| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09618623B2 |
Satellite receiver module for telecommunication equipment
A satellite receiver module (101) for telecommunication equipment includes circuitries (102, 103) configured to: receive timing information from one or more satellites, run at least a part of master-end functions of a synchronization protocol suitable for synchronizing master and slave clock-times over a data transfer network, and convert the timing information into timing messages that are accordant with the synchronization protocol. The satellite receiver module further includes a data interface (104) including a connector (105) for detachably attaching to a body device of the telecommunication equipment and for transferring a bit stream carrying the timing messages to the body device. Because the timing information received from the one or more satellites is converted into the timing messages that are accordant with the synchronization protocol, the timing information can be transferred among other possible digital data, e.g. location information, from the satellite receiver module to the body device. |
| US09618622B2 |
Optical object-detection device having a MEMS and motor vehicle having such a detection device
An optical object sensing device for a motor vehicle, having an emitter unit for emitting an emission light beam and having a receiver unit for receiving a reception light beam, and having an electronic evaluation device for detecting an object external to the vehicle in a vicinity of the motor vehicle as a function of the reception light beam. The emitter unit includes an emitter for generating the emission light beam, a controllable micromirror by which the emission light beam can be panned at least in a first panning direction, and an emission lens arranged behind the micromirror in the emission beam path, where at least along the first panning direction, the emission lens is configured as a concave-convex lens with a concavely curved surface, which faces towards the micromirror, and with a convexly curved surface. |
| US09618620B2 |
Using depth-camera images to speed registration of three-dimensional scans
A method for measuring and registering 3D coordinates has a 3D scanner measure a first collection of 3D coordinates of points from a first registration position and a second collection of 3D coordinates of points from a second registration position. In between these positions, the 3D measuring device collects depth-camera images. A processor determines first and second translation values and a first rotation value based on the depth-camera images. The processor identifies a correspondence among registration targets in the first and second collection of 3D coordinates based at least in part on the first and second translation values and the first rotation value. The processor uses this correspondence and the first and second collection of 3D coordinates to determine 3D coordinates of a registered 3D collection of points. |
| US09618617B2 |
Level measurement using correlation between a pair of secondary reference signals
A method of measuring a level of a material in a tank. A first secondary reference (FSR) signal is generated when a reference pulse is transmitted into the tank and a second secondary reference signal (SSR) signal is generated when an echo signal responsive to the reference pulse is received. A plurality of FSR signals and a plurality of SSR signals are stored. The plurality of FSR signals and plurality of SSR signals are transferred to a correlator block which calculates a plurality of correlation function values (CFVs) that have magnitudes reflecting a degree of matching between pairs of the SSR signals with their associated FSR signals. Using a maximum CFV result a time interval (Tm) is calculated between the FSR signal and SSR signal associated with the maximum CFV result, and the level of material in the tank is determined from Tm. |
| US09618615B2 |
Obstacle detection device for vehicle
A vehicle obstacle detection device comprises: a radar unit provided between a back surface of a bumper and a wheel and configured to detect an obstacle by transmitting a radio wave through the bumper; and a misdetection prevention member for preventing misdetection in the radar unit by suppressing the occurrence of an own-vehicle's wheel reaching wave which is a part of a transmission wave and which passes between a transmitter section of the radar unit and the back surface of the bumper and reaches the wheel of the own vehicle. |
| US09618612B2 |
Marking tank obstructions using an electronic level gauge
An obstruction marking method includes generating a first echo curve using an electronic level gauge (ELG) coupled to a tank from a first reflected signal (echo signal) received when a material in the tank is at a first level. The ELG includes a radar-based obstruction detection algorithm stored in a memory coupled thereto. A processor implementing the obstruction detection algorithm identifies at least a first feature in the first echo curve to provide at least one suspected obstruction along with its position (first feature position). A second echo curve is generated from a second reflected signal when the material is at a second level. A third echo curve is generated from a third reflected signal when the material is at a third level. The suspected obstruction at the first feature position is stored in the memory as a verified obstruction with its first feature position. |
| US09618611B2 |
Personal radar assistance
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a radar device for detecting objects that intersect an area, the device including a mount attachment; a radar sensor; an output interface; a memory storing one or more environment parameters; a processor in communication with the radar sensor, the output interface, and the memory, the processor being configured to: receive, from the radar sensor, signal information; retrieve, from the memory, environment parameters; calculate, based on the signal information, the distance relative to the sensor of one or more objects; calculate an area based on at least one of the environment parameters; and determine that at least one of the one or more objects intersect the area. |
| US09618601B2 |
Method and system for estimating the direction of arrival of a target signal relative to a satellite
A method and system for estimating a direction of arrival of a target signal relative to a measuring antenna array of an earth-orbiting satellite. The direction of arrival of the target signal being estimated on the basis of measurement signals corresponding to the target signal received respectively by at least a first measuring antenna and a second measuring antenna of the measuring antenna array. Each of the measurement signals are combined with a reference signal corresponding to the target signal received by a receiving antenna of the satellite. The receiving antenna has a maximum gain greater than the respective maximum gains of the first measuring antenna and of the second measuring antenna. The direction of arrival of the target signal is estimated from the signals obtained by combining the measurement signals with the reference signal. |
| US09618599B2 |
Characterization and correction of voltage probe, current probe and cable
Responses of voltage and current probes are characterized or corrected. A voltage probe method includes measuring output of the voltage probe and a first output of a through, in response to an input signal applied to the through, with the voltage probe connected, measuring a second output of the through with the voltage probe disconnected, and characterizing the response of the voltage probe using the output of the voltage probe and the first and/or second outputs. A current probe method includes measuring output current of the current probe and first output current of a through, in response to an input signal applied to the through with the current probe connected in series, measuring second output current of the through with the current probe disconnected, and characterizing the response of the current probe using the output current of the current probe and the first and/or second output currents of the through. |
| US09618598B2 |
Magnetic resonance method, apparatus and radiofrequency coil for acquiring magnetic resonance data of at least one tooth
In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus for the acquisition of measurement data of at least one tooth of an examination subject, a pulse sequence is employed that has an echo time TE of less than 0.5 milliseconds, and spatial coding of the acquired measurement data takes place in only two spatial directions. Projection image data are reconstructed from the acquired measurement data. A coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system, which coil is dedicated to dental imaging, has at least one coil element, and each coil element of the coil has an individual acquisition volume that encompasses at least one tooth. |
| US09618596B2 |
Methods and systems for improved magnetic resonance acquisition using a single acquisition type
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging methods and apparatus for simultaneous measurement of the physical properties R1 relaxation rate, R2 relaxation rate, proton density (PD), and apparent diffusion coefficient using a single magnetic resonance acquisition using a single gradient echo acquisition type. A method includes, from an MR scanner, obtaining at least three parallel, segmented gradient-echo acquisitions of a common acquisition type; in a computer, interleaving the at least three parallel, segmented gradient-echo acquisitions with a R1-sensitizing phase, a R2 sensitizing phase and a delay time; and in the computer, generating measures for R1 relaxation rate and R2 relaxation rate and PD from the at least three parallel, segmented gradient-echo acquisitions, thereby simultaneously estimating multiple physical parameters using the single gradient echo acquisition type. |
| US09618594B2 |
Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography with chemical shift encoding for fat suppression
The invention relates to a method of performing contrast enhanced first pass magnetic resonance angiography, the method comprising: acquiring (302) magnetic resonance datasets of a region of interest using a single- or multi-echo data acquisition technique, wherein the echo times of the one or multiple echoes are flexible, wherein at the time of the data acquisition the region of interest comprises fat, water and a contrast agent, processing (304) the datasets using a generalized Dixon water-fat separation technique to eliminate the signal originating from the fat from the background for reconstruction of an image data set. |
| US09618585B2 |
Adjusting device of an output voltage of a switch power supply, an adjusting method thereof and an integrated chip
An adjusting device of an output voltage of a switch power supply and an adjusting method are provided. The adjusting device includes a potential setting module generating a high level signal and an adjustor being connected to the potential setting module to receive the high level signal. The adjustor includes a signal emitting module and a comparison module. The signal emitting module emits a pulse drive signal to the switch power supply when receiving the high level signal. The switch power supply automatically adjusts the output voltage when receiving the pulse drive signal. The comparison module reads the output voltage, compares with a preset voltage, and adjusts the output voltage according to a comparison result. The switch power supply can stop the automatic adjustment when an output level of a switch port of the switch power supply is inverted. An integrated chip is also provided. |
| US09618582B2 |
System and method of electric motor fault detection
A system for detecting faults in a motor includes a drive circuit, a detection circuit, and a controller. The drive circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to a motor. The detection circuit is configured to detect a response signal generated when the drive signal is applied to the motor. The controller is configured to determine a motor fault based on a comparison of the response signal to an expected signal for the drive signal applied to the motor. The drive signal is selected to generate a rotating magnetic field in the motor with a rotation-frequency greater than a maximum mechanical-response-frequency of the motor. |
| US09618580B2 |
Debugging scan latch circuits using flip devices
A latch circuit having a master latch and a slave latch includes a device used to short either the master latch or the slave latch. The device includes a transistor and a global control used to assert a signal, and is positioned to short an inverter of the master latch or the slave latch. When the signal is asserted by the global control, the inverter is shorted such that the output value of the inverter is the same as the input value. The assertion of the signal is facilitated by another device connected to the master latch and the slave latch that includes the global control and a transistor. |
| US09618578B2 |
Semiconductor storage device having synchronous and asynchronous modes
A method for performing scan testing using a scan chain having a plurality of storage elements is described. During a capture phase, each storage element of the scan chain stores data from a first data input of the storage element synchronously to a clock signal. And during a shift phase, a scan pattern is shifted into the scan chain in which each storage element stores data from a second data input of the storage element asynchronously with to the clock signal. |
| US09618575B2 |
Semiconductor device having plural data input/output terminals configured for write test and read test operations
Disclosed herein is a device that includes a plurality of first terminals; a first circuit including a plurality of first nodes; a buffer circuit including a plurality of second nodes connected to the first terminals through a plurality of first interconnection lines, respectively, and a plurality of third nodes connected to the first nodes of the first circuit through a plurality of second interconnection lines, respectively; and a second circuit configured to perform at least one of first and second operations. The first operation is such that a plurality of first signals, that appear respectively on the first interconnection lines, are outputted in series, and the second operation is such that a plurality of second signals, that are supplied in series, are transferred respectively to the first interconnection lines. |
| US09618570B2 |
Multi-configurable testing module for automated testing of a device
In an embodiment, a testing apparatus includes an air mixing chamber, a docking unit, and a DUT (device under test) test execution unit. The air mixing chamber includes a first air inlet operable to receive a first air flow, a second air inlet operable to receive a second air flow, and an air outlet operable to output a mixed air flow. The docking unit is operable to receive and to securely hold a DUT (device under test) receptacle including an electrical interface, an air flow interface, and a DUT coupled to the electrical interface. The DUT receptacle is configured to enclose and hold inside the DUT. The docking unit is operable to couple to the electrical interface and to the air flow interface. The docking unit is operable to receive and to send the mixed air flow to the DUT receptacle. A DUT test execution unit is coupled to the docking unit. The DUT test execution unit is operable to perform a test on the DUT that is inside of the DUT receptacle. |
| US09618564B2 |
Printed circuits with sacrificial test structures
Electrical components may be soldered to a printed circuit. The printed circuit may have an edge with an opening. Printed circuit contacts in the opening may be configured to form electrical connections with mating contacts on a flexible printed circuit or other external structure. A tester may test the electrical components by conveying signals through the contacts. Following testing, the external structure may be removed from the opening. The opening may then be filled with dielectric to isolate the printed circuit contacts. A printed circuit may have traces that extend under a ground on a surface of the printed circuit, may have edge test points formed from contacts that are cut in half when removing portions of the printed circuit, or may have through-mold vias that are formed through encapsulant over the electrical components. |
| US09618563B2 |
Semiconductor device inspection device and semiconductor device inspection method
A semiconductor device inspection system includes a laser light source for generating light to be irradiated a semiconductor device, an optical sensor for detecting the light reflected by the semiconductor device and outputting the detection signal, a tester unit for applying a operating signal to the semiconductor device, an electricity measurement unit to which the detection signal is input, an electricity measurement unit to which the detection signal and the operating signal are selectively input, and a switching unit having a detection signal terminal and a operating signal terminal. The switching unit inputs the detection signal to the electricity measurement unit by connecting a connection section to the detection signal terminal and inputs the operating signal by connecting the connection section to the operating signal terminal. |
| US09618561B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for detecting damaging of a semiconductor device
A micro-electro-mechanical device includes a movable structure. The movable structure includes a test structure changing an electrical characteristic, if the movable structure is damaged. Further, a method for detecting damaging of a micro-electro-mechanical device includes detecting a change of an electrical characteristic of the electrical test structure of the movable structure. Further, the method includes indicating a deviation of the electrical characteristic from a predefined tolerable range. |
| US09618560B2 |
Apparatus and method to monitor thermal runaway in a semiconductor device
An apparatus and methods are provided that more accurately detect the onset of thermal runaway in a device and timely control it. According to one embodiment, changes in stand-by current and temperature of a transistor device are measured and are used to be compared to some thresholds to trigger the device to respond before the onset thermal runaway. According to another embodiment, stand-by current is measured and is compared to some thresholds to trigger the device to respond before the onset thermal runaway. |
| US09618557B2 |
Diagnostic circuit of a voltage suppression circuit in a drive circuit of a fluid injector and method for diagnosing a fault in the voltage suppression circuit
A diagnostic circuit arranged to measure an electrical characteristic in a drive circuit of a coil of a fluid injector and compare the measured electrical characteristic with another electrical characteristic to determine whether a PN junction is working to discharge electrical energy in the coil of the fluid injector, in particular a selective catalytic reduction dosing injector. |
| US09618556B2 |
MEMS device positioning apparatus, test system, and test method
A positioning apparatus includes a support structure, a positioning structure, and a fixture for retaining MEMS devices. A shaft spans between the support structure and the positioning structure, and is configured to rotate about a first axis relative to the support structure in order to rotate the positioning structure and the fixture about the first axis. The positioning structure includes a pair of beams spaced apart by a third beam. Another shaft spans between the pair of beams and is configured to rotate about a second axis relative to the positioning structure in order to rotate the fixture about the second axis. Methodology entails installing the positioning apparatus into a chamber, orienting the fixture into various positions, and obtaining output signals from the MEMS devices to determine functionality of the MEMS devices. |
| US09618552B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring radio-frequency energy
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for measuring radio-frequency energy. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more antennas, a wideband radio frequency detector (e.g., a logarithmic amplifier (LogAmp)) coupled to the one or more antennas to measure ambient RF energy, wherein the wideband radio frequency detector has an analog output indicative of RF input power received by the one or more antennas, and an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the wideband radio frequency detector to convert the analog output to a digital value, the digital value being applied to a calibration function, to provide a number representing RF energy. |
| US09618551B2 |
Calibration of step attenuator
System and method for calibrating a step attenuator. N attenuation measurements of a step attenuator may be received, where the step attenuator includes M series-connected attenuation sections. Each attenuation section may be configured to switchably provide a respective level of attenuation, where N is greater than M, and where the step attenuator may be modeled via M+1 coefficients, including a coefficient for a no-attenuation state and respective coefficients for the attenuation sections. Values of the coefficients may be determined via least squares estimation using the N attenuation measurements, thereby calibrating the step attenuator. |
| US09618549B2 |
Data management with spectrum analyzers
A spectrum analyzer contains a number of improvements that adapt it to common commercial uses. The spectrum analyzer is capable of automatically wirelessly receiving and synchronizing frequency spectrum data collected from multiple remote spectrum analyzers with respect to frequency, time and location. A selector function is used to create composite frequency data sets from multiple frequency data sets while allowing retroactive identification and examination of the original frequency data. An improved non-linear graphical display of the frequency spectrum data is created by automatically expanding the resolution of frequency axis for frequency ranges having signals of interest and contracting the resolution of the frequency axis of frequency ranges having no signals of interest. |
| US09618548B1 |
Integrated systems for miniature circuit breaker load centers
An energy monitoring system for retrofitting a miniature circuit breaker load center 100, comprises energy monitoring module 120, data bus 140, and main controller 110. The energy monitoring module attaches onto miniature circuit breaker 130, forming a combined shape that fits into a branch circuit space of the load center. An attachment connector 320 electrically and mechanically connects the energy monitoring module to load terminal 318 of the circuit breaker. An energy sensing circuit 314 in the energy monitoring module senses energy passing through the circuit breaker and transmits data signals over the data bus to the main controller. The main controller has a shape that fits into another branch circuit space of the load center. The main controller wirelessly transmits to a network, information based on the data signals received on the data bus. The main controller provides operating power via the data bus, to the energy monitoring module. |
| US09618535B2 |
Test instrument probe with a pointed tip that is also capable of gripping
A test instrument probe that encompasses the dual alternate action of a point or a clamp-grip within the same probe. This probe has approximately the same dimensions as a conventional probe, and allows either the point or clamp action to be used without the necessity of removing the probe from the hand. This alternate action requires only using a thumb and finger pressure to change from a point to a clamp or the clamp to a point. One embodiment allows a clamp jaw opening of up to a nominal ¼ inch that is usually sufficient to grip onto the leads of an electronic component such as resistor, capacitor or integrated circuit pin. The probes are also designed so that when not in use, the two probes can be connected together by a snap-in action that minimizes the potential loss of a probe and importantly allows the points to become safely enclosed to minimize a sharp point hazard. |
| US09618533B2 |
Systems and methods for determining rotation from nonlinear periodic signals
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining rotation. A gyroscope includes a drive frame and a base, the drive frame springedly coupled to the base. The gyroscope includes a drive structure configured for causing a drive frame to oscillate along a first axis. The gyroscope includes a sense mass springedly coupled to the drive frame. The gyroscope includes a sense mass sense structure configured for measuring a displacement of the sense mass along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The gyroscope includes measurement circuitry configured for determining a velocity of the drive frame, extracting a Coriolis component from the measured displacement, and determining, based on the determined velocity and extracted Coriolis component, a rotation rate of the gyroscope. |
| US09618532B2 |
Magnetic inertial sensor and method for operating the same
An inertial sensor having a body with an excitation coil and a first sensing coil extending along a first axis. A suspended mass includes a magnetic-field concentrator, in a position corresponding to the excitation coil, and configured for displacing by inertia in a plane along the first axis. A supply and sensing circuit is electrically coupled to the excitation coil and to the first sensing coil, and is configured for generating a time-variable flow of electric current that flows in the excitation coil so as to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic-field concentrator to induce a voltage/current in the sensing coil. The integrated circuit is configured for measuring a value of the voltage/current induced in the first sensing coil so as to detect a quantity associated to the displacement of the suspended mass along the first axis. |
| US09618531B2 |
Optomechanical accelerometer
Technologies are generally described for operating and manufacturing optomechanical accelerometers. In some examples, an optomechanical accelerometer device is described that uses a cavity resonant displacement sensor based on a zipper photonic crystal nano-cavity to measure the displacement of an integrated test mass generated by acceleration applied to the chip. The cavity-resonant sensor may be fully integrated on-chip and exhibit an enhanced displacement resolution due to its strong optomechanical coupling. The accelerometer structure may be fabricated in a silicon nitride thin film and constitute a rectangular test mass flexibly suspended on high aspect ratio inorganic nitride nano-tethers under high tensile stress. By increasing the mechanical Q-factors through adjustment of tether width and tether length, the noise-equivalent acceleration (NEA) may be reduced, while maintaining a large operation bandwidth. The mechanical Q-factor may be improved with thinner (e.g., <1 micron) and longer tethers (e.g., 10-560 microns). |
| US09618528B2 |
Speed sensor
A speed sensor (1) including a first magnetic sensor (3) with a first magnetic detector (30), which is connected to an electronic circuit for conversion of its output analog signal to a first digital signal and a second magnetic sensor (4) with a second magnetic detector (40), which is also connected to an electronic circuit for conversion of its output analog signal to a second digital signal. |
| US09618526B2 |
Automated analyzer
An automated analyzer that can effectively reduce contamination of a diluted low-concentration specimen resulting from a high-concentration specimen not being diluted. The automated analyzer includes a specimen nozzle that performs both the function of pipetting a specimen from a specimen container accommodating the specimen and the function of pipetting a specimen diluted by the analyzer, and means for washing the specimen nozzle with a predetermined detergent. When a pipetting process of a high-concentration specimen not being diluted and a pipetting process of a low-concentration specimen diluted by the analyzer are consecutively performed for the same specimen by the specimen nozzle, between the pipetting process of a high-concentration specimen and the pipetting process of a low-concentration specimen, the analyzer performs a washing processing in which the specimen nozzle is washed with the predetermined detergent. |
| US09618525B2 |
Module for a laboratory sample distribution system, laboratory sample distribution system and laboratory automation system
A module for a laboratory sample distribution system, a laboratory sample distribution system comprising such modules, and a laboratory automation system comprising such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented. A magnetic coupling enhancer is provided in order to increase magnetic coupling between adjacent modules. |
| US09618523B2 |
Methods and reagents for determining isomeric analytes
Methods include determining in a sample an amount of a first isomeric analyte and a second isomeric analyte. A first measurement value and a second measurement value are determined. The first measurement value represents a total amount of the first isomeric analyte and the second isomeric analyte. The second measurement value represents an amount of the second isomeric analyte only. The second measurement value is subtracted from the first measurement value to obtain a resulting value and the resulting value is equated to an amount of the first isomeric analyte in the sample. |
| US09618518B2 |
Magnetic immunodiagnostic methods and kit for the demonstration of antibody/antigen complexes in erythrocyte blood grouping and phenotyping
The current invention relates to a magnetic immunodiagnostic method for the demonstration of antibody/antigen complexes of blood group and phenotype. Such a method involves the research and/or identification of antibodies or antigens, preferably anti-antigen antibodies or antigens of a blood group. This method implements a suspension of magnetic particles coated with an antibody anti-glycophorin A that can recognize and specifically magnetize erythrocytes. The invention also includes a device and kit for carrying out one such method. |
| US09618517B2 |
Analyte measurement method and system with error trapping
Described and illustrated herein are systems and exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. The methods and systems describe herein allow for trapping various errors during calculation of the analyte due to variations in the structure and materials making up the test strip and ambient temperatures. |
| US09618515B2 |
Assay to capture and detect circulating multiple myeloma cells from blood
The invention includes methods for isolating circulating multiple myeloma cells as well as method of treating patients suspected of having diseases of abnormal plasma cells. |
| US09618503B2 |
Method for determining the production of reactive oxygen species in a cellular population
The invention relates to a method for determining the production of reactive oxygen species in a cellular population. The invention also relates to a method for determining the need for an antioxidant treatment of a male subject, and to a method for identifying a substance that can reduce the reactive oxygen species in a cellular population. |
| US09618501B2 |
Three-dimensional fibrous scaffolds for cell culture
Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein. |
| US09618498B2 |
Method for flagging a blood sample
A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells. |
| US09618496B2 |
Measurement device incorporating a computer device
A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device. |
| US09618493B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and method for detecting an abnormality of an ozone gas concentration
A substrate processing apparatus is provided that includes an ozonizer for generating ozone gas and an ozone sensor for detecting an ozone gas concentration. The substrate processing apparatus processes a substrate by using the ozone gas supplied from the ozonizer. The substrate processing apparatus includes a monitor unit for monitoring the ozone gas concentration detected by the ozone sensor and a control unit for detecting an abnormality of the ozone gas concentration based on the monitored ozone gas concentration and the monitored discharge power. |
| US09618491B1 |
Gas discriminating semiconductor sensors
Sensing particular gases in a mixture uses precise modulated heating. Sensor relative responses are compared at different temperatures and compared with known relative responses to identify gases and concentrations. Heater current sensors provide feedback control and microprocessor inputs. A processor controls complex impedances and varied frequencies in the sensors. Sensor responses at varied complex impedances and at varied frequencies are compared with known responses at those impedances and frequencies to determine existence and concentration of particular gases. Heater and sensor buses are separate or combined. |
| US09618490B2 |
Gas sensor package
Provided is a gas sensor package, including: a first substrate including a gas inflow hole; and a gas sensing element mounted to the first substrate and including a gas sensing portion disposed to correspond to the gas inflow hole. |
| US09618488B2 |
Interfacing capillary electrophoresis to a mass spectrometer via an impactor spray ionization source
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a separation device arranged and adapted to emit an eluent over a period of time. The separation device preferably comprises a Capillary Electrophoresis (“CE”) separation device. The mass spectrometer further comprises a nebuliser and a target. Eluent emitted by the separation device is nebulised, in use, by the nebuliser wherein a stream of analyte droplets are directed to impact upon the target so as to ionise the analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions. |
| US09618487B2 |
Prefilled liquid cartridge for the supply of a sample separation device with an operating liquid
Prefilled liquid cartridge for fluidically connecting to a sample separation device for separating of components of a fluidic sample by using liquid of the liquid cartridge, wherein the liquid cartridge comprises a liquid container which is prefilled with liquid and a liquid removal access provided at the liquid container, adapted to be fluidically coupled with at least one liquid conduit of the sample separation device by only inserting the liquid cartridge in a corresponding liquid cartridge accommodation of the sample separation device. |
| US09618485B2 |
HPLC-system with variable flow rate
In a high performance liquid chromatography system, wherein a mobile phase is driven through a stationary phase for separating compounds of a sample fluid comprised in the mobile phase, a flow rate of the mobile phase is controlled in dependence on a variation in a control value in the system. |
| US09618483B2 |
Fitting assemblies
A fitting assembly includes a first fitting that is configured to receive a first fluid tube and a second fitting that is configured to receive a second fluid tube. The first fitting defines a first groove. The second fitting includes a spring that is configured to engage the first groove to connect the first and second fittings such that the first and second fluid tubes are placed in fluid communication and a fluid tight seal is established between the first and second sealing fittings. |
| US09618481B2 |
Ultrasonic transducer assembly and system for monitoring structural integrity
In an ultrasonic transducer assembly, a conformable ultrasonic transducer has a piezoelectric layer and electrodes able to conform to curved surfaces, and a clamp for pressing the transducer into ultrasonic contact with a curved surface. Conformability is ensured with a thin, porous piezoelectric layer and suitable electrical conductors and insulators. The ultrasonic transducer may operate without further thermal shielding under harsh environments and/or at high temperatures. |
| US09618477B2 |
Devices and methods for sequencing nucleic acids
Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA. |
| US09618475B2 |
Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes
Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays including large FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions. |
| US09618473B2 |
Gas sensor
A gas sensor has a cylindrical housing case, a gas sensor element as a sensor component, and a filler portion. The filler portion is formed between the inner surface of the cylindrical housing case and the outer surface of the gas sensor element. The filler portion is filled with filler powder composed of talc as a layered compound. Talc is a principal ingredient of the filler powder. The space formed between the cylindrical housing case and the gas sensor element is sealed with the filler powder in the filler portion. The filler powder in the filler portion has a degree of c-axis orientation within a range of 60% to 85%, The filler powder in the filler portion has a porosity of not more than 10%. |
| US09618467B2 |
Method of electrically characterizing a composite material for manufacturing an aircraft
In the method of electrically characterizing a composite material for manufacturing an aircraft, the following steps are performed: compressing two spacers against at least one test piece made of a composite material; determining an electrical resistance value for the assembly formed by the spacers and the test piece; and deducing from said value a value for the electrical resistance of the composite material. |
| US09618465B2 |
Hydrogen sensor
A capacitor for a hydrogen sensor includes a dielectric substrate, a first electrode on the dielectric substrate, a second electrode on the dielectric substrate, and palladium islands on the dielectric substrate and between the first and second electrodes. The palladium islands are electrically isolated from the first and second electrodes and from each other. |
| US09618463B2 |
Method of acquiring EBSP patterns
The invention relates to a method of acquiring an Energy Backscattering Pattern image of a sample in a charged particle apparatus, the sample showing a flat surface, the charged particle apparatus equipped with an electron column for producing a finely focused electron beam, a position sensitive detector for detecting EBSP patterns, and a sample holder for holding and positioning the sample, the method comprising the steps of: Positioning the sample with respect to the electron beam, Directing the electron beam to an impact point on the sample, thereby causing backscattered electrons to irradiate the detector, and Acquiring the signal from the detector while the beam is kept stationary, in which The detector is equipped to selectively detect electrons with an energy above a predefined threshold, and The signal of the electrons with an energy above said threshold is used to form an EBSP image. |
| US09618460B2 |
Method of performing tomographic imaging of a sample in a charged-particle microscope
The invention relates to a method of performing tomographic imaging involving repeatedly directing a charged particle beam through a sample for a series of sample tilts to acquire a corresponding set of images and mathematically combining the images to construct a composite image. The latter of which consists of, at each of a second series of sample tilts, using a spectral detector to accrue a spectral map of said sample, thus acquiring a collection of spectral maps; analyzing said spectral maps to derive compositional data of the sample; and employing said compositional data in constructing said composite image. |
| US09618459B2 |
Systems and methods for automated composite layup quality assurance
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for automated composite layup quality assurance. |
| US09618458B2 |
Optical measurement method and apparatus for fuel cell components
Methods and systems for measuring a property of a component of a fuel cell system include performing a three-dimensional optical scan of at least a portion of a surface of the component to produce a three-dimensional representation of the topography of the at least a portion of the surface and measuring at least one property of the component based on the three-dimensional representation. Further embodiments include systems and methods for measuring dimensions of a fuel cell component using a line scan imaging device and/or a matrix camera. |
| US09618454B2 |
Method of identifying a material
The invention concerns a method of measuring the amount of a particular SERS-active taggant compound in a sample of a material which includes the steps of adding an internal standard containing an isotopically-altered version of said SERS-active taggant compound to the sample, contacting the sample/internal standard mixture with a SERS substrate then subjecting the mixture and SERS substrate to Raman spectroscopy. The concentration of SERS-active taggant compound in the sample is then calculated from the ratio of (i) the Raman spectroscopy detector response to the SERS-active taggant compound to (ii) the Raman spectroscopy detector response to the internal standard. |
| US09618453B2 |
Aggregation induced emission of fluorescent bioprobes and methods of using the same
Provided herein are fluorescent bioprobes comprising fluorogens that exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) labeled on biomolecules. The present subject matter relates to a fluorescent bioprobe comprising one or more fluorogen labeled on chitosan. The present subject matter is also directed to methods of preparing the fluorescent bioprobes, methods of labeling and detecting DNA and/or proteins with the fluorescent bioprobe, and methods of cell imaging including live cell tracking. |
| US09618450B2 |
Multi-channel fluorometric sensor and method of using same
An optical sensor may include multiple optical emitters configured to emit light into a fluid sample via an optical pathway. Light from the emitters can cause fluorescence from the sample and/or scatter off of the sample. Scattered and fluoresced light can be received by an optical detector in the sensor via the optical pathway, and used to determine at least one characteristic of the fluid sample. A second optical detector can provide reference measurements of the amount of light emitted to the sample. In one example, the optical detector can detect scattered and fluoresced light simultaneously. In another example, light is emitted and detected alternatingly. The sensor can be part of a system that includes one or more controllers configured to control the emitting and detecting of light to and from the fluid sample. The controller can use detected light to determine at least one characteristic of the fluid sample. |
| US09618448B2 |
Grazing order metrology
Metrology targets, optical systems and methods are provided, which enable metrology measurements of very small features, using resonance of illuminated radiation within periodical structures of the target, under appropriate illumination. Metrology targets comprise periodical structure(s) configured to resonate incident radiation and having a pitch defined by the grating equation with respect to configured parameters such as the selected diffraction order, refractive indices and the illumination's wavelength(s) and incidence angles. Possibly, the target may further comprise substructure(s) which are optically coupled with the resonating incident radiation in the periodical structure(s). The spatial organization of the periodic structures and the substructures, as well as the optical organization of illuminated and scattered radiation provide collecting phase signals from the targets at a range of parameters, such as different wavelengths, spatial angles and polarizations to enhance the metrology signal and achieve a very high sensitivity to very small target features. |
