optical system axis (OA) and a polarization-influencing optical arrangement. According to one aspect, the polarization-influencing optical arrangement comprises at least one polarization-influencing optical element, which has a monolithic design and linear birefringence, wherein the overall absolute value of the birefringence of all of the polarization-influencing optical elements deviates by at most ±15% from the value lambda/2, wherein lambda is the working wavelength of the optical system, wherein the direction of the fast axis of this birefringence varies in a plane perpendicular to the optical system axis (OA) in the at least one polarization-influencing optical element, and wherein the distribution of the fast axis of the birefringence of the polarization-influencing optical element is brought about by radiation-induced defects, which are situated in at least one optically unused region of the element. |
| US09588431B2 |
Illumination optics and projection exposure apparatus
An illumination optics illuminates an object field of a projection exposure apparatus for microlithography. The illumination optics include a condenser group of optical components which guide a bundle of useful light. An objective group of bundle-guiding components is arranged downstream of the condenser group. At least one component of the condenser group and at least one component of the objective group are displaceable for compensation of deviations of the object field, which is in an actual illumination state, from a desired illumination state. |
| US09588430B2 |
System and method to adaptively pre-compensate for target material push-out to optimize extreme ultraviolet light production
Energy output from a laser-produced plasma (LPP) extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) system varies based on how well the laser beam is focused on droplets of target material to generate plasma at a primary focal spot. Maintaining droplets at the primary focal spot during burst firing is difficult because generated plasma from preceding droplets push succeeding droplets out of the primary focal spot. Current droplet-to-droplet feedback control to re-align droplets to the primary focal spot is relatively slow. The system and method described herein adaptively pre-compensate for droplet push-out by directing droplets to a target position that is offset from the primary focal spot such that when a droplet is lased, the droplet is pushed by the laser beam into the primary focal spot to generate plasma. Over time, the EUV system learns to maintain real-time alignment of droplet position so plasma is generated consistently within the primary focal spot. |
| US09588426B2 |
Negative photoresist and methods of preparing and using the same
Disclosed is a negative photoresist comprising 1 to 90 parts of hydroxyl-containing or carboxyl-containing film-forming resin, 1 to 99 parts of silicon-containing vinyl ether monomer, 0.1 to 15 parts by weigh of a crosslinking agent, and an organic solvent capable of dissolving the aforesaid substances. Disclosed is also methods of preparing and using the negative photoresist. |
| US09588425B2 |
Positive photosensitive composition, thin film transistor, and compound
The present invention aims to provide positive photosensitive compositions that have excellent patterning properties and can exhibit excellent electrical insulation reliability when cured (as thin films). The positive photosensitive composition according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by including (A) a compound that contains an alkenyl group or a SiH group within a molecule and has a structure that decomposes in the presence of acid to generate an acidic group or a hydroxyl group; (B) a compound that contains a SiH group or an alkenyl group within a molecule; (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst; and (D) a photoacid generator. |
| US09588423B2 |
Acid diffusion control agent, radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist pattern-forming method, compound, and production method
An acid diffusion control agent includes a compound represented by a formula (1), a compound represented by a formula (2) or both thereof. R1 represents a hydrocarbon group comprising a monovalent alicyclic structure, or the like. R2 and R3 each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or the like. R4 and R5 each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or the like. R6 and R7 each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or the like. R8 represents a monocyclic heterocyclic group together with the ester group and with the carbon atom. n is an integer of 1 to 6. R9 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or the like. R10 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. R11 and R12 each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or the like. R13 and R14 each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or the like. |
| US09588421B2 |
Pellicle inspection apparatus
Provided with a pellicle inspection apparatus that inspects a pellicle film of a mask provided with a pellicle and used in EUV lithography. The pellicle inspection apparatus includes: an illumination optical system that projects a converging illuminating beam toward the pellicle film;a light collection optical system including an object lens having an optical axis substantially orthogonal to the pellicle film and that collects scattering light outgoing from a foreign substance present on the pellicle film; and a detection system that detects the scattering light collected by the light collection optical system, wherein an incident angle θ2 of the illuminating beam with respect to the pellicle film satisfies Expression θ2−θ0>θ1+23°, where θ0 is a collecting angle (half angle) of the illuminating beam, and θ1 is a maximum light-receiving angle (half angle) of the object lens. |
| US09588418B2 |
Pattern forming method
A near-field exposure mask according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; a concave-convex structure having convexities and concavities and formed on one surface of the substrate; a near-field light generating film arranged at least on a tip portion of each of the convexities, the near-field light generating film being a layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Au, Al, Ag, Cu, Cr, Sb, W, Ni, In, Ge, Sn, Pb, Zn, Pd, and C, or a film stack formed with layers made of some of those materials; and a resin filled in each of the concavities. |
| US09588417B2 |
Photomask pellicle
A method includes providing a carrier wafer, forming an indented portion on the carrier wafer, the indented portion having a sloped portion at an edge of the indented portion, bonding a pellicle wafer on the carrier wafer so as to form an open area within the indented portion, patterning the pellicle wafer to form a pellicle membrane over the indented portion and a pellicle membrane support structure over the sloped portion, and applying a mechanical force to disconnect the pellicle membrane from the pellicle wafer. |
| US09588414B2 |
Photomask pattern and method for forming the same
Various embodiments provide photomask patterns and methods for forming the same. In an exemplary method, a to-be-etched pattern can be provided. The to-be-etched pattern can be divided into a first mask pattern and an initial second mask pattern. The first mask pattern can include one or more first patterns and the initial second mask pattern can include one or more second patterns. A second print scattering pattern can be formed and added to the initial second mask pattern. A position of the second print scattering pattern can be separated from a position of the one or more first patterns of the first mask pattern. |
| US09588412B1 |
X-ray film image marker
The x-ray film image marker is a device that is adapted for use with an x-ray portable cassette in order to provide the image marker capability that is used in conjunction with taking an x-ray, but also enabling a technician the ability to locate a misplaced x-ray film image marker. The x-ray film image marker includes at least one light member that illuminates or flashes for a pre-determined amount of time upon depression of an on/off button. The at least one light member aids in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment. The at least one speaker may be used to play an audio file in order to aid in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment. |
| US09588408B1 |
Methods and systems for projecting a target portion of an image at a higher resolution
Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for providing a higher-resolution segment within a larger lower-resolution projection onto a projection surface. For example, the system may receive pose data corresponding to a viewing location relative to the projection surface. The system may then determine, based on the pose data, a target portion of an image frame of image data. As a result, the system may cause a first projector to project at least the target portion onto the projection surface and cause a second projector to project at least a remaining portion of the image frame of the image data onto the projection surface. The projections of the target portion and the remaining portion may collectively provide a complete projection of the image data on the projection surface and a projection-surface resolution of the target portion may be higher than a projection-surface resolution of the remaining portion. |
| US09588404B2 |
Operation apparatus, lens apparatus, lens system, and image pickup apparatus including the lens system
An operation apparatus mountable/dismountable to/from a lens apparatus including a movable optical element, including: a detector detecting a position signal corresponding to a position of the optical element in a state of being mounted to the lens apparatus; a memory storing a reference position signal; i.e., a position signal at a time when the optical element is located at a reference position while being mounted to the lens apparatus; a determiner determining whether or not being dismounted from the lens apparatus after the reference position signal is stored; and a controller switching between an adjustment mode where the reference position signal is stored in the reference memory and a normal mode where the reference position signal is not stored, and controlling the operation apparatus to operate in the adjustment mode when the determiner determines the operation apparatus being dismounted from the lens apparatus after storing the reference position signal. |
| US09588402B2 |
On-camera LED fresnel lighting system including active cooling
A lighting apparatus for film, television, video capture, motion picture and photography which includes a Fresnel lens fixed in a housing which contains a tight array of high power LEDs. The LED panel or board is mated to a heat dissipating apparatus to provide active cooling and together forming an LED engine. The LED engine is mounted to a slider allowing the LED engine to be adjusted within the housing with respect to the lens. Light shaping diffusion may be included on the housing. A power supply unit may also be included in the housing. When in electrical communication, the LED engine and power supply unit function as an integrated self-contained lighting apparatus. Optionally, the power supply may have an integrated dimmer switch, and may be capable of receiving PFC power or have an integrated battery unit. |
| US09588398B2 |
Gigahertz to terahertz frequency signal generation using OPO and DFG
Apparatus and method for high-power multi-function millimeter-wavelength (THz-frequency) signal generation using OPO and DFG in a single cavity. In some embodiments, the OPO-DFG cavity includes an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) non-linear material that receives pump light IP having pump-light frequency and generates two different lower intermediate frequencies of light—an OPO-signal beam IS and a spatially/temporally overlapping OPO-idler beam II. A difference-frequency generator non-linear material then receives the two intermediate-frequency beams II and IS, and the DFG then generates a THz-frequency output signal that has a frequency equal to the difference between the two intermediate frequencies. In some embodiments, a single-piece crystal of non-linear material is used for both OPO and DFG functions. Some embodiments use a bow-tie ring having four mirrors that define the optical path: an IP-beam-entry mirror, an IP-light-extraction mirror to remove unconverted IP-beam, an II-beam-extraction mirror, and an IS-beam-extraction mirror, and a fifth ITHz-beam-extraction mirror. |
| US09588396B2 |
Laser patterning of conductive films for electro-active lenses
Systems and methods for manufacturing electro-active lenses including a peripheral edge, a discrete electro-active region, and at least two substrates. The at least two substrates include a layer of a transparent conductive material, that is laser cut to isolate regions required for establishing an electrical connection between the peripheral edge of the lens, from regions not required for establishing an electrical connection. Isolating the regions of the transparent conductive material required for establishing an electrical connection may include cutting patterns around an electrode of each of the substrates. The regions not required for establishing an electrical connection may be further cut into sections, which may be substantially band-shaped. |
| US09588393B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and method of manufacturing the same, display device
A liquid crystal panel comprises an array substrate and an opposing substrate that is opposite to the array substrate; a polymer dispersed blue phase layer configured to serve as an alignment layer is formed on the array substrate; and at least two electrodes are provided on the array substrate. The liquid crystal panel can omit a rubbing process for an alignment layer on a side of an array substrate, and resolve the problem of the dark-state light leakage of the liquid crystal panel. A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal panel is further disclosed. |
| US09588384B2 |
Display device and electronic device having the same
A display device includes a display panel, a plurality of driving integrated circuits that provide respective driving signals to the display panel, and an accommodation unit on which the driving integrated circuits are mounted, at least two adjacent driving integrated circuits of the plurality of driving integrated circuits being arranged on the accommodation unit to define a reverse V-shape with respect to an outermost edge of the accommodation unit. |
| US09588379B2 |
Curved liquid crystal display panel
A curved liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a liquid crystal layer and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a column spacer fixedly anchored to and protruding therefrom. The second substrate includes a stepless preliminary contact area corresponding to a contact-making free end of the column spacer where the preliminary contact area is part of a larger and also non-stepped area. The second substrate is combined with the first substrate to receive the liquid crystal layer therebetween. The non-stepped area is dimensioned to account for shift of the where the contact-making free end of the column spacer makes contact due to the curvature of the first and second substrates. |
| US09588377B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a first pixel electrode disposed on the first substrate, a second pixel electrode overlapping the first pixel electrode, having an insulating layer disposed therebetween, wherein the second pixel electrode includes a plate-like part having an integrated shape, a plurality of branch electrodes extending from the plate-like part, and a cruciform cutout including a horizontal part and a vertical part intersecting each other at a center of the plate-like part, and the first pixel electrode includes a cruciform stem electrode having a horizontal stem and a vertical stem intersecting each other at the center. |
| US09588373B2 |
Surface light source device and liquid crystal display device
A surface light source device includes a laser beam source, a laser beam guide rod for converting a laser beam into first linear light, an LED light source, an LED light guide rod for converting LED light into second linear light, a reflecting bar having a reflecting region for reflecting part of the first linear light and the second linear light and a transmitting region for transmitting a residual part of the first linear light and the second linear light, and a light reflecting portion formed in a box shape and having an opening portion with an emission side opened and a reflecting surface on an inside of the box shape. In the first linear light and the second linear light, part thereof is reflected by the reflecting region and the reflecting surface and a residual part is transmitted through the transmitting region and is emitted from the opening portion. |
| US09588368B2 |
Touch display panel
A touch display panel includes a color film (CF) substrate and a TFT substrate disposed opposite to each other, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the CF substrate and the TFT substrate. A common electrode having a comb-shaped structure and/or a pixel electrode having a comb-shaped structure are disposed on the TFT substrate close to the liquid crystal layer. The touch display panel further includes a touch layer disposed on the CF substrate close to the liquid crystal layer and having a driving line and a detecting line insulated from each other. The driving line and/or the detecting line have a comb-shaped structure that is at least partially misaligned with respect to the comb-shaped structure of the common electrode and/or the comb-shaped structure of the pixel electrode. |
| US09588365B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes: a substrate; a gate line and a data line on the substrate, and insulated from and crossing each other; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; an interlayer insulating layer on the thin film transistor; a coating member on the interlayer insulating layer, the coating member elongated to overlap the data line; a common electrode on the interlayer insulating layer, the common electrode overlapping the coating member; a planarization layer covering the common electrode; and a pixel electrode on the planarization layer. |
| US09588363B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and driving method thereof
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display device and a driving method thereof, and the device comprises a plurality of data lines; a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of common lines; at least one dummy gate line; a plurality of gate line trigger circuits; and a plurality of common line trigger circuits; wherein, one end of the last gate line is connected with the last gate line trigger circuit; one end of each of remaining gate lines are connected with a gate line trigger circuit corresponding to said each of remaining gate lines, and the other end of said each of the remaining gate lines are connected with the succeeding gate line trigger circuit; the first common line trigger circuit is connected with one dummy gate line, and each of remaining common line trigger circuits is connected with one or more preceding gate line trigger circuits. Latency to the charging time is effectively reduced with the liquid crystal display device of this invention. |
| US09588362B2 |
Method for assembling liquid crystal display
A method for assembling a liquid crystal display includes fixing a liquid crystal panel and a touch panel together to form a touch display screen; inspecting the touch display screen; if no defect is identified in inspecting the touch display screen, fixing the touch display screen and a backlight unit together to form a touch display backlight module screen; and inspecting the touch display backlight module screen. The method for assembling the liquid crystal display helps reduce waste of backlight units and increases yield rate. |
| US09588359B2 |
Optical module
An optical module includes: a substrate; a first terminal; a plurality of second terminals; a plurality of third terminals; and a plurality of wirings. The plurality of second terminals are on the substrate. The plurality of third terminals are disposed closer to an electrode than the plurality of second terminals on the substrate. The plurality of wirings extend from the plurality of second terminals through a side opposite to the first terminal and reach the electrode. |
| US09588357B2 |
Particles for electrophoretic displays
This invention relates to particles comprising a pigment core particle encapsulated by a polymer, a process for their preparation, electrophoretic fluids comprising such particles, and electrophoretic display devices comprising such fluids. |
| US09588351B2 |
Stereoscopic display device
An objective is to provide a stereoscopic display device that can reduce moire occurring when the viewer is not at the optimum viewing position while maintaining the vertical degree of freedom. A parallax barrier (42) includes transparent portions (48) and light-shielding portions (46) arranged alternatingly. Supposing that a first direction is a direction in which the light-shielding portions (46) and the transparent portions (48) are arranged alternatingly and a second direction is a longitudinal direction of the light-shielding portions (46), a boundary portion (52) is present between two adjacent pixels (50) arranged in the first direction and extends in the second direction, and the edges (381, 382) of the light-shielding portions (46) disposed in the first direction have portions crossing a reference line (L) extending in the second direction and fluctuate in a specified cycle along the second direction. |
| US09588350B2 |
Image display device
According to an embodiment, an image display device includes an optical element, a voltage controller, and a display. Regarding the optical element, the refractive-index distribution changes according to the voltage applied thereto. The voltage controller controls, in a first mode, the voltage applied to the optical element in such a way that a first-type refractive-index distribution is achieved which acts as a first-type Fresnel lens; and controls, in a second mode that is different than the first mode, the voltage applied to the optical element in such a way that a second-type refractive-index distribution is achieved which acts as a second-type Fresnel lens having a greater number of steps than the first-type Fresnel lens. The display is disposed on the back side of the optical element and displays images. |
| US09588348B2 |
3D display device
The 3D display device includes a display panel including a first pixel area displaying a left-eye image, and a second pixel area neighboring the first pixel area and displaying a right-eye image, and a lenticular lens unit positioned on the display panel to cover the first pixel area and the second pixel area and having at least one color. |
| US09588347B2 |
Device for generating a virtual light image
A device for generating a virtual light image. The device includes a real light source, a curved retroreflector surface, and a semi-transparent mirror. The retroreflector surface is situated so that the light of the real light source transmitted through the semi-transparent mirror does not reach the retroreflector surface. A shape of the retroreflector surface for a given visibility range, at least in a subregion of the area that is essential for the image in the visibility range, is determined by the fact that at each point of the subregion, the pair of a reflection angle A and an optical distance between this point of the subregion of the retroreflector surface and the virtual light image is Pareto-minimal, provided that the subregion of the retroreflector surface does not interrupt primary beams from the real light source to the semi-transparent mirror. |
| US09588343B2 |
Menu navigation in a head-mounted display
A wearable computing device includes a head-mounted display (HMD) that generates a virtual reality environment. Through the generation and tracking of positional data, a focal point may be tracked with respect to one or menu navigation elements. Following the fixated positioning of the focal point over the menu navigation element for a predetermined amount of time, a process corresponding to the menu navigation element is executed. |
| US09588342B2 |
Customer recognition through use of an optical head-mounted display in a wearable computing device
Systems, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for implementing a wearable computing device having an Optical Head-Mounted Display (OHMD) to automatically determine which individuals within a business environment, such as a retail store, banking center or the like, are established customers. Such a determination of established customer status is conducted without requiring any action on behalf of the individuals/customers currently located within the business environment and can be accomplished when the established customer enters the business location or shortly thereafter. Once established customers are identified, customer indicators are provided within the view of the OHMD, so that a business associate/employee can readily identity which individual within their field of view are established customers. |
| US09588340B2 |
Pedestrian intersection alert system and method thereof
A vehicle having a sensor and a head-up display is provided. The sensor can detect pedestrians at an intersection. The head-up display can depict an augmented reality indicator represented as the intersection and the pedestrians. The augmented reality indicator can be displayed directly in a driver's field of view centralized to provide a situational environment for the driver. The head-up display can show pedestrians outside the driver's field of view. |
| US09588339B2 |
Device for controlling the phase of an optical wavefront having juxtaposed metal-multidielectric-metal structures to induce a local shift
According to one aspect, the invention relates to a device (20, 50) for controlling the phase of an incident optical wavefront of wavelength comprised in a spectral band of given use, comprising a substrate (21) that is at least partially transparent in said spectral band and a set of strips (22i, 23i, 24i) arranged substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate, characterized in that: said set of strips comprises an alternation of juxtaposed strips respectively made of a metal (22i), of a first dielectric (23i) and of at least one second dielectric (24i) different from the first dielectric, such as to form juxtaposed metal/multi dielectric/metal (MmultiDM) structures (Si) of subwavelength widths (wi), each structure forming a cavity having one or more propagation modes—the respective thicknesses of the strips made of the first dielectric and of the second dielectric(s) are adjusted in each of said MmultiDM structures to induce a local shift (ΔΦi) in the phase of the wavefront, the local phase shift being dependent on the effective index of the mode(s) able to propagate in said cavity. |
| US09588337B2 |
MEMS scanning micromirror
A MEMS micromirror (30) is presented including a frame (60) with a mirror body (50) arranged therein, a cantilever beam assembly (70) and vertical support beams (40). The mirror body (50) is rotatable around a rotation axis (58) extending in a plane (x-y) defined by the frame (60). The cantilever beam assembly (70) has a longitudinal direction and extends within said plane. The vertical support beams (40) are connected between the mirror body (50) and the frame (60) along the rotation axis (58). The cantilever beam assembly (70) has a cantilever beam (72), being coupled at a first end via relief means (74) to the frame (60) and fixed at a second end (722) to the mirror body (50). The cantilever beam (72) has a thickness, perpendicular to a plane of the frame (60), that is smaller than its width in the plane of the frame (60). |
| US09588336B1 |
Liquid duct for an electrowetting display
A method for fabricating an electrowetting display may include depositing a sacrificial layer on a support plate, etching portions of the sacrificial layer to form liquid duct forms on the support plate, depositing a photoresist layer on the liquid duct forms and the support plate, etching portions of the photoresist layer to form a spacer grid, and removing the liquid duct forms to form liquid ducts between the support plate and the portions of the spacer grid. |
| US09588329B2 |
Method and microscopic system for scanning a sample
A method for scanning a sample using an electrically or electronically controllable microscope, includes scanning the sample so as to generate a plurality of images of the sample, each of the plurality of images corresponding to at least one of a different region of the sample and a different time. The microscope is controlled via a control computer during the scanning. The plurality of images are analyzed using at least one second computer connected via a network. The plurality of images are classified and/or the scanning is influenced based on the analyzing. |
| US09588326B2 |
Confocal incident-light scanning microscope with means for frequency conversion
A microscope which makes possible a spectrally-flexible excitation and detection of fluorescence in an economical manner. For this purpose, means for frequency conversion are arranged in the common beam path and a filter for excitation light is arranged in addition to the main beam splitter in the detection beam path. The frequency conversion achieves a spectral delimitation between illumination light, which is emitted by the light source, and excitation light which brings about fluorescence excitation in the specimen. Because the frequency conversion takes place in the common beam path after the main beam splitter, it is possible for both a spatial separation of illumination light, and excitation light and fluorescent light (detection light) emitted by the specimen, to be carried out in an economical manner at the main beamsplitter according to spectral bands because of the spectral difference between illumination light and excitation light. |
| US09588321B2 |
Imaging lens system, image capturing unit and electronic device
An imaging lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The fourth lens element has refractive power. The fifth lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof, wherein the image-side surface of the sixth lens element has at least one convex shape in an off-axis region thereof. |
| US09588310B2 |
Method and apparatus for aligning of opto-electronic components
A method for aligning a ferrule-mounted optical fiber with the optical axis of an electro-optical device, including the following steps: providing an alignment marking with respect to the device in relation to the optical axis; providing an annular receptacle and a tubular alignment pin with a central passageway, having its proximal end slidably fitted in the annulus of the receptacle; aligning the proximal end of the alignment pin with the alignment marking; securing the device to the receptacle; removing the alignment pin from the receptacle; and inserting the ferrule-mounted optical fiber into the receptacle. |
| US09588306B2 |
Fiber optic module assemblies and connector assemblies using the same
Fiber optic module assemblies and optical-electrical connectors incorporating the same are disclosed. The fiber optic module assembly generally includes a total-internal-reflection (“TIR”) module having TIR body including a TIR surface to direct light to active optical components. The TIR body is coupled to a lens module including a lens body having a plurality of lens surfaces. A plurality of optical fibers may be secured within fiber support features of the TIR body that aligns ends of the optical fibers to the lenses defined by the lens body. Alignment features and index-matching adhesive may be used to couple the TIR body to the lens body. Optical-electrical connectors employing such two-piece fiber optic module assemblies are also disclosed, as well as kits of parts for providing optical communication of light between an active optical component and an optical fiber. |
| US09588304B2 |
Secure SC optical fiber connector and removal tools
An optical fiber connector plug having an anti-snag guide to prevent the plug from being caught on corners and edges when an attached cable is being pulled around corners and edges during installation and removal of the optical fiber connector plug. The optical fiber connector plug includes a unique arrangement of different width apertures corresponding to a removal tool having corresponding different width prongs to be received by the apertures to release the optical fiber connector plug from a coupling adapter. |
| US09588302B2 |
Expanded-beam connector with molded lens
An expanded-beam connector comprising a sleeve for holding at least one fiber and one lens body, the sleeve having an interior surface having a certain geometry, a fiber having a fiber end face, and a lens body, the lens body being formed with a first face and a second face, the first and second faces being substantially planar, the first face having an interface point for optically coupling with the fiber end face, the second face having a convex surface, the interface point and the convex surface being optically coupled through the lens body, the lens body having an outer periphery at least a portion of which has the certain geometry such that the lens body is held in a precise radial position relative to the sleeve when disposed in the sleeve. |
| US09588293B2 |
MEMS based photonic devices and methods for forming
Various particular embodiments include a primary waveguide including an end section; cantilevered waveguides, each cantilevered waveguide including an end section disposed adjacent the end section of the primary waveguide; and control pins for applying an electrical bias to the cantilevered waveguides to selectively displace the end sections of the cantilevered waveguides away from the end section of the primary waveguide. |
| US09588292B2 |
Integrated photonic devices based on waveguides patterned with optical antenna arrays
Integrated photonic devices including an optical waveguide patterned with an array of antennas are provided. The small footprint, lightweight, and broadband integrated photonic devices provided can be configured into waveguide mode converters, polarization rotators, perfect absorbers, photodetectors, optical power diodes, nonlinear optical elements, heat-assisted magnetic recorders, optical isolators, and optical circulators. |
| US09588291B2 |
Structure for optical waveguide and contact wire intersection
A device and a method for manufacturing the device are presented. The device includes a ridge, a peninsula formation, and a conductive trace. The ridge is defined within a semiconducting material. The peninsula formation is also defined within the semiconducting material and is adjacent to the ridge such that a gap exists between an end face of the peninsula formation and a side wall of the ridge. The conductive trace bridges across the gap such that the conductive trace runs over a top surface of the peninsula and a top surface of the ridge. |
| US09588290B2 |
Photonic integrated device
