| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09658687B2 |
Visual focus-based control of coupled displays
Various technologies described herein pertain to controlling functionality of a display based on visual focus of a user in a multiple display or multiple computational device environment. A particular display from a set of displays on which a user is visually focused is identified. The set of displays includes at least a first display and a second display. Moreover, a type of input receivable from the user via the first display and/or content rendered on the first display is controlled based on the visual focus of the user. |
| US09658686B2 |
Motion based view matrix tuning
Various embodiments relating to using motion based view matrix tuning to calibrate a head-mounted display device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the holograms are rendered with different view matrices, each view matrix corresponding to a different inter-pupillary distance. Upon selection by the user of the most stable hologram, the head-mounted display device can be calibrated to the inter-pupillary distance corresponding to the selected most stable hologram. |
| US09658680B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device whose power consumption can be reduced appropriately depending on the condition of use by a user is provided. The electronic device having a power saving mode includes a processor and a plurality of memories configured to be able to become a stopped state individually, and available to the processor. The processor causes a predetermined number of memories among the plurality of memories to become the stopped state, based on a processing load of the processor, to thereby make a shift to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the processor has a standby state of restricting the operation of a part of the electronic device and an active state of normally controlling the operation of the electronic device, and maintains the stopped state of the predetermined number of memories regardless of whether the processor is in the standby state or the active state. |
| US09658678B2 |
Induced thermal gradients
A temperature difference between a first thermal sensor and a second thermal sensor on a first die is determined. The temperature difference is transmitted from the first die to a circuit on a second die. A temperature from a thermal sensor on the second die is determined. The temperature difference and the temperature from the thermal sensor are utilized on the second die to modify operational characteristics of one or more circuits on the second die. |
| US09658676B1 |
Sending messages in a network-on-chip and providing a low power state for processing cores
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to arrangements and techniques for sending messages directly among processing cores and directly among co-processors over a network-on-chip (NoC). More particularly, the present disclosure provides an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that includes processing cores coupled together with a NoC. Each processing core and co-processor includes two corresponding buffers. A first buffer is for sending messages and a second buffer is for receiving messages. Messages are sent from a processing core directly to another processing core through the NoC. Messages are also sent from a co-processor directly to another co-processor through the NoC. |
| US09658674B2 |
Mobile system optimization method
Provided is a method of a mobile system, comprising executing an application at the mobile system, determining an execution condition of the application, and controlling a performance of the mobile system in response to a result of the determined execution condition before the application performs an actual workload. The mobile system optimization method enhances the performance of the mobile system by utilizing the same resources. |
| US09658673B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method for rewriting a setting value for the information processing apparatus in power saving mode, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus comprises: a receiving unit that receives data; a determination unit that, if the received data is setting value change data used for changing a setting value, determines whether or not the setting value needs to be immediately changed based on the setting value change data; and a control unit that, if the information processing apparatus operates in a sleep mode and it is determined that the setting value needs to be immediately changed, controls so that the information processing apparatus returns from the sleep mode and changes the setting value, and if the information processing apparatus operates in the sleep mode and it is determined that the setting value does not need to be immediately changed, controls so that the information processing apparatus does not immediately change the setting value and maintains the sleep mode. |
| US09658672B2 |
Business object representations and detail boxes display
A reference point on a graphical user interface may be determined. The reference point may be represented by a plurality of coordinates. The graphical user interface may be divided into tile map entities. Information about the tile map entities may be stored into a cache. The stored information may include an origin and dimensions of each tile map entity, and the origin may be represented relative to the reference point. Information needed to position a business object visual representation may be retrieved from the cache. The business object visual representation may be drawn on the graphical user interface based on the retrieved information needed to position the business object visual representation. |
| US09658670B1 |
Free device placement for wireless charging
Systems and methods for free device placement for wireless charging are described. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: determine that the IHS is placed in a position on a wireless charging pad such that the wireless charging pad cannot provide power to the IHS above a minimum threshold value; request that the wireless charging pad provide fringe power to IHS without repositioning the IHS on the wireless charging pad, wherein the fringe power is smaller than the minimum threshold power level; and use the fringe power to indicate a problem or error to a user. |
| US09658662B2 |
Resource management for data centers
Resource management for data centers is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes determining electrical power usage for the data center, and determining cooling fluid usage for the data center. The method also includes processing a resource utilization cap for the data center, and adjust ng at least one of the electrical power and the cooling fluid for the data center based on the resource utilization cap. |
| US09658654B1 |
Convertible device hinge cable routing system
A hinge cable routing system includes a hinge chassis that includes a first hinge wall and a second hinge wall that is spaced apart from the first hinge wall to define a hinge housing between the first hinge wall and the second hinge wall. A first shaft extends through the hinge housing and out of the hinge chassis. A second shaft extends through the hinge housing and out of the hinge chassis. A cable extends through the hinge housing adjacent the first hinge wall and between the first hinge wall and each of the first shaft and the second shaft such that no portion of the cable that extends through the hinge housing is located between the second hinge wall and either of the first shaft and the second shaft. |
| US09658652B2 |
Convertible information handling system input device surface and support
A convertible information handling system transitions to tablet and tablet stand configurations having a keyboard with a friction enhanced surface disposed against a support surface, the keyboard resisting movement of the information handling system relative to the support surface. For example, the keyboard has a rubberized plastic outer surface on non-moving keys to effectively increase the surface area of the keyboard in contact with the support surface. In one embodiment, the friction enhanced surface has its friction characteristics increased when proximate a support surface and decreased when distal a support surface. |
| US09658648B2 |
Flexible printed circuit cables with service loops and overbending prevention
An electronic device may have a signal cable formed from a flexible printed circuit. A service loop may be formed in the signal cable. The bend may be formed in a desired location on the flexible printed circuit by contraction of an elastic member having ends attached to the flexible printed circuit. The elastic member may be conductive to carry signals and provide shielding. Structures may be attached to the flexible printed circuit to promote bending in a desired location and direction. A crease or other bending promotion feature may be applied to the flexible printed circuit at a desired bend location. Overbending prevention structures such as overmolded elastomeric structures may be applied to the flexible printed circuit at the bend. Integral strain relief features may prevent overbending of the flexible printed circuit upon exiting the elastomeric structures. Overmolded structures may serve as protective bumpers. |
| US09658644B2 |
CRUM unit mountable in consumable unit of image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
A customer replacement unit monitor (CRUM) unit that can be mounted in an image forming apparatus includes a decoder which receives first clock signals from the image forming apparatus and converts the first clock signals into second clock signals, a memory which stores data related with a consumable unit, and a controller which manages the memory based on data signals transmitted from the image forming apparatus and the second clock signals. The first clock signals are divided into a data section in which the data signals are transmitted and received and an idle section in which the data signals are not transmitted and received. The first clock signals have a first frequency on the data section while having a second frequency on the idle section, and the second clock signals are clock signals maintaining a high value or a low value on the idle section. |
| US09658643B2 |
Data interface and data transmission method
A data interface includes a first sampler sampling a first bitset and a second sampler sampling a second bitset. The first bitset includes a first bit which is included in a first image data and a third bit which is included in a second image, and the second bitset includes a second bit which is included in the first image data and is a higher-order bit than the first bit and a fourth bit which is included in the second image data and is a higher-order bit than the third bit. The data interface further includes a clock generator configured to adjust a sampling timing of the first and second bitsets based on a multi-phase clock, and a clock data recovery (CDR) circuit shared by the first sampler, the second sampler and configured to output the multi-phase clock to the clock generator. |
| US09658634B2 |
Under voltage detection and performance throttling
An under voltage detection circuit and method of operating an IC including the same is disclosed. In one embodiment, an IC includes an under voltage protection circuit having first and second comparators configured to compare a supply voltage to first and second voltage thresholds, respectively, with the second voltage threshold being greater than the first. A logic circuit is coupled to receive signals from the first and second comparators. During operation in a high performance state by a corresponding functional circuit, the logic circuit is configured to cause assertion of a throttling signal responsive to an indication that the supply voltage has fallen below the first threshold. A clock signal provided to the functional circuit may be throttled responsive to the indication. If the supply voltage subsequently rises to a level above the second threshold, the throttling signal may be de-asserted. |
| US09658630B2 |
Digital filter and timing signal generation circuit
A digital filter includes: a minimum-value holder that holds a minimum value of a measurement value inputted in the minimum-value holder and that outputs the minimum value as a held value; a limit-value circuit that receives the held value and that outputs the held value as a limit value in a case where the held value remains minimum during predetermined cycles; and an output controller that receives a maximum value, the measurement value, and the limit value, the maximum value defining an upper limit, outputs the measurement value as an output value if the measurement value is smaller than the limit value, and outputs the maximum value as the output value if the measurement value is equal to or larger than the limit value. |
| US09658627B2 |
Detection of imminent control instability
Imminent control instability is detected in a system that applies a stimulus to an object. The system provides a parameter signal that represents a system parameter indicating oscillation of the object while the stimulus is being applied to the object. The method comprises monitoring maximum amplitude of a dominant tone in a selected frequency band of the parameter signal; and taking an action to avoid imminent control instability if the maximum amplitude persists over a specified period of time. |
| US09658626B2 |
Fault isolation and decontamination procedures for electrohydraulic valves
A method for isolating a fault or blocked work port in an electro-hydraulic system is disclosed. In one step, a system pump is set to a first predetermined pressure and a valve assembly is commanded to a center position. In another step, the center position of the valve is recorded. In one step, the valve assembly is opened to place a work port associated with the valve in fluid communication with the pump, after which a first end position of the valve, a first work port pressure, and a first pump supply pressure are recorded. In another step, the valve assembly is opened to place the work port to a tank reservoir, after which a second end position of the valve and a fluid pressure associated with the work port are recorded. The recorded and measured data can then be analyzed to identify the fault condition or blocked work port. |
| US09658621B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for automatically taxiing an aircraft
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for automatically pushing aircraft back from an airport gate and/or for automatically taxiing an aircraft. At least one engines-off drive is attached to at least one landing gear wheel to apply a rotational force and/or a rotation impeding force to the at least one landing gear wheel. At least one friction brake is attached to at least one landing gear wheel to apply a rotation impeding force to the at least one landing gear wheel. |
| US09658617B1 |
Remote controlled vehicle with a head-mounted display
In some embodiments, extemporaneous control of remote objects can be made more natural using the invention, enabling a participant to pivot, tip and aim a head-mounted display apparatus to control a remote-controlled toy or full-sized vehicle, for example, hands-free. If the vehicle is outfitted with a camera, then the participant may see the remote location from first-person proprioceptive perspective. |
| US09658616B2 |
Cleaning robot and method for controlling the same
A cleaning robot includes a main body, a moving assembly to move the main body, a cleaning tool provided at a bottom part of the main body to collect foreign substances on a floor, an imager to collect images around the main body and a controller to recognize motion of a hand by performing image processing of the collected images, identify a control command corresponding to the motion of the hand, plan a moving direction and a moving distance of the main body as movement information based on the control command, and control operations of the moving assembly and the cleaning tool based on the planned movement information. Since the user directly controls movement of the cleaning robot, it is possible to improve interactivity between human and cleaning robot, reduce the user's labor and increase convenience. |
| US09658613B2 |
Generating optimized tool paths and machine commands for beam cutting tools
A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described. |
| US09658611B2 |
Machine tool including numerical controller with function to determine replacement time for maintenance component
A controller for a machine tool outputs an operation instruction signal to the machine tool. The machine tool transmits a signal indicating that the instructed operation is compete. The controller determines a response time of operation to be a difference in time between a point in time when the numerical controller outputs an operation instruction signal and a point in time when the numerical controller receives a signal from the machine tool. When the response time of operation exceeds a preset value, the numerical controller determines that a corresponding maintenance component needs to be replaced and informs a user of the need for replacement by means of a display unit. |
| US09658607B2 |
System, method and apparatus for grouping building automation objects for group communication within a building automation system
A system is provided for communicating common data associated with building automation objects between building automation devices across a network. The common data corresponds to a group of one or more building automation objects representing points associated with a plurality of field devices controlled or monitored in a building by the building automation devices. The system comprises a first building automation device having a group master object that includes a group identifier. A second building automation device includes a group member object having the same group identifier as the group master object. The group master object exchanges the common data to each of the building automation devices having a group member object that has the same group identifier as the group master object. |
| US09658606B2 |
Protection circuit to prevent power-on operation motherboard
A protection circuit to prevent power-on operations for a motherboard includes a first power supply, a spring mechanical switch attached to a chassis of an electronic device, a plurality of second power supplies with different voltages, and a plurality of electronic switches. The spring mechanical switch includes a first terminal coupled to the first power supply, and a second terminal grounded. First pins of the electronic switches are coupled to the first terminal, second pins of the electronic switches respectively are coupled to the second power supplies, third pins of the electronic switches are capable of powering the motherboard. When the cover is detached from the chassis, the mechanical switch rebounds, the first terminal disconnects and the second terminal are disconnected, the electronic switches are turned off, no voltages output from the third pins of the electronic switches. |
| US09658601B2 |
Acoustic radiating membrane for a musical watch
The acoustic radiating membrane is provided to equip a musical watch or a striking watch. The dome-shaped membrane comprises an active central portion, a lateral wall and a peripheral edge portion for holding the membrane in a watch case. The central part is configured in a convex shape or a conical shape and with dimensions devised to amplify a first vibration mode of one or more notes within a frequency range of between 500 Hz and 3.5 kHz. |
| US09658600B1 |
Timepieces for sight impaired
A timepiece includes: a plurality of pins mounted along a circumferential direction on a face of the timepiece, each of the pins having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and a pin mover configured to rotate along the circumferential direction of the timepiece, the pin mover being configured to engage the second ends of the pins to move the first ends of the pins away from the face of the timepiece. |
| US09658599B2 |
Flexible collet
Timepiece collet comprising a point of attachment to a balance spring and a passage intended to receive a balance staff. According to the invention, the passage is substantially cylindrical and is configured to deform elastically in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the passage and to elastically clamp the balance staff by at least two lines of contact extending over the height of the inner wall of the passage when the balance staff is inserted in the passage. |
| US09658598B2 |
Hairspring for a time piece and hairspring design for concentricity
A method of increasing concentricity in use of a spiral hairspring mechanical timepiece; the hairspring having an inner terminal end portion for engagement with a collet, an outer terminal end portion for engagement with a stud, a first limb portion extending from the inner terminal end portion towards the outer terminal end portion, and a stiffening portion positioned at the outer turn of the hairspring and having a cross-sectional second moment of area different to that of the first limb portion such that bending stiffness of the stiffening portion has a greater bending stiffness than the single limb portion. The method includes modifying cross-sectional second moments of an area of the first limb portion and the stiffening portion by minimizing a cost function throughout the amplitude of the rotation of hairspring in use, the cost function being correlated to the net concentricity of the hairspring. |
| US09658596B2 |
Apparatus and method for adjusting holographic image
A holographic object processing apparatus and method are provided. The holographic object processing apparatus may include a display device to output a holographic object, a database (DB) to store change information of the holographic object according to a distance between a control object and the holographic object, a distance measurement sensor to measure the distance between the control object and the holographic object, and a processing unit to extract change information corresponding to the measured distance from the DB and change the holographic object based on the extracted change information. The display device may output the changed holographic object. |
| US09658595B2 |
Security document and/or document of value containing a visually changeable window with a hologram
The present invention relates to a security document and/or document of value with a hologram in a visually changeable window as a novel security element, and also to a method for producing the same. |
| US09658589B2 |
Transporting device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A transporting device includes a detecting portion that detects a load applied to a driving portion provided for transporting a medium, an identifying portion that identifies a type of the medium from a result of detection performed by the detecting portion, and a correcting portion that fits, if a predetermined instruction is made, the result of detection to a predetermined reference characteristic of the load applied to the driving portion. |
| US09658587B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a heating member that has a heat source, comes into contact with a surface of a continuous medium having an image transferred thereto and heats the surface; a pressure member that is provided so as to oppose the heating member with the medium therebetween and applies pressure to the medium; and a tensioning member that is provided on a downstream side of a fixing area, where the heating member and the pressure member oppose each other, in a medium-transport direction, applies tension to the medium by pressing the medium toward the pressure member, and wraps the medium around the pressure member. |
| US09658586B1 |
Image forming apparatus with heat equalization of a fixing belt
In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a fixing apparatus which fixes a toner image formed on an image receiving medium. The fixing apparatus comprises an endless belt, a roller facing the belt, and a nip pad which faces the roller across the belt and presses the belt together with the roller. A coating layer is formed on a surface of the nip pad which faces the belt. The coating layer is constituted by a simple substance or a compound having at least one kind of elements selected from a group 6 element and a group 14 element. |
| US09658584B2 |
Fixing apparatus
A fixing apparatus for fixing a toner image on a recording material while conveying and heating, at a nip portion, the recoding material on which the toner image has been formed, the fixing apparatus including a rotary member including a conductive layer, a helical coil provided inside the rotary member, a helical axis of the helical coil extending in a generatrix direction of the rotary member, a magnetic core provided inside the helical coil, the magnetic core having a shape that does not form a loop outside the conductive layer, and a back-up member forming a nip portion together with the rotary member. In the generatrix direction, when winding pitches of the helical coil in a middle area, in end-portion areas, and in intermediate areas that are areas between the middle area and the end-portion areas are X, Y, and Z, respectively, then Y |
| US09658579B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a transfer bias output device
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer to bear a toner image, a toner image forming device to form the toner image on the image bearer, a nip forming device to contact the image bearer to form a transfer nip between the image bearer and the nip forming device, a transfer bias output device to output a transfer bias including a DC component and an AC component to transfer the toner image from the image bearer onto a recording medium interposed in the transfer nip, and a controller operatively connected to the transfer bias output device to adjust a frequency f of the AC component of the transfer bias in accordance with an image area ratio A such that the frequency f is at its minimum with a predetermined image area ratio Amin %, where Amin % is greater than 0 but lower than an image area ratio of a solid image. |
| US09658574B2 |
Powder container, developing device, process unit, and image forming apparatus
A powder container is provided. The powder container includes a powder storage and a conveyer. The powder storage stores a powder to be used for image formation and has a vent hole to pass air between an inside and an outside of the powder storage. The conveyer conveys the powder inside the powder storage. The vent hole is on an upper surface of the powder storage facing the conveyer. |
| US09658572B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus therewith
A developing device includes a developer container, a first stirring member, a second stirring member, and a developer carrying member. The second stirring member includes a second transport blade for transporting developer inside a second transport chamber; a regulating portion having a first regulating blade formed next to, downstream of, the second transport blade in the transport direction of the developer inside the second transport chamber, for transporting developer in the same direction as the second transport blade with a smaller transporting force than the second transport blade, and a second regulating blade formed next to, downstream of, the first regulating blade for transporting developer in the opposite direction to the first regulating blade, and a discharge blade formed next to, downstream of, the second regulating blade for transporting developer in the same direction as the second transport blade to discharge the developer through the developer discharge port. |
| US09658562B2 |
Image forming apparatus and optical scanning apparatus for scanning photosensitive member with light spot
An image forming apparatus includes: a scanning unit configured to form a latent image on a photosensitive member, wherein a scanning speed changes within a scan line; a control unit configured to perform correction control of a luminance and a light-emitting time of a light source; a holding unit configured to hold profile information indicating a change of the light spot due to an environment or due to a position of the pixel. The holding unit is further configured to hold scanning information indicating the light-emitting time of the light source or the luminance of the light source with respect to a pixel, for correcting a change in the scanning time of the pixel, and the control unit is further configured to perform the correction control based on the scanning information and the profile information. |
| US09658558B2 |
Blower pipe, blowing device, and image forming apparatus
Provided is a blower pipe with an inlet, an outlet, a passage part formed with a passage space to cause air to flow therein, and suppressing parts that are provided in different parts in a direction in which air in the passage space of the passage part is caused to flow and that suppress the flow of the air, wherein an outlet suppressing part constructed so that the passage space in the outlet is closed by a permeable member dotted with ventilation portions is provided in the outlet of the passage part as one of the suppressing parts, and wherein the permeability of an end region present at least at one end in the lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction among regions along the longitudinal direction of the opening shape of the outlet is set to a smaller value than the permeability of regions other than the end region. |
| US09658549B2 |
Toner
A toner having a toner particle including a binder resin, wherein the binder resin includes a styrene acrylic resin and a vinyl-modified crystalline polyester resin, the vinyl-modified crystalline polyester resin has a crystalline polyester segment having structures of following i) or a structure of following ii), i) at least two structures selected from the group consisting of a structure derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, a structure derived from an aliphatic diol and a structure derived from an aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid; ii) a structure derived from an aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid; and the vinyl-modified crystalline polyester resin has a specific modification rate. |
| US09658548B2 |
Magnetic toner
The magnetic toner includes magnetic toner particles comprising a binder resin and a magnetic body and inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles, wherein the inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles comprise metal oxide fine particles, the metal oxide fine particles containing silica fine particles, and optionally containing titania fine particles and alumina fine particles, and a content of the silica fine particles being at least 85 mass % with respect to a total mass of the silica fine particles, the titania fine particles and the alumina fine particles, wherein; when a coverage ratio A (%) is a coverage ratio of the magnetic toner particle's surface by the inorganic fine particles and a coverage ratio B (%) is a coverage ratio of the magnetic toner particles' surface by the inorganic fine particles that are fixed to the magnetic toner particle's surface, the magnetic toner has a coverage ratio A, a coefficient of variation on the coverage ratio A, a ratio of the coverage ratio B to the coverage ratio A, and a compression ratio in a specific range. |
| US09658541B2 |
Lithographic apparatus, device manufacturing method, and method of applying a pattern to a substrate
A lithographic apparatus includes at least one image alignment sensor for receiving radiation projected from an alignment mark on a reticle. Processor processes signals from the sensor(s) to resolve spatial information in the projected alignment mark to establish a reference for measuring positional relationships between a substrate support and the patterning location. Examples of the sensor include line arrays of photodetectors. A single array can resolve spatial information in a plane of the sensor (X, Y direction) and in a perpendicular (Z) direction. At least a final step in establishing the reference position is performed while holding the substrate support stationary. Errors and delays induced by mechanical scanning of prior art sensors are avoided. Alternatively (not illustrated) the sensor is moved for mechanical scanning relative to the substrate support, independently of the main positioning systems. |
| US09658535B2 |
Methods and systems for printing periodic patterns
A method for printing a periodic pattern of features into a photosensitive layer includes providing a mask bearing a periodic pattern, providing a substrate bearing the photosensitive layer, and arranging the substrate substantially parallel to the mask. A beam of collimated monochromatic light is formed for illuminating the mask pattern so that the light-field transmitted by the mask forms Talbot image planes separated by a Talbot distance. N sub-exposures of the mask with the beam are performed and the separation between sub-exposures are changed so that the relative separation during the ith sub-exposure with respect to that during the first sub-exposure is given by (mi+ni/N) times the Talbot distance. The mask pattern is exposed to the same energy density of illumination for each sub-exposure, wherein the period is selected in relation to the wavelength so that only the zeroth and first diffraction orders are transmitted by the mask. |
| US09658532B2 |
Pattern forming process
A negative tone pattern is formed by coating a resist composition onto a substrate, prebaking to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation, PEB the resist film in a high-humidity environment, and developing the resist film in an organic solvent developer. PEB in a high-humidity environment is effective for reducing the shrinkage of the resist film during the step and thus preventing the trench pattern from deformation. |
| US09658530B2 |
Process for forming multi-layer film and patterning process
The invention provides a process for forming a multi-layer film including the steps of: (1) forming an under layer film onto a substrate by coating an under layer film material containing a resin represented by the following general formula (1) in which a compound having a bisnaphthol group has been made a novolac resin, and curing the same by heat treatment at a temperature in a range of 300° C. or higher and 700° C. or lower for 10 seconds to 600 seconds, (2) forming a silicon film onto the under layer film, (3) forming a hydrocarbon film onto the silicon film by coating a hydrocarbon film material, and (4) forming a silicon-oxidized film onto the hydrocarbon film by coating a silicon-oxidized film material. There can be provided a process for forming a multi-layer film which can reduce reflectance, and useful for a patterning process with high dimensional accuracy of dry etching. |
| US09658526B2 |
Mask pellicle indicator for haze prevention
A pellicle mask assembly includes a mask, a pellicle frame, and a pellicle membrane. The pellicle frame has a bottom side attached to the mask, and a top side covered by the pellicle membrane. The pellicle frame includes a coating on its inner surface and the coating is configured to monitor a change of environment inside the pellicle mask assembly. In embodiments, the change of environment includes increased humidity and/or increased chemical ion density inside the pellicle mask assembly. Methods of making and using the pellicle mask assembly are also disclosed. |
| US09658525B2 |
Pellicle
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pellicle which has, on the inner surface of the pellicle frame, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that has holding performance capable of satisfactorily adhering suspended substances including dust thereto and that has excellent resistance to short-wavelength light. This pellicle comprises a pellicle frame, a pellicle film stretched over the pellicle frame, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed inside the pellicle frame, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a copolymer having structural units represented by formula (1) and structural units represented by formula (2), the amount of the copolymer being 60 mass % or more of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. —CH2CF2— (1) —CF2CF(CF3)— (2) |
| US09658521B2 |
Illumination device and image display apparatus
An illumination device includes: an excitation light source that emits excitation light having a first wavelength; and a fluorescent member that includes a fluorescent substance that, when it is irradiated with the excitation light, emits light having a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength, transmits a part of the excitation light and reflects another part of the excitation light, and a first reflective film provided at a side of the fluorescent substance, which is opposite to an excitation light incidence side, the fluorescent member emitting multiplexed light including an excitation light component reflected from the fluorescent substance and the first reflective film and a light component emitted from the fluorescent substance. |
| US09658518B2 |
Video stabilization device and method