| US09618447B2 |
Optical transmission cell with minimized spurious absorption
A spectroscopic measuring device for minimizing spurious absorption due to undesired gases. The device includes a probe body, or a transmission cell formed from a central measurement cell and first and second probe bodies. Each probe body is subject to leakage of undesired gas, especially over time in the presence of high pressure gas. Each probe body includes a bore located between a primary window disposed at or near a distal end and a secondary window located at or near the proximal end. It being observed that the absorbance is proportional to the pathlength and inversely proportional to the volume as long as the pressure in the probe body remains low compared to that in the measurement cell, a glass filler rod is located in the bore and a is void located adjacent to the filler glass rod, thereby minimizing spurious absorption even in the presence of leakage. |
| US09618442B2 |
Multiple flow channel particle analysis system
A microfluidic multiple channel particle analysis system which allows particles from a plurality of particle sources to be independently simultaneously entrained in a corresponding plurality of fluid streams for analysis and sorting into particle subpopulations based upon one or more particle characteristics. |
| US09618440B2 |
Gas detector for use with an air sampling particle detection system
An apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of gases is described. The gas detection apparatus includes, a housing adapted to be in fluid communication with a duct of a particle detection system, and at least one gas detector sensitive to a target species arranged in fluid communication with the housing to detect the presence of the target species in at least part of the air sample flowing in a duct. In one form the gas detection apparatus forms part of a system for detecting a condition in an environment that includes, a particle detector; a duct system in fluid communication with the environment and the particle detector and an aspirator to draw an air sample flow from the environment to the particle detector. |
| US09618439B2 |
Thermophoretic sampler
A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate. |
| US09618434B2 |
Stiffness measurement method and device
A calculating device of the stiffness measurement device pressurizes an object to be measured with a predetermined pressure and the stiffness of the object to be measured in the squeal frequency band is calculated based on an inclination of a stress-displacement performance curve immediately after a start of depressurization after the pressurization. According to this device, there is no need to oscillate the object with a high frequency band and there is no need to enhance the stiffness of the housing of the measurement device, which leads to a downsizing of the device. Further, there is no need for measuring of acceleration speed of the object to be measured and accelerator can be eliminated to reduce the cost of the stiffness measurement device. |
| US09618429B2 |
Polymer stabilization of chromogen solutions
Disclosed embodiments concern a composition comprising DAB chromogen, and/or derivative thereof, a stabilizer, and polymer capable of preventing or reducing DAB precipitation relative to a composition that does not comprise the polymer. Also disclosed herein is a method for using the disclosed composition and embodiments of a kit. |
| US09618420B2 |
System and method for a surface strain gauge
A system and method for a surface strain gauge is described which has direct application to wind turbine structures and wind turbine blades and wind turbine struts. The invention is equally applicable to other airfoil structures such as aircraft wings and aircraft fuselages. The strain gauge comprises an array of carbon fiber material integrated with one or more microcontroller modules wherein the entire array may be incorporated into the surface of the structure to be monitored during manufacture of the structure. The array comprises separate sheets of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy which are linked together and which each comprise a separately addressable element such as a microcontroller wherein the microcontrollers are connected to a power supply and to a central bus which itself links to a central system controller. Differential measurements of the resistance of separate carbon fiber reinforced epoxy sheets may be determined in real time as well as the resistance between two or more sheets. In this way real time dynamic load monitoring can be performed and compared with original values determined at time of manufacture to provide data on fatigue of the structure with time before damage and failure occurs. |
| US09618418B2 |
System and method for detecting leakage in a gas pipeline
Disclosed is a leakage detection system (200) and a leakage detection method for detecting leakage in a gas supply system (10′) comprising a gas source (11; 12) connected to a gas delivery module (14) by a pipeline. The leakage detection system (200) comprises a flow meter (113) connectable along the pipeline remotely from an inlet of the gas delivery module (14); and a detection module (110) configured to receive signals representing a measured flow rate from the flow meter (113), and to compare the measured flow rate (115) to a stored leakage-free reference value (116) to detect an increase in flow rate in the presence of a leak. A flow resistance between the detection module (110) and an outlet of the gas delivery module (14) amplifies the increase in flow rate in the presence of a leak. The system (200) may comprise a flow rate elevation system (121) connectable between the gas source (11; 12) and the flow meter (113) for temporarily increasing the flow rate in the pipeline. |
| US09618414B2 |
Device for determining a pressure and method for manufacturing the same
A device for determining a pressure and a method for manufacturing the same, having a housing including a cavity, a sensor device including a first sealing structure which engages with the housing so that an opening of the cavity is closable with the aid of the sensor device, in which the sensor device is configured for determining a pressure which is applied to the cavity, and a sealing device situated between the housing and the sensor device and configured for pressing the first sealing structure on the housing by exerting a contact force on the sensor device. |
| US09618412B2 |
Semiconductor physical quantity sensor
A semiconductor physical quantity sensor includes: a first base material; an electrode formed on the first base material; a diaphragm which bends in accordance with a physical quantity applied from the outside; a second base material fixed to the first base material and supporting the diaphragm such that the diaphragm is opposed to the electrode with a space (S) in between; and an insulator formed on a surface on the first base material side of the diaphragm. Moreover, a wall portion to define the space (S) is formed between the insulator and the electrode. |
| US09618406B2 |
Sensor element
A sensor element (1) includes a substrate (2) and a strain-sensitive element (3) which is preferably applied to the substrate by means of thin-film technology and is used for measuring the deformation of the substrate (2) when pressure is applied or a force is introduced, the strain-sensitive element (3) including XAlOyN1-y, wherein X is a metal with a high melting temperature in the range of greater than 1400° C. and 0 |
| US09618402B2 |
Thermal insulation performance measurement apparatus and measurement method using the same
A thermal insulation performance measurement apparatus which measures thermal insulation performance of a thermal insulator by heat flux to the thermal insulator, measured by a heat flux sensor, and a measurement method using the same includes a heat flux sensor provided with one surface adapted to contact an object to be measured, a first heat source arranged on the upper surface of the heat flux sensor to supply heat to the heat flux sensor, a thermal insulator arranged on the upper surface of the first heat source, a third heat source arranged on the upper surface of the thermal insulator, and a second heat source arranged around the heat flux sensor. |
| US09618399B1 |
Frequency correction of oscillators and related apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods are described for monitoring temperature of a mechanical resonator. Two or more temperature sensors may be positioned at respective locations to detect a temperature difference between the locations. The temperatures measured by the two or more temperature sensors may be used to determine a temperature of the mechanical resonator. |
| US09618394B2 |
Monitoring the condition of drive belts in belt driven machines
The disclosure extends to systems, methods, and apparatuses for monitoring the condition and temperature of belts in belt driven machines, and for determining maintenance plans for the belt driven machines. |
| US09618392B2 |
Spectroscopy assembly including optical ring resonators and at least one waveguide on a common substrate
A spectroscopy assembly having a first and a second optical ring resonator, each provided with a material having an intensity-dependent refraction index. The spectroscopy assembly further includes at least one waveguide, which is guided along the optical ring resonator at a distance such that the light of a continuous wave laser guided in the waveguide can be coupled into the optical ring resonator, and a frequency comb generated from the light of the continuous wave laser in the optical ring resonator can be coupled out of the waveguide. The optical ring resonators and the at least one waveguide are provided on a common substrate. |
| US09618386B2 |
Probe, object information acquisition apparatus, and method of manufacturing the probe
A probe configured to receive an acoustic wave from an object including an element having a cell structure, in which a vibration membrane having one of a pair of electrodes formed with a gap arranged therebetween is supported so that the vibration membrane can be vibrated by the acoustic wave; a light reflection layer provided at a position near the object with respect to the element and configured to reflect light; and a support layer provided between the element and the light reflection layer and configured to support the light reflection layer. |
| US09618382B2 |
Device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients and system configuration of device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients
Provided is a device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients and a system configuration of the device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients, the device weighing and feeding several types of ingredients when cup noodles such as instant noodles are packed with the ingredients in a cup. A space-saving and easily maintainable device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients, wherein powdery and granular starting materials (A, B) are individually stored in a first starting material hopper (2) and a second starting material hopper (3), gradually sent out to the downstream side, weighed, discharged to a first chute (10) and a second chute (11), and supplied to a cup-filling unit (23), and one series from the first starting material hopper (2) to the first chute (10) and one series from the second starting material hopper (3) to the second chute (11) are formed vertically parallel in the shape of a staircase from the upstream side to the downstream side. The device can mix a wide variety of ingredients, improves workability by the size and weight reduction of the starting material hoppers, and achieves space saving resulting from the reduction of floor space to half, and easier cleaning. |
| US09618377B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for determining the volume of a substance in a flexible tank
A flexible storage container may have a first footprint when empty, and retracts to a second footprint when filled with a substance. A load sensing apparatus used for determining the volume of the substance in the flexible storage container can include a first set of load-sensitive sensors arranged in at least a region of the first footprint external to the second footprint, and a second set of load-sensitive sensors arranged within the second footprint. The sensor data from the load-sensitive sensors can be used to create a pressure level profile, and the volume of the substance contained in the flexible storage container can be calculated from the pressure level profile. |
| US09618375B2 |
Density or specific gravity meter in electrical communication with a volumetric flow meter and both in electrical communication with a meter electronics that outputs a mass flow measurement
A flow rate sensor system (200) is provided. The flow rate sensor system (200) includes a density or specific gravity meter (202) including a sensor assembly (204a) and a density or specific gravity meter electronics (204b) configured to generate a density or specific gravity measurement of a process fluid. The flow rate sensor system (200) further includes a mass flow meter (203) including a sensor assembly (205a) and a mass flow meter electronics (205b) configured to generate a mass flow rate of the process fluid and in electrical communication with the density or specific gravity meter electronics (204b). A remote processing system (207) is provided that is in electrical communication with only one of the density or specific gravity meter electronics (204b) or the mass flow meter electronics (205b). The remote processing system (207) is configured to receive a volume or energy flow measurement of the process fluid generated by the density or specific gravity meter electronics (204b) or the volumetric meter electronics (205b) based on the generated density or specific gravity measurement and the generated mass flow rate. |
| US09618372B2 |
Transit time flow meter probe
A transit time flow sensor is configured as an insertable probe carrying a pair of transducers spaced apart along an acoustic path. The transducers are attached to respective tabs extending outwardly from the ends of a tubular member and skewed with respect to an axis of the tube so that acoustic signals from one of the transducers are reflected from an interior portion of the tube and subsequently detected by the other transducer. |
| US09618369B2 |
Uses of electromagnetic interference patterns
Various uses of visible light interference patterns are provided. Suitable interference patterns are those formed by diffraction from patterns of apertures. Typical uses disclosed herein relate to spatial metrology, such as a translational and/or angular position determination system. Further uses include the analysis of properties of the light itself (such as the determination of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation). Still further uses include the analysis of one or more properties (e.g. refractive index) of the matter through which the light passes. Part of the interference pattern is captured at a pixellated detector, such as a CCD chip, and the captured pattern compared with a calculated pattern. Very precise measurements of the spacing between maxima is possible, thus allowing very precise measurements of position of the detector in the interference pattern. |
| US09618367B2 |
Capacitive sensor circuit
A capacitive sensor circuit includes a sensor for providing a sensing voltage, a pre-processing circuit electrically connected to the sensor via an input connection line, and an impedance transformation circuit electrically connected between the input connection line and a bias point. The impedance transformation circuit includes a first impedance unit and a second impedance unit. The first impedance unit includes a first current mirror, and the second impedance unit includes a second current mirror configured as an invented matching current mirror of the first current mirror. The first current mirror is electrically connected to the input connection line, and the second current mirror is electrically connected to the bias point to receive a bias voltage. |
| US09618362B2 |
Self-calibrating nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) gyroscope system
One embodiment includes a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) gyroscope system. The system includes a vapor cell comprising an alkali metal and a plurality of gyromagnetic isotopes and a pump laser configured to generate an optical pump beam configured to spin-polarize the alkali metal. The system also includes a probe laser that generates an optical probe beam and a detection system configured to monitor the optical probe beam and to calculate a rotation of the NMR gyroscope system about a sensitive axis based on a modulation of the optical probe beam in response to precession of the plurality of gyromagnetic isotopes resulting from the spin-polarization of the alkali metal. The system further includes a calibration controller that modulates a characteristic of the optical pump beam to substantially mitigate bias errors associated with the gyromagnetic isotopes in the calculation of the rotation of the NMR gyroscope system about the sensitive axis. |
| US09618358B2 |
Identifying a result responsive to a current location of a client device
A method for identifying a result responsive to a current location of a client device includes receiving, form a client device and at a host, a search query that includes a point of interest and a current location of the client device. The method also includes automatically updating the search query as the current location of the client device changes and instructing the host to identify a potential location associated with the point of interest and located within a user-defined proximity from the current location of the client device. |
| US09618353B2 |
Vehicle request device
A device 20 for requesting a vehicle to a location associated with the device. The device 20 comprises input means 126 arranged to generate a vehicle request upon receipt of a user input, said device 20 being arranged to allow at least a second vehicle request to be generated using the input means before the vehicle associated with a first vehicle request has departed from the location associated with the device. The device 20 is arranged, for each vehicle request, to generate a message indicative of the status of the vehicle request and to display the generated message on a display 124. The device is arranged to stop displaying the message on the display 124 when the requested vehicle departs from the location. |
| US09618352B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling navigator via speech dialogue
An apparatus and method for controlling a navigator are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a natural voice command acquisition unit, an information acquisition unit, a speech language understanding unit, a related information extraction unit, and a dialog management control unit. The natural voice command acquisition unit obtains a natural voice command from a user. The information acquisition unit obtains vehicle data including information about the operation of the navigator and information about the state of the vehicle. The speech language understanding unit converts the natural voice command into a user intention that can be understood by a computer. The related information extraction unit extracts related information that corresponds to the user intention. The dialog management control unit generates a response to the natural voice command based on the related information, the user intention and a dialog history, and controls the navigator in accordance with the conversation response. |
| US09618349B2 |
Navigation system with mode mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a travel condition for traveling from a start location to a waypoint; determining a navigation mode based on the travel condition by comparing a travel distance, from the start location to the waypoint, to a distance threshold for selecting a mode type; and generating a travel route with a control unit based on the navigation mode for displaying on a device. |
| US09618346B2 |
Predictive travel notifications
Various embodiments can predict a user's intended driving route in order to provide the user with traffic warnings for traffic conditions along the same. A user's driving route, in at least one embodiment, is predicted by collecting travel data, such as information associated with the date, time, location, and direction for trips made within a network of roads over time. Instead of keeping the travel data anonymous, the travel data is associate or linked to the user's account or stored in a user profile in order to build a history of travel patterns for the user over time. The travel patterns can then be used to predict when a user is going to travel or make a trip and, upon identifying a context indicative of a travel pattern, traffic information for a route associated with the pattern is obtained and provided to the user's computing device. |
| US09618344B2 |
Digital map tracking apparatus and methods
In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a circuit that has a first input to receive motion data from at least one of a motion sensor and an optical sensor and that has a second input to receive directional data corresponding to the motion data. The circuit may further include an input/output interface configured to provide data to a display and a control circuit coupled to the first input, the second input, and the input/output interface. The control circuit may be configured to determine a current position based at least in part on the motion data and the directional data and update an indicator on a digital map based on the current position determined from the motion data. |
| US09618341B2 |
Calibrating a gyroscope based on visual codes
Visual codes are scanned to assist navigation. The visual code may be a Quick Response (QR) code that contains information useful to calibrating a variety of navigation-based sensors such as gyroscopes, e-compasses, and barometric pressure sensors. In an embodiment, an imaging device, an gyroscope, and a processor are elements of a system. The processor is coupled to the imaging device and the gyroscope. The processor causes the imaging device to scan a visual code. Based on scanning the visual code, the processor causes the gyroscope to be calibrated. |
| US09618337B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring altitude of terminal
An apparatus and a method for measuring an altitude of a terminal which can correct an altitude error according to temporal and spatial changes are provided. The apparatus includes an atmospheric pressure measuring unit for measuring an atmospheric pressure from a barometer included in the terminal, a position determiner for measuring position information of the terminal, and a controller for, when a reference atmospheric pressure reception period is not generated, predicting a current reference atmospheric pressure by using previously received reference atmospheric pressures and measuring a current altitude by using the predicted reference atmospheric pressure and the measured atmospheric pressure. |
| US09618335B2 |
Light emission power control apparatus and method
A system and method for adjusting light emitter output for a railway track inspection system based on data feedback from one or more sensors. |
| US09618334B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring turbine component strain
Systems and methods for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. The turbine component has an exterior surface. A method includes directly measuring a strain sensor configured on the exterior surface of the turbine component along an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis to obtain X-axis data points, Y-axis data points, and Z-axis data points. The X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are mutually orthogonal. The method further includes assembling a three-dimensional profile of the strain sensor based on the X-axis data points, Y-axis data points and Z-axis data points. |
| US09618333B2 |
Clearance measurement device and clearance measurement method for combustor
A clearance measurement device for a combustor includes: a rod part with the hollow base end side which is mounted on a first flange of the combustor while being inserted in the combustor; a support part which is mounted at the leading end of the rod part so as to be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod part; an imaging element which is supported by the support part and images an annular clearance; an operation lever which penetrates the inside of the rod part and extends toward the support part; and a link mechanism which is provided between the operation lever and the support part and converts a forward/backward motion of the operation lever into a rotary motion of the support part around the axis. |
| US09618332B2 |
Method and apparatus for position determination
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of determining a position of an object with respect to incident radiation, comprising iteratively determining at least one of an object function indicating one or more characteristics of an object and a probe function indicative of one or more characteristics of incident radiation, iteratively determining the position of the object, wherein the iteratively determining the position of the object comprises cross correlating first and second estimates of the object function or the probe function, determining a location of a peak of the cross correlation, and determining a translation deviation indicative of a difference in position of the object between the first and second estimates based on the location of the peak. |
| US09618331B2 |
Method and equipment based on detecting the polarization property of a polarization maintaining fiber probe for measuring structures of a micro part
A method and equipment based on detecting the polarization property of a polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) probe for measuring structures of a micro part are provided. The provided method relates to how to accomplish measuring structures of a micro part by transforming two or three-dimensional contact displacements into polarization property changes of the PMF probe, and how to reconstruct the structure geometry of a micro part. The provided equipment can be used to bring the spherical tip of the PMF probe into contact with a micro part, to determine coordinates of contact points, and to reconstruct the structure geometry of a micro part. The provided method and equipment feature high sensitivity, low probing force, high inspecting aspect ratio and immunity to environment interference. |
| US09618329B2 |
Optical inspection probe
An optical inspection probe for obtaining and providing images of an object to be inspected. The optical inspection probe comprises an imaging assembly for capturing an image of an object and an illumination assembly for producing a light beam directed toward the object. The optical inspection probe is configured such that the light beam converges to a focal point at a first focal plane. |
| US09618325B2 |
Optical coherence tomography imaging systems and methods
Optical coherence tomography imaging systems and methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, an optical coherence tomography imaging system includes a scanner configured to obtain images and to convert the images to electrical signals. The system also includes a computing device comprising an OCT module configured to receive the electrical signals, to apply an OCT imaging technique, and to generate imaging data. |
| US09618324B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating tomography images
Provided is an apparatus and method for generating tomography mages, the apparatus including a detection unit configured to modulate each of incident beams into at least two basic modulated incident lights on the basis of at least a basic modulation parameter and into a target modulated incident light on the basis of a target modulation parameter, and to detect at least two basic interference signals and a target interference signal of an object; and an imaging unit configured to analyze the at least two basic interference signals to output a set target modulation parameter, to process the target interference signal as a target image of the object, and to output the target image. |
| US09618321B2 |
Interference measuring device
An interference measuring device comprises: a light source; a beam splitter that causes the light to diverge into a reference optical path and a measurement optical path and that outputs a combined wave in which reflection light passed the reference optical path and reflection light passed the measurement optical path are combined; a reference light diverging part that causes the light diverged into the reference optical path, to further diverge into a plurality of optical paths and that causes reflection light beams respectively passed the optical paths to be input into the beam splitter; and a plurality of reference mirrors that are respectively arranged in the optical paths such that optical path lengths of the optical paths are different from each other, and that reflect reference light. An interference image is imaged by varying the optical path length of either the reference optical path or the measurement optical path. |
| US09618319B2 |
Laser speckle microrheometer for measuring mechanical properties of biological tissue
Volumetric distribution of a micromechanical parameter of a biological tissue, such as viscoelastic parameter or tissue stiffness, is determined, with microscopic resolution, from optical data representing light scattered by sequential layers of the tissue and, optionally, displayed to visualization. A particular layer of the tissue is defined through coherence-gating of light received at the optical detector. Coherence-gating is achieved with the use of an interferometer the sample arm of which contains the tissue, illuminated with defocused light, and an optical length of a reference arm of which is repeatedly adjusted, within a coherence length of used light, to ensure that each of the sequential optical interferograms represents light scattered only by a particular tissue layer a position of which is re-defined through the tissue via such adjustment. |
| US09618314B2 |
Tape scale application jig and tape scale application method
A tape scale application jig includes a frame having a U-shaped cross section; a scale holder that is disposed inside the frame and to which a tape scale is temporarily attached; a handle that is disposed outside the frame and that is connected to the scale holder via a through-hole formed in a web portion of the frame; a spring that is provided so as to separate the handle and the web portion from each other; and a positioning reference disposed on at least one of two flange portions of the frame. |
| US09618313B1 |
Methods for measuring distance
One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes an apparatus for manually measuring the distance between a first and second point, comprising: a first and second member that is positioned adjacent to the first member, wherein the first member is capable of sliding with respect to the second member in an axial direction and wherein each of the first and second members is substantially straight and has at least two outer longitudinal sides that are substantially straight and substantially parallel to one another, a first replacement tip receiver at a first location between the two outer longitudinal sides of the first member, wherein a first tip can be removably coupled to the first member, and wherein the first tip includes a first tip point capable of corresponding to the first point of the distance to be measured, and a first scale that provides a first distance measurement. |
| US09618312B2 |
Measuring probe
A measuring probe includes a stylus having a contact part to be in contact with an object to be measured, an axial motion mechanism having a moving member that allows the contact part to move in an axial direction, and a rotary motion mechanism having a rotating member that allows the contact part to move along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction by means of rotary motion. The measuring probe includes a probe main body that incorporates the axial motion mechanism, and a probe module that is supported by the probe main body, incorporates the rotary motion mechanism, and supports the stylus. The probe main body and the probe module are detachably coupled to each other with a pair of rollers and a ball capable of positioning to each other. This allows adequate detection sensitivity and a restoring force suitable for the stylus to be obtained at a low cost. |
| US09618311B2 |
Method for blasting object to be treated in pressure vessel
A blast treatment method for blasting an object includes: a step in which an explosive is detonated inside a pressure vessel (30) which has an elasto-plastic metal, thereby imparting to the pressure vessel (30) an initial load wherein the primary and secondary stress generated in at least a portion of the pressure vessel becomes high enough to be in a plastic region exceeding the elastic region, thereby generating a shakedown state in the pressure vessel (30); and a subsequent step in which a treatment explosive (50) is detonated within the pressure vessel (30), thereby blasting the object (10). |
| US09618309B2 |
Apparatus and electric primer output data testing method
Exemplary methods and apparatus for testing an electrically fired item, e.g., a primer-only cartridge or all-up round (AUR) cartridge, in a variety of modes are provided. For example, a test system may provide a method of testing a primer-only cartridge and an apparatus to execute such method. Various parameters associated with operation of the electrically fired item, such as a primer or initiator, may be varied and measured using an embodiment including programmable selection of a pulse duration for firing control signals, a voltage of the firing control signals, and a number of pulses associated with the firing control signals. An inline resistance of the path of the control signals may also be adjusted. Test data including temperature, pressure, voltage, and/or current associated with operation of the electrically fired item may be measured during tests and displayed on a display device. |
| US09618305B2 |
Very low power actuation devices
A method of actuating a control surface in a munition. The method including: coupling a pair of fins to an actuation device; generating pressurized gas to selectively actuate the actuation device; and converting the actuation of the actuation device to rotation of the pair of fins. The converting can convert a linear output of the actuation device to the rotation of the pair of fins or a rotary output of the actuation device to the rotation of the pair of fins. The generated gas can be directly provided to the actuation device or the generated gas can be stored in a storage device before being provided to the actuation device. The method can further include repeating the coupling, generating and converting for a second pair of fins. |
| US09618301B2 |
Methods and systems for determining a gunshot sequence or recoil dynamics of a gunshot for a firearm
An apparatus, device, or method may detect aim or pointing direction of a firearm, and may display aim directions of the firearm for gunshots fired at a target. Sequence of bullet strikes by multiple gunshots may be determined. A method may comprise detecting gunshots of the firearm discharging live ammunition, measuring aim directions of the firearm substantially at times of detecting the gunshots, recording the times of the gunshots and/or sequence order of the gunshots, and generating output for displaying an image that includes bullet strike icons that represent bullet strikes on the target. Locations of the bullet strike icons in the image may be based, at least in part, on the measured aim directions of the gunshots. |
| US09618299B1 |
Adaptor for attaching to the rail system on a firearm
An arm is attached to a mounting body at a first attachment. The arm is configured and arranged to move between an open position and a closed position. The arm has a first surface that in combination with a second surface on the mounting body forms a cavity for holding a fixed blade knife in a locked position when the arm is attached to the mounting body at a second attachment. |
| US09618297B2 |
Gas powered gun with velocity regulator
A gas powered gun comprising a valve arranged to exhaust compressed gas from a chamber to thereby discharge a projectile inside a barrel, and a hammer arranged to be cooperate with a valve opening arrangement to thereby open the valve. A spring is arranged between the hammer and a spring abutment for spring loading the hammer. The gun further comprises an adjustment knob turnable around an axis A of rotation, substantially perpendicular to the spring loading direction. The knob has a cam surface having a varying radial distance from the axis of rotation, and a follower, integrated with the spring abutment, is pressed by the spring to rest against the cam surface. When the adjustment knob is turned, the follower will slide against the cam surface and move the follower and the spring abutment in the spring loading direction, to thereby adjust a pretension of the spring. |
| US09618291B1 |
Gun rest system
A gun rest system includes a weighted substance and a rifle. A mount is provided and the rifle is positioned on the mount thereby facilitating the mount to restrain the rifle. The mount is substantially hollow such that a selected amount of the weighted substance is positionable within the mount. Thus, the mount absorbs recoil from the rifle when the rifle is fired. |
| US09618287B2 |
Secure smartphone-operated locking device
A gun trigger-locking device which is configured to be manually installed on a gun with a trigger-blocking member disposed behind the trigger to prevent the gun from being fired. The device includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the trigger-blocking member to be manually removed from the gun so the gun can be fired. A separate electronic key is provided to transmit unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun. |
| US09618283B2 |
Heat exchanger housing connection
A stub connection for a heat exchanger that is arranged in a housing. The stub connection includes a first part which is fastened to the heat exchanger and a second part which has a stub shank extending through an opening in the housing and is seated in a hole of the first part. The stub connection also includes at least two seals. The first seal is an annular seal, which is seated in a groove of the stub shank and the second seal is a gasket, which is arranged between the opening, the stub shank, and the first part. The first seal is seated in the hole and seals between the stub shank and the first part. |
| US09618281B2 |
Heat exchange device
A heat exchanger having a heat exchange surface comprising a plurality of tubes, a pair of tanks, an end plate, and a shroud disposed to cover the heat exchange surface, wherein, the shroud provides a first hook and a second hook at it's a vertical wall, and the end plate is held in place either between the first hook and the second hook, or between the second hook and the vertical wall. With the above structure, the fan shroud assembly can hold two types of heat exchangers having different thickness. |
| US09618279B2 |
Evaporator tube having an optimised external structure
A metal heat exchanger tube for the evaporation of liquids on the outside of the tube, having a tube axis, a tube wall, and integrally formed ribs that run circumferentially on the outside of the tube. The ribs have a rib foot, rib flanks, and a rib tip, wherein the rib foot projects substantially radially from the tube wall. A respective groove is located between every two ribs that are adjacent to one another in the axial direction. At least first, second, and third lateral material projections, which are formed from the material of the ribs, are arranged on a first, second, and third level on the rib flanks in such a way that the grooves are largely covered by all of the material projections. The first, second, and third lateral material projections are formed on levels that are in each case differently spaced apart from the tube wall in the radial direction. |
| US09618275B1 |
Hybrid heat pipe
A heat pipe with a capillary structure that consists of heat conductive capillary grooves in the condenser region that meet with a porous wick in the evaporator section. The embodiments include several structures of the interface at the junction of the porous wick and the capillary grooves. One such interface is a simple butt joint. Others have interlocking shapes on the wick and the grooves such as parts of the wick that fit into or around the grooves. |
| US09618274B2 |
Thermal module with enhanced assembling structure
A thermal module with enhanced assembling structure includes a base and a heat pipe. The base is formed on a middle portion with a longitudinal receiving recess, which has two end portions forming two supporting portions and a middle portion formed into an opening. A first and a second extended arm are formed at junctions between the receiving recess and two longitudinal sides of the opening. Wall surfaces of the first and second extended arms adjacent to the longitudinal sides of the opening are formed with alternating elevated and sunken areas. The heat pipe is held down in the receiving recess by the first and second extended arms to fitly engage with the elevated and sunken areas. Therefore, there is an increased fitting tightness between the heat pipe and the base to ensure enhanced assembling strength of the thermal module and reduce the manufacturing cost thereof. |
| US09618273B2 |
Modular heat exchanger and conversion system
Various embodiments of a waste heat recovery and conversion system are disclosed. The system may include a modular heat exchanger whose energy source is provided by waste heat energy transporting fluids transferring their energy to a working fluid. The working fluid may be in a liquid state contained in a reservoir hydraulically connected to a high-pressure heat transfer chamber. The high-pressure heat transfer chamber may be configured to receive thermal energy utilized to convert the working fluid into a superheated vapor. |
| US09618271B2 |
Device for the exchange of heat and motor vehicle
A device for the exchange of heat between a first and a second medium with pairs of trays stacked one on top of the other in a stacking direction is provided, wherein a first flow chamber that can be flowed through by a first medium is provided between the two trays of at least one pair of trays or several pairs of trays and a second flow chamber that can be flowed through by a second medium is provided between two pairs of trays adjacent to one another, wherein the first flow chamber has first flow path with flow path sections that can be flowed through consecutively in opposite directions for the first medium, which are separated from one another by a division wall arranged between the at least two trays of the at least one pair of trays, and wherein the second flow chamber has a second flow path for the second medium. |
| US09618264B1 |
Permanent magnet induction heating system and magnetic dehydrator