This document describes a photonic device which makes it possible to both separate and combine bands of wavelengths in optical signals. To this end, the device described herein has a star coupler, a set of optical input waveguides connected to the input port of the star coupler, a waveguide grouping connected to the output port of the start coupler and a set of reflectors and phase shifters connected to said waveguide grouping. This document also provides details of a manufacturing process of the previously described device and a method for handling optical signals that makes use thereof. |
| US09588289B1 |
Cointegration of optical waveguides, microfluidics, and electronics on sapphire substrates
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide on a sapphire substrate. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide each include a core portion of gallium nitride (GaN), and a cladding layer laterally surrounding the core portion. The cladding layer includes a material having a refractive index less than a refractive index of the sapphire substrate. The method further includes etching a portion of the cladding layer to form a microfluidic channel therein and forming a capping layer on a top surface of the first optical waveguide, the second optical waveguide and the microfluidic channel. |
| US09588285B2 |
High bandwidth multimode optical fiber optimized for multimode and single-mode transmissions
It is proposed an optical fiber including an optical core and an optical cladding surrounding the optical core. The optical core has a refractive graded-index profile with a minimal refractive index n1 and a maximal refractive index n0. The optical fiber has a numerical aperture NA and an optical core radius α satisfying a criterion C of quality of optical communications defined by the following equation: C=NA−0.02×a where: NA=√{square root over (n02−n12)}=n0·√{square root over (2Δ)} with Δ = n 0 2 - n 1 2 2 n 0 2 , Δ is the normalized refractive index difference. The minimal and maximal refractive indexes n1, n0 and the optical core radius a are chosen such that NA>0.20, a>10 μm and |C|<0.20. |
| US09588284B2 |
Multi-core fiber
In a C band and an L band, the effective refractive indices of light propagating through the cores 11 and 21 adjacent to each other are different from each other such that a magnitude of crosstalk of light of a highest-order LP mode commonly propagating through the cores 11 and 21 adjacent to each other between the cores 11 and 21 adjacent to each other becomes a peak at a bending diameter smaller than a diameter of 100 mm, and the core has a higher refractive index in a center portion than in an outer circumferential portion such that a differential mode group delay of the cores 11 and 12 is 700 picoseconds/km or less. |
| US09588281B2 |
Snap-fit for fixing optical film, and backlight module and liquid crystal display with the same
A snap-fit for fixing optical films is disclosed. The optical film includes at least one ear hook arranged above a border of a plastic frame. The plastic frame is assembled with a back frame so as to fix a light guiding plate within the back frame. The snap-fit includes a press portion and a connection portion extending from a first side of the press portion. The connection portion and the press portion cooperatively form an angle with a predetermined degree. The press portion presses the ear hook of the optical films on the border of the plastic frame. The connection portion clasps with the hook of the sidewall. By adopting the snap-fit, not only the narrow bezel design can be achieved, but also the optical film can be stably fixed. A backlight module with the above snap-fit and the liquid crystal display are also disclosed. |
| US09588279B2 |
Light guide plate, backlight module, and display device
A light guide plate includes a light exit surface, a reflection surface opposite to the light exit surface, at least one light incidence surface connecting to the light exit surface and the reflection surface, and two side surfaces. The reflection surface includes first and second minute projection structures projecting toward interior of the light guide plate, the second minute projection structures being arranged between the first minute projection structures and the two side surfaces of the light guide plate. The first minute projection structures each include at least two side faces coated with a high reflectivity material and forming at least one included angle pointing toward the at least one light incidence surface. The second minute projection structures each include a side face coated with a high reflectivity material and defining two angles, which are less than 90°, with respect to a light incidence surface and a side surface. |
| US09588275B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display device
This invention discloses a backlight module comprises a light guide plate, a middle frame, a quantum strip, and a light source disposed approximate to a light input surface of the light guide plate. The middle frame comprises a supporting portion and a containing portion connecting to the supporting portion, the supporting portion is disposed on a light output surface of the light guide plate, and the containing portion is disposed between the light source and the light input surface. The containing portion comprises a containing space, the quantum strip is disposed in the containing space, the a light transmitting hole is disposed on a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the containing portion for transmitting light from the light source via the quantum strip to radiate the light input surface of the light guide plate. This invention also discloses a liquid crystal display device comprises the above mentioned backlight module. The display device and backlight module in this invention is easy for assembly and reduces the risk of broking the quantum strip. The production yield is improved. |
| US09588273B2 |
Optical pattern sheet, backlight unit, and liquid crystal display having the same
A backlight unit including an optical pattern sheet and a liquid crystal display are provided. The backlight unit includes a light guide plate, a light source portion arranged adjacent to a side surface of the light guide plate to emit light, a mold frame having an extension portion that covers an upper portion of the light source portion and a part of an upper portion of the light guide plate, and an optical pattern sheet arranged on a lower portion of the extension portion to shade or diffuse incident light, wherein the optical pattern sheet includes a base film and an optical pattern portion positioned on the base film. |
| US09588271B2 |
Organic EL display element having optical stack
An organic EL display device includes at least a polarizer layer, a λ/2 plate, a λ/4 plate and an organic EL panel in this order, and an in-plane retardation Re2(550) of the λ/4 plate at 550 nm satisfies 115≦Re2(550)≦155, and an in-plane retardation Re1(550) of the λ/2 plate at 550 nm satisfies Re1(550)=2×Re2(550)±50 nm. |
| US09588268B2 |
Infrared shielding film
An infrared shielding film includes a laminated body including a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer, the high refractive index layer and the low refractive index layer being alternately laminated and including a high refractive index material and a low refractive index material, respectively, and the high refractive index material and the low refractive index material having mutually different refractive indexes. The infrared film also includes a primary reflection unit providing a primary reflection band with reflectivity exceeding 60% in near-infrared region in reflection spectra of the infrared shielding film for incident light angles of 0° and 60°. In a short-wavelength side of the primary reflection band, wavelengths exhibiting 70% reflectivity of the peak value in the primary reflection band are referred to as s(0) nm and s(60) nm, respectively, a relationship s(60) nm>700 nm is satisfied. |
| US09588266B2 |
Optical filter and optical apparatus
There is provided an optical filter of the type having absorption and with low reflection, which includes a light-transmitting substrate; and a light-absorbing gradient refractive index thin film provided on the substrate and whose refractive index changes so as to be close to the refractive index of the substrate toward the substrate side in a film thickness direction. There is also provided an optical apparatus using the optical filter. |
| US09588265B2 |
Color filter forming substrate, method of manufacturing same and display device
A color filter forming substrate used in a multifunctional terminal is provided which has a frame disposed surrounding respective colored layers for a color filter and having a non-display area formed by the frame portion all around a boundary between the display area and the frame, and specifically has a transparent substrate as a base material; and, on one side of the base material, colored layers of respective colors for a color filter disposed in a display area and a frame portion comprising a light-shielding colored layer disposed as a region not for display around a periphery of the region for display. The color filter forming substrate is used for a display device. |
| US09588263B2 |
Display element having buried scattering anti-glare layer
A display element for viewing a display such as, for example, a display on an electronic device. The display element comprises a transparent substrate and a scattering anti-glare layer located between a front surface and back surface of the display element, wherein the scattering anti-glare layer comprises a plurality of scattering elements. The scattering anti-glare layer has low reflectivity and provides an anti-glare effect for light reflected by interfaces within the display element. |
| US09588255B1 |
Dispersion management with metamaterials
An apparatus, system, and method to counteract group velocity dispersion in fibers, or any other propagation of electromagnetic signals at any wavelength (microwave, terahertz, optical, etc.) in any other medium. A dispersion compensation step or device based on dispersion-engineered metamaterials is included and avoids the need of a long section of specialty fiber or the need for Bragg gratings (which have insertion loss). |
| US09588251B2 |
Stabilizing a spectrum using two points
A histogram includes a plurality of channels Ch1, Ch2, . . . ChN, which have respective channel numbers C1, C2, . . . CN. ChA with channel number CA, 1 |
| US09588250B2 |
Three-coil system with short nonconductive inserts for transient MWD resistivity measurements
A three-coil bucking system is used for determination of a formation resistivity property ahead of the drill bit. The conductive drill pipe is provided with non-conductive inserts in the proximity of at least one transmitter and at least two receivers. Transient electromagnetic signals are processed to give the estimate of the resistivity property and for geosteering. |
| US09588244B2 |
Predicting interbed multiples in seismic data using beam decomposition
A method of attenuating interbed multiples in multiply-reflected seismic waves is performed at a computer system, the method including: providing multiple beams of seismic data and an earth model related to a geological volume; selecting one of the beams as an input beam associated with a pair of source and detector located near a top surface of the geological volume; determining at least one of (i) a source-side stationary pegleg arrival and a corresponding detector-side primary beam and (ii) a detector-side stationary pegleg arrival and a corresponding source-side primary beam; predicting an interbed multiples beam using at least one of (i) the detector-side primary beam delayed by the source-side stationary pegleg arrival and (ii) the source-side primary beam delayed by the detector-side stationary pegleg arrival; and deconvolving the predicted interbed multiples beam with the input beam to remove at least a portion of interbed multiples present in the input beam. |
| US09588241B2 |
Frequency-varying filtering of simultaneous source seismic data
Seismic data acquired by independent simultaneous sweeping (ISS®) techniques are processed is to attenuate random uncompressed cross-talk signals and improve the resolution of the pre-stack migrated time image. A frequency-varying mean filter is applied on cross-spread offset-azimuth gathers of the data. The frequency-space domain filter may vary its window size according to the characteristics of the cross-talk. |
| US09588238B2 |
X-ray detectors
An X-ray detector may include a silicon substrate including a first area and a second area; a plurality of pixels in the first area configured to detect X-rays; a control pad in the second area configured to supply a common control signal to the plurality of pixels; and/or a power supply pad in the first area configured to supply a power supply voltage to groups of pixels grouped from among the plurality of pixels. |
| US09588232B2 |
Method and apparatus for imaging of radiation sources
A fiberscope comprises a scintillator arranged to produce light of a first wavelength upon exposure to radiation; an optical system arranged to receive and direct light of the first wavelength emitted from the scintillator, the light being received at one end of the optical system, and wherein one or more elements of the optical system emits scintillation light of a second wavelength upon exposure to radiation; and an optical filter, disposed at the other end of the optical system, and arranged to transmit light of the first wavelength and block light of the second wavelength. The scintillator is chosen such that the light of the first wavelength is spectrally distinct from the light of the second wavelength. |
| US09588231B2 |
X-ray device and X-ray detector for an X-ray device
An X-ray device according to an embodiment of the invention includes an X-ray detector including a number of detector elements, the detector elements being subdivided into at least two subgroups, each of spatially linked detector elements. The X-ray device or the X-ray detector includes a voltage supply unit for providing a fundamental voltage. The X-ray detector includes two voltage transformers, of which each is associated with respectively one of the two subgroups. And each of the voltage transformers is configured for converting the fundamental voltage into a detector operating voltage for the detector elements, which is lower than the fundamental voltage. |
| US09588228B2 |
Method of positioning and electronic apparatus using the same
An electronic apparatus includes a selection unit, a storage unit and a processing unit. The selection unit and the storage unit are coupled to the processing unit. The selection unit selects a first reference point proximate to the electronic apparatus. The storage unit stores a plurality of second locations of a plurality of second reference points. The processing unit executes a single-point distance measurement between the electronic apparatus and a first location of the selected first reference point, provides the electronic apparatus auxiliary positioning information by selecting the second locations stored in the storage unit and generates a speculative location of the electronic apparatus by further computing the results of the single-point distance measurement and the auxiliary positioning information. |
| US09588225B2 |
Apparatus for measuring positions of other apparatus and method therefor
Disclosed are an apparatus for measuring position of other apparatus and a method for the same. The apparatus may comprise at least one light emitting part transmitting a photo signal, at least one light receiving part receiving a photo signal transmitted from other apparatus, and a signal processing part controlling the at least one light emitting part to transmit the photo signal including identification information of itself, acquiring identification information of the other apparatus based on the photo signal received from the other apparatus, and acquiring a positional information of the other apparatus based on the acquired identification information of the other apparatus. Thus, the apparatus located in an arbitrary space may accurately acquire relative positional information of counterpart apparatuses. |
| US09588221B2 |
Radar apparatus and method of processing incoming waves for the radar apparatus
In a radar apparatus, one frequency pair is extracted from among all frequency pairs, and an eigenvalue ratio in relation to the extracted pair is derived. The number of incoming waves is estimated according to the number of eigenvalue ratios each of which is not less than a reference threshold. Then, a proportion of the frequency pairs each estimated to have a plurality of incoming waves, relative to all frequency pairs (hereinafter referred to as plural detection proportion) is calculated as an evaluation value. These steps are repeated every time radar waves are transmitted and received. As a result, when a state where the plural detection proportion becomes not less than a specified proportion is detected over a specified number of cycles, it is determined that noise factor materials have adhered to a covering member. |
| US09588213B2 |
Analog signal processing method for accurate single antenna direction finding
Embodiments are directed to receiving an incoming signal, converting, by an analog circuit, the signal to a discrete time signal, applying, by the analog circuit, a transformation algorithm to the discrete time signal to obtain frequency samples of the discrete time signal, applying, by the analog circuit, a cross correlation algorithm to the frequency samples to obtain a cross spectral density (CSD), detecting, by the analog circuit, phase slopes associated with the CSD, and calculating an angle of arrival (AoA) of the incoming signal based on the phase slopes. |
| US09588211B2 |
Apparatus and method for resetting a Z-axis sensor flux guide
A method and apparatus eliminate magnetic domain walls in a flux guide by applying, either simultaneously or sequentially, a current pulse along serially positioned reset lines to create a magnetic field along the flux guide, thereby removing the magnetic domain walls. By applying the current pulses in parallel and stepping through pairs of shorter reset lines segments via switches, less voltage is required. |
| US09588210B2 |
Analysis apparatus, analysis method and analysis system
Provided is an analysis apparatus capable of acquiring a measurement result with high reliability that includes: a signal detection unit; a measuring unit; a first temperature detection unit; a second temperature detection unit; and a calculation unit. |
| US09588200B2 |
Method for adjusting static magnetic field homogeneity, static magnetic field generation device for magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic field adjustment system, and program
In order to avoid the duplication of the period and cost required for magnetic field adjustment, minimize the magnetic field adjustment period in a final installation site, and achieve highly efficient magnetic field adjustment of a magnet, a method for adjusting the homogeneity of a static magnetic field generated in a measurement space by a static magnetic field generation means by disposing magnetic field correction means for generating a corrected magnetic field with respect to the static magnetic field comprises: a step for measuring the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field generation means; a step for expanding the spatial distribution of the measured static magnetic field in a series; a first magnetic field adjustment step for correcting a high-order term irregular magnetic field components expanded in a series; and a second step for adjusting a low-order irregular magnetic field component, the second step being performed after the first adjustment step. |
| US09588197B2 |
Combined HF/shim/gradient signal routing
A method and a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) system are provided. The MRT system includes at least one cable. The MRT system is configured to transmit high frequency (HF) signals for at least one HF transmitting coil, and shim signals for at least one shim coil and/or gradient signals for at least one gradient coil in the at least one cable. |
| US09588193B2 |
Magnetic sensor, magnetic inspection device, and sheet processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, a magnetic sensor includes: a case disposed facing an object that is to be detected; a plurality of magnetic sensing portions accommodated inside the case; and a magnetic generator disposed inside the case, between the plurality of magnetic sensing portions and the object that is to be detected. |
| US09588191B1 |
High linearity superconducting radio frequency magnetic field detector
A superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) comprises a superconducting inductive loop with at least two Josephson junction, whereby a magnetic flux coupled into the inductive loop produces a modulated response up through radio frequencies. Series and parallel arrays of SQUIDs can increase the dynamic range, output, and linearity, while maintaining bandwidth. Several approaches to achieving a linear triangle-wave transfer function are presented, including harmonic superposition of SQUID cells, differential serial arrays with magnetic frustration, and a novel bi-SQUID cell comprised of a nonlinear Josephson inductance shunting the linear coupling inductance. Total harmonic distortion of less than −120 dB can be achieved in optimum cases. |
| US09588190B2 |
Resonant MEMS lorentz-force magnetometer using force-feedback and frequency-locked coil excitation
A method includes supplying a current to at least one conductive path integral with a MEMS device to thereby exert a Lorentz force on the MEMS device in the presence of a magnetic field. The method includes determining the magnetic field based on a control value in a control loop configured to maintain a constrained range of motion of the MEMS device. The control loop may be configured to maintain the MEMS device in a stationary position. The current may have a frequency equal to a resonant frequency of the MEMS device. |
| US09588189B2 |
System and method of detecting ultra weak magnetic field
A system of detecting magnetic field comprises a magnetic impedance element surrounded by a detection coil, a stimulus unit that generates pulse signal of programmable rise/fall time to drive the magnetic impedance element, and a signal detection module that detects signal on the detection coil, wherein the signal detection module includes a buffer unit having adjustable bandwidth for shaping output signal of the detection coil, a signal amplify unit that includes a sample and hold circuit and a chopping programmable gain amplifier to amplify buffered signal from the buffer unit, a signal processing unit that processes amplified signal from the signal amplify unit by applying a selectable algorithm to output detection result, and a control unit that connects the signal processing unit to generate control parameters of the stimulus unit, the buffer unit, the signal amplify unit, and the signal processing unit. |
| US09588188B1 |
System and method of monitoring an electronic discharge device in an air purfication system
A method and system of remotely monitoring an operational status of electronic discharge devices in an air purification system senses emitted radiation at a location proximate the air purification system, alone or in combination with a determination of an amount of time remaining in an operational lifetime of the electronic discharge device, or an amount of power delivered to at least one of the electronic discharge devices. A determination of the operational status of at least one of the electronic discharge devices is made based on at least emitted radiation, and the status information is transmitted to a remote monitoring unit that receives the status information and displays an indicator of operational status. In one embodiment, the operational status of a UV-C germicidal lamp may be monitored using optically sensitive devices located within a purification system. |
| US09588187B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating battery life during driving of electrical vehicle (EV)
An apparatus for estimating a battery life includes a battery monitor configured to monitor an output signal from a battery; a steady state detector configured to detect a first steady state in which the output signal stays in a steady state and a second steady state differing from the first steady state; and an estimator configured to estimate a battery life from a variation of the output signal in a transient state in which the output signal transitions from the first steady state to the second steady state. |
| US09588183B2 |
Short-circuit inspection method for secondary cell
A secondary battery is charged at a predetermined charging current density to a first SOC, and discharged at a discharging current density same as the charging current density to a second SOC smaller than the first SOC, the voltage thereof is stabilized by leaving the secondary battery for a predetermined time while maintaining the secondary battery in the range of ±3° C. from the battery temperature of the secondary battery that has been discharged, the secondary battery the voltage of which has been stabilized is self-discharged under room temperature, and the presence or absence of a short-circuit is detected on the basis of a voltage drop amount after a given time. |
| US09588181B2 |
Electrochemical cell monitoring and balancing circuit with self-diagnostic feature
A system and method for measuring a voltage of electrochemical cells of a pack. The system includes circuit elements individually associated with respective electrochemical cells of the pack and having electrical characteristics that are different such that individual electrochemical cells can be distinguished from one another. The system also includes a measurement circuit configured to measure the voltage of the electrochemical cells and to identify an electrochemical cell being measured based on an electrical characteristic of a circuit element associated with the electrochemical cell. Various self-diagnostic techniques are described, as well as techniques for measuring sense resistance, reducing sense resistance, and measuring changes in voltage of a cell over time. |
| US09588180B2 |
Architecture and method to determine leakage impedance and leakage voltage node
A circuit, system, machine-readable storage medium and method for detecting the presence of a leakage path in a multi-cell voltage source is described. The system includes a detection circuit, the detection circuit having a first, second and third amplifiers, a first input of the first amplifier connected to a first terminal of the voltage source and the first input of the second amplifier connected to a second terminal of the voltage source, a second input of each of the first and second amplifiers connected to a reference capacitor, and an output of each of the first, second and third amplifiers connected to a respective first, second and third outputs of the detection circuit; and a processor having inputs connected to the first and second outputs of the detection circuit. |
| US09588168B2 |
Fault location using traveling waves
The present disclosure relates to calculating a fault location in an electric power transmission system based on traveling waves. In one embodiment, a system consistent with the present disclosure may be configured to detect a fault in an electric power transmission system. The system may include a traveling wave detection subsystem configured to detect and measure traveling waves on a transmission line and a fault location estimation subsystem. The fault location estimation subsystem may receive from the traveling wave detection subsystem a first plurality of traveling waves on the transmission line generated during a reference event. The fault location estimation subsystem may receive from the traveling wave detection subsystem a second plurality of traveling waves generated during an unplanned event. An unmatched traveling wave in the second plurality of waves may be detected and a location of the unplanned event based on the unmatched traveling wave. |
| US09588167B2 |
Receiver
A receiver includes an internal antenna installed on a substrate and capable of receiving a wireless signal, and an external antenna connected to a connector, which is arranged on the substrate, and capable of receiving the wireless signal. A demodulator is arranged on the substrate and demodulates the wireless signals received through the internal antenna and the external antenna. An applying circuit is arranged on the substrate and applies a voltage to the external antenna via the connector. A disconnection detector is arranged on the substrate and detects whether the external antenna is disconnected based on a voltage or current applied by the applying circuit. The internal antenna forms a part of the applying circuit. |
| US09588161B2 |
Ionization balance device with shielded capacitor circuit for ion balance measurements and adjustments
In one example, this disclosure describes a circuit and techniques that may be used to measure the ion balance in an ionization balance device (10). The described circuit comprises a capacitor (22) that includes two conductors (23, 24), wherein a first one (23) of the conductors is exposed to the output of the ionization device, and the second one (24) of the conductors is shielded from the output of the ionization device. The first conductor may accumulate charge so as to quantify the output of the ionization balance device. A switch (29) may be used to discharge the first conductor at periodic intervals in order to measure the accumulated charge on the first conductor, and signal processing may be performed on this discharge measurement in order to generate feedback that can be used to control and adjust the output of an ion source. |
| US09588159B2 |
Energy management apparatus, system, method, and storage medium storing program
An acquisition unit acquires first measurement values of the amounts of electric power of respective branch circuits or respective load devices and second measurement values of the amount of electric power of a master circuit provided for a building from a measurement device. An overall set unit obtains an overall reference value on the basis of a history of the second measurement values, and the unit receives a reduction target to set an overall target value on the basis of the overall reference value and the reduction target. An individual set unit sets an individual target value by distributing the overall target value set in the overall set unit to the amounts of electric power of the respective branch circuits or the respective load devices as allocation objects. A display instruction unit instructs display of the individual target value and the first measurement values acquired by the acquisition unit. |
| US09588158B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining information on a power variation of a transmit signal
An apparatus for determining information on a power variation of a transmit signal comprises a power amplifier module, an antenna module and a power variation determining module. The power amplifier module amplifies a radio frequency transmit signal and the antenna module transmits at least partly the amplified radio frequency transmit signal. The power variation determining module determines a weighted sum of a first feedback signal derived from the amplified radio frequency transmit signal and a second feedback signal derived from the amplified radio frequency transmit signal. The first feedback signal and the second feedback signal comprise different dependencies on a varying impedance at the antenna module. Further, the power variation determining module generates a power variation signal based on the weighted sum. The power variation signal comprises information related to a power variation of the amplified radio frequency transmit signal. |
| US09588154B2 |
Method for operating a microcomputer apparatus
A method for operating a microcomputer apparatus includes provisioning an electrical reference voltage that is independent of an electrical supply voltage, continuously comparing a defined level of the electrical reference voltage with the electrical supply voltage, and performing a defined operation with the microcomputer apparatus for at least one defined ratio between the defined level of the electrical reference voltage and the electrical supply voltage. The provisioning and the continuous comparing involves using a functional module of the microcomputer apparatus. |
| US09588150B2 |
Electric current measuring apparatus
Current measuring device keeps fluctuation range for the ratio error in output within ±0.5% range and simplified assembly thereof. The measuring device includes at least a light entrance and exit, optical fiber for a sensor, Faraday rotator, first and second ¼-wavelength plates, polarization separator, light source, and signal-processing-circuit including a photoelectric-conversion-element. Optical fiber for a sensor has birefringence and includes one end wherein two circularly polarized light-beams having different rotation enter directions and another end reflects circularly polarized light-beams entered. Phase difference of two linearly polarized light-beams in the round-trip light path between two ¼-wavelength plates is compensated, and the Faraday rotational angle when the Faraday rotator is magnetically saturated set to 22.5°+α° so fluctuation range for ratio error in measured value of the current to be measured is set in range, ±0.5%. The crystal-axes on optical faces of two ¼-wavelength plates are set to be perpendicular or same direction. |
| US09588149B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting and compensating measurement errors due to transformer saturation in a meter
A current measurement circuit includes an integrator, first and second transformers, and a current measurement unit. The first transformer includes a first winding about a magnetic core. The magnetic core has an opening through which a current to be measured passes. The first winding is configured to generate a first current based on a first flux in the magnetic core. The second transformer includes second and third windings. The second winding is coupled to receive the first current from the first winding. The second winding has a terminal coupled to the third winding. The third winding is coupled to a first input of the integrator circuit. The output of the integrator circuit is operably coupled to provide an error current to the second transformer. The current measurement unit measures the current through the second winding of the second transformer. |
| US09588145B2 |
Electric power management apparatus and electric power management method
Disclosed herein is an electric power management apparatus including: an electric power measurement block configured to measure an electric power consumption amount of an electric power consumer; and an electric power comparison block configured to make a comparison between an electric power consumption amount measured by the electric power measurement block and an electric power demand forecast amount indicative of a forecast amount of an electric power demand of the electric power consumer. |