A video stabilization device has an adjustable length shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a midsection between the proximal end and the distal end. A video recording device mount adapted to retain a video recording device is associated with the proximal end of the shaft, a counterweight member is associated with the distal end of the shaft, and a 2-axis gimbal is associated with the midsection of the shaft. A user may grasp the 2-axis gimbal and adjust the length of the adjustable length shaft to generally balance a video recording device retained by the video recording device mount and the counterweight member with the shaft in a predominantly vertical orientation thereby stabilizing a video recording produced by the video recording device. The video stabilization device may optionally be balanced in the horizontal orientation as well. |
| US09658513B2 |
Device and method for converting a light and a laser system
Disclosed herein is a device (10) for converting a light (12) received thereby. The device (10) comprises a resonating structure (14) comprising a Raman medium. The resonating structure is arranged to resonate Raman light (18) generated by a Raman interaction between the Raman medium and the light (12) when so received. |
| US09658512B2 |
Cycloidal diffractive waveplate and method of manufacture
A cycloidal diffractive waveplate (50) comprising first and second substrate layers (52, 54), a liquid crystal layer (60C, 60H) provided between the first and second substrate layers, and transparent positive electrodes (56) and transparent negative electrodes (58) provided on the first substrate layer. The liquid crystal layer has a diffractive state (60C) in which the optical axes of the liquid crystal molecules are periodically rotated across a plane of the waveplate and a non-diffractive state (60H) in which the optical axes of the liquid crystal molecules are all orientated in the same direction in the plane of the waveplate. The electrodes (56, 58) are arranged in an alternating series, such that when an electric voltage is applied to the electrodes an electric field is produced in the plane of the waveplate and the liquid crystal layer is switched from the diffractive state to the non-diffractive state. A method of manufacturing the cycloidal diffractive waveplate is also provided. |
| US09658509B2 |
Multi-nodal SPD controller networking
A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device, a small number of SPD devices or thousands of such SPD devices installed in windows in automobiles, aircraft, trains, marine vehicles, residential homes, commercial buildings and skyscrapers. A scalable apparatus and a network environment dynamically changes the light transparency of a single SPD device or thousands of such SPD devices in the presentation of a multi-media special effects display. Textual messages, graphical images and simulated motion effects are driven. Such scalable apparatus being capable of driving and using several operational parameters of SPD's such as frequency range, AC voltage and temperature so as to provide fine control of SPD characteristics such as switching speed and power consumption. |
| US09658508B1 |
Manufacturing methods for a transparent conductive oxide on a flexible substrate
An electrochromic device is provided. The device includes a substrate and an electrochromic stack on the substrate. The stack includes a first set of bus bars, a first transparent conductive layer, at least one electrochromic layer, a second transparent conductive layer, and a second set of bus bars, wherein at least one of the first transparent conductive layer or the second transparent conductive layer includes resistivity that varies by horizontal location according to a resistivity profile. In some embodiments the resistivity profile has a vertical component that may or may not be in addition to the horizontal component. Various embodiments of these materials can be tuned as to profiles of vertical resistance and horizontal sheet resistance. |
| US09658507B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules having a negative dielectric anisotropy, a response speed of about 4.0 ms or less, and a rotational viscosity of about 47 mPa·S to about 75 mPa·S. |
| US09658502B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having dual link structure and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is an LCD device having a dual link structure and a method of manufacturing the same, which can reduce a width of a bezel. A link line structure includes a plurality of first and second link lines which are alternately disposed. The first and second link lines are formed on different layers. Also, embodiments herein provide a method which can reduce the number of masks used in a manufacturing process and can easily manufacture the LCD device in consideration of the possibility of misalignment of exposure equipment. |
| US09658500B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
To decrease graininess in a display surface. First openings comprise third openings each having a first area that extends at a −45 degree angle, and a second area that extends vertically, and fourth openings each having a first area that extends at a 45 degree angle, and a second area that extends vertically. Second openings comprise fifth openings each having a first area that extends at a 45 degree angle, and a second area that extends vertically, and sixth openings each having a first area that extends at a −45 degree angle, and a second area that extends vertically. The third and the fifth openings are disposed along horizontally so that one third opening and one fifth opening adjacent to each other overlap. The fourth and the sixth openings are disposed along horizontally so that a part of one fourth opening and one sixth opening adjacent to each other overlap. |
| US09658498B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, and a first electrode and a second electrode formed overlapping with each other on the first substrate, wherein a first insulating layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The liquid crystal display further includes a light blocking member formed on the second electrode, a first spacer and a second spacer formed on the light blocking member, and a second substrate facing the first substrate. |
| US09658495B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
In a liquid crystal display, a pretilt value provided by an upper alignment layer or a lower alignment layer is gradually changed in one domain, such that liquid crystal molecules have various arrangements in which azimuth angles of aligned liquid crystal molecules are gradually changed. |
| US09658494B2 |
Display substrate, mother substrate for display substrates and display device
The present invention provides a display substrate, a mother substrate for display substrates and a display device. The display substrate comprises a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, wherein an alignment layer is disposed in the display area and the non-display area. In the display substrate according to the present invention, by providing the same pattern of alignment layer in both of the non-display area and the display area of the display substrate, the Mura defect caused by the difference of surface roughness between the display area and the non-display area of the display substrate may be significantly reduced, and a large amount of small foreign matters gathered due to the rubbing between the rubbing cloth and metal residuals may also be significantly reduced. Therefore, the yield of production and the quality of products may be improved. |
| US09658493B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a first electrode which is disposed on the first substrate, and which includes a stem part for dividing a pixel into a plurality of domains, a plurality of micro branch parts extending in one direction from at least one stem of the stem part, and a peripheral bundle electrode connected to an end of at least one of the micro branch parts and disposed along an edge of the pixel, a first panel including protrusions arranged along an outer circumference of the peripheral bundle electrode and projected in the direction vertical to the first substrate, a second substrate, a second panel including a second electrode which is disposed on the second substrate and which faces the first electrode, and a liquid crystal layer which is interposed between the first panel and the second panel and which includes liquid crystals. |
| US09658487B2 |
Display device including support frame having reflective stepped portion
A display device includes a display panel which displays an image, a backlight unit which generates light and emits the light toward the display panel, a supporting member which supports edge parts of the display panel, and an accommodation member defining an accommodation space in which the backlight unit and the supporting member are disposed. In the accommodation space, the backlight unit includes a light source which generates the light, and a side-emitting lens which covers the light source and through which the light generated by the light source is emitted. In the accommodation space, the supporting member defines a plurality of stepped parts, where the plurality of stepped parts extended toward the light source has a light reflecting characteristic. |
| US09658486B2 |
Light emitting device and display device including the same
A light emitting device package is disclosed. The light emitting device package includes a body, first and second reflection cups spaced apart from each other in a top surface of the body, a first connection pad disposed in the top surface of the body, spaced apart from the first and second reflection cups, a first light emitting diode mounted in the first reflection cup, a second light emitting diode mounted in the second reflection cup, and a partition wall disposed between the first reflection cup and the second reflection cup, the partition wall extended from the top surface of the body upwardly. |
| US09658481B2 |
Display device comprising a microcavity wherein a polarizer, a pixel electrode, a common electrode, a roof layer, and a liquid crystal layer are not disposed in a transparent region
The present invention relates to a display device with improved transparency and appearance, and the display device according to an example embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate including a plurality of pixel areas having a transparent region and a liquid crystal driving region; a thin film transistor formed on the substrate; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; a common electrode formed in the liquid crystal driving region on the pixel electrode so as to be spaced apart from the pixel electrode with a microcavity therebetween; a roof layer formed on the common electrode; an injection hole formed in the common electrode and the roof layer so as to expose the microcavity; a liquid crystal layer filling the microcavity; and an overcoat formed on the roof layer so as to cover the liquid crystal injection hole to seal the microcavity, wherein the pixel electrode, the common electrode, the roof layer, and the liquid crystal layer are formed in the liquid crystal driving region. |
| US09658478B2 |
Laminated glazing with variable liquid-crystal-induced scattering, and process and device for manufacturing it
A laminated glazing with variable liquid-crystal-induced scattering, includes a first glass sheet; a first interlayer film for laminating the first glass sheet, made from a first plastic material; an electrically controllable, variable scattering system including the liquid crystals between a first support for a first electrode and a second support for a second electrode, the electrodes making contact with the liquid crystals; a second interlayer film, made from a second plastic material for laminating a second glass sheet; links to the electrodes; electrical wiring with two wiring inputs; a polymer material, for protecting the wiring inputs, which makes contact with the glass sheets; and a seal for sealing the liquid crystals and the electrodes from water. The protective polymer material forms a seal for sealing the electrode links and the wiring inputs from liquid water. |
| US09658476B2 |
Controlling bias voltages for optical modulators
Methods and apparatus for controlling a bias voltage supplied to an optical modulator, the modulator comprising a biasable component, the biasable component being configurable to be biased by application of the bias voltage (20) such that the modulator operates at quadrature, the method comprising: providing a target for the output power of the modulator, the target for the output power of the modulator being an output power corresponding to the modulator operating at quadrature; applying, to the biasable component, a bias voltage (20) having an initial value of 0V; and, thereafter, varying the bias voltage (20) until the value of the bias voltage (20) is the value that is closest to the initial value and that biases the biasable component so that the output power of the modulator is within a pre-defined range of the target output power. |
| US09658459B2 |
Head-mounted image display apparatus
A head-mounted image display apparatus includes: a light source that emits laser light; a splitter that splits the laser light into first laser light and second laser light having a different optical intensity than the first laser light; an image drawing section that causes the first laser light to be reflected off a mirror and causes the mirror to make pivotal motion to perform image drawing; a controller that controls the pivotal motion of the mirror; and a notification section that notifies other persons by diffusing the second laser light that the image drawing section is performing image drawing. |
| US09658458B2 |
See-through computer display systems
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for a head-worn computer with a content display where the head-worn computer can be changed from an augmented reality system where there is relatively high see-through transmission through the display to a virtual reality system where there is no or relatively little see-through transmission through the display. |
| US09658456B2 |
Image display apparatus, image generating device, and transmissive spatial light modulating device
An image display apparatus 100 includes: (A) an image generating device 111 including a light source 160 and a transmissive spatial light modulating device 150 formed with pixels 152 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix; and (B) a light guiding unit 120 that guides light from the image generating device 111, and emits the light toward an eye 21 of a viewer 20, wherein the transmissive spatial light modulating device 150 includes, on a light emitting side thereof, a microlens array 170 including a microlens corresponding to each pixel, and when an incident solid angle of light entering a pixel from the light source 160 is assumed to be ωin, and an emitting solid angle of light that passes through the pixel and is emitted from the microlens corresponding to the pixel is assumed to be ωout, ωout>ωin is satisfied. |
| US09658453B1 |
Head-mounted display including diffractive combiner to integrate a display and a sensor
An apparatus comprising a diffractive combiner having a front side, a rear surface, and an optical axis running substantially through the center of the diffractive combiner and normal to the back side. A display unit directs display light toward the back side of the diffractive combiner; the display unit positioned at a first angle relative to the optical axis, and the display light having a first range of wavelengths. An eye-tracking sensor receives eye-tracking radiation reflected by the back side of the diffractive combiner, the eye-tracking sensor positioned next to the display unit at a second angle relative to the optical axis, the second angle being different than the first angle and the eye-tracking radiation having a wavelength outside the first range of wavelengths. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US09658452B2 |
Glass type terminal having three-dimensional input device and screen control method thereof
Disclosed are a glass type terminal capable of supporting gestures using one finger or two fingers by providing a three-dimensional input device at a temple hinged to a rim of a lens, and an input method thereof. For three-dimensional touch inputs, the temple is configured to have an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner side surface and an outer side surface provided touch sensor, respectively. Upon sensing of a touch input applied onto said one or more surfaces of the temple using one finger or two fingers, a screen displayed on a lens is controlled in correspondence to the sensed touch input. Under such configuration, a user can control the screen in a more convenient manner. |
| US09658447B2 |
Multiple illumination sources for DMD lighting apparatus and methods
A DMD illumination system having multiple illumination sources. A DMD illumination system is provided that includes a plurality of illumination sources, each of the illumination sources directing light onto the digital micro-mirror device corresponding to a respective position of an array of micro-mirrors, each illumination source being positioned to cause reflected light from the array of micro-mirrors to be projected out of the system, and control circuitry coupled to the plurality of illumination sources and to the digital micro-mirror device configured for controlling the position of the array of micro-mirrors and further configured for providing control signals for turning each of the plurality of illumination sources on and off, so that the light from the plurality of illumination sources strikes the array of micro-mirrors and the light is reflected from the digital micro-mirror device and out of the system. Methods are also disclosed. |
| US09658443B2 |
Optics apparatus with detection of light rays received at different angles for output indicative of aliased views
Images are detected in a manner that addresses various challenges as discussed herein. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, aspects are directed to an apparatus having sets of photosensors that detect light rays received at different angles from a specimen via a microlens array, with the light rays detected by each set of photosensors representing an aliased view of the specimen. An output indicative of aliased views of the specimen is provided. Certain embodiments further include a logic circuit that processes the output and generates a deconvolved volume image by combining aliased views of the specimen as detected by the photosensors. |
| US09658442B2 |
Cumulant microscopy
The invention describes a method and a microscopy system for imaging and analyzing stochastically and independently blinking point-like emitters. A multiple-order cumulants analysis in conjunction with an established blinking model enables the extraction of super-resolved environment-related parameter maps, such as molecular state lifetimes, concentration and brightness distributions of the emitter. In addition, such parameter maps can be used to compensate for the non-linear brightness and blinking response of higher-order cumulant images—used for example in Super-resolution Optical Fluctuation Imaging (SOFI)—to generate a balanced image contrast. Structures that otherwise would be masked by brighter regions in the conventional cumulant image become samples using spectral cross-cumulants. |
| US09658439B2 |
LED freeform surface illumination system
A LED freeform surface illumination system is provided. The LED freeform surface illumination system includes a LED point light source, a freeform surface lens, and a light receiving surface. A light emitting angle φ of the LED point light source is divided into three regions. The freeform surface lens includes a spherical surface and a freeform surface opposite to the spherical surface. The freeform surface comprises three annular regions. Each region of the three regions of the light emitting angle φ of the LED point light source corresponds with one annular region of the freeform surface. Lights of each region of the three regions of the light emitting angle φ of the LED point light source pass the corresponded annular region of the freeform surface to form one rectangular light spot. |
| US09658438B2 |
Non-imaging solar concentrator and cosine factor correction device using compound polyhedral surfaces and method of use thereof
A compound polyhedral concentrator (CPOC) lens is disclosed with one smooth curved surface facing the sun and an inner surface comprised of a 3D pattern of interpenetrating minimum deviation prisms with a common origin facing the absorber. This new type of stationary solar concentrator is used to extend the acceptance angles by minimizing blocking and tip optical losses that are common with radial Fresnel design forms. Moreover, when considering the extended time period for non-tracking of the sun's movement commensurate with the increased acceptance angles the total energy collected using a combination of a CPOC lens and a photovoltaic device will be greater than the total energy collected using the photovoltaic device by itself. |
| US09658437B2 |
Lithium containing glass with high oxidized iron content and having specified base, colorant, and oxidizer
A low infrared absorbing lithium glass includes FeO in the range of 0.0005-0.015 wt %, more preferably 0.001-0.010 wt %, and a redox ratio in the range of 0.005-0.15, more preferably in the range of 0.005-010. The glass can be chemically tempered and used to provide a ballistic viewing cover for night vision goggles or scope. A method is provided to change a glass making process from making a high infrared absorbing lithium glass having FeO in the range of 0.02 to 0.04 wt % and a redox ratio in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 to the low infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional oxidizers to the batch materials. A second method is provided to change a glass making process from making a low infrared absorbing lithium glass to the high infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional reducers to the batch material. In one embodiment of the invention the oxidizer is CeO2. An embodiment of the invention covers a glass made according to the method. |
| US09658429B2 |
Focus adjustment device, imaging device and focus adjustment method
A focus adjustment device comprises an image sensor having imaging pixels and focus detection pixels, which subjects light flux that is passed through a photographing lens to photoelectric conversion and outputs an image signal, a first memory which stores information relating to incident angle range of light flux that is incident towards the image sensor, a second memory which stores information relating to characteristics of the image sensor, and a calculation section which calculates information for focus adjustment based on output of the first memory and output of the second memory. |
| US09658428B2 |
Optical instrument and control method for lens
An optical instrument comprising a plurality of focus drivers, including first and second focus drivers for respectively independently driving the first and second focus lenses within the plurality of focus lenses, and a second focus lens control position determination section for determining a control target position for every fixed period by referencing second focus position characteristic data that has been stored in the memory, based on control target position that has been determined by the first focus lens position determination section, wherein the plurality of focus drivers carryout driving of the first and second focus lenses based on control target positions for every fixed period that have been determined by the first and second focus lens control position determination sections. |
| US09658427B2 |
Reaction compensated tilt platform
A reaction compensated tilt platform assembly comprises a support base, and a reaction mass, pivotally coupled to the support base. A tilt platform which can function as or support a mirror is pivotally coupled to the support base. At least two linear actuator coil assemblies are carried by the reaction mass. At least two linear actuator magnet assemblies are carried by the tilt platform and are disposable within the at least two linear actuator coil assemblies. The linear actuator magnet assemblies taper from a larger diameter toward a center of the magnet assembly to a smaller diameter toward an end of the magnet assemblies. Actuation of the linear actuator magnets results in pivotal movement of the tilt platform relative to the reaction mass. |
| US09658422B2 |
Fiber optic cables with access features and methods of making fiber optic cables
Cables are constructed with extruded discontinuities in the cable jacket that allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the cable jacket. |
| US09658419B2 |
Electrical-optical media conversion system
A media conversion system for converting electrical video signals to optical video signals and vice versa. The media conversion system includes one or more pluggable media conversion modules. Each pluggable media conversion module converts between one or more optical video signals and one or more electrical video signals. Each pluggable media conversion module typically includes an electrical video signal conditioning circuit that includes one or more of a cable driver, an equalizer and a reclocker. The media conversion system also includes a printed circuit board for receiving the one or more pluggable media conversion modules. The printed circuit board includes one or more signal paths for transporting the one or more electrical video signals between the one or more pluggable media conversion modules and one or more electrical cable connectors. Each of the one or more signal paths is completely passive. |
| US09658411B2 |
Alignment of single-mode polymer waveguide (PWG) array and silicon waveguide (SiWG) array of providing adiabatic coupling
A structure includes a combination of a stub fabricated on a polymer and a groove fabricated on a silicon (Si) chip, with which an adiabatic coupling can be realized by aligning a (single-mode) polymer waveguide (PWG) array fabricated on the polymer with a silicon waveguide (SiWG) array fabricated on the silicon chip. The stub fabricated on the polymer is patterned according to a nano-imprint process along with the PWG array in a direction in which the PWG array is fabricated. The groove fabricated on the silicon chip is fabricated along a direction in which the SiWG array is fabricated. |
| US09658403B2 |
Apparatus and methods for scalable photonic packet architectures using PIC switches
Embodiments are provided for scalable photonic packet fabric architectures using photonic integrated circuit switches. The architectures use compact size silicon photonic circuits that can be arranged in a combined centralized and distributed manner. In an embodiment, an optical switch structure comprises a plurality of core photonic based switches and a plurality of photonic interface units (PIUs) optically coupled to the core photonic based switches and to a plurality of groups of top-of-rack switches (TORs). Each PIU comprises a N×N silicon photonic (SiP) switch optically coupled to a group of TORs associated with the PIU from the groups of TORs, where N is a number of the TORs in each group. The PIU also comprises a plurality of 1×P SiP switches coupled to the group of TORs associated with the PIU and to the core photonic based switches, where P is a number of the core photonic based switches. |
| US09658401B2 |
Waveguide mode expander having an amorphous-silicon shoulder
A waveguide mode expander couples a smaller optical mode in a semiconductor waveguide to a larger optical mode in an optical fiber. The waveguide mode expander comprises a shoulder and a ridge. In some embodiments, the ridge of the waveguide mode expander has a plurality of stages, the plurality of stages having different widths at a given cross section. |
| US09658400B2 |
Method for fabricating a device for propagating light
A method of forming a device for propagating light includes providing a substrate having a semiconductor material; placing an insulating layer on the substrate; providing a recess reaching through the insulating layer and into the substrate; filling the recess at least partially with a filler material; and arranging a waveguide in or on the filler material. |
| US09658396B2 |
Vertical optical coupler for planar photonic circuits
Described herein are an apparatus, system, and method for providing a vertical optical coupler (VOC) for planar photonics circuits such as photonics circuits fabricated on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. In one embodiment, the VOC comprises a waveguide made from a material having refractive index in a range of 1.45 to 3.45, the waveguide comprising: a first end configured to reflect light nearly vertical by total internal reflection between the waveguide and another medium, a second end to receive the light for reflection, and a third end to output the reflected light. The VOC couples with a Si waveguide having a first region including: a first end to receive light; and an inverted tapered end in the direction of light propagation to output the received light, wherein the inverted tapered end of the Si waveguide is positioned inside the waveguide. |
| US09658393B2 |
High-birefringence hollow-core fibers and techniques for making same
A hollow core fiber has a cladding comprising a matrix of cells, wherein each cell comprises a hole and a wall surrounding the hole. The fiber further has a hollow core region comprising a core gap in the matrix of cells, wherein the core gap spans a plurality of cells and has a boundary defined by the interface of the core gap. The matrix of cells comprises a plurality of lattice cells, and a plurality of defect cells characterized by at least one difference in at least one property from that of the lattice cells. The cells at the core region boundary include lattice cells and defect cells that are arranged in a pattern that define two orthogonal axes of reflection symmetry, so as to produce birefringence in a light propagating through the hollow core fiber. |
| US09658391B2 |
Illumination device having viscoelastic lightguide
Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically interconnected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide. |
| US09658390B2 |
Light source cover including groove and backlight assembly including the light source cover
A backlight unit includes a light source unit which has a curved shape, a light guide plate including a curved light incident surface on which light emitted from the light source unit is incident, and a light source cover which has a curved shape corresponding to the curved light incident surface and is configured to surround one side of the light guide plate to dispose the light source unit and the light incident surface inside thereof. A groove is defined in the light source cover and extends toward the inside of the light source cover from an edge portion thereof. |
| US09658388B2 |
Device for fixing quantum strip of display and display thereof
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of liquid crystal display, and particularly, relates to a device for fixing a quantum strip of a display and a display thereof. The device includes: a main body, provided with a cavity used for accommodating the quantum strip; a matching surface for clamping the quantum strip, which forms at least a part of the peripheral wall of the cavity and is capable of being firmly jointed with the outer surface of the quantum strip; and a connecting structure used for fixing the main body to the display. A proper material can be used for the main body for physical protection and thermal insulation protection on the quantum strip. The connecting structure is used for fixing the device to the display at a fixed position. The display includes the device. The device and the display can prevent the overturn and translation of the quantum strip, which is to avoid the influence on the light emitting effect of the backlight source and ensure the quality of the display. In addition, the main body of the device surrounds the quantum strip, which provides thermal protection and prevents physical damage and scratch. |
| US09658387B2 |
Double-screen display device and double-screen displaying method
The present disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a double-screen display device. The device includes: a first display panel and a second display panel; a light source; a polarization beam splitter configured to divide light emitted from the light source into P light and S light, and cause one of the P light and the S light to be incident on a first optical module and the other one to be incident on a second optical module; the first optical module configured to transmit received light to the first display panel; the second optical module configured to transmit received light to the second display panel. |
| US09658386B2 |
Backlight source and display device
A backlight source and a display device are disclosed. The backlight source includes a frame, an optical film sheet, a light guiding plate and an embedded block. The coefficient of volume expansion of the embedded block is greater than the coefficient of volume expansion of the frame; the frame has a first transverse protrusion formed at a side in proximity to a light guiding plate, a bottom surface of the first transverse protrusion is attached to the light guiding plate by pressing, and the bottom surface has a groove provided therein, in which the embedded block is arranged. |
| US09658381B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display including same
A backlight module includes a back plate having a side wall, a light guide plate disposed on the back plate and having a light incident surface, a light source disposed on the sidewall and adjacent to the light incident surface, a middle frame overlying the light guide plate and the light source, a first latching member disposed on a side of the middle frame facing toward the back plate and having a first groove, a second latching member disposed on a side of the back plate facing toward the middle frame and having a second groove, and a quantum bar, one end of which is latched in the first groove and the other end is latched in the second groove. The present invention also provides a LCD including the backlight module. The fixing manner of the quantum bar is simple and the cost is reduced. |
| US09658373B2 |
Anti-copy optical materials and methods
An anti-copy optical material and methods of using the material to passively frustrate scanner-based reproduction processes are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the anti-copy optical material include a fluorescent material to absorb visible incident light from a scan lamp and to emit a visible fluorescence. The anti-copy optical material may also include one or more optical absorbers to absorb one or more peak wavelengths of the visible incident light from the scan lamp. |
| US09658368B2 |
Lens array, method for manufacturing lens array, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A microlens array is provided with a cylindrical lens and a spherical lens which are arranged in a cell, in which the cell has at least a side, a corner section, a first region, a second region, and a third region, the second region is arranged between the first region and the side, the third region is arranged between the first region and the corner section, the cylindrical lens is formed in the second region, and the spherical lens is formed in the third region. Since the light incident on a surrounding section of the microlens is concentrated by the cylindrical lens and the spherical lens, it is possible to realize the microlens array with high light utilization efficiency. |
| US09658366B2 |
Polarizing film and method for producing polarizing film
Provided is a polarizing film that is excellent in external appearance and can contribute to improving the display characteristics of an image display apparatus. A polarizing film of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film containing iodine. At least one surface side of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film includes a low-iodine layer. |
| US09658364B2 |
Method for storing episulfide compound and method for preparing thioepoxy-based optical material using said episulfide compound
Disclosed is a method of storing a thioepoxy compound and a method of preparing a thioepoxy based optical material using the thioepoxy compound. Particularly, a method of preparing a high-quality thioepoxy based optical material having superior color and thermal stability and less time-dependent change, and being colorless and transparent by inhibiting time-dependent change of the thioepoxy compound during storage is disclosed. In addition, a method of storing the thioepoxy compound for an optical material, the thioepoxy compound having a water content of 500 to 2,500 ppm and stored at −78 to 10° C., and a method of preparing the thioepoxy based optical material, the method including polymerizing a polymerizable composition including the stored thioepoxy compound, are provided. The high-quality thioepoxy based optical material, which is colorless and transparent, prepared according to the present invention may be broadly used in a variety of fields as a substitute for conventional optical materials. |
| US09658357B2 |