A device and method for dehydrating products, through gasifying the humidity in the air or on any wet element through the application of air, heat and magnetic fields. Such a process would be useful for the drying of clothing, grain, food and other industrial uses. In a separate implementation, measure addition of moisture to the air or gas in the system could be used to generate hydrogen and/or oxygen via a gas separator, such as the membrane units in use today. The magnetic fields used may be built using electromagnetic and/or permanent magnets. |
| US09618263B2 |
Non-thermal drying systems with vacuum throttle flash generators and processing vessels
A system is disclosed for drying a material to liberate a substance such as a liquid having a vapor pressure from solids and/or dissolved substances in the material. The system includes a plenum chamber and a blower providing a stream of air to the plenum chamber. An outlet communicates with the plenum chamber and a velocity accelerator is disposed downstream of the outlet. The velocity accelerator is arranged to receive air from the outlet of the plenum chamber into a progressively narrowing interior passageway terminating at a downstream choke point orifice. The choke point orifice discharges into a larger diameter discharge region. A throttle body is disposed in the discharge region and is selectively movable toward and away from the choke point orifice to decrease or increase the volume of the discharge region. A passageway is formed through the throttle body for receiving flashed material from the discharge region and conveying the material in a downstream direction. Also disclosed is a system for drying materials contained within a processing vessel wherein flash generators with vacuum throttles are used to maintain drying conditions within the vessel and to remove liberated substance from the processing vessel. |
| US09618253B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
Refrigerators that can be used in the storage and transport of vaccines are disclosed. A refrigerator has a payload container (20) within which items can be placed for temperature-controlled storage. The payload container (20) is submerged in a reservoir (21) that contains water. The reservoir has a cooling region containing the payload container and a headspace containing water that is, in use, higher than the payload container. Cooling means, that might include a refrigeration unit (30) having cooling elements (32) or a cold thermal mass can cool water within the headspace. Where there is a refrigeration unit, a power supply, typically solar powered, can act as a source of power for the refrigeration unit. Embodiments may include a freezer compartment close to the cooling elements (32). Alternatively, the cooling region includes a pipe manifold within the payload container. |
| US09618247B2 |
Method for increasing the valve capacity of a refrigeration unit
A system supplies a fluid to an evaporator of a refrigeration unit and has first and second lines connected to a fluid inlet of the evaporator. The system has an expansion valve with a continuously modifiable first flow cross section, disposed in the first line, the continuously modifiable first flow cross section setting a first mass flow through the first line. A shut-off device is disposed in the second line and switchable discretely between an open position and a closed position. A throttle with a constant second flow cross section is disposed in the second line. A control unit continuously modifies the first flow cross section of the expansion valve and controls the shut-off device as a function of the first flow cross section. |
| US09618246B2 |
Refrigeration arrangement and methods for reducing charge migration
A refrigerator appliance including a refrigerant circuit between a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor that includes two conduits and pressure reducing devices arranged in parallel between the evaporator and the condenser. The appliance also includes a valve system to direct refrigerant through one, both or none of the conduits and pressure reducing devices, and a heat exchanging member in thermal contact with either one pressure reducing device, or one conduit between the pressure reducing device and the valve system. |
| US09618244B2 |
Power electronics cooling
An exemplary evaporating unit for cooling a heat emitting device includes a cooling circuit having a stack of evaporating units arranged alternately with heat emitting devices. Each evaporating unit is connected to a condenser and includes a first inlet channel, a first plurality of evaporation channels, and a first outlet channel. The evaporating unit is designed for pre-heating the cooling fluid flowing therein. |
| US09618242B2 |
Method for controlling a thermal storage heat pump system
A thermal storage heat pump system transfers heat to a passenger compartment of a vehicle from at least one of a thermal storage device and ambient air. Heat from the thermal storage device is absorbed by a first coolant flowing through it, and is transferred to a refrigerant via a first heat exchanger. The heat is then transferred from the refrigerant to a second coolant via a second heat exchanger, and then from the second coolant to air flowing into the passenger compartment via a heater core. Heat from ambient air is absorbed by the refrigerant via a third heat exchanger. The heat source is determined by at least one of the thermal storage device temperature, ambient air temperature, and ambient air humidity. At start-up of the vehicle, heat transfer to the refrigerant and to the second coolant is controlled based on low-side and high-side pressure measurements of the refrigerant. |
| US09618240B2 |
Refrigerant cooling and/or condensing apparatus, system and method
The present invention relates to a refrigerant cooling and/or condensing apparatus, system and method. Specifically, the present invention provides a cooling apparatus for cooling and condensing refrigerant from air conditioners, refrigerators, and other like mechanical cooling devices for collecting the same. Specifically, the cooling apparatus comprises a cold plate having a cooling coil, a heat plate with one or more heat sinks attached thereto wherein heat is transferred from the cold plate to the heat plate, and a fan for cooling the heat plate, further wherein gaseous refrigerant is sent through the coil, and heat is removed therefrom and transferred to the heat plate. The cooled refrigerant is then easily collected in a tank or other receptacle. |
| US09618231B2 |
Furnace, a high fire ignition method for starting a furnace and a furnace controller configured for the same
The disclosure provides a controller for a multistage gas furnace, a multistage gas furnace and computer readable medium for performing a method to operate a furnace. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a heating call and (2) a corrosion reducer configured to ignite the gas furnace at a high fire operation based on if an indoor circulating fan of the gas furnace is active. |
| US09618229B2 |
Heat exchange device having dual heat exchangers
Provided is a heat exchange device that facilitate assembling of a plurality of heat exchangers. The heat exchange device having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger arranged adjacent to each other so that surfaces of the heat exchangers face each other. A first mounting plate fixed to the side surface of the first heat exchanger, and a second mounting plate fixed to the side surface of the second heat exchanger are fastened and fixed to each other so as to face each other. The first mounting plate has a space of a size such that the second mounting plate can be fixed to the first mounting plate so as to face each other. Insertion holes are formed in the space so as to receive therein tube ends of refrigerant tubes in a plurality of stages, the tube ends laterally projecting from the second mounting plate. |
| US09618225B2 |
Battery power management in a thermostat with a wireless transceiver
A thermostat includes a controller for controlling the thermostat, a battery supplying power for the thermostat, and a wireless transceiver for receiving control information from a remote device and for transmitting information to the remote device. The controller sets a default time schedule for enabling the wireless transceiver. |
| US09618223B2 |
Multi-nodal thermostat control system
An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones. |
| US09618220B2 |
Filtration materials using fiber blends that contain strategically shaped fibers and/or charge control agents
A filtration material comprising a blend of polypropylene and acrylic fibers of round, flat, dog bone, oval or kidney bean shape in any size from 0.08 to 3.3 Dtex. A preferred blend contains about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 50 weight percent acrylic fibers. The fibers can be blended ranging from 90:10 to 10:90 polypropylene to acrylic. The shape contains 25 weight percent round, flat, oval, dog bone and kidney bean shapes. The fiber blend contains 25 weight percent of at least one size between 0.08 and 3.3 Dtex. Electret fibers incorporated within these blends have 0.02 to 33 weight percent of a charge control agent. These fibers can be used in producing electret material by corona or triboelectric charging methods. |
| US09618218B2 |
Air conditioner
Provided is an air conditioner which comprises multiple outdoor units, the air conditioner being configured so that, with the use of a low cost configuration, required refrigeration machine oil is supplied to all the outdoor units through refrigerant piping and so that the air conditioner has increased reliability. An air conditioner is provided with multiple indoor units and with four outdoor units which are connected to the multiple indoor units through refrigerant piping. A line of first refrigerant piping leading from the multiple indoor units is branched into two lines of second refrigerant piping, each of the two lines of second refrigerant piping is branched into two lines of third refrigerant piping, and the four lines of third refrigerant piping are respectively connected to the four outdoor units. |
| US09618216B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus
An air conditioning apparatus includes a casing having intake and blow-out ports, a partition member dividing an interior of the casing, a heat exchanger, and a centrifugal fan. The blow-out port is at least partially disposed adjacent to a blow-out port nearby lateral part of the casing along an opening direction of a fan entrance and the blow-out port. A fan downwind space is located on a downwind side of a bladed wheel within a fan compartment, and has a blow-out port opposed space and a blow-out port non-opposed space. A first guide member directs air existing in the blow-out port non-opposed space toward the blow-out port opposed space, and is mounted in a boundary region located astride of regions located on forward and rearward sides in a rotary direction within the blow-out port non-opposed and blow-out port opposed spaces, respectively. |
| US09618215B2 |
Controller for energy supply systems
The present invention relates to energy supply systems which comprise an energy storage unit and an energy production unit. Control methods according to the invention advantageously allow to calculate an operational cost of the energy supply system based on the energy flux that can be supplied by the system and the energy flux that is demanded externally from the system. The operational cost can be calculated for all possible values of the above parameters in advance. The calculated parameters can be stored in an array in a device implementing methods of the invention. Methods of the invention allow to operate an energy supply system so as to guarantee that at any instant a predetermined (nonzero) amount of energy flux can be supplied by the energy storage unit. |
| US09618212B2 |
Vehicle oven having optimized airflow
An oven includes a compartment enclosed on all sides and defining an interior therein, a heating element operable to heat air within the interior of compartment, and a fan disposed in fluid communication with the interior of the compartment. The fan is operable to cause air to flow across the heating element and toward the front region of the compartment. The oven includes a plurality of profile elements disposed on a panel at the front region of the compartment. The profile elements are structurally configured to direct air received at the panel from the fan back toward the fan through the interior of the oven in a more uniform spatial distribution than would result from a flat panel. |
| US09618210B2 |
User interface for induction heating cooker and control method thereof
A user interface for an induction heating cooker, a method of controlling the same and an induction heating cooker thereof are provided. The user interface, if a drag touch signal of a drag touch from one position to another position on a display unit is sensed, is configured to change power levels of all of coils in operation to a predetermined reference power level and displays the changed power level. The induction heating cooker is configured to supply the coils with a power corresponding to the reference power level, thereby controlling all of the coils with one drag touch and enabling enhanced security while in a rapid manner. |
| US09618209B2 |
Gas turbine engine fuel injector with an inner heat shield
A fuel injector for a combustor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a gas outer tube, a gas inner tube, a liquid tube, and a heat shield. The gas outer tube and the gas inner tube form a gas fuel annulus. The gas inner tube and the liquid tube form a liquid fuel annulus. The liquid tube forms an air cavity. The heat shield extends within the liquid tube forming an insulating gap between the heat shield and the liquid tube. |
| US09618205B2 |
Gas flow controller for use in gas fired apparatus
A gas flow controller for use in a gas fired apparatus includes an actuator, a pilot valve operably connected to the actuator, a main burner valve, and a flow controller valve operably connected to the actuator. The pilot valve is moveable from a closed position to an open position by actuation of the actuator to provide selective fluid communication between a gas inlet and a first fluid chamber. The main burner valve provides selective fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and a main burner outlet. The flow controller valve is moveable from a closed position to an open position by actuation of the actuator to provide selective fluid communication between the gas inlet and a back side of the main burner valve to maintain the main burner valve in a closed position when the pilot valve is in the open position. |
| US09618201B2 |
Gas burner with means for preventing flame propagation
Gas burner for domestic use, of the type comprising at least one Venturi effect mixer in fluid connection with at least one combustion mixture distribution chamber and with at least one flame spreader associated with said distribution chamber, in addition to first means for preventing flame propagation of the fluid flow splitting type. Advantageously, the above-mentioned first preventing means is arranged downstream of the Venturi effect mixer and upstream of the combustion mixture distribution chamber, separating said Venturi effect mixer from the distribution chamber. |
| US09618198B2 |
Burner comprising a reactor for catalytic burning
A burner includes a generally cylindrical reactor chamber (1) including a housing (1′) having a proximal end (1p) and a distal end (1d). In the distal end of the reactor chamber (1) there is provided a catalyst (4). A fuel inlet (7) is provided in the proximal end of the reactor chamber. There are also a plurality of air inlets (22, 23; 24) arranged in the reactor wall at the proximal end. The inlets are configured to provide a rotating flow of the air injected into the reactor chamber. There is also provided a flow homogenizer (8; 30) extending over the cross-section of the reactor chamber at a position between the fuel inlet (7) and the catalyst (4). |
| US09618195B2 |
Sealing cover for a recessed light
A recessed lighting fixture includes a housing, a baffle, a trim ring, a cover, and at least one attachment element. The housing includes an inner wall and side walls extending to an open outer end. The baffle is secured to the housing by at least one fastening element and includes a reflector wall extending through the outer end of the housing. The trim ring extends radially outward from the reflector wall beyond the outer end of the housing and defines a central opening. The cover includes a light transmitting panel and an attachment ring extending around an outer periphery of the light transmitting panel, with the attachment ring being sized and shaped to cover a circumference of the trim ring. The at least one attachment element secures the attachment ring to the trim ring, such that an air seal is effected between the attachment ring and the trim ring. |
| US09618193B1 |
Garment docking device for attaching personal devices
A docking system for the interchangeable attachment of personal devices such as lights, electronic devices, popular survival and safety equipment and the like, to the outer face of an article of clothing. It has a pair of discs held in a parallel, spaced arrangement by a pair of opposing stanchions so that a slot is created between the disks and the stanchions. Into this slot may be inserted an engageable tab connected normally to an arm that is affixed to, or extends from a personal device, such as an emergency light. The emergency light has a plethora of lighting modes that regulate which of the numerous disposed LEDs will be illuminated and in what pattern. |
| US09618192B2 |
Small-spacing LED screen
A small-spacing LED screen is provided, comprising a bottom case, an HUB board arranged on one side of the bottom case, and a small module arranged on the other side and electrically connected with the HUB board. The small module includes a module main body and a drive control unit which is electrically connected with the module main body to drive and control the module main body. An adaptor plate is also arranged between the small module and the HUB board. The HUB board is electrically connected with the adaptor plate. The drive control unit is arranged on the adaptor plate. The LED screen has the smallest spacing, and the reject ratio of the small module is greatly reduced. |
| US09618190B2 |
LED module including flexible printed circuit board with adhesive layers and LED lighting fixture
An LED module according to the present invention is an LED module including a plurality of light-emitting diodes, wherein the plural light-emitting diodes are disposed only on a lateral surface of a right cone, a right pyramid, a truncated right cone, or a truncated right pyramid; the lateral surface has an inclination angle of 55° or more and 82° or less with respect to a bottom surface; the plural light-emitting diodes have light-emitting surfaces substantially parallel to the lateral surface; and angles formed between projection lines of lines normal to light-emitting surfaces of adjacent light-emitting diodes or adjacent ones of grouped light-emitting diodes, the projection lines being drawn on the bottom surface, are all equal to each other and are 72° or less. |
| US09618181B2 |
Lens and light emitting module for surface illumination
A light emitting module includes a circuit board, a light emitting device mounted on the circuit board, and a lens dispersing light emitted from the light emitting device. The lens includes a lower surface formed with a concave section defining a light incident surface through which light enters the lens, an upper surface through which light exits the lens, and legs coupled to the circuit board and disposed farther outside the lens than an area of the upper surface. The light emitting device is disposed within the concave section of the lens. |
| US09618180B2 |
Resin sheet producing method, optical member produced by resin sheet producing method, area light source device in which optical member is used, liquid crystal display device, and mobile device
An area light source device has a transfer-molded optical member, and a light source disposed in a position facing at least one of end faces of the optical member. Light incident to the optical member from the light source is output through a light exit surface of the optical member. A cutting back clearance portion is provided in at least one of corner portions of the end face of the optical member. |
| US09618178B1 |
Grow light system
A grow light system for producing a deep penetrating light source including a hood light fixture with an outer wall structure and an inner reflective panel configured to reflective light toward a light opening, the inner reflective panel having a first inner light reflecting panel and a second inner light reflecting panel and the first and second inner light reflective panels being on either side of a light fixture axis, the fixture including a first light source fixed relative to the first inner light reflecting panel and a second light source fixed relative to the second inner light reflecting panel, the first and second light inner light reflecting panels and the light opening having a generally triangular cross-section configuration transverse to the fixture axis wherein the first and second light reflective panels are oriented at a grow light angle from one another between 40 and 80 degrees. |
| US09618176B2 |
Ventilation system for vehicle lighting
The invention relates to a ventilation system for vehicle lighting systems having a housing opening with a protruding opening wall and a ventilation body, which is fixed to the housing opening by engagement with an inner part. The ventilation body and the housing opening have walls for forming a ventilation duct with a plurality of direction changes between an edge of the ventilation body and an aperture of the housing opening, wherein an inner part and an outer part which surround the opening wall of the housing opening have walls, which respectively sectionally lie circumferentially sealingly against the opening wall of the housing opening, and wherein the ventilation body and the housing opening are formed such that the ventilation body can be brought from an unlocked position into a locked position or vice versa by rotation according to a predetermined angle of rotation relative to the housing opening. |
| US09618166B2 |
LED tube lamp
An end cap for LED tube lamp along with the LED tube lamp adopting thereof is disclosed. LED tube lamp includes a lamp tube. One end of the lamp tube is attached to the end cap; a LED light bar is disposed inside the lamp tube. The end cap includes an insulating tubular part, sleeved with the end of the lamp tube and a magnetic object disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the insulating tubular part and the end of the lamp tube. The magnetic object being of a magnetic metal member and the lamp tube are adhesively bonded by a hot melt adhesive. An inner circumferential surface of the magnetic metal member can be fully covered by the hot melt adhesive. Magnetic metal member can be in the structure of a circular or oval ring, with at least one opening, and has indentation structure on a surface thereof. |
| US09618162B2 |
LED lamp
A LED lamp for use in an existing light fixture having an electrical receptacle comprises an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure and a base having an external size that may be the same size or smaller than an external size of the electrical receptacle. A LED assembly is operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The base comprises a universal mounting mechanism for mounting the lamp to the light fixture. A surge protector and an electrical connector are positioned at least partially in the base and are in the electrical path. A heat sink comprises a first portion in the enclosure for supporting the LED assembly and a second portion external of the enclosure for dissipating heat. The base is connected to the heat sink. |
| US09618161B2 |
Lighting device with reduced light output degradation
A lamp includes a substrate having a center region and a peripheral region, a first subset of light-emitting devices disposed on the center region, and a second subset of light-emitting devices disposed on the peripheral region. A temperature difference between the center region and the peripheral region is greater than 10 degrees. |
| US09618158B2 |
Method and apparatus for compressing gas in a plurality of stages to a storage tank array having a plurality of storage tanks
A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying fuel to a gaseous fuel consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve. |
| US09618157B2 |
Concentric shells for compressed gas storage
Gas containment vessels are provided that are comprised of an inner corrosion resistant shell made of lower strength steel alloy or aluminum alloy or thermoplastic polymer, and an outer concentric shell constructed of high strength, albeit lower corrosion resistant, metal or fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber can comprise filaments derived from basaltic rocks, the filaments having been immersed in a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer matrix, and commingled with carbon, glass or aramid fibers such that there is load sharing between the basaltic fibers and carbon, glass or aramid fibers. |
| US09618153B2 |
Adjustable mounting clip and system using same
An adjustable mounting clip for an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone or smart phone. The mounting clip may be adapted to be supported by a flexible support apparatus, such as a tripod. The mounting clip may support a variety of electronic device types with an automatically adjusting variable device receiver. The mounting clip may be adapted to retract into a compact stowed position when not in use. |
| US09618151B2 |
Compact modular low resistance broadband acoustic silencer
An acoustic silencer for dampening unwanted resonant and pressure pulses in a pipe or duct work and includes an expansion chamber having an enclosed volume through which a pipe or duct work extends, thereby defining an annular volume within the enclosed volume between the process pipe and the expansion chamber. An insert disposed within the annular volume extends along the length of the process pipe and forms an acoustic volume within the annular volume and defines a resonant passage length that is of a length so as to dampen one or more frequencies of the process pipe. An opening is formed through the process pipe along the length of the process pipe that extends through the expansion chamber and is in fluidic communication with the acoustic volume. |
| US09618148B2 |
Dielectric isolators
The invention comprises dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube. In another embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube, an outer annular portion, and an interconnecting web, each constructed from the composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes. This later embodiment is an integrally formed one-piece structure. The dielectric isolator is capable of exhibiting an electrical resistance from about 105Ω to 108Ω at an applied potential of greater than 500 volts DC when measured from one fitting to the other fitting. |
| US09618147B2 |
Connecting assembly and method for producing a connecting assembly
Connection assembly includes two pipe end sections arranged to face each other, a profiled clamp including a clamping band with a base and two tilted side walls with ends, and at least one perimeter pleat projecting outwards on each of the pipe end sections. The side walls are engagable with the pleats on sides of the pleats facing away from one another. |
| US09618144B2 |
Ventilation duct
A duct includes a number of wall sections which are at least partly produced from fiber material and a binder agent. Together, the wall sections define a closed, elongate flow space. The wall sections which meet one another are united by the intermediary of at least one longitudinal fold or joint line. In the fiber material and the binder agent of the duct, there are disposed longitudinal rigidifying elements. On the outside of the duct, there are longitudinal bead-liked projections which include the fiber material and the binder agent. |
| US09618137B2 |
Detection of a plunger position in an irrigation control device
Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: a solenoid configured to cooperate with a plunger; an input stimulus source coupled with the solenoid and configured to apply an input stimulus while a plunger drive signal is not being applied and that is sufficiently small to not cause the plunger to move; sampling circuitry configured to measure one or more voltage measurements corresponding to one or more voltages across the solenoid, wherein the one or more voltage measurements are dependent upon the current position of the plunger relative to the solenoid; and control circuitry cooperated with the sampling circuitry to receive the one or more voltage measurements from the sampling circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the plunger is in one of the open and closed positions based on the one or more voltage measurements. |
| US09618136B2 |
Rotary valve position indicator
A rotary valve position indicator is disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator housing defining an explosion-proof enclosure boundary. An actuator output shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion is partially disposed within the explosion-proof enclosure boundary, and the second shaft portion is disposed outside of the explosion-proof enclosure boundary. A visual position indicator is disposed on the second shaft portion of the actuator output shaft and indicates the rotational position of the actuator output shaft relative to the actuator housing. |
| US09618135B1 |
Valve lockout device
A valve lockout device includes an elongated main body defining an interior cavity for receiving a valve to be secured. A cap with a notch for receiving a cable is affixed to one end of the main body, with a wing pivotably attached to the cap so that the wing movable between an open position and a closed position. The wing in the closed position is operable to secure a cable with the notch in the cap. With the lockout device in place over a valve and a cable secured around the valve and to the lockout device, the valve is secured against operation and users and operators are notified of the lockout condition. |
| US09618132B2 |
Temperature dependent variable flow orifice
A variable flow orifice for a hydraulic control system in a transmission includes a shape memory alloy that selectively increases and decreases the size of an orifice. The deformation of the shape memory alloy, and therefore the size of the orifice, is a function of the temperature of the transmission. During cold conditions the orifice size is increased and during normal operating conditions the size of the orifice is decreased. |
| US09618130B1 |
Multi-purpose valve for extending shelf-life using vacuuming or injecting gas
A multifunctional valve features a pumping function and a vacuuming function. The valve can be implemented in any closed container having a removable lid or a bag having a resealable zipper or any other similar sealable feature. The valve also features a tethered plug to additionally provide sealing. The valve incorporates a spacer or washer when used in thin walls to provide support. When the valve is used with a bag, the spacer or washer incorporates footing so that the valve does not collapse on its own when the valve is used in conjunction with a vacuum pump or a gas pump. |
| US09618126B1 |
Second improved ball valve assembly
Described herein is an improved ball valve assembly for use in a tank or a tank-like container. This improved ball valve assembly prevents leakage of a liquid with corrosive and abrasive contaminants within the tank or a tank like container. This improved ball valve assembly is especially useful in a railroad tank car that contains a liquid commodity in whenever a tank is mobile and subjected to wide temperature variations. The improved ball valve assembly contains a ball component made of a ceramic material. A ceramic wiper (i) mechanically seals against the ball component and (ii) prevents contaminants from embedding within, or otherwise abrading, top and bottom seats within the ball valve assembly. Also contained in the preferred embodiment of this invention is an improved drive coupling that (i) eliminates the previously existing need for custom square drive tool (ii) pre-attached to the ball valve assembly. The current invention also includes an improved stem packing assembly that reduces the number of annular components along the stem of the ball valve assembly. |
| US09618120B2 |
Device with improved heat resistance
Apparatus are provided for a device with improved heat resistance. The device includes a body and an encasing layer disposed substantially entirely around the body. The encasing layer includes a fabric layer and a coating. The fabric layer has a first end and a second end coupled together about the perimeter of the body to enclose the body, and the fabric layer includes an exterior surface. The coating is disposed on the exterior surface of the fabric layer, and the coating forms a barrier for the fabric layer. |
| US09618111B2 |
Apparatus for learn control of automatic transmission and method thereof
An apparatus for a learn control of an automatic transmission includes a storage unit configured to store an initial fill time value and a gain value corresponding to a revolution per minute (RPM) peak to peak of a turbine. An oil pressure applier is configured to apply an oil pressure to a non-operating friction element. An RPM measurer is configured to measure the RPM of the turbine, and a learn controller is configured to control the oil pressure applier to apply the oil pressure to the non-operating friction element during a preset reference time and control the initial fill time based on the RPM peak to peak of the turbine showing a difference between a measured value RPM of the turbine measured by the RPM measurer and a preset targeted value while a vehicle is in a coasting operation in an in gear state. |
| US09618110B2 |
Shift/tilt locking apparatus and method for shift lever of automatic transmission
A shift/tilt locking apparatus for shift lever of automatic transmission may include a shift knob, a main shaft slidably and rotatably disposed in a housing such that shift knob is slidable; a crossbar having shift knob at the upper end to tilt; a shift restriction device that allows shift knob to slide by selectively restricting sliding of main shaft; and a tilting restriction device controlling shift knob to tilt by selectively restricting the tilting of shift knob by using a third solenoid, which is controlled by a shift mode determining step that determines a shift mode by checking the position of shift knob and a lever locking step that restricts/releases shift knob by selectively operating first solenoid to third solenoid. |
| US09618109B2 |
Turbo transmission mechanism for brush cutter
A turbo transmission mechanism for brush cutter is disclosed to include a casing defining therein a lubricant storage chamber, a transmission shaft rotatably mounted in the casing and partially inserted into the lubricant storage chamber, a transmission gear set mounted in the lubricant storage chamber of the casing and including a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear coaxially mounted at the transmission shaft and meshed with the first bevel gear for enabling the transmission shaft to be rotated by the second bevel gear during rotation of the first bevel gear by a power source, and a turbo mounted in the lubricant storage chamber and rotatable with the transmission shaft to stir up the lubricant in the lubricant storage chamber, enhancing heat dissipation. |
| US09618107B2 |
Toothed wheel and pump aggregate with such a toothed wheel
A toothed wheel (16) is provided with teeth, in which a cross section of a respective first section (24) of the tooth (23) has an outer contour that projects in at least one partial area of the outer contour relative to an outer contour of the adjoining second section (26) of the tooth (23), and is elastically designed and/or mounted, as well as a pump unit, in particular as a metering pump unit, with a drive having a toothed gearing with the toothed wheel. |
| US09618106B2 |
Automobile differential locking assembly
An assembly adapted to replace an automobile differential's spider gears, locking the axles together. The present invention comprises a pair of outer drive flange members that are adapted to engage with a pair of wedge locking members within the carrier of an automobile differential, replacing the differential's stock planetary or spider gears. The present assembly locks the rotation of the rear axles together, applying power equally to both wheels and enhancing the performance of the automobile during competitive drag racing events, without requiring expensive custom installation from a specialist. |
| US09618105B2 |
Fluid power transmission device
A torque converter includes a torque converter body, a lock-up device, and a dynamic damper. The lock-up device includes an output plate coupled to a turbine. The dynamic damper is fixed to the output plate of the lock-up device, and is configured to attenuate variation in speed of rotation from the engine. The dynamic damper includes a base plate, an inertia unit, and an elastic unit. The base plate is fixed to the output plate. The inertia unit is movable relative to the base plate in a rotational direction. The elastic unit exerts nonlinear torsional characteristics, and elastically couples the base plate and the inertia unit in the rotational direction. |
| US09618102B2 |
Electromechanical actuator and actuator unit
An actuator is driven even if a jammed state, a motor stop, or the like occurs. An electromechanical actuator includes: an electric motor attached to a housing; a conversion mechanism portion having a drive portion that is driven to rotate by the electric motor and a driven portion that is driven by the drive portion and advances and withdraws in a predetermined advancing and withdrawing direction, the conversion mechanism portion being accommodated in the housing; a sliding support mechanism that transmits rotational force of the electric motor to the drive portion and allows the drive portion to slide in the advancing and withdrawing direction with respect to the electric motor; and a piston portion controlled so as to be at a predetermined position in the advancing and withdrawing direction with respect to the housing by means of pressure of a fluid supplied to and discharged from the housing. |
| US09618098B2 |
Tensioner
A tensioner comprising a base, a shaft connected to the base, an eccentric adjuster coaxially engaged with the shaft, an arm pivotally engaged with the shaft, a pulley journalled to the arm, a torsion spring engaged between the arm and the base, the arm comprising a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion disposed axially opposite from the first receiving portion, a first damping member disposed between the arm and the base, the first damping member frictionally engaged with the base and engaged with first receiving portion, a second damping member disposed between the arm and the eccentric adjuster having a member engaged with the second receiving portion, and a biasing member disposed between the first damping member and the arm for applying a normal force to the first damping member and to the second damping member. |
| US09618097B2 |
Tensioner
Provided is a tensioner in which the durability of the tensioner body is increased, the tensioner body is reduced in weight, and the arrangement space is reduced. A tensioner 100 includes a tensioner body 110, a plunger 120, and a ratchet 130. The tensioner body 110 has a hole outer circumferential wall 112 and a pair of pin support walls 116, 117. The hole outer circumferential wall 112 has a pair of outer circumferential wall portions 113, 114 crossing a virtual line L extending in the pin longitudinal direction through the center of the plunger housing hole 111. At least one of the outer side surfaces of the pair of pin support walls 116, 117 is formed on the inner side, in the pin longitudinal direction, of the outer side surface of one of the outer circumferential wall portions 113, 114. |
| US09618091B2 |
Multi-stage transmission for vehicle
A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, a first to fourth planetary gear devices disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotary force, each of the first to fourth planetary gear devices having three rotary elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotary elements of the planetary gear devices, wherein a first rotary element of the first planetary gear device is continuously connected to the input shaft, a second rotary element of the first planetary gear device is installed to be fixable by one shifting element of the at least six shifting elements, and a third rotary element of the first planetary gear device is continuously connected to a second rotary element of the second planetary gear device. |
| US09618089B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission of a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear, a first rotation shaft, a second rotation shaft, a third rotation shaft, a fourth rotation shaft, a fifth rotation shaft, a sixth rotation shaft, a seventh rotation shaft, and an eighth rotation shaft. |
| US09618085B2 |
Dual-clutch seven speed transmission arrangement for a hybrid vehicle
A dual-clutch seven speed transmission arrangement and method for use with a transverse engine arrangement in a hybrid vehicle are provided. The dual-clutch seven speed transmission arrangement includes a dual-clutch gearbox comprising an input shaft for odd drive gears and an input shaft for even drive gears, respectively arranged in connection to a first clutch and a second clutch. The input shaft for even drive gears is a hollow shaft enclosing the input shaft for odd drive gears and the input shaft for odd drive gears is arranged to host four odd drive gears. The input shaft for even drive gears is arranged to host three even drive gears and a reverse drive gear. An electric motor is connected to the input shaft for even drive gears. |
| US09618079B2 |
Balancer device for internal combustion engine and its assembly method
A balancer device for an internal combustion engine includes upper and lower housings made of aluminum alloy. The upper housing includes a leg part fixed to the engine. The lower housing is coupled to the upper housing by tightening bolts. A pair of balancer shafts are rotatably supported by the upper and lower housings. A positioning pin is disposed at a distal end portion of the leg part for positioning the upper housing with respect to the engine by positional correspondence to a positioning hole of the engine when the tightening bolts are tightened. The leg part is inclined outwardly with respect to a body of the upper housing such that a distal end of the positioning pin is located outside of a proximal end of the leg part with respect to the body of the upper housing when the tightening bolts are loosened. |
| US09618078B2 |
Vibration isolator
A vibration isolator includes: a pair of opposing members fixed to a vehicle body of the vehicle to be located on both sides of a protrusion protruding from an outer circumferential edge of the power train in a direction perpendicular to the principal axes of inertia to oppose to each other in the direction about the principal axes of inertia; a precompressed part provided on part of each of the opposing members facing the protrusion to be precompressed by the opposing member and the protrusion in the direction about the principal axes of inertia; and a contacting part provided on part of each of the opposing members facing the protrusion to be spaced from the protrusion, and contacts the protrusion when the power train vibrates in the direction about the principal axes of inertia. |