| US09588144B2 |
Current sensor
An apparatus and method make use of a single shunt and two or more instrumentation amplifiers, switchably measuring voltages at the shunt. This permits current measurement. At times each instrumentation amplifier has its input shorted, which permits zeroing out many sources of offset in the signal path of that amplifier. Dynamic range is several orders of magnitude better than known current measurement approaches, permitting coulometry. |
| US09588142B2 |
Electronic device handling apparatus and electronic device testing apparatus
Provided is an electronic device handling apparatus capable of increasing the number of simultaneous measurements while suppressing the increase in cost. An electronic device handling apparatus, which moves bare dies relative to a probe card, includes: a thermal head which includes a plurality of holding regions each of which holds the bare die and has openings; at least one lift unit which is movably held by the thermal head so as to correspond to the holding regions and is able to advance and retreat through the openings; a moving device which moves the thermal head; and a fixed arm which is able to support the one lift unit. |
| US09588141B2 |
Probe device having spring probe
A probe device includes a spring probe having a spring sleeve with at least a spring section and a connection segment fixed to a needle and having a convex portion protruding over an outer cylinder surface of the spring section, and a probe seat having stacked dies and at least a guiding hole through which the probe is inserted. The dies includes a lower die, a supporting die above the lower die and a non-circular supporting hole at the supporting die. The distance between a supporting surface and a center of the supporting hole is greater than the radius of the outer cylinder surface and smaller than the distance between a guiding surface of the supporting hole and the center, which is greater than the maximum distance between the convex portion and a needle center, thereby preventing the probe receiving external force from exceeding deflection and bending. |
| US09588136B2 |
Method and apparatus of operating a scanning probe microscope
An improved mode of AFM imaging (Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode) uses force as the feedback variable to reduce tip-sample interaction forces while maintaining scan speeds achievable by all existing AFM operating modes. Sample imaging and mechanical property mapping are achieved with improved resolution and high sample throughput, with the mode workable across varying environments, including gaseous, fluidic and vacuum. |
| US09588134B2 |
Increased dynamic range sensor
Some aspects of the present disclosure provide for a sensor system having a large range between minimum and maximum allowed input quantities. In some embodiments, the sensor system has a nonlinear sensor and a linear sensor. The nonlinear sensor is generates a first nonlinear signal corresponding to a detected physical input quantity. The linear sensor generates a second linear signal corresponding to the detected physical input quantity. A signal processor receives the first nonlinear signal and the second linear signal and generates a composite output signal that corresponds to the detected physical input quantity. The composite output signal is a combination of the first nonlinear signal and the second linear signal that provides for a signal having a high sensitivity to small physical input quantities while avoiding saturation at large physical input quantities. |
| US09588132B2 |
Validation method for automated analyzers
Method for validating the accuracy of automated analyzers by performing an improved dual dye ratio method procedure that uses at least first and second dye solutions in combination with gravimetric measurement of selected test solutions. |
| US09588128B2 |
Peptide biomarkers of cardiovascular disease
The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods for diagnosing a cardiovascular disease in a subject by determining an amount of one or more peptide biomarkers disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject. The presently-disclosed subject matter further provides methods for determining treatment efficacy and/or progression of a cardiovascular disease in a subject by measuring amounts of one or more of the biomarkers in a biological sample from the subject. The presently-disclosed subject matter also provides antibodies and kits for measuring the biomarkers. |
| US09588124B2 |
Shape tunable plasmonic nanoparticles
Noble metal nanoparticles and methods of their use are provided. Certain aspects provided solid noble metal nanoparticles tuned to the near infrared. The disclosed nanoparticles can be used in molecular imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods for imaging cells are also provided. |
| US09588123B2 |
Compositions and methods for in vitro diagnostic tests including zwitterionic solubilization reagent
The disclosure is directed to compositions, kits, and methods for performing colorimetric analysis. A composition for a colorimetric assay can be prepared that includes an aromatic amine chromogenic substrate and a zwitterionic solubilization reagent that is N,N,N-trimethylglycine (betaine). The zwitterionic solubilization reagent is highly useful as a non-encapsulating solubilization reagent and provided faster kinetics and increased dye content of an aromatic amine chromogenic substrate in an enzymatic reaction. In turn, this can result in improvements in detection of an analyte in a sample and also can increase the sample throughput. The aromatic amine chromogenic substrate and N,N,N-trimethylglycine solubilization reagent can be used in assays such as ELISAs in order to provide a more accurate and faster detection of analytes in a biological sample. |
| US09588118B2 |
Devices for performing colorimetric assay with plucked human hair
Apparatuses are disclosed for performing calorimetric assays with plucked human hair using a device adapted for that purpose. This device may include a transparent reaction vessel connected via a capillary tube to a burst pack, and connected via another capillary tube to a funnel, into which a plucked human hair may be placed. |
| US09588117B2 |
Detecting cells secreting a protein of interest
In some cases, the described systems and methods include obtaining a cell sample containing multiple antibody-producing cells. In such cases, the cells can be tagged with a cross-linking reagent having a first portion configured to bind to a marker on the antibody-producing cells and a second portion configured to bind to an antigen of interest. In some instances, the tagged antibody-producing cells are exposed to the antigen of interest such that the antigen becomes bound to the cells. In some such instances, the antibody-producing cells are also allowed to produce an antibody, such that a portion of the antibody-producing cells produce an antigen-specific antibody that binds to the antigen of interest. To identify cells that produce the antigen-specific antibody, the tagged cells can be exposed to a labeled secondary antibody that is configured to bind to the antigen-specific antibody. Other implementations are also described. |
| US09588116B2 |
Differential diagnostic method and kit for infectious and parasitic diseases, using flow cytometry
The present invention relates to a differential diagnostic method using flow cytometry, performed by means of differential fluorescent marking of biological agents, such as cells and pathogens of interest, with fluorescent substances. The diagnostic method generally consists in performing fluorescent marking of biological agents with gradual concentrations of fluorescent substances, and in analyzing the reactivity profile of IgG1 to the biological agents. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic kit. |
| US09588112B2 |
Detection of target components with the help of indicator particles
The invention relates to a system and a method for the detection of target components (102) in a sample with the help of indicator particles (101) distributed in said sample. The distance (d) between indicator particles (101) and a contact surface (112) is determined after the target components could bind to the contact surface and/or the indicator particles. Thus it is possible to detect how many target components (102) are bound without a need for a binding between indicator particles (101) and contact surface (112). Optionally the indicator particles (101) can be affected by a modulated force, e.g. via an electromagnet (141). The determination of the distance (d) between indicator particles (101) and contact surface (112) may for example be achieved by frustrated total internal reflection, measurement of magnetic fields, or FRET. |
| US09588108B2 |
Apparatus for simultaneous detection of amines and thiols
Disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneous detection of amines and thiols. |
| US09588092B2 |
Relative humidity saturated salt generator
Disclosed RH generators include a lower component having a first chamber and an upper component including a second chamber, the upper component being coupled to the lower component to couple the first chamber to the second chamber. The first chamber is configured to contain liquid water and generate 100% RH, while the second chamber is configured to contain salt and generate a second RH less than 100% RH. A first membrane is positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber to allow water vapor to pass between the first and second chambers while blocking liquid water, the salt, and other larger molecules. The upper component is couplable to an RH probe with a second membrane separating the second chamber from the RH probe, which allows water vapor to pass between the second chamber and the RH probe to expose the RH probe to the second RH. |
| US09588091B2 |
Method and composition for detecting oxidizing salts
The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of oxidizing salts. According to the current invention, analyte is collected on a swipe and subsequently heated to a temperature sufficient to release a detectible vapor phase component of the oxidizing salt. The vapor phase component passes reacts with a pH sensitive molecule. Reaction of the vapor phase product with the pH sensitive molecule produces a detectible change in response intensity. |
| US09588090B2 |
Method for the determination of film-forming amines
Within a method for the determination of film-forming amines in liquids by adding a reacting agent with the amine to form a colored complex to be measured by photometric method for the reaction the pH of the liquid mixture is lowered by using hydrochloric acid. |
| US09588083B2 |
Determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow
A method of determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line, including obtaining a vibration signal from the fluid flow using a vibration sensor comprising a target disposed in the fluid flow which vibrates in response to fluid flow in the fluid line. The vibration signal is analyzed to determine a first energy parameter which is related to the energy of the vibration signal within a first frequency band, and a second energy parameter which is related to the energy of the vibration signal within a second frequency band; and a phase composition parameter, such as a dryness parameter, relating to the phase compositions of the fluid flow is determined using the first and second energy parameters. An apparatus for determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line. |
| US09588080B2 |
Nanopore sensor for detecting molecular interactions
A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged carbon nanotube to pass but to block a molecule attached to the carbon nanotube. The opening is filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged carbon nanotubes passing into the opening, and to bias the electric field generator to determine a critical voltage related to a force of separation between the carbon nanotube and the molecule. |
| US09588077B2 |
Nanoelectronic electrochemical test device
Nanoelectronic devices for the detection and quantification of biomolecules are provided. In certain embodiments, the devices are configured to detect and measure blood glucose levels. Also provided are methods of fabricating nanoelectronic devices for the detection of biomolecules. |
| US09588072B2 |
Measurement apparatus and method of measurement
A measurement apparatus includes a measuring unit that carries out a potential measuring process that measures potential at measured positions on a surface of a laminated body, in which a plurality of plate-like or film-like component parts with different physical properties have been laminated, in a state where an electrical signal has been supplied to the surface, and a processing unit that carries out a computational process, which has been decided in advance, using measurement values of the potential that have been measured by the potential measuring process to find an interfacial resistance of an interface between the component parts in the laminated body. |
| US09588068B2 |
Combination NMR and dielectric measurement
Technologies applicable to detection and characterization of subsurface contaminants by NMR and dielectric measurements are disclosed. The disclosed technologies include methods for obtaining and combining data from NMR and dielectric measurements to detect, quantify, and characterize non-native non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminants located in geologic materials. |
| US09588064B2 |
Charged particle tomography with improved momentum estimation
Methods, devices, systems and computer program products produce and utilize improved momentum estimates for charged particles such as electrons and muons. One method for measuring momentum includes obtaining charged particle tomographic data at one or more charged particle position detectors corresponding to scattering angles of charged particles that pass through an object volume. The distribution of scattering angles associated with the charged particles is determined using measured data collected from the position detectors, based on deviations of local trajectories of the charged particles in one or more planes relative to a reference trajectory. The method also includes determining a length of the scattering material based on the characteristics of the position detectors and the charged particles' angle of incidence on the position detectors, and obtaining charged particle momentum estimates based on the determined distribution of scattering angles and the length of the scattering material. |
| US09588057B2 |
Method and device for rapidly detecting contaminants on high touch surfaces
A method and device for detecting and removing small particulate matter fluid and/or contaminants on high touch hard surfaces. |
| US09588055B2 |
Defect inspection apparatus and defect inspection method
A defect inspection apparatus includes: a seed light generator including a pulse signal generator that generates a pulse signal and a polarization modulator that outputs pulse light of any one of two polarization states orthogonal to each other in synchronization with the pulse signal output from the pulse signal generator; a wavelength converting unit including a branching mechanism that branches the pulse light output by the polarization modulator of the seed light generator using polarization and a converting unit that wavelength-converts the pulse light branched by the branching mechanism into beams of two different wavelengths, respectively; an illumination optical system that illuminates a surface of an inspected target material with the beams of the two different wavelengths converted by the wavelength converting unit; a detection optical system including a detecting unit that detects light generated by the beams of the two different wavelengths illuminated by the illumination optical system; and a signal processing system including a distributor that distributes a signal based on the light detected by the detecting unit of the detection optical system for each wavelength, on the basis of the pulse signal output from the pulse signal generator, and a defect determining unit that processes a signal based on the light distributed by the distributor and determines a defect. |
| US09588041B2 |
System and method for detection and measurement of interfacial properties in single and multilayer objects
A system for determining a material property at an interface between a first layer and a second layer includes a transmitter outputting electromagnetic radiation to the sample, a receiver receiving electromagnetic radiation that was reflected by or transmitted though the sample, and a data acquisition device. The data acquisition device digitizes the electromagnetic radiation to yield waveform data. The waveform data represents the radiation reflected by or transmitted though the sample. The material property to be determined is generally the adhesive strength between the first and second layers. |
| US09588034B1 |
Apparatus and method for automated permeation testing of vapor and liquid penetration
An apparatus and method for performing permeation testing on materials used in personal protective equipment is described. Two or more test cells are loaded with swatches of material and inserted into the testing apparatus. Chemicals to be tested on the material are loaded into one or more syringes and may be introduced into the top of the test cells as a liquid or a vapor. Vapor is collected from the bottom of the test cells, underneath the swatches of material, and tested for concentration of the chemicals being tested. The apparatus and method facilitates instantaneous breakthrough analysis, control of the sample environment and ease of operator use and calibration. |
| US09588030B2 |
Dihedral sensor for evaluating tension, potential and activity of liquids
In the dihedral sensor system, two flat plates are secured to a dihedron so that the distance (L) between the edge and the meniscus and the spacing between the plates (a) on the meniscus will be a function of the dihedron tangent (α). Thus, for pure water the tension (Ψ) is equal to the potential (T) and given by T=−2σ/[L tg(α)], wherein σ is the water surface tension. In order to measure water tension in the soil, the system is coupled to porous elements, while the sensor edge is pressed directly against roots and other plant organs. Water potential, instead, is measured with the edge positioned at a few micrometers from the sample and the response takes place after the exchange of a few picoliters of water, when the condition of balance of temperature and water vapor is approached. Visually, with a sliding gauge, one measures water tensions between zero and 0.3 MPa, while with the aid of a microscope the reading extends up to 3.0 MPa. The water activity corresponding to water potentials lower than −3.0 MPa can also be measured by adding a known number of molecules of solutes suitable for the water kept in the sensor. |
| US09588029B2 |
Dynamics performance testing system
A dynamics performance testing system, for use in testing the dynamics performance of an anchor rod or an anchor rode, comprising a main machine and a measurement and control system. The main machine comprises a vertical machine frame (1), a clamping apparatus (3) arranged on the top of the vertical machine frame (1) and used for vertically clamping the top end of a sample (6), where the sample (6) is provided at the bottom end thereof with a tray (61), a drop-hammering apparatus (2) used for being dropped vertically from the vertical machine frame (1) at a set height to impact the tray (61), a lifting apparatus used for lifting the drop-hammering apparatus at the bottom of the vertical machine frame (1) to the set height, and a protection apparatus used for physical protection and isolation to reduce bodily injury and noise. The measurement and control system controls the drop-hammering apparatus to select a parameter for drop-hammering and a process of lifting and dropping. The real-time impact on the tray (61) when the drop-hammering apparatus is dropped vertically is sensed by a force sensor, while real-time impact data received from a sensor device is analyzed, and a test result is outputted. The dynamics performance testing system is provided with versatility while the test result is accurate and reliable. |
| US09588021B2 |
Method for determining condition of piping and a sequence controlled sample pump
The invention relates to a sampling apparatus and method. In the sampling method, a sample is led through a flowline (20) to a pump (5) and from there on to sampling means (12, 13). According to the invention, the pump (5) is formed of an actual pump (5) and magnetic valves (4, 6) located on either side of it, which are controlled in such a way that the pumping is pulse-like. |
| US09588014B2 |
Error measuring method of gear
An error measuring method of gear includes: performing the single gear flank testing to the gear pair in order to produce a testing signal graph; the operation unit decomposing the testing signal graph by Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) to generate a plurality of intrinsic-mode-function graphs (IMFs), the intrinsic-mode-function graph (IMF) having a first function graph with a first range and a second function graph with a second range, the first range is greater than the second range; the operation unit selecting a plurality of third function graph from the intrinsic-mode-function graphs (IMFs), wherein the third range is greater than the second range but not greater than the first range; the operation unit combining the third function graphs to produce a graph of superposing function; the operation unit computing out a plurality of single pitch error, a plurality of adjacent pitch error and an accumulated pitch error. |
| US09588010B2 |
Apparatus for soil box experiment applying vibration
Provided is an apparatus for a soil box experiment applying vertical vibration. The apparatus for the soil box experiment applying the vertical vibration includes: a soil box for realizing a slope on which landslide occurs, the soil box being inclinedly disposed and having an opened upper portion to accommodate soil therein, a base member disposed under the soil box to support the soil box, and a vibration unit disposed on the base member to vertically vibrate the soil box. |
| US09588001B2 |
Pressure detecting apparatus made by 3D printing technologies being able to be used in dangerous areas
A pressure detecting apparatus made by 3D printing technologies being able to be used in dangerous areas is provided. It mainly comprises a light source, a processor, a coupler, and at least one pressure transducer. The pressure transducer comprises a main body and a fiber grating. The fiber grating comprises a fiber Bragg grating sensor, and the fiber grating is fixed on the main body and covers the fiber Bragg grating sensor. When the main body is placed in a fluid area, the fluid would flow through the opening to deform the strain layer and generate a strain variation on the fiber Bragg grating sensor to cause a signal variation in the reflection frequency spectrum. The coupler is configured to couple to the light source and the pressure transducer to decode the signal variation into pressure parameters. |
| US09588000B2 |
Pressure sensor and method for manufacturing same
A pressure introduction hole of a case has a first introduction hole extended in a predetermined direction to define a first end opening and a second introduction hole extended in a direction different from the predetermined direction to define a second end opening opposite from the first end opening. The second introduction hole is communicated to the first introduction hole. An angle defined between a wall surface of the first introduction hole and located adjacent to the second end opening and a wall surface of the second introduction hole and connected to the wall surface of the first introduction hole is larger than or equal to 90°. The second introduction hole has a communication part communicating with the first introduction hole, and a space increasing chamber further extending from the communication part away from the second end opening. |
| US09587997B2 |
Magnetostrictive torque sensor and electric power steering apparatus
A magnetostrictive torque sensor incorporated in an electric power steering apparatus includes first through fourth detection coils, which are disposed face-to-face with a magnetostrictive film across a bobbin winding holder that is disposed around an outer circumferential surface of the magnetostrictive film. A bobbin support, which supports the bobbin winding holder, is disposed on the bobbin winding holder at a central position in the axial direction of the first through fourth detection coils. |
| US09587996B2 |
Machine element and arrangement for measuring a force or a moment as well as a method for producing the machine element
A machine element designed for transferring a force and/or a torque and also for measuring the force or the torque to be transferred, as well as to an arrangement for measuring a force and/or a torque having such a machine element. A method for producing the machine element is also provided. The machine element according to the invention has a primary sensor for measuring the force to be transferred or the torque to be transferred and this sensor has a permanent magnetization. A measurable magnetic field occurring outside of the machine element is caused by the permanent magnetization and also by the force and/or by the torque. The permanent magnetization extends along a closed magnetization path. The permanent magnetization is formed in a surface layer of the machine element that has a greater magnetic permeability than at least the sections of the machine element located under the surface layer. |
| US09587995B2 |
Optical monitoring system
A monitoring system for an electric vehicle that draws current from a conductor is provided. The monitoring system includes a plurality of sensor modules distributed at spaced intervals throughout a conducting block of a current collector. The conducting block contacts the conductor in operation of the vehicle. Each sensor module comprises a strain sensor configured to output a first optical signal that reflects changes in strain and temperature of the conducting block and a strain-isolated temperature sensor that is configured to output a second optical signal that reflects changes in temperature of the conducting block. The monitoring system also includes an optical source for illuminating each sensor module and an optical signal interpretation module configured to receive first and second optical signals from each said sensor module. The optical signal interpretation module is configured to determine, from the optical signals, a temperature-independent strain measurement for each said sensor module. |
| US09587994B2 |
Semiconductor device
There is provided a semiconductor device which can provide desired output characteristics suitable to applications. A semiconductor device 10 includes a temperature sensing unit 11 which generates an analog sensing signal corresponding to a temperature, and an AD converter unit 12 which converts the analog sensing signal into a digital output signal corresponding to an adjusted temperature change rate based on a temperature change rate adjustment signal for adjusting the temperature change rate. The temperature change rate refers to a change in a detected temperature per bit of a digital output signal. |
| US09587991B2 |
Substrate layer adapted to carry sensors, actuators or electrical components
A substrate layer structure (100) is adapted to carry electronic device, or components, or electro-mechanical, or electro-chemical sensors, or a combination thereof, and is adapted to be attached to a surface of a human or animal body or biological species. The surface of the flexible substrate layer structure is patterned with a pre-fixed geometry formed by one or more slits (101-701, 502-702). The geometry is selected such that a stretchability of the substrate layer structure becomes adapted to the geometry of the body surface under it. |
| US09587989B2 |
Biological sample measurement device
Biological sample measurement device includes biological sample measuring instrument, and temperature information supply instrument which supplies temperature information regarding a measurement environment to biological sample measuring instrument and has holding portion of biological sample measuring instrument on the upper surface thereof. Biological sample measuring instrument has main body case, measurement unit provided inside main body case, a control unit connected to the measurement unit, and temperature information reception unit connected to the control unit. Holder has temperature sensor, and temperature information transmission unit which is connected to temperature sensor and transmits the temperature information to temperature information reception unit. |
| US09587987B2 |
Method and device for detection of multiple flame types
A flame detector includes an infrared detector and a first window covering the infrared detector. A second window is positioned in front of the first window. The flame detector is adapted to reject light having a wavelength below approximately 2 μm and to reject light having a wavelength above approximately 6 μm, allowing detection of flame from multiple sources. In variations, the windows in combination with the infrared detector may provide the rejection or a band pass filter provides the rejection. Still further variations utilize notch filters or a band reject filter to provide notches of light to the infrared detector corresponding to the wavelength of different flame sources to be detected. |
| US09587985B2 |
Optical transmission device, light guide plug, optical fiber plug, light reception device, and portable apparatus
A jack (10) of the invention includes a holding body (9) having an insertion hole (15) into which an optical plug is able to be inserted, a window material (6) through which infrared radiation passing through the insertion hole (15) is transmitted, and a light reception unit (2) which detects infrared radiation of 6 μm or more and 15 μm or less transmitted through the window material (6). The window material (6) is provided in the holding body (9) so as to prevent water from intruding into the light reception unit (2), and arranged at a bottom of the insertion hole (15). Thereby, it is possible to give a waterproof property to an element which receives infrared radiation without limitation to design or aesthetic appearance of an electronic apparatus. |
| US09587980B2 |
Spectroscopic sensor
A spectroscopic sensor 1 comprises an interference filter unit 20, having a cavity layer 21 and mirror layers 22, 23 opposing each other through the layer 21, for selectively transmitting therethrough light in a predetermined wavelength range according to an incident position thereof; a light-transmitting substrate 3, arranged on the layer 22 side, for transmitting therethrough light incident on the unit 20; and a light-detecting substrate 4, arranged on the layer 23 side, for detecting the light transmitted through the unit 20. The layer 21 has a filter region 24 held between the layers 22, 23; an annular surrounding region 25 surrounding the region 24 with a predetermined distance therefrom; and an annular connecting region 26 connecting an end part 24e on the substrate 4 side of the region 24 and an end part 25e on the substrate 4 side of the region 25 to each other. |
| US09587964B2 |
Capacitive proximity detection using delta-sigma conversion
Capacitive proximity detection is provided by combining a delta-sigma modulator and a capacitive voltage divider circuit to create a high resolution capacitive-to-digital converter. Period and duty cycle counters provide duty cycle ratios from the delta-sigma modulator for comparison of changes in capacitance values of a capacitive sensor when an object is in proximity thereto. |
| US09587960B2 |
System for piloting an aircraft, at least for piloting the aircraft during an autonomous approach for the purpose of landing
A system for piloting an aircraft during an autonomous approach for the purpose of landing. The piloting system has a flight guidance computer that directly computes, with the aid of a position indication and of information characterizing a virtual approach axis, linear deviations. Another computer computes aircraft piloting instructions using the linear deviations. |
| US09587954B2 |
System and method for vehicle routing using stochastic optimization
A vehicle system enabling a processor to calculate the most efficient route to a destination based on estimated energy usage, vehicle data, and other inputs until the final destination is reached. The vehicle system may receive location related data that may include the current vehicle location and one or more destination points. The vehicle system may receive one or more energy usage affecting parameters from a vehicle related system. The system may calculate a most efficient route based on the location related data and the one or more energy usage affecting parameters and present the most efficient route to a device. The vehicle system may repeat the steps of receiving, calculating, presenting until a destination is reached. |
| US09587953B2 |
Navigation device and navigation program
Navigation devices, methods, and programs acquire a departure point and a destination, accept a designation of a passing area, and determine a departure-point-side border point on a departure point side and a destination-side border point on a destination side in the designated passing area. The devices, methods, and programs calculate, as a travel route from the departure point to the destination through the passing area: (i) a departure-point-side travel route from the departure point to the departure-point-side border point; (ii) a passing area travel route from the departure-point-side border point to the destination-side border point; and (iii) a destination-side travel route from the destination-side border point to the destination. |
| US09587952B1 |
Altering autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operation based on route traversal values
A method is disclosed for mitigating the risks associated with operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by using calculated route traversal values to select less risky travel routes and/or modify vehicle operation. Various approaches to achieving this risk mitigation are presented. A computing device is configured to generate a database of route traversal values. This device may receive a variety of historical route traversal information, real-time vehicle information, and/or route information from one of more data sources and calculate a route traversal value for the associated driving route. Subsequently, the computing device may provide the associated route traversal value to other devices, such as a vehicle navigation device associated with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. An insurance company may use this information to help determine insurance premiums for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles by analyzing and/or mitigating the risk associated with operating those vehicles. |
| US09587945B2 |