Method of real time diagnostic of fracture operations with combination of tube waves and microseismic monitoring
This invention relates to petroleum industry, in particularly, to control and monitoring of processes related to reservoir stimulation. A method of real time diagnostic of fracture operations with combination of tube waves and microseismic monitoring, comprising performing a fracture in a wellbore, recording microseismic activity generated during the fracturing operations. Determining of microseismic event locations, generating low frequency pressure waves (tube waves) near the wellbore, recording of tube waves reflections from the fractures in real time and analyzing microseismic event locations and tube waves reflections from the fractures. |
| US09658355B2 |
Device and method for displaying full azimuth angle domain image data
A device, system, and method for displaying seismic image data may include computing, from a wide-azimuth data set, a discrete data set associated with an image function at a seismic image point. The discrete data set may be mapped onto a continuous curved three-dimensional surface. The mapped data set may be projected onto a continuous planar surface. The projected data may be displayed as a planar disk. A plurality of continuous planar surfaces, each representing a single image point, may be assembled to form a three-dimensional body, representing a seismic gather of image points. The three-dimensional body may be displayed. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09658352B2 |
Method of making a standard
A measurement standard suitable for measuring amounts of certain elements in pharmaceutical excipients is described. A reference standard is dissolved in a solvent, for example acetone, and mixed with a pharmaceutical excipient such as cellulose, lactose or calcium carbonate. The solvent is then evaporated to provide a dry standard. |
| US09658349B2 |
Apparatuses for and methods of generating images
An apparatus for generating an image may include a plurality of scintillator layers configured to convert an incident beam into an optical signal; a plurality of micro cells configured to turn on or off depending on whether or not the micro cells detect the optical signal; a reaction depth determining unit configured to detect a decay pattern of the optical signal, on the basis of on/off signals of the micro cells, and configured to determine a type of the scintillator layers with which the incident beam has reacted; and/or a reading unit configured to decide an occurrence location of the incident beam and then generates a photographed image. |
| US09658347B2 |
Digital X-ray detector having multi-tap pixels
A digital X-ray detector is provided. The digital X-ray detector includes multiple pixels, each pixel including a pinned photodiode, and multiple readout channels coupled to each pinned photodiode, wherein each readout channel includes at least one charge-storage capacitor, an amplifier, and a transfer gate. The digital X-ray detector also includes control circuitry coupled to each pixel of the multiple pixels and configured to selectively control a flow of photocharge generated by each pinned photodiode to a respective at least one charge-storage capacitor of each respective readout channel via control of each respective transfer gate of each respective readout channel. |
| US09658338B2 |
Apparatus and method to conserve power in a portable GNSS unit
A device is disclosed that is capable of determining its location using high-power with high accuracy, and using low-power with lower accuracy. By coordinating usage between the high power method and the low power, overall power consumption of the device can be significantly reduced without a significant reduction in accuracy. Such high accuracy may be achieved through the use of a GNSS unit, such a GPS receiver. In addition, the low-power alternative may be achieved using an accelerometer, together with software, hardware or firmware for extrapolating a speed based on the force measurements by the accelerometer. In this manner, the GPS receiver can be operated for only a fraction of overall use, primarily to provide adjustment data necessary to calibrate usage of the accelerometer. |
| US09658334B2 |
Interior trim apparatuses for motor vehicles including one or more infrared emitting diodes and one or more infrared sensors
Interior trim apparatuses for motor vehicles are provided. In one example, an interior trim apparatus for a motor vehicle comprises one or more infrared (IR) light emitting diodes (LEDs). One or more IR sensors are cooperatively configured with the one or more IR LEDs to detect a presence of a nomadic device and/or a user input. |
| US09658333B1 |
Height measuring device
An apparatus, system, and method for measuring height of one or more objects/users. Once the height-measuring device is calibrated, a retracting foot platform is positioned atop a user/object and its distance is captured, stored, and calculated by a laser sensor to determine the resulting heights of the objects/users. The height measurements may be displayed on a screen, including the screen display of the height-measuring device itself, or other devices such as a tablet, smartphone, or scale.The height data from each user/object may be compared to one another. The height measuring device also includes a predictive algorithm that determines the future height of one or more user. |
| US09658332B2 |
Sensor for vehicle and vehicle including the same
A sensor for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a processor including first to sixth pins; first to third input pins connected with a connector; and an exchange circuit including first to third pins connected with the processor and the first to third input pins, and fourth to sixth pins connected with the processor, and a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of sensors for a vehicle, each of which includes: a processor including first to sixth pins; first to third input pins connected with a connector; and an exchange circuit including first to third pins connected with the processor and the first to third input pins, and fourth to sixth pins connected with the processor; and an electronic control unit (ECU) connected with the plurality of sensors for a vehicle by a bus topology method. |
| US09658331B2 |
Synthetic aperture doppler ultrasound methods and apparatus
Ultrasound data is acquired by a synthetic aperture technique which uses multiple ultrasound transmissions from point sources. RF data is stored and processed. Doppler velocities for pixels in an insonified region are obtained by processing the stored data. One or more pan boxes may be provided. Doppler velocities may be determined by obtaining I and Q images for a plurality of frames and performing autocorrelation across the frames for some or all pixels in the frames. |
| US09658330B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying and locating target objects based on echo signature characteristics
Systems and methods for identifying and locating target objects based on echo signature characteristics are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a transmitter configured to transmit one or more mechanical waves to a target object for echo of the one or more mechanical waves by the target at a predetermined signature characteristic. The system also includes a detector configured to detect the echo. Further, the system includes a computing device configured to identify the predetermined signature characteristic of the detected echo for locating the target object. |
| US09658327B2 |
Radar device and method of processing signal
A radar device according to an embodiment includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, a processing unit, a first determination unit, and a second determination unit. The transmission unit emits transmission signals. The reception unit receives reception signals acquired by reflecting the transmission signals on an object. The processing unit detects object data corresponding to the object from the reception signals. The first determination unit determines object data included in a predicted range based on past object data detected in the past as past correspondence data having time continuity with respect to the past object data. In a case where parameters of new data that has not been detected in the past and the past correspondence data have predetermined relation, the second determination unit determines that the new data and the past correspondence data correspond to the same object. |
| US09658324B2 |
System and method for filling gaps in radar coverage
A method of positioning a plurality of radar units in a defined area amongst one or more legacy radar units that provide legacy radar coverage in the defined area is disclosed. The steps of identifying a location of each legacy radar unit, setting a threshold altitude, and determining a legacy occultation of each legacy radar unit from a landscape level up to the threshold altitude are also disclosed. Mapping the legacy occultation of the legacy radar units to provide a three dimensional occultation map in the defined area and locating gaps below the threshold altitude in the legacy radar coverage as a function of the occultation map are also disclosed. Identifying a plurality of sites as a function of the gaps where the sites are accessible to receive a radar unit is also disclosed. Determining an anticipated radar coverage of a radar unit positioned at each of the sites and determining a reduction in the gaps as a function of the anticipated radar coverage are also disclosed. Selecting sites as a function of the reduced gaps is also disclosed. X band, C band or S band radar units can be positioned at the selected sites. The threshold altitude can be 10,000 or 15,000 feet. Affected populations and costs can also be considered in radar placement. |
| US09658321B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing noise in a coded aperture radar
A method and apparatus for reducing noise in a coded aperture radar system, the coded aperture radar system transmitting signals which occur in sweeps, with K sweeps utilized to cover field of view of the coded aperture radar system and Q frequency shifts or steps occurring each sweep thereof. An array of N antenna elements is provided, the array of antenna elements each having an associated two state modulator coupled therewith. Energy received at the array is modulated according to a sequence of multibit codes, the number of codes in the sequence of codes comprising at least K times Q times N, thereby reducing noise in the coded aperture radar system compared to a coded aperture radar system radar system having fewer than K times Q times N codes in its sequence of multibit codes. |
| US09658320B2 |
System and a method for illumination and imaging of an object
The invention relates to a system for the illumination and imaging of objects with the assistance of electromagnetic radiation, for example, millimeter radiation. Such a system comprises at least one transmitting antenna, at least one receiving antenna, and at least one reflector element. An actively polarizing material layer is present on the reflector element. A processing unit determines an image of the object on the basis of the radiation received from the receiving antenna. |
| US09658319B2 |
High probability of intercept radar detector
Detecting continuous wave police radar includes receiving an input signal from a first antenna, the input signal comprising a continuous wave emission within at least one radar band; sweeping a composite local oscillator signal through a range of frequencies from a first frequency to a second frequency in a predetermined time period so that the composite local oscillator signal has a first chirp rate with a first chirp rate magnitude of between 0.15 MHz/μs and 3.5 MHz/μs or even higher; and mixing the input signal from the first antenna with the sweeping composite local oscillator signal to produce an output signal having an intermediate frequency. A next step can include determining that the input signal from the first antenna includes a police radar signal based on the output signal. |
| US09658318B2 |
Sparsity-driven passive tracking of acoustic sources
A system and a method involve acoustic source localization for multiple acoustic sources using passive sonar. Tracks are constructed based on source location maps (SLMs) that reveal the locations of the sources over a grid of tentative source locations. The proposed estimator for the SLMs performs coherent processing of broadband acoustic measurements, capitalizes on the sparse structure of the SLMs, and uses the prior SLM estimate to capture temporal information about the locations of the sources. |
| US09658316B2 |
Device and method for positioning and calibrating a wafer transportation apparatus
In accordance with some embodiments, a positioning calibration device arranged within a transfer buffer is provided. The positioning calibration device includes at least one target element and at least three positioning modules. The at least one target element is arranged on a wafer transportation apparatus within the transfer buffer. The transportation apparatus is utilized to transfer a wafer. The at least three positioning modules are utilized to detect the positions of the at least one target element by wireless communications for generating position information of the wafer transportation apparatus. The heights which each of the at least three positioning modules arranged at are not the same. |
| US09658314B2 |
System and method for geo-locating and detecting source of electromagnetic emissions
A system for identifying a real-world geographic location of an emission source emitting electromagnetic energy includes a platform configured for movement and an apparatus disposed on the platform and configured to collect and process, in a passive manner and during movement of the platform, at least a pair of successive samples of the electromagnetic energy emission and define angular and spatial coordinates of the emission source. The apparatus includes at least a pair of antennas, a receiver coupled to antennas and a processor executing a predetermined logic. |
| US09658313B2 |
Terrestrial positioning assistance serving based on receiver device context
A method and apparatus for harvesting information from a plurality of radio frequency (RF) sources. In one example, a collector device receives RF signals from the RF sources to produce the harvesting information. The collector device also determines environmental context information describing a physical environment of the collector device as the RF signals were being received, and a position of the collector device where the RF signals where received. The collector device then associates the environmental context information with the harvesting information and the position, and transmits the harvesting information and position with the associated environmental context information to a server device. The server device may then compute positioning information biased to different environmental contexts. This biased positioning information may then be utilized by other collector devices having similar environmental contexts to better estimate their respective locations. |
| US09658311B2 |
System and methods for location determination in MIMO wireless networks
Disclosed herein, one embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a system, apparatus, and method for location estimation in the presence of multipath/non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions. Various methods have been contemplated to detect the level of multipath/NLOS propagation between two devices. A SNR variation method determines how the SNR of each chain/stream is varying over a time window in order to detect the chain/stream with least local scattering or multipath. A measure of coherence SNR is defined to measure the level of multipath/NLOS per-chain/stream. Moreover, since per-subcarrier SNR information is available at the one or both nodes, the coherence methods can be used on a per-subcarrier basis to detect multipath/NLOS for the entire channel, for the specific spatial stream or for the specific frequencies occupied by the subcarriers. Furthermore, a coherence bandwidth estimation method uses the SNR variation over subcarriers to detect the coherence bandwidth of the spatial stream. The amount of multipath/NLOS is inversely proportional to the coherence bandwidth. |
| US09658309B2 |
Precision location method and system
Systems and methods for locating an object are disclosed herein. The locator system includes a plurality of reference units and a processor in communication with the reference units. The reference units are positioned about a region in which a mobile unit is located, and each reference unit includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a transaction-based location signal to and from the mobile unit. The processor is configured for estimating time offsets between the mobile unit and reference units and aligning the transaction-based location signals from the reference units by removing the time offsets. The processor is further configured for collectively processing data representative of the aligned location signals based on a plurality of potential locations to identify at least one of the potential locations as a likely mobile unit location. |
| US09658305B2 |
Wireless prospective motion marker
A magnetic resonance system includes a magnetic resonance scanner (8) and a magnetic resonance scan controller (24). A plurality of markers (40, 140) are attached to the subject to monitor motion of a portion of a subject within an examination region. A motion control unit receives motion data from the markers indicative of the motion and controls the magnetic scan controller to adjust scan parameters to compensate for the motion. In one embodiment, the marker (40) includes a substance (44) which resonates at a characteristic frequency in response to radio excitations by the magnetic resonance scanner. A controller (52) switches an inductive circuit (48, 50) disposed adjacent the substance between a tuned state and a detuned state. |
| US09658302B2 |
Apparatus and method for synchronizing clocks between devices of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system
A method of synchronizing clocks between a central controlling unit and a radio frequency (RF) coil which are wirelessly connected to each other in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, which includes receiving a first clock from the central controlling unit, synchronizing a second clock of the RF coil with a received first clock, and discontinuing the receiving of the first clock from the central controlling unit when the second clock is synchronized with the first clock. |
| US09658297B2 |
Magnetic permeability measurement of ferromagnetic wires
Embodiments described herein provide magnetic permeability measurements of ferromagnetic wires. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a non-magnetic wire retainer having a circular groove that holds a ferromagnetic wire for measurement. The apparatus further comprises a magnetic field generator proximate to the non-magnetic wire retainer that provides a substantially uniform magnetic field along a circumference of the circular groove. The apparatus further comprises a force sensor mechanically coupled to the magnetic field generator that measures an attractive force between the magnetic field generator and the ferromagnetic wire for determining the magnetic permeability of the ferromagnetic wire. |
| US09658294B2 |
Testing a switched mode supply with waveform generator and capture channel
A test method and system are provided for testing a switched mode power supply in open loop on an automated test equipment device by applying a low frequency waveform signal (209) to a compensator filter (225) and simultaneously capturing and processing the input (223) and output (222) to the compensator filter (225) to determine the phase difference therebetween. |
| US09658292B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting abnormalities in electrical and electrochemical energy units
A method for abnormality detection in an energy unit includes passively detecting an abnormality in an energy unit by detecting electromagnetic radiation generated by the abnormality, the energy unit comprising at least one of an electrical energy unit and an electrochemical energy unit. A method for detecting an abnormality in an energy unit includes (a) applying a signal to the energy unit, (b) performing a plurality of measurements, at a respective plurality of different locations within the energy unit, of a response of the energy unit to the signal, and (c) processing the plurality of measurements to identify the abnormality. |
| US09658284B2 |
Method for forming a test pad and method for performing array test using the test pad
The disclosure is related to a method for forming a test pad between adjacent transistors regions, comprising forming a plurality of transistor regions in an array on a glass substrate, wherein each of the transistor region comprises a first transistor region and a second transistor region arranged oppositely; and forming a plurality of test pads between the first transistor region and the second transistor region. The disclosure is further related to a method for array test on the adjacent transistor regions using the test pad formed by the above method. A common test pad formed between the adjacent transistor regions of each transistor region group is employed by the disclosure to perform array test on the adjacent transistor regions. Thus the size of the adjacent fringe region of each transistor region may be reduced to facilitate achieving narrow frame of a display. |
| US09658280B2 |
Test board and method for qualifying a printed circuit board assembly and/or repair process
A method for qualifying circuit board fabrication, assembly, and repair processes includes establishing primary assembly process specifications and secondary repair process specifications. A group of test circuit boards is assembled using the primary assembly process, with each board having a section of components linked together to provide functional circuits and a section of components daisy-chained together to provide non-functional circuits, and with each section also including SIR test patterns and CAF test patterns. A subset of the assembled test boards is then repaired using the secondary repair process. A sample of each set of the test boards is exposed to test conditions including thermal cycle test conditions, humidity test conditions, and vibration test conditions. Inner layer build quality, surface cleanliness, circuit performance, and solder joint quality are then evaluated using the provided circuitry. |
| US09658279B2 |
Contactless damage inspection of perimeter region of semiconductor device
A power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body. The semiconductor body includes an active semiconductor region and a perimeter semiconductor region surrounding the active semiconductor region. The active semiconductor region has an active surface area, and the perimeter semiconductor region has a perimeter surface area. The power semiconductor device further includes a test structure for contactless testing of the perimeter semiconductor region. The test structure includes an electrically conductive path mounted on the perimeter surface area. The test structure is configured to extract energy from a remotely generated electromagnetic radio frequency test field. |
| US09658277B2 |
Testing and setting performance parameters in a semiconductor device and method therefor
A method of determining temperature ranges and setting performance parameters in a semiconductor device that may include at least one temperature sensing circuit is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various operating parameters to improve the operation of the semiconductor device over a wide temperature range. The performance parameters may be set to improve speed parameters and/or decrease current consumption over a wide range of temperature ranges. |
| US09658272B2 |
Method and device for determining the defect type of a partial discharge
The present invention relates to a method and device for determining the defect type of a partial discharge, the method including the steps of: forming virtual spaces corresponding to n parameters generated on the basis of defect types that cause a partial discharge; arranging defect type models in the virtual spaces based on the parameter values of the n parameters; extracting parameter values of the n parameters based on a partial discharge event; arranging a partial discharge model in the virtual space based on the parameter values; calculating the distance value between the defect type models and the partial discharge model based on the position information of the defect type models and the partial discharge model; calculating the probability of the defect types based on the calculated distance value; and determining the defect type based on the probability of the defect types for the partial discharge signal event. |
| US09658271B2 |
Wire fault illumination and display
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for illuminating faults in a wiring system. The wiring system is monitored for a fault during operation of the wiring system. In response to detecting the fault, a location of the fault within the wiring system is estimated. A wiring diagram is presented for the wiring system with an indication of the location of the fault within the wiring system. |
| US09658269B2 |
Systems and methods for connectors with insertion counters
Systems and methods for connectors with insertion counters are provided. In one embodiment, a connector comprises: an interface configured to interface with a corresponding interface of a port to communicate signals between the port and a cable attached to the connector; at least one switch configured to change from a first state to a second state when the connector is inserted into the port; and a microcontroller configured to record insertion events, wherein the microcontroller increments an insertion count stored within the microcontroller when the at least one switch transitions from the first state to the second state. |
| US09658268B2 |
Device for diagnosing a circuit arrangement
An apparatus for diagnosing a circuit arrangement for a short circuit and/or a line interruption. The circuit arrangement has at least two load circuits which are connected in parallel. A current measuring device for providing a current signal, which represents the current in the common supply line, is connected in a common supply line to the at least two parallel-connected load circuits. A voltage measuring device detect a node point voltage of each load circuit in the two switching states of the respective switching element. An evaluation device receives the current signal and the node point voltages, converts the current signal into at least one logic current value and the node point voltages into logic voltage values, and infers the type and location of the fault on the basis of prespecified combinations of the at least one logic current value and the logic voltage values. |
| US09658267B2 |
Analog signal input circuit to process analog input signals for the safety of a process
An analog signal input circuit with a first number of analog signal detection channels and a diagnostics circuit, with each analog signal detection channel including a third number of analog signal detection circuits and a first connection selection device, and each analog signal detection circuit comprising a first connection device and a second connection device. For each analog signal detection channel, for detecting analog input signals applied at analog signal inputs from a second number of analog signal inputs, and for the respective issuance of output signals for the detected analog input signals, respectively one analog signal detection circuit is alternatingly selected for a certain period of time, not connected to its first connection device comprising an analog signal input for detecting an analog input signal, but used for testing and/or diagnostic purposes. |
| US09658265B2 |
High voltage digital voltmeter and wireless phaser
A high voltage digital voltmeter and wireless phaser includes first and second voltmeters/phasers. Each voltmeter/phaser has a probe for accessing a point in a circuit, circuitry connected to the probe and including a microprocessor, and a ground reference associated with the circuitry. Each microprocessor is programmed to measure line-to-ground voltage of the respective voltmeter/phaser. This information is shared between the microprocessors and is used to determine voltage measurements and phase angle difference. |
| US09658263B2 |
Methods and systems for measurement and verification weighting with temperature distribution
Systems, methods, and mediums use temperature weighting in energy-usage measurements. A method includes identifying a number of days that each of a plurality of different temperatures occurred at a location during a period of time. The method includes identifying a baseline for initial energy usage at a building located in the location. The method includes receiving measurements for energy usage at the building. The method includes generating an expression for measured energy usage as a function of temperature by performing a regression analysis on the measurements for energy usage. The method includes identifying a difference between the baseline for initial energy usage and the expression for measured energy usage. The method includes generating a weighting for the difference between baseline energy usage and the measured energy usage at one or more temperatures based on the number of days the one or more temperatures occurred during the period of time. |
| US09658262B2 |
RF power measurement with bi-directional bridge
A bi-directional bridge includes a forward bridge portion, and reverse bridge portion and a shared portion that enables the simultaneous measurement of power flowing in both directions while reducing insertion losses, providing better impedance matching and/or providing improved directionality. In some embodiments, additional attenuation is provided to reduce the common mode rejection requirements of detectors used with the bridge. In other embodiments, multi-tap attenuators and steering circuits may be integrated into the forward and/or reverse bridge portions to reduce common mode signal levels while still maintaining high levels of sensitivity for measuring small input signals. |
| US09658261B2 |
Current pattern matching method for non-intrusive power load monitoring and disaggregation
A harmonic-characteristics based current pattern matching method for the non-intrusive power load monitoring and disaggregation is provided in this present invention, on the basis of establishing the load signature database, which comprises electrical appliance registration and load state word space initialization, data acquisition and data preprocessing, feasible state word space search based on table looking-up, the optimal matching of current pattern, and display and output of the monitoring and disaggregation results. The method improves the accuracy of disaggregation, and can achieves exact identification of operating states of appliances, and also can reduce the cost. |
| US09658254B2 |
Magnetic tampering detection in a utility meter
A method of detecting a magnetic coupling in a meter includes obtaining in an electricity meter information representative of power consumption as measured within the meter of a plurality of lines of an electrical service. The method also includes obtaining from a magnetic sensor information representative of a magnetic field within an electricity meter. A processing circuit then determines whether a first condition exists wherein the magnetic field exceeds a first threshold and the information representative of the power consumption indicates a load imbalance on the plurality of lines such that the load imbalance exceeds an imbalance threshold. The method further includes performing a processing step responsive to a determination that the first condition exists. |
| US09658253B2 |
Contact assembly in a testing apparatus for integrated circuits
An electrical contact assembly for use in an integrated circuit testing apparatus having a plurality of electrical contact pins and electrical insulators that are each fashioned with through-openings that match a cross-section of a rigid shaft so that the rigid shaft can be threaded through the contact pins and insulators. This ensures that the position of each contact pin is substantially aligned in a single datum with other contact pins following the datum of the rigid shaft. The electrical insulators are placed between each contact pin to prevent electrical connection between contact pins. Further, four rigid shafts assembled in this manner may be interlocked with each other to form a rectangular assembly, which can be inserted into an appropriate housing of the testing apparatus. |
| US09658251B2 |
Stimulus responsive nanoparticles
Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and systems related to stimulus responsive nanoparticles. In one embodiment includes a stimulus responsive nanoparticle system, the system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of elongated electro-responsive nanoparticles dispersed between the first and second electrodes, the plurality of electro-responsive nanorods configured to respond to an electric field established between the first and second electrodes. |
| US09658250B2 |
Vertical probe device having positioning film
A vertical probe device includes upper and lower dies having upper and lower installing holes, probe needles, a lower positioning film disposed between the dies and having lower positioning holes, and a dividing film disposed between the lower positioning film and the upper die and having through holes and dividing ribs. The needle tail is individually inserted through a lower installing hole. The needle head is individually inserted through an upper installing hole. Each lower positioning hole is located under at least one dividing rib and capable of accommodating a plurality of needle heads. Each needle head is inserted through a lower positioning hole and a through hole. Therefore, the films are easily installed, free of irregular hole but passable by narrow needle bodies, and facilitate easy and fast installation and less damage to the probe needles that are well positioned, and facilitate easy installation of the upper die. |
| US09658248B2 |
Ground contact of an integrated circuit testing apparatus
A ground electrical contact for an integrated circuit (IC) testing apparatus that comprises: a rigid bottom member having two planar surfaces that slope towards each other, so that the bottom member forms a partial wedge shape with the top end of the wedge being narrower than the bottom end; a flexible top member having two arms extending over said bottom member such that the top member forms an inverted U-shape, said two arms having an inwards bias such that an inner surface of each arm is pressed in contact with each planar surface; and a compressible member located between the narrower end of said bottom member and a bifurcation inner surface, which is an inner surface where the two arms bifurcate in the top member. The bottom member and top member are made of an electrically conductive material. |
| US09658240B2 |
Microfluidic device with holding interface, and methods of use
Aspects of the present invention provide a freestanding microfluidic pipette with integrated wells for solution storage. Further aspects of the invention provide a holding interface to provide connectivity with external control components. One aspect of the invention provides a system for applying a microfluidic device in microscopy. The system includes: a microfluidic device having an elongated shape and defining one or more wells for solution storage and processing; and an interface adapted and configured to hold the microfluidic device in a freestanding manner and facilitate simultaneous connection of the one or more wells with a flow controller. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for utilizing a microfluidic device. The method includes: providing a device as described herein; positioning the device adjacent to a microscope; and actuating the interface to operate the microfluidic device. |
| US09658237B2 |
Automatic analyzer
There is provided an automatic analyzer including: a sample pipetting mechanism 7, reagent pipetting mechanisms 12A and 12B, mixing mechanisms 33A and 33B, a scattered light photometer 40, and an absorption photometer 41 all located on a transfer path of reaction cells 2 arranged circumferentially on a disk-shaped reaction disk 1, the reaction cells 2 being transferred in the circumferential direction by rotation of the reaction disk 1. Scattered light intensity and absorbance are controlled to be measured by causing the reaction cells 2 to move past a scattered light detection position and a transmitted light detection position in the same process of movement, the two positions being established beforehand on the transfer path. This makes it possible to suppress the effects on measurement results of the difference in time between scattered light measurement and absorbance measurement thereby improving measurement accuracy. |
| US09658236B2 |
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) biomarker proteins