| US09618073B2 |
Shock absorber having an improved friction element
A shock absorber comprising a tubular first portion in the form of a shock absorber casing telescopically receiving a tubular second portion in the form of a piston is disclosed. The first portion has an alignment member which encapsulates a friction element wrapped around said second portion. The alignment member is longitudinally movable in between a first stop bearing and a second stop bearing. The novel friction element has a plurality of tips or protrusions which extend, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the piston, towards the two stop bearings and which hit either of said bearings during the oscillatory back and forth movement of the alignment member during operation. |
| US09618072B2 |
Shock damping element
A shock damping element includes a first shock damping structure that includes a multitude of first elements, a multitude of second elements and a first central member. The first elements and the second elements are located at opposite sides of the first central member. The first and second elements extend towards the first central member at a first acute angle (α) relative the first central member and are connected to the first central member. The first and second elements extend in a first direction circumferentially. |
| US09618070B2 |
Spring steel and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is high strength spring steel that can limit the depth of pitting occurring when corroded and therefore possesses high strength as well as excellent pitting corrosion resistance and corrosion fatigue property, with a composition containing: C: greater than 0.35 mass % and less than 0.50 mass %; Si: greater than 1.75 mass % and less than or equal to 3.00 mass %; Mn: 0.2 mass % to 1.0 mass %; Cr: 0.01 mass % to 0.04 mass %; P: 0.025 mass % or less; S: 0.025 mass % or less; Mo: 0.1 mass % to 1.0 mass %; and O: 0.0015 mass % or less, under a condition that a PC value calculated by PC=4.2×([C]+[Mn])+0.1×(1/[Si]+1/[Mo])+20.3×[Cr]+0.001×(1/[N]) is greater than 3.3 and equal to or less than 8.0. Also disclosed is a preferred method for manufacturing the same. |
| US09618065B2 |
Back-plate composition, back plate, brake pad, and caliper device
A back-plate composition of the present invention is a composition for forming a back plate of a brake pad, the brake pad having a friction material and the back plate bonded to the friction material. The back-plate composition includes a resin, a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers having an average length shorter than an average length of the first fibers. In the case where the average length of the first fibers is “L1” [μm] and the average length of the second fibers is “L2” [μm], “L2”/“L1” is in the range of 0.001 to 0.5. This makes it possible to provide a back-plate composition having excellent moldability, as well as a back plate formed of the back-plate composition, a brake pad including the back-plate and a caliper device provided with the brake pad. |
| US09618059B2 |
Viscous clutch with adjustable pump mechanism
A viscous clutch (20) includes a housing assembly (28), a rotor assembly (26), a reservoir (38) to hold a supply of a shear fluid, a working chamber (40) operatively positioned between the housing assembly and the rotor assembly, and a fluid return bore (26-1B) that optionally extends radially through at least an outer diameter portion of the rotor assembly to the working chamber. Selective introduction of the shear fluid to the working chamber facilitates selective torque transmission between the housing assembly and the rotor assembly. The fluid return bore can form at least a portion of a fluid return path (50) from the working chamber to the reservoir. |
| US09618053B2 |
Universal joint
A universal joint assembly includes a hollow upper shaft having an inner surface, a lower shaft extending at least partially within the upper shaft, and a cage receiving at least a portion of the lower shaft, the cage positioned within the hollow upper shaft. The assembly further includes at least one upper tilt pin extending through the upper shaft and the cage, at least one groove formed in the inner surface of the upper shaft, and a lower tilt pin extending through the cage and the lower shaft. The lower tilt pin extends into the at least one groove. |
| US09618051B2 |
Method and apparatus for mounting a machine element onto a shaft
A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft is provided. The device fits between the interior bore of the machine element and the cylindrical surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves affects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of a threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the sleeves without excessively straining the material of the sleeves or the nut. |
| US09618048B2 |
Reverse bypass cooling for tilted pad journal and tilting pad thrust bearings
A bypass cooling system and method for tilting pad journal and titling pad thrust bearings wherein the cooling may be achieved by spraying the cool inlet oil downhill with gravity instead of always in the direction of the shaft rotation. A bypass cooling system always sprays the cool inlet oil downhill, with gravity instead of always in the direction of shaft rotation. |
| US09618047B2 |
Bearing support point with at least one axial bearing
A bearing support point with at least one axial bearing, in which at least one bearing washer of the axial bearing is held at a structural element, with the bearing washer being formed separately from the structural element and comprising at least one axially aligned track for the axial bearing as well as being fastened at the structural element such that the bearing washer is inserted in an opening of the structural element and is encompassed by the structural element at least at an exterior area and with the bearing washer being supported via the area inside the opening, aligned in the radial direction. |
| US09618045B1 |
Strut bearing
A strut bearing including an improved seal configuration is disclosed. The strut bearing includes an upper carrier including a first outer axially extending rim and a first inner axially extending rim, and a lower carrier including a second outer axially extending rim and a second inner axially extending rim. The first outer axially extending rim at least partially surrounds the second outer axially extending rim. A rolling bearing is supported between the upper and lower carriers. A seal includes at least one sealing lip and a reinforcement rim, and the at least one sealing lip is molded on to the reinforcement rim. The seal extends between the first outer axially extending rim of the upper carrier and the second outer axially extending rim of the lower carrier. |
| US09618040B2 |
Double-structure bush and bearing assembly comprising same
The present disclosure relates to a double-structure bush usable in a joint portion which operates in low-speed and high-load, and a bearing assembly comprising the same. |
| US09618036B2 |
Tilting-pad bearing
A tilting-pad bearing for rotatably supporting a rotor includes: a casing; and a plurality of bearing pads each mounted to the casing pivotably about a pivot. Each of the plurality of bearing pads has a bearing pad surface facing the rotor, the bearing pad surface including a first region disposed on an upstream side in a rotational direction of the rotor and having a first curvature radius, and a second region disposed on a downstream side of the first region in the rotational direction and having a second curvature radius smaller than the first curvature radius. |
| US09618034B2 |
Thrust washer
A thrust washer for a sliding bearing may include a thrust washer substrate having an axial face. The thrust washer may also have a polymer layer of profiled thickness on the axial face of the substrate. The profiled polymer layer may be provided with at least one oil distribution groove. |
| US09618033B2 |
Control cable and remote control device using the same
A remote control device is provided, which includes a control cable. The control cable includes a reinforcing wire 11 of which the both ends are fixed by anchors 14, 14, an outer casing 12 made of synthetic resin so as to be slidable to the reinforcing cable, and so as not to constrain the thermal deformation in the axial direction based on the variation of ambient temperature, and an inner cable 13 made of metal having flexibility housed in the outer casing 12 slidably. In the both ends of the inner cable, cable ends 17, 17 coupled to an operating member and an operated member are firmly fixed. |
| US09618032B2 |
Vacuum absorber
The present invention relates to a vacuum absorber, wherein: the assembly of the respective components of the vacuum absorber can be improved and a smooth operation can be carried out; and the vacuum absorber can be firmly and easily attached to an attachment surface by a vacuum absorbing method and an adhesive method. To this end, the present invention provides a vacuum absorber comprising: a cover having a plurality of fixing pieces and a locking protrusion; a suction plate having a central shaft; and a height-adjusting member having an inner plate provided with a plurality of guide portions and an elastic locking piece, and a lateral plate, wherein a plurality of guide groove portions, into which the respective guide portions are inserted, and the locking protrusion sliding along the top of the respective guide portions are respectively protruded from the top of the inner side of the cover, a coupling groove portion is formed on the top of the suction plate, a coupling protrusion and a support portion having a shaft hole are formed on the inner plate of the height-adjusting member, and an adhesive member is attached to the bottom of the suction plate. |
| US09618029B2 |
Systems and methods for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface
A cap for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface is provided. The portion includes threads. The cap includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, a threaded receptacle on the interior configured to threadably engage the portion of the fastener, and a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface. |
| US09618028B2 |
Rotation indicating device, particularly for allen bolts
For indicating rotational displacement between an Allen bolt having a bolt head (34) provided with a central recess (36) for engagement by a fastening/unfastening tool, namely an Allen key, and a substrate to which the bolt is fastened, thereby to indicate whether the bolt has loosened, a safety indicating device is provided comprising a body (10) having a bore formed with splines (12) for engagement over the bolt head (34). The body (10) also has an end closure (14) formed with a plug (16) projecting inwardly of the bore for snug engagement into the central recess (36) of the bolt head. An indicator is also provided on the body (10). This is typically a pointer (18) mounted or formed on the body and projecting laterally, but it could be an indicator which is merely marked or formed on the body without projecting outwards. The plug (16) may itself be formed with the recess (26) which may be used for insertion of a different tool to effect rotational adjustment of the position of the device upon the bolt head (34). |
| US09618026B2 |
Semi-circular alignment features of an elastic averaging alignment system
A semi-circular male alignment feature elastic averaging alignment system utilizing a plurality of semi-circular male alignment features which interface by elastic averaging with a plurality of female alignment features, wherein semi-circular male alignment features of a first component are received during a mating process by respective female alignment features formed in a second component, whereby precise alignment of the first and second components and stiffness are provided by elastic averaging of the male and female alignment features. |
| US09618024B2 |
Clip attaching structure of vehicle seat
There is disclosed a clip attaching structure of a vehicle seat. The seat frame includes an attaching hole and an expanded hole which expands a hole thereof from the attaching hole in a radial direction. The clip includes a fitting portion inserted into the attaching hole to fit in an inner periphery of the attaching hole, and an extending portion which extends a shape thereof from the fitting portion in the radial direction to be inserted into the expanded hole. A tip of the extending portion extends beyond the fitting portion in an inserting direction. On a tip surface of the extending portion in the inserting direction, a guide surface is formed to abut on a peripheral edge portion of the expanded hole when an inserting position of the fitting portion shifts from the attaching hole in the radial direction, thereby guiding the fitting portion toward the attaching hole. |
| US09618020B2 |
Power generation apparatus and power generation system
A power generation apparatus according to the present invention includes: an expander; a generator that includes a generator rotor driven by the expander and a stator disposed outside the generator rotor in the radial direction; and a casing that includes an expander chamber accommodating the expander and a generator chamber accommodating the generator. The casing includes a first communication portion that causes an expansion chamber which gradually expands a working medium by the expander in the expander chamber to communicate with a front generator portion which is located nearer the expansion chamber than the generator in the generator chamber and a second communication portion that causes a portion which is a downstream portion from the expansion chamber and is located near the expansion chamber with respect to the generator to communicate with the front generator portion. |
| US09618015B2 |
Oil level control device
An oil level control device in a main tank of a supply circuit, the supply circuit comprising a main tank, a first pump which, in aspiration, is connected to the main tank, a main hydraulic circuit which is connected in inlet to the delivery of a charge pump and in outlet is connected to the main tank, a first auxiliary conduit, an auxiliary tank which receives oil from the first auxiliary conduit and which in discharge is placed in communication with the main tank. At least a control valve predisposed to control sending of oil from the first auxiliary conduit to the auxiliary tank or from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. |
| US09618014B2 |
Implement system having hydraulic start assist
An implement system is disclosed for use with a machine having an engine. The implement system may have a pump driven by the engine, a first actuator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the pump during operation of the engine, and at least a second actuator configure to receive pressurized fluid from the pump during operation of the engine. The implement system may also have an accumulator configured to receive pressurized fluid from the first actuator during operation of the engine, and to discharge fluid to the first actuator and to the at least a second actuator when the engine is shut down. |
| US09618007B2 |
Blower assembly
A blower assembly includes a housing having a blower wheel disposed therein and a pre-swirler disposed in a fluid inlet of the housing. The pre-swirler includes an array of spaced apart vanes extending radially outwardly from a central hub. The vanes extend from the hub to an outer ring that is attached to the housing of the blower assembly. The vanes are configured to cooperate with the blower wheel to minimize a noise, a vibration, and a harshness (NVH) of the blower assembly, while maximizing an efficiency thereof. |
| US09618006B2 |
Lubricant retainer for pump shaft bearing assembly
A lubricant retainer for use in a pump bearing assembly, the bearing assembly which in a first operating configuration is lubricated by a relatively highly viscous lubricant, and which in a second operating configuration is lubricated by a less-viscous lubricant, the bearing assembly comprising a bearing housing having a bore extending therethrough for receiving a pump drive shaft, spaced-apart bearing mounting zones within the bore with a chamber therebetween, each bearing mounting zone arranged for the in use receipt of a bearing therein, and wherein each zone has associated therewith one lubricant retainer, the lubricant retainer being adapted to be mounted within the bore adjacent the bearing mounting zone with which it is associated so as to form a barrier between the bearing mounting zone and the chamber when the pump bearing assembly is in the first operating configuration, the retainer being removed when the pump bearing assembly is in the second operating configuration. |
| US09618003B2 |
High efficiency transverse flux motor fan
A high efficiency transverse flux motor fan utilizes a transverse flux motor that can provide torque to drive fan blades at a reduced weight over conventional induction and brushless DC motors. A fan incorporating a transverse flux motor may be a residential ceiling fan or high volume low speed fan. Transverse flux motors are ideal for these applications as they have a higher efficiency at low revolutions per minute. A transverse flux motor may have a stator utilizing a ring shaped lamina that has extending members that form a coil channel. A lamina may be a unitary piece of material that is formed from a sheet of metal, thereby providing a very lightweight stator assembly. An exemplary fan may provide an airflow efficiency of more than about 236 L/s*W, (500 CFM/watt), an essential airflow density of more than about 2.36 L/s*g, (5 CFM/gram) and a power density of about 150 W/kg or more. |
| US09618002B1 |
Mini notched turbine generator
The present invention is turbine generator capable of integration into a bio-physiological or microfluidic system. The generator can convert biomechanical energy into electrical energy by using electromagnetic subsystems to transform the kinetic energy to electricity. These systems have the potential to convert hydraulic energy (such as flow of body fluid, blood flow, contraction of blood vessel, dynamic fluid in nature) into electric energy that may be sufficient for self-powering nano/micro devices and systems, such as artificial organs, valves, sensors, micro motors, and micro robots. The system incorporates a new turbine model having, notched blades; a rotor in levitation; and a special casing capable of integration into a bio-physiological or microfluidic system. |
| US09617996B2 |
Compressor
A compressor includes a casing, a motor fixed to the casing, a vertically extending drive shaft coupled to the motor, and a compression mechanism driven by the drive shaft to compress a fluid. A shaft-inside oil supply path is provided in the drive shaft. Oil at a bottom of the casing is supplied through the shaft-inside oil supply path to a sliding portion of the drive shaft above the motor. The compressor includes a shaft-inside oil discharge path provided in the drive shaft, and an oil discharge coupled to a lower end of the drive shaft. The shaft-inside oil discharge path extends from an upper portion to a lower portion of the motor. The oil discharge pump discharges the oil that has been supplied to the sliding portion of the drive shaft to the bottom of the casing through the shaft-inside oil discharge path. |
| US09617981B2 |
Wind turbine blade bearing removal apparatus and method
The invention relates to a wind turbine blade bearing removal apparatus and method for facilitating the change-over of the blade root bearing assembly (58) of a wind turbine blade (54). A plurality of support shoulders or yokes (60) are located on the hub (50) of the wind turbine rotor and provide attachment points for respective actuators (62). Corresponding attachment points (66) are provided in the wind turbine blade (54) via a blade support (section 64), which is constructed in the blade between the blade root bearing assembly (58) and the tip. The actuators (62) are mounted between the hub (50) and the blade root bearing assembly (58) and therefore support the blade (54) in a suspended position when the bearing is to be retained. The actuators (62) allow the blade to be easily reattached to the hub (50) when the blade root bearing replacement is completed. |
| US09617979B2 |
Motor assisted power generation system
The inventive technology described herein generally relates to the field of power generation. More specifically, methods and apparatus for a motor assisted power generation system utilizing a motor, coupled to a rotatable drive shaft which may further be connected to a generator such that the motor driven rotation of the drive shaft may generate electrical output. Certain embodiments may allow for a dual, wind or motor assisted power generation. For example, a drive shaft may be coupled with, for example, a wind responsive turbine and may generate an electrical output according to the amount of wind captured and transmitted to a corresponding generator or set of generators. Under low or no wind conditions, a motor may be coupled to the drive shaft and cause it to rotate allowing power generation to continue despite the lack of wind capture. Under high or adequate wind conditions, the motor may be decoupled allowing generation of an electrical output without motor assistance. In still additional embodiments, the inventive technology may include a motor that has been converted to operate on natural gas, or other combustible fuel or waste products. The invention may be placed adjacent to a source of, for example waste natural gas and may use such waste streams to generate an electrical output, in some instances in conjunction with a variable coupler drive. |
| US09617978B2 |
Method and device for preventing a lateral oscillation of a wind power installation
A method for preventing a lateral oscillation of a tower of a wind power installation having at least two rotor blades with adjustable attitude angles includes determining a manipulated variable for setting the attitude angles on the basis of information about a pitch torque and a yaw torque of the head of the tower. In this context, a counteracting torque is generated which counteracts the pitch torque and the yaw torque without exciting a lateral oscillation of the tower if the attitude angles are set on the basis of the manipulated variable. |
| US09617977B2 |
Method of controlling a wind turbine and related system
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine comprising a pitch of one or more blades and collecting first data indicative of a dynamic condition of the first wind turbine blade and a rotor, the first data comprising rotor data and first deflection data, the rotor data indicative of the azimuth position and rotational velocity of the rotor in a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotor axis, and the first deflection data indicative of the position, speed and acceleration of one or more parts of the first wind turbine blade. The method comprises calculating an expected tower clearance distance at a later time of tower passage for the first blade based on the first data including acceleration of one or more parts of the first blade, and performing measures to prevent tower collision, if the expected tower clearance distance fulfills a collision risk criterion. |
| US09617974B2 |
Wind turbine blade
A wind turbine blade is described having noise reduction features. The blade has a plurality of projecting serrations provided at the blade trailing edge to reduce the scattering noise produced during operation of the blade, wherein the serrations have a plurality of through-going apertures defined in the serration body. The apertures act to provide a pressure equalization effect at the serrations between the suction and pressure sides. This pressure equalization provides for improved noise reduction performance, as well as a reduction in mechanical stresses and strains which may be experienced by the serrations, increasing serration lifetime. |
| US09617973B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade
A wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The wind turbine rotor blade includes at least two blade sections and a connector for connecting adjacent blade sections, which connector has an inner connecting part of a first blade section and an outer connecting part of a second blade section, wherein the outer connecting part is adapted to enclose the inner connecting part; and a first seal arranged about a connecting part such that an outer surface of the inner connecting part, an inner surface of the outer connecting part, and the first seal form a mold; and an adhesive layer introduced to fill the mold. A wind turbine having a number of such rotor blades as well as a method of constructing such a wind turbine rotor blade are also provided. |
| US09617969B2 |
Hydraulic energy store
The present invention relates to a hydraulic energy store (1) having a first (2) and a second fluid reservoir (6), the fluid levels (4, 12) of which extend at different heights, which are connected to one another via a turbine/pump arrangement (10) and during the operation of which a fluid (3) can be moved to and fro between the first (2) and second fluid reservoir (6) and energy can be converted in the process. The second fluid reservoir (6) is configured as a container which is arranged within the fluid (3) in the first fluid reservoir (2), wherein, during operation, the fluid level (12) in the second fluid reservoir (6) can be changed in such a way that, as a result, the immersion depth (ht) of said second fluid reservoir (6) in the first fluid reservoir (2) can be changed owing to buoyancy. |
| US09617968B2 |
Hydraulic machine
The invention relates to a hydraulic machine having an impeller wheel that comprises a plurality of impeller blades; having a spiral housing that encloses the impeller wheel and that is open toward said impeller wheel by a circumferential slit formed by two circumferential edges; having a traverse ring, comprising two traverse ring decks that are connected to one another by tension anchors; wherein the spiral housing is composed of segments that meet in the flow direction and that are welded to each other, the ends of which segments stand on the respective traverse ring deck and are welded to said deck; wherein at the meeting point between two segments that are adjacent to one another and one traverse ring deck a stiffening element is provided that protrudes into the inner space of the spiral housing; and wherein the extension of the stiffening element into the inner space of the spiral housing is so small that the flow is not affected in a significant manner. |
| US09617965B2 |
Repetitive ignition system for enhanced combustion
A system and method for providing multiple fast rising pulses to improve performance efficiency. In one approach, multiple fast rising pulse power is employed to improve fuel efficiency and power of an engine. The system and method can involve a transient plasma plug assembly intended to replace a traditional spark plug. Alternatively, an approach involving a pulse generator and a high voltage pulse carrying ignition cable is contemplated. |
| US09617959B2 |
Portable engine
A portable engine includes: an internal combustion engine to burn fuel so as to output power; a fuel tank to store the fuel; a fuel pump to transfer the fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine; a U-shaped fuel pipe to transfer the fuel is disposed, and at a lowest portion of a fuel passage of the fuel pipe; and a fuel drainer capable of discharging the fuel in the fuel pipe to outside. The U-shaped fuel pipe is disposed between the fuel tank and the fuel pump, and the fuel drainer is disposed at a lowest site of a fuel passage of the fuel pipe. |
| US09617958B2 |
Noise attenuation unit for engine systems
Noise attenuation units are disclosed that are connectable in a system as part of a fluid flow path. Such units include a housing defining an internal cavity and having a first port and a second port each connectable to a fluid flow path and in fluid communication with one another through the internal cavity, and a noise attenuating member seated in the internal cavity of the housing within the flow of the fluid communication between the first port and the second port. The noise attenuating member enables the fluid communication between the first port and the second port to flow through the noise attenuating member. |
| US09617948B2 |
Method for optimizing an internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine optimization in which individual adjustment processes to be carried out to achieve optimal cooperation between the sensors, actuators, control device and internal combustion engine are started and carried out on the basis of the quality achieved for each of the individual adjustment processes in relation to one another, the ambient conditions of the internal combustion engine and the system states of the internal combustion engine in connection with a control program. |
| US09617947B2 |
Fuel injection control device
A waveform detector detects a variation in fuel pressure based on a detection value of a fuel pressure sensor as a fuel pressure waveform. A determining portion determines whether an interval between injections is zero or smaller than a predetermined value based on the detected fuel pressure waveform when multi-step-injection is performed. A correcting portion corrects an injection command signal indicative of an injection start timing and an injection end timing corresponding to a target injection state in a manner that the interval is increased when the interval is determined to be zero or smaller than the predetermined value. |
| US09617946B2 |
Method for controlling an internal combustion engine, and system having an internal combustion engine and a control device
In a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, during a standard operating mode a specified first fuel quantity is injected by actuating a first fuel injector during a first actuation period and by an accompanying opening of a first valve needle, and a specified second fuel quantity is injected by actuating a second fuel injector during a second actuation period and by an accompanying opening of a second valve needle, and (i) during a first calibration operating mode, a calibration actuation of the first fuel injector is performed while an actuation of the second fuel injector is carried out, or (ii) during a second calibration operating mode, a calibration actuation of the second fuel injector is carried out while an actuation of the first fuel injector is carried out. |
| US09617943B2 |
Control apparatus for an engine
A control apparatus for an engine introduces purge gas containing fuel gas evaporated from a fuel tank into an intake system includes an air-fuel ratio calculation unit that calculates an air-fuel ratio (AF) of the engine, and a purge rate calculation unit that calculates a purge rate (RPRG) corresponding to an introduction rate of the purge gas. The control apparatus further includes a concentration calculation unit that calculates a concentration (KAF_PRG) of the purge gas based on the air-fuel ratio (AF) calculated by the air-fuel ratio calculation unit and the purge rate (RPRG) calculated by the purge rate calculation unit. A decision unit permits or inhibits the concentration calculation unit to calculate the concentration (KAF_PRG) based on the purge rate (RPRG) calculated by the purge rate calculation unit. The estimation accuracy of the concentration (KAF_PRG) of purge gas is improved. |
| US09617942B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine based on in-cylinder temperature and oxygen concentration
A control device 100 for an internal combustion engine includes an in-cylinder oxygen concentration acquisition unit configured to acquire an in-cylinder oxygen concentration, an in-cylinder temperature acquisition unit configured to acquire an in-cylinder temperature, a target in-cylinder temperature acquisition unit configured to acquire a target in-cylinder temperature during main injection based on the in-cylinder oxygen concentration acquired by the in-cylinder oxygen concentration acquisition unit, and an in-cylinder oxygen concentration control unit configured to execute in-cylinder oxygen concentration control for controlling an in-cylinder oxygen concentration during pilot injection performed prior to the main injection based on the difference between the target in-cylinder temperature during the main injection acquired by the target in-cylinder temperature acquisition unit and the in-cylinder temperature acquired by the in-cylinder temperature acquisition unit. |
| US09617940B2 |
Engine diagnostic system and an associated method thereof
A method involves controlling a fuel injector to inject a first quantity of a fuel into a cylinder from a plurality of cylinders, of an engine and detecting a first value of a parameter associated with the engine. The method further involves controlling the fuel injector to inject a second quantity of the fuel different from the first quantity of the fuel, into the cylinder of the engine and detecting a second value of the parameter associated with the engine. The method also involves comparing the first value with the second value and detecting a hardware anomaly associated with the engine based on the comparison of the first value with the second value. |
| US09617938B2 |
Abnormality diagnosis apparatus of exhaust gas purification apparatus
An abnormality diagnosis apparatus includes: an exhaust gas purification apparatus arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and including a selective catalytic reduction catalyst; a supply apparatus supplying an additive such as ammonia to the exhaust gas purification apparatus; an EGR apparatus recirculating a part of exhaust gas from the exhaust passage at a downstream side of a position of supplying the additive to an intake passage; calculating means for calculating a NOx inflow amount into the exhaust gas purification apparatus using a parameter indicating an operating state of the internal combustion engine; diagnosing means for diagnosing an abnormality in the exhaust gas purification apparatus using the calculated NOx inflow amount as a parameter; and correcting means for, when a part of the exhaust gas is recirculated, increasingly correcting the calculated NOx inflow amount in accordance with an amount of the additive to be recirculated together with exhaust gas. |
| US09617935B2 |
Small engine control system and method for enabling the use of traditional crankshaft
An engine ignition control method and system for controlling ignition timing that computes a predicted crankshaft angular velocity based on prior computed and verified crankshaft angular velocity and acceleration and determines a capture window of the next crankshaft position sensor pickup signal for the verification of the predicted crankshaft angular velocity. The ignition control system also utilizes both crankshaft position pickup signals and the intake manifold air pressure measurements for determining the stroke of the combustion cycle in turn providing more accurately timed signals for the fuel injection and ignition systems. During engine starts, the engine ignition control system performs a series of continuous spark-triggering, determines if each spark-triggering being at the correct or incorrect point in the combustion cycle by detecting if there is any engine acceleration and adjusts the generation of the signal for the next spark-triggering accordingly. |
| US09617934B2 |
Method for torque control of an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine
A method for torque control of an internal combustion engine includes a pressure sensor that is associated with at least one, but at the most two cylinders of the internal combustion engine, whereby an cylinder internal pressure for the cylinder associated with the pressure sensor is detected. The method carries out an adjustment of injection characteristics for the injectors allocated to the individual cylinders of the internal combustion engine by way of a method which is independent from the detected cylinder pressure. A torque control for the internal combustion engine is performed based on the detected cylinder pressure. |
| US09617933B2 |
Low pressure EGR control using throttling
A number of variations may include a method including controlling low pressure EGR flow rates using air intake throttle with a variable swirl device or throttle valve, or using exhaust throttling. |
| US09617932B2 |
Transpiration fuel treatment apparatus
A transpiration fuel treatment apparatus, which can lower the internal pressure of a fuel tank in a relatively short time at the time of refueling, is provided. The transpiration fuel treatment apparatus comprises a fuel tank, a first sealing valve for sealing up a transpiration fuel within the fuel tank, and a second sealing valve for sealing up the transpiration fuel within the fuel tank at a position different from the position of the first sealing valve. The first sealing valve and the second sealing valve are opened before refueling of the fuel tank is started. |
| US09617927B2 |
Method and system for supplying liquefied petroleum gas to a direct fuel injected engine
A method for supplying fuel to a direct injection fuel pump of an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, pressure and/or temperature of a fuel supplied to the direct injection fuel pump may be adjusted to ensure liquid fuel is supplied to the direct injection fuel pump so that the possibility of engine air-fuel ratio errors may be reduced. |
| US09617923B2 |
Engine fuel control system
An engine fuel control system includes a fuel metering valve that controls the flow of fuel between supply and delivery lines which delivers fuel to engine burners. The fuel control system includes a fixed displacement main pump which receives fuel from a low pressure source and delivers the fuel at a first high pressure to the supply line, an augmenter pump which receives fuel from the low pressure source and delivers the fuel at a second high pressure to one or more fuel-pressure operated auxiliary engine devices, and a start valve which is actuated at low engine speeds to open a flow path which diverts fuel delivered by the augmenter pump away from the auxiliary engine devices to the supply line to augment the fuel delivered thereto by the main pump, the start valve being actuated at higher engine speeds to shut the flow path. |
| US09617922B2 |
Jet engine actuation system
A jet engine actuation system includes a first ring gearbox, a second ring gearbox and an actuator. The first ring gearbox includes a first ring driveshaft coupled to a first portion of a synchronization ring included in a jet engine. The second ring gear box includes a second ring drive shaft coupled to a second portion of the synchronization ring. The actuator has a first actuator gearbox configured to generate a first rotational output and a second actuator gearbox configured to generate a second rotational output. A first drive shaft transfers the first rotational output to the first ring gearbox and a second drive shaft transfers the second rotational output to the second ring gearbox. The actuator simultaneously controls the first and second actuator gearboxes such that the first and second rotational outputs are simultaneously transferred to the first and second ring gearboxes to rotate the synchronization ring. |
| US09617921B2 |
Thermal actuator including fluid with high temperature stability
A thermal actuator is provided and includes an expansion material disposed and configured to move a movable element from a first movable element position toward a second movable element position in accordance with an expansion condition of the expansion material. The expansion material includes an inorganic salt mixture or a metal oxide mixture. |
| US09617918B2 |
Bracket for mounting/removal of actuators for active vibration control
An active vibration control actuator mount including at least one actuator bracket having an actuator interface member configured to hold one or more active vibration element thereon in one or more predetermined orientations, and an engine mounting structure interface member connected to the actuator interface member, the engine mounting structure interface member being configured to couple the at least one actuator bracket to an engine mounting structure, wherein the at least one actuator bracket is configured for the installation and removal of a respective active vibration element to and from the actuator interface member while a respective one of the at least one actuator bracket remains coupled to the engine mounting structure. |
| US09617915B2 |
Method of increasing electricity output during high demand
A method of operating a combined cycle power generating system to increase the operating flexibility of the plant. The method also includes operating a thermal storage unit in a heat storing mode and in a heat releasing mode. |
| US09617911B2 |
Switchover valve and internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine with an adjustable compression ratio has a switchover valve (10) for controlling hydraulic oil flow in chambers of an eccentric adjustment device. The switchover valve (10) has a switching element (12) and a sleeve-shaped connecting section (16) with a first bore (17) that connects to a first hydraulic line (18), a second bore (19) that connects to a second hydraulic line (20), and a venting bore (21) that connects to a vent (22). The switching element (12) can be displaced in the connecting section (16) between a first position (S1) where a groove in the switching element (12) connects the first hydraulic line (18) to the venting duct (22) or a second position (S2) where the groove (14) connects the second hydraulic line (20) to the venting duct (22). A pick-off element (30) extends through the connecting section (16) and interacts with the switching element (12). |
| US09617908B2 |
Fuel combustion system, nozzle for prechamber assembly having coolant passage, and method of making same
A nozzle for a prechamber assembly of an engine includes a nozzle body which is hollow and includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and an orifice surface. The outer surface defines an outer orifice opening, and the inner surface defines an interior chamber and an inner orifice opening. The orifice surface defines an orifice passage extending between, and in communication with, the outer orifice opening and the inner orifice opening. The orifice passage is in communication with the interior chamber via the inner orifice opening. The nozzle body includes a coolant surface which defines a coolant passage within the nozzle body. The coolant surface includes an orifice interface portion disposed adjacent the orifice surface such that the orifice surface and the orifice interface portion of the coolant surface are in heat-transferring relationship with each other. |
| US09617907B2 |
System for controlling air flow into vehicle engine compartment
A system for controlling a flow rate of air into a vehicle engine compartment, may include a radiator cooling a coolant; a coolant inflow tank provided to one side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant that cools an engine; and a coolant exhaust tank provided to another side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant circulating past a cooling fin of the radiator from the coolant inflow tank. |
| US09617906B2 |
Coolant control valve of engine