Symmetric three-laser resonator fiber optic gyroscope
A resonator fiber optic gyroscope comprises a master laser that emits a reference optical signal, a first slave laser that emits a clockwise optical signal, and a second slave laser that emits a counter-clockwise optical signal. A resonator ring cavity in optical communication with the first slave laser and second slave laser is configured to receive the optical signals from the slave lasers without receiving the reference optical signal. A reflected optical signal from the cavity is directed to a feedback laser stabilization loop for the master laser that includes a common modulation frequency scheme. A frequency of the optical signal from the master laser is indirectly locked onto a resonance frequency of the cavity with a fixed frequency offset, which is determined by a relative frequency between the optical signal of the first slave laser or the second slave laser, and the optical signal of the master laser. |
| US09587943B2 |
High rate rotation sensing
One embodiment is directed towards an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for measuring an input rate of rotation about an input axis. The IMU includes a first three dimensional gyroscope disposed such that a first axis of its three axes is oriented at a skew angle in degrees away from a reference plane, wherein the reference plane is normal to the input axis. The IMU also includes one or more processing devices coupled to the first gyroscope. The IMU also includes one or more data storage devices coupled to the one or more processing devices, the one or more data storage devices including instructions which, when executed by the one or more processing devices, cause the one or more processing devices to calculate the input rate of rotation based on dividing a sensed rate of rotation about the first axis by the sine of the skew angle. |
| US09587937B2 |
Construction machine with setup assistance system for a sensor unit
A construction machine includes a sensor unit having a measurement range. The sensor unit is variable in its orientation relative to the construction machine, whereby position or orientation of the measurement range relative to the construction machine is also variable. The sensor unit is configured for detecting position of an external reference. The construction machine further includes a setup assistance system including a display configured to indicate to an operator while the sensor unit is oriented relative to the reference in which direction the sensor unit has to be moved in order for the reference to be located in the measurement range. The sensor unit is configured to detect a position of the reference relative to the sensor unit in at least two dimensions, and the display is configured to display the position of the reference relative to the measurement range for the at least two detected dimensions simultaneously. |
| US09587935B2 |
Method and device for detecting and analyzing deposits
The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting and analyzing deposits in liquid-bearing systems. More particularly, the device relates to being able to detect and analyze deposits in a liquid-bearing systems such as industrial plants that use and store fluids. The method relates to being able to determine a distribution of the run time of a detected ultrasonic reflection signal and analyzing the distribution to determine if deposits are deposited onto a reflecting area. |
| US09587934B2 |
Vehicle wheel alignment system and methodology
A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications. |
| US09587932B2 |
System for directly measuring the depth of a high aspect ratio etched feature on a wafer
A system (10) for directly measuring the depth of a high aspect ratio etched feature on a wafer (80) that includes an etched surface (82) and a non-etched surface (84). The system (10) utilizes an infrared reflectometer (12) that in a preferred embodiment includes a swept laser (14), a fiber circulator (16), a photodetector (22) and a combination collimator (18) and an objective lens (20). From the objective lens (20) a focused incident light (23) is produced that is applied to the non-etched surface (84) of the wafer (80). From the wafer (80) is produced a reflected light (25) that is processed through the reflectometer (12) and applied to an ADC (24) where a corresponding digital data signal (29) is produced. The digital data signal (29) is applied to a computer (30) that, in combination with software (32), measures the depth of the etched feature that is then viewed on a display (34). |
| US09587928B2 |
Coordinate measuring method and coordinate measuring machine for measuring surfaces, comprising an optical sensor
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a coordinate measuring method for detecting an object surface by means of a coordinate measuring machine, comprising a measuring head for accommodating a sensor, a guiding unit for producing a relative movement of the measuring head in relation to the object surface in at least one direction, an optical sensor for detecting the object surface, and a control unit, the object surface being optically detected by the optical sensor during the coordinate measuring method, and a data set representing a surface profile in an object profile domain being generated. The data set is filtered by simulating contact of the surface profile represented by the data set with a virtual tactile sensor, and a tactile data set is derived from the simulated contact such that the tactile data set represents a virtual tactile surface profile in a virtual sensor domain. |
| US09587926B2 |
Device for measuring airfoil spacing
A device and method for measuring the spacing between adjacent airfoils. A notched member engages a trailing edge of one of the adjacent airfoils with the notched member being rotatable about the one airfoil trailing edge. A wheel is rollable across the surface of the other airfoils while moving in a first direction toward and away from the notched member, and biased away from the notched member. A gauge secured to the notched member measures the distance of the guide from the notched member in the first direction. |
| US09587924B2 |
Shock detection circuit and method of shock detection
A shock detection circuit including: an electrical energy generating device configured to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to the acceleration; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device; and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the output and a reference voltage and to produce a result based on the comparison. |
| US09587920B1 |
Non-pyrotechnic, non-lethal spring powered disseminator
A non-pyrotechnic disseminator includes a body portion with a cover; a first compartment that holds disseminating materials; a spring-loaded piston; a cable connecting the piston to a base of the body portion: a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment; a control mechanism; and an initiator mechanism. The control mechanism sets a delay timing countdown for initiation of dissemination of the disseminating materials out of the body portion. The initiator mechanism begins the delay timing countdown. The second compartment includes a delay fuze module; and a cutting mechanism in contact with the cable. The delay fuze module processes the delay timing countdown, and upon expiration of the countdown, sends a signal to the cutting mechanism to cut the cable. When the cable cuts, the spring uncoils and pushes the piston, which forces the disseminating materials out of the body portion by rupturing the cover. |
| US09587917B1 |
Multifunctional electronic dart board with digital target display ring (DTDR)
The present invention features a dart board comprising a digital target display ring (DTDR) surrounding a target area. The DTDR is operatively connected to a controller with a microprocessor, wherein said microprocessor is configured to (a) receive an input signal from an input device when the input device is actuated, and (b) generate an output signal to the DTDR for the DTDR to display a unique graphic according to pre-programmed commands for the actuated input device. |
| US09587911B2 |
Magnetically stabilized firearm sight
A sight mechanism for firearms such as pistols, rifles and the like. The sight mechanism includes a sight member that has a rear sight that is vertically adjusted. The sight member can be mounted on a vertically moveable member that has a fixing member that sets the vertical position of the sight member. The vertically moveable member may, without limitation, be a pivoting member. The sight mechanism includes magnets that bias the vertical member against the fixing member so that the magnets maintain the sight at the vertical position defined by the fixing member. |
| US09587909B1 |
Modular disrupter cannon
A modular disruptor cannon includes three open-ended tubular structures. A first tubular housing defines a first interior region longitudinally aligned with a second interior region. The first tubular housing has external-surface threads at a first end thereof adjacent to the second interior region. A tubular insert is fitted in the second interior region. A second tubular housing defines a cap longitudinally aligned with a barrel. The barrel has an inside diameter equal to the inside diameter of the tubular insert. The cap has internal-surface threads for mating with the external-surface threads of the first tubular housing where the barrel is longitudinally aligned with the tubular insert. |
| US09587908B2 |
Systems and methods for carrying a weapon
Systems and methods for carrying a weapon are described herein. While such systems and methods can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include a shoulder strap that is configured to attach at a shoulder portion of an upper torso garment. In some cases, the shoulder strap includes an attachment mechanism that is configured to attach the shoulder strap to the shoulder portion of the upper torso garment. In some cases, a weapon attachment, such as a D-ring and/or a lanyard is attached to the shoulder strap so as to be disposed on an anterior portion of the shoulder strap when the shoulder strap is worn by a user. In some cases, the shoulder strap is configured to retain a weapon (such as an assault rifle) in a state of near readiness. Other implementations are described. |
| US09587906B1 |
Palm shelf insert
The palm shelf insert consists of insert, palm shelf, and fastener components. The palm shelf component is adjustably attached to the insert component, allowing the user to customize fit. This allows users with different hand sizes to utilize the palm shelf insert comfortably. The modular structure of the palm shelf insert, allows the user to use the components of the device interchangeably. One benefit of the present invention is that it enables the attachment of a palm shelf to a permanently-attached pistol grip. The palm shelf insert adds stability to the rifle, giving the user a stable platform on which to rest the rifle. It aids the user in maintaining a comfortable hand position and stabilizes the weapon. The palm shelf insert is inserted into the hollow cavity of permanently-attached pistol grip and is custom-made to fit any of a multitude of weapons. |
| US09587905B1 |
Gun slide grip
A gun slide grip is provided for installed use on a gun slide. The gun slide grip includes a flexible sheet member having a bottom side with an adhesive surface for attachment to a gun slide and a top side with a grip surface for engagement by user. The sheet member includes a body portion for positioning on a top side of a gun slide, and first and second segmented portions integrally adjoined to the body portion. The first segmented portion includes a first plurality of fingers for interposed positioning with a first plurality of serrations provided on a first side of a gun slide. The second segmented portion includes a second plurality of fingers interposed positioning with a second plurality of serrations provided on a second side of a gun slide. The body portion may include one or more alignment features for use in installing the gun slide grip on a gun slide. |
| US09587902B2 |
Archery bowstring weight
A weight for an archery bowstring comprises a tubular shape defining an internal cavity. The weight can comprise a single piece of material. The weight desirably frictionally engages a bowstring and has the same shape before and after installation. The weight comprises a continuous structure surrounding the bowstring that will not become detached. |
| US09587901B2 |
Archery bow
In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser, a first limb and a second limb. A drawstring extends between the first limb and the second limb, for example extending between rotatable members supported by the limbs. A first cable, such as a power cable, also extends between the first limb and the second limb. A cable guard is attached to the riser, which comprises a body portion and a cable engaging portion. The cable guard biases a portion of the first cable in a direction away from the riser. |
| US09587900B2 |
Omni-directional recoil energy absorption mechanism
An omni-directional recoil energy absorption mechanism has a slipping disk supported by a support plate carrying a weapon; and a cover plate covering the slipping disk and capturing it to create a sandwich structure of cover plate, slipping disk and support plate. Bolts act in conjunction with pressure springs to press the cover plate to the slipping disk toward the support plate and create friction forces in a plane of the slipping disk. Tension springs connect the slipping disk to the support plate under recoil force configured to return the slipping disk and the weapon to an initial position, in a center of the support and cover plates. The springs are preloaded to a pre-defined level to oppose, flexibly, the recoil forces in any vertical and radial directions, while absorbing the recoil energy by allowing the slipping of the slipping disk in between the cover and support plates. |
| US09587897B1 |
Interchangeable safety selector for firearms
An interchangeable safety selector that includes a generally cylindrical lock member rotatable between a safe and a fire position, wherein when the lock member is in the safe position a first portion of the lock member blocks movement of a portion of a firing mechanism of a firearm; a projection formed on each end of the lock member; and at least two lever members, each lever member having a recess mateable with the projection of the lock member, wherein the lever members are interchangeable, wherein one of the lever members is secured to a first end of the lock member via interaction of the projection and the recess and is further secured to the first end of the lock member via a screw. |
| US09587882B2 |
Hearth for a metallurgical furnace having an improved wall lining
A hearth for a metallurgical reactor, in particular for a blast furnace, has an outer shell and an annular wall lining of refractory material inside the shell, the wall lining having a lower region with a multi-layered construction, a radially inner layer faces the interior of the hearth and includes at least one inner ring of refractory elements, radially outer layer faces the outer shell and has at least one outer ring of refractory elements, where in the at least one inner ring elements are made of a first carbonaceous refractory material that is different from one or more carbonaceous refractory materials of the elements in the outer layer such that, the first refractory material contains, in a proportion of at least 5% by mass in total, at least one property-enhancing additive other than metallic silicon or silicon carbide. In beneficial combination therewith, the at least one inner ring has a wall thickness of less than 45%, of the corresponding total wall thickness of the wall lining. |
| US09587881B2 |
Cement production apparatus
To provide a cement production apparatus in which heat-exchanging efficiency can be improved by even pre-heating by supplying material equally to cyclones above a duct and which can perform an operation with low pressure loss and small energy consumption.A cement production apparatus includes: a duct 21 provided between upper cyclones 13A and a lower cyclone 13B being provided below the upper cyclones 13A, the duct 21 in which the exhaust gas drained from the lower cyclone 13B flows upward, distributing and introducing the exhaust gas to the upper cyclones 13A; a plurality of material-supplying pipes 22 for supplying cement raw material provided on the duct 21 below a distribution part 23 to the plurality of the upper cyclones 13A with a same number of distribution outlets 21a among the upper cyclones 13A; and connection ports 22a of the material-supplying pipes 22 to the duct 21 each provided at each of positions corresponding to swirl flows of the exhaust gas poured into the distribution outlets 21a. |
| US09587877B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device having a photocatalyst layer
The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent device comprising a substrate, an organic electroluminescent element, and a photocatalyst layer, wherein the organic electroluminescent element includes: a first conductive layer provided on the substrate; an organic electroluminescent layer provided on the first conductive layer; and a second conductive layer provided on the organic electroluminescent layer, wherein the photocatalyst layer covers all or part of a light-emitting region of the organic electroluminescent element, and contains a photocatalyst and a co-catalyst, and wherein an absolute value of the difference (|R1−R2|) between the refractive index (R1) of the photocatalyst and the refractive index (R2) of the co-catalyst at a wavelength of 589 nm is 0 to 0.35. |
| US09587876B1 |
Injection-molded refrigerator liner with icebox door hinge pins
An injection-molded door liner for a refrigerator door is provided. The door liner is injection molded as a single, integral piece and defines an icebox compartment, an upper hinge assembly, and a lower hinge assembly. An icebox door is rotatably mounted to the upper and lower hinge assembly to insulate the icebox compartment from the fresh food chamber. In this manner, the icebox compartment and the icebox door define a sealed chamber for receiving chilled air from a sealed cooling system. |
| US09587874B2 |
Cooling system and method
A cooling system includes an air conditioner capable of cooling a predetermined space and changing an air volume or set temperature; one or more electronic devices disposed in the predetermined space and including a fan of variable rotational speed; a temperature sensor configured to detect temperature of the electronic devices; and a control apparatus configured to select, based on an increase in the detected temperature, whether to increase the air volume or decrease the set temperature of the air conditioner or to increase the rotational speed of the fan, with reference to air-conditioner information indicating a relationship between cooling performance and power consumption of the air conditioner and fan information indicating a relationship between cooling performance and power consumption of the fan. |
| US09587868B2 |
Method for transitioning between vehicle climate control system modes
A method for controlling transitions between activating and deactivating a vehicle air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, displacement of the air conditioner compressor is adjusted before the air conditioner is coupled to an energy conversion device. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor control modes. |
| US09587867B2 |
Chiller system and control method thereof
A chiller system and a control method thereof includes a plurality of chiller modules in which a refrigeration cycle is performed to supply cold water, a main control device generating an operation signal to simultaneously or successively operate the plurality of chiller modules, a module control device provided in each of the plurality of chiller modules to control an operation of each of the plurality of chiller modules on the basis of the operation signal of the main control device, and a starting device communicably connected to the module control device to selectively apply power into the plurality of chiller modules. |
| US09587866B2 |
System or method for measuring the phase of ammonia in a cooling system
A system or a method for performing capacitive sensing of humidity/liquid, primarily in conductive or non-conductive liquid/gas mixtures, having a control unit and at least first and second sensor electrodes, the capacity between the first and the second electrodes being measured. To measure humidity/liquid in a circulating gas/liquid mixture at least one of the sensor electrodes is formed as a tube which is placed in the liquid/gas mixture. Based on the capacitive measurements, a calculation of at least one dataset for control of a second system is performed. The tube can be more or less filled up with liquid or gas and the capacity can be measured as it depends on the content around or inside the tube, and if a dry gas is there will be one value of capacity and in a situation where the gas is being replaced by liquid, the capacity value will change rapidly. |
| US09587864B2 |
Thermal expansion valve
A thermal expansion valve comprises a valve body and a valve core member. The valve body is provided with a first connecting chamber, a lower cavity with a transmission member built in, and a first sealing member for separating the first connecting chamber and the lower cavity. A fifth pressure-bearing surface and a sixth pressure-bearing surface, pressed by a cold medium in the first connecting chamber in opposite directions, are disposed on a side wall of the valve core member. The first sealing member comprises a first flexible sealing element, disposed between the transmission member and an upper end portion of the valve core member and having a first edge portion connected to the valve body in a sealing manner. A sum of an effective stress area of a first pressure-bearing surface of the first flexible sealing element and a stress area of the fifth pressure-bearing surface is substantially equal to a sum of an effective stress area of a third pressure-bearing surface of the upper end portion of the valve core member and a stress area of the sixth pressure-bearing surface. Through the design of the structure of the thermal expansion valve, in an aspect, reliability of sealing between the valve body and the upper end portion of the valve core member can be ensured, sensitivity of the valve is improved, and difficulty of manufacturing the valve body and the valve core member can be reduced; and in another aspect, pressure influence caused by the cold medium in the first connecting chamber on the movement of the valve core member can be eliminated. |
| US09587861B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
In an air-conditioning apparatus, an expansion device, a second refrigerant flow switching device, and heat exchangers related to heat medium, connected between the expansion device and the second refrigerant flow switching device such that a heat source side refrigerant flows in parallel, are connected in a part of refrigerant passages, and an expansion device, a second refrigerant flow switching device, and heat exchangers related to heat medium, connected between the expansion device and the second refrigerant flow switching device such that the heat source side refrigerant flows in series, are connected in the rest of the refrigerant passages. |
| US09587860B2 |
Cryocooler with variable compression depending on variations in load
A cryocooler, includes a cylinder filled with gas. A piston rectilinearly reciprocates inside of the cylinder and compresses or expands the gas. A connecting rod has a first side coupled to the piston and moves with the piston, and a second side having a first thread along an outer circumference thereof. A linear motor rectilinearly reciprocates a motor shaft toward the connecting rod in accordance with a control signal. A sleeve has two open sides, so that an end portion of the motor shaft can be supported by and inserted in one open side, and the second side of the connecting rod can be inserted in the other open side, and an inner circumference of the sleeve is formed with a second thread that engages with the first thread of the connecting rod and rotates to adjust a distance between the motor shaft and the connecting rod. |
| US09587859B1 |
Strap mount for solar panels
A novel solar panel mounting system including a strap and one or more supports, having top flanges, attached to each other. The strap is attached between a first point and a second point on a surface. The support is designed to support a solar panel on this surface. The top flange of the support may be parallel to or at an angle to the surface. The strap may be singular or comprised of two straps one above the other. The strap may be attached to the top flange or the bottom or both. The supports may have any cross sectional shape. The strap may be attached to the support at its end or at a distance from the end; or normal to the support or at an angle to it. The length of the support is greater than the width of the strap. |
| US09587858B2 |
Solar collector
A solar collector apparatus includes a parabolic mirror configured to direct solar energy through a double convex lens and towards a linear set of secondary mirrors, each of the secondary mirrors positioned to direct the solar energy towards a solar collection target. The subsequent diversion achieved by the solar collector apparatus allows collection of solar energy several times denser than natural sunlight, and can be captured using a substantially compact system. |
| US09587856B2 |
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufactures to detect impurity deposits in flow-through water heaters
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to detect impurities in flow-through water heaters are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flow-through water heater having a conduit to conduct a fluid flowing therethrough, a heating element extending around at least a portion of the conduit, and first and second temperature measuring elements to determine respective first and second temperatures at different locations on the conduit; and a computing unit to at least detect an impurity deposit in the conduit based on a difference between the first and second temperatures. |
| US09587854B2 |
Low NOx burner for a water heater
A method of assembling multiple low NOx burners including the step of assembling multiple bodies, each body including a multiple first burner ports connected to a first burner inlet and multiple second burner ports connected to a second burner inlet. The method also including the step of selecting one of the bodies and inserting a first inlet tube into the second burner inlet to provide a fuel/air mixture to the second burner ports at a first rate. The method also including the step of selecting one of the bodies and inserting a second inlet tube into the second burner inlet to provide the fuel/air mixture to the second burner ports at a second rate different than the first rate. |
| US09587852B2 |
Exchanger for heating boilers
An exchanger for heating boilers is formed of an external prismatic framework, a burner and an exhaust duct, characterized in that it includes a block of tubes formed of a plurality of tube sections positioned against one another horizontally and vertically, separated at equal distances from one another and integrated in a prismatic housing creating between them a closed circuit of water, leaving the tube sections free, forming different levels separated by deflectors in order to control the inflow and outflow of the gases produced by combustion, directing the gases as desired through the different levels, capturing the heat along the path of the gases in order to quickly heat the water in the circuit without losing calories and reducing fuel consumption as much as possible. |
| US09587851B2 |
Dehumidifier and float assembly thereof
The present invention discloses a dehumidifier and a float assembly thereof, wherein the float assembly comprises a float, a press plate, a suction pipe, and a rotation shaft. The float, the suction pipe, and the press plate are fixedly connected to the rotation shaft respectively, and the suction pipe and the float are arranged at the same side of the rotation shaft, so that the suction pipe is driven by the float to synchronously rise up or fall down along with variation of water level of a water tank; the press plate is driven by the float to control a draining pump to drain when the water tank is at the high water level, thereby realizing automatic drainage. The present invention doesn't need to dispose both a fixed water tank and a movable water tank. |
| US09587843B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus and relay unit
A refrigeration cycle is configured by connecting a compressor, a four-way valve, a heat source side heat exchanger, expansion valves, and intermediate heat exchangers by piping. A heat medium circulation circuit is configured by connecting intermediate heat exchangers, pumps, and use side heat exchangers by piping. The outdoor unit accommodates the compressor, the four-way valve, and the heat source side heat exchanger, and the relay unit that is installed in a non-subject space which is different from an indoor space and is on an installation floor separated by two or more floors and accommodates the expansion valves, the pump, and intermediate heat exchangers are connected by two pipelines. The relay unit and an indoor unit that accommodates use side heat exchangers and is installed at a position where an indoor space can be air-conditioned are connected by two pipelines. |
| US09587842B2 |
Device and method for minimizing the effect of ambient conditions on the operation of a heat exchanger
For minimizing the effect of wind on a heat exchanger system having a plurality of finned tube arrays and a plurality of fans, a method includes providing a wind louver below one of the fans. The wind louver is arranged to divert wind flowing in an approximately horizontal direction below the one of the plurality of fans to instead flow in a direction that is more vertically upward as compared to the approximately horizontal direction. Readings of a heat exchanger outlet temperature, ambient temperature, wind, and inlet air pressure are collected and recorded, and compared to previous readings. The louver height is changed if the readings have changed. |
| US09587840B2 |
Economizer target temperature shift during mechanical cooling
A method and apparatus for cooling a supply of air is provided. A unit controller receives a cooling demand signal. In response to the cooling demand signal, the unit controller adjusts an economizer according to an economizing function. The economizing function is configured to achieve an initial free cooling target temperature as a discharge air temperature. The unit controller receives an additional cooling demand signal. In response to the additional cooling demand signal, the unit controller reduces the free cooling target temperature. The unit controller adjusts the economizer according to the economizing function, with the economizing function configured to achieve the reduced free cooling target temperature as the discharge air temperature. Additionally in response to the additional cooling demand signal, the unit controller signals a unit to perform mechanical cooling on a supply of air received from the economizer. |
| US09587838B2 |
Oven rack assemblies with release mechanisms and catches
An oven rack assembly (1000) includes an oven rack (1008) and a slide system (1018). The slide system (1018) includes slide devices (1020) positioned at opposing sides of the oven rack (1008). A subframe (1040) is positioned below the slide devices (1020). Retention/release devices (1062) are mounted on the slide devices (1020) and are manually operable by a user so as to selectively retain the subframe (1040) in a stationary position or, alternatively, release the subframe (1040) so that the subframe (1040) can be removed from the oven (128′). |
| US09587836B2 |
Method for operating a gas hob, and gas hob
For operating a gas hob having at least two gas burners which can be operated separately and which each have a nozzle, a dedicated gas valve for adjusting a gas supply to the gas burner is associated with each gas burner. The nozzle of a gas burner has an opening cross-section which is 10% to 30% larger than the opening cross-section which is required for the rated power of the gas burner. During normal operation of the gas burner, the associated gas valve is adjusted to a rated throughput. During operation of the gas burner under excess power with full utilization of the full opening cross-section of the nozzle, the gas valve is opened further and adjusted to an excess power throughput. |
| US09587835B2 |
Home appliance with improved gas igniter
A home appliance having an improved gas igniter (or ignitor) including an appliance body, at least one burner assembly supported in the appliance body to provide a heat source for cooking, with the burner assembly including a gas pipe, an igniter in operational communication with the gas pipe, the igniter including a heater element and a shroud covering a portion of the heater element, the shroud including a shroud body defining a chamber having the heater element therein, an inlet opening facing the gas pipe, an outlet opening facing away from the gas pipe, and a constriction intermediate the inlet opening and the outlet opening, thereby defining a fluid flow path through the chamber whereby a fluid stream is directed from the inlet opening, across the heater element, through the constriction to the outlet opening. |
| US09587833B2 |
Combustor with staged, axially offset combustion
In some aspects, a gas turbine combustor assembly is arranged around a longitudinal axis. The gas turbine combustor comprises a first fuel/air mixer assembly, the mixer assembly comprising a first fuel injector and a plurality of first mixer elements, each mixer element defining an air flow passage therethrough having an outlet in a first plane. A second fuel/air mixer assembly comprises a second fuel injector and a plurality of second mixer elements, and each second mixer element defines an air flow passage therethrough having an outlet in a second plane, longitudinally offset from the first plane. |
| US09587831B2 |
Cooled combustor seal
A cooled combustor seal having a plurality of channels enabling cooling air to pass from outside of a combustion chamber to cool an area inside the combustion chamber around the seal is disclosed. The channels may be provided through a slider, a housing, and/or a washer of the combustor seal. One set of channels or multiple of sets of channels may be provided in the combustor seal. Each of these sets of channels may be in the slider, housing, or washer. The cooled combustor seal may be used in conjunction with an igniter to purge a cavity between the seal and the igniter. |
| US09587828B2 |
Localized flue gas dilution in heat recovery steam generator
A heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) (10) including: an economizer (12) configured to heat a working fluid by extracting heat from a flow of flue gas (20). The HRSG includes a diluting fluid injector arrangement (60) configured to inject a diluting fluid (50) effective to dilute a concentration of a gaseous corrosive when compared to an undiluted concentration of the gaseous corrosive in the flow of flue gas. The HRSG also includes a preheater (18) configured to preheat the diluting fluid prior to injection. |
| US09587827B2 |
Water cooled CO boiler floor with screen gas distribution inlet
A carbon monoxide (CO) boiler or steam generator having a water cooled CO boiler floor with screen gas distribution inlet to enhance distribution of CO gas in a CO boiler. Either the front or rear wall tubes of the steam generator form an integral screen and the tubes continue, forming a membraned, gas tight enclosure. The floor has a “knee” to redirect the incoming waste CO gas up into the integral screen. The screen may be provided with tube erosion shields to prevent erosion of the screen tubes and to control the distribution of waste gas across the plan area of the furnace. |
| US09587822B2 |
Internal combustion burner
An internal combustion burner including a combustion chamber supplied with fuel and with oxidant and at least two combustion devices supplied with oxidant and with fuel. Combining two combustion devices of distinct configurations, which respectively generate two distinct types of flames with a system for cooling the walls of the burner by introducing air along the walls, makes it possible to obtain a burner that supplies a combustion gas temperature of up to 1700° C., while at the same time being easily cooled and occupying very little space so that it can, for example, be housed in an existing installation used in the manufacture of rock wool or glass wool. |
| US09587817B2 |
LED tube lamp
An LED tube lamp is provided herein, which implements the safety function for protecting the user from electric shock since it conducts only when both ends thereof have been correctly installed into a lamp socket. The LED tube lamp includes an installation detection module configured in the LED tube lamp to detect an installation state between the LED tube lamp and the lamp socket. The installation detection module includes: a detection pulse generating module, configured to generate a first pulse signal; a detection result latching circuit, configured to receive and output the first pulse signal; a switch circuit, configured to receive the first pulse signal from the detection result latching circuit, and configured to maintain a conductive state of the switch circuit during the first pulse to cause a power loop of the LED tube lamp to be conductive; and a detection determining circuit, configured to detect a first sampling signal on the power loop so as to determine the installation state between the LED tube lamp and the lamp socket. |
| US09587815B2 |
End cap for a tubular light source
An end cap (104) for a tubular light source (102), the tubular light source (102) being configured to be arranged in a lighting fixture (106) comprising at least one socket (108), wherein the end cap (104) comprises a housing (202), two connector pins (112) at least partly arranged on an outside of the housing (202) and adapted to fit in the socket, and a switch assembly comprising a switch element (110) arranged in between the two connector pins (112) and at least partly protruding from an opening in the housing (202), wherein a first side of the switch element (110) is adapted to fit into a slot in a socket (108) and wherein the switch assembly is configured to form a conductive path between the socket (108) and the tubular light source (102) through an axial rotation of the switch element (110) in relation to the housing (202) as the tubular light source (102) is rotatably mounted in the fixture (106). |
| US09587814B2 |
LED luminaire assembly
A light emitting diode (LED) module having a configurable LED substrate capable of receiving varying numbers and layouts of LEDs are described herein. The LED substrate includes LED coupling points for receiving the LEDs and electrical traces etched into the substrate for routing power to the LEDs. The LED module can include a multi-LED over-optic having multiple over-optics that are configured to match the number and configuration of the LEDs positioned on the substrate. The LED coupling points and over-optics can be arranged symmetrically to enable the LED module to be rotated to adjust the light output distribution and direction. The LED module can include a power connection mechanism, for example located at the center of the substrate, that also allows the LED module to be rotated. One or more of the LED modules may be mounted on a heat sink and incorporated into a light fixture. |
| US09587811B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a flexible substrate member having a base member and a plurality of wiring portions disposed on a surface of the base member, a plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the surface of the base member and electrically connected to the plurality of wiring portions, and a plurality of sealing members sealing corresponding parts of the substrate member and the light emitting elements respectively. The substrate is curved so that at least a part of periphery of the sealing member is arranged at a position lower than the position on which the light emitting element is disposed. |
| US09587810B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for installing light modules
Apparatuses and methods for installing light modules are described. One such apparatus includes a light emitting diode (LED) module including one or more LEDs, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connector. The apparatus further includes a holder for retaining the LED module and a magnet attached to the lower surface of the holder. The apparatus may then be attached to a surface by the magnet. |
| US09587805B2 |
Solid-state luminaire with electronically adjustable light beam distribution
A luminaire having an electronically adjustable light beam distribution is disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosed luminaire includes a plurality of solid-state lamps mounted on one or more surfaces of a housing. The lamps can be electronically controlled individually and/or in conjunction with one another, for example, to provide highly adjustable light emissions from the luminaire (e.g., pixelated control over light distribution). In some cases, a given solid-state lamp may include tunable electro-optic componentry to provide it with its own electronically adjustable light beam. One or more heat sinks optionally may be mounted on the housing to assist with heat dissipation for the solid-state lamps. The luminaire can be configured to be mounted or as a free-standing lighting device, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the aperture through which the lamps provide illumination is smaller than the distribution area of the solid-state lamps of the luminaire. |
| US09587804B2 |
Light control systems and methods
Provided is a light-emitting device control system, comprising a beam steering mechanism that directs a beam of light at a first surface location, wherein an illumination region is formed at the first surface location in response to the directed beam of light, a sensor that recognizes a hand gesture at the illumination region; a processor that converts data related to the hand gesture into a command signal, and a controller that instructs the beam steering mechanism to move the illumination region to a second surface location in response to the command signal corresponding to the hand gesture. |
| US09587799B2 |
LED illumination device having wavelength converting element
An LED illumination device includes a wavelength converting element having a matrix material, at least one phosphor, and a thermochromic dye component or a phase change medium component. |
| US09587798B2 |
Light source device
A light source device having a wavelength converting unit having a first wavelength converting member for absorbing a first excitation light having a first wavelength range, and emitting a first wavelength-converted light; and a second wavelength converting member for absorbing a second excitation light having a second wavelength range, and emitting a second wavelength-converted light, wherein the wavelength converting unit emits a first emission light having a first spectral shape when irradiated with the first excitation light, and emits a second emission light having a second spectral shape when irradiated with the second excitation light, and wherein at least a portion of the first wavelength converting member and at least a portion of the second wavelength converting members are arranged within an irradiation space that is commonly irradiated by both the first excitation light and the second excitation light. |
| US09587797B2 |
Lighting device
Provided is a lighting device, including: a printed circuit board; one or more light emitting units formed on the printed circuit board; a resin layer which is formed on the printed circuit board, in which the light emitting units are embedded; a diffusion plate formed on an upper side of the resin layer, whereby an entire thickness of the lighting device can be reduced, and when the product is designed, a degree of freedom in design can be improved because flexibility is secured. |
| US09587796B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a light source and an optical member that reflects light from the light source. The light source includes a base extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle lamp, and a surface light-emitting device provided on the base. The surface light-emitting device is structured to project a pattern on the optical member. |
| US09587795B2 |
Headlight for in-vehicle use
In a headlight for in-vehicle use, an LED serving as an optical source is provided in which one edge side of its light-emitting face is formed into a linear portion and placed at a side of an optical axis so that the center of the light-emitting face is displaced from the optical axis. A projection lens is constituted by a radiation-side convex lens and an LED-side convex lens that are arranged in a direction of the optical axis. Between the LED and the projection lens, a light distribution member is placed that is formed using a transparent material and has, on its inner surface, a reflection face for reflecting light emitted by the LED. |
| US09587793B2 |
Shade for use with an illuminated display unit
An illumination device and shade for displaying a selected image in an illuminated display using fully assembled, partly assembled or ready to assemble components is provided for. The device allows for multiple mounting configurations and mounting options and provides for an easy to exchange image sheet. |
| US09587792B1 |
Adjustably positionable display and lighting arrangement
An electronic display and lighting arrangement for viewing by, and illumination for, a person in a resting position includes: an electronic display assembly including a first carriage movable along a translation axis, a first pivot arm coupled to the first carriage with the first pivot arm pivotable about a first pivot axis, and an electronic display coupled to the first pivot arm; and a lighting assembly including a second carriage movable in a direction parallel to the translation axis, and a light coupled to the second carriage and adjustably positionable by movement of the second carriage. The electronic display is adjustably positionable both along the translation axis by movement of the first carriage, and about the first pivot axis by movement of the first pivot arm about the first pivot axis. |
| US09587791B2 |
Light source device and endoscope apparatus comprising the same
A light source device includes a first semiconductor light source, a second semiconductor light source, and a wavelength converter. The first semiconductor light source emits light in a first wavelength range. The second semiconductor light source emits light in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range. The wavelength converter absorbs the light in the first wavelength range to emit light in a third wavelength range different from either of the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range, and transmits the light in the second wavelength range substantially entirely. |
| US09587789B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing a gas mixture to a pair of process chambers
A method and apparatus for supplying a gas mixture to a load lock chamber is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus supplies a gas mixture to a pair of process chambers, comprising a first ozone generator to provide a first gas mixture to a first process chamber, a second ozone generator to provide a second gas mixture to a second process chamber, a first gas source coupled to the first ozone generator via a first mass flow controller and a first gas line, and coupled to the second ozone generator via a second mass flow controller and a second gas line, and a second gas source coupled to the first ozone generator via a third mass flow controller and a third gas line and coupled to the second ozone generator via fourth mass flow controller and a fourth gas line. |
| US09587777B1 |
Nurse tank coupling with locking collar
An anhydrous ammonia nurse tank coupling had a locking collar for securing a flow nozzle to a nurse tank fitting. A nipple is threadingly secured to the fitting and has a hexagonal-shaped section. A nozzle coupling extends about said flow nozzle for threadingly securing to the flow nozzle to the nipple. The nozzle coupling and the nipple have acme threads which are secured together, with a seal element extending between the nipple and the flow nozzle. A locking collar slidably disposed on said nozzle coupling, for moving from a retracted position disposed aside of the hexagonal-shaped section of the nipple to an extended position disposed adjacent to the hexagonal-shaped section and non-rotatably securing the locking collar to the nipple. The locking collar is non-rotatably secured to the nozzle coupling in the extended position, and non-rotatably secures the nozzle coupling to the nipple when in the extended position. |
| US09587775B2 |
Flange alignment tool
A flange alignment tool is used to align a flange to a pipe before welding. The flange alignment tool includes an inelastic ball which may be clipped over a hole of a flange to secure the flange alignment tool to the flange. The flange alignment tool includes a ring which is clips over the other end of a flange hole. A torsion spring is connected between the inelastic ball and the ring and applies the force necessary to secure the flange alignment tool to a flange. The inelastic ball is mounted to a first load leg of the torsion spring and the ring is mounted to a second load leg of the torsion spring. The torsion spring allows the flange alignment tool to flex about a rotation axis of the torsion spring. When the flange alignment tool is flexed, the inelastic ball and the ring follow a circular deflection path. |
| US09587773B2 |
Unbonded flexible pipe with an optical fiber containing layer
A unbonded flexible pipe with a length and a longitudinal axis is described. The pipe comprises an innermost sealing sheath defining a bore, at least one armor layer surrounding the inner sealing sheath and at least one optical fiber containing layer, wherein the optical fiber containing layer comprises at least one tape and at least one optical fiber arranged with a length of at least about 3 times the length of the flexible pipe. In an embodiment the optical fiber is incorporated into the at least one tape of said optical fiber containing layer to provide an integrated fiber tape where advantageously the optical fiber is arranged with S-shaped folds. |
| US09587772B2 |
Flexible pipe and coupling therefor
Sealed connection between an elastomeric or synthetic polymer flexible pipe or hose and a metallic coupling member. The coupling member surrounds an armor layer at a free end of the flexible pipe or hose. A sealing area is defined by a recessed portion of the pipe coupling into which a sealing material is introduced. An inner liner layer thereof may extend into the sealing area where it is bonded to the sealing material. The sealing material and the inner liner layer may each include a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material. A reinforcement material may be provided in the inner liner layer. In one embodiment the sealing material is injected into the sealing area. In another embodiment the sealing material is provided in the form of meltable ring which fits into the sealing area before fitting of the coupling member, and is activated by an induction heater to effect the sealed connection. |
| US09587771B2 |
Self-draining hose
The present disclosure provides a self-draining hose. The self-draining hose includes a flexible hose connected to an inlet end fitting and an outlet end fitting and defines a fluid passage through the flexible hose. The flexible hose is made from an elastomer material having a memory with a cross-sectional flat profile defining a collapsed position closing the fluid passage, and has is expandable to an expanded position opening the fluid passage. In use, upon introduction of a pressurized fluid at the inlet end fitting the flexible hose expands from the collapsed position to the expanded position to permit flow of the fluid through the fluid passage towards the outlet end fitting. Upon termination of the introduction of the pressurized fluid at the inlet end fitting the memory of the elastomer material collapses the flexible hose from the expanded position to the collapsed position expelling the fluid from the fluid passage. |
| US09587770B2 |
α + β type titanium alloy sheet for welded pipe, manufacturing method thereof, and α + β type titanium alloy welded pipe product
An α+β type titanium alloy sheet to be used for a welded pipe with a rolling direction of the sheet set to a circumference direction of the pipe includes: a composition containing, in mass %, 0.8 to 1.5% of Fe, 4.8 to 5.5% of Al, 0.020% or less of N, O in a range satisfying Q=0.14 to 0.38, and a balance being composed of Ti and impurities, in which a texture in a sheet plane direction has: a first group of grains oriented in a region where of a (0002) pole figure of an α phase having a hexagonal crystal structure, an angle θ being the angle between a c axis and a sheet normal direction is 0 to 30°; and a second group of grains oriented in a region where the angle θ is 80 to 100° and of the (0002) pole figure of the α phase, an angle φ being the angle between a projection line of the c axis onto the sheet plane and a sheet width direction is −10 to 10°, and a ratio of peak values of X-ray relative intensities from a basal plane in the α phase between the first group of grains and the second group of grains (the second group of grains/the first group of grains) is 5.0 or more. |
| US09587766B2 |
Method of installing pin piles into a seabed
A method of installing a plurality of pin piles into a seabed including at least the steps of: (a) lowering a pin pile apparatus comprising a first pin pile and an attached clump weight towards the seabed; (b) allowing the first pin pile to self-penetrate the seabed based on self-weight of the pin pile apparatus and the momentum from step (a) until the clump weight reaches the sea bed; (c) disconnecting the clump weight from the first pin pile; and (d) recovering the clump weight for use with a second pin pile and repeating steps (a)-(c). In this way, the pin piles are easily installed from their descent to the seabed with the clump weight, which can then be removed and applied to the next pin pile in an easy and repeatable operation without requiring a suction apparatus or hammer or drill. |
| US09587764B2 |
Control valve trim assembly having a cage with diamond-shaped openings
A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with a trim assembly to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The trim assembly includes a cage having a plurality of diamond-shaped openings disposed in a wall thereof. |
| US09587761B2 |
Multi-position actuator
A multi-position actuator includes a solenoid selectively energized to extend a rod. The actuator also includes a push-lever pivotably mounted to the rod and a crank-arm rotatably mounted on a first axis. The crank-arm includes multiple engagement elements arranged on a diameter centered relative to the first axis, and also includes a projection. The push-lever engages one of the engagement elements to rotate the crank-arm about the first axis in a forward direction when the solenoid is energized. The actuator additionally includes a pivoting locking-lever that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in forward direction and a one-way-clutch that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in reverse direction when the solenoid is de-energized. Furthermore, the actuator includes a slider-box lever having first and second slots. The projection slidably engages the first slot. The second slot is engaged with and operates an external device when rotation of the crank-arm swings the slider-box lever. |
| US09587760B1 |
Portable rotary valve actuator
A portable apparatus for operatively coupling a source of rotary torque to the rim of a valve handwheel comprises a coupling hub, to which three attachment arms are connected by hinge-type joints. The three attachments arms are equidistantly distributed around the perimeter of the coupling hub and extend radially downward and outward from the hub at an acute extension angle to the hub's central axis. The distal end of each attachment arm comprises a clamp, which is releasably attachable to the rim of the valve handwheel. A coupling stem extends upward from the coupling hub in alignment with the hub's central axis. The coupling stem is configured to connect to the source of rotary torque, so as to transmit the torque through the attachment arms to the rim of the valve handwheel. The length of the extension arms and/or their extension angle can be adjusted for various sizes of valve handwheels to be engaged. |
| US09587756B2 |
Electromagnetically actuated valve
An electromagnetically actuated valve includes at least one sleeve, a magnet core arranged in a fixed manner in the at least one sleeve, a magnet armature configured to actuate a valve element and arranged so as to be axially movable, and an elastically deformable flat spring element held in a clampable manner between a core end face of the magnet core facing the magnet armature and an armature end face of the magnet armature facing the magnet core. The spring element is configured to form at least one contact point with the armature end face and the core end face. The core end face defines a stepped configuration in a radial extent having at least two successive steps. |
| US09587754B2 |
Electronic flow sensor
A safety shut-off device is provided for a liquid gas system for vehicles and/or vehicle trailers, in order to avoid an inadvertent release of gas. The device includes an electromagnetic gas valve for supplying/shutting off the gas, an electronic unit for activating the electromagnetic gas valve, and a flow sensor for determining a current gas flow being discharged from a storage tank. Furthermore, the device includes an evaluation unit for comparing the current gas flow to a previous gas flow or to a gas flow which is indicated by the gas consumers and is to be expected. If, during use, the evaluation unit determines a current gas flow which differs by more than a maximum permissible rate of change from the previous gas flow or from an expected gas flow, the electromagnetic gas valve is activated via the electric unit in order to shut off the supply of gas. |
| US09587750B2 |
Fluid control valve system and methods
A diaphragm-type control valve having a valve body holding a diaphragm and a depression member is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. An inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member. The depression member biases the diaphragm to a seated position within the valve. |
| US09587749B2 |
Slit valve with a pressurized gas bearing
There is provided a slit valve, comprising: a first slit valve portion having a first window therethrough, the first window is sized to permit passage of an object through the first window; wherein the first window is surrounded by a first area of the first slit valve portion; a second slit valve portion that comprises a first sealing element and a first positioning module; wherein the first positioning module is arranged to move the first sealing element in relation to the first window; wherein at least one slit valve portion of the first and second slit valve portions comprises at least one first gas opening for emitting pressurized gas so as to assist in a creation of a first gas cushion between the first area and the first sealing element when the first sealing element is placed adjacent to the first window thus creating a seal between the first and second slit valve portions. |
| US09587748B2 |
Control valve and variable-displacement compressor provided with said control valve
A control valve capable of reducing vibration of a housing member, and a variable-displacement compressor provided with this control valve, are provided. A control valve 300 includes: a valve unit 310 having a valve body 304 and a movable iron core 308; a housing member 312 which is formed into a bottomed tubular shape and slidably houses the movable iron core 308; and a coil unit 313 having a drive coil portion 313A housed in a solenoid housing 311 to be disposed around the housing member 312, and an end portion member 313B formed to cover a tube bottom side end portion 312e. The control valve drives and controls the valve unit 310 by an electromagnetic force thereby adjusting an opening degree of the valve body 304. A first damping member 314 is disposed between a bottom wall 312b of the housing member 312 and the end portion member 313B. |
| US09587743B2 |
Labyrinth seal
A labyrinth seal including a stator and a non-contacting rotor, and annular elastomeric seals. The confronting surfaces of the stator and rotor define at least one interface passage, including a radially-outermost annular interface passage between an annular, outermost, radially-extending projection of the stator and an annular rearwardly-extending distal projection of the rotor that overlaps the radially-extending projection of the stator, the radially-outermost annular interface passage tapering outwardly and rearwardly at an acute angle relative to an axial reference line. The annular elastomeric seals are stationary with the stator during dynamic operation of the rotor, and are not contacted by a surface of the rotor during dynamic operation. The interface can also have two radially-disposed exclusion chambers, the outer exclusion chamber being defined in part by a radially-inboard projection of the rotor. The stator can have a projection providing a contact avoidance interface position inboard of at least two contaminant-excluding interfaces. |
| US09587737B2 |
Method for operating a transmission device and corresponding transmission device
In a method for operating a transmission device, a pressure test is carried out when switching from a standby mode to a power saving mode. When executing the pressure test the gear selector valves of the gear selectors of the transmission device are activated to assume their neutral position, and a shifting valve is activated to assume an operating position in which a flow connection between a common feed line for the gear selectors and a pressure source is cut. Subsequently, the gear selector valve of at least one of the gear selectors is activated to assume a shift position, and a position of the gear selector piston of the at least one gear selector is determined over a specific time period. The presence of a malfunction of the shifting valve is recognized when the position of the gear selector piston changes during the specific time period. |
| US09587735B2 |
Power unit for a vehicle, and vehicle including same
A power unit includes a transmission adapted to transmit rotational power from a crankshaft to a drive axle, with speed change. The transmission has an input shaft rotatably supported on a crankcase. A hydraulic clutch, configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged, is disposed coaxially with the input shaft. A clutch cover covering the hydraulic clutch is connected to the crankcase. A clutch actuator, which controls switching between engagement and disengagement of the hydraulic clutch, and an actuator cover, which covers the clutch actuator in a liquid-tight manner, are mounted to an outer surface of the clutch cover. An oil temperature sensor is mounted to the actuator cover, and is provided for detecting a temperature of oil in an oil chamber, formed between the clutch cover and the actuator cover. |
| US09587734B2 |
Operator control element
An operator control element (1) for selecting and setting a driving mode of the vehicle, wherein a rotational element (2) on the steering wheel of the vehicle is provided with a sensing element (3) which detects the rotation of the rotational element (2) and the stationary position of the rotational element, wherein the rotation of the rotational element can be sensed by counting the rotational steps, wherein a position and sequence of the rotational steps is assigned to each selectable driving mode, with the result that the driving modes are selected by rotating the rotational element to a stationary position and by counting the rotational steps when the rotational direction is detected. |
| US09587732B2 |
Translating nut mechanisms having enhanced lubrication features and variable bleed valve systems employing the same
Embodiments of translating nut mechanism having enhanced lubrication features are provided, as are embodiments of variable bleed valve systems employing translating nut mechanism in the form of bidirectional stop mechanisms. In one embodiment, the translating nut mechanism comprises a housing containing a pool of grease or another lubricant. A screw shaft is mounted in the housing for rotation about a working axis. A translating nut is threadably mounted to the screw shaft and moves linearly along the working axis with rotation of the screw shaft. A first lubricant distribution feature, such as a grease paddle, projects from the translating nut into the lubricant pool. The first lubricant distribution feature moves through the lubricant pool to distribute lubricant within the translating nut mechanism as the translating nut moves along the working axis. |
| US09587727B2 |
Transmission with dual input and output shafts
A transmission including first and second input shafts rotatable about a first axis of rotation; at least one output shaft rotatable about at least one second axis of rotation, the at least one second axis of rotation non-collinear with the first axis of rotation; a plurality of lay shafts; a plurality of gears; and a plurality of half synchronizer clutches arranged to non-rotatably connect at least a portion of the plurality of gears to the plurality of lay shafts to transmit respective torque from the first and second input shafts to the at least one output shaft and disconnect the at least a portion of the plurality of gears from the plurality of lay shafts. |
| US09587722B2 |
Pivoting arm for kinetic energy generation device and methods of using same
A device is provided that converts random movement of extrinsic oscillation into purposeful movement, such as torque or other motion that can be used to generate electricity. This device may include but is not limited to two major components: 1) a collection unit and 2) a transmission unit. The collection unit represents the interactive part of the device that interfaces with an extrinsic body which provides the randomized kinetic motion that drives an articulating arm, and may include a series of connected pivoting arms of different lengths. The transmission unit is the portion of the device that converts the random motion of the articulating arm into unidirectional rotation of a shaft that is converted into purposeful torque. The device may be placed in almost any type of environment to take advantage of any type of kinetic motion, including water, wind, mechanical movement and even human movement. |
| US09587718B1 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft to receive torque of an engine, an output shaft to output changed torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements, and a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements. |
| US09587716B1 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include an input shaft; an output shaft; first to fourth planetary gear sets and six control elements disposed at a portion selectively connecting the rotation elements and the rotation elements or a portion selectively connecting the rotation elements and the transmission housing, wherein the input shaft is continuously connected to the third rotation element, the output shaft is continuously connected to the twelfth rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the transmission housing, the fourth rotation element is continuously connected to the seventh rotation element, the fourth rotation element is continuously connected to the tenth rotation element, the eighth rotation element is continuously connected to the twelfth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing. |
| US09587715B1 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, and a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements. |
| US09587714B2 |
Multi-stage transmission for vehicle
A multi-stage transmission for vehicle may include an input shaft; and an output shafts; first to fourth planetary gear devices transmitting rotary force between the input and output shafts, each of them having three rotary elements; and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotary elements of the planetary gear devices; wherein first rotary element of the first planetary gear device is permanently connected to the input shaft and second rotary element of the third planetary gear device, second rotary element is installed to be fixable by any one of the shifting elements and variably connected to first rotary element of the third planetary gear device and first rotary element of the fourth planetary gear device, and third rotary element is variably connected to first rotary element of the second planetary gear device and permanently connected to second rotary element of the second planetary gear device. |
| US09587710B2 |
Adjustable drive mechanism
An adjustable drive mechanism, which may be used to control the elevation angle of a telescope or antenna, is disclosed. The adjustable drive mechanism can include a base plate configured to couple with a support structure and having a first spherical portion facing away from the support structure. In addition, the adjustable drive mechanism can include a gear box having a pinion gear to interface with a driven gear of a telescope or antenna, and a housing in support of the pinion gear and including a second spherical portion configured to interface with the first spherical portion of the base plate. The first spherical portion and the second spherical portion can be movable relative to one another in three rotational degrees of freedom to facilitate alignment and positioning of the pinion gear relative to the driven gear. |