The disclosure provides biomarker proteins, a change in the concentration or activity level of which are associated with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) or clinically meaningful treatment of aHUS with a complement inhibitor. Also provided are compositions and methods for interrogating the concentration and/or activity of one or more of the biomarker proteins in a biological fluid. The compositions and methods are useful for, among other things, evaluating risk for developing aHUS, diagnosing aHUS, determining whether a subject is experiencing the first acute presentation of aHUS, monitoring progression or abatement of aHUS, and/or monitoring response to treatment with a complement inhibitor or optimizing such treatment. |
| US09658229B2 |
Modulators of itch ubiquitinase activity
The present invention relates to the identification of new drug targets for therapy of disorders including cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to inhibition of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Itch, as a means for treating disorders. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the regulation of p63 and p73 stability in cells. In particular, the invention relates to the modulation of the regulation of p63 and p73 stability in cells through modulation of the expression or activity of Itch. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of Itch as a target for the development of agents capable of modulating p63 or p73 stability and especially agents capable of modulating the interaction of Itch and p63 and p73. Such agents may be useful in therapeutic applications including cancer treatment and modulation of skin differentiation. |
| US09658228B2 |
Method to detect the onset and to monitor the recurrence of chronic graft versus host disease in transplantation patients
The described invention comprises a method for detecting the onset or monitoring the recurrence of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) in a transplantation patient. The method comprises isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the transplantation patient and analyzing the isolated PBMCs to detect a biomarker specific for a donor cell. The detection of the biomarker is indicative of the onset or recurrence of cGVHD in the transplantation patient. |
| US09658211B2 |
In vitro model for pathological or physiologic conditions
The present invention generally relates to in vitro methods for mimicking in vivo pathological or physiologic conditions. The methods comprise applying shear forces to a cell type or cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also described. |
| US09658210B2 |
Agents and methods for treating and preventing seborrheic keratosis
Provided herein are methods and assays for isolating and culturing seborrheic keratosis cells ex vivo. Also provided herein are screening assays using cultured seborrheic keratosis cells and methods for treating seborrheic keratosis in a subject. |
| US09658208B2 |
Methods and G proteins for screening and identifying ligands of G protein-coupled receptors
Abstract of the Disclosure Disclosed herein are methods and compounds for screening and identifying ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Also disclosed are chimeric G proteins and methods for detecting the activation or inhibition of GPCRs. |
| US09658206B2 |
Faster resistive-pulse sensing together with physical and mechanical characterization of particles and cells
A method for multiplex characterization of individual particles by their size, shape, mechanical properties (deformability), and chemical affinity to recognition agents. The analysis can be performed from concentrated solutions. The method detects transient sticking of particles in the pore and points to its location along a pore axis. If a pore is decorated with a recognition agent for an analyte present in a solution, it is possible to distinguish specific binding at the place of the recognition agent, and non-specific adsorption of the analyte. The method confirms whether any individual particle or hydrogel completely translocates the pore and allows unambiguous detection and characterization of multiple particles or hydrogels in the pore, which would previously corrupt the results, so that higher analyte concentrations can be used for faster analysis. High aspect ratio of the pores (ratio of pore length and diameter) together with the pattern of ion current pulses also allow passage of the same particle or cell multiple times without letting the cell exit the pore. |
| US09658205B2 |
Electrode array for analyzing electrical characteristics of cell spheroid
An electrode array for analyzing electrical characteristics of a cell spheroid has a substrate, a groove formed concavely on a top surface of the substrate to receive at least a portion of the cell spheroid, and a plurality of electrodes formed in the substrate, coming into contact with the cell spheroid, and configured to apply or collect electrical signals. Front ends of the plurality of electrodes extend to the groove to form a holding part for holding the cell spheroid, and the cell spheroid is held in the holding part and comes into contact with the plurality of electrodes simultaneously. |
| US09658204B2 |
Stoichiometric air to fuel ratio sensor system
A sensor system (36) determines the Stoichiometric Air to Fuel Ratio (SAFR) of fuel mixtures. The system includes a first electrode (12) and a second electrode (14), with the first electrode surrounding the second electrode so that a fuel mixture can flow between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrodes are constructed and arranged to provide data for determining a conductivity and permittivity of the fuel mixture. A temperature sensor (18) is constructed and arranged to measure a temperature of the fuel mixture. A processor (19) is constructed and arranged to determine the SAFR of the fuel mixture based on the measured temperature and permittivity of the fuel mixture. |
| US09658202B2 |
Tagging method
A method of identifying a product comprises forming a tagged product by adding to said product a tracer material comprising at least one tracer compound which is acceptable for use as an additive in food and subsequently analyzing a sample of said product to determine the presence of said tracer compound thereby to determine whether said sample is a sample of the tagged product. The method is especially useful for the identification of vegetable oil products from sustainably managed sources. The use of permitted food additives as tracers enables the product to be identified in the supply chain while also allowing it to be used safely in foodstuffs if required. |
| US09658201B2 |
Method for automatic phenotype measurement and selection
A system for plant parameter detection, including: a plant morphology sensor having a first field of view and configured to record a morphology measurement of a plant portion and an ambient environment adjacent the plant, a plant physiology sensor having a second field of view and configured to record a plant physiology parameter measurement of a plant portion and an ambient environment adjacent the plant, wherein the second field of view overlaps with the first field of view; a support statically coupling the plant morphology sensor to the physiology sensor, and a computing system configured to: identify a plant set of pixels within the physiology measurement based on the morphology measurement; determine physiology values for each pixel of the plant set of pixels; and extract a growth parameter based on the physiology values. |
| US09658186B2 |
Device including vertically aligned two-dimensional material
A transistor includes a substrate, a two-dimensional material including at least one layer that is substantially vertically aligned on the substrate such that an edge of the layer is on the substrate and the layer extends substantially vertical to the substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode connected to opposite ends of the two-dimensional material, a gate insulation layer on the two-dimensional material between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a gate electrode on the gate insulation layer. Each layer includes a semiconductor having a two-dimensional crystal structure. |
| US09658185B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a linear lambda probe
A signal from a linear lambda probe, which signal is meant to represent an air/fuel ratio for the gas flowing in the exhaust section, specifically prior to combustion of said gas, is determined based on a pump current. A difference signal is formed based on a difference between a pump voltage signal and a Nernst voltage signal. An offset error in the measured signal is determined based on the difference signal for an approximately stoichiometrically prescribed raw setpoint value for the air/fuel ratio, with a setpoint value for the air/fuel ratio being determined based on the raw setpoint value and a forced excitation signal. |
| US09658184B2 |
Increasing the capture zone by nanostructure patterns
Techniques for increasing the capture zone in nano and microchannel-based polymer testing structures using concentric arrangements of nanostructures, such as nanopillars are provided. In one aspect, a testing structure for testing polymers is provided that includes a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir formed in an electrically insulating substrate; at least one channel formed in the insulating substrate that interconnects the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir; and an arrangement of nanostructures within either the first fluid reservoir or the second fluid reservoir wherein the nanostructures are arranged so as to form multiple concentric circles inside either the first fluid reservoir or the second fluid reservoir with each of the concentric circles being centered at an entry point of the channel. A method of analyzing a polymer using the testing structure is also provided. |
| US09658183B2 |
Method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample using small volume samples and fast test times
Analytes in a liquid sample are determined by methods utilizing sample volumes from about 0.3 μl to less than 1 μl and test times from about 3.5 to about 6 seconds after detection of the sample. The methods are preferably performed using small test strips including a sample receiving chamber filled with the sample by capillary action. |
| US09658182B2 |
Method for measuring concentration of analyte in blood sample, and biosensor system
The method includes: acquiring data a related to a temperature of a blood sample on a sensor chip, based on a dimension of a current flowing in the blood sample by applying a first voltage to the pair of electrodes in contact with the blood sample, the first voltage being set so as to reduce an effect of hematocrit on a temperature measurement result; acquiring data b related to the concentration of an analyte in the blood sample, based on a dimension of a current flowing in the blood sample by applying a second voltage that is equal to or less than the first voltage, utilizing a reaction mediated by an oxidoreductase that uses the analyte in the blood sample as a substrate; and measuring a concentration that determines the analyte concentration in the blood sample based on the data a and the data b. |
| US09658181B2 |
Whole blood hemolysis sensor
The present invention pertains to a hemolysis sensor, a hemolysis sensor system and methods of utilizing the hemolysis sensor or hemolysis sensor system to monitor or detect hemolysis in a sample, such as a whole blood sample, a plasma sample, a serum sample or hemolyzed blood. The hemolysis sensor responds to extracellular hemoglobin levels, for example, extracellular hemoglobin in a whole blood sample as a method for detecting hemolysis in whole blood. |
| US09658180B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting change in species in an environment
The present disclosure provides embodiments for diodes, devices, and methods for polar vapor sensing. One embodiment of a diode includes a first electrode to which an electric field is applied; a second electrode to which the electric field is applied; and a vapor gap region between the first electrode and the second electrode. A total capacitance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode varies based on presence of a polar vapor species on at least a portion of an electrode surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09658178B2 |
Sensor systems for measuring an interface level in a multi-phase fluid composition
A sensor includes a resonant transducer, the resonant transducer being configured to determine the composition of an emulsion. The composition of the emulsion is determined by measuring the complex impedance spectrum values of the mixture of the emulsion and applying multivariate data analysis to the values. |
| US09658176B2 |
High-throughput sorting of small objects via oil and/or moisture content using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance
The current disclosure describes an automated high-throughput small object sorting system for separating small object via oil and/or moisture content using novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems and methods. The disclosed systems and methods for measuring the oil and/or moisture content of a single small object in a low-field time domain NMR instrument are superior in sample throughput and signal-to-noise ratio to conventional NMR systems and methods (free induction decay or spin echo) for single small object oil/moisture measurement. |
| US09658175B2 |
X-ray analyzer
An X-ray analyzer is provided with: a sample stage on which a sample is disposed; an X-ray source configured to irradiate the sample with a primary X-ray at a first angle; a detector configured to detect a secondary X-ray generated from the sample; a position adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a relative position between the sample stage and the primary X-ray; a first light source configured to emit a first light beam at a second angle toward a focal position of the primary X-ray or toward a predetermined position; and a second light source configured to emit a second light beam at a third angle toward the focal position or toward the predetermined position, wherein the first light beam and the second light beam are configured to have visibility sufficient for enabling visual distinction. |
| US09658172B2 |
Method of inspecting a part using a marking template for radiography
A method of inspecting a part is provided that includes the steps of aligning a contoured sheet having at least one surface that corresponds to at least one surface of the part, the contoured sheet having first portions and second portions, the first portions being radiodense and the second portions being radiolucent, and at least some of the second portions corresponding to internal features of the part. The part with the contoured sheet is exposed to x-rays to produce a first radiograph with markings that correspond to the first and second portions of the contoured sheet. |
| US09658171B2 |
Optical carrier based microwave interferometric system and method
An optical carrier based microwave interferometry (OCMI) system for measuring a physical, chemical, or biological property broadly comprises an optical carrier signal source, a waveguide, a microwave envelope signal source, a microwave modulator, an optical interferometer, a detector, and an analyzer. An optical carrier signal is modulated with a microwave envelope signal and transmitted through an optical interferometer. The optical signal is interrogated in microwave domain to obtain interference patterns or absorption/emission spectra corresponding to the physical, chemical, or biological property being measured. |
| US09658167B2 |
Sensor labels that log events against time
Disposable or single-use sensor labels sense a parameter and record the sensed parameter having: a semi-permeable medium or substrate with a parameter-sensitive and activatable developer. The developer, when activated, exhibits a detectable manifestation of a changed state that progresses over time. The detectable manifestation of this changed state is read and recorded to log parameter change data. Further, a method of using the sensor label monitors viability of a material associated with the label, such as for freshness and security assessment that is recorded for archival or reporting or quality control purposes. A changed state is exhibited that progresses over time, associating the label with a material to be monitored and positioning same into a given environment, and the recording can track the changed state against time. |
| US09658166B2 |
Surface-enhanced raman scattering unit, and method for using same
A SERS unit comprises a substrate; an optical function part formed on the substrate, for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering; and a package containing the optical function part in an inert space and configured to irreversibly expose the space. |
| US09658163B2 |
Assaying substrate with surface-enhanced raman scattering activity
A metal substrate obtained by agglomerating 5 nm to 100 nm metal nano-particles (including clusters) having SERS activity on a metal substrate having a lower electrode potential (higher ionization tendency) than the electrode potential of the metal nano-particles, and fixing the metal nano-particles in an optimally agglomerated state that acts as hot sites, when a detection specimen is adsorbed in a non-dried state, and a predetermined laser light is irradiated, the surface enhanced Raman scattered (SERS) light of antigen detection specimen can be detected by surface Raman resonance in an optimally agglomerated state. |
| US09658160B2 |
System and method for controlled intensity illumination in a bioanalysis or other system
A system and method for metered dosage illumination in a bioanalysis or other system. In accordance with an embodiment, an illumination system or subsystem is described that can provide optimized amounts of excitation light within the short exposure times necessary to measure fast biological activity. The amount of light can be precisely measured to provide quantitative results. The light flux can also be precisely controlled to generate only a prescribed minimum amount of light, in order to reduce adverse lighting effects on both fluors and samples. Although the examples herein illustrate the providing of metered dosage illumination in the context of a bioanalysis system, the techniques can be similarly used to provide metered dosage illumination in the context of other types of system. In accordance with various embodiments, the technique is particularly useful in any quality-control, analysis, or assessment-based environment. Typical research and development applications can include quality control, instrument calibration, and light output standardization; while clinical and diagnostics applications can include clinical monitoring, bioassay calibration and control for diagnostics, treatment and or therapeutic evaluation. |
| US09658159B2 |
Light and shutter for a sample analyzer
A sample analyzer has a support for an assay sample vessel, a detector, and a shutter assembly. The assay sample vessel contains an assay sample within an assay sample reservoir. The detector has an optical axis aligned with the assay sample reservoir, so as to detect luminescence from the assay sample. The shutter assembly includes an illuminator and is positioned between the detector and the support, intersecting the optical axis, such that the illuminator causes luminescence of the assay sample. Thus both illumination and detection occur on the same side of the assay sample vessel. |
| US09658158B2 |
Diagnostic device with integrated photodetector, and diagnostic system including the same
A diagnostic device includes a photodiode formed by a body of semiconductor material having a first surface, an integrated optical structure on the first surface and having a second surface, and at least one detection region on the second surface. The at least one detection region includes at least one receptor that binds to a corresponding target molecule that can be mated with a corresponding marker, which, when excited by radiation having a first wavelength, emits radiation having a second wavelength that can be detected by the photodiode. The integrated optical structure includes at least a first layer of a first material having a first refractive index. The first layer has a thickness substantially equal to an integer and odd multiple of one fourth of the first wavelength divided by the first refractive index. |
| US09658153B2 |
Flow cell and liquid analyzer
To prevent lowering of sensitivity of a flow cell based on total reflection of light at an outer face of a glass capillary at a joint part with a pipe, the flow cell includes, at joint parts with a pipe 605 to introduce solution to a glass capillary 601 and with a pipe to discharge solution from the capillary, an inorganic material layer 602 that reflects measurement light to modify the outer face of the glass capillary as well as a reinforcement layer 711 to modify the surface thereof. |
| US09658150B2 |
System and method for semiconductor wafer inspection and metrology
A system determines a value, such as a thickness, surface roughness, material concentration, and/or critical dimension, of a layer on a wafer based on normalized signals and reflected total intensities. A light source directs a beam at a surface of the wafer. A sensor receives the reflected beam and provides at least a pair of polarization channels. The signals from the polarization channels are received by a controller, which normalizes a difference between a pair of the signals to generate the normalized result. The value of the wafer is determined through analyzing the signal with a modeling of the system. |
| US09658149B2 |
Devices having one or more integrated computational elements and methods for determining a characteristic of a sample by computationally combining signals produced therewith
Optical computing devices containing one or more integrated computational elements may be used to produce two or more detector output signals that are computationally combinable to determine a characteristic of a sample. The devices may comprise a first integrated computational element and a second integrated computational element, each integrated computational element having an optical function associated therewith, and the optical function of the second integrated computational element being at least partially offset in wavelength space relative to that of the first integrated computational element; an optional electromagnetic radiation source; at least one detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation that has optically interacted with each integrated computational element and produce a first signal and a second signal associated therewith; and a signal processing unit operable for computationally combining the first signal and the second signal to determine a characteristic of a sample. |
| US09658147B2 |
Apparatus for measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated porous media
A apparatus for measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated porous media in an unsaturated zone of the earth. The measuring apparatus includes a cylinder member inserted into the porous media in a position in which the upper and lower ends of the cylinder member are open, a means for supplying a constant flow rate of water to the cylinder member, and a pressure measuring means for measuring the hydraulic head in response to water flowing into the cylinder member. The measuring apparatus can easily measure the vertical hydraulic conductivity of a foundation based on Darcy's Law in the field. It is possible to accurately measure the hydraulic conductivity of a sedimentary layer in the natural state and easily determine geological characteristics of the soil. It is possible to obtain very accurate information regarding the process of dispersion and movement of contaminants. |
| US09658146B2 |
Analysis of rechargeable batteries
A rechargeable battery is externally heated to induce thermal runaway, and material expelled from the battery is analyzed. |
| US09658140B2 |
Air sample tracking system and method
A system for tracking one or more subjects for collecting airborne contaminants. The system includes one or more subjects configured to collect air contaminants. Each of the one or more subjects includes an identification tag encoded with identification information identifying the each subject. The system further includes an identification reader configured to decode the identification information encoded within the identification tag of a scanned one of the one or more identification tags. A computer receives and stores the decoded identification information in a record in a database. The computer may also receive and stored an identification code for a user who scanned the scanned identification tag in the record in the database. Additional records in the database are created each time the identification tag of one of the one or more subjects is scanned. The one or more subjects are thereby tracked as they collect airborne contaminants and are incubated. |
| US09658135B2 |
Tire inspection apparatus, tire inspection system, and method for inspecting tires
A tire inspection apparatus for the optical inspection of a tire (4) comprises a housing with a support surface (3) for the tire (4) to be inspected; several measuring heads (7, 8, 9, 10; 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17), each of which comprises an optical measuring system, for inspecting the inside tread surface (11) and/or the external lateral surface (18) of the tire (4); and a positioning device (21, 22, 23, 24) for moving some or all of the measuring heads (7-10; 12-17) into a rest position and into a measuring position. To improve a tire inspection apparatus of this type, the measuring heads (7-10; 12-17) and the support surface (3) are installed without freedom of rotation. |
| US09658128B2 |
Defect inspection method
A defect inspection method according to an embodiment has: exposing a target object to a tracer having higher absorptance for a neutron ray than the target object; radiating the neutron ray to the target object exposed to the tracer; generating at least one neutron image based on the neutron ray having penetrated the target object exposed to the tracer; and detecting a defect of the target object based on the generated at least one neutron image. |
| US09658126B2 |
Interchangeable pressure sensor assembly and methods of assembly
The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors, humidity sensors, flow sensors, etc. In some cases, a sensor unit subassembly for installation in or use with a pressure sensor housing may include at least one pressure sensor signal output terminal supported by a printed circuit board, a pressure input port, and a pressure sense element secured relative to one or more printed circuit boards. The printed circuit board(s) may include circuitry configured to format pressure output signals provided by the pressure sense element into a particularly chosen output format, and may provide the formatted pressure output signal(s) to an attached electrical connector of the pressure sensor housing. In some cases, the sensor unit subassemblies can be mixed with a multitude of different electrical connectors and/or with a multitude of different port connections to from a wide array of pressure sensor assemblies. |
| US09658122B2 |
Transducer acceleration compensation using a delay to match phase characteristics
A method and system for correcting for the inertial error of a transducer as a function of frequency by applying a delay to a leading signal of the transducer to provide phase compensation. |
| US09658121B2 |
Load sensor using vertical transistor
A load sensor is constituted by a rib and a vertical transistor including an organic semiconductor film, and a load measurement can be executed based on a change of a gap between a drain electrode and a source electrode which is a channel length of the vertical transistor. Therefore, a change of a current Ids is in a linear relationship to a load applied to the load sensor. |
| US09658120B2 |
Capacitance-type sensor sheet, method for manufacturing capacitance-type sensor sheet, and sensor
A capacitance-type sensor sheet used for measuring an amount of stretch deformation and strain and/or distribution of stretch deformation and strain may include a dielectric layer made of an elastomer, an obverse-side electrode layer laminated on the obverse surface of the dielectric layer, and a reverse-side electrode layer laminated on the reverse surface of the dielectric layer. The obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may each contain carbon nanotubes and the average thickness of the each of obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may be 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may be formed by applying a coating solution containing carbon nanotubes. The obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may each include a plurality of band-shaped bodies. |
| US09658118B2 |
Precision temperature measurement devices, sensors, and methods
A precision temperature sensing system includes a heater and a sensing element disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A power source drives the heater on a periodic basis according to a received clock signal. The sensing element senses the heat emitted by the heater and diffused through the semiconductor substrate. Processing circuitry coupled to the sensing element adjusts a phase of the periodic heater driving signal based on the heat sensed by the sensing element. The processing circuitry determines a temperature based on a thermal diffusivity (TD) of the semiconductor substrate, the adjusted value of the phase, and a known distance between the heater and the sensing element. A second temperature sensor can be disposed on the same substrate as the precision temperature sensing system, and calibrated based on temperature measurements obtained while applying a reference frequency signal to the precision sensing system. |
| US09658110B1 |
Thermal sensor combination
A thermal sensor device using a combination of thermopile and pyroelectric sensors is disclosed. The combination is achieved in a process flow that includes ferroelectric materials, which may be used as a pyroelectric sensor, and p-poly/n-poly for thermopiles. The combination retains the sensitivity and accuracy of the thermopile sensor and speed of pyroelectric sensors. The combination provides lower noise than individual thermopile sensors and results in a higher signal-to-noise ratio. |
| US09658109B2 |
Non-contact thermal sensor module
Compact thermal sensor modules, which in some implementations can be manufactured in wafer-level fabrication processes, include features composed of or coated with a low-emissivity material to reduce or prevent detection by a sensor of radiation emitted by other parts of the module. For example, spacers that separate an optics substrate and a sensor package from one another can be composed of or coated with such a low emissivity material. In some cases, the low emissivity material has an emissivity of no more than 0.1. |
| US09658108B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for hostile fire strike indication
Systems, methods, and computer program products for optically identifying hostile fire strikes to a vehicle. The identification can be that the hostile fire will hit the vehicle, will likely hit the vehicle, hit the vehicle, or likely hit the vehicle. In the case of predictive hits, a warning may be output and the vehicle can take evasive and/or countermeasure actions. In the case of actual or likely strikes to the vehicle, the optical identification can map a travel path of a detected projectile to positions on the vehicle, thus identifying a likely position or area of projectile impact. Such data can be used for inspection and maintenance purposes. |
| US09658107B2 |
Self calibration for mirror positioning in optical MEMS interferometers
A Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) apparatus provides for self-calibration of mirror positioning of a moveable mirror of an interferometer. At least one mirror in the MEMS apparatus includes a non-planar surface. The moveable mirror is coupled to a MEMS actuator having a variable capacitance. The MEMS apparatus includes a capacitive sensing circuit for determining the capacitance of the MEMS actuator at multiple reference positions of the moveable mirror corresponding to a center burst and one or more secondary bursts of an interferogram produced by the interferometer based on the non-planar surface. A calibration module uses the actuator capacitances at the reference positions to compensate for any drift in the capacitive sensing circuit. |
| US09658105B2 |
Multispectral imaging system comprising new multispectral optics
A compact multispectral imaging system comprising a set of optical elements capable of simultaneously focusing light from one or more spectral bands (SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR) to a common focal plane and a detector capable of capturing the multispectral image, wherein the optical elements comprise optics made from new optical materials or in combination with existing optical materials that transmit in multispectral wavelength regions. |
| US09658102B2 |
Method and system for determining ultraviolet fluence received by a fluid
There is described a method of determining the UV fluence received by a fluid. The method comprises the steps of: (a) irradiating the fluid at an unknown UV fluence; (b) measuring the fluorescence of a test sample of the fluid after irradiation in Step (a) to produce a test signal proportional to the concentration of a prescribed fluorescent composition of matter comprised in the test sample; and (c) determining the value of the unknown UV fluence by comparing the test signal to a calibration curve of a control signal proportional to concentration of the prescribed fluorescent composition of matter in the fluid as a function of applied UV fluence. There is also described a system for determining the UV fluence received by a fluid being treated in UV fluid treatment system comprising at least one UV source. The system comprises: (a) a radiation-transparent vessel for receiving a test sample of the fluid after irradiation of the fluid at an unknown UV fluence; (b) a fluorometer for measuring the fluorescence of the test sample received in the radiation-transparent vessel to produce a test signal proportional to the concentration of a prescribed fluorescent composition of matter comprised in the test sample; and (c) a controller configured to determine the value of the unknown UV fluence by comparing the test signal to a calibration curve of a control signal proportional to concentration of the prescribed fluorescent composition of matter in the fluid as a function of applied UV fluence. |
| US09658101B1 |
Multi-layer dosimeter usable with sunscreen and methods for preparation and use
A device for measuring or detecting UV radiation that is usable with sunscreen, the device including:(a) a colorant layer having at least one photochromic material that is capable of changing its color when exposed to UV radiation, and(b) an over-layer atop the colorant layer having (i) a bottom surface that is in contact with a top surface of the colorant layer and (ii) an opposing top surface, the over-layer having a material that is constructed and arranged to allow at least a portion of the sunscreen, when deposited on the top surface of the over-layer, to be absorbed by the over-layer while preventing the sunscreen so deposited from penetrating through the over-layer to the colorant layer, the over-layer being transparent to allow UV radiation to pass through the over-layer to the colorant layer at least when the surface of the over-layer is not covered with the sunscreen. Also, methods for preparing and using the device. |
| US09658100B2 |
Systems and methods for audio information environmental analysis
An environmental analysis system and method. Remote sensing devices detect nonvisual information. One or more loudspeakers are each associated with one or more of the plurality of remote sensing devices to determine acoustic properties of an area. Another implementation relates to a method for environmental analysis where non-visual information is detected. The non-visual information is classified and is communicated to a server. |
| US09658092B2 |
Air mass flow meter
An air mass flow meter, includes a housing made of plastic having an electrically insulating effect. A flow channel is formed in the housing. The air mass flow motion also includes a sensor element which is arranged in the housing and detects the air mass flowing in the flow channel. Conductive paths are arranged in the housing and connect the sensor element to connection pins. In order to provide a mass air flow meter which is cost-effective to produce and allows precise measurement of a mass air flow, the entire housing is made of plastic and at least one part of the flow channel has electrostatically dissipative properties. |
| US09658089B2 |
Electromagnetic flowmeter with voltage-amplitude conductivity-sensing function for a liquid in a tube