A coolant control valve of an engine may include a cylindrical valve in which a space is formed along a length directional center axis thereof, a first inlet through which a coolant flows being formed at one end of the cylindrical valve, an outlet being formed at an outer surface of the cylindrical valve in the space, a first convex surface and a second convex surface and a second inlet through which the coolant flows into the space being formed at the outer surface corresponding to a recess portion formed between the first convex surface and the second convex surface, a valve housing, a first inflow pipe transmitting the coolant to the space through the first inlet, a second inflow pipe transmitting the coolant to the space through the second inlet, and a driver provided at one side of the valve housing to rotate the cylindrical valve. |
| US09617903B2 |
Mechanical joint insert
A multi-layer joint insert is provided at one or more joints between an engine exhaust manifold and a component mounted by fasteners on the exhaust manifold, as well as between the component and the fastener heads/nuts, to reduce wear and failure at the one or more joints. The joint insert includes a first sheet metal layer having at least one fastener-receiving opening and a second sheet metal layer having at least one fastener-receiving opening, wherein the first and second sheet meal layers are joined by at least one connecting arrangement that permits relative sliding movement between the first and second sheet metal layers in response to thermally-induced movement at the one or more joints, thereby reducing wear and failure at the one or more joints. |
| US09617897B2 |
Integrated functional heat exchange apparatus for automobile
A heat exchange device with combined functions in vehicles includes: a heat exchanger configured to be installed in an exhaust path of an engine and connected to a coolant heat exchanger circuit and an oil heat exchanger circuit; a bypass path configured to be connected to bypass the heat exchanger in the exhaust path; a recirculation path configured to be branched from the exhaust path to be connected to an intake system of the engine; a first control valve configured to control a flow path of exhaust gas between the exhaust path and the bypass path; a second control valve configured to control a flow path of the exhaust gas between the exhaust path and the recirculation path; and a third control valve configured to control the flow path of the exhaust gas between the bypass path and the recirculation path. |
| US09617894B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system includes an exhaust purifying element for purifying exhaust gas, and a selective reduction catalyst for promoting reduction of NOx contained in the exhaust gas with a reducing agent. A housing for accommodating the exhaust purifying element includes an outer wall having an accommodating portion. A supply hole is formed on a bottom of the accommodating portion. A pipe that is located inside the housing has a passage through which an interior of the pipe communicates with an exterior of the pipe. The pipe is configured to guide exhaust gas toward the selective reduction catalyst through the passage and the interior of the pipe. The pipe has an end communicating with the supply hole. The injection device of the exhaust gas purification system injects the reducing agent to an interior of the pipe through the supply hole. |
| US09617892B2 |
Method and apparatus to reduce urea deposits
An exhaust after-treatment system for mitigating deposition of urea utilizing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in exhaust receiving communication with an exhaust gas stream produced by an engine system, including an exhaust passage including a mixing duct through which the exhaust gas stream flows. A fluid reservoir contains a urea solution and a fluid pump is fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir to draw the urea solution from within the fluid reservoir. A fluid injector is configured to receive the urea solution from the fluid pump and deliver the urea solution into the mixing duct and at least one vibration mechanism is mechanically coupled to one or both of the fluid injector and the mixing duct to generate and convey vibrations thereto to mitigate the deposition of urea. |
| US09617887B2 |
Emissions cleaning module for an engine
The disclosure provides an emissions cleaning module for cleaning emissions output from an internal combustion engine. The emissions cleaning module may include a first conduit, a second conduit, a third conduit, a first end coupling and a second end coupling which together provide a continuous fluid path. The first, second and third conduits may be supported at one end by a first support member and at an opposite end by a second support member. The first, second and third conduits may be mutually parallel. The support members, conduits and couplings may be arranged with relative substantial translational movement thereof restricted. |
| US09617886B2 |
Exhaust gas catalyst, method for the production of carrier, method for the production of exhaust gas catalyst, and apparatus for treating exhaust gas
An exhaust gas controlling catalyst includes zirconia particles; ceria particles which contact the zirconia particles, of which a mean particle size is smaller than a mean particle size of the zirconia particles; and an active metal that is supported on at least the ceria particles in a dispersed manner. |
| US09617885B2 |
Method for monitoring a pressure sensor in a delivery and metering system for a reactant of a catalytic converter
A method is made available for monitoring a pressure sensor (18) in a pressure-controlled delivery and metering system for a liquid reactant of a catalytic converter, in particular of an SCR catalytic converter. The delivery and metering system is provided for delivering the reactant from a tank (10) and for metering the reactant via a pressure line (16) and a metering module (19). In order to monitor the pressure sensor (18) which is located in the pressure line (16), a flow rate measurement is carried out in the pressure line (16) and/or in a return path (17) taking into account the relationship between the pressure p and the corresponding flow rate v. |
| US09617883B2 |
Multi-leg aftertreatment system
An apparatus is disclosed, including an exhaust conditions module structured to interpret a diesel particulate filter (DPF) delta pressure value, a flow balance correlation, a NOx input value, and an exhaust flow rate value. A flow determination module is structured to determine a flow imbalance value in response to the DPF delta pressure value, the flow balance correlation, and the exhaust flow rate value. A reductant determination module is structured to determine a first reductant injection command and a second reductant injection command in response to the flow imbalance value and the NOx input value. |
| US09617880B2 |
Method for diagnosing lack of engine oil
A method for diagnosing a lack of engine oil includes determining, by a controller, whether an oil level of an engine is normalized from an insufficient state to a normal state using an oil level switch. When it is determined that the oil level is normalized to the normal state, a driving mode of a vehicle is confirmed. When it is confirmed that the driving mode of the vehicle is an engine off driving mode, a diagnosis of the oil level is stopped. |
| US09617878B2 |
Camshaft phaser and actuator for the same
A camshaft phaser includes a camshaft phaser input member connectable to a crankshaft; a camshaft phaser output member connectable to a camshaft; an intermediate member rotatable relative to the camshaft phaser input member such that rotation of the intermediate member relative to the camshaft phaser input member causes the camshaft phaser output member to rotate relative to the camshaft phaser input member; and a rotational actuator configured to selectively rotate the intermediate member relative to the camshaft phaser input member, the rotational actuator comprising. The rotational actuator includes a compound planetary gear set having an input planetary gear set driven by the camshaft phaser input member and an output planetary gear set driven by the input planetary gear set; and an adjusting actuator connected to the compound planetary gear set. |
| US09617877B2 |
Valve opening and closing timing control device
A valve opening and closing timing control device includes: a driving-side rotating body coaxial with a rotational axis and rotated in synchronization with an internal combustion engine crankshaft; a driven-side rotating body coaxial with the rotational axis and integrally rotated with a valve opening and closing cam shaft; a connecting member screwed into the cam shaft for connecting the driven-side rotating body to the cam shaft and having a pump port to which a fluid is supplied, an advance angle port communicating with an advance angle chamber, and a retarded angle port communicating with an retarded angle chamber; a spool accommodated within a space of the connecting member to reciprocally move between advance angle, neutral, and retarded angle positions along the rotational axis; and an actuator causing a pressing force to act along rotational axis and operates the spool to be in the neutral, advance angle, or retarded angle positions. |
| US09617872B2 |
Low profile thermally free blind liner hanger attachment for complex shapes
A hanger system for connecting components in a gas turbine engine has a first spaced component, a second spaced component arranged a desired distance from the first spaced component, and a plurality of spacers arranged between the first spaced component and the second spaced component. A T-bar having a shaft portion and a crossbar is arranged between the components. The shaft portion of the T-bar passes through an aperture in the first spaced component and the crossbar portion of the T-bar is arranged adjacent to the second spaced component. A bracket is coupled to the second spaced component and substantially encapsulates the crossbar portion of the T-bar. |
| US09617871B2 |
AFT cascade translating variable area fan nozzle
An aircraft turbofan engine variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) is disclosed that has a forward end that is continuously supported within a circumferential recess in the wall of the nacelle in front of it. During operation, the VAFN translates back and forth but always has its front end within the recess. Relatively simple seals help seal the recess against the VAFN. An array of openings with aft facing vanes, termed an aft cascade, is built into the VAFN. The openings are hidden within the recess when the VAFN is in the forward-most positions, and they are exposed to allow air to flow from the bypass duct through the cascade when the VAFN is in aft positions. The aft cascades can have different airflow directions based on their locations around the engine. |
| US09617867B2 |
Gas turbine
A gas turbine includes a disk wheel forming a rotor; a rotor blade including a shank mounted on the outer circumference of the disk wheel and a rotor blade profile portion; a stator blade including a stator blade profile portion and an inner circumferential end wall provided on the inner circumferential side of the stator blade profile portion; and a seal fin provided on the shank of the rotor blade so as to face an inside-diameter surface of the inner circumferential end wall of the stator blade. An abradable coating is applied to such a portion of the inside-diameter surface of the inner circumferential end wall of the stator blade that faces the seal fin. |
| US09617864B2 |
Seal assembly for a guide vane assembly
The present disclosure relates generally to a guide vane assembly including a first airfoil, including a first airfoil trailing edge, a second airfoil, including a second airfoil leading edge, positioned aft the first airfoil to create a gap therebetween, and a seal assembly disposed within the gap to engage the first airfoil trailing edge and the second airfoil leading edge. |
| US09617859B2 |
Turbine components with passive cooling pathways
The present application provides a turbine component for use in a hot gas path of a gas turbine. The turbine component may include an outer surface, an internal cooling circuit, a number of cooling pathways in communication with the internal cooling circuit and extending through the outer surface, and a number of adaptive cooling pathways in communication with the internal cooling circuit and extending through the outer surface. The adaptive cooling pathways may include a high temperature compound therein. |
| US09617852B2 |
Mining systems
Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some systems include: a main gate; and a tailgate connected to the maingate by an active mine face; wherein the active mine face extends at an angle between 95° and 135° relative to the maingate. |
| US09617849B2 |
Fluid pressure pulse generator with low and high flow modes for wellbore telemetry and method of using same
A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. |
| US09617843B1 |
Prescriptive reservoir asset management
A method of projection a production characteristic includes receiving down well video image data depicting multiphase flow within the well, determining a flow rate data of at least one phase of the multiphase flow based on the down well video image data, and projecting the production characteristic based at least in part on the determined flow rate using a well performance model. |
| US09617840B2 |
Downhole steam generator and method of use
A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir. |
| US09617834B1 |
Prescriptive reservoir asset management
A method of projection a production characteristic includes receiving down well video image data depicting multiphase flow within the well, determining a flow rate data of at least one phase of the multiphase flow based on the down well video image data, and projecting the production characteristic based at least in part on the determined flow rate using a well performance model. |
| US09617832B2 |
Variable diameter bullnose assembly
Disclosed are expandable bullnose assemblies. One bullnose assembly includes a body and a bullnose tip arranged at a distal end of the body, a compression ring arranged about an exterior of the body and configured to axially translate with respect to the body upon being actuated, and a plurality of collet fingers coupled to and extending between the compression ring and the bullnose tip, each collet finger being pre-compressed such that each collet finger is predisposed to bow radially outwards, wherein, when the compression ring is actuated, the plurality of collet fingers move radially outward from a first diameter to a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. |
| US09617828B2 |
Thermal component temperature management system and method
A downhole tool includes a temperature sensitive component. The temperature of the temperature sensitive component is at least partially controlled by a temperature management system thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component. The temperature management system may include a cooling mixture chamber thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component, wherein first and second components of a cooling mixture cause an endothermic reaction when mixed together within the cooling mixture chamber. |
| US09617823B2 |
Axially compressed and radially pressed seal
An apparatus and method for sealing against a bore in a soil formation. The apparatus comprises an elongate central member having a resilient tubular seal member extending between first and second ends therearound, a longitudinally moveable plunger surrounding the central member having a first wedge engagable upon the first end of the seal member and a backing ring engaging upon the second end of the seal member. The plunger is axially movable along the central member to compress the seal member between plunger and the packing ring and to press the first end of the seal member in a radially outward direction. The method comprises a locating the apparatus at a desired location and axially moving the plunger towards a corresponding backing ring so as to compress the seal member between plunger and the packing ring and to press the seal member in a radially outward direction. |
| US09617821B2 |
Swellable packer with enhanced operating envelope
A swellable packer can include a base pipe, at least one swellable seal on the base pipe, the seal comprising a swellable material, and at least one other swellable seal on the base pipe, the other swellable seal comprising another swellable material, and the swellable materials being different materials. Another swellable packer can include at least one swellable seal, the seal comprising a swellable material, and at least one other swellable seal, the other swellable seal comprising another swellable material, and wherein one swellable seal displaces the other swellable seal into contact with a well surface, in response to contact between the one swellable seal and an activating agent. |
| US09617820B2 |
Flexible emergency hanger and method of installation
A hanger assembly for supporting a tubular member within an outer well member includes a slip bowl that is moveable between an expanded condition with an enlarged diameter and a contracted condition with a reduced diameter, and has a downward facing slip bowl shoulder on an outer diameter of the slip bowl. Slips with teeth on an inner diameter surface are carried by the slip bowl. The slips are moveable between a retracted position, and an extended position where the teeth protrude radially inward from the inner diameter of the slip bowl. A false bowl has a lower upward facing false bowl shoulder located on an inner diameter and is sized to selectively engage the downward facing slip bowl shoulder. The false bowl also has a downward facing landing shoulder located on an outer diameter that is sized to selectively engage a support shoulder of the outer well member. |
| US09617819B2 |
Subsea collet connection system
A subsea connection system for connecting to a hub has a body with an interior passageway suitable for allowing fluids to flow therethrough, a collet having a plurality of collet segments that are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, an outer sleeve overlying the collet, and a translator cooperative at the outer sleeve so as to move the outer sleeve between a first position and a second position. The plurality of collet segments are in the unlocked position when the outer sleeve is in the first position. The plurality of collet segments are in the locked position when the outer sleeve is in the second position. The locked position is adapted to secure the body in connection with the hub. |
| US09617816B1 |
Fracturing ball retrieval device and method
A method and system for retrieving a fracturing ball in a wellbore casing. The system includes a wellbore retrieval tool comprising a tool body that is inserted into and transported along the wellbore casing. The tool is sized and configured to trap and hold the fracturing ball. When a hydraulic lock happens in the wellbore casing, the retrieval tool is lowered in a vertical section and the ball is flowed back along a horizontal section and captured by a trap in the retrieval tool. The retrieval tool may also be run in conjunction with a setting tool with a ball-in-place fracturing plug. In case of the hydraulic lock, the injection is tested following perforation with the retrieval tool still a location proximal to the ball, and the ball is immediately retrieved. |
| US09617814B2 |
Automated controls for pump down operations
In at least some embodiments, a system for pump down operations includes a wireline unit and a pump unit. The system also includes a controller coupled to the wireline unit and the pump unit. The controller is to automate at least one control function selected from the group consisting of: a pump rate for the pump unit based on at least one of a monitored wireline speed and a monitored wireline tension for the wireline unit; and a wireline speed for the wireline unit based on at least a monitored pump rate for the pump unit. |
| US09617806B2 |
Downhole tool support stand, combinations, and methods
A method of connecting a downhole tool and a downhole tubular: positioning the downhole tool coaxially on a rotatable seat; and rotating the seat to thread the downhole tool to the downhole tubular. A support stand: a structural frame with ground engaging members; and a downhole tool seat mounted for rotation on the structural frame about an axis of rotation, the downhole tool seat being coaxial with the axis of rotation. A combination of the support stand of and a downhole tool on the seat. |
| US09617804B2 |
Drill rod magazine
The invention relates to a drill rod magazine for vertical storage of drill rod elements, having a box-like basic frame which has a support area, vertical side walls and at least one horizontal receiving shelf, which is designed to receive and hold the drill rod elements. The basic frame has a laterally open access area, via which the drill rod elements can be inserted into the basic frame. It is provided according to the invention that the side walls are arranged parallel to each other and each have at least one pivot bearing with a horizontally orientated pivot axis, the at least one receiving shelf is mounted pivotably with respect to the side walls, and the basic frame is designed to be collapsible, wherein the basic frame can be unfolded from a folded-up position into an operating position. |
| US09617802B2 |
Expandable tool having helical geometry
An expandable downhole tool for use in an oil well, including a flexible member rolled into a helix and comprising first and second lateral edges on opposing lateral ends of the member. The flexible member is selectively changeable between a compressed configuration wherein the transverse cross-section of the flexible member has a first diameter, and an expanded configuration wherein the transverse cross-section of the flexible member has a second diameter, the second diameter larger than the first diameter. |
| US09617785B2 |
Extensible curtain rail
An extensible curtain rail includes a rail main body, more than one connection seat and a decorative panel. The decorative panel and the rail main body are assembled and connected with each other by means of the connection seat. The connection seat can be inward contracted or outward extended to adjust the gap between the decorative panel and the rail main body in accordance with different sizes of curtain assemblies to facilitate installation thereof. The decorative panel is detachable from the rail main body to provide larger installation space and more quickly install the curtain assembly. |
| US09617784B2 |
Safety Screen
A safety screen has four frame portions joined together to form a fall resistant window screen to prevent accidental egress from a window or door. Each frame portion has an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion integrally formed out of aluminum. A hinge channel runs longitudinally along a top portion of the upper frame portion and allows the upper frame portion to rotate around an integrally formed pivot slot that is longitudinally disposed at the vertex between the upper and lower frame portions. A U-shaped spline track may have a locking tab that snaps and locks within a frame hook portion that is located on many window and door frame extrusions. A screen is frictionally held in place when the upper frame is rotated and compressed against the lower frame. Each frame is mitered and welded together to form the safety screen. |
| US09617783B2 |
Gasket seal, door of aircraft, seal structure for opening portion of aircraft, and aircraft
To reliably prevent entrance of electro-magnetic waves in a door that closes an opening portion formed in an airframe of an aircraft. A gasket seal 20 which is arranged between an opening portion 12 formed in an airframe of an aircraft and a door 13 for closing the opening portion 12, includes: a gasket seal body that is made of a rubber material; and conductive fiber 24 that covers a surface of the gasket seal body. When the door 13 is in a closed state, the gasket seal 20 whose surface is made conductive is abutted against a striker 30 provided on a skin 11 side of the airframe and made of a conductive material. The door 13 and the skin 11 of the airframe are electrically connected together via the conductive fiber 24 and the striker 30, and electro-magnetic waves can be reliably shielded. |
| US09617782B2 |
Self-sealing butt hinge
A hinge for coupling a movable element to a frame that defines an opening that receives the movable element. The hinge includes a frame interface assembly adapted to attach to the frame at one or more attachment points. The frame interface assembly includes a frame leaf and a sealing member, the frame leaf defines a mounting face adapted to abut an exterior surface of the frame and a plurality of spaced apart knuckles. The sealing member defines an attachment point liquid barrier sealing face abutting an interior surface of the frame opposite the mounting face. The hinge further includes a sash leaf adapted to attach to the window sash, with the sash leaf defining one or more knuckles, and a pin assembly including a hinge pin extending through the knuckles of the frame leaf and the knuckles of the sash leaf to couple the frame leaf and the sash leaf. |
| US09617781B2 |
Sealed unit and spacer
A sealed unit includes at least two sheets of transparent or translucent material separated from each other by a spacer. One example of a spacer for a sealed unit includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and filler arranged therebetween. The first and second elongate strips have a small undulating shape in some embodiments. Methods of making spacers and window assemblies as well as devices for use in the manufacture of spacers and assemblies are disclosed including a manufacturing jig and a spool storage rack. The spool storage rack stores a plurality of spools configured to store spacer materials thereon. |
| US09617776B2 |
Motor driven door assembly
A motor driven door assembly is provided, the motor driven door assembly includes a door frame, a motor assembly connected to the door frame and having a motor directly connected to a first portion of a door hinge, and a door connected to the door hinge. The door hinge includes a second portion supported by a bearing assembly that carries substantially all of the door's weight, and the motor directly drives the door hinge to open or close the door. |
| US09617774B2 |
Composite check arm for vehicle door
In an aspect, a check arm for a vehicle door is provided, and includes a body, a pivot connector and an end stop. The body has a length and defines a longitudinal axis, and has a first body end and a second body end. The pivot connector is positioned at the first body end and is configured for pivotally connecting the check arm to one of a vehicle body and a vehicle door. The end stop is positioned at the second body end, and is positioned to limit the amount of withdrawal of the check arm from a check arm keeper on the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle door. The body includes a plurality of elongate structural fibers and a binder that connects the structural fibers together. Each structural fiber extends longitudinally along substantially the length of the body. |
| US09617769B2 |
Three-dimensional adjustable hardware system
The invention relates to a three-dimensional adjustable hardware system. According to the invention, at least one of the hardware bodies (18) comprises at least one guide pin (28) for the purpose of adjusting the hardware system (10) in the z-direction and the housing, in which the at least hardware body is arranged, comprises at least one threaded pin (30, 32), wherein the guide pin (28) and thereby the hardware body (18) are moved relative to the housing in the z-direction when the threaded pin (30) is rotated. For the purpose of adjusting the hardware system in the x-direction at least one of the hardware bodies (16) accommodates at least one adjusting pin (34), which can be moved along the y-axis located in the xy-plane, and at least one surface (36, 38) of the adjusting pin (34) which is inclined with respect to the y-axis interacts with at least one sliding pin (40, 42), the movement of which along the x-axis located in the xy-plane being restricted by the housing (12) accommodating the at least one hardware body (16), and so the hardware body (16) can be moved relative to the housing (12) in the x-direction by adjusting the adjustment pin (34). For the purpose of adjusting the hardware system in the y-direction at least one housing (14) and the hardware body (18) arranged in said housing have at least one sliding guide (44) extending along the y-axis, along which the hardware body can be moved relative to the housing (14) in the y-direction. |
| US09617768B2 |
Belt for electromagnetic sucker
A belt for electromagnetic sucker includes a first substantially U-shaped section, a second substantially U-shaped section, an electromagnetic sucker coupled to at least one of the first and second substantially U-shaped sections, at least one of the first and second substantially U-shaped sections being structured and arranged to be secure to a support, and a connector structured and arranged to secure the first and second substantially U-shaped sections to one another. |
| US09617764B2 |
Hidden flush outside handle
An outside handle of a vehicle that releases a door latch, including a slot that includes a rotatable flap that sits flush against an outer panel of the vehicle in a closed position. The rotation of the flap provides an opening to an inside of the handle in an open position. The handle includes a rotating lever behind the outer panel, and a lock rod attached to the rotating lever. Downward rotation of the lever moves the rod downward, and the downward motion of the rod then triggers the latch. |
| US09617761B2 |
Motor vehicle door lock
The disclosure relates to a motor vehicle door lock, having a locking mechanism that includes a rotary latch and at least one pawl. A drive for acting on the locking mechanism is also provided. A blocking element which interacts with the pawl has at least one pawl arm which holds the pawl in a latching position. Finally, a stop arm is realized on the blocking element and/or on the pawl and/or on a release element, the stop arm acting as a stop for the drive. The blocking element is arranged on an edge which is averted from the rotary latch and also so as to laterally overlap the pawl. |
| US09617758B2 |
Adjustable or swivelable setup for securing electronic equipment
An adjustable or swivelable setup for securing electronic equipment is provided. The setup includes an apparatus for securing electronic equipment to a substantially horizontal surface of a support structure. The apparatus includes a fastening means such as an adjustable collar, a mounting bracket for attachment to the support structure, and a connector. The connector is interposed between and attached to the collar and mounting bracket. The connector may swivel about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The apparatus is particularly suited for use with equipment having an electronic component attached to a neck extending from a base. |
| US09617755B2 |
Reinforced strike assembly
A reinforced door strike assembly comprises a housing having an opening for admission and retraction of a door latch. At least one keeper arm is movably attached to the housing, and movable between a closed position where the opening is occluded and an open position where the door latch may be released from the opening. A reinforcing bracket is mounted to the housing and further defines the opening. The reinforcing bracket is coupled to the at least one keeper arm and to the housing to hold the at least one keeper arm in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the housing. |
| US09617754B2 |
Clip fixing element for the assembly of fixture devices such as locks, hinge parts and handles in openings in a thin wall
The description relates to a snap fastening for mounting fittings such as socket wrench latches, swivel lever latches, hinge parts, handles, fixing brackets for door stops or flap supports in openings in a thin wall, comprising a head part which is to be arranged on one, outer side of the thin wall and which overlaps the outer rim of the opening, and a body part which proceeds from the head part and projects through the opening in the mounted position, and holding elements which project from the body part and are flexible in direction of its outer surface against spring force, the free end of these holding elements being provided with an inclined surface for supporting the body part without play on the rim or edge of the opening of the other, inner side of the thin wall, wherein the body part and holding element and the spring generating the spring force are separate parts. |
| US09617746B1 |
Forged lift anchor for precast portland cement concrete shapes
Precast Portland cement concrete shapes are handled by a lifting assembly comprising an elongate plate-like metallic lift anchor and a standard shear bar. The lift anchor defines a pair of parallel opposed planar faces, a medial longitudinal axis, and a plane of symmetry parallel to the planar faces. A lift head portion comprises a lift head through opening and shear flanges symmetrically disposed along the medial longitudinal axis. A proximal embedment portion comprises a shear bar through opening and a reinforcing bar through opening. A distal embedment portion terminates in a foot comprising a pair of distal flanges symmetrically disposed along the medial longitudinal axis, and a throat. The lift anchor is forged. The shear bar through opening is oblong along the medial longitudinal axis, and the standard shear bar is interconnectable with the shear bar through opening. |
| US09617744B2 |
Construction safety handrail support bracket
A versatile handrail and toeboard safety system that provides flexible solutions for the implementation of improved construction site safety barriers using specialized brackets to mount standard wooden members. The brackets of the handrail and toeboard safety system is formed of multiple orthogonally arranged plates creating spaces to receive and secure wooden construction members as a handrail for personnel safety in addition to a toeboard for equipment and materiel safety. The parallel plates are formed with several mounting points for wooden members and several mounting points for anchoring the bracket to a base floor. The brackets are formed to withstand a minimum two-hundred (200) pound force exerted at the top of a forty-five (45) inch tall handrail attached to the anchored bracket. The brackets provide the versatility to be used in various system arrangements and the expeditious setup and removal of the handrail and toeboard safety system. |
| US09617741B2 |
Set of panels with locking element
A set of panels, especially floor panels, comprising panels with a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a third edge and a fourth edge opposite the third edge, wherein each edge has a supporting profile, suitable to forming with a supporting element of the opposite edge of a similar panel a connection between the panels, the supporting profile of the first edge or the supporting profile of the second edge having a locking element, which in a locking position serves for locking and in an installation position allows joining or separating of the supporting profiles along this direction, and in the laid state a first panel and a second panel form a row within a laying plane, while coupling is provided by which the locking element performs a blockable forced movement, and when forced movement is blocked the locking element is held in the locking position, and when not blocked the locking element can be moved from locking position if the supporting profiles are moved. |
| US09617738B2 |
Auxiliary securing support and method of installing the same
An auxiliary securing support for attaching an exterior wall material to a building frame having a plurality of vertical frame members through a securing member includes a main body and a protrusion. The main body has an elongated shape, includes a planar portion to which the securing member is fixable, and is fixable to at least one of the vertical frame members. The protrusion protrudes in a direction crossing the planar portion so as to come into contact with an upper side portion of the exterior wall material and that has a length such that the protrusion is not exposed on an external surface of the exterior wall material. |
| US09617736B2 |
Clamping system for mounting glass balustrade
The present invention relates to a clamping system for mounting glass balustrade, which includes a base with a U-shaped channel, an adjusting component A and an adjusting component B. The adjusting component A comprising: an L-shaped Plate with an arc groove inside, fitting for an arc panel; an arc panel with longer arc-length than that of the arc groove in the L-shaped Plate. The adjusting component B comprising: a supporting plate with a trapezoid groove inside; a wedge A, a wedge B and an adjusting bolt; a hole channel on the middle top of the supporting plate, reaching through the trapezoid groove with a locating element in the middle; both the wedge A and the wedge B, with one plane side and another bevel side, as single-side wedge structure; a threaded hole in the middle of the wedge A, which has internal thread matching with the adjusting bolt; the adjusting bolt, with top part screwing through the threaded hole of the wedge A, with the bottom part connecting with the wedge B; an embossing belt A on the two bevel surfaces of the trapezoid groove, paralleling to the center line of the trapezoid groove, symmetrical about the center line. The present invention can be easily dismounted, as well as allowing the angle of the glass changeable. |
| US09617734B2 |
Glass mat for roofing products
A glass mat includes an assembly of glass fibers, a binder composition and an asphaltic coating. The binder composition includes an organic resin and an adhesion promoter. The glass mat has an at least 2% increase in tear strength as measured using the methods specified in ASTM D3462, compared to an asphaltic coated glass mat having a binder composition without the adhesion promoter. Further provided is an asphalt roofing product including the glass mat and a method of increasing tear strength in an asphalt roofing product. |
| US09617732B2 |
Wall panel system
A wall panel system including a plurality of wall panels that can be positioned adjacent to each other. Each of the individual wall panels includes an attachment slot that is positioned between upper and lower panel sections. The attachment slot allows external components to be mounted to the wall panel. Each individual wall panel includes a height adjustment mechanism having a support block positioned within an open interior of a bottom cross support rail. The support block receives an adjustment rod that is rotatable to adjust the height of the wall panel. The support block of the height adjustment mechanism includes support flanges that support the weight of the wall panel. The top cross support rail includes an attachment slot that receives a door track for supporting a sliding door. The attachment slot that receives the door track corresponds to the attachment slot positioned between upper and lower panel sections. |
| US09617731B2 |
Modular wall system and kit incorporating extruded end interlocking portions in addition to base support track molding and attachable top cap
A modular wall system including a plurality of panels, each having a plurality of interconnecting sides including a top, a bottom, a first joiner edge and a second joiner edge. The first and second joiner edges of the panels each further include a pair of first and second side edge projecting profiles, the profiles each exhibiting mating and friction fitting locations such that the panels are inter-engaged in either of linear or angled extending fashion. A floor supported track is provided for seating the bottoms of the interconnecting panels. |
| US09617729B2 |
Foam wall insulation system
A wall insulation system includes a thermoplastic polymer foam board, ribs of melt barrier material extending horizontally across the width of the thermoplastic polymer foam board and a metallic facing bonded to the outside surface of the thermoplastic polymer foam board and covering the outside primary surface of the thermoplastic polymer foam board and any ribs exposed along the outside primary surface of the thermoplastic polymer foam board. A rib of melt barrier material extends across the width of the thermoplastic polymer foam board in any 50 centimeter distance along the height of the foam board. |
| US09617727B2 |
Foldable sensory isolation booth
The invention relates to a sensory deprivation booth foldable between a folded transport position and an unfolded usage position forming a closed space for receiving a user to perform a sensory analysis; the booth comprising: walls, each wall being airtight or suitable for filtering the flow of air passing through the wall; airtight articulations and closing devices, positioned at the joint of the walls and connecting the walls in an airtight manner in the unfolded usage position of the booth, the folded joints allowing superposition of the walls on one another in the transport position of the booth. |
| US09617725B2 |
Building system and panel for a building system
A building system comprising a plurality of tubes, a plurality of connection nodes comprising tubular sections for connection to the tubes, wherein the tubes are arranged to connect between the connection nodes to form a frame for a building, wherein at least one continuous cavity is formed through at least a portion of the nodes and tubes when the nodes and tubes are connected, the building system further comprising fluid tight seals between the tubes and connection nodes to enable fluid to flow through the at least one continuous cavity. |
| US09617722B2 |
Manhole base assembly with internal liner and method of manufacturing same
A manhole base assembly and a method for making the same, in which a non-cylindrical, low-volume concrete base is fully lined to protect the concrete against chemical and physical attack while in service. This lined concrete manhole base assembly may be readily produced using a modular manhole form assembly which can be configured for a wide variety of geometrical configurations compatible with, e.g., varying pipe angles, elevations and sizes. The form assembly is configurable to provide any desired angle and elevation for the pipe apertures using existing, standard sets of form assembly materials, and may also be used in conjunction with industry-standard cylindrical casting jackets for compatibility with existing casting operations. The resulting system provides for flexible construction of a wide variety of lined manhole base assemblies at minimal cost, reduced concrete consumption and reduced operational complexity. The modular nature of the production form assembly also facilitates reduced inventory requirements when various manhole base assembly geometries are needed. |
| US09617721B2 |
Systems and methods for transporting bio-waste
A system for receiving and transporting bio-waste without the use of water as a carrier of the bio-waste is disclosed. The system comprises a bio-waste receptacle configured to receive bio-waste and is associated with an exterior wall of a structure. The system further comprises a bio-waste cart receivable at least partially within the bio-waste receptacle and comprising a base and a collection bucket for receiving the bio-waste, the base having a plurality of wheels for transporting the collection bucket. The system further comprises a transport system for moving the bio-waste cart along a pre-defined pathway, the transport system comprising a tunnel-like structure and a mechanical, manually operated locomotive device and wherein the tunnel-like structure conceals the pre-defined pathway and at least a portion of the mechanical, manually operated locomotive device. The system further comprises a bio-waste depository positioned on the pre-defined pathway for receiving the transported bio-waste. |