| US09587706B2 |
Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus is capable of securely sealing a space housing an elastic member even on application of a centrifugal force or at the time of cooling. The torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus includes a center plate, a side plate(s) (side plate assembly) coaxial with the center plate and slidably relative to the center plate, and an elastic member housed within a space delimited by the side plate assembly to absorb torque fluctuations between the side plate assembly and the center plate. The apparatus also includes a cover member secured to the center plate and slidably pressure contacted with the side plate assembly to cover from outside a space housing the elastic member, and a suppressing section capable of suppressing the cover member from deforming under a pressure acting on the cover member when atmospheric pressure within the space housing the elastic member(s) becomes lower than outside atmospheric pressure. |
| US09587703B2 |
Variable radius spring disc for vehicle shock absorber
A shock absorber for a vehicle may include a piston and a valve disc assembly. The piston defines a plurality of passages extending through the piston between an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber of a fluid chamber. The valve disc assembly engages the piston and controls a flow of fluid between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber through the plurality of passages. The valve disc assembly includes a variable radius spring disc among a plurality of discs. The variable radius spring disc has a varying outer radius. The valve disc assembly has a stiffness that varies circumferentially based on the variable radius spring disc such that an actuation of the valve disc assembly with respect to the piston varies circumferentially. |
| US09587697B2 |
Brake pad and method for producing a brake pad
The invention relates to a brake pad (2), comprising a lining carrier (4) and a friction lining (6), which is fastened to the lining carrier (4) by means of at least one bolt (10), wherein the friction lining (6) can be worn down to a wear limit (12). The bolt (10) protrudes into the friction lining (6) to a point below the wear limit (12), such that the at least one bolt (10) remains below a friction surface (6.1) of the friction lining (6), at least if the friction lining (6) has not been worn down completely. |
| US09587695B2 |
Friction material for applying friction in liquid medium, and associated device and method
A friction material intended to equip a device for applying friction in a liquid medium, including a fiber mat impregnated with a heat-curable resin. The fiber mat consists of fibers whose length is greater than or equal to 12 mm, and is teased, coated and needled. The friction material features a porosity greater than or equal to 30% by volume and less than or equal to 60% by volume. The friction material includes activated charcoal loads whose specific surface is between 500 m2/g and whose mass content in the friction material is greater than or equal to 5% by weight and less than or equal to 15% by weight. |
| US09587693B2 |
Disc brake
A disc brake includes a friction pad, a piston, a thrust nut, a ball and a thrust shaft orderly connected from left to right. An outer surface of the thrust nut is provided with at least one protruded portion, and an inner wall surface of a brake housing is provided with a groove matched with the protruded portion. |
| US09587690B2 |
Brake disc assembly for a wheel
A brake disc for providing a braking surface on a rotating body, such as a railway wheel is provided. The brake disc includes a plurality of arcuate segments (126) arranged to form a ring and a plurality of joining elements (38) for connecting the segments to adjacent segments. Each segment includes: an inner side configured to contact a surface of a wheel; an outer side having a braking surface for contacting a braking mechanism; at least one socket (140) on each radial end (142) of the segment (126) for receiving one of the plurality of joining elements (38); and a groove on the inner side of the segment configured to receive a coupling member to form a pivot joint (58) for positioning the segment (126) on the surface of the wheel. |
| US09587689B2 |
All terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. |
| US09587685B2 |
Method and device for determination a touch point of a friction clutch
A method of determining a touch-point of a friction clutch of a motor vehicle that is relevant for control purposes such that a current, actual touch-point of the friction clutch is determined adaptively, and such that the current touch-point is modified, with a correction value that depends on the elasticity of the friction clutch, in order to determine the control-relevant touch-point. The control device comprises elements for carrying out the method. |
| US09587682B2 |
Damper structure for clutch
A clutch includes a clutch housing configured to hold a clutch plate, and a clutch gear configured to transmit rotary drive power to the clutch housing via a damper. The clutch housing has a rib that regulates a position, of the damper, in an axial direction. The dampers are accommodated in accommodation holes that are spaced from each other in a circumferential direction of the clutch gear. The rib is formed in an annular shape so as to be aligned with the accommodation holes. |
| US09587680B2 |
Light-weight clutch suitable for manual and/or economical electric operation
The present invention provides a clutch. The clutch of the invention includes a coupler, that is a ring or hollow structure surrounding a lumen. The lumen of the coupler has an engaging section and a non-engaging section. In an engaged configuration of the clutch, a driving member and a driven member are located in the engaging section of the coupler and rotation of the driving member in the engaging section generates rotation of the coupler and rotation of the coupler generates rotation of the driven member. In a disengaged configuration of the clutch, one or both of the driving member and the driven member is not located in the engaging section of the coupler and either rotation of the driving member does not generate rotation of the coupler or rotation of the coupler does not generate rotation of the driven member. |
| US09587674B2 |
Sliding bearing
Disclosed is a sliding bearing having a cylindrical shape, including: a Fe alloy back metal layer on an outside diameter side of the cylindrical shape and a sliding layer on an inside diameter side; and a first and second circumferential direction end surfaces, the first and the second circumferential direction end surfaces facing each other, a plurality of hardened convex portions projecting toward the second circumferential direction end surface being formed on the first circumferential direction end surface, a plurality of hardened concave portions corresponding to the plurality of hardened convex portions being formed on the second circumferential direction end surface, a first hardened area being formed on each of the hardened convex portions of the first circumferential direction end surface and its vicinity, and a second hardened area being formed on each of the hardened concave portions of the second circumferential direction end surface and its vicinity. |
| US09587671B2 |
Rotating mechanism of a working lamp
A rotating mechanism, for a working lamp with a housing and a base, including a connecting column, a ball joint, and a seat; wherein a second end of the connecting column extends inside the housing; the ball joint is rotatably mounted inside the seat and a elastic member pushes the ball joint against the seat; furthermore, the connecting column relative to the housing, or the seat relative to the base, can move along the axis of the housing. A certain space may be formed between the ball joint and the seat, thereby ensuring that the ball joint performs stepless rotation of 360 degrees as required and then drives the housing on the connecting column (or seat) and the illuminant in the housing to rotate, subsequently realizing universal illumination conveniently. In the invention, light can be universally adjusted to a required angle and the purpose of reliable positioning can be realized. |
| US09587668B2 |
Pin retention system
A pin retention system includes a pin having a circumferential groove disposed along the pin, and a plurality of retention elements sized to sit within the circumferential groove, each of the retention elements including a plurality of holes. The system also includes a plurality of dowels sized to slide within the holes in the retention elements. |
| US09587664B2 |
Light load compression limiting fastening system
A compression limiting fastening system incorporating a spring element and cooperating compression limiting sleeve adapted for substantially coaxial receipt of a fastening element through a fastened component so as to apply a relatively light load to an outer surface of the fastened component during the fastening operation. Once fastened down, the compression limiting sleeve supports the fastening load while the spring element applies a relatively light opposing load to the fastened component. |
| US09587663B2 |
High angle screw fastener
A threaded fastener for securing a first material to a support comprising a tapping point at a first end and a threaded shank with multiple separate leads. An end diameter of a fastener tip is in the range of 0.210 to 0.190 inches, the tapping point starts away from an end of the tip by a range of 0.320 to 0.40 inches, and the threads are arranged on the shank to provide a range of about 16½ to 17½ threads per inch for a 5/16 inch diameter fastener and about 18½ to 19½ threads per inch for a ¼ inch diameter fastener. A second portion of the shank, distal from the tap screw point, is unthreaded, and a head at an end opposite the tap screw point has an enlarged diameter and a countersunk shape to reduce the likelihood of pull through of the fastener through said first material. |
| US09587659B1 |
Holder apparatus
An example holder apparatus includes a body portion and a gate portion. The body portion includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall that opposes the first sidewall to form a channel therebetween. The gate portion is, at least in use, physically coupled to the second sidewall of the body portion and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The gate portion includes a cross-channel member that, when the gate portion is in the closed configuration, extends across an entire width of the channel to physically engage a channel-facing surface of the first sidewall or a portion of an object held between the cross-channel member and the channel-facing surface of the first sidewall. An example kit for a holder apparatus includes a body portion and a gate portion. The gate portion is selectively physically coupleable to the body portion via a snap fit. |
| US09587656B2 |
Boom driving apparatus for construction machine
Provided is an apparatus for driving a boom of a construction machine, allowing required power to be reduced. The apparatus includes a boom cylinder, a variable-displacement hydraulic pump , a control valve guiding hydraulic oil discharged by the hydraulic pump to the boom cylinder, a boom-raising-operation detector boom-cylinder pressure detectors, a supply selector valve switchable between a permitting position for permitting the hydraulic oil to be supplied from the hydraulic pump a head-side chamber of the boom cylinder and a blocking position for blocking the supply, a supply oil passage permitting hydraulic oil to be supplied to the head-side chamber during the blocking, and a controller which brings the supply selector valve into the blocking position and reduces volume of the hydraulic pump upon judging that excavation reaction force extends the boom cylinder even with no supply of hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump to the head-side chamber. |
| US09587655B2 |
Telescopic bell piston for pump
A piston pump dispenser in which a volume in a compartment defined inside a piston chamber-forming member and between axially spaced discs on a piston varies with movement of the piston in a cycle of operation due to the piston having a tubular portion between the discs which varies in axial length. The tubular portion has a circumferentially extending wall in the shape of a solid of revolution about an axis of the piston with opening through the wall for fluid flow. The tubular portion acts as a spring to axially bias the axially spaced disc apart. |
| US09587651B2 |
Valveless siphon decanter and methods of use
A valveless siphon decanter for processing fluid within a tank having a siphon tube external to the tank, the siphon tube having an output, a boom extending substantially transversely from the siphon tube, the boom providing a path for the communication of fluid from within the tank into the siphon tube, a vacuum head in association with the boom, the vacuum head having at least one orifice disposable within the tank for receiving the fluid, a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the siphon tube and the boom to draw the fluid in through the at least one orifice of the vacuum head into the boom and into the siphon tube thereafter, a vacuum break for breaking the vacuum within the boom and the siphon tube; and wherein the siphon tube and the boom are disposed outside of the tank. |
| US09587650B2 |
Ejector
An ejector includes a nozzle having a fluid passage circular in cross section. The fluid passage includes a throat portion smallest in cross-sectional area, a divergent portion that becomes larger in cross-sectional area toward a downstream side from the throat portion, and an ejection port that is provided at a downstream end of the divergent portion. A passage wall surface of the divergent portion includes a recess portion that is recessed from within outward in a radial direction of the passage wall surface. The recess portion is located adjacent to the ejection port, and the recess portion extends continuously in a circumferential direction of the passage wall surface to enclose the fluid passage and have an annular shape. Accordingly, noise due to an expansion wave of the ejected fluid can be reduced. |
| US09587649B2 |
System for reducing noise in a hydraulic fracturing fleet
Noise generated by a hydraulic fracturing system is abated by locating noise reduction equipment at strategic locations, and also by routing inlet and exit air along designated paths. Noise insulation panels are disposed around trailer mounted machinery to attenuate and redirect the noise generated by the machinery. The panels extend a distance above the machinery so that the noise is directed upward and away from operations personnel proximate the machinery. Air handling equipment having air inlets and exits that are formed to reduce turbulence, and thus noise, as well as redirect the flow of air to attenuate noise generated by its flow within the inlets and exits. |
| US09587647B2 |
Electronic water pump with cooling unit for vehicles
Disclosed herein is an electronic water pump for vehicles. The electronic water pump includes an inner motor casing (150), a rotor (160) and a cooling unit (170). A shaft (152) is installed in an insert hole (151) of the inner motor casing, and a stator (140) is fitted over the inner motor casing. The inner motor casing has a depression (153) and at least one through hole (156). The rotor is disposed in the insert hole (151) so as to be rotatable around the shaft (152). A permanent magnet (162) is provided in the rotor. The cooling unit includes an upper cooling plate which is fitted over the rotor and is seated into the depression, at least one cooling pin which is coupled to the upper cooling plate and inserted into the through hole, and a lower cooling plate which is coupled to a lower end of the cooling pin. |
| US09587643B1 |
Drive shaft for marine water pump
A drive shaft and improved marine water pump are disclosed. The drive shaft connects to a water pump impeller on one end and to a an accessory drive for rotating the impeller on the opposite end. The drive shaft of the present invention comprises an elongate shaft portion that includes differing sectional diameters to facilitate easy placement of the pump shaft within the marine water pump and through the marine pump bearing assembly preventing bearing assembly oil seal damage. The drive shaft further comprises a widened drive shaft tang to facilitate more secure engagement to a marine pump accessory drive and a flange rim adjacent to the pump shaft tang for improved and quicker alignment of the marine pump shaft with respect to the marine pump bearing assembly. |
| US09587641B2 |
Integrated reciprocating primer drive arrangement
A pump assembly includes a centrifugal pump having an intake, a discharge, a pump chamber and an impeller to deliver water from the intake to the discharge. A priming system is fluidly coupled to the pump chamber. A drive assembly includes a drive shaft coupled to the priming system and positioned around an impeller shaft coupled to the impeller for selective rotatable coupling of the impeller shaft and the drive shaft. |
| US09587640B2 |
Method for improving sensorless flow rate estimation accuracy of pump driven with frequency converter
An exemplary method for determining a flow rate of a pump, includes measuring and storing the flow rate (QMean) when the pump is in operation, storing rotational speed (nMean) and torque (TMean) of the pump during measurement of the flow rate (QMean), determining torque (TManufacturer) corresponding to the measured flow rate (QMean), calculating a bias value of the torque (TBias) by comparing the torque determined from the characteristic curve (TManufacturer) and the stored torque (TMean) of the pump, and determining an operating point of the pump based on the bias value of the torque (TBias). |
| US09587636B2 |
Method and system for monitoring the operational state of a pump
A method and a system for monitoring the operational state of a pump including acquiring a set characteristic diagram of the pump, the characteristic diagram of the pump being defined by a functional relationship between a first pump operating parameter characteristic of the operational state of the pump and a second pump operating parameter characteristic of the operational state of the pump. Subsequently, an actual characteristic diagram of the pump is acquired when the pump is installed in a higher-level system, in particular an aircraft system, and is running. Finally, the actual characteristic diagram of the pump is compared with the set characteristic diagram of the pump. |
| US09587635B2 |
Remotely reconfigurable high pressure fluid passive control system for controlling bi-directional piston pumps as active sources of high pressure fluid, as inactive rigid structural members or as isolated free motion devices
A bi-directional pump system that can be configured for a plurality of operating modes. The bi-directional pump system includes a plurality of bi-directional pumps each having their own valving system that are connected to a common high pressure manifold, a low pressure manifold and a suction manifold. Via the respective valve systems, each pump can be configured into: (1) a single-acting pumping mode; (2) a double-acting pumping mode; (3) an inactive free motion mode; and (4) an inactive rigid mode. One exemplary application of the bi-directional pump system is on an articulated wave energy conversion system that consists of three floating barges: a front barge, a center barge and a rear barge where the front barge and center barge are hingedly connected as are the center barge and the rear barge. A first set of the bi-directional pumps span the first hinge connection and the second set of bi-directional pumps span the second hinge connection. The bi-directional pump system intakes sea water and, using wave energy, outputs a high pressure flow of sea water for water desalination and/or for driving electrical generators. |
| US09587634B2 |
Muffler for compressor and compressor having the same
A muffler for a compressor and a compressor having the same are provided, in which a suction noise device and a discharge noise device may be integrally formed to reduce a number of components of a suction side muffler and a discharge side muffler so as to reduce leakage of refrigerant generated at an assembled portion of the muffler, and to reduce a length of a suction passage and a discharge passage. Such a division between the suction noise device and the discharge noise device may prevent discharged refrigerant from unintentionally heating suctioned refrigerant, which may reduce suction loss. The formation of the suction and discharge noise devices using a plastic material may reduce fabricating costs, and the structures of the suction and discharge side noise spaces may be simplified and noise removal effects may be improved, reducing an overall size of the muffler and improving noise effects. |
| US09587633B2 |
Portable pump capable of transmitting air pressure value via wireless transmission to mobile electronic device for indication
A portable pump includes a cylinder, a nozzle, a valve, a piston rod, a tube, and a pressure sensing device. The nozzle connects with the cylinder and includes a passage connectable with the inflatable. The valve is mounted between the cylinder and the nozzle. The piston rod has a rod hole and is connected with a piston and a handle. The handle includes a recess. The tube is connected with the valve. The pressure sensing device is disposed in the recess. The pressure sensing device can measure a pressure value of the air flowing into the recess and is connectable with a mobile electronic device via wireless transmission for indication. |
| US09587629B2 |
Methods and systems to operate a wind turbine system using a non-linear damping model
A wind turbine system is presented. The wind turbine system includes a tower, a plurality of blades, a rotor supported by the tower and rotatably coupled to the plurality of blades, a control unit programmed to predict a net energy of the tower at one or more future points in time, and if the predicted net energy is within a design limit, then continue with baseline operating control models for normal operation of the wind turbine system, if the predicted net energy exceeds the design limit, then use a non-linear tower damping model to generate tower damping commands to control tower damping of the wind turbine system. |
| US09587623B2 |
Wind turbines
A wind turbine is described which comprises a tower, a nacelle mounted to the top of the tower, and a rotor mounted to the nacelle. The rotor comprises two or more blades mounted to a central hub. The hub supports two or more annular pitch bearings associated respectively with the two or more blades. Each pitch bearing defines a bearing plane inclined at a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane when the respective blade is oriented in a downwardly direction in alignment with the tower. Each pitch bearing is spanned by a hub plate; and a work platform integral with or mounted to the hub plate lies generally in a plane at a second angle to the horizontal plane when the respective blade is oriented in a downwardly direction in alignment with the tower, which second angle is less than the first angle. The work platform provides a substantially horizontal platform for use by maintenance personnel when installing or servicing components in and around the hub. |
| US09587618B2 |
Spark ignition internal combustion engine
An spark ignition type internal combustion engine allows the spark discharge by the ignition plug to react with the electric field created in the combustion chamber and generates the plasma, thereby igniting the fuel air mixture to reduce the emission of the unburned fuel and to improve fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine in a spark ignition type internal combustion engine that allows an electric field created in a combustion chamber to react with a spark discharge by an ignition plug and generates plasma, thereby igniting fuel air mixture. The engine includes an electromagnetic wave emission device that emits an electromagnetic wave in the combustion chamber when the fuel air mixture is combusted, and a protruding member protruding from a partitioning surface that partitions the combustion chamber. At least a part of the protruding member is made of a conductor. |
| US09587612B2 |
In-cylinder pressure detecting device of direct injection type internal combustion engine
An in-cylinder pressure detecting device of a direct injection type internal combustion engine is provided in which a ring-shaped pressure detection element (34) surrounding a fuel injection hole (33b) is provided in the vicinity of an extremity of an injector (20) that injects fuel into a combustion chamber. Since the pressure detection element is provided on the injector, not only is it unnecessary to change the shape or structure of the cylinder head or the combustion chamber in order to provide the pressure detection element, but it is also possible to cool the pressure detection element (34) by fuel passing through the inside of the injector to thus enhance the precision of pressure detection and the durability. Further, since the ring-shaped pressure detection element (34) surrounds the periphery of the fuel injection hole (33b), it is possible to maximize the dimensions of the pressure detection element (34) to thus further enhance the precision of pressure detection while avoiding interference between the pressure detection element (34) and fuel injected via the fuel injection hole (33b). |
| US09587607B2 |
Alignment element for an injector, and method for manufacturing an injector
A method for manufacturing an injector having an extrusion coating, including the following steps: providing an injection module, pushing a disk-shaped alignment element onto a part of the injection module, the alignment element having a slot in order to have sufficient flexibility, welding the alignment element onto the part of the injection module, at least part of the slot also being welded shut at the same time during the welding-on step in order to stiffen the alignment element, and molding the extrusion coating onto the injection module. |
| US09587603B2 |
Compact fuel pressure regulator
A compact fuel pressure regulator (10) includes a housing (12) with an interior (13) communicating and inlet opening (16) and an outlet opening (20). The housing defines a valve seat surface (26) in the interior. A cover (22) is provided at an end of the housing and is disposed in the interior. The cover includes a through-hole (24) therein that communicates the outlet opening with the interior. A valve structure (28) is movable within the interior to control fuel flow between the inlet opening and outlet opening. A spring (30) is engaged between the valve structure and the cover so that when pressure of fuel at the inlet opening is greater than a force of the spring, the fuel pushes the valve structure against the bias of the spring and away from the valve seat surface so that fuel flows around a periphery of the valve structure to the outlet opening. |
| US09587601B1 |
Outboard motor and watercraft
An outboard motor includes an engine, a flywheel magnet generator, a fan, and a cover member. The engine includes a crankshaft extending in a vertical direction. The flywheel magnet generator includes a flywheel rotor, a core, and a coil. The flywheel rotor is attached to an end of the crankshaft. The core and the coil are disposed between the flywheel rotor and the engine. The fan is attached onto the flywheel rotor. The cover member is disposed above the fan. The cover member includes a first suction port that sucks in air from above the cover member. The flywheel rotor includes a second suction port that sucks in air from below the flywheel rotor. The fan includes a first ventilation path and a second ventilation path. The first ventilation path radially outwardly releases the air sucked in through the first suction port, whereas the second ventilation path radially outwardly releases the air sucked in through the second suction port. |
| US09587598B2 |
Filter housing and filter assembly
A filter housing for receiving a filter element is provided with a first housing part having a first housing opening and a second housing opening. A second housing part is connected to the first housing part. A first connecting socket is arranged at the first housing opening of the first housing part. A second connecting socket is arranged at the second housing opening of the first housing part. A receiving space is provided in an interior of the filter housing between the first and second housing openings, wherein the receiving space accommodates the filter element. |
| US09587595B2 |
Active purge pump system module for evaporative emission control system
An active purge pump system module is provided for an evaporative emission control (EVAP) system for a vehicle. The EVAP system includes a fuel tank, a vapor collection canister in communication with the fuel tank, an air intake, and a purge valve connected between the canister and the air intake. The active purge pump system module includes a pump in fluid communication with the canister to move air independently of operation of the engine. A bypass valve assembly communicates with an upstream side and a downstream side of the pump to bypass the pump. In a closed position of the bypass valve assembly, the pump, when activated, moves purge vapor from the canister, through the purge valve, and to the engine to be consumed during combustion, and when the bypass valve assembly is opened and the pump is deactivated, vehicle refueling is permitted. |
| US09587594B2 |
Evaporated fuel processing apparatus
An evaporated fuel processing apparatus includes a casing provided with a tank port, and the casing is provided with at least one adsorbent layer filled with adsorbent which adsorbs/desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank or the like, a vapor-liquid separator separating the evaporated fuel introduced from the tank port into a vapor phase component and a liquid phase component thereof, respectively, and a filter separating the vapor-liquid separator from the adsorbent layer, and, a liquid storing member which is a component separate from the casing, and is opened at at least a tank port side for storing the separated liquid phase component is attached in the casing, and, the filter is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the casing and the liquid storing member is sandwiched between the casing and the filter. |
| US09587593B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling fuel vapor flow in an engine-driven generator
An engine-driven generator that controls fuel vapor flow is provided. The engine-driven generator includes an engine having an air intake, wherein the engine is configured to drive a generator. The engine-driven generator also includes a fuel tank coupled to the engine and configured to provide fuel to the engine. The engine-driven generator includes a valve coupled between the air intake of the engine and the fuel tank. The engine-driven generator also includes a control device configured to transition the valve between a first position and a second position. The first position allows fuel vapor to flow between the fuel tank and the air intake of the engine and the second position inhibits the fuel vapor from flowing between the fuel tank and the air intake of the engine. |
| US09587592B2 |
Actuator with valve return
A number of variations may include a product, which may include an actuator including a rotatory portion for moving a valve from a first position to a second position and a biasing spring for retuning the valve to the first position. |
| US09587589B2 |
Boosted internal combustion engine with partial deactivation and method for the operation of an internal combustion engine of said type
An internal combustion engine system is provided herein. The internal combustion engine includes an active cylinder, a selectively deactivatable cylinder, the active cylinder and selectively deactivatable cylinder each coupled to an intake system and exhaust-gas discharge system, an exhaust-gas turbocharger having a turbine positioned in the exhaust-gas discharge system and a compressor positioned in the intake system, a blower positioned in the intake system downstream of the compressor, and a bypass line bypassing the blower and including a shut-off valve. |
| US09587588B2 |
Direct inlet axial automotive turbine
Systems and methods for operating a turbocharged engine are described. In one example, a turbocharger system, comprising: a bearing housing including a turbine and at least one compressor coupled to the turbine via a shaft; and wherein the turbine comprises a stator stage and a rotor stage mounted to the cylinder head by the bearing housing and positioned in an exhaust passage of a cylinder head. In this way, a more compact design is achieved which eliminates the cost and complexity of a turbine housing and improves turbine efficiency by positioning the turbine closer to the exhaust pulses. |
| US09587583B2 |
Turbojet engine nacelle having a variable nozzle
A turbojet engine nacelle has a thrust reverser device and an actuating system for said thrust reverser device, and the thrust reverser device includes a moving cowl mounted translatably alternating between a closed position and an open position, and a jet nozzle section for gases that extends the moving cowl. In particular, the jet nozzle section includes a nozzle flap mounted movable between a closed position and an open position in which the nozzle flap opens a leakage passage toward the outside of the nozzle section. The actuating system has an actuator shared with the moving cowl and the nozzle flap to activate the translational movement of the moving cowl and to pivot the nozzle flap between three following positions: an idle position, an open position of the nozzle flap and an open position of the moving cowl. |
| US09587577B2 |
Fuel injection control device for internal combustion engine
When injecting fuel from a direct injector and a port injector such that a requested fuel injection amount for an internal combustion engine is reached, the direct injector is driven in the following manner. That is, target fuel injection amounts are set on the basis of the engine operating state in order from the fuel injection with the highest priority among fuel injection in a compression stroke, fuel injection in the late stage of an intake stroke, and fuel injection in the early stage of the intake stroke in the direct injector, and the abovementioned setting continues until the total value of the target fuel injection amounts reaches the requested fuel injection amount. Moreover, the direct injector is driven in such a manner that the target fuel injection amounts for each of the abovementioned fuel injections set in this manner are obtained. |
| US09587574B2 |
Exhaust system using ash-compensating regeneration management