An electromagnetic flowmeter with voltage-amplitude conductivity-sensing function for a liquid in a tube includes a first microprocessor, a transducer, flow-sensing device, an exciting-current generating device, a voltage-amplitude conductivity-sensing device, and a switch. The transducer includes coils and sensing electrodes. The switch is electrically connected to the first microprocessor and the sensing electrode. The switch is selectively connected to the flow-sensing device or the voltage-amplitude conductivity-sensing device according to the signals sent from the microprocessor. The microprocessor drives the exciting-current generating device to generate an exciting current when the switch is connected to the flow-sensing device. The microprocessor stops the exciting-current generating device from generating exciting current and computing conductivity of liquid when the switch is electrically connected to the voltage-amplitude conductivity-sensing device. |
| US09658085B2 |
Measuring dimensional characteristics of a production part
A measuring tool (1) for measuring dimensional characteristics (D) of a production part (2). The tool (1) comprises a unit (3a, 3b) for positioning the measuring tool (1) relative to the part (2) and at least one measuring apparatus (4a, 4b) mechanically linked to the positioning unit (3a, 3b) by a mechanical link (5). The positioning unit (3a, 3b) comprises a first centring device (6a) for coming into contact against an inner surface (7a) of a first bore (22a1) of the production part (2) and a second centring device (6b) for coming into contact against an inner surface (7b) of a second bore (22b1) of the production part (2), the first and second bores (22a1, 22b1) being coaxial. The mechanical link (5) allows the relative displacement of the measuring apparatus (4a, 4b) relative to the first and second centring devices (6a, 6b). |
| US09658084B2 |
Resolver positioning system, robot and method therefor
The present invention relates to a resolver positioning system for a robot, which system is connectable to a battery supply (402) and is drivable in a pulsed mode. The system comprising: a resolver (32) arranged to detect an axis position of a robot; a first comparator (80, 81) connected to the resolver for reading of a first resolver value from the resolver, wherein the first comparator comprises means (82-87) to provide two different reference levels for the first resolver value; a second comparator (80, 81) connected to the resolver for reading of a second resolver value from the resolver, wherein the second comparator comprises means (82-87) to provide two different reference levels for the second resolver value; and a controller (20) connected to the first and second comparators, wherein the controller is configured to provide a quadrant evaluation of the axis position from the first and second resolver values. |
| US09658083B1 |
Axial magnetic sensor
An end-sensing sensor assembly for proximity sensing including one or more sensing devices positioned between two axially magnetized ring magnets having like poles facing one another such that the magnetic fields emanating from the two axially magnetized ring magnets define a moveable balanced zone therebetween. The one or more sensing devices may be positioned within the balanced zone or outside the balanced zone, or combinations thereof. The balanced zone shifts in response to the approach of a magnetic, permeable, and/or ferrous material which cause the sensing device to actuate in response to a sufficient shift in the balanced zone. Upon removal or departure of the magnetic, permeable, and/or ferrous material, the balance zone shifts back to the initial position prior to the approach of the magnetic, permeable, and/or ferrous material. |
| US09658082B2 |
Method of determining the instantaneous angular position of a crankshaft target optimized for starting the engine
A method for determining an absolute angular position of a crankshaft target of an internal combustion engine, including a plurality of teeth for which at least one signal is acquired representing the passage of each tooth in front of a sensor as a function of time comprising: i. generating during a phase with the engine running an absolute angular position from the at least one signal and from a period of a tooth; ii. continuously determining during a phase of stopping the engine when determination of the period is not possible, a number of teeth passing in front of the sensor; and iii. during a phase of restarting the engine, using a number of teeth to reduce the cycle synchronization time. |
| US09658079B2 |
Accelerometer system and method
A vehicle accelerometer system comprises an accelerometer (290) for installation in a vehicle (500), a processor (210) for selection of accelerometer output data items for inclusion in an accelerometer output data set representative of measurements by the accelerometer (290) at a plurality of different vehicle locations, each accelerometer output data item being representative of a respective measurement by the accelerometer (290), and a storage device (230) for storing the accelerometer output data set, wherein the processor (210) is configured to process the accelerometer output data set to determine an orientation output representative of the orientation of the accelerometer (290) with respect to the vehicle (500). |
| US09658077B2 |
Refueling management system and method
An apparatus remotely provides refueling management instructions for a vehicle. One or more initial vehicle parameters are determined, including an initial quantity of fuel, a plurality of route parameters including a starting point, an ending point and an estimated average fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and a plurality of refueling parameters including one or more refueling locations. The sufficiency of an initial quantity of fuel is evaluated in relation to the estimated average fuel efficiency and a distance to be traveled by the vehicle equal to a difference between the ending point and the starting point. One or more current vehicle parameters are interpreted at a first predetermined time, a refueling agenda is created, and an associated predetermined refueling amount at each of the identified one or more refueling locations is determined. |
| US09658073B2 |
Apparatus and system for spacecraft celestial navigation using spectral observations of extrasolar planetary systems
The present invention provides an innovative apparatus and system for onboard spacecraft location determination and celestial navigation by employing spectral observations of extrasolar planetary star system motion. In one apparatus embodiment a gas absorption cell is placed between a sensor and the light from a reference star system with at least one exoplanet, such that the sensor can detect the spectrum through the gas absorption cell. Radial velocities can be calculated via Doppler Spectroscopy techniques and incorporated into a spacecraft navigation solution. The present invention can enable and enhance significant mission capabilities for future manned and unmanned space vehicles and missions. |
| US09658070B2 |
Inverse sliding-window filters for vision-aided inertial navigation systems
This disclosure describes inverse filtering and square root inverse filtering techniques for optimizing the performance of a vision-aided inertial navigation system (VINS). In one example, instead of keeping all features in the system's state vector as SLAM features, which can be inefficient when the number of features per frame is large or their track length is short, an estimator of the VINS may classify the features into either SLAM or MSCKF features. The SLAM features are used for SLAM-based state estimation, while the MSCKF features are used to further constrain the poses in the sliding window. In one example, a square root inverse sliding window filter (SQRT-ISWF) is used for state estimation. |
| US09658065B2 |
Physical quantity detection circuit, physical quantity detection device, electronic apparatus and moving object
A detection circuit (physical quantity detection circuit) includes a digital arithmetic operation circuit (arithmetic operation processing portion) that performs an arithmetic operation process of generating an arithmetic operation signal according to a magnitude of a physical quantity, on the basis of a detection signal corresponding to the physical quantity. The digital arithmetic operation circuit performs an arithmetic operation process including a power supply voltage fluctuation correction process of correcting at least one of the detection signal and a signal which is obtained by a portion of the arithmetic operation process with respect to the detection signal, on the basis of a correction expression using a power supply voltage to be supplied as a variable. |
| US09658063B2 |
Method and device for line pattern shape evaluation
The present invention pertains to a method and device for quantitatively evaluating the degree and characteristics of wiggling, which is a phenomenon that occurs in electronic device fabrication processes and consists of the deformation in the same shape of the left and right edges of fine line patterns, and takes advantage of the fact that this wiggling is included in measured values for line edge variation but not line width variation by acquiring the differences between these values. Further, the present invention is configured so as to calculate line center positions and use the distribution of the deviation from the average line center position as an indicator. Additionally, the present invention is configured to quantify wiggling characteristics by outputting a coefficient of wiggling correlation between lines or a wiggling component synchronized between lines as an indicator. |
| US09658062B2 |
Target holder and method of coupling target holder to vehicle wheel
A target holder that can be secured within a central aperture of a vehicle wheel includes a base defining a central axis of the target holder. The base has a first end configured to receive a target and an opposing second end. A retainer is coupled to the second end of the base. The retainer is insertable into the central aperture and engageable with the vehicle wheel to secure the target holder to the vehicle wheel. A plunger is disposed in the retainer. A lever is pivotably coupled to the base and operatively coupled to the plunger. With the retainer inserted into the central aperture, the lever is actuateable to move the plunger toward the retainer to urge a terminal end portion of the retainer to expand radially outward from the central axis of the target holder to engage an inner wall of the vehicle wheel defining the central aperture. |
| US09658058B1 |
Height measuring device
An apparatus, system and method for measuring height of one or more objects/users. Once the height measuring device is calibrated, a retracting foot platform is positioned atop a user/object and its distance is captured, stored and calculated by a distance sensor to determine the resulting heights of the objects/users. The distance sensors may come in the form of a linear encoder or a rotary encoder. The height measurements may be displayed on a screen, including the screen display of the height measuring device itself, or other devices such as a tablet, smartphone or scale. The height data from each user/object may be compared to one another. The height measuring device also includes a predictive algorithm that determines the future height of one or more users. |
| US09658057B2 |
Facility for measuring the thickness of the wall of containers
A facility for measuring the thickness of the wall of containers includes an optical system for collecting and focusing on the detection plane of a light sensor and light beams reflected by the outer and inner surfaces of the wall. An optical collecting and focusing system includes a first objective having is object plane located in the vicinity of the impact of the incident light beam with the wall, an at least translucent diffusing screen located in the image plane of the first objective, so as to physically represent the light beams collected by the first objective as hot spots (Ti), and a second objective including, the diffusing screen as an object plane and the light sensor as an image plane. |
| US09658055B2 |
Accuracy traceability method based on precision coordinate control network for workshop measurement positioning system
The present invention relates to an accuracy traceability method based on precision coordinates control network for workshop Measurement Positioning System, which includes the steps: setting a plurality of SMR (Spherically Mounted Retroreflector) nests and stations in the measurement space; forming a global control point by using SMR; measuring all the 3-d coordinates of global control points in all the laser tracker stations; using the range value measured by the laser tracker as constraints to calculate the 3-d coordinates of global control points by using the dynamic weighting method; arranging a plurality of transmitters and calibrating the transmitters in combination with precision coordinate control network; measuring all global control points and measured points simultaneously by using wMPS, and using the 3-d coordinates of global control points as the constraints for adjustment calculation to obtain the 3-d coordinates of the measured points. The present invention takes advantages of accurate range measurement of laser tracker as a constraint to achieve the followings: obtaining high accuracy 3-d coordinates of global control points, constructing precision coordinate control network and using it as the measurement standards of wMPS, achieving on-site accuracy traceability, and thus improving the measurement accuracy of wMPS. |
| US09658054B2 |
Optical measuring apparatus
Provided is a compact, low-cost optical measuring apparatus capable of acquiring an image of a target to be measured without moving a mirror or using a wavelength-scanning light source or beam splitter. A laser beam emitted from a light source is split into first and second beams, and the first beam is focused as a signal beam onto the target by a lens for irradiation purposes, while the second beam is reflected as a reference beam by a mirror without irradiating the target. Then, a signal beam reflected by or scattered by the target is multiplexed with the reference beam and then enters interference optics, whereby three or more interference beams with different phases are generated and detected by photodetectors. Then, the detection signals are operated by a signal processing unit. During the measurement, the focus position of the first beam is moved at least in the optical axis direction. |
| US09658049B2 |
Sensor head for an encoder
A sensor head for an encoder assembly includes a housing and at least two detectors. The sensor head is intended for scanning directly toward a rotatable encoding member positioned on a carrier ring. The carrier ring is intended to be installed on a shaft of a machine. The detectors are arranged on detector strips are displaceably attached to the housing. |
| US09658047B2 |
Component measurement system having wavelength filtering
A system is disclosed for use in measuring a component. The system may have a probe configured to generate signals associated with a proximity to actual target points of the component, an actuator configured to move the probe relative to the component, and a controller in communication with the probe and the actuator. The controller may be configured to receive coordinates of intended form target points, to determine coordinates of the actual target points of the component relative to a component datum based on the signals, and to make a comparison of the coordinates of the intended form target points and the coordinates of the actual target points. The controller may also be configured to generate a deviation report based on the comparison, and to filter information from the deviation report according to wavelength into a plurality of deviation categories corresponding to component specification requirements of the component. |
| US09658043B2 |
Optical test apparatus
An optical test apparatus includes a three-dimensional dome, light sources and a control unit. The three-dimensional dome covers a field of view of an image acquisition device. The image acquisition device is a test target device. The light sources are dispersedly arranged on the three-dimensional dome and generate a predetermined image on the three-dimensional dome. The first control unit controls the light sources. |
| US09658039B2 |
Explosive device simulator
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an Explosive Device Simulator (EDS). Embodiments of the Explosive Device Simulator may include two or more chemical components that are non-explosive when separated from each other within the EDS, but which form an explosive mixture or substance when combined. Because the individual chemical components are non-explosive, the Explosive Device Simulator may be stored, transported and handled safely for long periods of time and without increased security, protective measures, or special training. Further, the chemical components may be chosen such that the Explosive Device Simulator creates a realistic explosion (e.g. loud and bright), but which produces minimal concussive forces and is therefore safer to use as a training aid. |
| US09658037B2 |
Arrow tip mounting apparatus and method
An interface component for engaging an arrow tip to the leading end of an arrow shaft. The device directs impact forces axially and eliminates the shearing and wall collapse of arrow shafts caused by conventional collared arrow head engagement devices which tend to collapse and cut the leading edge of arrow shafts on hard impacts. Engagement to the arrow shaft leading end is provided by an elongated member axially engaged with the bore of the arrow shaft. The exterior surface of the device can be surfaced to interact with passing air during flight of the arrow and increase spin for better accuracy. |
| US09658036B2 |
Adaptor assemblies for arrow assemblies and arrow assemblies including adaptor assemblies
Adapter assemblies for arrow assemblies include an insert configured to be received within an arrow shaft and configured to be coupled to a point. The adapter assembly further includes an outer sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the insert. Arrow assemblies include an arrow shaft and an adapter assembly including an insert and an outer sleeve for coupling a point to the arrow shaft. |
| US09658033B1 |
Lattice reinforced armor array
Designs and methods are provided for a hard armor structure comprising a symmetrical array of regularly shaped armor tiles, and a lattice structure comprising rigid cell walls surrounding each tile. |
| US09658028B1 |
Female form fitting buttstock
A female form fitting buttstock for increased comfort, accuracy and enjoyment when shooting includes a stock that has a top, a fore end and a butt end. The fore end is configured to couple to a receiver of a shotgun that has a rib sight. A pad is reversibly couplable to the butt end, which is positively pitched. The pad and the fore end are positioned such that a length of pull measurement of thirty to forty centimeters is obtained upon coupling of the stock to the receiver. The top of the stock comprises a comb that has a top edge, which is linear and parallel to the rib sight. The toe is positioned outside of a plane defined by the top edge of the comb and the rib sight. The stock is configured to comfortably position within a shoulder pocket of a female user. |
| US09658013B2 |
Methods and systems for enhancing firearm safety through wireless network monitoring
A firearm includes a firing mechanism and a sensor device. The sensor device includes a subscriber identity module configured to communicate with a server over a signaling channel of a wireless communications network. The Sensor device is configured to enable/disable the firing mechanism in accordance with instructions received by the SIM from the server. Movements and/or attempted operations of the firearm may be monitored using an application running on a mobile device, which application receives information concerning the firearm over the signaling channel of the wireless communications network. |
| US09658010B1 |
Heat shielding and thermal venting system
A heat shielding and thermal venting system, having a heat shielding element comprising an elongate, tubular member extending from a first end to a second end; a primary portion formed within a cavity of the heat shielding element; a secondary portion formed within the cavity of the heat shielding element, wherein the secondary portion has a reduced inner cross-sectional area when compared to an inner cross-sectional area of the primary portion; a plurality of entry apertures formed through the heat shielding element proximate the first end; a flare portion formed at the second end; and one or more restricted portions formed along the heat shielding element, wherein each restricted portion includes a reduced inner cross-sectional area, when compared to an inner cross-sectional area of an adjacent interior portion of the heat shielding element. |
| US09658009B1 |
Bolt handle modification system and method
A bolt action rifle bolt handle modification system and method replaces the original bolt handle with an assembly that allows use of a telescopic sight mounted on the top of the rifle. This system requires less skill and specialized equipment than existing handle modification methods. |
| US09658006B1 |
Devices and systems for thermal management
Systems and devices may include a thermal management device that includes a high emissivity material. The high emissivity material is configured to have a high emissivity with respect to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in a thermal infrared spectrum. The thermal management device is arrangeable on a surface of a component of a stratospheric aerial vehicle. The thermal management device is configured such that when arranged on the component of the stratospheric aerial vehicle during flight, a first side of the thermal management device faces substantially upward with respect to ground, and the second side of the thermal management device faces substantially downward with respect to the ground. The second side is shaped to retain air that is warmer than an ambient air temperature at a stratospheric altitude. |
| US09658005B2 |
Heat exchanger system
A heat exchanger system is provided having a heat exchanger with a first inlet. A first outlet is fluidly coupled to the first inlet by a plurality of first channels. A second outlet is fluidly coupled to the first inlet by a second channel, the second channel having a first portion arranged transverse to the plurality of first channels. A bypass valve having a second inlet fluidly coupled to the first outlet and a third inlet fluidly coupled to the second outlet, and a third outlet selectively fluidly coupled to the second inlet and the third inlet, the third outlet being fluidly coupled to the first inlet. When in a bypass mode of operation, the thermal transfer medium flows through a channel in the heat exchanger to de-congeal the oil within the plurality of first channels. |
| US09657999B2 |
Alternating channel heat exchanger
A lightweight, high-efficiency alternating channel counter-flow heat exchanger structure is disclosed. A matrix of alternating hot and cold channels defining a heat exchanger structure is provided. A portion of each of the inlets and outlets of each of the hot and cold channels is blocked to prevent fluid flow through the blocked portion, thus creating hot-only and cold-only fluid communication regions on the ends of the heat exchanger structure. Alternating hot and cold headers provided on each end of the heat exchange structure service the respective hot and cold channels. The partial blocking structures on the channel-ends enable a single hot or cold header/plenum to be offset with respect to individual rows of channels and thus service a pair of adjacent rows of alternating hot and cold channels in the matrix of channels. The true alternating channel counter-flow design provides a higher heat transfer rate than a similarly-sized cross-flow design. |
| US09657996B2 |
Flat tube heat exchanger and outdoor unit of air-conditioning apparatus including the heat exchanger
A flat tube heat exchange apparatus that has flat tubes arranged at a regular pitch in the step direction which is orthogonal to the row direction of fins. If the step direction pitch of the flat tubes is defined as Dp, the coefficient of Dp is k, and if 0 |
| US09657995B2 |
Device for monitoring inside of high-temperature furnace, and system for monitoring inside of high-temperature furnace provided with same
Provided is an outer casing having a bottomed tube shape, the casing having a cooling water supply port, and a cooling water discharge port, and being inserted into a high-temperature furnace; an inner casing having a bottomed tube shape inserted into the outer casing; an imaging unit that is disposed in the inner casing which captures an image of the exterior of the outer casing; and partition members that are between an inner surface of the outer casing and an outer surface of the inner casing which define a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a communicating channel for communicating the first flow channel and the second flow channel between the bottom of the outer casing and the partition members. |
| US09657991B2 |
Microwave T-junction applicator
A T-junction microwave applicator and a method for making a T-junction microwave applicator with a microwave source supplying electromagnetic energy through a junction arm to a pair of collinear arms extending in opposite directions from their junction with the junction arm. The two collinear arms form a main waveguide terminated in end walls in which entrance and exit ports are formed for a conveyor to convey material to be heated through the main waveguide for exposure to electromagnetic energy. A rectangular conductive ridge in the wall of the main waveguide opposite the junction arm extends the length of the applicator. A cylindrical tuning bar spanning the junction is positioned vertically in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the main waveguide to maximize power transfer to the material to be heated. |
| US09657989B2 |
Systems and methods for processing municipal wastewater treatment sewage sludge
The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing sewage sludge using a gasification process. The gasification process takes place at high temperatures in an oxygen-starved environment, which enables carbon-containing materials in the sewage sludge to chemically react under the preferred temperature and oxygen levels, resulting in the formation of usable products, including ash, electricity, and syngas—all of which are generally environmentally benign. |
| US09657987B2 |
Integrated method and apparatus for compressing air and producing carbon dioxide-rich fluid
An apparatus for compressing air and producing a carbon dioxide-rich fluid includes an air compressor, an element for bringing the air bound for the air compressor into contact with water to produce humidified air and cooled water, a pipe for sending the humidified compressed air from the air compressor to an installation producing a carbon dioxide-rich gas, a carbon dioxide-rich gas compressor for compressing the carbon dioxide-rich gas, at least one heat exchanger upstream and/or downstream the carbon dioxide-rich gas compressor and pipes for conveying into the heat exchanger water cooled in the contact element and the carbon dioxide-rich gas. |
| US09657986B2 |
Installation and method for producing liquid helium
The invention relates to a method and an installation for producing liquid helium, said installation comprising a cooling/liquefaction device comprising a working circuit that subjects a helium-enriched working fluid to a thermodynamic cycle in order to produce liquid helium, said circuit comprising at least one working fluid compression body and a plurality of heat exchangers. The installation also comprises a plurality of fluid recovery lines having respective upstream ends to be selectively connected to respective reservoirs, and a first collection line having an upstream end connected to the recovery lines and a downstream end connected to a receiving body that can supply the working circuit with a working fluid. The installation is characterized in that it comprises at least one second and one third collection line that each have an upstream end connected to the recovery lines and a downstream end connected to the working circuit, the upstream ends of the second and third collection lines being connected at separate determined positions of the working circuit, that respectively correspond to separate temperature levels of the working fluid in the working circuit. |
| US09657983B2 |
Apparatus for defrosting evaporator in refrigeration system using infrared emitting diode sensor
An apparatus for defrosting an evaporator in a refrigeration system using an infrared emitting diode includes i) a frost detection sensor configured to receive a frost sensing signal from an output part of a control processor and to transmit a frost detection signal into an input part of a control processor, wherein the frost detection signal is generated by projecting infrared to the frost and receiving reflection-infrared from the frost; ii) a control processor configured to convert the frost detection signal into a digital signal in the signal converting part, to evaluate if the frost detection signal is higher than a threshold value which is set from a signal setting part, and to transmit the operation signal to the defroster, as well as the display signal to the signal display part; and iii) a defroster. |
| US09657981B2 |
Ice handling container
The invention is an improved ice handling container and methods for using the container. The container includes a bottom wall with upstanding sidewalls terminating in a mouth. A bail having an apex and opposing ends is pivotally attached to opposing sidewalls of the container. The bail has a handle generally at the apex and a hook extending generally outwardly from the bail generally near the apex of the bail for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally upward. One sidewall has a handle generally adjacent the bottom wall and a hook generally adjacent the handle extending generally outwardly and upwardly from the sidewall for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally downward. |
| US09657980B2 |
Motor driving apparatus and refrigerator including same
The present invention relates to a motor driving apparatus and a refrigerator including the same. A motor driving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a signal delay unit for delaying an input speed order signal; an inverter control unit for outputting an inverter switching control signal, on the basis of the speed order signal delayed by the signal delay unit; and an inverter for converting an input operation direct current power into a predetermined alternating current power, on the basis of a switching operation according to the inverter switching control signal, and driving a motor using the converted alternating current power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent starting failure and reduce noise. |
| US09657979B2 |
Demand-response system
A demand-response system includes first and second aggregators and a power aggregator. The first aggregator performs demand-response-related control of a first heating device group including a heat pump device, and the second aggregator performs demand-response related control of a second heating device group. The power aggregator sends a second power adjustment request to the first and second aggregators using a command being common to the first and second aggregators. In accordance with the second power adjustment request, the first aggregator performs demand-response-related control of the first heating device group using a first dedicated command, and the second aggregator performs demand-response-related control of the second heating device group using a second dedicated command that is different from the first dedicated command. |
| US09657978B2 |
Refrigerant control system for a flash tank
A refrigeration system is provided, such as for use with chillers. The system uses a tube-side condenser, such as a microchannel condenser, along with a shell-side evaporator such as a falling film evaporator. A flash tank economizer is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator, and an inlet valve to the flash tank is controlled based upon subcooling of condensate from the condenser. The vapor exiting the flash tank may be fed via an economizer line to a system compressor. Liquid phase refrigerant combined with some gas phase refrigerant exits the flash tank and is directed through an orifice before entering the evaporator. |
| US09657977B2 |
Cascade refrigeration system with modular ammonia chiller units
A cascade refrigeration system includes an upper portion. The upper portion includes at least one modular chiller unit that provides cooling to at least one of a low temperature subsystem having a plurality of low temperature loads, and a medium temperature subsystem having a plurality of medium temperature loads. The modular chiller unit includes a refrigerant circuit, an ammonia refrigerant, an ammonia refrigerant accumulator, and an oil separation system. The refrigerant circuit includes at least a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The ammonia refrigerant is configured for circulation within the refrigerant circuit. The ammonia refrigerant accumulator is configured to receive the ammonia refrigerant from the evaporator. The oil separation system is configured to remove oil from the ammonia refrigerant. The oil separation system includes an oil separator that is configured to remove oil from the ammonia refrigerant flowing from the compressor to the condenser, an oil drain pot that is configured to collect oil from the evaporator, and an oil reservoir that is configured to collect oil from the oil separator and the oil drain pot. |
| US09657975B2 |
Oil balancing apparatus and refrigeration device
Embodiments of the present invention provides an oil balancing apparatus, applied to at least three compressors connected in parallel. The oil balancing apparatus includes a first oil balancing pipe and a second oil balancing pipe. The first oil balancing pipe connects oil sumps of all the compressors, and the second oil balancing pipe only connects oil sumps of oil-rich compressors but not an oil sump of an oil-starved compressor. |
| US09657973B2 |
Refrigeration system with photovoltaic power source
A refrigeration system is powered primarily by a photovoltaic source and by an alternating current (AC) source as a backup. A variable frequency drive is used for controlling a powered component of the refrigeration system. The variable frequency drive includes drive circuitry configured to provide variable frequency power via an output interface, a first interface configured to receive power from the photovoltaic source, a second interface configured to receive AC power from the AC source, a DC bus coupled to the drive circuitry and configured to transmit power to the drive circuitry. The drive circuitry receives power from the first interface when the power from the photovoltaic source is adequate to power the drive circuitry and receives power from the second interface when the power from the photovoltaic source is not adequate to power the drive circuitry. |
| US09657971B2 |
First-order phase-transition La(Fe,Si)13-based magnetocaloric material showing small hysteresis loss and preparation and use thereof
The invention provides a first-order phase-transition La(Fe,Si)13-based magnetocaloric material showing small hysteresis loss, and preparation and use thereof. The material has a NaZn13-type structure, is composed of granules with a particle size in the range of 15˜200 μm and not less than 15 μm, and is represented by chemical formula La1-xRx(Fe1-p-qCopMnq)13-ySiyAα. The method for preparing the material comprises steps of preparing the material La1-xRx(Fe1-p-qCopMnq)13-ySiyAα by smelting and annealing; and then crushing the material into powder with a particle size in the range of 15˜200 μm. Without changing the components, a La(Fe,Si)13-based magnetocaloric material showing small hysteresis loss and strong magnetocaloric effect can be obtained by adjusting the particle size within the range of 15˜200 μm. Utilization of this type of materials in the practical magnetic refrigeration application is of great significance. When the particle size is 10 μm or less, the stability of the magnetocaloric material is lost; the magnitude of magnetic entropy change is reduced dramatically; and thus it is no longer suitable for the practical application in magnetic refrigeration technology. Therefore, the giant magnetocaloric effect of the material can be maintained to the max if the granules with a particle size of less than 10 μm are removed by screening. |
| US09657966B2 |
Single bi-temperature thermal storage tank for application in solar thermal plant
Thermocline storage tanks for solar power systems are disclosed. A thermocline region is provided between hot and cold storage regions of a fluid within the storage tank cavity. One example storage tank includes spaced apart baffles fixed relative to the tank and arranged within the thermocline region to substantially physically separate the cavity into hot and cold storage regions. In another example, a flexible baffle separated the hot and cold storage regions and deflects as the thermocline region shifts to accommodate changing hot and cold volumes. In yet another example, a controller is configured to move a baffle within the thermocline region in response to flow rates from hot and cold pumps, which are used to pump the fluid. |