| US09617719B2 |
Integrated air conditioning and water-harvesting with demand-dependent cooling-load regulation
Integrated air conditioning and water-harvesting systems are disclosed. In these systems, one subsystem (air conditioning or water-harvesting) may be a primary subsystem and the other subsystem may be a secondary subsystem. As load on the overall system increases to the point the cooling demands for both subsystems cannot be met simultaneously, the system automatically reduces output of the secondary subsystem. In certain embodiments, an atmospheric water-harvester may be connected into the (potentially pre-existing) chilled-water system that provides cooling throughout a building, either via distributed fan-coil units or a centralized air-handling unit. Additionally, providing cooled-air exhaust from an atmospheric water-harvester to a building's cooling system allows substantial quantities of water to be produced at nominal incremental operating cost over a simple, straightforward air conditioning system. |
| US09617717B2 |
Construction machine control system and construction machine control method
A construction machine control system controls a construction machine including a traveling device, a work machine having a working tool, and a swing structure to which the work machine is attached and which is attached to the traveling device to swing with respect to the traveling device. The construction machine control system includes a position detection device that detects a first position which is a position of a partial portion of the construction machine and outputs the first position as first position information; a state detection device that detects and outputs operation information indicating an operation of the construction machine; and a processing device that calculates a second position corresponding to the position of the partial portion using the first position information and the operation information and calculates a position of at least a partial portion of the work machine using second position information. |
| US09617704B2 |
Reinforcement assemblies, fixtures, and methods
Reinforcement assemblies, reinforcement fixtures, methods of constructing a reinforcement assembly, and methods of constructing a reinforcement fixture are described herein. An example embodiment of a reinforcement assembly comprises a plate, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of elongate members. The plate comprises a plate lengthwise axis, a plate center axis, a plate top surface, a plate bottom surface, and a plate outer surface. Each connector of the plurality of connectors is attached to the plate outer surface and each elongate member of the plurality of elongate members is attached to a connector of the plurality of connectors. |
| US09617703B2 |
Ground anchor system and method
A ground anchor system configured for introducing into a borehole, and comprising a plurality of straps each having a length dimension extending along a central longitudinal axis of the ground anchor system. Each of said straps has a width dimension taken along a major axis and a thickness dimension taken along a minor axis. The major axis and the minor axis are disposed at a transverse plane of the ground anchor system and intersect at a middle point. The middle point of each of said straps is intersected by an imaginary line extending through the longitudinal axis at the transverse plane. The imaginary line forms an angle smaller than 90° with the major axis of the respective strap. |
| US09617702B2 |
Pile with sound abatement
A noise-attenuating pile comprising a pile driving shoe, an outer tube that engages the pile driving shoe, and an inner member that extends through the outer tube and engages the pile driving shoe, wherein the pile is configured to be installed in sediment or other suitable material by driving the inner member with a pile driver, without directly impacting the outer tube, such that the radial outer tube is substantially insulated from the radial expansion waves generated by the pile driver impacting the inner member. In some piles, one of the inner member and the outer tube are removable after installation. In some piles, a seal is provided in a lower end of the channel defined between the inner member and the outer tube, which may be biodegradable, or may be an inflatable bladder, for example. |
| US09617701B2 |
Multi-stage extending ground anchor assembly
In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to ground anchor assemblies. Specifically, the present invention provides a multi-stage extending ground anchor assembly including wing members that are coupled to a fixing member of the ground anchor assembly. The wing members are configured to make contact with an inner wall of a ground hole such that the earth anchor assembly can be used in surfaces of any consistency, including both bedrock and soft surfaces. |
| US09617697B2 |
Device for damping vibrations in a cable
A device (22) for damping vibrations in a cable (16) comprises an arm (25) oscillating about a pivot (26), a first damper (30) for damping the oscillations of the arm, a coupler (27) attached to the cable, a second, linear-travel damper (31) having an upper end connected to the coupler and a lower end connected to the arm, and a guide (28) for sliding the coupler with respect to the arm parallel to the travel of the second damper such that the movements of the cable that are transverse to the travel of the second damper are transmitted to the arm independently of the second damper. |
| US09617693B1 |
Lifting elements for crane mats
An industrial mat having a supporting structure; an upper layer provided above the supporting structure for forming an upper surface of the mat, a lower layer provided below the supporting structure for providing a lower surface of the mat; and lifting elements attached to the upper layer, the lower layer or the supporting structure. The lifting elements include D-shaped members, O-shaped members, U-shaped members, eyelets, hooks, circular or polygonal rings, chains, or cables that are configured and dimensioned for attachment to attached to the supporting structure or the upper or lower layer with sufficient strength to provide certified overhead lifting of the mat for installation and reclamation thereof. |
| US09617692B2 |
Tie plugging machine and method
A railroad tie maintenance vehicle is configured to seal spike holes in a railroad tie formed by the removal of railroad spikes. The vehicle includes a chassis with an integrated operator work station. The vehicle may move along railroad tracks with a plurality of wheels that support the chassis and that are configured to engage at least one railroad track. A motive power source, supported on the chassis, may be controlled by an operator within the operator work station to propel the vehicle along the railroad tracks. At least one storage vessel on the chassis contains a chemical solution used to fill the spike holes. At least two injection devices on the chassis are remotely controlled by the single operator, possibly by the operation of a single controller such as a joystick, to move into alignment with respective spike holes and to fill the spike holes with the chemical solution. |
| US09617689B2 |
Passive switch for a railway track
A passive switch for a railway track is disclosed. A railway car is moveable along the railway track in a facing direction. The passive switch includes a first track section and a second track section. The first track section includes a first main track, a first diverging track, and a first guard rail. The first guard rail is shaped to guide a first wheel of the railway car from the first main track onto the first diverging track as the first wheel travels in the facing direction within the passive switch. The second track section includes a second main track and a second diverging track. The second main track is shaped to guide a second wheel of the railway car from the second main track onto the second diverging track. |
| US09617688B2 |
Rail assembly
A rail assembly including one or more rail bodies formed for supporting rolling engagement of a train wheel thereover, the rolling engagement generating vibrations in the rail body. The rail assembly includes one or more boots formed for attachment to the rail body to substantially electrically isolate the rail body relative to ground material. The boot includes a chamber wall for at least partially defining a chamber between the rail body and the chamber wall when the boot is attached to the rail body. The rail assembly also includes one or more inserts positionable in the chamber, at least a part of the vibrations being transmittable to the insert when the insert is positioned in the chamber, for dissipation of at least a proportion of the part of the vibrations in the insert. |
| US09617686B2 |
Use of surfactant to treat pulp and improve the incorporation of kraft pulp into fiber for the production of viscose and other secondary fiber products
A surfactant treated bleached softwood kraft pulp fiber, useful as a starting material In the production of cellulose derivatives including cellulose ether, cellulose esters and viscose, is disclosed. Methods for making the kraft pulp fiber and products made from it are also described. |
| US09617685B2 |
Process for making paper and nonwoven articles comprising synthetic microfiber binders
A process of making a paper or nonwoven article is provide. The process comprising: a) providing a fiber furnish comprising a plurality of fibers and a plurality of binder microfibers, wherein the binder microfibers comprise a water non-dispersible, synthetic polymer; wherein the binder microfibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a fineness of less than 0.5 d/f; and wherein the binder microfibers have a melting temperature that is less than the melting temperature of the fibers; b) routing the fiber furnish to a wet-laid nonwoven process to produce at least one wet-laid nonwoven web layer; c) removing water from the wet-laid nonwoven web layer; and d) thermally bonding the wet-laid nonwoven web layer after step (c); wherein the thermal bonding is conducted at a temperature such that the surfaces of the binder microfibers at least partially melt without causing the fibers to melt thereby bonding the binder microfibers to the fibers to produce the paper or nonwoven article. |
| US09617681B2 |
Method for operating a clothes drying appliance and clothes drying appliance
A method is provided for operating a clothes drying appliance, wherein a moisture content of clothes is determined by measuring a current running through the clothes and wherein the determining takes into account a salt content of the moisture. The clothes drying appliance is adapted to perform the method. |
| US09617678B2 |
Impeller housing for an appliance
A housing for receiving an impeller is provided. The housing includes a transition duct that extends between a volute of the housing and an exhaust exit of the housing. The transition duct defines a bend between the volute of the housing and the exhaust exit of the housing. Cross-sections of the transition duct upstream and downstream of the transition duct define a substantially rectilinear shape. A related dryer appliance is also provided. |
| US09617676B2 |
Laundry treatment apparatus
A laundry treatment apparatus including a cabinet forming an appearance of the apparatus, a drum rotatably disposed in the cabinet, a housing fixed to the drum, an accommodation space defined within the housing forming a closed loop, a balancing unit movably disposed in the accommodation space, and a housing power line provided at an inner circumferential surface of the housing to supply power to the balancing unit, wherein the balancing unit includes a unit body, a motor for moving the unit body, a brush contacting the housing power line, and a power terminal housing fixed to the unit body and having a space in which the brush is removably installed. |
| US09617672B2 |
Method for performing the automated closure of an axial end of a tubular manufacture and for unloading it inside out and apparatus for performing the method
A method for performing the automated closure of an axial end of a tubular manufacture and for unloading it inside out, comprising a step of positioning the manufacture right way out at a sewing or linking station, arranged so that its axis is substantially vertical and so that it hangs, by means of a first axial end to be closed by sewing or linking, from an annular handling device; then a step of turning the manufacture inside out is performed; a step of closing the first axial end of the manufacture by sewing or linking is then performed; then a step of disengaging the manufacture from the handling device is performed and then a step of moving the manufacture away is performed. |
| US09617670B2 |
Sewing machine and non-transitory computer-readable medium
A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a switching frame, a movement mechanism, a processor, and a memory. The sewing portion is configured to perform sewing on a sewing workpiece. The switching frame is configured to hold the sewing workpiece. The movement mechanism is configured to move the switching frame mounted thereon. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include acquiring first pattern data used to sew a first pattern, acquiring second pattern data used to sew a second pattern, causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame and the sewing portion to sew the first pattern, causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame to an escape position, and causing the movement mechanism to move the switching frame and the sewing portion to sew the second pattern. |
| US09617667B1 |
Sinker equipped with lubrication oil channeling and separating structure
A sinker equipped with lubrication oil channeling and separating structure is an element of a knitting machine which includes at least a dial, a sinker disc, an oil ejection nozzle to sprinkle lubrication oil and a yarn feeder. The dial includes a plurality of needle troughs to hold respectively a knitting needle. The sinker disc includes a plurality of sinker troughs to hold the sinker. The sinker includes a base located in the sinker troughs, a driving nub located above the base, a knitting portion located at a front end of the base, an oil sprinkling zone interposed between the base and the knitting portion, and a lubrication oil channeling and separating structure interposed between the knitting portion and the oil sprinkling zone. The lubrication oil channeling and separating structure includes a separating slot, a flow channeling portion and an oil blocking portion that are around the separating slot. |
| US09617666B2 |
Coffee yarn and fabric using the same
A coffee yarn and a fabric using the same are provided herein and the fabric includes a plurality of coffee yarns and a plurality of weaving yarns. The coffee yarns are arranged in parallel and each one of the coffee yarns includes a yarn body and multiple coffee particles. The yarn body has a wavy strip shape and includes a plurality of bending sections and a plurality of non-bending sections. The coffee particles are embedded within the yarn body. A density of the coffee particles in the bending sections is greater than a density of the coffee particles in the non-bending sections. The weaving yarns are arranged in parallel and the weaving yarns are alternately weaved with the coffee yarns. |
| US09617665B2 |
Hybrid tank wall for high performance crash resistant tanks
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to reinforcement materials for use in reinforcing flexible tank walls, and particularly to hybrid textiles and weaving patterns that have been found particularly useful with such hybrid textiles. |
| US09617664B2 |
Polyester fiber for airbag and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a polyester fiber that can be applied to a fabric for airbag, particularly, to a polyester fiber having an elongation of 0.4% or less at the stress of 1.0 g/d, an enlongation of 4.0% or less at the stress of 4.0 g/d, and an enlongation of 7.0% or less at the stress of 7.0 g/d, and an initial modulus of 105 to 130 g/d; a method of preparing the same; and a fabric for airbag prepared therefrom. Since the polyester fiber of the present invention decreases stiffness remarkably and secures superior mechanical properties by having a high strength, high elongation, and high shrinkage, it is possible to provide superior packing property, dimensional stability, and air-tight effect, and to protect passengers safely by minimizing the impact applied to the passengers, when it is used for the fabric for airbag. |
| US09617662B2 |
Two-layered metal cord rubberized in situ by an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer
A metal cord has an M+N construction with two concentric layers. An internal first layer or core includes M wire(s) of diameter d1, M having a value from 1 to 4. An external second layer includes N wires of diameter d2 and is positioned around the core, the N wires being wound in a helix. Between the wires of the two layers are gaps, some or all of which include a filling rubber based on an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer. The filling rubber may be, for example, based on an SBS or an SIS block copolymer. When used in a molten state, the thermoplastic elastomer presents no problem due to unwanted stickiness if the filling rubber overspills outside the cord after manufacture. The unsaturated and therefore (co)vulcanizable nature of the thermoplastic elastomer makes it compatible with diene rubber matrices used as calendering rubber in metal fabrics intended for reinforcing tires. |
| US09617660B2 |
Reinforcing nanofiber additives
Provided herein are high performance reinforcing nanostructure additives, high throughput processes for using such additives, and composites comprising such additives. Such nanostructure additives include nanofibers, including nanofiber fragments, of various matrix materials, including metal(s) (e.g., elemental metal(s), metal alloy(s), etc.), metal oxide(s), ceramic(s), metal carbide(s), carbon (e.g., carbon nanocomposites comprising carbon matrix with metal component embedded therein), and/or combinations thereof. |
| US09617657B2 |
Synthesis, capping and dispersion of nanocrystals
Preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and their dispersions in solvents and other media is described. The nanocrystals described herein have small (1-10 nm) particle size with minimal aggregation and can be synthesized with high yield. The capping agents on the as-synthesized nanocrystals as well as nanocrystals which have undergone cap exchange reactions result in the formation of stable suspensions in polar and nonpolar solvents which may then result in the formation of high quality nanocomposite films. |
| US09617649B2 |
Porous structure provided with a pattern that is composed of conductive polymer and method of manufacturing the same
A porous structure (1) provided with a pattern that is composed of a conductive polymer, which comprises a porous body (2) and a pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer and arranged on the porous body (2). The porous body (2) is preferably a gel, and a dopant may be added to the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer. If an agarose gel is used as the gel (2) and a PEDOT electrode (3A) is used as the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer in the porous structure (1) which is provided with the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer, the porous structure (1) can be used as an electrode for cell stimulation. The porous structure (1) provided with the pattern (3) that is composed of a conductive polymer can be produced by an electropolymerization method. |
| US09617645B1 |
Anti-corrosion and water-repellent substance and method
An anti-corrosion and water-repellent substance configured for application to surfaces of materials to prevent corrosion and otherwise protect those materials. The substance consists of 1-bromopropane, nitromethane, ethyloxirane, and highly refined paraffin wax. In a preferred embodiment of a method of treating materials, the anti-corrosion and water-repellent substance is sprayed on a surface. In other embodiments, the substance may be applied with a brush or roller. In yet another embodiment, the substance may be applied by immersing the items being treated for optimal coverage of their exposed surfaces. The substance adheres to various materials and protects them by repelling water, acids, salt brines, and other substances and elements, including corrosives. |
| US09617644B2 |
Method for direct metallization of non-conductive substrates
The present invention relates to a method for direct metallization of non-conductive substrates as well as a conductor solution used in such a method. According to the invention, it is proposed to contact a non-conductive substrate surface after activation by a noble metal colloid-containing activator solution with a conductor solution, which comprises a metal that is reducible by a metal of the activator solution, a complexing agent and a reducing agent. |
| US09617643B2 |
Methods for coating metals on hydrophobic surfaces
A method of plating a metal on a hydrophobic polymer, especially in the shape of small particles, involves: (a) contacting a surface of hydrophobic polymer substrate with a polycation such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) to create a treated surface; (b) contacting the treated surface with a catalyst; and then (c) immersing the surface in a electroless metal plating bath to create a coating of metal on the surface. Metals include copper, silver, gold, nickel and cobalt. Catalysts are selected from compounds containing palladium, platinum, tin, copper, or nickel salts. Damaging surface treatments such as etching by plasma or acid are avoided. |
| US09617642B1 |
Silver formation using stannous alkoxide complexes
A method for forming an article, comprises providing a stannous alkoxide-containing pattern on a substrate. This stannous alkoxide-containing pattern is obtained from a non-aqueous stannous alkoxide composition that comprises component (a) comprising a water-insoluble stannous alkoxide complex comprising stannous ions, in an amount of at least 1 weight %, and a photocurable component (b), non-photocurable water-insoluble polymer component (c) having a molecular weight of at least 10,000, or both the photocurable component (b) and the non-photocurable water-insoluble polymer component (c). When photocurable component (b) is present, the water-insoluble stannous alkoxide composition further comprises photosensitizer component (d) that is different from all of components (a) through (c). The reducible silver ions can be chemically reduced to silver(0) particles as “seed” catalysts for electroless plating to form an electrically-conductive pattern corresponding to the water-insoluble stannous alkoxide-containing pattern. |
| US09617640B2 |
Apparatus and methods for injector to substrate gap control
Described are apparatus and methods for processing a semiconductor wafer in which the gap between the wafer surface and the gas distribution assembly remains uniform and of known thickness. The wafer is positioned within a susceptor assembly and the assembly is lifted toward the gas distribution assembly using actuators. The wafer can be lifted toward the gas distribution assembly by creating a fluid bearing below and/or above the wafer. |
| US09617638B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for showerhead backside parasitic plasma suppression in a secondary purge enabled ALD system
Disclosed are methods of depositing films of material on semiconductor substrates employing the use of a secondary purge. The methods may include flowing a film precursor into a processing chamber and adsorbing the film precursor onto a substrate in the processing chamber such that the precursor forms an adsorption-limited layer on the substrate. The methods may further include removing at least some unadsorbed film precursor from the volume surrounding the adsorbed precursor by purging the processing chamber with a primary purge gas, and thereafter reacting adsorbed film precursor while a secondary purge gas is flowed into the processing chamber, resulting in the formation of a film layer on the substrate. The secondary purge gas may include a chemical species having an ionization energy and/or a disassociation energy equal to or greater than that of O2. Also disclosed are apparatuses which implement the foregoing processes. |
| US09617635B2 |
Vapor deposition apparatus
A vapor deposition apparatus including a first region including a first injection unit configured to inject a first raw material, and a second region including a second injection unit configured to inject a second raw material, wherein the second injection unit includes a plasma generation unit, wherein the plasma generation unit includes a plasma generator, a corresponding surface surrounding the plasma generator, and a plasma generation space between the plasma generator and the corresponding surface, and wherein the plasma generator has a groove in a lengthwise direction of the plasma generator. |
| US09617633B2 |
Coating packaged chamber parts for semiconductor plasma apparatus
An advanced coating for parts used in plasma processing chamber. The advanced coating is formed over an anodized surface that has not been sealed. After the coating is formed, the coated area is masked, and the remaining anodized surface is sealed. The porous and rough structure of the anodized but un-sealed aluminum enhances adhesion of the coating. However, to prevent particle generation, the exposed anodized surface is sealed after formation of the coating. The coating can be of yttria, formed by plasma enhanced atomic deposition techniques which results in a dense and smooth coating. |
| US09617629B2 |
Copper-nickel-zinc alloy containing silicon
The invention includes a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with the following composition in weight %: Cu 47.0 to 49.0%, Ni 8.0 to 10.0%, Mn 0.2 to 0.6%, Si 0.05 to 0.4%, Pb 1.0 to 1.5%, Fe and/or Co up to 0.8%, the rest being Zn and unavoidable impurities, wherein the total of the Fe content and double the Co content is at least 0.1 weight % and wherein mixing silicides containing nickel, iron and manganese and/or containing nickel, cobalt and manganese are stored as spherical or ellipsoidal particles in a structure consisting of an α- and β-phase. The invention further relates to a method for producing semi-finished products from a copper-nickel-zinc alloy. |
| US09617628B2 |
Lean austenitic stainless steel
An austenitic stainless steel having low nickel and molybdenum and exhibiting comparable corrosion resistance and formability properties to higher nickel and molybdenum alloys comprises, in weight %, up to 0.20 C, 2.0-9.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 16.0-23.0 Cr, 1.0-5.0 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.1-0.35 N, up to 4.0 W, up to 0.01 B, up to 1.0 Co, iron and impurities, the steel having a ferrite number of less than 10 and a MD30 value of less than 20° C. |
| US09617626B2 |
High-strength steel sheet exhibiting excellent stretch-flange formability and bending workability, and method of producing molten steel for the high-strength steel sheet
The present invention provides a high-strength steel sheet including: C: 0.03 to 0.25 mass %, Si: 0.1 to 2.0 mass %, Mn: 0.5 to 3.0 mass %, P: not more than 0.05 mass %, T.O: not more than 0.0050 mass %, S: 0.0001 to 0.01 mass %, N: 0.0005 to 0.01 mass %, acid-soluble Al: more than 0.01 mass %, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.0050 mass %, and a total of at least one element of Ce, La, Nd, and Pr: 0.001 to 0.01 mass %, with a balance including iron and inevitable impurities, in which the steel sheet contains a chemical component on a basis of mass that satisfies 0.7<100×([Ce]+[La]+[Nd]+[Pr])/[acid-soluble Al]≦70 and 0.2≦([Ce]+[La]+[Nd]+[Pr])/[S]≦10, the steel sheet contains compound inclusion including a first inclusion phase containing at least one element of Ce, La, Nd, and Pr, containing Ca, and containing at least one element of O and S, and a second inclusion phase having a component different from that of the first inclusion phase and containing at least one element of Mn, Si, and Al, the compound inclusion forms a spherical compound inclusion having an equivalent circle diameter in the range of 0.5 μm to 5 μm, and a ratio of the number of the spherical compound inclusion relative to the number of all inclusions having the equivalent circle diameter in the range of 0.5 μm to 5 μm is 30% or more. |
| US09617624B2 |
Steel sheet for hot stamping member and method of producing same
A steel sheet for a hot stamping member contains, as a chemical composition, 0.10 mass % to 0.35 mass % of C; 0.01 mass % to 1.0 mass % of Si; 0.3 mass % to 2.3 mass % of Mn; 0.01 mass % to 0.5 mass % of Al; limited to 0.03 mass % or less of P; limited to 0.02 mass % or less of S; limited to 0.1 mass % or less of N; and a balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities, in which a standard deviation of diameters of iron carbides which are contained in a region from a surface to a ¼ thickness position of the steel sheet is less than or equal to 0.8 μm. |
| US09617621B2 |
Method for treating a solution containing zinc sulphate
The invention relates to a method for treating a solution containing zinc sulphate, so that at least one of the rare metals such as indium, gallium and germanium can be separated from it. A portion of the metals to be separated can be precipitated from zinc sulphate solution by neutralizing the acidic solution and at least a portion is cemented by means of metal powder. The solid precipitates that are formed can be combined and treated subsequently in some suitable way to leach out the desired metals. |
| US09617619B2 |
Hydrometallurgical process for nickel oxide ore
Provided is a hydrometallurgical process for nickel oxide ore by high pressure acid leach that achieves a high iron oxidation ratio. The carbon grade in ore slurry and the flow rate are measured to determine the amount of carbon to be fed, and then, sulfuric acid is added. The blowing ratio of high pressure air and high pressure oxygen is adjusted so as to attain an oxygen purity of 21% to 60%. While the oxygen purity is maintained, an oxygen blowing amount per weight of carbon contained in the ore slurry and fed in the second step is adjusted to 200 to 600 Nm3, whereby ORP (Ag/AgCl basis) in the leaching treatment is controlled to 400 to 650 mV. |
| US09617618B2 |
Silicon purification mold and method
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for purifying materials using a fractional solidification. Devices and methods shown provide control over a temperature gradient and cooling rate during fractional solidification, which results in a material of higher purity. The apparatus and methods of the present invention can be used to make silicon material for use in solar applications such as solar cells. |
| US09617616B2 |
Method for producing grain-oriented electrical steel sheet
In a method for producing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet by comprising a series of steps of hot rolling a raw steel material containing C: 0.002-0.10 mass %, Si: 2.0-8.0 mass % and Mn: 0.005-1.0 mass % to obtain a hot rolled sheet, subjecting the hot rolled steel sheet after or without hot band annealing to one stage cold rolling or two or more stage cold rollings including an intermediate annealing therebetween to obtain a cold rolled sheet having a final sheet thickness, subjecting the cold rolled sheet to decarburization annealing combined with primary recrystallization annealing, applying an annealing separator to the steel sheet surface and then subjecting to a final annealing, when rapid heating is performed at a rate of not less than 50° C./s in a range of 200-700° C. of the decarburization annealing, the cold rolled sheet is subjected to holding at any temperature of 250-600° C. for 1-10 seconds thereof to thereby produce a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet being low in the iron loss and small in the deviation of the iron loss value. |
| US09617615B2 |
Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and method for manufacturing same
Provided is a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet including: a forsterite base film formed on a surface of the steel sheet; and an insulating tension coating formed on the base film, in which when Ti intensity FX(Ti), Al intensity FX(Al), and Fe intensity FX(Fe) obtained through quantitative analysis by performing fluorescent X-ray analysis on the surface of the steel sheet satisfy FX(Ti)/FX(Al)≧0.15 and FX(Ti)/FX(Fe)≧0.004, the frequency of crystal boundaries of secondary recrystallized grains in the direction orthogonal to the rolling direction is 20 grain boundaries/100 mm or less, the mean thickness of the forsterite base film t(Fo) and the thickness of the insulating tension coating t(C) satisfies t(Fo)/t(C)≧0.3, and magnetic domain refining treatment is performed by irradiation with a laser beam, plasma flame, or electron beam, a sufficient iron loss reducing effect is achieved in a range where coating detachment does not occur. |
| US09617614B2 |
Method for manufacturing high strength steel sheet having excellent formability
A method of manufacturing a high strength steel sheet having excellent formability suitable for the material of an automotive part has a tensile strength (TS) of 980 MPa or more and total elongation (EL) is 25% or more. A steel slab has a chemical composition containing C: 0.03% to 0.35%, Si: 0.5% to 3.0%, Mn: 3.5% to 10.0%, P: 0.100% or less, S: 0.02% or less, and the remainder includes Fe and incidental impurities on a percent by mass basis is hot-rolled, a heat treatment is performed, in which an achieved temperature of Ac1 to Ac1+100° C. is held for 3 minutes or more, subsequently, cold rolling is performed at a rolling reduction of 20% or more and, annealing is performed, in which an achieved temperature of Ac1−30° C. to Ac1+100° C. is held for 1 minute or more. |
| US09617612B2 |
Structures and methods of manufacture of microstructures within a structure to selectively adjust a response or responses of resulting structures or portions of structures to shock induced deformation or force loading
Structures and methods of manufacturing utilizing direction of force loading or shock induced deformation of structures including microstructures produced in accordance with embodiments of the invention are provided. In one example, a method of manufacturing and structure including providing a metallic plate; forming said plate such that an original longitudinal direction of rolling the plate is perpendicular to a long direction of the plate, thus a force load on the plate would then be distributed over the longitudinal direction. |
| US09617608B2 |
Sugar compositions
A sugar composition comprising at least 40% dissolved solids in an aqueous solution having a viscosity at least 10% lower than a 42 DE (Dextrose Equivalents) reference solution with a same dissolved solids concentration at a given temperature. Another sugar composition comprising at least 30% glucose relative to total sugars, at least 10% mannose relative to total sugars, at least 5% xylose relative to total sugars, and less than 0.25% ash. Another sugar composition comprising at least 30% glucose relative to total sugars at least 10% mannose relative to total sugars, at least 5% xylose relative to total sugars, and at least 2% total furfurals. |
| US09617600B2 |
Methods for assessing responsiveness of B-cell lymphoma to treatment with anti-CD40 antibodies
The invention provides methods and kits useful for predicting or assessing responsiveness of a patient having B-cell lymphoma to treatment with anti-CD40 antibodies. |
| US09617596B2 |
Biomarkers predictive for clinical response for glatiramer acetate
The present invention provides a method for treating a human subject afflicted with multiple sclerosis or a single clinical attack consistent with multiple sclerosis with a pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, comprising the steps of: a) determining whether the human subject is a glatiramer acetate responder by evaluating expression of a biomarker selected from the group consisting of ERAP2, SIGLEC1, AAK1, KIAA1671, PLEKHA2, LOC730974, IFIT3, RWDD3, MYO6 SCARA3 and IFI44L, or a combination thereof, in human subject; and b) administering the pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the human subject only if the human subject is identified as a glatiramer acetate responder. |
| US09617593B2 |
Nanopore-based single DNA molecule characterization, identification and isolation using speed bumps
The present invention relates to a method of using nanopores to obtain sequence information of sample DNAs in ss test DNAs. The method comprises using speed bumps to stall the ss test DNAs in the nanopores at random positions of the ss test DNAs to obtain sequence information of each and every nucleotides of the sample DNAs, and to construct the whole sequences of the sample DNAs. The present invention also relates to identification and/or isolation of test DNAs having desired sequence(s) using nanopore detectors facilitated by speed bump. |
| US09617590B2 |
DNA sample preparation and sequencing
This disclosure describes, in one aspect, a method for preparing DNA molecule for sequencing. Generally, the method includes fragmenting the DNA molecule into double-stranded fragments; amplifying at least a portion of the double-stranded fragments; circularizing the fragments so that the first end of the fragment comprises a first loop connecting the strands and the second end of the fragment comprises a second loop connecting the strands; annealing a first sequencing primer to the first loop oriented to sequence at least a portion of one strand of the fragment; and annealing a second sequencing primer to the second loop oriented to sequence at least a portion of the other strand of the fragment. In another aspect, this disclosure describes a method for sequencing a DNA molecule. Generally, the method includes fragmenting the DNA molecule into double-stranded fragments; amplifying at least a portion of the double-stranded fragments; circularizing the fragments so that the first end of the fragment comprises a first loop connecting the strands and the second end of the fragment comprises a second loop connecting the strands; and sequencing at least one of the DNA strands. |
| US09617585B2 |
Processes for detecting or quantifying more than one nucleic acid in a library
This invention provides novel compositions and processes for analyte detection, quantification and amplification. Nucleic acid arrays and libraries of analytes are usefully incorporated into such compositions and processes. Universal detection elements, signaling entities and the like are employed to detect and if necessary or desirable, to quantify analytes. Amplification of target analytes are also provided by the compositions and processes of this invention. |
| US09617584B2 |
Processes for detecting or quantifying nucleic acids using an array of fixed or immobilized nucleic acids
This invention provides novel compositions and processes for analyte detection, quantification and amplification. Nucleic acid arrays and libraries of analytes are usefully incorporated into such compositions and processes. Universal detection elements, signaling entities and the like are employed to detect and if necessary or desirable, to quantify analytes. Amplification of target analytes are also provided by the compositions and processes of this invention. |
| US09617580B2 |
Method for the quantitative assessment of global and specific DNA repair capacities of at least one biological medium, and the applications therefor
A method for quantitative assessment of base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) DNA capacities of one or more cellular extracts using supercoiled plasmid DNA by characterizing lesions on the plasmids relative to a control. |
| US09617579B2 |
DDR2 mutations as targetable features of melanoma or basal cell carcinoma
Described herein are methods for diagnosing melanoma or basal cell carcinoma based on mutations in the DDR2 gene. Further, a distinct subgroup of BRAF-mutated melanomas have somatic mutations in the DDR2 gene as well. Applications of this finding to routine diagnostics include the molecular stratification of melanoma, and the tissue identification of targetable DDR2 kinase mutations in routine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. Described herein are methods, compositions and kits related to the discovery that DDR2 mutations may be markers for melanoma generally, and BRAF-mediated melanoma in particular, opening up the possibility of dual therapy for melanoma by targeting both DDR2 and BRAF. |
| US09617577B2 |
Bacillus pumilus bilirubin oxidase and applications thereof
The present invention relates to a novel Bacillus pumilus bilirubin oxidase, to the method for preparing same and also to the use thereof in particular for assaying bilirubin and for using enzymatic biofuel cells. |
| US09617575B2 |
High concentration methanol tolerant methanotroph and its application
The present invention discloses a high concentration methanol tolerant methanotroph and its application, a accession number of the methanotroph in China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center being CGMCC No. 9873, deposit date being Oct. 29, 2014, category names being Methylomonas sp. ZR1. The methanotroph Methylomonas sp. ZR1 disclosed by the present invention can grow rapidly by using methane, and can tolerate with high concentration of methanol. The methanotroph Methylomonas sp. ZR1 can use C1 compounds such as methane and methanol to produce high value-added products such as carotenoids and polysaccharides, which has high application prospect in biological transformation of one-carbon chemistry. |
| US09617573B2 |
Engineered transaminase polypeptides for industrial biocatalysis
The present disclosure provides engineered transaminase polypeptides useful for the synthesis of chiral amine compounds under industrially relevant conditions. The disclosure also provides polynucleotides encoding the engineered transaminase polypeptides, host cells capable of expressing the engineered transaminases, and methods of using the engineered transaminases for the production of chiral amine compounds. |
| US09617566B2 |
Control of bioreactor processes
Processes, as well as associated systems and computer program (software) products, are disclosed for the biological conversion of CO into desired end products such as ethanol. The control methodologies used for these processes can advantageously result in a reduced time required for a batch operation or other initial operating period, prior to achieving a continuous operation, which may be demarcated either by the addition of fresh culture medium at a defined flow rate or by another process initiation target. The control methodologies may alternatively, or in combination, improve a process performance parameter, such as productivity of the desired end product or bacterial growth rate, during this batch operation or other initial operating period. |
| US09617563B2 |
Recombinant cell, and method for producing β-phellandrene