An exhaust system for an engine having a throttle is disclosed. The exhaust system may include an exhaust passage connectable to the engine, a particulate filter disposed in the exhaust passage, a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a total pressure differential across the particulate filter caused by soot and ash accumulation, a load actuator configured to selectively adjust a load on the engine, and a control module electronically connected to the load actuator and the sensor. The control module may be configured to determine a compensated pressure differential indicative of an amount of the total pressure differential caused by soot accumulation, a soot load of the particulate filter based on the compensated pressure differential, cause the load actuator to initiate a first engine load increase based on the soot load, track a time elapsed since initiation of the first engine load increase, and cause the load actuator to initiate a subsequent engine load increase when the time elapsed is greater than an elapsed time limit and the soot load is greater than a target soot load. |
| US09587573B2 |
Catalyst light off transitions in a gasoline engine using model predictive control
A system includes a catalyst light-off module that selectively generates a first signal based on an engine coolant temperature and an estimated exhaust enthalpy, a setpoint module that selectively initiates a catalyst light-off period in response to receiving the first signal and that generates a desired exhaust enthalpy, and a first model predictive control (MPC) module that generates predicted parameters based on a model of an engine and a set of possible target values, generates a cost for the set of possible target values based on the predicted parameters and the desired exhaust enthalpy, and selects the set of possible target values from multiple sets of possible target values based on the cost. The system also includes an engine actuator module that adjusts an actuator of the engine based on at least one of the target values. |
| US09587567B2 |
Selective cylinder deactivation apparatus and method for high power diesel engines
Various embodiments relate to a method of operating an engine system with injectors having nozzle sac volume. The engine system may be a four-stroke, high power engine having a high-pressure common-rail injection system. A number of engine cylinders to fire is selected based on a fuel injection quantity per selected engine cylinder such that a nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission is less than a first predetermined threshold and a smoke value is less than a second predetermined threshold. The fuel injection quantity per cylinder may be higher than a nominal fuel injection quantity to improve fuel injector spray characteristics. The exhaust can be mixed with fresh air blowout from deactivated cylinders to further reduce smoke value. The engine system is operated with a firing pattern for the selected number of cylinders to fire. |
| US09587564B2 |
Fuel oxidation in a gas turbine system
A mixture of air and fuel is received into a reaction chamber of a gas turbine system. The fuel is oxidized in the reaction chamber, and a maximum temperature of the mixture in the reaction chamber is controlled to be substantially at or below an inlet temperature of a turbine of the gas turbine system. The oxidation of the fuel is initiated by raising the temperature of the mixture to or above an auto-ignition temperature of the fuel. In some cases, the reaction chamber may be provided without a fuel oxidation catalyst material. |
| US09587562B2 |
Variable volume combustor with aerodynamic support struts
The present application provides a combustor for use with a gas turbine engine. The combustor may include a number of micro-mixer fuel nozzles and a fuel injection system for providing a flow of fuel to the micro-mixer fuel nozzles. The fuel injection system may include a number of support struts supporting the fuel nozzles and providing the flow of fuel therethrough. The support struts may include an aerodynamic contoured shape so as to distribute evenly a flow of air to the micro-mixer fuel nozzles. |
| US09587559B2 |
Accessories drive system including a transmission driven motor generator unit
A system including: at least one accessory device connected to an accessories drive shaft; a motor/generator including an input/output shaft; a first clutch arranged to receive torque from an engine and connected to the accessories drive shaft; a second clutch connected to the input/output shaft; and first and second torque transfer elements. The first torque transfer element is connected to the input/output shaft and the accessories drive shaft to reduce a rotational speed of the input/output shaft. The second torque transfer element is arranged to connect to a transmission input shaft, is connected to the second clutch, and is arranged to increase a rotational speed of the transmission input shaft. For a generator mode, the first clutch is arranged to be opened, the second clutch is arranged to be closed; and the transmission input shaft is arranged to rotate the input/output shaft via the second torque transfer element. |
| US09587557B2 |
VTG turbocharger vane pack assembly with abradable coating
A vane pack for a VTG turbocharger is provided. The vane pack includes a plurality of vanes pivotably positioned between an inner surface of an upper vane ring and an inner surface of a lower vane ring. Clearances are defined between opposing cheek surfaces of the vanes and the inner surfaces of the vane rings. The vane pack is configured to minimize these clearances by applying an abradable coating is to the inner surface of the upper vane ring, the inner surface of the lower vane ring and/or cheek surface(s) of one or more of the vanes. In this way, an essentially zero clearance can be established without interfering with the proper function of the vanes. As a result, there can be gains in efficiency. Further wearing of the abradable coating may occur during turbocharger operation. |
| US09587556B2 |
Wastegate control
Various methods for determining a holding current based on a pressure differential across a wastegate valve are provided. In one example, a method of operating a wastegate comprises determining a holding current with which to hold a wastegate valve at a desired position, the holding current determined based on a pressure differential across the wastegate valve. |
| US09587550B2 |
Exhaust system
A component of an exhaust system for a combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle, has a hollow jacket at least partially surrounding the component. An intermediate space is surrounded by the walls of the hollow jacket and is closable in a pressure-tight manner. The intermediate space is fluidically connected to a vacuum generating device via a vacuum connection line and via a vacuum connection point of the component. With the vacuum generating device, a vacuum can be generated in the intermediate space. Through arrangement of a filler material, such as a support structure and/or of a fiber material and/or of a foam, in the intermediate space the stability of the hollow jacket can be improved. |
| US09587549B2 |
Air gap-insulated exhaust manifold
An air gap-insulated exhaust manifold (10) for a supercharged internal combustion engine (1), preferably of a motor vehicle has an engine flange (11) fastening the exhaust manifold to an engine block (2) and a turbine flange (12) fastening the exhaust manifold to a turbine (8) of an exhaust gas turbocharger (7). Two inner pipes (13, 14) lead from an inlet opening, for exhaust gas, adjacent to the engine flange to an outlet opening (18), for exhaust gas, adjacent to the turbine flange. An outer pipe (15) envelopes the two inner pipes, forming an air gap insulation (21), and extends from the engine flange to the turbine flange. A separation partition (16) separates, in the interior space (22) of the outer pipe, two interior spaces (23, 24), in which one each of the two inner pipes is arranged. Reduced wear is achieved with the partition arranged loosely at the turbine flange. |
| US09587547B2 |
Engine system for controlling exhaust gas flow
An engine system for controlling an exhaust gas flow includes an intake line arranged to draw in outdoor air, an engine combusting the outdoor air supplied through the intake line and fuel in a combustion chamber of the engine to generate torque, an exhaust line for exhausting exhaust gas from the combustion in the combustion chamber of the engine, a turbocharger having a turbine operated by the exhaust gas passing through the exhaust line and a compressor for compressing the outdoor air in the intake line, a catalyst unit arranged on a downstream side of the turbocharger for reducing harmful components of the exhaust gas, a bypass line branched from the exhaust line on the downstream side of the turbocharger and joined to the exhaust line on a downstream side of the catalyst unit, and a bypass valve arranged on the bypass line for selectively opening/closing the bypass line. |
| US09587544B2 |
Device for delivering a liquid additive
A device for delivering a liquid additive includes: a tank configured to store the liquid additive; a pump; a suction point at which the liquid additive can be sucked out of the tank by the pump; and a filter at least partially delimiting an intermediate space between the filter and the suction point and separating the intermediate space from an interior space of the tank. The filter has a filter surface with a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge and the bottom edge being spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction by 30 mm to 80 mm and the suction point being positioned at most 5 mm below the top edge in the vertical direction. |
| US09587538B2 |
Exhaust aftertreatment system with silica filter
An exhaust system including an upstream portion, a downstream portion, a service access, and a silica filter defines an exhaust gas flow path. The downstream portion includes an aftertreatment component. The service access is between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. The silica filter includes a silica filter element and a housing enclosing the silica filter element. The housing includes a filter gas inlet and a filter gas outlet, and defines a filter flow path through the silica filter element between the filter gas inlet and the filter gas outlet. The silica filter element is configured to filter silica from exhaust gases of the engine and structured to create a uniform distribution of silica throughout the silica filter element. The silica filter is configured to be removed and replaced through the service access. The exhaust gas flow path includes the filter flow path. |
| US09587536B2 |
Exhaust muffler
A muffler for an exhaust system can comprise a muffler body including an exterior metal shell having an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of the inner surface defining a gas chamber, the gas chamber having a first side portion and a second side portion; a plurality of baffles, each baffle coupled to the inner surface, each baffle extending from an outer end to an inner end the inner end of each baffle having a reflecting portion bent in a direction of gas flow, wherein a first baffle of the plurality of baffles is coupled to the first side portion and a second baffle of the plurality of baffles is coupled to the second side portion; a flow channel formed between the bent end of the first baffle coupled to the first side portion and the second baffle coupled to the second side portion; and a first plate assembly, coupled to the inner surface. |
| US09587533B2 |
Oil level display device of engine
An oil level display device is fitted such that a float guide accommodating a float is attached to an oil filler neck and is plugged with a float cap. To check the amount of oil, the float cap is removed and the position of the float is checked. If a sufficient amount of oil is stored, an upward force derived from oil buoyancy is larger than a downward force of the own weight of the float, from among the forces that act on the float. The float thus protrudes beyond a large-diameter portion upon removal of the float cap from the float guide. |
| US09587528B2 |
Hydraulic valve for cam phaser
A hydraulic valve, in particular for a cam phaser of a cam shaft, the hydraulic valve including a supply connection with a check valve for supplying a hydraulic fluid; at least one first operating connection and a second operating connection; at least one first tank outlet and a second tank outlet for draining the hydraulic fluid; a piston that is moveable in a bore hole along a longitudinal direction of the bore hole for distributing the hydraulic fluid from the supply connection to the first operating connection and/or the second operating connection and for conducting the hydraulic fluid from the first operating connection to the second operating connection and from the first operating connection to the first tank outlet and/or from the second operating connection to the second tank outlet; and a sleeve that is arranged in the piston moveable relative to the piston in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09587524B2 |
Device for changing the relative angular position of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine
A device for changing the relative angular position of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein the drive element is rotatably mounted with respect to the crankshaft and is driven by the camshaft. Between the drive element and the camshaft at least two hydraulic chambers are formed, wherein the hydraulic chambers can be pressurized with a pressurized fluid in order to set a defined relative rotational position between the drive element and the camshaft. The device includes a housing element, wherein a pressure reservoir having a pressure chamber for pressurized fluid is arranged on the housing element and wherein the basic form of the pressure reservoir is substantially cylindrical. The pressure reservoir is disposed on the housing element in such a manner that the cylindrical lateral face thereof abuts a lateral portion of the housing element, wherein at least one fluid connection is formed between the housing element and the pressure chamber of the pressure reservoir. |
| US09587521B2 |
Volumetric energy recovery device and systems
A volumetric expander (20) configured to transfer a working fluid and generate useful work includes a housing. The housing includes an inlet port (24) configured to admit relatively high-pressure working fluid and an outlet port (26) configured to discharge to a relatively low-pressure working fluid. The expander also includes first and second twisted meshed rotors (30,32) rotatably disposed in the housing and configured to exp/and the relatively high-pressure working fluid into the relatively low-pressure working fluid. Each rotor has a plurality of lobes, and when one lobe of the first rotor is leading with respect to the inlet port, one lobe of the second rotor is trailing with respect to the inlet port. The expander additionally includes an output shaft (38) rotated by the relatively high-pressure working fluid as the fluid undergoes expansion. A system for generating work using the expander in a Rankine cycle is also disclosed. |
| US09587519B2 |
Modular industrial gas turbine exhaust system
An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity. |
| US09587517B2 |
Blade track assembly with turbine tip clearance control
A turbine shroud assembly or blade track assembly adapted to extend around a turbine wheel assembly is disclosed. The turbine shroud assembly includes a carrier and a blade track coupled to the carrier. The blade track is movable between a radially-inward position having a first inner diameter and a radially-outward position having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter. |
| US09587516B2 |
Fan cowl locking system
A locking system comprising a handle mounted such that it can rotate about an operating spindle, wherein the handle can move between a locked position and an unlocked position, a hook mounted on the handle and secured in rotation therewith, wherein the hook has a throat in which a latching point of a structure is designed to engage when the handle is in the locked position. The locking system comprises a key associated with the hook and by means of which it is possible to pass from the locked position to the unlocked position of the handle, wherein the key can be removed when the handle is in the locked position and cannot be removed when the handle is in the unlocked position. |
| US09587514B2 |
Vane insertable tie rods with keyed connections
A gas turbine engine includes a combustor, a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a second turbine section in fluid communication with the first turbine section, and a mid-turbine frame located axially between the first turbine section and the second turbine section. The mid-turbine frame includes a first frame case, a second frame case, a vane positioned between the first frame case and the second frame case, and a spoke extending through the vane and connecting the first frame case to the second frame case. The spoke includes a tie rod having a first end connected to the first frame case at a keyed connection. |
| US09587513B2 |
Arrangement, a sealing assembly, a casing flange and a spacer for sealing the propeller shaft of a marine vessel
A propeller shaft of a marine vessel is supported by bearing means within a stern tube or frame. The stern tube or frame has an aft end provided with a sealing assembly for sealing the propeller shaft. The sealing assembly and the stern tube or frame have at least one leakage monitor line for monitoring the condition of the sealing assembly. The at least one leakage monitor line is provided with a circumferentially extending channel section. |
| US09587512B1 |
Method for balancing a turbofan engine or other rotating system
A method for balancing rotating machinery, such as gas turbine engines, to minimize vibrations. The method involves operation of the engine for a period of time at varying power levels and ranges of other operational parameters representative of the system operating envelope to obtain vibration data (amplitude and phase) for the full range of dynamic responses of interest. This usually includes time at elevated power settings until the engine reaches thermal stability, altitude variation, etc. as well as the full engine operating range. The full set of vibration data measured during the engine run is analyzed to generate unique unbalance states. The unique unbalance states are then analyzed and the mean unbalance state is identified. Balancing masses can then be installed or removed in accordance with a balance solution that is equal and opposite to the mean unbalance state. |
| US09587511B2 |
Turbomachine cold clearance adjustment
A system and method for measuring and adjusting rotor to stator clearances is disclosed, as well as a turbomachine embodying the system and method. In an embodiment, a turbomachine is assembled, including a stator having an upper and a lower stator shell, and a rotor disposed within the stator. A cold clearance between the rotor and the stator is determined at each of a plurality of clearance measurement points using an in situ clearance sensor system. Each of the clearance measurement points is axially spaced from each other clearance measurement point. The cold clearance between the rotor and the stator is adjusted based on the determined cold clearances, by displacing one of the upper stator shell or the lower stator shell relative to a foundation, thereby changing a shape of the upper stator shell or the lower stator shell to accommodate a position of the rotor within the stator. |
| US09587508B2 |
Generator-type pressure relief device for water supply and drainage pipes
A generator-type pressure relief device includes: a housing; a propeller disposed in the housing; a shaft fixed to the center of rotation of the propeller; a generator unit that generates electricity by receiving rotational torque from the shaft; an electricity storage unit that stores electricity generated by the generator unit; an electronic brake operated by an electric signal supplied from the outside to suppress the axial rotation of the shaft; a control unit that sends an electric signal to the electronic brake to control the operation of the electronic brake; and a water pressure sensor provided in the water supply pipe or the water drainage pipe or the housing so as to transfer water pressure information on the water to the control unit, and which allows the control unit to control the electronic brake. |
| US09587499B2 |
Inner ring of a fluid flow machine and stator vane array
An inner ring of a fluid flow machine includes fixing rings and seal carriers split into at least two fixing ring segments and into at least two seal carrier segments, respectively. The fixing ring segments and the seal carrier segments are arranged with the respective end faces facing each other. A first fixing ring segment has a first ring segment shoulder and a second fixing ring segment has an offset second ring segment shoulder. A first seal carrier segment has a first carrier segment shoulder, and a second seal carrier segment has a second carrier segment shoulder, which is offset with respect to the first carrier segment shoulder. In a separation plane of the inner ring, the first carrier segment shoulder abuts the second ring segment shoulder at the end face. Also in the separation plane, the second carrier segment shoulder abuts the first ring segment shoulder at the end face. |
| US09587494B2 |
Gas turbine, gas turbine blade, and manufacturing method of gas turbine blade
A gas turbine blade includes a hollow-blade-form portion formed by a leading edge on an upstream side of an working fluid of a gas turbine in a flow direction, a trailing edge on a downstream side of the working fluid in the flow direction, and a suction surface and a pressure surface reaching the trailing edge from the leading edge, and a shank portion for supporting the blade form portion. The blade also includes a partition for connecting the suction surface and the pressure surface in a hollow region of the blade-form portion, coolant paths formed by the partition, the suction surface, and the pressure surface, an impingement cooling hole formed in the partition for dividing the first path that is a flow path nearest to the leading edge side among the coolant paths and the second path adjacent to the first path, and first and second converter portions. |
| US09587490B2 |
Test equipment simulating multiple fluid sequences
A well fluid test device includes a cell body having a first end port disposed on an upper end of the cell body, a second end port disposed on a lower end of the cell body, a first lateral port disposed on a side of the cell body, and a second lateral port disposed on a side of the cell body, and a filter medium disposed in the cell body, wherein the first and second lateral ports are disposed above the filter medium. A method of evaluating a fluid includes injecting a fluid into a well fluid test device, the well fluid test device having a filter medium, heating the fluid in the well fluid test device, establishing a pressure differential across the filter medium, establishing a filter cake on the filter medium, and maintaining at least one of a temperature and a pressure in the well fluid test device. |
| US09587485B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect fluid distributions
A disclosed example method involves receiving a first signal transmitted into a reservoir from a production installation in a formation at a wellsite, and determining an apparent resistance of the reservoir based on the first signal. A distance between a fluid extraction tool and a fluid distribution is determined based on the apparent resistance. |
| US09587484B2 |
Systems and methods for surface detection of wellbore projectiles
Disclosed are systems and methods for positively identifying wellbore projectiles introduced downhole. One well system includes at least one wellbore projectile configured to be introduced into a flow path associated with a work string arranged within a wellbore and extending from a wellhead installation, at least one optical computing device in optical communication with the flow path and having at least one integrated computational element configured to detect a characteristic of the at least one wellbore projectile and generate a resulting output signal indicative of the characteristic of the at least one wellbore projectile, and a computational system configured to receive the resulting output signal and associate the resulting output signal with a size or configuration of the at least one wellbore projectile. |
| US09587483B2 |
Landfill well liquid level control pump
A liquid level control pump especially well adapted for use in landfill wells is disclosed. The pump makes use of a pump casing, a discharge tube, a control rod, first and second check valves, a float and a pivoting lever assembly for controlling the application of a pressurized fluid from an external pressurized fluid source. In one aspect the float may include a through slot which allows the control rod to pass therethrough and which helps to reduce the chance of the float hanging due to an accumulation of solids between the control rod and the float. In another aspect a removable and replaceable discharge tube sleeve may be included. |
| US09587480B2 |
Cellar oil recovery techniques for in situ operations
Techniques for recovering hydrocarbons, such as heavy hydrocarbons or bitumen, from a cellar region below a horizontal production well can include providing a cellar well section that extends from the horizontal production well into the cellar region. The horizontal production well can be part of a Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) in situ recovery system, which forms a hydrocarbon depleted region and a hydrocarbon bearing cellar region. The cellar region includes hydrocarbons that have been pre-heated by SAGD operations. One or more cellar well sections are provided from the SAGD production well to extend into the cellar region, in order to form a branched production well. A pressurizing gas can be injected into the hydrocarbon depleted region from a SAGD injection well, in order to provide sufficient pressure to promote production of pre-heated hydrocarbons from the cellar region through the cellar well section. A branch well section can also be provided from a horizontal production well into a pre-heated adjacent region. |
| US09587479B2 |
Velocity sensor for a plunger lift system
A velocity sensor, a controller, a plunger lift system and method for controlling a plunger lift system is provided. The velocity sensor can use a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor spaced a sensor distance to determine a velocity of a plunger as it passes the velocity sensor. The controller can use information received from the velocity sensor to both control the operation of the plunger lift system using the measured plunger velocity obtained from the velocity sensor and shut down the well if the plunger is measured travelling too fast. |
| US09587477B2 |
Well treatment with untethered and/or autonomous device
Well treatment with an untethered and/or autonomous device. Also, in situ channelization treatment fluids are used in multistage well treatment with an untethered and/or autonomous device; and methods and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, relating to in situ channelization treatment fluids, which may optionally be energized, and untethered and/or autonomous devices. |
| US09587470B2 |
Acoustic artificial lift system for gas production well deliquification
An acoustic artificial lift system and method for deliquification of gas production wells is provided. The artificial lift system comprises a down-hole acoustic tool suspended by a power conductive cable that converts electrical power to acoustic energy, thereby generating an acoustic wave. The acoustic tool is moved within the wellbore such that liquid molecules within the wellbore are vaporized by the acoustic wave. Natural gas produced by a producing zone of the subterranean reservoir transports the vaporized liquid molecules to the well surface. |
| US09587469B2 |
Poly(alkyenylamide)-polysaccharide hydrogels for treatment of subterranean formations
The present invention provides compositions including poly(alkenylamide)-polysaccharide hydrogels for treating a subterranean formation and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation, including obtaining or providing a composition including a poly(alkenylamide)-polysaccharide hydrogel. The method also includes placing the composition in a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the poly(alkenylamide)-polysaccharide hydrogel is a polyacrylamide-alginate hydrogel. |
| US09587465B2 |
Downhole disconnect device and method of operation
A downhole disconnect device for disconnecting an intervention tool string from a wireline, includes: a tubular body having a first part directly or indirectly coupleable to the wireline and a second part connectable directly or indirectly to an intervention tool string; an actuator for disconnecting the second part of the tubular body from the first part of the tubular body; at least one sensor to detect when the tool string is stuck in use and to produce an output signal accordingly; a controller configured to receive the output signal and selectively operate the actuator accordingly; and a power source. The tubular body is adapted to house the actuator, sensor, controller and power source and the device further comprises a timer configured to delay operation of the actuator by a predetermined time on receipt of the output signal from the sensor. There is also a method of operating the downhole disconnect device. |
| US09587463B2 |
Valve system
A valve system for use in a wellbore includes a side pocket mandrel and one or more well tools, where the side pocket mandrel includes an elongated body section provided with a connector at its ends, the elongated body section being provided with a substantially fully open main bore for alignment with the well tubing and an offset side pocket bore. At least one through opening is provided in the side pocket mandrel, leading into the side pocket bore, and at least one through opening is provided in the internal wall, leading into the main bore, where the at least two openings are in fluid communication through the side pocket bore, in which side pocket bore at least two valves are arranged in series to form a double fluid barrier between the main bore and an outside of the pocket mandrel, the at least two valves being independently retrievable through at least one installation opening arranged in the internal wall of the side pocket mandrel. |
| US09587458B2 |
Split foldback rings with anti-hooping band
A device and method prevent damage to an anti-extrusion device on a tool, such as a plug or a packer, prior to and during setting of the tool. Typically, the upper or outer edges of the anti-extrusion device are relatively delicate. A reinforcing band on the device's sheath strengthens or armors the upper or outer edge of the anti-extrusion device so the anti-extrusion device may be protected while running the tool into the well or casing. Longitudinal slots on the sheath allow the sheath to expand at least partially with the expansion of the sealing element, while the reinforcing band resists expansion of the distal edge of the sheath. |
| US09587455B2 |
Piston accumulator bladder apparatus system and method
The present invention is a new and improved bladder for use with a piston accumulator apparatus, system and method of using same that provides a dispersion tube in the bladder to allow fluid to be communicated under a vacuum from the bladder to the accumulator seawater chamber and back again. |
| US09587451B2 |
Deactivation of packer with safety joint
A packer deactivation system can include a packer and a safety joint. Activation of the safety joint can prevent setting of the packer. A method for use with a subterranean well can include activating a safety joint in the well, and deactivating a packer connected to the safety joint, in response to the safety joint activating. Another packer deactivation system can include a safety joint and a packer drag block locking mechanism. Activation of the safety joint can operate the drag block locking mechanism, thereby preventing a drag block from displacing in a certain direction relative to a mandrel of a packer. |
| US09587450B2 |
Injector head tilt mechanism
A tilt mechanism for manipulating an injector head mounted on a tiltable platform attached at one end to a pivot mount on a base structure includes an articulated member attached between the tiltable platform and the base structure, the articulated member having a joint and a cylinder attached between the base structure and the articulated member, wherein an arm of the cylinder is extended to push the joint of the articulated member to an over-center position, thereby locking the articulated member. |
| US09587448B2 |
Sampling system and method
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for supporting a tubing bundle during installation or removal. The apparatus includes a clamp for securing the tubing bundle to an external wireline. In various examples, the clamp is external to the tubing bundle or integral with the tubing bundle. According to one method, a tubing bundle and wireline are deployed together and the tubing bundle periodically secured to the wireline using a clamp. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments together. A first pump obtains a sample and transmits it through a first conduit to a reservoir accessible by a second pump. The second pump further conducts the sample from the reservoir through a second conduit. In a specific example, one or more clamps are used to connect the first and/or second conduits to an external wireline. |
| US09587440B2 |
Dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool and measuring method thereof
The invention relates to a dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool and a measuring method thereof. The dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool comprises a rotary housing, a stabilized platform assembly, a hollow servo-motor assembly, a drilling fluid passage, an inner eccentric ring, an outer eccentric ring, a drilling bit shaft and a universal joint. The dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool also comprises a stabilized platform communication and power supply system which includes an instrument storehouse fixed at the upper end of the rotary housing, a main circuit board, an auxiliary circuit board mounted on the stabilized platform upper-end cover, an electromagnetic coupler primary-side, an electromagnetic coupler secondary winding and an electromagnetic coupler primary-side mounting plate fixed at the lower end of a coupler. The main circuit board is mounted on the electromagnetic coupler primary-side mounting plate, the electromagnetic coupler secondary winding is connected with the auxiliary circuit board, and the auxiliary circuit board is connected with the attitude sensor mounted on the side wall of the upper end of the stabilized platform body. By the dynamic point-the-bit rotary steerable drilling tool, hollow drilling fluid passage, power supply and signal transmission of the stabilized platform sensor, attitude angle parameter measurement and toolface angle real-time control of the rotary steerable drilling tool are realized. |
| US09587437B2 |