| US09657964B2 |
Condensate trap for heating-cooling systems
A condensation trap comprising an inlet chamber, a vent chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber is configured to receive condensate fluid through an external opening therein. The vent chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber via a first passageway that includes an internal opening of the inlet chamber. The internal opening is located substantially at an opposite end of the vent chamber as the external opening. The outlet chamber is in fluid communication with the vent chamber via a second passageway that includes an internal opening in a sidewall of the vent chamber and an interior opening in an end of the outlet chamber. The outlet chamber is configured to transmit the condensate fluid through an exterior opening located at an opposite end of the outlet chamber. A vent volume portion is greater than a total volume of an internal space of the inlet chamber. |
| US09657963B2 |
Heater for an automotive vehicle and method of forming same
A heated seat comprising: a cushion with one or more trench areas; a heater comprising: a carrier with a periphery, the carrier further including: a first electrically functional layer that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier; and a second electrically functional layer that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion; and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge and a second side edge, and each side edge includes a cutout, and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other forming a neck portion; wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device over the neck portion of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment device to the cushion so that the neck portion is pulled into the trench; wherein the neck portion is free of the second electrically functional layer; and wherein the first electrically functional layer and the second electrically functional layer form a checkered pattern. |
| US09657961B2 |
Interior lamp for vehicle having air vent
An interior lamp for a vehicle may provide an interior lamp for a vehicle, including an air vent, the interior lamp including an air vent assembly disposed in a mounting aperture of a louver plate through screw-coupling and controlling the size of an air inflow aperture by a screw rotation operation to adjust an air volume flowing from an air duct to the air inflow aperture, and an interior lamp assembly disposed in a lower inner diameter portion of the air vent assembly through ball-joint coupling to be adjustable in irradiation direction of lamp light and including a discharge path that discharges the air volume passing through the air vent assembly into the interior. |
| US09657957B2 |
HVAC controller having a network-based scheduling feature
A master HVAC schedule for an HVAC controller may be stored on an external server accessible over a computer network. The external server may maintain the master HVAC schedule, and may translate a portion of the master HVAC schedule into a basic HVAC schedule that is executable by an HVAC controller. The external server may deliver the basic HVAC schedule to an HVAC controller according to a predetermined schedule. In some cases, the external server may deliver an updated basic HVAC schedule to the HVAC controller in response to a user initiated change made to the master HVAC schedule or upon restoration of a lost network connection between the HVAC controller and the external server. |
| US09657947B2 |
Open solenoid valve with arc relighter, method to augment flame safeguard
The invention provides a pilot light ignition system comprising a solenoid valve and a flame safeguard controller. Also provided is a pilot light ignition process comprising a normally open solenoid valve that shuts down a main burner gas supply while the pilot is being lit. A fail last position solenoid can also be utilized with the system. |
| US09657946B2 |
Burner control system
A burner control system for improving burner performance and efficiency. The system may determine fuel and air channel or manifold parameters. Determination of parameters may be performed with a sensor connected across the air and fuel channels. A signal from the sensor may control the parameters which in turn affect the amounts of fuel and air to the burner via a controller. Parameter control of the fuel and air in their respective channels may result in more accurate fuel and air ratio control. One or more flow restrictors in fuel and/or air bypass channels may further improve accuracy of the fuel and air ratio. The channels may be interconnected with a pressure or flow divider. Byproducts of combustion in the exhaust, temperatures of gas and air, flame quality and/or other items may be monitored and adjusted with control of the fuel and air ratio for optimum combustion in the burner. |
| US09657943B2 |
Method and system for reheating flue gas using waste heat to maintain dry chimney stack operation
Flue gas is a by-product of many energy and industrial plants and is typically emitted through a chimney stack. If the flue gas temperature in the chimney stack drops below the flue gas dew point, condensation of water vapor and acid gases ensues. These gases are very corrosive for chimney stacks designed to operate in a dry condition. The Flue Gas Reheat System of the present invention continuously and proactively manages flue gas chimney stack temperatures above the dew point in order to optimize emission control and effectuate energy efficiency improvements in industrial plants. Waste heat is harvested from the exterior surfaces of existing steam and pollution control equipment through conduction, convection and radiation. This heat is transferred to a working fluid. The working fluid is then directly mixed with the flue gas prior to the flue gas entering the chimney stack to raise the temperature of (or re-heat) the flue gas above its dew point to maintain a dry chimney stack condition. The use of residual or waste heat from throughout the plant and the minimal equipment required to harvest the waste heat reduces the operating cost and improves the overall reliability of the system. This method is useful in many industries, including electric power generation plants and other energy intensive process industries that seek emission control and various boiler and fuel energy efficiency improvements, many of which improvements result in a reduction in normal chimney stack temperature. |
| US09657942B2 |
Hot-side method and system
The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions. |
| US09657936B2 |
Systems and methods for illuminating an object
A system for illuminating an object comprises a plurality of light beams; an emission region from which the plurality of light beams is emitted; and an illumination zone defined by placement of the light beams and being projected in a manner to maximize illumination of the object. A method for illuminating an object using a system comprising one or more light sources comprises generating a plurality of light beams; placing the light beams to define an illumination zone; and positioning the system such that the object falls within the illumination zone. A system for illuminating an object comprises a body having one or more openings in an outer surface; one or more light sources configured to generate a plurality of light beams; and a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the plurality of light beams to form a contiguous effective illumination zone configured to illuminate an object disposed anywhere therein. |
| US09657935B2 |
Wearable devices with integrated light sources
In another implementation, a signaling apparatus includes a glove that is configured to be worn on a hand of a user; a first light source that extends along and is affixed to at least a portion of a lateral side of the glove, the lateral side of the glove corresponding to a lateral side of the user's hand that includes, at least, the user's fifth digit, fifth metacarpal, and ulna bone; and a second light source that extends along and is affixed to at least a portion of a medial side of the glove, the medial side of the glove corresponding to a medial side of the user's hand that includes, at least, the user's radial bone and one or more of: (i) the user's first metacarpal and first digit, and (ii) the user's second metacarpal and second digit. |
| US09657930B2 |
High intensity light-emitting diode luminaire assembly
A low-cost, efficient, high intensity LED luminaire (HILL) assembly for use indoors or outdoors in wet, damp, or dry environments. In various embodiments, the HILL assembly can be powered by a universal AC or a DC electrical supply and can operate in a temperature range from about −40° C. to about +85° C. The HILL assembly can include a lens element comprising one or more concavo-convex lenses; an interchangeable LED module comprising a plurality of LEDs positioned in a LED array; and a heatsink housing containing a power supply for the LEDs. The HILL assembly can optionally comprise a circuit board for the LED array that employs thermal via technology, a lens with a frosted lip for attenuating the light source as seen from an angle, and/or a sensor for sensing an environmental parameter of interest. Driver circuitry and the LEDs are preferably mounted directly on a common circuit board. |
| US09657926B2 |
Device leveling elements
A utilitarian device such as a weighted base includes a plurality of removable, folding, joinable, and adjustable leveling elements that attach along the underside surface of the base to form a tripod support. The leveling elements include interchangeable folding feet and pointed members each having threaded connections to the base individually or in series, to maintain a level orientation of the base over most surfaces. A plurality of storage clips retain and stow un-deployed leveling elements within the gap provided between the base and the ground surface. An upstanding pole attaches to the base upperside and supports an object such as a flag, umbrella, or other piece of equipment. |
| US09657924B2 |
LED 3D curved lead frame of illumination device
A 3D curved structure and LED 3D curved lead frame for a curved surface illumination of an illumination device. First of all, draw illumination circuit with banded structure of multilayer lead frame on 3D illumination curved surface, then spread these curved circuit into plane circuit, dismantle the banded structure of multilayer lead frame of circuit into circuit pattern of single layers, use process the prototype of circuit patterns of each layer with conductive metal charge tape, and produce the prototype of banded structure of multilayer conductive frame through repeated accumulation of multi-disc charge tapes, and install the LED chip on the installation seat to get LED flat lead frame, then flex the conductive metal into LED 3D curved lead frame with jig and paste on the luminous curved surface, and package them with transparent material. |
| US09657920B2 |
Illumination device and display device
Provided is an illumination device that makes it possible to enhance utilization efficiency of light, and a display device that includes the illumination device. The illumination device includes: a light source that is configured to generate light of a first wavelength; a luminescent body that is configured to wavelength-convert the light of the first wavelength to light of a second wavelength, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength; and a wavelength selective filter that is provided on a light-incident side of the luminescent body, the wavelength selective filter being configured to transmit the light of the first wavelength and to reflect the light of the second wavelength. |
| US09657919B2 |
Light-emitting device with reflector including first and second reflective surfaces and light source mounted on inclined plane
A light emitting device includes a mount base, a light source portion, and a reflector. The mount base includes a first plane portion and a second plane portion that inclines with respect to the first plane portion. The first plane portion is provided to be parallel to an emission direction of the light emitting device. The light source portion is mounted on the second plane portion and includes at least one light emitting element. The reflector includes a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. Light emitted from the light source portion is reflected on the first reflective surface to be emitted from the light emitting device in the emission direction. The light emitted from the light source portion is reflected on the second reflective surface toward the first reflective surface. |
| US09657917B2 |
Illuminated ornament
An illuminated ornament having an electronics assembly including a battery holder, a cap, a light emitting source and a control circuit is inserted through a hole axially into the ornament enclosure thereby locating the light source at a distance from the enclosure wall. The enclosure wall allow light to travel therethrough. A diffusing and reflecting cap which is preferably conical shaped converging towards a disk shaped end wall surrounds the light source and both allows light to travel therethrough and reflects light behind the light source to the enclosure wall. The battery holder is permanently attached to the assembly cap and the electronics assembly is removable from the enclosure in one piece. The assembly cap closes the hole. The differential pressure between the inside and outside of the enclosure is relieved preventing air and water entry through the assembly cap to enclosure interface. |
| US09657915B2 |
Illumination device and surface light emission module
In an illumination device, a surface light emission module includes a panel power input unit connected to a base power input unit and a panel power output unit connected to a base power output unit for supplying power to a surface light emission panel. A connection panel, by being installed in an unselected scheduled light emission region, directly connects the base power input unit to the base power output unit. |
| US09657913B2 |
Vehicle lamp module
Disclosed is a vehicle lamp module, including a lamp cup structure, a light-emitting structure, and a lens structure. The lamp cup structure has multiple light-focusing curved surfaces, where each of the light-focusing curved surfaces has a first focal point and a second focal point, and the first focal point and the second focal point of each light-focusing curved surface are located on an axis of the light-focusing curved surface. The light-emitting structure includes multiple light-emitting elements, where each of the light-emitting elements is disposed corresponding to the first focal point of a corresponding one of the light-focusing curved surfaces. The lens structure has a lens focal point, a primary optical axis, and a reference line, where the lens focal point is located at an intersection point of the primary optical axis and the reference line and the reference line is parallel to the lens structure. |
| US09657912B2 |
Lighting apparatus and automobile including the same
A lighting apparatus includes: a base that is open toward a front and includes a low beam light-distribution pattern forming component; a lens body disposed forward of the base; a first light-emitting device; and a second light-emitting device. Incident light is refracted in a lower portion of the lens body, and the incident light and exiting light travel in substantially same direction in an upper portion of the lens body. The first light-emitting device is disposed behind the lower portion of the lens body, the second light-emitting device is disposed further forward than the first light-emitting device and behind the upper portion of the lens body, and the low beam light-distribution pattern forming component is disposed in front of the first light-emitting device. |
| US09657905B2 |
Safety switch for retrofit tube
A safety switch for a lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device includes a plurality of solid state light sources and a housing encompassing these. The housing has a first end with a first end cap and an opening therein. A first set of pins extend from the first end cap, and are coupled to a first set of pin connectors. A movable actuator has a pair of electrical connectors that correspond to the first set of pin connectors and are coupled to the solid state light sources. A bridge that holds the pair of electrical connectors, and a holder extends from the bridge through the opening in the first end cap. The movable actuator is capable of movement between a closed position, which creates an electrical connection between the electrical connectors and the pin connectors, and an open position, wherein creates no such electrical connection. |
| US09657904B1 |
Photobleaching displays to mitigate color gradients
Technologies are described herein for photobleaching a display. A display may be photobleached by exposing the display to light emitted by an external lamp and/or may be photobleached using one or more display lights of the electronic device during a burn-in period. In some examples, the light emitted by the lamp is filtered to remove wavelengths below a certain wavelength. The light that is received by the display from the lamp may include wavelengths between about 310 nm and 700 nm. These wavelengths correspond to visible light and near-visible light. The display may be exposed to the light for some duration or until some dose of light is received by the display. In other configurations, a burn-in period is performed for about eighteen hours. |
| US09657901B2 |
Compressed and liquified natural gas storage and dispensing system
A compressed natural gas storage and dispensing system having bulk storage tanks in fluid communication with a natural gas supply source; a compressor to produce compressed natural gas; dispensing storage tanks in fluid communication with the bulk storage tanks and in fluid communication with fuel dispensers; a liquified natural gas storage tank in fluid communication with the bulk storage tanks, wherein compressed natural gas resulting from vaporization of the liquified natural gas within the liquified natural gas storage tank is transferred to the bulk storage tanks as a supplemental source of compressed natural gas, or wherein liquified natural gas is vaporized in an ambient vaporizer and delivered to the bulk or dispensing storage tanks. |
| US09657898B1 |
Lubricating oil monitoring and maintenance cap with oil level monitoring system
A lubricating oil reservoir has an open end closed by a cap removably coupled to the open end. The cap is formed with a sensor located in the lubricating oil reservoir. The sensor is for sensing the presence of lubricating oil that fills the lubricating oil reservoir to a recommended oil level for providing machine lubrication, and the non-presence of lubricating oil that does not fill the lubricating oil reservoir to the recommended oil level, and a signal apparatus is operatively coupled to the sensor for issuing a first stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the presence of lubricating oil for identifying a normal lubricating oil level condition, and for issuing a second different stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the non-presence of lubricating oil for identifying a low oil level condition. |
| US09657897B2 |
Connecting device and a gimbal apparatus
A connecting device includes a connecting member, a slider, and a blocking assembly. The connecting member includes a first sliding slot and a limiting slot formed at one end of the connecting member. The slider includes a second sliding slot and an accommodating hole formed at one end of the slider. The second sliding slot is configured to slidably engage with the first sliding slot. The slider further includes a through hole formed on a side wall of the slider and configured to communicate with the accommodating hole. The blocking assembly includes a limiting button and a limiting column. The limiting button includes a transmission portion configured to be received in the through hole. The limiting column is configured to be accommodated in the limiting slot and the accommodating hole. The limiting column includes a receiving hole configured to receive the transmission portion. |
| US09657895B2 |
Rotatable supporting frame
A rotatable supporting frame comprising a baseplate structure, a frame body and a magnetic module is provided. The frame body is capable of being rotated with respect to the baseplate structure when a user adjusts the direction of a display module which connects to the frame body. The magnetic module is disposed on the baseplate structure to firmly attach the baseplate structure onto a magnetic board through the magnetic force formed between the magnetic module and the magnetic board. |
| US09657893B2 |
Clip for a patient monitoring pod
Disclosed are clips for a patient monitoring pod that is used with portable patient monitoring devices and systems. A patient monitoring pod and clip can rotate relative to each other to accommodate a patient's environment. |
| US09657889B1 |
Adjustable support arm
An adjustable support arm utilizing an elastomeric member having a dynamic attachment point to support the weight of an attached object. The adjustable support arm can include a lower bracket that is connected to an upper bracket by an upper arm and a lower arm. The elastomeric member counterbalances the weight of an attached object. The first end of the elastomeric member can be attached to a linkage, which can include a first, second, and third link and the second end of the elastomeric member can be attached to one of the arms. The links can be coupled to each other between the upper and lower arms such that the linkage is dynamically moveable upon movement of the support arm. |
| US09657888B2 |
Portable self-timer rack
A portable self-timer rack comprises a telescoping mechanism and a magnetic adsorption portion connected with the telescoping mechanism in a rotary manner. The magnetic adsorption portion comprises a box body and a magnet arranged in the box body, and the telescoping mechanism is connected with the box body through a rotary joint in a rotary manner and a wireless communication module is arranged in the telescoping mechanism. |
| US09657887B2 |
Device for the stable and zero backlash adjustment of a camera-holding device around at least one tilting axis
The invention relates to a device for the stable and zero backlash adjustment of a camera-holding device around at least one tilting axis, in particular on a device for multi-channel image capture, wherein the adjustment device (1) comprises two plates joined to one another so as to be tiltable, and wherein the upper plate as camera support plate (2) carries the camera (K) at least indirectly and is connected to the lower plate acting as base plate (3). The device is characterized in that a displaceable ramp slide (5) having two oppositely inclined running ramps (6) is arranged on the base plate (3), in that between the two running ramps (6) there is a joint (4) by which the camera support plate (2) is joined to the base plate (3), in that the camera support plate (2) comprises two guide pins (7) that are spaced apart from one another and are guided on the running ramps (6), and in that the device is designed in such a manner that by displacing the ramp slide (5) the camera support plate (2) assumes, with zero backlash, a defined tilting angle with respect to the base plate (3). |
| US09657879B1 |
Tube connection assembly
A tube connection assembly includes a first connector along a connection axis having a first engagement surface transverse to the connection axis, and a second connector connected to a tube, the second connector having a second engagement surface transverse to the connection axis. The first connector and the second connector are engagable together joining the first and second connectors in a coupled state, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface spaced a predetermined distance when in the coupled state. A fastener is provided positionable in a locked state and an unlocked state, the fastener in the unlocked state being slidable along the tube, and the fastener in the locked state retaining the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. The fastener may include a pair of opposing retaining surfaces spaced at least the predetermined distance, at least one of the retaining surfaces having a lead-in. |
| US09657873B2 |
Threaded joint for pipes
A threaded joint for steel pipes that includes a pin and a box. The pin has an externally threaded portion, a nose, and a shoulder portion. The box has an internally threaded portion, a sealing surface, and a shoulder portion. The outer circumferential surface of the nose of the pin has an outward convex curved shape, and the sealing surface of the box has a tapered shape. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the pin at a seal point is 35% or more of the cross-sectional area of an original pipe portion corresponding to an unprocessed portion of the pin, the seal point being a portion on the pin that first comes into contact with the sealing surface of the box when the pin and the box are joined. |
| US09657868B2 |
High strength steel plate having low yield ratio excellent in terms of strain ageing resistance, method of manufacturing the same and high strength welded steel pipe made of the same
A steel plate has a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.03% or more and 0.08% or less, Si: 0.01% or more and 1.0% or less, Mn: 1.2% or more and 3.0% or less, P: 0.015% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Al: 0.08% or less, Nb: 0.005% or more and 0.07% or less, Ti: 0.005% or more and 0.025% or less, N: 0.010% or less, O: 0.005% or less and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, a metallographic structure including a bainite phase and island martensite, and a polygonal ferrite in surface portions within 5 mm from the upper and lower surfaces, wherein the area fraction of the island martensite is 3% to 15%, the equivalent circle diameter of the island martensite is 3.0 μm or less, the area fraction of the polygonal ferrite in the surface portions is 10% to less than 80%. |
| US09657864B2 |
High pressure valve
Electromagnetically actuable high-pressure valve, having a valve seat which is arranged in a valve chamber and which can be closed off by a sealing element and which is arranged between a low-pressure side (N) and a high-pressure side (H) of the valve, wherein the sealing element is arranged so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position, having a movably arranged armature, and having an electrically energizable coil which is designed and arranged so as to be suitable for acting on the armature, wherein the armature and the sealing element are arranged in the valve chamber. |
| US09657856B2 |
Regulating apparatus for a pressure activated one-way valve
A regulating apparatus for a pressure activated one-way valve. The one-way valve is for mounting on a container to permit the release of gas from within the container and to control the ingress of atmospheric air. The regulating apparatus comprises a sealed and expandable chamber containing a gas. The chamber is operatively associated with the one-way valve such that when the chamber is exposed to elevated temperatures and/or reduced external pressure the gas within the chamber expands and exerts a force upon the one-way valve or portions thereof. The force tends to maintain the one-way valve in a closed or semi-closed configuration. |
| US09657855B2 |
Combination flow control valve and reverse flow check valve
A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve controls the flow of fluid in a desired downstream direction and limits undesired backflow of liquid in an upstream direction into a fluid source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may include a housing having a fluid conveying channel with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source and a downstream end for discharging fluids, a flow control valve positioned between the ends, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve and the downstream end. The check element is advantageously positioned between the flow control valve and the downstream end of the housing to prevent possible contaminants in a backflow liquid from reaching the flow control valve. |
| US09657854B2 |
Sliding skirt valve
Sliding skirt valves for waterless urinals and method of controlling fluid flow through the sliding skirt valve are presented. The sliding skirt valve has a valve body, which includes an inlet, an outlet and a sealing surface. The sliding skirt valve also has a central shaft with an upper stop and a lower stop and a barrier interface. Between the upper and the lower stops, a conical barrier is slidingly engaged with the barrier interface. In a normal pressure state, the conical barrier lies against the lower stop of the central shaft. In a back pressure state, the conical barrier moves upwardly to lie against the upper stop of the central shaft and block the vent to upward fluid flow from the downstream of the sliding skirt valve. |
| US09657849B2 |
Fluid control valve system and methods
A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check-valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port. |
| US09657848B2 |
Trunnion ball valve with interchangeable and replaceable seat insert
The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for retaining a seat insert of a ball valve in place within a seat ring of the ball valve. In particular, the seat insert is an annular ring having a tapered section on an outer wall of the annular ring. The tapered section of the seat insert is configured to mate with a shoulder in an outer surface of a profiled groove of the seat ring. The seat insert snaps into the profiled groove with the shoulder, thereby preventing axial movement of the seat insert with respect to the profiled groove of the seat ring. In addition, a locking ring also fits within the profiled groove of the seat ring to prevent axial and radial movement of the seat insert with respect to the profiled groove of the seat ring. More specifically, once the seat insert has been snapped into place within the profiled groove of the seat ring, the locking ring is also inserted into the profiled groove of the seat ring. |
| US09657845B2 |
Variable conductance gas distribution apparatus and method
Variable conductance gas distribution systems, reactors and systems including the variable conductance gas distribution systems, and methods of using the variable conductance gas distribution systems, reactors, and systems are disclosed. The variable conductance gas distribution systems allow rapid manipulation of gas-flow conductance through the gas distribution system. |
| US09657839B2 |
Reduced friction piston rings
Improved liquid lubricated piston ring gas seals with reduced friction and wear compared to prior art rings are disclosed for use in internal combustion engines, gas pumps, and gas compressors. These improved rings allow independent adjustment of the parameters controlling friction and wear, and eliminate the tradeoff between friction and wear typical of prior art rings. |
| US09657834B2 |
Vehicle control system and method
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle having a first user-operable transmission selector means for selecting a forward operating mode of a transmission corresponding to travel in a forward direction and a reverse operating mode of a transmission corresponding to travel in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction, the control system comprising: a user-operable gear selector configured in a first functional mode to, upon receipt of a user input, select between a plurality of forward direction gear ratios, and wherein the user-operable gear selector is re-configured in a second functional mode to, upon receipt of a user input, select between the forward operating mode and the reverse operating mode. |
| US09657831B2 |
Methods and systems for improving hybrid vehicle cooling
Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle cooling are presented. In one example, an electric pump may supply transmission fluid to a transmission and a driveline integrated starter/generator to cool, operate, and lubricate driveline components. The electric pump may be selectively operated to conserve energy and to supply driveline cooling when driveline cooling may be desirable. |
| US09657829B2 |
Pinion assembly having a bearing support surface
A pinion assembly having a pinion and at least one bearing unit. The bearing unit may have a set of bearing elements and an outer race. The bearing elements may be rotatably disposed on a bearing surface of the pinion such that the bearing elements may be disposed between and may engage the bearing surface and the outer race. |
| US09657825B2 |
Drive device for vehicle
A drive device for a vehicle includes a first drive shaft, a second drive shaft, a differential mechanism, a speed reduction mechanism, and a case. The second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism, and the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism are arranged out of phase in a rotation direction, and are arranged at a position in an axial direction so that at least any one of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism overlaps with the second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism. |
| US09657823B2 |
Torque converter with turbine mass absorber
A piston plate assembly for a torque converter comprising: an aperture including a chamfer portion; and, a bushing installed in the aperture and including a radius portion proximate the chamfer portion, wherein the bushing is arranged to seal the piston directly to a transmission input shaft and the radius portion is arranged to ease assembly of the bushing onto the input shaft. |
| US09657819B2 |
Adjusting device
An adjusting device, a device for directing manufacturing aids including an adjusting device, and a gripper device having an adjusting device. The adjusting device includes a body and an adjustment plate mounted on the body for rotation about a central axis. The adjustment plate has two guide slots distributed around the circumference for adjustment objects mounted on the body so as to be pivotable about tangential pivot axes, wherein centerlines of the guide slots extend about the central axis along a spiral path. |
| US09657816B2 |
Drive link for tiltrotor rotor system
A drive link includes a first bearing housing, a second bearing housing, and a central portion coupled between the first bearing housing and the second bearing housing. The central portion includes a central radial bearing configured such that the central portion twists in response to cocking of the first bearing housing relative to the second bearing housing. |
| US09657815B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission of vehicle
A planetary gear train for an automatic transmission may include an input shaft, an output shaft, first to fourth planetary gear sets and seven friction elements disposed to selectively connect the rotation elements with the rotation element and selectively connect the rotation elements with a transmission housing, and wherein the input shaft is continuously connected to the second rotation element, the output shaft is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the sixth rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the eighth rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the tenth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is continuously connected to the ninth rotation element, the output shaft is selectively connected to the third rotation element, and wherein three friction elements are operated for achieving ten forward speed stages and at least one reverse speed stage. |
| US09657801B2 |
Shock absorber protector
A shock absorber protector including an arcuate member having opposing arcuate member interior and exterior faces bounded by an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the arcuate member interior face defining an arc between the first and second side edges; a mounting flange outwardly extending from the arcuate member interior face proximate the lower edge; and an aperture element disposed in the mounting flange, the aperture element bounding an aperture element opening which communicates between opposing mounting flange interior and exterior faces. |
| US09657798B2 |
Friction material including a plurality of binder particles with friction modifying particles bound thereto
One exemplary embodiment includes a friction material including a base including a plurality of fibers. The base including an engagement surface, and a plurality of binder particles and friction modifying particles at the engagement surface. |
| US09657797B2 |
Disc brake pad for a vehicle
A vehicle disc brake pad having a backing plate and a friction pad that includes a complex edge profile formed from a plurality of undulations on at least one side edge of the periphery. Each undulation includes a wave crest and a wave trough that extend toward and away from the periphery of the backing plate, respectively. The brake pad may provide improved thermal management and wear resistance, thereby improving the life span of the brake pad, particularly when used with heavier vehicles such as trucks, crossover vehicles, and sports utility vehicles. |