To provide a series of techniques for obtaining β-phellandrene with high purity and in a large quantity.Provided is a recombinant cell capable of producing β-phellandrene, prepared by introducing at least one nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of a nucleic acid encoding geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) synthase and a nucleic acid encoding neryl pyrophosphate (NPP) synthase, and a nucleic acid encoding β-phellandrene synthase into a host cell in such a manner that these nucleic acids are expressed in the host cell. Also provided is a method for producing β-phellandrene by culturing the recombinant cell to produce β-phellandrene in the recombinant cell. |
| US09617562B2 |
Nonviral targeted nanoparticle system for gene transfer and drug delivery
The embodiments herein provide a nanoparticle system for targeted gene delivery or a drug delivery and a method of synthesizing the same. The nanoparticle composition for targeted gene transfer and drug delivery comprises a protein, a chitosan and a lipid. A method of synthesizing the nanoparticles involves preparing a gelatine and chitosan gel. A milky colloid solution is prepared with the gelatine, chitosan solution and a phosphatidylcholine. The milky colloid is homogenized for the self assembly of the nanoparticles. The milky colloid is subjected to high speed and high pressure homogenizer. The CHO cells are transfected with nanoparticles and lipofectamine 2000 for comparing the transfection efficiency. The nanoparticles deliver DNA, RNA, ribozyme and nucleotide sequences. The nanoparticles deliver lipophylic and hydrophilic drugs. The transfection efficiency of gene and drug is higher when the target cells are transferred with nanoparticles, compared to the cells transferred with lipofectamine 2000. |
| US09617560B2 |
Simian (gorilla) adenovirus or adenoviral vectors and methods of use
The invention provides an adenovirus or adenoviral vector characterized by comprising one or more particular nucleic acid sequences or one or more particular amino acid sequences, or portions thereof, pertaining to, for example, an adenoviral pIX protein, DNA polymerase protein, penton protein, hexon protein, and/or fiber protein. |
| US09617557B2 |
Plants having increased yield-related traits by expressing a growth-regulating factor (GRF) polypeptide and method for making the same
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for increasing various plant yield-related traits by increasing expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a GRF polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having increased expression of a nucleic acid encoding a GRF polypeptide, which plants have increased yield-related traits relative to control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. |
| US09617555B2 |
Generation of transgenic canola with low or no saturated fatty acids
Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel delta-9 desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, methods of expressing nucleic acids in a plant cell to take advantage of the delta-9 desaturase enzyme's activity, such that the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in plant seeds is decreased and there is a concomitant increase in Δ9 fatty acids. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have delta-9 desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of mono unsaturated fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds. |
| US09617552B2 |
Plant transformation without selection
The invention provides methods for identifying regenerated transformed plants and differentiated transformed plant parts, obtained without subjecting plant cells to selective conditions prior to regenerating the cells to obtain differentiated tissues. In particular embodiments, the plant cells are corn plant cells. Methods for growing and handling plants, including identifying plants that demonstrate specific traits of interest are also provided. |
| US09617551B2 |
Method of increasing plant transformation frequency using modified strains of Agrobacteria
Agrobacterium strains that harbor transformation-enhancing genes on a plasmid capable of replication independently of the Agrobacterium chromosome, the Ti plasmid, and plant transformation binary vectors, and uses for these Agrobacterium strains are provided. Additionally, Agrobacterium strains that are deficient in DNA recombination functions that result in instability or rearrangement of plant transformation binary vectors, and that harbor transformation-enhancing genes on a plasmid capable of replication independently of the Agrobacterium chromosome, the Ti plasmid, and plant transformation binary vectors, and uses for these strains, are also provided. Further included are Agrobacterium strains that harbor transformation-enhancing genes integrated into the Agrobacterium chromosome at a locus that does not interfere with or otherwise compromise the normal growth and plant transformation ability of the Agrobacterium cells, and uses for these Agrobacterium strains. Plants made using these Agrobacterium strains are also described. |
| US09617550B2 |
Pichia pastoris strains for producing predominantly homogeneous glycan structure
Disclosed herein are novel Pichia pastoris strains for expression of exogenous proteins with substantially homogeneous N-glycans. The strains are genetically engineered to include a mutant OCH1 allele which is transcribed into an mRNA coding for a mutant OCH1 gene product (i.e., α-1,6-mannosyltransferase, or “OCH1 protein”). The mutant OCH1 protein contains a catalytic domain substantially identical to that of the wild type OCH1 protein, but lacks an N-terminal sequence necessary to target the OCH1 protein to the Golgi apparatus. The strains disclosed herein are robust, stable, and transformable, and the mutant OCH1 allele and the ability to produce substantially homogeneous N-glycans are maintained for generations after rounds of freezing and thawing and after subsequent transformations. |
| US09617548B2 |
Liver-specific nucleic acid regulatory elements and methods and use thereof
The present invention relates to nucleic acid regulatory elements that are able to enhance liver-specific expression of genes, methods employing these regulatory elements and uses of these elements. Expression cassettes and vectors containing these nucleic acid regulatory elements are also disclosed. The present invention is particularly useful for applications using gene therapy. |
| US09617547B2 |
Chiral nucleic acid adjuvant
ProblemThe purpose of the present invention is to provide: a stereo isomer of a novel CpG oligonucleotide, which has excellent stability; and a CpG oligonucleotide which has a capability of producing interferon-α (IFNα).SolutionThe present invention relates to an oligonucleotide which contains two to four sequences each represented by the formula 5′-X1X2CpGX3X4-3′ (formula (I)) and has a length of 14 to 32 nucleotides. In formula (I), CpG represents a non-methylated CpG residue having a phosphate skeleton modification, X1X2 represents any one of AA, AT, GA and GT, and X3X4 represents any one of TT, AT, AC and CG. The oligonucleotide has at least one phosphate skeleton modification at an S-form stereoisomer located at a site other than the CpG. |
| US09617545B2 |
Method for treating breast cancer by targeting breast cancer stem cell
The present invention relates to a composition for inhibiting growth of cancer stem cells, which includes an EXT1, LDHB, CD109, EFEMP2, RASIP1 or SERPINE1 gene expression inhibitor as an active ingredient, and a method of treating cancer using the same. The composition has targeted therapeutic activities against cancer stem cells important for resistance, metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer, and thus can be useful in fundamentally treating, preventing or alleviating cancer such as breast cancer by directly inhibiting expression of EXT1, LDHB, CD109, EFEMP2, RASIP1 or SERPINE1 which are very important for growth of the cancer stem cells. |
| US09617542B2 |
Lepidopteran moth control using double-stranded RNA constructs
Disclosed is a dsRNA construct that relates to a method to control Lepidopteran moths via double-stranded RNA interference of the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene. |
| US09617540B2 |
Compounds and methods for modulating gene expression
The present disclosure describes short antisense compounds, including such compounds comprising chemically-modified high-affinity monomers 8-16 monomers in length. Certain such short antisense compound are useful for the reduction of target nucleic acids and/or proteins in cells, tissues, and animals with increased potency and improved therapeutic index. Thus, provided herein are short antisense compounds comprising high-affinity nucleotide modifications useful for reducing a target RNA in vivo. Such short antisense compounds are effective at lower doses than previously described antisense compounds, allowing for a reduction in toxicity and cost of treatment. In addition, the described short antisense compounds have greater potential for oral dosing. |
| US09617536B2 |
Focused libraries of genetic packages
Focused libraries of vectors or genetic packages that display, display and express, or comprise a member of a diverse family of antibody peptides, polypeptides or proteins and collectively display, display and express, or comprise at least a portion of the focused diversity of the family. The libraries have length and sequence diversities that mimic that found in native human antibodies. |
| US09617531B2 |
Modular method to prepare tetrameric cytokines with improved pharmacokinetics by the dock-and-lock
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming cytokine-antibody complexes using dock-and-lock technology. In preferred embodiments, the cytokine-MAb DNL complex comprises an IgG antibody attached to two AD (anchor domain) moieties and four cytokines, each attached to a DDD (docking and dimerization domain) moiety. The DDD moieties form dimers that bind to the AD moieties, resulting in a 2:1 ratio of DDD to AD. The cytokine-MAb complex exhibits improved pharmacokinetics, with a significantly longer serum half-life than either naked cytokine or PEGylated cytokine. The cytokine-MAb complex also exhibits significantly improved in vitro and in vivo efficacy compared to cytokine alone, antibody alone, unconjugated cytokine plus antibody or cytokine-MAb DNL complexes incorporating an irrelevant antibody. In a most preferred embodiment the complex comprises an anti-CD20 IgG antibody conjugated to four IFN-α2b moieties, although other antibodies and cytokines have been used to form effect DNL complexes. |
| US09617530B2 |
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase herbicide resistant sorghum
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for producing crop plants that are resistant to herbicides. In particular, the present invention provides for sorghum plants, plant tissues and plant seeds that contain altered acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) genes and proteins that are resistant to inhibition by herbicides that normally inhibit the activity of the ACC protein. |
| US09617529B2 |
Method for production of recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A
Disclosed is a method for production of recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A (rh alpha-Gal A) in a large scale, with a high purity. The method comprises the steps of (a) culturing rh alpha-Gal A-producing mammalian cells in a serum-free medium, (b) collecting culture supernatant, (c) subjecting the culture supernatant to anion-exchange column chromatography, (d) to hydrophobic column chromatography, (e) to a column chromatography employing as solid phase a material having affinity for phosphate group, (f) to cation-exchange column chromatography, and (g) to gel filtration column chromatography, in the order. |
| US09617527B2 |
Polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09617526B1 |
Mutated organophosphorus acid anhydrolases and their uses thereof
The invention is directed toward non-wild-type organophosphorus acid anhydrolases having three site mutations, method of production, and method of use to effectively degrade toxic chemical compounds such as (Ethyl({2-[bis(propan-2-yl)amino]ethyl}sulfanyl)(methyl)phosphinate (“VX”). |
| US09617525B2 |
Phosphotriesterase enzymes, methods and compositions related thereto
The instant invention provides methods and related compositions for identifying polypeptides with improved stability and/or enzymatic activity in comparison to native forms, wherein the identified polypeptides comprise one or more non-natural amino acids. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to novel phosphotriesterase enzymes comprising one or more non-natural amino acids. In a particular embodiment, the instant invention provides novel phosphotriesterase enzymes with greater stability and/or enhanced activity in comparison to native forms of the enzyme. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising novel phophotriesterase enzymes, such as prophylactics, decontaminants, animal feedstocks, and assay kits. |
| US09617521B2 |
In vitro model for a tumor microenvironment
Methods for mimicking a tumor microenvironment in vitro are provided. The methods comprise indirectly applying a shear stress upon at least one tumor cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for mimicking tumor metastasis and methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also provided. |
| US09617520B2 |
Device and method of 3-dimensionally generating in vitro blood vessels
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for generating concentration gradients of soluble molecules are disclosed herein. Devices and methods for generating in vitro blood vessels are also disclosed. |
| US09617516B2 |
Muscle-derived cells (MDCs) for promoting and enhancing nerve repair and regeneration
The present invention describes methods involving the use of muscle derived cells (MDCs), preferably obtained from skeletal muscle, to support the innervation and repair of damaged tissues and organs, particularly associated with nerve damage or neuropathy. The invention relates to MDCs for use in methods for promoting or enhancing innervation of nerve cells, particularly in the peripheral nervous system, and their ability to contribute to the development of neuronal tissue when MDCs are introduced at or near a tissue or organ site in need of repair due to injury, damage, disease, or dysfunction. Such methods are useful for the treatment of central and peripheral nervous system disorders and to alleviate, abate, or eliminate the symptoms of neurologic or neurodegenerative diseases in animals, particularly mammals, including humans. The methods are also useful for treating both nerve and muscle tissue following injury, damage, or dysfunction to these tissue types. |
| US09617514B2 |
Downregulation of SINE/ALU retrotransposon transcription to induce or restore proliferative capacity and/or pluripotency to a stem cell
In certain embodiments methods are provided for inducing and/or restoring and/or maintaining a non-senescent phenotype, or aspects thereof (e.g., proliferative capacity and/or pluripotency) in a mammalian cell. The methods typically involve reducing the level or activity of SINE/Alu retrotransposon transcripts in the cell in an amount sufficient to induce or restore proliferative capacity and/or pluripotency to said mammalian cell. |
| US09617510B2 |
Method of promoting growth of green algae
Provided is a method of culturing green algae which promotes the growth of the green algae which is in a state of being a green swarm cell by irradiating the green algae that accumulate astaxanthin with an artificial light. The green algae are grown in a liquid medium while maintaining a state in which the color of a culture solution of the green algae is green or brown by intermittently radiating a blue illumination light while continuously radiating a red illumination light. |
| US09617505B2 |
Internal cleaning agent for diesel engine and cleaning system using the same
The cleaning agent for a diesel engine includes a mixed solution obtained by blending a solvent that exhibits solubility and has an ignition point of 238° C. or more, and lubricating oil such as mineral oil in a predetermined ratio. The solvent and the grease are selected such that the cleaning agent has a higher ignition temperature characteristic than the ignition characteristic of light oil, and an evaporation characteristic that takes eight minutes or more to vaporize 2.5 cc of the cleaning agent in a heated state at 120° C. |
| US09617504B2 |
Non-medicated personal care cleansing solution and a method of synthesizing the same
The embodiments herein disclose a composition for a non-medicated liquid cleaning solution for personal care and hygiene and a method of synthesizing the same. The composition comprises cyclomethicone, DC5225C®, ethyl lactate, sesame oil, Vitamin E, organic castile soap, sweet orange oil or fragrances. For synthesizing the composition, the ingredients are procured. The castile soap is treated to remove water content. All the ingredients except cyclomethicone are mixed to obtain clear solution mixture. The clear solution mixture is added to cyclomethicone. The clear solution mixture and cyclomethicone are mixed to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The composition is sprayed or applied on tissue paper/toilet paper. The composition makes the tissue paper into a moist wipe used for cleaning the body parts like private body parts, groin, face, genital area, groin and rear end. |
| US09617501B2 |
Method of treating a fabric by washing with a detergent comprising an acrylamide/DADMAC cationic polymer
A method of treating a fabric, where the method includes a washing step and a rinsing step. A multi-component fabric treatment system, wherein the system includes a first component comprising a detergent composition, and where the system further includes a second component comprising a softener composition. |
| US09617495B2 |
Transmission lubricant
The present invention relates to a transmission lubricant comprising at least 30% by weight of polyalkyl (meth)acrylate. The present invention further describes polyalkyl (meth)acrylates for use in lubricants and also processes for preparing them and their use. The present lubricants can be used particularly in wind turbine transmissions. |
| US09617491B2 |
Coal deactivation treatment device
A coal deactivation treatment device for deactivating of coal by means of a treatment gas that is a mixture of air and nitrogen gas is provided with, among other things: a treatment column inside of which coal flows from the top to the bottom; treatment gas feed means, and the like, for feeding treatment gas to the inside of the treatment column; humidifying heaters for heating and humidifying the treatment gas such that the treatment gas fed to the inside of the treatment column can maintain a relative humidity of 35% or greater, even at 95° C.; a temperature sensor and a control device for adjusting the temperature inside the treatment column such that the inside of the treatment column is maintained at a relative humidity of 35% or greater and a temperature of 95° C. or lower. |
| US09617486B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing liquid hydrocarbon fuels
A method of converting carbon containing compounds such as coal, methane or other hydrocarbons into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel utilizes a high pressure, high temperature reactor which operates upon a blend of a carbon compound including CO2 and a carbon source, a catalyst, and steam. Microwave power is directed into the reactor. The catalyst, preferably magnetite, will act as a heating media for the microwave power and the temperature of the reactor will rise to a level to efficiently convert the carbon and steam into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. |
| US09617485B2 |
Gas oil hydroprocess
A process for the hydroprocessing of a gas oil (GO) hydrocarbon feed to provide high yield of a diesel fraction. The process comprises a liquid-full hydrotreating reaction zone followed by a liquid-full hydrocracking reaction zone. A refining zone may be integrated with the hydrocracking reaction zone. Ammonia and other gases formed during the hydrotreatment are removed in a separation step prior to hydrocracking. |
| US09617484B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for hydrotreating hydrocarbons
Methods and apparatuses are provided for hydrotreating hydrocarbons. A method includes heating a start-up oil in a stripper liquid fraction heat exchanger during a start-up period, and heating a reactor with the start-up oil. The start-up oil is discharged from the reactor when the start-up period ends, and a standard operating period begins after the start-up period. A reactor effluent is produced by introducing a hydrocarbon stream into the reactor during the standard operating period, where hydrogen sulfide is produced from an organic sulfur compound in the hydrocarbon stream. Steam is produced in the stripper liquid fraction heat exchanger during the standard operating period. |
| US09617483B2 |
Controlling temperature within a catalyst bed in a reactor vessel
A quenching medium is delivered directly to selected regions or locations within a catalyst bed in a hydroprocessing reactor vessel in order to control the reactivity of a hydroprocess occurring in the selected regions or locations separately from other regions or locations. Temperature sensors for providing temperature indications and conduits for delivering the quench medium are distributed throughout the catalyst bed. One or more conduits can be selected for delivery of the quenching medium to selected regions or locations so that separate control of the level of reactivity in each of various regions or locations throughout the bed can be achieved. |
| US09617480B2 |
Process for making improved zeolite catalysts from peptized aluminas
This invention relates to a process of preparing a catalyst from zeolite and peptized alumina. The invention comprises adding a yttrium compound to the zeolite, either prior to, during, or after its combination with the peptized alumina. The yttrium compound can be added to the zeolite via exchange of yttrium onto the zeolite prior to addition of peptized alumina, or the yttrium can be added as a soluble salt during the combination of the zeolite and peptized alumina. In either embodiment, the zeolite catalyst is then formed from the zeolite, yttrium and peptized alumina, optionally containing other inorganic oxide. This invention is suitable for preparing fluid cracking catalysts. |
| US09617479B2 |
Production of renewable diesel and propylene
Feeds containing triglycerides are processed to produce a diesel fuel product and propylene. The diesel product and propylene are generated by deoxygenating the triglyceride-containing feed using processing conditions that enhance preservation of olefins that are present in the triglycerides. The triglyceride-containing feed is processed in the presence of a catalyst containing a Group VI metal and a Group VIII non-noble metal and in the presence of CO. |
| US09617477B2 |
Compound having four polymerizable groups, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A compound represented by formula (1), a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal display device are described. In formula (1), for example, the ring A1 and the ring A4 are phenylene or cyclohexylene; Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 are a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 6 carbons; L1 is a single bond; s and t are 0; and P1, P2, P3 and P4 are a polymerizable group. |
| US09617471B2 |
Inorganic phosphor, manufacture thereof, light-emitting device, and image display utilizing inorganic phosphor
Provided is a chemically and thermally stable phosphor having different light-emitting characteristics than a conventional phosphor and having high light-emitting intensity even when combined with an LED of 410 nm or lower. The phosphor comprises an inorganic compound in which an inorganic crystal including A element, D element, X element (A is one or more elements selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba; D is one or more elements selected from Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, and Hf; and X is one or more elements selected from O, N, and F), and, if necessary, E element (where E is one or more elements selected from B, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y, and La) includes Li element and M element (where M is one or more elements selected from Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, and Yb). |
| US09617467B2 |
LED fluorescent cover and preparation method thereof
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) fluorescent cover comprises the following components by weight: 90-96% of single-component solid silicone rubber, 3-8% of fluorescent powder and 1-2% of vulcanizer; and the preparation method includes the following steps: step 1): using mixed compound of the single-component solid silicone rubber, as well as the fluorescent powder and the vulcanizer as raw material to mix, standing for 2-4 h after mixing with open mill or internal mixer; step 2): controlling temperature, pressure and vulcanization time of vulcanizing machine according to size of the fluorescent cover mold, using the vulcanizing machine to carry out first vulcanization to the raw material that is obtained from the step 1) and placed in the fluorescent cover mold; step 3): with combined action of blower gun, taking the fluorescent cover out slowly; step 4): baking the semi-finished product in a closed space at a temperature of 150-200° C. for 1-2 h. |
| US09617459B2 |
Plant derived cellulose compositions for use as drilling muds
This invention relates to water-based well drilling fluids. It has been found that cellulose based particles, which comprise cell wall material and their networks of cellulose based fibers and nanofibrils can be used to produce suspensions having viscosity and rheological properties particularly suitable for use as a drilling fluid. It is assumed that the organization of the cellulose fibrils, as it exists in the parenchymal cell walls, is at least partly retained in the cellulose based particles of the invention, even though part of the pectin and hemicellulose is removed there from. Breaking plant-based pulp down into this kind of cellulose based particles involves fewer and gentler processes than to break the pulp down further into cellulose nanofibrils, and therefore the present cellulose based particles can be produced much faster and at lower cost than completely unraveled cellulose nanofibrils. The well drilling fluids based on the cellulose material of this invention are stable over a wide range of operating temperatures. |
| US09617456B2 |
Method of manufacturing ceramic coated graphite
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing ceramic coated graphite having electric resistance in a range from 108 to 1016 Ω/sq via a sol-gel method, the ceramic coated graphite comprising graphite; and ceramic chemically bonded to a lateral defect area of the graphite, wherein the graphite is oval graphite having an aspect ratio selected from the group consisting of 10:1 to 200:1, and the ceramic is at least one type selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, and silica. |
| US09617454B2 |
Adhesive promoter
The present invention relates to an adhesive promoter composition, containing: at least one film-forming resin; at least one aromatic polyisocyanate; at least one solvent; as well as at least one specific isocyanurate containing silane groups. Adhesive promoter compositions according to the invention are suitable in particular for improving the adhesion of adhesives and sealants to glass and glass ceramics. |
| US09617453B2 |
Solvent free aqueous polyurethane dispersions and methods of making and using the same
Substantially solvent-free aqueous polyurethane dispersions and methods of making and using the same are provided. The substantially solvent-free aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in a substantially solvent-free system of a prepolymer made by reacting at least one polyol, at least one polyisocyanate, at least one isocyanate-reactive compound comprising one or more ionic or potential ionic groups, and at least one isocyanate chain terminating agent. |
| US09617451B2 |
Adhesive composition and adhesive film having same, substrate provided with adhesive composition, and semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
The present invention provides an adhesive composition having excellent strength in a cracked state, and is an adhesive composition characterized by containing a polyimide (A),a polyfunctional epoxy compound (B), an epoxy curing agent (C), and inorganic particles (D), the ratio of the polyimide (A) in a nonvolatile organic component being 3.0 wt % or more and 30 wt % or less, the ratio of the epoxy curing agent (C) in the nonvolatile organic component being 0.5 wt % or more and 10 wt % or less, and T/M being 400 or more and 8000 or less, where T is the total number of grams of the nonvolatile organic component, and M is the number of moles of epoxy groups in the nonvolatile organic component. |
| US09617449B2 |
Siloxane hard coating resin
The present invention relates to a siloxane hard resin including alicyclic epoxy siloxane alone or a reactive monomer, which is prepared by condensation reaction of alkoxysilanes, and has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 4000 and a molecular weight distribution of PDI 1.05 to 1.4. A siloxane hard cured article produced by photo- or thermal polymerization has high hardness by compact crosslinking of siloxane molecules having different molecular weights. |
| US09617445B2 |
UV curable metallic decorative compositions
The invention provides an ultraviolet light curable metallic composition, and articles made therewith. The UV-curable metallic compositions provide a high gloss metallic finish, retain the gloss level over storage duration, and maintain press and shelf stability, while maintaining fast cure speeds. The metallic finishes of the instant compositions have gloss above 190 GU measured at 60°. |
| US09617444B2 |
Low gloss radiation-curable compositions
A method of coating a substrate is disclosed in which a non-aqueous composition is applied to the substrate and then exposed to UV-A light until the composition is substantially cured. The non-aqueous composition comprises an unsaturated (meth)acrylate polymer or oligomer, reactive diluents, one or more photoinitators, an optional solvent or mixture of solvents, and up to 15% by weight of a flattener. A coating is formed having an 85° gloss of less than 15. |
| US09617443B2 |
Method for the preparation of stable emulsions of polyisobutene
The invention relates to a method for preparing a stable and thin liquid polyisobutene emulsion comprising the steps of i) heating a polyisobutene polymer, optionally mixing said polyisobutene polymer with a wax and/or oil, thereby obtaining a pre-mix, ii) mixing said pre-mix in water containing one or more surfactants in a concentration of the surfactant of maximum 5% wt. at a controlled flow rate, which flow rate is sufficiently slow to form particles of the pre-mix, thereby obtaining a pre-emulsion, and iii) homogenizing said pre-emulsion, thereby obtaining said polyisobutene emulsion with an average particle size of at maximum 100 μm. |
| US09617427B2 |
Methods for making lignocellulose composite products with oxidative binders and encapsulated catalyst
In some examples, one or more metal-containing catalysts and one or more waxes can be mixed or otherwise combined to produce an encapsulated catalyst composition. The wax can be at least partially coated on the metal-containing catalyst. A mixture of water and the wax can be agitated or otherwise mixed, and the metal-containing catalyst can be added to or otherwise combined with the water and wax mixture to produce a wax emulsified catalyst. A plurality of lignocellulose substrates, one or more oxidants, and the encapsulated catalyst composition can be mixed or otherwise combined to produce a lignocellulose binder mixture. The lignocellulose binder mixture can be heated to produce a composite product. |
| US09617425B1 |
Asphalt mixture, process for production of same, and paving method using same
An asphalt mixture is provided which comprises an aggregate, an asphalt, a lubricative solidification material and an alkaline additive material that are mixed together. The lubricative solidification material contains an oleic acid at a ratio of 67 to 85 wt %. |
| US09617424B2 |
Polyolefin asphalt modifiers, methods of modifying asphalt, asphalt compositions and methods of making
An asphalt additive comprising a primary rheology modifying component and a secondary rheology modifying component, and asphalt compositions and products having such additive incorporated therein. The primary rheology modifying component is generally a polymer, and the secondary rheology modifying component may comprise a petroleum micro-wax. |
| US09617419B2 |
Resin composition and molded article
A resin composition contains: 60 to 95% by mass of polyphenylene ether (A); 35 to 0% by mass of styrene-based resin (B); and 15 to 5% by mass of elastomer component (C). The component (C) is present as dispersion particles in the resin composition. The dispersion particles have a number average particle size of 0.04 to 0.25 μm. |
| US09617399B2 |
High frequency weldable polyolefin compositions containing zeolites
A dielectrically-heatable inventive method employing a polyolefin-based formulation including at least 5 weight percent of a zeolite, ion exchanged with a Group I or II metal, wherein the zeolite includes 21 or less wt % of water, based on zeolite weight, measured as LOI at 575° C. for 1 hour; and a base polymer selected from certain homogeneously branched linear or substantially linear ethylene/α-olefin or homogeneously branched propylene/?-olefin copolymers copolymers, provided that the base polymer has a melt temperature less than 100° C. This formulation may be used to prepare a high frequency (HF) welded article having improved failure and welding strength properties, particularly a weld strength in excess of 7 lb/in (1.23 N/mm). |
| US09617398B2 |
Multifunctional curing agents and their use in improving strength of composites containing carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix
A functionalized carbon fiber having covalently bound on its surface a sizing agent containing epoxy groups, at least some of which are engaged in covalent bonds with crosslinking molecules, wherein each of said crosslinking molecules possesses at least two epoxy-reactive groups and at least one free functional group reactive with functional groups of a polymer matrix in which the carbon fiber is to be incorporated, wherein at least a portion of said crosslinking molecules are engaged, via at least two of their epoxy-reactive groups, in crosslinking bonds between at least two epoxy groups of the sizing agent. Composites comprised of these functionalized carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix are also described. Methods for producing the functionalized carbon fibers and composites thereof are also described. |
| US09617396B2 |
Method for in-situ synthesis of silicon nanoparticles
The invention relates to a method for in-situ synthesis of silicon nanoparticles in a thermosetting polymeric matrix, the thermosetting and thermoset matrices obtained in this way and a material including same. The method includes the following steps: a) forming an aqueous-phase/organic-phase inverse emulsion, wherein the aqueous phase includes at least a basic catalyst and the organic phase includes at least a non-cross-linked (co)polymer precursor chosen from an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic epoxy resin precursor, a polyester-imide precursor, an unsaturated/epoxy polyester (co)polymer precursor, a polyether/epoxy (co)polymer precursor and a polyurethane precursor; b) introducing, into the inverse emulsion formed in step a), at least one silicon precursor forming a complete network whereof the rate of hydrolysis is greater than the cross-linking speed of the (co)polymer and c) stirring the mixture obtained in step b) and heating to a temperature between 20° C. and 70° C. |
| US09617394B2 |
Coated particles for forming of continuous polymeric or metallic layers
Particles for forming interconnected or continuous layers of material are, in some embodiments, composed of a Material A, a first central material comprising at least one meltable, softenable, or sinterable substance, and Material B, a second substantially thin material applied to the outer surface of said first material which is thermally or mechanically breachable. |
| US09617393B2 |
Method of producing lignin with reduced amount of odorous substances
The present invention relates to a method of producing lignin with reduced amount of odorous substances comprising the steps of: i) dissolving isolated lignin into an alkali solution; ii) adding to the solution C1-C4-alcohol in an amount of less than 30% by weight, based on the dry weight of the isolated lignin; and iii) re-precipitating lignin by acidifying the solution. The invention also relates to a lignin product with reduced odor obtained and/or obtainable by the method and to the use of the obtained lignin as a component in polymer blends, an additive or filler in building materials, as binding agent in adhesives, and/or for the production of a carbon fiber, especially in indoor applications. |
| US09617391B2 |
Halogenated polysilane and thermal process for producing the same
The present invention relates to a halogenated polysilane as a pure compound or mixture of compounds each having at least one direct Si—Si bond, whose substituents consist exclusively of halogen or of halogen and hydrogen and in whose composition the atomic ratio substituent:silicon is greater than 1:1. |
| US09617385B2 |
Polyhexahydrotriazine dielectrics
Low dielectric constant (low-k) polyhemiaminal (PHA) and polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT) materials with cyclic aliphatic ring structures are described. The materials are formed by a method that includes heating a mixture comprising amines and paraformaldehyde. The reaction mixtures may be used to form low-k PHT prepregs, composites and dielectrics used in integrated circuits. |
| US09617383B2 |
PEG-based microparticles
Synthesis of monodisperse PEG-based microparticles with stable coupling chemistries. Biomolecules are conjugated to monodisperse PEG microparticles using non-amine chemistries, such as sulfhydryl groups, azide, or alkyne-based chemistries. |
| US09617382B2 |
Process for the purification of polycarbonate
In an embodiment, a process of purifying a polycarbonate from an interfacial polymerization product mixture comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase comprising a first organic solvent, the polycarbonate, a catalyst, and ions, the process comprises: separating the aqueous phase and the organic phase to form a separated aqueous feed stream and a separated organic stream; extracting the catalyst and the ions from the separated organic stream to form a purified polycarbonate stream and an extracted aqueous feed stream, wherein at least one of the separated aqueous feed stream and the extracted aqueous feed stream comprise an organic portion and an aqueous portion; purifying an aqueous stream comprising one or both of the separated aqueous feed stream and the extracted aqueous feed stream by adjusting a viscosity of the organic portion to be less than or equal to 40 centipoise by adding a second organic solvent to the aqueous stream to form a combined stream; optionally, adjusting a ratio of the aqueous portion to the organic portion to 1.0 to 20.0 by adding an aqueous solution to the aqueous stream; and separating the combined stream to form a purified aqueous stream, wherein less than or equal to 3 vol % of the purified aqueous stream is the organic portion. |
| US09617381B2 |
Low shear process for polycarbonate purification
In another embodiment, a process of purifying an interfacially polymerized polycarbonate from a feed comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase comprising an organic solvent, the interfacially polymerized polycarbonate, a catalyst, and ions, can comprise: separating the aqueous phase and the organic phase from the feed, wherein during the separating the feed is subjected to at least one of: energy of less than or equal to 0.5 kJ/kg of feed, a shear rate of less than 150,000 S−1, and centrifugal forces of 100 to 2,000 g-force; to form a purified aqueous phase and a purified organic phase comprising a purified polycarbonate. |
| US09617369B2 |
High-latency hardeners for epoxy resins
The present invention relates to novel high-latency liquid hardeners for hardening of curable polymer resins, especially epoxy resins, and to epoxy resin compositions comprising liquid hardeners for the production of fiber composite materials. |
| US09617363B1 |
Low-fluoride, reactive polyisobutylene
A method of making a low-fluoride reactive PIB composition includes (a) providing a modified C4 feedstock by way of blending a mixed C4 feedstock with a second feedstock having a lower LB/IsoB ratio; or providing a C4 feedstock with an LB/IsoB index of less than 10%; (b) feeding the modified C4 feedstock or the C4 feedstock with an LB/IsoB index of less than 10% to a CSTR with a homogeneous catalyst comprising BF3 and a modifier selected from alcohols, ethers and mixtures thereof; (c) polymerizing the modified C4 feedstock or the C4 feedstock with an LB/IsoB index of less than 10% in the reactor while maintaining the reactor at a temperature above −15° C. and utilizing a residence time less than 45 minutes to produce a crude PIB composition in a polymerization mixture; and (d) recovering a purified PIB composition from the polymerization mixture having a molecular weight, Mn, from 250 to 5000 Daltons and an alpha vinylidene content of at least 50 mol %. The crude PIB composition suitably has a fluoride content of less than 100 ppm and the purified PIB composition has a fluoride content of less than 20 ppm in preferred embodiments. In the most preferred embodiments, ammonium salts are used to neutralize the catalyst and fluoride salts are sublimed from the product at elevated temperatures. |
| US09617358B2 |
System and method for polymerization
Techniques are provided for polymerization. A polymerization method may include polymerizing a monomer in a polymerization reactor to produce a slurry comprising polyolefin particles and a diluent, flowing the slurry out of the polymerization reactor through an outlet of the polymerization reactor, receiving the slurry from the outlet into a slurry handling system, conveying a first mixture from the slurry handling system to a diluent and monomer recovery system, and injecting steam into the first mixture downstream of the slurry handling system using a steam injection system. |
| US09617355B2 |
Process for polymerisation of ethylene
The present invention is directed to a process for the production of high density polyethylene by polymerisation of ethylene in the presence of a supported chromium oxide based catalyst which is modified with an organic compound comprising oxygen and a nitrogen atom which is selected from the group consisting of saturated heterocyclic organic compounds with a five or six membered ring, amino esters and amino alcohols. Such organic compounds allow manufacturing of HDPE with increases molecular weight distribution and increased molecular weight. |
| US09617354B2 |
Electroinitiated polymerization of compositions having a 1,1-disubstituted alkene compound
Electropolymerizable compositions are disclosed. Certain electropolymerizable compositions include one or more 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds and one or more conductive synergists. Other certain electropolymerizable compositions include one or more 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds and one or more acid stabilizers and one or more free radical stabilizers. |