Powered reaming device
A powered reamer comprising a stationary assembly having a flow bore therethrough. A rotating assembly is disposed about the stationary assembly and one or more cutting structures are coupled to an outer surface of the rotating assembly. A flow restriction is disposed within the flow bore so as to divert a portion of fluid flowing through the flow bore through an outlet from the flow bore into an annulus between the stationary assembly and the rotating assembly. A power section is formed in the annulus between the stationary assembly and the rotating assembly. The power section operates to eccentrically rotate the rotating assembly about the stationary assembly in response to fluid flowing through the annulus between the stationary assembly and the rotating assembly. |
| US09587436B2 |
CV joint for down hole motor and method
An apparatus for transmitting torque to a down hole motor in a down hole drilling assembly. The apparatus includes a center rod having a distal protuberance and a proximal protuberance, a transmission adapter having a first end connected to the down hole motor, and a transmission socket formed within a second end of the transmission adapter and configured to receive the proximal protuberance. A material bridge may be provided for the protuberances. The apparatus may also include a bearing adapter operatively connected to the center rod, with the bearing adapter having a bearing socket therein, and wherein the transmission adapter is configured to connect to an output of the down hole motor and the bearing adapter is configured to connect to an input of a bearing assembly in the down hole assembly for drilling the well. The adapters may contain external threads and the caps may contain cooperating internal threads. A method of drilling a well is also disclosed. |
| US09587435B2 |
Universal drilling and completion system
Methods and apparatus are described to drill and complete wellbores. Such wellbores include extended reach horizontal wellbores, for example in shales, deep subsea extended reach wellbores, and multilateral wellbores. Specifically, the invention provides simple threaded subassemblies that are added to existing threaded tubular drilling and completion equipment which are used to dramatically increase the lateral reach using that existing on-site equipment. These subassemblies extract power from downward flowing clean mud, or other fluids, in an annulus to provide additional force or torque on tubular elements within the wellbore, while maintaining circulation, to extend the lateral reach of the drilling equipment and completion equipment. These added elements include combinations of The Leaky Seal™, a Cross-Over, The Force Sub™ and The Torque Sub™. The use of such additional simple elements allow lighter drilling equipment to be used to reach a given lateral distance, therefore reducing drilling costs. |
| US09587434B2 |
Ladder
A ladder having platform steps, the ladder being convertible between a deployed position for supporting a person or other load, to a storage, scaffold, or ramp position in which the steps lie in a generally planar arrangement. When deployed, the ladder steps remain parallel to each other and form a series of parallelograms with the rails of the ladder. The ladder is also capable of being locked or secured at various angles of deployment. The ladder further includes receivers to selectively receive accessories such as wheels, hooks, handles, or pads. The addition of accessories such as wheels allows the ladder in the storage position to be used as a creeper, dolly, or cart. |
| US09587433B2 |
Cradle clamp bracket assembly
A cradle clamp bracket assembly that secures cables to rungs of a ladder rack. The cradle clamp bracket assembly includes an elongated bracket having a first portion and a raised second portion. The first portion includes a slot located along the center of the first portion. The raised second portion includes a downwardly extending flange and at least one gsset to strengthen the bracket. The cradle clamp bracket assembly also includes a retainer that is received in the slot to engage the rung of the ladder rack. |
| US09587426B1 |
Gate apparatus with springless automatic return gate
A gate apparatus having an automatically returning gate, an upper latch operated by an upper button, and a lower latch operated by an upper finger handle. Each of the latches must be opened to open the gate. The gate returns without the aid of a spring to a position close to the closed position or to the closed position by the structure of a pivot or hinge connection between the gate and the frame of the gate. Gate tubes are rectangular in section for their entire length. Wood panels are included in the gate and excluded from other portions of the gate apparatus to make the gate stand out to the user seeking to open the gate. |
| US09587422B2 |
Direction switchable ratchet device for door operator
A direction switchable ratchet device for a door operator is provided. The door operator includes an electric motor, an electromagnetic brake and the direction switchable ratchet device. The direction switchable ratchet device comprises a first and second direction restricting devices and a manually operable mechanism. A drive shaft of the electric motor is braked by a brake baffle disk when the electric motor is electrically de-energized and is released when the electric motor is electrically energized. The first and second direction restricting devices are provided to prevent the drive shaft from being rotated clockwise and counter-clockwise respectively by holding the brake baffle disk. In the event of power failure, the manually operable mechanism is effective to open the door once a pawl of the direction restricting device at the free side is retracted. The manually operable mechanism of the door operator is prevented from being incorrectly mounted in a cost-effective manner. |
| US09587420B2 |
Wireless obstacle detection for use with different barrier operator types
A wireless obstacle detection system includes a wireless photosensitive sensor and a communication module designed to provide a retrofit solution for easily adding obstacle detection capabilities to a previously installed barrier operator system. In one form, the wireless obstacle detector can be provided with a gateway device for adding additional functionality, including enabling long range remote operation of a barrier operator. To facilitate ease of installation, the communication module can communicate with a large variety of barrier operators including using at least two different protocols for communication with obstacle detectors. Such communication may be wireless or wired, depending on the barrier operator and communication protocol implemented by a particular previously installed barrier operator. The communication module may be designed to configure itself to operate with the communication protocol of the previously installed barrier operator. Once configured to be able to communicate with the previously installed barrier operator, the communication module receives communications from the wireless obstacle detector about the presence or absence of an obstacle at or near the barrier and transmits a corresponding communication to the barrier operator using the correct protocol. |
| US09587417B2 |
Device for actuating a moving part of a vehicle without contact
The present invention relates to a device for actuating a moving part (10) of a vehicle (1), particularly a trunk lid (10.1), a side door (10.2), or the like, without contact, comprising a first detection means (11) for detecting an object in a first detection area (11a) and a second detection means (12) for detecting an object in a second detection area (12a) so that the actuation of the moving part (10) can be activated through the detection means (11, 12). According to the invention, the first detection means (11) is designed as a first capacitance sensor (11), and the second detection means (12) is designed as a second capacitance sensor (12), wherein means (13, 14) are provided, with which the detection areas (11a, 12a) can be specified in areas separated from each other. |
| US09587416B1 |
Lock with a slide for covering lock core
A lock includes a housing having an insertion hole in which a pivot is inserted. A slide is connected to one end of the pivot. A spring is located in the insertion hole and applies a first resilient force toward the insertion hole, and a second resilient force toward a direction that the slide pivots. When the slide is located at a first position, the installation recess is covered by the slide to prevent water and dust from entering into the installation recess. When the slide located at a second position, at least one portion of the slide does not cover the installation recess to allow the lock to be unlocked. When the slide located at a third position, the slide is located higher than the first end face of the protrusion and is pivotable so that the installation recess is explored for convenience of replacement of the core. |
| US09587413B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing a concrete tower segment of a wind turbine
The invention concerns a processing apparatus for processing an upper segment edge of a pylon segment of a concrete pylon for preparing the pylon segment for placement thereon of at least one further pylon segment. According to the invention it is proposed that the processing apparatus includes a processing means for processing the segment edge, and a carrier apparatus to be fixed in the region of the segment edge for displaceably carrying and guiding the processing means along the segment edge. |
| US09587412B2 |
Multi-axial mast positioning system
A multi-axial mast positioning system includes a frame having two opposed vertical sections, an axle coupled to the frame and rotatable around a first axis passing through the opposed vertical sections of the frame, and a mast coupled to the axle and rotatable about a second axis aligned with and perpendicular to the first axis. Level sensors measure the orientation of the mast along the first and second axes. |
| US09587406B2 |
Panel railing
A panel railing has a dimensionally stable U-shaped profile. Between the two limbs of the U-shaped profile, the base region of a glass pane is held in a clamped manner. A spacer body and a rod body are arranged in the opening region of the U-shaped profile between the glass pane and one limb. The rod body is provided in an upper, free edge region of at least one of the two limbs. The rod body is placed in a pressing manner with its one outer face against the limb and with its other outer face, which lies opposite the former, against the glass pane. On the inner side of the limb, there is at least one projection which protrudes from said limb in the direction of the glass pane and is present below the maximum width extent of the rod body. |
| US09587390B2 |
Device for venting odors from a toilet bowl
An adapter and base plate that may be retrofitted to existing industry standard toilets to provide a capability to vent foul odors from bodily waste deposited into the toilet bowl. The toilet includes a bowl having flush holes disposed around a rim of the bowl for discharging water into the bowl, a water tank for containing a volume of water sufficient to cause the toilet to flush when the volume of water is discharged into the bowl, a flush and refill mechanism for flushing and then refilling the toilet, the flush mechanism controlling a flush valve that covers a drain at the bottom of the water tank. The adapter is fitted between the water tank and bowl with a first opening receiving the flush valve and a second opening connected to an exhaust fan by plumbing. The base plate may be translucent to allow LED lighting mounted to adapter to be cast about the bowl. |
| US09587389B2 |
Insert for the drainage opening of a urinal
The invention relates to an insert (3) that can be inserted into a drainage opening (2) of a urinal (1) and that can be designed, for example, as an odor seal. The insert (3) has at least one outlet opening (4) through which a liquid (5), in particular a cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, is released, in particular injected or sprayed, onto a bowl surface (6) of a urinal (1), in the discharge opening of which the insert (3) is inserted. |
| US09587388B2 |
Flush type toilet bowl and developed portable toilet thereof
The invention claims a flush type toilet bowl, comprising a toilet bowl provided with a toilet inlay therein, wherein an elastic ring, a clamping ring and a J-shaped sealing ring are arranged under the toilet bowl drainage hose in sequence, and a nut is further equipped for sealing the end faces of the toilet bowl and the toilet inlay; the toilet bowl is provided with a cavity for containing the clean water and a double water spray jets extended out from the water-jet nozzle; the cavity is provided with a hose connected with the four-way valve, the water-jet nozzle and the hand-pressed air pump, next to the air pump is a button with which you can flush the toilets by pressing it easily. The invention is developed as the gravity flush portable toilet and the cassette portable toilet by using the flush type toilet bowl as the basic universal part, thereby being used on the caravans. The cassette toilet is provided with the waste level indicator, the sealing valve and the handle performing perfect use under the condition without water and electricity. The toilet bowl and the developed toilet thereof in the invention can be interchanged excellently and cleaned or flushed conveniently without outside water source, furthermore, the invention is excellent in rigidity, impact resistance and tightness. |
| US09587385B2 |
Handshower slide mechanism
A handshower slide includes a bar with a passageway, a slide mechanism positioned along a length of the bar, and a showerhead holder movable with the slide mechanism along the length of the bar. The slide mechanism includes a handle and a cam, and the cam is positioned within the passageway and is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the bar. The slide mechanism is not movable along the length of the bar while the cam is in the first orientation and is movable along the length of the bar while the cam is in the second orientation. An orientation of the cam is correlated to a position of the handle, and a spring is coupled to the handle and the cam, so that the spring biases the cam toward the first orientation and away from the second orientation. |
| US09587377B2 |
Raised counterweight for a mining machine
A mining shovel includes a base, a revolving frame coupled to the base and rotatable about an axis, a boom pivotally coupled to the revolving frame, a handle coupled to the boom, and a dipper coupled to the handle. The dipper has a dipper door, and is located at a front end of the shovel. A counterweight having a center of gravity is disposed at the rear end of the shovel to balance the shovel, and is supported by a truss structure that is coupled to the revolving frame, such that the center of gravity is disposed above the revolving frame. |
| US09587376B1 |
Drainage structure for a work vehicle
An engine compartment accommodates an engine. A cooling device is configured to cool the engine. A cooling compartment accommodates the cooling device. A division wall is disposed between the engine compartment and the cooling compartment. A ventilation portion includes a hole for permitting air to pass therethrough and is provided on a top surface of the engine compartment. A water receiving member is disposed under the ventilation portion within the engine compartment. A water catchment member is disposed in the cooling compartment and catches water received by the water receiving member. A drainage pathway is connected to the water catchment member and leads the water to a predetermined drainage position. |
| US09587374B1 |
Movable machine and method for raking undesirable plant matter
A movable machine having a chassis, wheels and propulsion to be driven in a forward direction for raking undesirable plant matter. The chassis having a pair of arms, a loader bucket operable by a rotatable cylinder, a rake having three grates attached between the arms, a pair of movable controllable rake level adjusters to provide variable spacing between the loader bucket and the grates, a rotatable cylinder mounted across one end of the grates, a plurality of tines secured to the rotatable cylinder, and a hydraulic motor attached to the rotatable cylinder. The hydraulic motor configured to rotate the rotatable cylinder with plurality of tines as a single unit. A controller can operate the rake and the loader bucket as defined by a user. |
| US09587372B2 |
Apparatus for the dredging of sediments from the seabed
A dredging apparatus for removing sediments from a bed of an expanse of water, includes: a suction apparatus including a) a submersible pump including: a housing body provided with an inlet mouth and with a discharge opening and an impeller rotatably supported in the body between the inlet mouth and the discharge opening and rotatably driven by a respective driving device; and b) a suction head associated to the inlet mouth of the housing body of the pump and provided at the bottom with a suction opening of the sediments; wherein the suction opening of the head has a value of the cross-section area dimensioned to achieve in the working range of the pump a suction speed capable of removing the sediments by means of the fluid dynamics removal action carried out by the water sucked into the head. |
| US09587370B2 |
Folding parking stand
A tractor-mounted front loader includes a parking stand mounted to each of a pair of downwardly and forwardly inclined arm sections coupled to an implement resting on the ground. Each parking stand includes a support leg and a brace, the latter having a rear end pivotally mounted to a location approximately halfway between opposite ends of the support leg and an forward end pivotally mounted to a lower region of an associated loader arm section. The support leg and brace may be stored on the loader arm section by folding them together with a catch carried by the brace becoming releasably engaged with the support leg. The folded support leg and brace are then pivoted against the loader arm section and secured to it by a releasable latch which secures the top of the support leg to the arm section to establish a stored position. |
| US09587369B2 |
Excavation system having adaptive dig control
An excavation system is disclosed for a machine having a work tool. The excavation system may have a speed sensor to detect a travel speed of the machine and a load sensor to detect loading of the work tool. The excavation system may also have a controller configured to detect engagement of the work tool with a material pile based on at least one of the first signal and the second signal. The controller may also be configured to select at least one tilt control parameter value for the work tool and operate the work tool based on the selected tilt control parameter value to load the work tool with an amount of material. The controller may be configured to determine whether the amount of material exceeds a target amount and to cause the machine to withdraw from the material pile when the amount exceeds the target amount. |
| US09587368B2 |
Manhole repair bracket
A repair bracket that provides a substitute for one or more broken anchoring tabs of a manhole base. The repair bracket is an expansible bracket that has a frame member with a central manhole access passage through the frame member. The frame member has threaded holes transversely through the frame member and located at positions corresponding to positions of threaded holes in the original unbroken anchoring tabs of the manhole base. The threaded holes are used to connect the frame member to a manhole cover by threaded bolts extending through the cover and into the threaded holes. Expansible actuators are mounted to the frame member and are capable of moving a part of the expansible bracket outward into engagement against the inner wall of the base or a sleeve or casing attached to the base. |
| US09587367B2 |
Synthetic grass cover for MSE walls
A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall and/or synthetic grass cover including alternating layers of granular fills and soil reinforcement geo-grids; a wire wall facing; and a synthetic grass cover for covering the wire wall facing, the synthetic grass comprising a geo-textile backing and a plurality of synthetic grass blades comprising synthetic yarns tufted into the geo-textile backing and having a length and density sufficient to substantially shade the geo-textile backing from solar UV rays. |
| US09587366B2 |
Multi-part reusable levee bag with biodegradable portions
A multi-part reusable levee bag. The reusable levee bag includes a top bag section and a bottom portion removably affixed to the top bag section. The combined top bag section and bottom portion define an in interior space within which fillable material may be received to form a levee bag for use in flooding and other installations. The bottom bag section is made of a biodegradable material while the top bag section is made of an alternative material. The reusable levee bag, once filled, may be disassembled and the top bag section reused while the bottom bag section may remain in place while still being environmentally friendly due to its biodegradation. |
| US09587364B2 |
Synthetic ground cover system with impermeable backing and binding infill for erosion control
A synthetic ground cover system for erosion control to be placed atop the ground, including a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles tufted with synthetic yarns and an impermeable backing/layer. The synthetic ground cover also includes a sand/soil infill ballast applied to the synthetic grass and a binding agent applied to the sand/soil infill to stabilize the sand/soil infill against high velocity water shear forces. |
| US09587361B2 |
Temperature dependent auto adaptive compaction
A compactor system for compacting a work material includes a roller drum, a vibratory mechanism, and a controller. The roller drum is configured to compact a work material. The vibratory mechanism is coupled to the roller drum and operatively coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to determine a vibration effort based on a vibration parameter, and further configured to generate an output signal to control the vibratory mechanism to apply the vibration effort to the roller drum. The controller includes at least one sensor and a processor. The at least one sensor is configured to sense a first data parameter of the work material and a second data parameter of the roller drum. The processor is configured to calculate the vibration parameter based on the first data parameter and the second data parameter. |
| US09587347B2 |
Clothes dryer booster fan system
A dryer exhaust duct power ventilator which is free of any dedicated internal air flow contacting devices for sensing air pressure or measuring fan RPMs and free of any hall effect sensor, but instead utilizes the auxiliary winding of a PSC motor on a centrifugal duct fan to measure the rotation of the motor and fan and thereby determine the pressure in the duct. A clip-on current sensor is located in the dryer power connection compartment and is used to detect operation of the dryer. |
| US09587339B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect treating chemistries in laundry appliances
An example laundry treating appliance includes a tub, a rotatable drum disposed in the tub and defining a treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser having an outlet and a cup having a siphon, configured to dispense a treating chemistry into at least one of the tub or the drum, a sensor, and a controller configured to at least: introduce a predetermined amount of liquid into the cup sufficient to activate the siphon if a predetermined amount of the treating chemistry is present in the cup; detect whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid based on an output of the sensor; and modify cycle of operation based on whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid. |
| US09587335B2 |
Threading device of a sewing machine
A threading device of a sewing machine includes a flow path switching member, a base portion, and a plurality of thread introducing portions. The flow path switching member includes a gaseous body inlet portion for receiving a compressed gaseous body, a gaseous body outlet portion provided to communicate with the gaseous body inlet portion for exhausting the gaseous body, and a cylindrical outer surface portion at which the gaseous body outlet portion is opened. The base portion includes a cylindrical inner surface portion into which the cylindrical outer surface portion of the flow path switching member is inserted and for supporting the flow path switching member in a rotatable manner, and a plurality of flow paths formed to communicate with the cylindrical inner surface portion. The plurality of thread introducing portions are provided at the base portion to communicate with respective outlet sides of the plurality of flow paths. |
| US09587334B2 |
Non-woven polypropylene fabric
Provided is a non-woven fabric produced by using a polypropylene-based resin composition containing a specific low-crystalline polypropylene. The non-woven fabric is a non-woven fabric obtained by achieving reductions in denier values of fibers, the non-woven fabric being excellent in dispersibility of the fibers. |
| US09587331B2 |
Method for curing of green polysilazane-based silicon carbide precursor fibers
Disclosed herein are methods of curing silicon carbide precursor polymer fibers, such as polysilazanes, using moisture and free radical generators, such as peroxides. Also disclosed are methods of forming, curing, and using silicon carbide precursor polymers that contain alkenyl groups and free radical generators, such as peroxides. |
| US09587330B2 |
Method for manufacturing structural synthetic fibers for concretes and mortars and the synthetic fiber obtained
Method for manufacturing structural synthetic fibers for concretes and mortars and the synthetic fiber obtained, particularly a polyolefin-based synthetic fiber for use in concretes and mortars with a hydraulic binder as a cementing base for increasing the elastic modulus of the same which comprises the mixture of polyolefin and additives, the formation of threads, a first stretching process, an alternate series of heating-cooling, collecting the threads in coils and stabilization of the polymerization/cross-linking for two days to one week; the threads are subsequently again subjected to one or several re-stretching phases, including the heating-cooling and subsequent stabilization processes if successive re-stretching processes are going to be carried out; lastly a surface etching phase and the cutting of the threads. |
| US09587326B2 |
Silicon carbide epitaxial wafer, method for manufacturing silicon carbide epitaxial wafer, device for manufacturing silicon carbide epitaxial wafer, and silicon carbide semiconductor element
To provide silicon carbide epitaxial wafer in which occurrence of giant step bunchings (GSBs) caused by basal plane dislocations (BPDs) that occur during hydrogen etching is suppressed on low off-angle silicon carbide substrate to decrease surface defect density of epitaxially grown layer to allow formation of silicon carbide semiconductor device having high reliability, method for manufacturing the wafer, and apparatus for manufacturing the wafer, and silicon carbide semiconductor device having the wafer.A silicon carbide epitaxial wafer of the present invention is such that epitaxially grown layer is disposed on silicon carbide substrate which has α-type crystal structure and in which (0001) Si face is tilted at greater than 0° and less than 5°, wherein surface defect density of the epitaxially grown layer based on giant step bunching caused by basal plane dislocation on substrate surface of the silicon carbide substrate is ≦20/cm2. |
| US09587319B2 |
Hot-rolled steel sheet, cold-rolled steel sheet, galvanized steel sheet, and methods of manufacturing the same
A hot-rolled steel sheet has an average value of the X-ray random intensity ratio of a {100} <011> to {223} <110> orientation group at least in a sheet thickness central portion that is in a sheet thickness range of ⅝ to ⅜ from a steel sheet surface of 1.0 to 6.0, an X-ray random intensity ratio of a {332} <113> crystal orientation of 1.0 to 5.0, rC which is an r value in a direction perpendicular to a rolling direction of 0.70 to 1.10, and r30 which is an r value in a direction that forms an angle of 30° with respect to the rolling direction of 0.70 to 1.10. |
| US09587316B2 |
Thermoplastic resin composition, resin molded article, and method for manufacturing resin molded article having a plated layer
Provide is a thermoplastic resin composition from which a resin molded article having high whiteness and mechanical strength can be obtained while retaining the plating properties of the resin molded article. A thermoplastic resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, and 1 to 30 parts by weight of a laser direct structuring additive, 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a titanium oxide and 10 to 230 parts by weight of a glass fiber per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin, wherein the laser direct structuring additive has an L value of 50 or more, and the glass fiber comprises SiO2 and Al2O3 in a proportion of 60 to 70% by weight of SiO2 and 20 to 30% by weight of Al2O3. |
| US09587315B2 |
Forming silver catalytic sites from reducible silver-oximes
A non-aqueous metal catalytic composition includes (a) a complex of silver and an oxime comprising reducible silver ions in an amount of at least 2 weight %, (b) a silver ion photoreducing composition in an amount of at least 1 weight %, and (c) a photocurable component, a non-curable polymer, or a combination of a photocurable component and a non-curable polymer. This non-aqueous metal catalytic composition can be used to form silver metal particles in situ during suitable reducing conditions. The silver metal can be provided in a suitable layer or pattern on a substrate, which can then be subsequently subjected to electroless plating to form electrically-conductive layers or patterns for use in various articles or as touch screen displays in electronic devices. |
| US09587314B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus, method of manufacturing semiconductor device and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus including a substrate processing chamber configured to process a substrate; a gas supply unit configured to alternately supply a first processing gas and a second processing gas to the substrate when processing the substrate; a substrate support unit including a support mechanism configured to support a portion of a back side of the substrate and a support unit configured to support the support mechanism; a heating unit configured to heat the substrate from the back side thereof; a standby chamber configured to accommodate the substrate support unit in standby position; and a control unit configured to control at least one of the gas supply unit and a gas exhaust unit in a manner that an inner pressure of the substrate processing chamber is higher than that of the standby chamber. |
| US09587307B2 |
Enhanced deposition of noble metals
The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber. |
| US09587303B2 |
Method for obtaining a substrate provided with a coating comprising a discontinuous thin metal layer
A process for obtaining a material includes a substrate coated on at least one portion of at least one of its faces with a coating including at least one discontinuous metallic thin layer based on silver, on gold, or on any alloy thereof, the or each discontinuous metallic thin layer being encapsulated between at least two dielectric thin layers, and the or each discontinuous metallic thin layer being in the form of periodic geometric patterns, the process including a deposition step then a step wherein the substrate thus coated is made to run opposite at least one laser device emitting a laser radiation focused on the coating in the form of at least one line, the power of the radiation being adapted in order to render the or each metallic thin layer discontinuous by dewetting. |
| US09587302B2 |
Methods of applying chromium diffusion coatings onto selective regions of a component
Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require masking. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate. |
| US09587301B2 |
Steel for manufacturing cemented steel parts, cemented steel parts made with said steel and method for manufacturing same
Steel for manufacturing cemented steel parts, characterized in that the composition thereof in weight percentages is: 0.1%≦C≦0.15%; 0.8%≦Mn≦2%; 1%≦Cr≦2.5; 0.2%≦Mo≦0.6%; trace elements≦Si≦0.35%; trace elements≦Ni≦0.7%; trace elements≦B≦0.005%; trace elements≦Ti≦0.1%; trace elements≦N≦0.01% if 0.0005%(5ppm)≦B≦0.005%, and trace elements≦N≦0.02% if trace elements≦B≦0.0005%(5ppm); trace elements≦Al≦0.1%; trace elements≦V≦0.3%; trace elements≦P≦0.025%; trace elements≦Cu≦1%, preferably≦0.6%; trace elements≦S≦0.1%; the remainder being iron and impurities resulting from production. A cemented steel part made with this steel, and to the method for manufacturing same. |
| US09587300B2 |
Electrode manufacturing apparatus for lithium ion capacitor and electrode manufacturing method therefor
A time for doping an electrode material on an electrode sheet with a lithium ion can be reduced. The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a processing chamber 200 to and from which the electrode sheet is loaded and unloaded; a rare gas supply unit 230 configured to introduce a rare gas into the processing chamber; an exhaust device 220 configured to exhaust an inside of the processing chamber to a certain vacuum level; and a lithium thermal spraying unit 210 configured to dope a carbon material C with the lithium ion by forming a lithium thin film on the carbon material of the electrode sheet W loaded into the processing chamber while melting and spraying lithium-containing powder. |
| US09587292B2 |
Method and apparatus for isolating the radioisotope molybdenum-99
A method of isolating 99Mo produced using a (n,γ) reaction according to example embodiments may include vaporizing a source compound containing 98Mo and 99Mo. The vaporized source compound may be ionized to form ions containing 98Mo and 99Mo. The ions may be separated to isolate the ions containing 99Mo. The isolated ions containing 99Mo may be collected with a collector. Accordingly, the isolated 99Mo may have a relatively high specific radioactivity and, in turn, may be used to produce the diagnostic radioisotope, 99mTc, through radioactive decay. |
| US09587289B2 |
Vertical drainage system for heap leach piles
A vertical drainage system for a heap leaching operation comprising vertical drainage conduits for draining fluid pockets down through the strata of a heap pile. The drainage conduits are spaced in a parallel array throughout the ore heap, and are preferably in fluid communication from a top of said ore heap to said one or more collection pipes for draining trapped and avoiding slope or geotechnical failure. |