| US09657795B2 |
Stand alone liquid cooled brake system
A fluid cooled vehicle brake includes a fluid flow passage disposed in fluid communication with a brake shoe rim carrying a layer of friction material. A pair of spaced support webs are coupled to an inner surface of an annular inner surface of the rib. A water jacket is sealingly joined to the pair of webs and the inner surface of the rim to form a fluid flow passage between an inlet port formed in one of the support webs along the inner surface of the rim and out through an outlet port formed in one of the support webs. High thermal conductive members may be disposed within the layer of friction material to conduct heat to the rim. Heat radiator members are mounted within the coolant passageway. |
| US09657794B2 |
Composite disc rotor
A composite disc rotor includes a disc main body, a coupling bracket and coupling units. Each of the coupling units includes a bobbin, a clip and a coupling bolt. A head part of the bobbin includes a torque receiving portion inserted in the notch and a projection projected in a circumferential direction from an end of the torque receiving portion. A pipe part of the bobbin is extended from the head part and is fitted in a coupling through hole of the disc main body. The clip includes a connecting portion between the torque receiving portion and the notch and a pressing portion extended from the connecting portion between the head part and the coupling bracket. The coupling bolt is inserted into each of through hole of the bobbin to fix the coupling bracket to the coupling unit. |
| US09657789B2 |
Disc brake caliper with reduced axial dimension
A disc brake caliper, has a caliper body having a pair of half-calipers which define a housing compartment for a portion of an associable brake disc. The half-calipers being placed on opposite sides to the housing compartment in an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the associable brake disc. At least one half-caliper is fitted with at least one housing seat for a piston suitable to press a pad against the associable brake disc, in the axial direction. The housing seat passes through the respective half-caliper so as to extend between an inner wall facing the housing compartment and an outer wall of the half-caliper, axially opposite the housing compartment. A cup-shaped hollow insert is housed inside the housing seat so as to present a closed end wall, placed on the side of the outer wall of the half-caliper, and a cavity having an aperture facing axially towards the housing compartment. At least one piston is housed inside the cavity of the insert and is guided axially by an inner side wall of the insert. |
| US09657788B2 |
System and method for the update of fill parameters in wet clutches through cross learning
A system and method for updating a set of filling parameters for a wet clutch system is provided. The clutch comprises a piston, a proportional valve, a controller, and a sensor. The method comprises the steps of providing the wet clutch system, providing the set of filling parameters, actuating the wet clutch system based on at least one of the set of filling parameters, sensing a response of the wet clutch system during actuation of the wet clutch system, comparing an observed filling parameter to at least one of the set of filling parameters, calculating a fill error between the observed filling parameter and the at least one of the set of filling parameters, and adjusting a plurality of the set of filling parameters based on the fill error. |
| US09657786B2 |
Torque transfer mechanism with sealed ball-ramp clutch operator unit
A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly. Clutch actuator assembly includes a clutch apply operator for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force applied to the clutch assembly. The clutch operator includes a first and second cam plate that are spaced form in one another to define a cavity therebetween. A sealing element extends between the first and second cam plates to seal the cavity between the first and second cam plates for retaining fluids in the cavity. |
| US09657785B2 |
Rolling bearing, notably for clutch release bearing device
A rolling bearing including an inner ring, an outer ring, at least one row of rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and (a) at least one seal fixed to one of the inner ring and the outer ring as well as (b) at least one internal sealing lip cooperating with a first portion of the other of the inner ring and the outer ring. The seal further includes at least one external sealing lip offset axially relative to the internal sealing lip on the exterior side of the bearing. The external sealing lip cooperates with a second portion of the other ring, wherein the second portion of the seal is separate from the first portion and situated axially facing the seal. |
| US09657783B2 |
Wet friction clutch
A clutch module for a dual clutch transmission (DCT) is designed to improve circumferential fluid distribution to reduce or eliminate an unpleasant noise during engagement. In some embodiments, the reaction plate is restrained in a position offset 1-3 degrees from perpendicular to the housing axis. Consequently, 0.2-0.7 mm of clearance remains on one radial side of the clutch when all clearance has been removed on the other radial side of the clutch. Relative rotation between the hub and the housing pushes fluid from the tight side toward the loose side. In an alternative embodiment, the piston is designed to orient the pressure plate non-perpendicular to the housing axis. |
| US09657781B2 |
Robust touchdown bearing
A touchdown bearing for supporting a rotor including: an inner race having a first inner circumferential surface; a self-lubricating insert having a second inner circumferential surface and affixed to the first inner circumferential surface, the second inner circumferential surface extending radially inward past at least a first portion of the first inner circumferential surface, an outer race located radially outward of the inner race; and a plurality of rolling elements configured radially between the inner and outer races to enable the outer race to rotate freely relative to the inner race. |
| US09657780B2 |
Axial needle roller bearing with self-aligning washers
An axial needle roller bearing assembly is provided having first and second axial end washers, each with a radial body having a concave outer profile and a convex inner profile in radial cross-section and each including an axial flange on one of a radially inner or outer side. First and second intermediate washers having respective intermediate radial bodies with first and second axial sides are provided with the first axial sides defining first and second bearing races and the second axial sides defining contact surfaces for the respective first and second axial end washers. A cage and roller assembly is located between the first and second bearing races, and includes a cage with a plurality of radially extending needle roller pockets, and a plurality of needle rollers received in at least some of the pockets. |
| US09657779B2 |
Rolling bearing cage, rolling bearing, and method of manufacturing rolling bearing cage
A cage includes: an annular body having pocket holes for receiving balls; and a resin portion formed through injection molding of a resin containing a solid lubricant with the body being set as an insert component. The resin portion includes: first parts formed along inner peripheral surfaces of the pocket holes of the body to form pocket surfaces to be held in sliding contact respectively with the balls; and a second part formed along an outer peripheral surface (or inner peripheral surface) of the body to form a guide surface to be held in sliding contact with an outer ring (or inner ring). The first parts and the second part are formed integrally with each other. Weld lines of the resin portion are formed at positions of avoiding exposure of the weld lines at both end portions of the pocket surfaces in a cage circumferential direction. |
| US09657777B2 |
Wear resistant lead free alloy bushing and method of making
A bearing having improved wear resistance has a bearing material of a copper-tin-bismuth alloy which may also include phosphorus which has excellent strength, due to the solid solution of copper, tin and phosphorus (when used), attached to a steel backing shell. The material also has good lubricity as a result of the presence of the bismuth which also promotes tin mobilization and formation of a layer of tin on the bearing surface upon use of the bearing. The addition of small amounts of relatively small hard particles in the copper-tin-matrix, particularly Fe3P, MoSi2 or a mixture thereof, provides a suitable hard surface artifact to improve the wear resistance of the bearing material. The bearing includes a sintered powder compact bearing material of a copper-tin-bismuth alloy powder and a metal compound powder which is bonded to a steel backing shell, wherein the metal compound powder has an average particle size of less than 10 μm. |
| US09657776B2 |
Bearings
A bearing includes a first member having a passageway configured to engage a shaft, the first member having a metallic material; and a second member disposed around at least a portion of the first member, the second member having a metallic material and at least one radially and inwardly bent portion capable of restricting axial movement of the first member. The first and second members are movable relative to each other. |
| US09657773B2 |
Linear slide rail and guide wheel seat assembly thereof
A linear slide rail includes a rail structure and a slider structure. The rail structure has an elongated strip shape and defines a longitudinal axis direction, wherein the rail structure has two guide grooves respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the rail structure. The slider structure has a cooperating groove which is slidably sleeved on the rail structure. The slider structure includes a carrier assembly and two guide wheel seat assemblies. The two guide wheel seat assemblies are respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the carrier assembly, and the two guide wheel seat assemblies are respectively disposed corresponding to the two guide grooves at the two opposite sides of the rail structure. Each of the guide wheel seat assemblies includes a seat unit, a plurality of guide wheel units, a plurality of shaft units, a first lever unit, and a first adjusting unit. |
| US09657771B1 |
Connector assemblies
A connector assembly includes a shank having an inner abutment proximate to an inner extremity, and an outer abutment proximate to an outer extremity. A connector includes an inner loop that encircles the shank between the inner abutment and the outer abutment and that is movable reciprocally along the shank, a first portion that extends outwardly from the inner loop to a second portion that extends from the first portion past the outer extremity and the abutment to a third portion that extends inwardly and forwardly from the second portion to a pivotally mountable outer loop. Tensioned compression springs encircle the shank between the inner abutment and the inner loop, and act between the inner abutment and the inner loop urging the inner loop toward the outer abutment. |
| US09657770B2 |
Articulated joint and a device for supporting a person
An articulated joint pivotably connects first leg and second legs. A first joint member attaches to the first leg. A second joint member attaches to the second leg. The joint members have facing abutment surfaces. Each joint member has a shaft opening receives a shaft for connecting the joint members, such that the legs may pivot between an open and a closed position. A clamping means releasably presses abutment surfaces of the joint members toward each other. A locking means releasably positively secures the joint members in at least the open position. Each joint member has a first aperture. The first aperture is radially offset from the shaft opening. The first apertures of each joint member are coaxially arranged in at least the open position. A device for supporting a person is included. |
| US09657769B2 |
Slide bearing
Provided is a slide bearing with which friction-reducing effects are obtained and the total volume of effluent oil is limited. In a slide bearing an end of the narrow groove on a downstream side of the rotation direction is disposed at the position which is adjacent to a mating surface on the downstream side of the rotation direction and not communicated with the mating surface on the downstream side of the rotation direction and an end of the narrow groove on an upstream side of the rotation direction is disposed at the position which is the upstream side from the end on the downstream side of the rotation direction and is rotated by an angle no more than 90 degrees from the mating surface on the downstream side of the rotation direction. |
| US09657767B2 |
Hose clamp fastener locking device
A hose clamp fastener positive locking device is provided that comprises a two-legged, pronged device adapted to secure about the fastener housing of a hose clamp and prevent rotation of a slotted fastener disposed therein. The device comprises a first and second leg joined to an upstanding member. The upstanding member engages the slotted fastener head of the hose clamp, while the legs are positioned about the sides of the fastener housing. The distal ends of the legs are pinched together about the end of the fastener housing to secure the upstanding member and the legs to the fastener housing. |
| US09657765B2 |
Thread repair assembly and thread repair kit
A thread repair assembly is provided. The thread repair assembly comprises a cutting-nut housing including a first axial end, a second axial end and an internal cutting-nut interface, the first and second axial ends each having an opening. The thread repair assembly further includes a cutting nut at least partially enclosed by the cutting-nut housing and including a plurality of cutting threads configured to engage a threaded element when the assembly is urged in a first axial direction and disengage the threaded element when the thread repair assembly is urged in a second axial direction opposing the first axial direction. |
| US09657755B2 |
Vented pressurized gas-powered actuator
A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end spaced apart from a first plane extending perpendicular to the axis, and a second end spaced apart from a second plane extending perpendicular to the axis. The groove second end is closer to the second plane than to the first plane. |
| US09657751B2 |
Pneumatic pressure brake booster system
A pneumatic pressure brake booster system includes an air pressure chamber; an ambient air chamber; a flexible diaphragm separating the air pressure chamber and the ambient air chamber; at least one air pressure source communicating with the air pressure chamber; a brake pedal shaft engaged by and movable with the diaphragm; and a brake master cylinder engaged by the brake pedal shaft. |
| US09657748B2 |
Pneumatically actuated vacuum pump having multiple venturi gaps and check valves
A pneumatically actuated vacuum pump is disclosed, and includes a body defining a converging motive section, a diverging discharge section, at least one suction port, and a Venturi gap. The Venturi gap is located between an outlet end of the converging motive section and an inlet end of the diverging discharge section. The pneumatically actuated vacuum pump also includes a first check valve fluidly connected to the Venturi gap and the suction port. The pneumatically actuated vacuum pump further includes at least one second gap located in the diverging discharge section of the body downstream of the Venturi gap. A second check valve is fluidly connected to the second gap. |
| US09657746B2 |
Compressor rotor with anti-vortex fins
A compressor rotor of a gas turbine engine includes a rotor body having a face adapted to face an adjacent rotor. The rotor body extends radially between an outer peripheral rim surface and an inner rim surface. The inner rim surface defines a bore of the rotor body. A plurality of blades extends radially from the outer peripheral rim surface. A plurality of anti-vortex fins extends axially from the face of the rotor body facing the adjacent rotor. The plurality of anti-vortex fins forms a plurality of open radial passageways. The plurality of anti-vortex fins extends axially to a predetermined thickness such that, when assembled with the second rotor, axial extremities of the plurality of anti-vortex fins being in close proximity with the adjacent rotor and the adjacent rotor closes the radial passageways. A method of providing a first rotor for assembly with a second facing rotor of a compressor rotor assembly is also presented. |
| US09657744B2 |
Midspan active magnetic bearing
A compression system may include a compressor having first and second sides separated by a division wall, first and second shafts, and first and second radial bearings. The first and second shafts may be axially connected to each other at respective first ends via a rotor portion of an intermediate radial bearing. The rotor portion may include a plurality of laminations stacked between first and second plates fastened to each other. The first radial bearing may be disposed on a first side of the intermediate radial bearing and may be proximate a second end of the first shaft. The first radial bearing may be configured to support the first shaft. The second radial bearing may be disposed on a second side of the intermediate radial bearing and may be proximate a second end of the second shaft. The second radial bearing may be configured to support the second shaft. |
| US09657743B2 |
Air conditioner and control method thereof
An air conditioner for determining whether a human body exists in a sensing region using a plurality of heat sensors, as human body-detecting sensors, installed in the air conditioner and arranged at regular intervals. The air conditioner recognizing, when a human body has been detected, angles formed between the human body-detecting sensors and the human body, and calculating a distance from the human body-detecting sensors to the human body based on the recognized angles and a distance between the human body-detecting sensors, and adjusting a direction and speed of wind according to the calculated distance to the human body, and a control method of the air conditioner. Also, the air conditioner may be used as a security sensor when it does not operate. |
| US09657739B2 |
Low-wear slurry pump
A centrifugal pump for a slurry combines design changes with respect to conventional configurations that produce quasi-laminar flow and materially extend the life of the casing. The cutwater clearance of the casing is increased to a range of 0.20 to 0.25 times the diameter of the impeller. The casing includes a redesigned removable annular liner with a diameter increased to at least 1.15 times the diameter of the impeller. The pump preferably also has an axially adjustable wear ring with a diameter increased such that it extends by at least 10% over the diameter of the area of interface between the wear ring and the impeller. |
| US09657737B2 |
Scroll compressor with pressurized oil balance piston
A scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll member disposed within a compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member has a substantially circular baseplate and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. A first seal is disposed proximal to the outer periphery of the orbiting scroll baseplate to provide an external seal between the baseplate and the housing. A second seal is disposed radially inward from the first seal to provide an internal seal between the baseplate and the housing. A space between the internal seal and the external seal defines a balance piston chamber. The balance piston chamber is pressurized via a high or intermediate pressure oil source to reduce thrust loading on the baseplate caused by an axial pressure differential across the baseplate. |
| US09657736B2 |
Scroll fluid machine
A seal groove is cut in the distal end face of a wrap of a fixed scroll, with a tip seal being fitted in the seal groove. Swelling members are interposed between both side faces of the tip seal and corresponding opposite side faces of the wrap. Condensed liquid of working medium w and water condensed from steam contained in the working medium w that are present between the tip seal and an end plate provide a sealing effect. When the swelling members swell upon absorbing the condensed liquids, they exert a strong pressing force on the tip seal and the wrap, thereby firmly retaining the tip seal in position. This prevents the tip seal from being pressed against the end plate, so that wear of the tip seal is reduced. |
| US09657734B2 |
Gerotor with reduced leakage
A system and method are presented for improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders. Certain aspects of the disclosure reduce porting losses in a gerotor system. Other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced deflection in lobes of an outer rotor of a gerotor system. Still other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced leakage through tight gaps between components of a gerotor system. |
| US09657733B2 |
Compressor for a vehicle air supply system
A compressor for a vehicle air supply system includes a manifold, a cover, a gasket, an inlet, and an outlet. The manifold and cover are fixedly stacked together, and define a fluid channel system between them. The gasket extends laterally from between the manifold and cover. The fluid channel system includes an inlet air passage extending from the inlet to a cylinder inlet, a discharge air passage extending from a cylinder outlet to the outlet for discharging compressed air to the outlet, and one or more coolant channels that can be fed with a coolant to cool at least the discharge air passage. The inlet air passage, the discharge air passage, and the coolant channel(s) extend laterally, defined by wall faces of the discharge air passage. The wall faces comprise turbulator fins protruding into the discharge air passage. The turbulator fins create turbulence in the discharged compressed air flow. |
| US09657732B2 |
Modular discharge silencer for vehicle-mounted compressor
A modular silencer for use on a compressor or blower mounted on a vehicle. The compressor has an intake port and an exhaust port, and the silencer has an inlet port in communication with the exhaust port of the compressor. The silencer includes a silencer housing and a resonator assembly removably positioned inside the housing. In one embodiment, the compressor includes a compressor housing and a power input shaft protruding from the compressor housing adjacent the air exhaust port. The silencer housing preferably includes a concave portion that at least partially receives the power input shaft. The silencer housing can also include a groove on the inner surface, and the resonator assembly can be at least partially positioned in the groove. Preferably, the resonator assembly includes a resonator plate, a plurality of resonator pipes extending through the plate, and a reinforcing flange coupled between at least two of the resonator pipes. |
| US09657729B2 |
Axial piston machine having a basket
Mounting structure for housing-free hydraulic axial piston machines of the bent axis or swash plate design, having a closing plate on which a cylinder block unit with displacing pistons arranged therein is supported, and having a drive or driven shaft. The mounting structure here is designed in the manner of a basket and has a receptacle for the drive or driven shaft and at least two struts which are in each case connected at one end to the receptacle and at the other end to the closing plate in such a manner that the closing plate, the cylinder block unit and the drive or driven shaft are held—analogously as in a housing—in a functionally ready position. |
| US09657723B1 |
Carbon nanotube-based fluidized bed heat transfer media for concentrating solar power applications
Withdrawing thermal energy obtained from a focused input of solar radiation can be complicated by issues associated with heat transfer media presently used for this purpose. By disposing carbon nanotubes on a fluidizable support and utilizing the carbon nanotubes as a fluidizable heat transfer medium, improved heat transfer characteristics can be realized due to the near-blackbody thermal absorption properties of the carbon nanotubes, in addition to other provided advantages. Concentrating solar power systems can include: a solar receiving structure configured to receive a focused input of solar radiation, a fluidized bed heat transfer medium within the solar receiving structure, and an energy-generating structure in thermal communication with the fluidized bed heat transfer medium. The fluidized bed heat transfer medium contains a plurality of fluidizable heat transfer particles, and the fluidizable heat transfer particles include a plurality of carbon nanotubes bonded to a plurality of fluidizable particles. |
| US09657721B2 |
Gearbox unit with gear carrier
A transmission unit (1), particularly for a wind power plant, which has a first planetary stage (2), on the drive input side, a second planetary stage (3) and a third planetary stage (4), on the drive output side, which are coupled with one another in such a manner that a torque from the drive input side can be divided between the first and the second planetary stages (2; 3) and recombined in the third planetary stage (4). The first, the second and the third planetary stages (2; 3; 4) have a common gearwheel carrier (20) which is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis of the transmission unit (1). |
| US09657719B2 |
Ventilation arrangement
A ventilation arrangement for a wind turbine includes a manhole cover for covering a manhole of a rotor hub. The rotor hub is contained within the nose cone and spaced therefrom to form an internal space between an inner surface of the nose cone and an outer surface of the rotor hub. The manhole cover provides a vent opening for venting hot air from an interior space of the rotor hub into the internal space. A pipe extends from a forward internal space through the manhole cover and into the rotor hub. The pipe establishes fluid communication between the forward internal space and the interior space. A fan is mounted to the pipe, and draws air from the forward internal space. An exhaust, fluidly connected with the pipe, is located in the rotor hub and away from the manhole cover by 50% to 90% of a rotor hub axial length. |
| US09657717B2 |
Wind turbine tower having a damper
The present invention relates to wind turbine towers and in particular to such towers having a damper for use when erecting the tower and prior to installing a nacelle on the top of the tower. The invention also relates to a method for damping wind turbine towers. One aspect of the invention involves a wind turbine tower (2) with an upper tower structure (24) and a damper (5) comprising, —a liquidless damper housing (7,8) fixed to the upper structure, —a cylindrical interior surface of the damper housing, and —a damper mass having a horizontal extent which is less than a horizontal extent of the cylindrical interior surface of the damper housing, and —at least one shock absorbing structure, where the damper mass is arranged to, when the tower oscillates, essentially stay in a standstill location, whereby a relative movement between the tower and the damper mass may cause an impact with between the tower mass and the shock absorbing structure dependent on the magnitude of the amplitude of the tower oscillation. A main technical progress is that the damper does not need detailed tuning to the towers natural frequency. As long as the damper mass is sufficient, it may be used for damping a range of tower sizes and heights. |
| US09657715B1 |
Orthogonal turbine having a balanced blade
An orthogonal turbine having a balanced blade having a first end and second end, a first console arm engaged to the first end of the balanced blade, and a first shaft engaged to the first console arm, where the balanced blade has the shape of a 3-dimensional spiral. |
| US09657714B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine rotor and airfoil
A vertical axis wind turbine with a symmetric airfoil having a concavely curved tail portion defining a trailing edge angle of between 0° and 5° on either side of the chord, a maximum thickness center point between 26% and 34% of the length of the chord from the leading edge, a leading edge curvature ratio (D1/D2) from 0.42 to 0.50, and a ratio of maximum thickness to chord length T/C from 0.12 to 0.19, preferably 0.16. Advantageously, the rotor may have helical blades defining a cylindrical swept envelope with a positive angle of attack and a solidity ratio NC/D from 0.125 to 0.270, and is governed at a tip speed ratio from 2.25 to 4.00. |
| US09657710B2 |
Dynamic tuning for wave energy conversion
Dynamic tuning of the oscillating buoyant body of a wave energy converter over a range of periods that characterize energetic swell is achieved by controlling the ratio of total mass moment of inertia to restoring force and by controlling wave bridging. Mass is varied by locking and unlocking neutrally buoyant masses or by trapping and releasing seawater. For surging, water-plane area is forcibly varied. For rotational variants of heaving and surging and for pitching, the radius of gyration is varied. Invariant mass is reduced by using materials and structures with high ratios of strength to weight. Invariant added mass is reduced by streamlining, by constant radius body profiles and by keeping moving structures out of the water. Added mass is varied by using variable angle fins. Control of wave bridging, for a pitching body, including a wave following device, is by locking and unlocking serial segments of the buoyant body. |
| US09657705B2 |
Powertrain for a vehicle and an electromechanical apparatus coupleable to an engine
A powertrain and an electromechanical apparatus are disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft being rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear. |
| US09657703B2 |
Internal combustion engine starting device
An internal combustion engine starting device includes: a starting requirement determination device that determines whether an internal combustion engine is required to be started when the engine stops combustion by stopping fuel supply to the engine, and the vehicle is in a freewheel running; and a driving control device that drives and rotates a motor in a starter by increasing a driving voltage to the motor from a voltage changing device for changing the driving voltage supplied to the starter in a case where a travelling speed is high to be higher than in a case where the traveling speed is low, when the internal combustion engine is required to be started. |
| US09657700B2 |
Inlet valve arrangement for a fuel pump
An inlet valve arrangement for a pump head of a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system comprises an inlet valve member moveable between open and closed positions to control the flow from a source of low-pressure fuel to a pumping chamber of the fuel pump. The inlet valve member is arranged to open in response to the pressure difference between the fluid pressure of fuel on an inlet side of the inlet valve member and the fluid pressure in the pumping chamber exceeding a threshold value. The inlet valve arrangement comprises means for selectively applying a closing force on the inlet valve member to bias it toward the closed position, such that, in use, the application of the closing force by said means acts to increase the threshold value of the pressure difference at which the inlet valve member opens. |
| US09657699B2 |
Actuator with integrated flux sensor
An electromagnetic actuator includes an electrical coil and a high permeability magnetic flux path. The magnetic flux path includes a magnetic core, an armature and a flux return structure. The electromagnetic actuator further includes a flux sensor which is integrated within the actuator and is configured to detect a magnetic flux within the high permeability magnetic flux path. |
| US09657695B2 |
Air filter element
The invention relates to a filter element (10), comprising a filter body (12) in concentric form having a longitudinal axis (L), a first end disk (16) situated on one end face (15), and a second end disk (18) situated on the opposite end face (17), and a support tube (14) situated concentrically around the longitudinal axis (L) between the first and the second end disks (16, 18). At least one of the end disks (18) has a centering element (22) that is situated around the longitudinal axis (L), as a result of which the filter element (10) can be radially centered during installation in the housing (108). A support structure (20) is provided on the at least one end disk (18) which is concentric with respect the centering element (22) and is provided for at least axially supporting the filter element (10) in the housing (108). The invention further relates to a filter system (100) for exchangeably installing such a filter element (10). |
| US09657687B2 |
Exhaust duct liner rod hanger
A hanger is disclosed that has a movable component and a bracket. The movable component has a shaft with a threaded portion, a slider connected to the shaft, and a cap configured to join with the threaded portion. The bracket defines a racetrack aperture and an ingress/egress aperture. The racetrack aperture and the ingress/egress aperture are connected. |
| US09657684B2 |
Waste-heat reuse container using waste heat of power generation engine
A short waste-heat reuse container disposed adjacent to a 40-f container that contains a radiator 23, an engine 21, and a power generator 22 disposed in a longitudinal direction of the container, the waste-heat reuse container collecting waste heat of the engine and generating steam or hot water, the waste-heat reuse container containing a muffler 2 that muffles exhaust gas of the engine, a boiler 4 that transfers heat of the exhaust gas to water and generates steam, and a heat exchanger 3 that transfers heat of cooling water heated by the engine to water and generates hot water, wherein the muffler is disposed upright opposite to the boiler in the longitudinal direction of the waste-heat reuse container, an exhaust gas inlet 2a of the muffler being disposed on an upper wall of the container. |
| US09657683B2 |
Piston with cooling gallery and closed collar chamber
Pistons and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary piston assembly may include a piston crown and skirt. The crown may include a crown collar wall extending downward toward a free end of the crown collar wall. The skirt may include a pair of oppositely disposed pin bosses that each define piston pin bores configured to receive a piston pin for securing a connecting rod between the pin bosses. The skirt may further include a radially inner skirt mating surface abutted along a radially inner interface region with the radially inner crown mating surface, and a radially outer skirt mating surface abutted along a radially outer interface region with the radially outer crown mating surface such that a cooling gallery is substantially enclosed. The skirt may further include an inner collar wall extending upwards to the free end of the crown collar wall. |
| US09657681B2 |
Engine control device
A control device for an engine provided with a turbocharger properly uses a parameter used for controlling a center-of-gravity position of a heat generation rate determined by a heat generation rate as the amount per unit crank angle of heat generated by combustion of fuel depending on operating situations of the engine and a vehicle in which the engine is mounted. Specifically, an increase in a turbocharging pressure of the turbocharger is executed when a rotational speed of the engine and a speed of the vehicle in which the engine is mounted are lower than predetermined reference values in a case where the center-of-gravity position of a heat generation rate is further on a retard side than a predetermined crank angle and one or both of an increase in a fuel injection pressure and advancing of a fuel injection timing are executed when the rotational speed of the engine or the speed of the vehicle in which the engine is mounted are equal to or higher than the predetermined reference values in the case where the center-of-gravity position of a heat generation rate is further on the retard side than the predetermined crank angle. Then, fuel economy can be improved by the center-of-gravity position of a heat generation rate being maintained at a predetermined fixed value regardless of a load of the engine and/or the engine rotational speed while an increase in noise and vibration a user feels uncomfortable with is suppressed. |
| US09657678B2 |
Systems and methods for using transport time to estimate engine aftertreatment system characteristics