| US09617353B2 |
Method for protecting an electrical or electronic device
A method for protecting an electrical or electronic device against liquid damage, the method comprising a preliminary step of applying a continuous power plasma to the electrical or electronic device, followed by exposing the device to pulsed plasma comprising a compound of formula (I) where R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl or aryl optionally substituted by halo; and R4 is a group X—R5 where R5 is an alkyl or haloalkyl group and X is a bond; a group of formula C(O)O(CH2)nY where n is an integer of from 1 to 10 and Y is a bond or a sulphonamide group; or a group (O)pR6(O)q(CH2)t where R6 is aryl optionally substituted by halo, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1 and t is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 10, provided that where q is 1, t is other than 0, for a sufficient period of time to allow a polymeric layer to form on the surface of the electrical or electronic device. Devices protected by this method are protected from contamination by liquids, in particular environmental liquids. |
| US09617350B2 |
Methods for preparing alkali cellulose and cellulose ether
The invention is a method for efficiently preparing alkali cellulose having a uniform alkali distribution therein. More specifically, the invention is a method for preparing alkali cellulose comprising steps of bringing pulp into continuous contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution in a bucket conveyor type contactor to generate a contact mixture, and draining the contact mixture; a method for preparing a cellulose ether comprising use of the alkali cellulose thus prepared; and an apparatus for preparing alkali cellulose comprising a bucket conveyor contactor comprising at least one inlet port for introducing pulp and an alkali metal hydroxide solution at one end and at least one outlet port for discharging a contact mixture wherein the pulp and the alkali metal hydroxide solution can be moved from one end to the other end while bringing them into contact with each other to generate the contact mixture; and a drainer for separating a cake from the contact mixture discharged from the outlet port. |
| US09617348B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating IgE-mediated disorders
The present invention relates to immunoglobulins that bind IgE and FcγRIIb with high affinity, said compositions being capable of inhibiting cells that express membrane-anchored IgE. Such compositions are useful for treating IgE-mediated disorders, including allergies and asthma. |
| US09617347B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating tumors, fibrosis, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods useful for modulating angiogenesis and for inhibiting metastasis, tumors, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and fibrosis in a mammalian tissue. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods include inhibitors of LOXL2 expression and activity, such as shRNA targeting LOXL2. |
| US09617345B2 |
Anti-CEACAM5 antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention discloses antibodies which bind human and Macaca fascicularis CEACAM5 proteins, as well as isolated nucleic acids, vectors and host cells comprising a sequence encoding said antibodies. The invention also discloses immunoconjugates comprising said antibodies conjugated or linked to a growth-inhibitory agent, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies, or immunoconjugates of the invention. The antibodies or immunoconjugates of the invention are used for the treatment of cancer or for diagnostic purposes. |
| US09617336B2 |
C10RF32 antibodies, and uses thereof for treatment of cancer
This invention relates to C1ORF32-specific antibodies, antibody fragments, alternative scaffolds, conjugates and compositions comprising same, for treatment of cancer. |
| US09617335B2 |
Inducible coexpression system
The present invention is an inducible coexpression system, capable of controlled induction of expression of each gene product. |
| US09617331B2 |
Methods of regulating angiogenesis by administering agents which increase apoB-100 polypeptide
A method of treating an angiogenesis related disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which regulates an amount of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and/or an ability of ApoB to transcriptionally control vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1). |
| US09617329B2 |
Method of cloning nucleic acid
The present disclosure provides methods for producing expression constructs comprising linking a plurality of unlinked nucleic acids, including a nucleic acid encoding a marker protein. |
| US09617328B2 |
Fusion protein having factor IX activity
Disclosed is a fusion protein comprising blood coagulation factor IX (FIX) and transferrin. The fusion protein exhibits improved specific FIX activity, as compared to native FIX, and can be useful in the treatment of FIX deficiency-associated diseases. |
| US09617327B2 |
Fermented infant formula with non digestible oligosaccharides
The present invention relates to a fermented infant formulae comprising non digestible oligosaccharides for improving intestinal tract health by decreasing protein digestive effort, by decreasing the amount of endogenously formed proteases concomitant with an increased protein digestion, and a reduced protein fermentation. |
| US09617326B2 |
RTRAIL mutant and monomethyl auristatin E conjugate thereof
Disclosed are an rTRAIL mutant and monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) conjugate thereof. The amino acid sequence thereof is as represented by SEQ ID No.1. Also disclosed are a coding gene of the rTRAIL mutant and expression system, recombinant vector and expression unit containing the coding gene. Also disclosed are an rTRAIL mutant-vcMMAE conjugate and preparation and uses thereof. The conjugate of the present invention has the biological functions of both the rTRAIL mutant and the MMAE; the MMAE is directionally transferred to a tumor cell through the specific binding between the rTRAIL mutant and a death receptor on the surface of the tumor cell, and is released and takes effect in the tumor cell, thus killing the tumor cells less sensitive or even resistant to TRAIL, and reducing the toxicity generated by the separate administration of the MMAE. |
| US09617321B2 |
Tumor vaccination involving a humoral immune response against self-proteins
The present invention relates to tumor immunotherapy, in particular to tumor vaccination, using chimeric proteins comprising all or a portion of a hepatitis B virus core antigen protein and an amino acid sequence comprising an epitope derived from the extracellular portion of a tumor-associated antigen. In particular, the present invention provides virus-like particles comprising said chimeric proteins, which are useful for eliciting a humoral immune response in a subject against the tumor-associated antigen, in particular against cells carrying said tumor-associated antigen on their surface, wherein the tumor-associated antigen is a self-protein in said subject. |
| US09617318B2 |
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2* (hnRNP A2*) and nucleic acid encoding the same
A cDNA, including the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. A cDNA, including a nucleotide sequence encoding a complete protein, a protein fragment, a protein analog, or a protein derivative each including the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1. A cDNA, including the nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1. |
| US09617305B2 |
Treatments for gastrointestinal disorders
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating lower gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, colon cancer, an inflammatory disorder, obesity, congestive heart failure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), pain, salt retention or fluid retention. |
| US09617301B2 |
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation, metal chelating compounds and uses thereof
Potent compounds having combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation and metal chelating properties are described. Short peptides having these properties, and methods and uses of such short peptides in clinical and cosmetic applications are described. |
| US09617291B2 |
Tetradentate and octahedral metal complexes containing naphthyridinocarbazole and its analogues
Tetradentate and octahedral metal complexes suitable for use as phosphorescent or delayed fluorescent and phosphorescent emitters in display and lighting applications. |
| US09617289B2 |
RSV antiviral compounds
Inhibitors of RSV replication of formula RI including stereochemically isomeric forms, and salts or solvates thereof, wherein R22, W, Q, V, Z p, s, and Het have the meaning as defined herein. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use, alone or in combination with other RSV inhibitors, in RSV therapy. |
| US09617284B2 |
Method for producing alkyl-indium compounds and the use thereof
The invention relates to a method for the cost-effective and environmentally friendly production of alkyl indium sesquichloride in high yield and with high selectivity and purity. The alkyl indium sesquichloride produced according to the invention is particularly suitable, also as a result of the high purity and yield, for the production, on demand, of indium-containing precursors in high yield and with high selectivity and purity. As a result of the high purity, the indium-containing precursors that can be produced are particularly suitable for metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The novel method according to the invention is characterized by the improved execution of the method, in particular a rapid process control. Owing to targeted and extensive use of raw materials that are cost-effective and have a low environmental impact, the method is also suitable for use on an industrial scale. |
| US09617271B2 |
Triazolo compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and its use for the treatment of neurological disorders. |
| US09617266B2 |
Imidazopyrimidine derivatives
Compounds of the formula I in which X, R1 and R2 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of GCN2, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of cancer. |
| US09617265B2 |
Noribogaine salt ansolvates
Stable noribogaine salt ansolvates are useful for preparing pharmaceutical compositions and for alleviating nociceptive pain in a patient. Such ansolvates can be prepared by slurrying solvated forms, preferably MeOH solvated noribogaine hydrochloride in EtOH/water. |
| US09617263B2 |
Phenyl-triazolo-pyridine compounds
The present invention provides a compound of the Formula (I) below: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, CN, —CH2CN, —C(CH3)2CN, F, Cl, and Br; R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, —O(C1-C3alkylene)R4, —CH2CN, CN, —OCH3, CF2, —C(CH3)2CN, —C(CH3)2, —S(O)2CH3, —S(O)2NH2, and —OCF2; R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, and —OCH3; and R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, —C(CH3)2CN, —OCH3, —S(O)2CH3, CN, and —C(CH3)2OH; or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, methods of treating type two diabetes using the compound and a process for preparing the compound. |
| US09617256B2 |
Antibacterial agents
Antibacterial compounds of formula (I) are provided: as well as stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of treating bacterial infections by the administration of such compounds; and processes for the preparation of such compounds. |
| US09617255B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element, and illumination device and display device each comprising the element
Provided is an o organic electroluminescence element comprising an anode, a cathode and a plurality of composing layers including a light emitting layer sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, wherein an electron transport layer containing the compound represented by Formula (1) is included in the composing layers; the light emitting layer contains a phosphorescence emitting organic metal complex; and the cathode or one composing layer adjacent to the cathode contains a metal or a metal compound belonging to Group 1 or Group 2 of the periodic table of elements, provided that the metal exhibits a standard electrode potential larger than −3 V vs. SHE in a system of the metal ion (Mn+)/the metal (M): |
| US09617253B2 |
Molecules having pesticidal utility, and intermediates, compositions, and processes, related thereto
This disclosure relates to the field of molecules having pesticidal utility against pests in Phyla Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Nematoda, processes to produce such molecules, intermediates used in such processes, pesticidal compositions containing such molecules, and processes of using such pesticidal compositions against such pests. These pesticidal compositions may be used, for example, as acaricides, insecticides, miticides, molluscicides, and nematicides. This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”). |
| US09617248B2 |
Bicyclic heterocycle compounds and their uses in therapy
The invention relates to new bicyclic heterocycle compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and to the use of the compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer. |
| US09617245B2 |
Process for preparing an N-methyl-substituted triacetonamine compound
An N-methyl-substituted triacetonamine compound is prepared by reacting at least one triacetonamine compound (I) with formaldehyde under reductive conditions, in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a supported catalyst, wherein the supported catalyst contains at least one metal M, wherein the metal M is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mo, Mn, Ni, Pd, Pt, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, and Cu. |
| US09617244B2 |
Antibacterial quinoline derivatives
The present invention relates to novel substituted quinoline derivatives according to the general Formula (Ia) or Formula (Ib): including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a N-oxide form thereof or a solvate thereof. The claimed compounds are useful for the treatment of a bacterial infection. Also claimed is a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, as active ingredient, a therapeutically effective amount of the claimed compounds, the use of the claimed compounds or compositions for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a bacterial infection and a process for preparing the claimed compounds. |
| US09617242B2 |
Histone demethylase inhibitors
The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for treating cancer and neoplastic disease. Provided herein are substituted 3-aminopyridine derivative compounds, substituted 3-aminopyridazine derivative compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. The subject compounds and compositions are useful for inhibition histone demethylase. Furthermore, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for the treatment of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and/or melanoma and the like. |
| US09617239B2 |
Phenoxy thiophene sulfonamides and their use as inhibitors of glucuronidase
This invention relates generally to compounds that are glucuronidase inhibitors. Glucuronidase inhibitors described include phenoxy thiophene sulfonamides. Other compounds, for instance pyridine sulfonyls, benzene sulfonyls, thiophene sulfonyls, thiazole sulfonyls, thiophene carbonyls, and thiazole carbonyls, are also contemplated. Also contemplated are compositions including one or more of such compounds for use inhibiting glucuronidase and methods of using one or more of such compounds as a co-drug to be used in combination with the anticancer drug CPT-11. |
| US09617233B2 |
Epoxidation catalysts based on metal alkoxide pretreated supports
The present disclosure generally relates to a silica-titanium catalyst prepared by first reacting a solid support with a metal alkoxide and then depositing titanium onto the solid support for the epoxidation of alkenes and aralkenes and a method of preparing the catalyst thereof. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to methods of using the catalyst described herein for the production of epoxides. |
| US09617230B2 |
Creatine prodrugs, compositions and methods of use thereof
The invention describes membrane permeable creatine prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising membrane permeable creatine prodrugs, and methods of treating diseases such as ischemia, heart failure, neurodegenerative disorders and genetic disorders affecting the creatine kinase system comprising administering creatine prodrugs or pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention also describes treating a genetic disease affecting the creatine kinase system, such as, for example, a creatine transporter disorder or a creatine synthesis disorder comprising administering creatine prodrugs or pharmaceutical compositions thereof. |
| US09617229B2 |
Phenylmorpholines and analogues thereof
Provided herein are compounds and prodrugs and methods of preparation of compounds and prodrugs that are capable of functioning as releasers and/or uptake inhibitors of one or more monoamine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of these compounds or prodrugs, which may further comprise one or more additional therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods of treatment of various conditions that may be responsive to modification of monoamine neurotransmitter levels, such as pre-obesity, obesity, addiction, and depression. |
| US09617228B2 |
Oligomer-containing substituted aromatic triazine compounds
The invention relates to (among other things) methods for treatment comprising administering oligomer-containing substituted aromatic triazine compounds. A compound of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits one or more advantages over corresponding compounds lacking the oligomer. |
| US09617224B2 |
Five-membered heterocycles useful as serine protease inhibitors
The present invention provides a method for treating a thrombotic or an inflammatory disorder administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I) or Formula (V): or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate form thereof, wherein the variables A, L, Z, R3, R4, R6, R11, X1, X2, and X3 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula (I) are useful as selective inhibitors of serine protease enzymes of the coagulation cascade and/or contact activation system; for example thrombin, factor Xa, factor XIa, factor IXa, factor VIIa and/or plasma kallikrein. In particular, it relates to compounds that are selective factor XIa inhibitors. This invention also provides compounds within the scope of Formula I and relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. |
| US09617220B2 |
Method for the preparation of perfluoroalkyl containing pyrazoles carboxylates
The present invention pertains to a novel process for the preparation of Fluoroalkylpyrazole- or Bisperfluoroalkypyrazole carboxylates comprising a cyclization of Perfluoroalkyl ketoesters with hydrazines. |
| US09617219B2 |
Polymorphs of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (9-dichloro-methylene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-methano-naphthalen-5-yl)-amide
The present invention relates to solid forms of the fungicide of formula (I): compositions comprising the solid forms and methods of their use as fungicides. |
| US09617217B2 |
Compound, production method therefor, and use of said compound
The present application provides novel compounds having anti-cancer or anti-Helicobacter pylori activity, pharmaceutical compositions and method for producing and using the novel compound. |
| US09617215B2 |
Use of fluorinated derivatives of 4-aminopyridine in therapeutics and medical imaging
The present disclosure provides novel compounds, including compounds that bind to potassium channels, methods for their manufacture, and methods for their use, including their use to diagnose and/or assess traumatic brain injury and use to treat dymeylinating diseases, and/or in vivo imaging of the central nervous system, and to diagnose and/or assess the progression of MS or other diseases. |
| US09617214B2 |
Compounds for cognitive enhancement and methods of use thereof
The invention provides compounds that inhibit ROCK activity. In certain embodiments the compounds of the invention enhance cognitive function. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise ROCK inhibitors and to methods enhance cognitive function and reducing and/or treat cognitive function decline. |
| US09617212B2 |
Isoindolin-1-ones as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) inhibitors
Compounds having an isoindolin-1-one backbone of Formula (I) are disclosed which have utility in treating and/or preventing microbial infections, tumor growth, metastasis and other macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-modulated pathological conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods and use of compounds of Formula (I) are also disclosed. |
| US09617211B2 |
Pyrrole derivatives as alpha 7 nAChR modulators
Disclosed is a compound of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and m are as described herein, as a modulator of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors particularly α7 subtype, its tautomeric forms, its stereoisomers, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, its pharmaceutical composition, and its combinations with suitable medicaments. Also disclosed are a process of preparation of the compounds and the intended uses thereof in therapy, particularly in the prophylaxis and therapy of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, senile dementia, and the like. |
| US09617210B2 |
Pyrrole derivatives as alpha 7 NACHR modulators
Disclosed are compounds of the Formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and m are as described herein, as modulators of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the α7 subtype, their tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and combinations thereof with suitable other medicaments. Also disclosed are a process of preparation of the compounds and the intended uses thereof in therapy, particularly in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and senile dementia. |
| US09617207B2 |
Method for preparation of perfluoroalkyl sulfenyl chloride
The present disclosure provides a process for the preparation of perfluoroalkyl sulfenyl chloride by reacting a compound of formula [I] with at least one fluoride compound and thiophosgene. |
| US09617205B2 |
Method of fabricating a liquid crystal polymer film
A method of fabricating a liquid crystal polymer film includes providing a support substrate having a surface having a shape arranged to define a form of a liquid crystal polymer film to be fabricated; applying a layer of a photoaligning material over the surface of the support substrate, the photoaligning material having an absorption band; exposing the layer of photoaligning material to a light having a linear polarization and the light comprising a wavelength within the absorption band to convert the layer of photoaligning material into a layer of photoaligned material; applying a layer of a polymerizable liquid crystal over the layer of photoaligned material; performing photopolymerization of the layer of polymerizable liquid crystal to form a liquid crystal polymer film; applying a solvent to the layer of photoaligned material, the solvent formulated to dissolve the photoaligned material to thereby release the liquid crystal polymer film from the support substrate; and removing the liquid crystal polymer film from the support substrate. |
| US09617200B2 |
Process for preparation of tertiary alkyl primary amines
A method for producing an amine. The first step is contacting a cyanide, an acid, water and a substrate compound capable of generating a carbonium ion by reaction with the acid to generate a first reaction intermediate. The second step is contacting the first reaction intermediate with water to form a second reaction intermediate. The third step is removing cyanide present in the second reaction intermediate to a concentration less than 10 ppm. The fourth step is contacting the second reaction intermediate with an alkali metal hydroxide to form the amine. |
| US09617198B2 |
Method for the purification of natural vanillin
The invention relates to a method for the purification of natural vanillin, comprising at least one step in which the natural vanillin is evaporated. |
| US09617196B2 |
Catalyst for methanation of carbon oxides, preparation method of the catalyst and process for the methanation
Disclosed is a catalyst for methanation reaction producing methane with high conversion by reaction of hydrogen with carbon dioxide, or a gas mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, or a gas mixture containing these compounds as the main components. The catalyst is prepared by the steps of mixing (A) aqueous zirconia sol with salts of (B) stabilizing element(s), which is selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Ca and Mg, and (C) iron group element(s), drying and calcining the mixture to obtain a catalyst precursor, and subsequent reduction of the precursor. The catalyst comprises, by atomic %, A: 18-70%, B: 1-20% and C: 25-80% based on the elemental states of the metals. The catalyst is characterized by multiple oxide of tetragonal zirconia structure, in which not only the stabilizing element(s) but also a part of the iron group element(s) is incorporated, and on which the iron group element(s) in the metallic state is supported. |
| US09617195B2 |
Low flame smoke
A smoke producing method and device of the present disclosure produces a non-incendiary, organic-polymerization based, smoke-producing reaction. The method of generating smoke comprises initiating a frontal polymerization reaction by heating a composition comprising a monomer compound that exothermically polymerizes upon initiation with an initiator compound and an initiator compound that initiates polymerization of the monomer compound present at a mass concentration that is at least five percent of the mass concentration of the monomer compound. The polymerization of the monomer compound is exothermic, and in one embodiment the concentration of initiator compound is at least five percent of the concentration of monomer compound. The smoke mainly comprises thermal decomposition products of the initiator compound. |
| US09617192B2 |
Processes for producing weather resistant compositions and products obtained therefrom
Processes for producing weather resistant compositions are disclosed. Weather resistant compositions and uses thereof are also disclosed. |
| US09617190B2 |
Bioactive nutrient fortified fertilizers and related methods
A fertilizer and method of making a fertilizer that include bioactivated nutrients derived from immobile/less mobile elements. The immobile/less elements are made available to plants by the action of element mobilizing microorganisms, which are isolated, cultured, and combined with organic material and sources of the immobile element. |
| US09617188B2 |
Rare-earth oxide based coating
A solid sintered ceramic article may include Y2O3 at a concentration of approximately 40 molar % to approximately 60 molar % and Er2O3 at a concentration of approximately 400 molar % to approximately 60 molar %. An article may include a body and a plasma resistant ceramic coating on at least one surface of the body. The plasma resistant ceramic coating comprising Y2O3 at a concentration of approximately 30 molar % to approximately 60 molar %, Er2O3 at a concentration of approximately 20 molar % to approximately 60 molar %, and at least one of ZrO2, Gd2O3 or SiO2 at a concentration of over 0 molar % to approximately 30 molar %. |
| US09617185B2 |
Accelerating admixture for cementitious compositions
The present invention describes a hardening accelerating admixture for hydraulic binders, the accelerator being based on transition metal silicate hydrates having the general formula: aMexOy bMO cAl2O3 SiO2 dH2O 1) where—Me represents a transition metal whose molar coefficient a is in a range between 0.001 and 2, preferably between 0.01 and 1; —M represents an alkaline earth metal whose molar coefficient b is in a range between 0 and 2, preferably between 0.3 and 1.6; —The molar coefficient c for Al2O3 is in a range between 0 and 2, preferably between 0.1 and 1; —H2O represents the hydration water of the silicate hydrate whose molar coefficient d can vary within a wide range between 0.5 and 20; x and y can both be equal to 1 or different, depending on the valence of the transition metal, given that the valence of the oxygen atom in the metal oxide is equal to 2. |
| US09617184B2 |
Gypsum-based building products and method for the manufacture thereof
A building product comprises calcium sulphate dihydrate particles bound by an organic binder. The calcium sulphate dihydrate particles each have a longest dimension and a lateral dimension, wherein the lateral dimension corresponds to the maximum breadth of the particle about the axis defined by the longest dimension. The calcium sulphate dihydrate particles have a low aspect ratio such that for at least 75% of the calcium sulphate dihydrate particles, the value of the lateral dimension is at least 20% of the value of the longest dimension. |
| US09617183B2 |
Glass compositions with improved chemical and mechanical durability
The embodiments described herein relate to chemically and mechanically durable glass compositions and glass articles formed from the same. According to one embodiment, the glass composition may include greater than or equal to about 68 mol. % SiO2 and less than or equal to about 80 mol. % SiO2; greater than or equal to about 3 mol. % and less than or equal to about 13 mol. % alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al2O3, wherein X is greater than or equal to about 4 and less than or equal to about 8; Y mol. % alkali oxide, wherein the alkali oxide comprises Na2O in an amount greater than about 8 mol %; and B2O3, wherein a ratio (B2O3 (mol. %)/(Y mol. %−X mol. %) is greater than 0 and less than 0.3. In some embodiments, the glass composition may be free of phosphorous and compounds of phosphorous. |
| US09617180B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for fabricating glass articles
Methods of fabricating formed glass articles are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a formed glass article may include forming a glass ribbon, forming a parison, and shaping the parison to form a glass article. The glass article may be attached to the glass ribbon at an attachment region defining an edge of the glass article. The process may also include contacting the attachment region with a focal line of a laser beam and separating the glass article from the glass ribbon at the attachment region. The attachment region may be perforated by the laser beam and the focal line may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the glass ribbon. |
| US09617179B2 |
Ion sequestration for scale prevention in high-recovery desalination systems
Cations that can precipitate from an aqueous composition to produce scaling are sequestered by adding a multi-dentate ligand to the aqueous composition. The multi-dentate ligand bonds with the cation to form a non-scaling ionic complex; and the aqueous solution with the ionic complex is used in a process that produces substantially pure water from the aqueous composition, where the cation, absent formation of the ionic complex, is subject to scaling. The pH of the aqueous composition (or a brine including components of the aqueous composition) is then reduced to release the cation from the multi-dentate ligand; and the multi-dentate ligand, after the cation is released, is then reused in a predominantly closed loop. |
| US09617177B2 |
Water treatment device and methods of use
A water treatment device and methods of treating water such as cooling tower water, agricultural water, water used in the production of oil and/or gas, swimming pool water, and hot tub or spa water, are described. The water treatment device utilizes ultraviolet radiation, a magnetic field, and ozone fortified air to treat the water, typically resulting in reduced microbial contamination and reduced alkalinity in cooling tower water. Cooling tower water may consequently be run at higher cycles of concentration while reducing or eliminating deposition of minerals on cooling tower components. Swimming pool water and hot tub water treated with the water treatment device typically requires less chlorine, and chlorine levels are typically more stable than without the device. |
| US09617174B2 |
Hydrophobic porous silica aerogel composite membrane and vacuum membrane distillation method
A hydrophobic porous silica aerogel composite membrane for a vacuum membrane distillation device and a vacuum distillation method are disclosed. The vacuum membrane distillation device has a case and the hydrophobic porous silica aerogel composite membrane accommodated in the case to divide a chamber defined by the case into a feed part configured to feed a first fluid containing water molecules and a permeate part configured to collect a second fluid containing the water molecules. The hydrophobic porous silica aerogel composite membrane includes a porous aluminum oxide membrane that has a plurality of first pores with average pore diameter larger than 50 nm and a porous silica aerogel membrane that has a plurality of second pores of 2 to 50 nm and is formed on at least one side of the porous aluminum oxide membrane facing the feed part by methylmethoxysilane as a precursor and a sol-gel synthetic process. |
| US09617173B2 |
Method for treatment and reuse of used water streams
Methods for recovering energy and water from at least one energy-rich process water stream are provided. The methods optionally incorporate the use of filtration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, water softening, forward osmosis, and membrane distillation. The methods can be used to recover energy and water from blowdown or condensate from a water-containing industrial process, which in certain embodiments may be a boiler system. |
| US09617171B2 |
Biocidal purification reactor
A biocidal purification reactor, including a main cylinder tube (1A;1B), at least one end cap (2A,2B,2C) closing at least one axial end opening of the main cylinder tube (1A;1B), at least two ports (3A,3B) communicating with the interior volume (4) of the main cylinder tube (1A;1B) in the vicinity of the respective axial ends of the cylinder tube (1A;1B), and at least one of said end caps (2A) or said main cylinder tube (1B) including a UV-light source (7A;7B). |
| US09617170B2 |
Water treatment
The present invention relates to a process for reduction of the presence of microorganisms and/or decomposition of organic micropollutants in water using an energy source and an additive characterized in that the energy source is UV radiation and the additive comprises performic acid. |
| US09617169B2 |
Transiently-operated desalination systems with heat recovery and associated methods
Systems and methods related to desalination systems are described herein. According to some embodiments, the desalination systems are transiently operated and/or configured to facilitate transient operation. In some embodiments, a liquid stream comprising water and at least one dissolved salt is circulated through a fluidic circuit comprising a desalination system. In some embodiments, a portion of the desalination system (e.g., a humidifier) is configured to remove at least a portion of the water from the liquid stream to produce a concentrated brine stream enriched in the dissolved salt. In certain cases, the concentrated brine stream is recirculated through the fluidic circuit until the concentrated brine stream reaches a relatively high density (e.g., at least about 10 pounds per gallon) and/or a relatively high salinity (e.g., a total dissolved salt concentration of at least about 25 wt %). In certain embodiments, additional salt is added to the concentrated brine stream to produce an ultra-high-density brine stream (e.g., a brine stream having a density of at least about 11.7 pounds per gallon). Some aspects relate to a system that is configured to promote energy efficiency by recovering heat from the recirculated concentrated brine stream upon discharge from the fluidic circuit. |
| US09617166B2 |
Metal oxide particle production method and production device
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing metal oxide particles, in which metal oxide particles with high photocatalytic activity is produced, and a production apparatus therefor. The above object can be achieved by using a method for producing metal oxide particles, which includes subjecting a reaction gas containing metal chloride and an oxidizing gas containing no metal chloride in a reaction tube (11) to preheating, and then subjecting a combined gas composed of the reaction gas and the oxidizing gas to main heating in a main heating region (A) apart from the downstream side of the junction (5b), wherein the time until the combined gas from the junction (5b) arrives at the upstream end (A1) of the main heating region (A) is adjusted to be less than 25 milliseconds. |
| US09617165B1 |
Method for making molecular sieve SSZ-105
A method for making a new crystalline molecular sieve designated SSZ-105 is disclosed. SSZ-105 is synthesized using N,N-dimethylpiperidinium cations as a structure directing agent. SSZ-105 is a disordered aluminosilicate molecular sieve comprising at least one intergrown phase of an ERI framework type molecular sieve and an LEV framework type molecular sieve. |
| US09617164B2 |
Separation, storage, and catalytic conversion of fluids using ITQ-55
This invention refers to a microporous crystalline material of zeolitic nature that has, in its calcined state and in the absence of defects in its crystalline matrix manifested by the presence of silanols, the empirical formula x(M1/nXO2):yYO2:gGeO2:(1−g)SiO2 in which M is selected between H+, at least one inorganic cation of charge +n, and a mixture of both, X is at least one chemical element of oxidation state +3, Y is at least one chemical element with oxidation state +4 different from Si, x takes a value between 0 and 0.2, both included, y takes a value between 0 and 0.1, both included, g takes a value between 0 and 0.5, both included that has been denoted ITQ-55, as well as a method for its preparation. This invention also relates to uses of the crystalline material of zeolitic nature for adsorption of fluid components, membrane separation of fluid components, storage of fluid components, and catalysis of various conversion reactions. |
| US09617161B2 |
Method for producing cyclohexasilane
High purity cyclohexasilane and a method for increasing the purification efficiency thereto are provided. The method for producing cyclohexasilane of the present invention is characterized in that, in distilling crude cyclohexasilane to obtain purified cyclohexasilane, the absolute pressure during distillation is set to 2 kPa or less, and the heating temperature of crude cyclohexasilane is set to 25 to 100° C. The cyclohexasilane of the present invention contains pure cyclohexasilane at a rate of 98% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less. |
| US09617157B2 |
Tubular nanostructure targeted to cell membrane
Devices, compositions, and methods are described which provide a tubular nanostructure or a composite tubular nanostructure targeted to a lipid bilayer membrane. The tubular nanostructure includes a hydrophobic surface region flanked by two hydrophilic surface regions. The tubular nanostructure is configured to interact with a lipid bilayer membrane and form a pore in the lipid bilayer membrane. The tubular nanostructure may be targeted by including at least one ligand configured to bind to one or more cognates on the lipid bilayer membrane of a target cell. |
| US09617156B2 |
Carbon nanostructures and networks produced by chemical vapor deposition
The invention pertains to a method for manufacturing crystalline carbon nanostructures and/or a network of crystalline carbon nanostructures, comprising: (i) providing a bicontinuous micro-emulsion containing metal nanoparticles having an average particle size between 1 and 100 nm; (ii) bringing said bicontinuous micro-emulsion into contact with a substrate; and (iii) subjecting said metal nanoparticles and a gaseous carbon source to chemical vapor deposition, thus forming carbon nanostructures and/or a network of carbon nanostructures. Therewith, it is now possible to obtain crystalline carbon nanostructures networks, preferably carbon nanotubes networks. |
| US09617151B2 |
Methods for controlling density, porosity, and/or gap size within nanotube fabric layers and films
A method for controlling density, porosity and/or gap size within a nanotube fabric layer is disclosed. In one aspect, this can be accomplished by controlling the degree of rafting in a nanotube fabric. In one aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of individual nanotube elements dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A high concentration of individual nanotube elements will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a lower concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In another aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of ionic particles dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A low concentration of ionic particles will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a higher concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In other aspects, both concentration parameters are adjusted. |
| US09617150B2 |
Micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device having a blocking layer formed between closed chamber and a dielectric layer of a CMOS substrate
Embodiments of mechanisms for forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device are provided. The MEMS device includes a CMOS substrate and a MEMS substrate bonded with the CMOS substrate. The CMOS substrate includes a semiconductor substrate, a first dielectric layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of conductive pads formed in the first dielectric layer. The MEMS substrate includes a semiconductor layer having a movable element and a second dielectric layer formed between the semiconductor layer and the CMOS substrate. The MEMS substrate also includes a closed chamber surrounding the movable element. The MEMS substrate further includes a blocking layer formed between the closed chamber and the first dielectric layer of the CMOS substrate. The blocking layer is configured to block gas, coming from the first dielectric layer, from entering the closed chamber. |
| US09617149B2 |
Compact fluid analysis device and method to fabricate
The present disclosure relates to a device for analyzing a fluid sample. In one aspect, the device includes a fluidic substrate that comprises a micro-fluidic component embedded in the fluidic substrate configured to propagate a fluid sample via capillary force through the device and a means for providing a fluid sample connected to the micro-fluidic component. The device also includes a lid attached to the fluidic substrate at least partly covering the fluidic substrate and at least partly closing the micro-fluidic component. The fluidic substrate may be a silicon fluidic substrate and the lid may be a CMOS chip. In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for fabricating such a device, and the method may include providing a fluidic substrate, providing a lid, and attaching, through a CMOS compatible bonding process, the fluidic substrate to the lid to close the fluidic substrate at least partly. |