A system includes a controller that has a processor. The processor is configured to receive a first signal from a first sensor indicative of a first exhaust measurement, wherein the first sensor is disposed at a catalytic converter system inlet of a catalytic converter system. The processor is further configured to derive one or more of an estimated length, estimated volume, or estimated transport delay of an exhaust conduit based on the first signal, wherein a first end of the exhaust conduit is connected to an engine outlet of a engine, and a second end of the exhaust conduit is connected to the catalytic converter system inlet; and to apply the one or more of estimated length, estimated volume, or estimated transport delay of the exhaust conduit during control of the engine. |
| US09657667B2 |
Regulation of a temperature in an exhaust aftertreatment system
A method for regulating a temperature in an exhaust stream in a motor vehicle through control of its driveline. The motor vehicle includes a driveline having a combustion engine connected to a gearbox via a clutch device. The gearbox has several discrete gears. The driveline includes an exhaust system configured for the removal of an exhaust stream from the combustion engine. The method steps are: obtaining one or several first parameters P1, wherein at least one of first parameters P1 is a first temperature difference between a first temperature T1 in the exhaust system and a reference temperature TRef; and controlling the gearbox, and thus controlling an operating point in the combustion engine, through downshift to a lower gear, and thus increasing engine speed and reducing a load on the combustion engine, if a value of the one or several first parameters P1 exceeds a first threshold, and an upshift to a higher gear, and thus reducing an engine speed and an increase of a load on the combustion engine, if a value for the one or several first parameters P1 is below a second threshold value. Further, a computer program, a computer program product, a system and a motor vehicle comprising such a system are disclosed. |
| US09657660B2 |
Method and system for surge control
Methods and systems are provided for improving surge detection and mitigation. In one example, a surge detection method may selectively filter an aggregate of temperature-adjusted manifold pressure and boost pressure in a frequency range indicative of surge to reduce the effect of non-minimum phase behavior of throttle inlet pressure on surge detection. In addition, the noise contribution of particular engine actuators on throttle inlet pressure in the selected frequency range may be accounted for, reducing the occurrence of false surge indications. |
| US09657656B2 |
Idle air control valve for use in a small engine and having a protective shroud with valve seat
A linear actuator includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly operatively associated with the stator assembly and mounted for rotation with respect to the stator assembly. A shaft is restricted from rotation and is associated with the rotor assembly such that rotation of the rotor assembly causes linear movement of the shaft. A capnut is associated with a distal end of the shaft for movement therewith. A shroud is coupled to the stator assembly and substantially surrounds the capnut. The shroud includes a valve seat, and an inlet communicating with an outlet through a throttle opening adjacent to the valve seat. The shaft and associated capnut are constructed and arranged to move relative to the valve seat to control air flow between the inlet and the outlet. |
| US09657652B2 |
Valve assembly and exhaust gas system
A valve assembly has a housing with a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. A first flow path is between the first inlet and the first outlet, a second flow path is between the second inlet and the first outlet, and a third flow path is between the first inlet and the second outlet. A closure element is movably supported in the housing and in a by-pass position opens the first flow path and closes at least the second flow path, and in a normal position closes the first flow path and opens the second flow path and the third flow path. A flow guiding element is on the closure element, and which in the normal position protrudes into the second flow path and is coupled to the closure element to urge, in a gas flow from the second inlet to the first outlet, the closure element into the normal position. An exhaust gas system includes the valve assembly and an exhaust gas heat exchanger. |
| US09657651B2 |
Intake pipe for gas of an internal combustion engine with a flap unit
An intake pipe for intake gas of an internal combustion engine has an intake pipe channel and a flap unit with a flap shaft and a flap fixedly arranged on the flap shaft. The flap unit alternatingly opens or closes the intake pipe channel. A hollow insert body is disposed in the intake pipe channel, wherein the flap unit is arranged in the insert body and the flap is positioned in a hollow interior of the insert body. The insert body has opposite end faces and the opposite end faces are open. The flap shaft extends through opposite walls of the insert body in a radial direction relative to an insert body axis of the insert body. The insert body is rotatable on the flap shaft. A radial inner circumferential side of the insert body widens toward at least one of the open end faces. |
| US09657649B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting performance of an APU fuel assembly
The present invention relates to a method for detecting performance of an APU fuel assembly, comprising: obtaining APU messages at multiple time points within a time period; obtaining running parameters of the APU fuel assembly according to the APU messages, the running parameters at least comprising starting time STA; calculating average value AVG and deviation index δ of the starting time STA within said time period; determining whether performance of the APU fuel assembly is in the stable phase, decline phase, or failure phase according to the deviation index δ. |
| US09657642B2 |
Turbine sections of gas turbine engines with dual use of cooling air
A turbine section includes a stator assembly having an inner diameter end wall, an outer diameter end wall, and a stator vane; a turbine rotor assembly including a rotor blade extending into the mainstream gas flow path; a housing including an annular shroud that circumscribes the rotor blade and at least partially defines the mainstream hot gas flow path; a first baffle arranged to define a first cavity with the outer diameter end wall of the stator assembly; a second baffle; and a third baffle arranged to define a second cavity with the second baffle and a third cavity with the shroud. The first cavity is fluidly coupled to the second cavity and the second cavity is fluidly coupled to the third cavity such that cooling air flows from the first cavity to the second cavity and from the second cavity to the third cavity. |
| US09657640B2 |
Splitter nose with a sheet that forms a surface to guide the flow and acts as a de-icing duct
The present application relates to a splitter nose of an axial turbomachine configured to separate an annular flow into the turbomachine into a primary flow and a secondary flow, and including: a generally circular leading edge, an annular wall extending from the leading edge and bounding the secondary flow, and at least one duct for a de-icing fluid for the splitter nose extending substantially axially along the wall and opening out into the primary flow. The external surface of the wall is formed by a sheet bounding the de-icing duct. |
| US09657636B2 |
Wastegate assembly in a turbine
A wastegate assembly in a turbine of an internal combustion engine is provided. The wastegate assembly includes a wastegate conduit bypassing a turbine rotor, a valve sealing plate configured to seat and seal on a wastegate conduit outlet in a closed position, and a flow diverting tab coupled to the valve sealing plate, extending upstream of the wastegate conduit outlet, and separating a wastegate conduit outflow and a turbine rotor outflow. |
| US09657635B2 |
Wastegate actuator gain adjustment
Various methods for controlling a wastegate actuator are provided. In one example, a method comprises adjusting one or more wastegate controller gains responsive to limiting current supplied to a wastegate actuator, the current limited in response to a temperature of the wastegate actuator exceeding a threshold. |
| US09657634B2 |
Turbocharger controller
A turbocharger controller includes a turbocharger compressor temperature module having a compressor inlet air temperature input, and a turbocharger compressor pressure module including a compressor inlet pressure input and a compressor outlet pressure input. A memory module includes a compressor outlet temperature calibration map and a compressor pressure ratio look-up table. A turbocharger boost pressure ratio control module is operatively connected to the turbocharger compressor temperature module, the turbocharger compressor pressure module, and the memory module. The turbocharger boost pressure ratio control module is configured to selectively compare compressor outlet pressure and compressor inlet pressure with values in the compressor ratio look-up table to determine a turbocharger boost pressure set point establishing a desired compressor outlet temperature. |
| US09657629B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
The exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine that includes an oxidation catalyst and a selective catalytic reduction catalyst provided for an exhaust gas passage and has the improved entire NOx purification rate. A control unit, which controls a fuel supply amount to the oxidation catalyst, executes first control of controlling the fuel supply amount by the fuel supply unit so that NOx is reduced by the oxidation catalyst when the selective catalytic reduction catalyst is in an inactive state and the temperature of the oxidation catalyst belongs to a predetermined temperature range equal to or higher than the active temperature of the oxidation catalyst, and second control of controlling the fuel supply amount by the fuel supply unit so that the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the selective catalytic reduction catalyst is raised by oxidation of the fuel in the oxidation catalyst irrespective of a NOx purification rate of the selective catalytic reduction catalyst when the selective catalytic reduction catalyst is in the inactive state and the temperature of the oxidation catalyst exceeds the predetermined temperature range. |
| US09657628B1 |
Reductant supply system for engine
A method for purging a reductant supply system for an engine is provided. The reductant supply system includes a reservoir to store a reductant. The reductant supply system further includes an injector to inject reductant in an exhaust conduit of the engine. The reductant supply system also includes a conduit coupled between the reservoir and the injector to supply the reductant. The method for purging the reductant supply system includes initiating purging of the injector and the conduit such that the reductant in the injector and conduit flows to the reservoir. The method further includes monitoring of the dilution of the reductant during purging and indicating a completion of the purging when the dilution of the reductant in the reservoir reaches a threshold value. |
| US09657627B2 |
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 SCR 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; obtaining means for obtaining a NOx inflow amount into the exhaust gas purification apparatus; diagnosing means for calculating a physical quantity correlated to a NOx purification performance of the exhaust gas purification apparatus using the obtained NOx inflow amount, and diagnosing that an abnormality has occurred in the exhaust gas purification apparatus when the physical quantity is smaller than a threshold; and correcting means for, when the additive is recirculated together with a part of the exhaust gas, correcting the threshold to a smaller value than when otherwise. |
| US09657626B2 |
Emissions reduction system
An exhaust system for a diesel engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) configured to receive exhaust gases from the engine and oxidize hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases and a passive NOx adsorber (PNA) downstream from the DOC and configured to store NOx from the exhaust gases at temperatures up to 150° C. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system may be downstream from the PNA and configured to reduce NOx in the exhaust gases. The PNA may be configured to release the stored NOx at temperatures above 200° C. The DOC upstream of the PNA may reduce the amount of N2O that is generated by the PNA by oxidizing hydrocarbons before they reach the PNA. |
| US09657623B2 |
Exhaust treatment device
A decrease in cost is devised at an exhaust treatment device that purifies exhaust from an internal engine by a catalyst that is heated from a catalyst support that generates heat by being energized, and that returns some of exhaust that has been purified to the internal combustion engine. A cooling member is provided at a portion of an exhaust pipe that is between an engine and an upstream catalytic converter, and a circulation pipe is branched-off from between the upstream catalytic converter and a vibration cut-off member that is at a downstream side. |
| US09657619B2 |
Method of exhaust gas aftertreatment
A method of exhaust gas aftertreatment of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes pre-treating the exhaust gas pre-treated by using a thermoreactor to catalytically oxidize the exhaust gas. Preferably, the exhaust gas is catalytically oxidized in the thermoreactor. |
| US09657618B1 |
Aftertreatment system for engine
An aftertreatment system for an engine is provided. The aftertreatment system includes a housing member having a bottom end and a top end. The housing member includes an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber defined adjacent to the bottom end and the top end, respectively. The inlet chamber is configured to receive exhaust gas via an inlet port which is coupled to an exhaust conduit of the engine to receive exhaust gas. The outlet chamber is configured to discharge the exhaust gas via an outlet port which is coupled to an exhaust pipe to discharge exhaust gas. The housing member also includes a catalytic chamber disposed between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. The aftertreatment system includes one or more catalyst carrying members disposed within the catalytic chamber. The one or more catalyst carrying members are configured to communicate with the inlet chamber to receive exhaust gas therethrough. |
| US09657616B2 |
Muffler sound-insulation structure
A soundproof cover (30) is equipped with: multiple unit soundproof covers (31R, 31L) forming a portion of the circumferential cross section (30s); and connecting parts (35) provided on the periphery of the circumferential cross section (30s), and connecting the multiple unit soundproof covers (31R, 31L) in a detachable manner. The multiple unit soundproof covers (31R, 31L) are configured so as to be capable of being attached and detached with respect to a muffler (20) by moving the unit covers in a direction (the radial direction (R)) orthogonal to the axial direction (A) of the muffler (20). |
| US09657609B2 |
Continuous variable valve duration apparatus and engine provided with the same
A continuously variable valve duration apparatus may include a camshaft, a plurality of first cams and second cams of which a cam key is formed respectively thereto, and of which relative phase angles with respect to the camshaft are variable, a plurality of rotation rings mounted to the camshaft and of which a ring key is formed thereto respectively, a plurality of inner brackets transmitting rotation of the camshaft to the cam keys of the first cams and the seconds respectively, a plurality of slider housings of which each inner bracket is rotatable inserted therein and of which a control slot is formed thereto respectively, an eccentric control shaft inserted into the control slots and a control portion selectively rotating the eccentric control shaft to move positions of the slider housing and change positions of the inner brackets. |
| US09657605B2 |
Steam power generating system and method thereof
A steam power generating system is provided with an inflow pipe, a split-flow member disposed rearward of a screw-plug with the inflow pipe passing through, a blocking member disposed rearward of the split-flow member, a cylindrical case disposed rearward of the blocking member, a thermal conductor in the case, a base disposed rearward of the case, a porous member disposed rearward of the base, a hollow cylinder secured onto the screw-plug, the split-flow member, the blocking member, the cylindrical case, and the porous member, a heat source around the cylinder, an insulation member around the heat source, a steam output disposed rearward of the porous member, a power conversion device disposed rearward of the steam output for receiving steam therefrom, and a cooling device interconnecting the power conversion device and a pump. |
| US09657603B2 |
Internal combustion engine arrangement comprising a waste heat recovery system and process for controlling said system
A waste heat recovery system carrying a working fluid in a loop includes an expander, a condenser and a pump, a first and a second line arranged in parallel in the high pressure circuit portion upstream of the expander and joining at a downstream junction point in the high pressure circuit portion. The first line includes a first heat exchanger connected to the exhaust line, and the second line includes a second heat exchanger connected to a line carrying a warm fluid. A first by-pass system prevents not fully evaporated working fluid from the first line to flow through the expander. A second by-pass system connects the second line to the low pressure circuit portion for by-passing the downstream junction point and the expander. |
| US09657597B2 |
System and method for inspecting turbomachines
A system for inspecting a turbomachine is provided. The system includes a pressure isolation system configured to maintain a pressure resistant seal around a probe. The pressure isolation system has a probe bearing located adjacent to a pressure seal. The probe bearing is configured to facilitate back and forth movement of the probe by reducing friction. A gimbal mount is connected to the pressure isolation system. The pressure isolation system has a valve seal located between the gimbal mount and the pressure seal. The valve seal is configured to isolate the pressure seal from the gimbal mount when the probe is not in the valve seal. The system is configured to move the probe into and out of the turbomachine. |
| US09657595B2 |
Bearing unit of turbo-charger
A bearing unit of a turbocharger may be disposed on an inner side of a space in a center housing and carry axial load of a rotary shaft connecting a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel, and an electric motor. The bearing unit may include a bearing body fastened to a side of the center housing and has a through-hole substantially at a center of the bearing body, and a coupling disposed in the through-hole and on the rotary shaft, having a stepped portion in which the bearing body is inserted, and forming an oil chamber with the bearing body. |
| US09657592B2 |
Cooling device for a jet engine
The present invention relates to a cooling device for a jet engine having an axial compressor with several compressor stages including a rotor with rotor blades, a stator with stator vanes and an annulus. In order to reduce the temperature of the components at the outlet of the high-pressure compressor by simple measures and hence to increase the efficiency of a jet engine, a slot-like branch opening surrounding the rotor for a cooling airflow diverted from the main airflow into a first cavity upstream of the rotor is provided upstream of the last compressor stage of the axial compressor, with passage openings being arranged in the rotor for passing on the diverted cooling airflow from the first cavity into a second cavity downstream of the rotor. |
| US09657590B2 |
Aircraft engine cleaning system
An aircraft comprising a cabin air system, a gas turbine engine including an engine core coupled to the cabin air system to provide compressed bleed air to the cabin air system and a cleaning agent supply connector coupled to the engine core to conduct a cleaning agent to the engine core, and a pneumatic coupling system including a first valve coupled between the cabin air system and the engine core, a second valve coupled between the engine core and the cleaning agent supply connector, and a controller coupled to the first valve, the controller configured to automatically close the first valve and block compressed bleed air that may contain cleaning agent moving through the engine core from moving into the cabin air system in response to receipt of an input associated with a cleaning cycle. |
| US09657588B2 |
Methods and systems to monitor health of rotor blades
A system for monitoring health of a rotor is presented. The system includes a processing subsystem that generates a measurement matrix based upon a plurality of resonant-frequency first delta times of arrival vectors corresponding to a blade and a first sensing device, and a plurality of resonant-frequency second delta times of arrival vectors corresponding to the blade and a second sensing device, generates a resonant matrix based upon the measurement matrix such that entries in the resonant matrix are substantially linearly uncorrelated and linearly independent, and generates a resonance signal using a first subset of the entries of the resonant matrix, wherein the resonance signal substantially comprises common observations and components of the plurality of resonant-frequency first delta times of arrival vectors and the plurality of resonant-frequency second delta times of arrival vectors. |
| US09657581B2 |
Rotor for a turbomachine
A rotor for a turbomachine, in particular for a jet engine, having a blade ring which includes multiple differently designed rotor blades (10a, 10b) having blade platforms (14a, 14b) engaged flush with one another, the blade ring including at least two groups of differently designed rotor blades (10a, 10b), each group of rotor blades (10a, 10b) being assigned blade platforms (14a, 14b), each of which is engageable flush with a matching blade platform (14a, 14b) of at least one other group of rotor blades (10a, 10b) and not with a blade platform (14a, 14b) of the same group of rotor blades (10a, 10b). A method for manufacturing a blade ring of a rotor for a turbomachine is also provided. |
| US09657580B1 |
Brazing tape and method of forming microchannels in a thermal barrier coating
A method of forming micro channels in a thermal barrier coating includes placing a brazing tape on a substrate. The brazing tape has a first side and a second side with a plurality of ceramic members attached thereto. The first side is placed in contact with the substrate. A brazing step brazes the brazing tape to the substrate. An applying step applies a bond coat to the second side of the brazing tape. Another applying step applies a thermal barrier coating (TBC) onto the bond coat. A removing step removes the plurality of ceramic members by exposing the plurality of ceramic members to a ceramic solvent. A plurality of micro channels are formed in the thermal barrier coating by voids left from the plurality of ceramic members. |
| US09657579B2 |
Cooled vane of a high-pressure turbine
The invention relates to a movable vane of a turbomachine comprising a blade (12) with inner cooling cavities and a root (11) by which means the vane can be mounted on a rotor disk, the root comprising at least two channels (11a) communicating with said inner cavities and leading to the base (11b) thereof, said base comprising at least two openings (11b1, 11b2) through which the channels open up, and a calibrating plate (20) provided with calibrated perforations (21, 22) corresponding to said openings being attached to the base (11b) of the root. The vane is characterized in that a mechanical means (25, 26; 11m1, 11m2) forming a sealing barrier between the two openings is arranged between the plate and the base of the root. |
| US09657578B2 |
Rotary degassers and components therefor
Disclosed are degassers, couplings, impeller shafts and impellers for use in molten metal. One such coupling transfers gas into an impeller shaft, the coupling having a smooth, tapered internal surface to align with a corresponding surface on the impeller shaft and help prevent gas leakage and to assist in preventing damage to the impeller shaft. Improved impellers for shearing and mixing gas are also disclosed, as is a degasser including one or more of these components. |
| US09657576B2 |
Airfoil having a profiled trailing edge for a fluid flow machine, blade, and integrally blade rotor
The present invention relates to an airfoil for a fluid flow machine (100), having a suction side (5), a pressure side (7) and an airfoil trailing edge (200). The airfoil (100), at least in portions thereof, has a profile (9) in the region of the airfoil trailing edge (200), which profile extends over the suction side (5) and the pressure side (7) of the airfoil trailing edge (200). The present invention also relates to a blade and an integrally bladed rotor. |
| US09657575B2 |
Gas turbine engine
The gas turbine engine (S1) includes: turbine blades (7b); and a cooling air supply unit (11) to supply cooling air to the turbine blades (7b). A flow path surface (31) is formed so as to be positioned in an upstream side of the turbine blades (7b) and so as to be connected to a base surface (32) in which the turbine blades (7b) are provided. The flow path surface (31) includes: depression portions (31a) depressed relative to the base surface (32), each depression portion (31a) including at least an area overlapping with a front end (7b1) of each turbine blade (7b), when viewed from a direction of the turbine axis (L); and protrusion portions (31b) protruding relative to the base surface (32), each protrusion portion (31b) being at least part of each area positioned between front ends (7b1) of the turbine blades (7b), when viewed from the above direction. |
| US09657570B2 |
Pulse jet liquid gas cleaning system
A pulse jet liquid gas cleaning system has an ultrasonic transducer operable to transform a high-pressure stream of cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid supply into pulsed jets of individual cryogenic fluid slugs. |
| US09657569B2 |
Hydraulic source control device, injection molding apparatus, and method of controlling hydraulic source
The hydraulic source control device includes an operation input device capable of inputting operation conditions regarding the driving force of a fluid pressure control element, a servo motor including a motor section that drives a hydraulic pump and an amplifier that drives the motor section, and a controller that outputs a control command to the servo motor based on an input result to the operation input device. The controller obtains the fluid pressure of a working fluid based on the operation conditions regarding the input driving force, computes the output torque of the motor section based on the relationship between the fluid pressure and the output torque that are stored in advance, and outputs the computed output torque to the amplifier as a control command of the torque limitation value of the servo motor. |
| US09657568B2 |
Uniflow steam engine
Improvements to the steam engine for the purpose of small scale generation of electricity using biomass fuels and for co-generation of heat and electricity using biomass fuels in both developed and less developed countries are described. The engine is particularly well adapted to co-generation where the thermal load, as in building heating and many process applications, is extremely variable, because of its ability to operate efficiently under partial load. For the same reason, it would be suited to solar generated steam. Experiments have been conducted with steam as the working fluid. The design may in some or all respects be applied to other working fluids. |
| US09657563B2 |
Communication between downhole tool and surface location
A system for communicating between a downhole tool and a surface location. The system may include a downhole tool disposed within a subsea riser. The downhole tool may include a device that actuates between first and second positions. An internal transducer may be coupled to the downhole tool and transmit a signal indicative of the position of the device. An external transducer may be positioned on an exterior of a riser. The external transducer may receive the signal from the internal transducer through the riser. A transponder may be positioned on an exterior of the riser and coupled to the external transducer. The transponder may transmit a signal to a surface location indicative of the position of the device. |
| US09657562B2 |
Methods and systems for downhole temperature logging
A downhole temperature logging method includes deploying a temperature logging device into a borehole, the temperature logging device having a mechanical drive and at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) unit. The method also includes deforming the SMA unit in response to a temperature or temperature range, wherein the deforming causes marks to a medium. The method also includes retrieving the medium and analyzing the marks. |
| US09657561B1 |
Downhole power conversion and management using a dynamically variable displacement pump
A dynamically controllable variable displacement axial piston pump is described. In an embodiment, the pump comprises a rotating cylinder with hydraulic pistons that contact the face of a swash plate. The angle of the swash plate can be controlled to thereby control the movement of the pistons, the displacement of the pump, and the power generated by the pump. The dynamically controllable variable displacement axial piston pump may be used in combination with a rotary steerable apparatus, including such an apparatus as described herein that uses hydraulic pistons to actuate the deflection of the bit, or in combination with other downhole tools and devices. When used down hole in a drill string with a drilling mud powered turbine, the dynamically controllable variable displacement pump limits and regulates the power provided to the tool over a wide range of drilling mud weights and flow rates. |
| US09657559B2 |
Methods and systems for causing reaction driven cracking in subsurface rock formations
Methods and systems for causing reaction driven cracking in subsurface rock formations are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: drilling one or more holes in a substantially porous subsurface rock formation, the one or more holes in fluid communication with pores in the subsurface rock formation; injecting in the pores via at least one of the holes one or more fluids, wherein the one or more fluids include a gas; and chemically reacting the one or more fluids within the pores thereby causing cracking in the substantially porous subsurface rock formation. |
| US09657558B2 |
Method for treating and measuring subterranean formations
A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising injecting electrically conductive or electromagnetic fibers into the subterranean formation during hydraulic fracturing is provided. Suitable metallic materials, organic polymers, and organic polymers coated with or containing conductive or electromagnetic materials are described. The treatment is followed by measurement of resistivity and/or electromagnetic properties, optionally by a crosswell technique. |
| US09657553B2 |
Intermediate storage
A subsea system is for uptake and supply of a liquid. The system comprises a storage tank having at least one outlet, a valve assembly, a pump having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, and a feed line. The outlet is in fluid communication with a lower internal volume of the tank, and the valve assembly. The low-pressure side of the pump and the feed line are in fluid communication with the outlet, and the valve assembly is arranged on the feed line, and the feed line is bypassing the pump, such that said pump may withdraw liquid from the tank when the valve assembly on the feed line is closed. |
| US09657552B2 |
In-situ downhole heating for a treatment in a well
The invention provides methods for treating a portion or treatment zone of a well that include introducing one or more treatment fluids into the well, wherein the one or more treatment fluids include: (i) a first reactant and a second reactant, wherein the first reactant and second reactant are selected for being capable of reacting together in an exothermic chemical reaction, and wherein the first and second reactant are in at least sufficient concentrations in the carrier fluid to generate a theoretical heat of reaction of at least 500 kJ/liter of at least one of the treatment fluids; and (ii) a treatment chemical in at least one of the treatment fluids, wherein the treatment chemical is selected for chemically reacting with a substance of a material in the portion or treatment zone of the well. The exothermic reactants and the treatment chemical can be introduced in a single treatment fluid or in separate treatment fluids. |
| US09657551B2 |
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 cold plate thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive component, a hot plate thermally coupled to the cold plate, and a thermo-electrical converter system thermally coupled to the hot plate and to the body of the downhole tool, wherein the thermo-electrical converter system comprises two membrane electrode assemblies. |
| US09657546B2 |
Expansion limiter for expandable seal
An expandable seal has at least one travel stop designed to engage the surrounding tubular to limit expansion of the ring shape of the seal and in so doing limit the stress of circumferential ribs that extend from the ring base shape as they engage the surrounding tubular. The travel stop can be a solid ring or segments and can have a rounded outer surface designed to engage the surrounding tubular in a flush relationship. Alternatively the outer surface can also have hardened particles for a bite into the wall of the surrounding tubular before the blunt portions of the travel stop come into contact with the inside wall of the surrounding tubular. |
| US09657537B2 |
Centralizer for use with wellbore drill collar
A centralizer includes one or more centralizer fins radially extending from a body of the centralizer. The centralizer fins may include one or more chambers extending through the outer surfaces of the centralizer fins. The one or more chambers may change shape in response to a compression force being applied to the centralizer fins to cause the centralizer fins to deform. The centralizer fins may be deformed for installation of the centralizer in a drill collar. The centralizer may also include a split-ring clamp for coupling the centralizer to a drilling tool positioned in a through-bore of the centralizer body. The split-ring clamp may apply a load on the drilling tool in response to an end cap being torqued to an end portion of the centralizer body. |
| US09657536B2 |
Method and apparatus for connecting tubulars of a wellsite
A tubular and tubular connection for joining adjacent tubulars of a tubular string for passage of fluid therethrough is provided. The tubular connection includes a pin end at an end of a first of adjacent tubulars and a box end at an end of a second of the adjacent tubulars. The pin end has an outer locking surface. The box end has a plurality of fingers at an end thereof with slots therebetween. The fingers are selectively extendable for placement about the pin end of the first of the adjacent tubulars. The fingers having an inner locking surface for interlocking engagement with the outer locking surface of the pin end whereby loads are distributed between the adjacent tubulars. |
| US09657533B2 |
Drilling component retention system and method
The present disclosure is directed to a system for retention of drilling components of a drilling rig that includes a first drilling component with a first retention feature, a second drilling component with a second retention feature, and a secondary retention device. The first drilling component is coupled to the second drilling component and the secondary retention device engages with the first retention feature of the first drilling component and with the second retention feature of the second drilling component. |
| US09657532B2 |
Adjustable shear assembly
A well tool has an inner and outer component arranged to move relative to one another and defining a shear juncture therebetween. A shear member spans the shear juncture. The shear member has first portion with a different cross-sectional area than a second portion. A cam surface is associated with the inner or outer component and abuts the shear member. The cam surface moves the shear member as the inner and outer components move relative to one another and changes the shear member from having the first portion aligned with the shear juncture to having the second portion aligned with the shear juncture. |
| US09657525B2 |
Subsea wellhead assembly, a subsea installation using said wellhead assembly, and a method for completing a wellhead assembly
A subsea wellhead assembly comprising at least a casing housing and a casing extending down inside the well, and a tubing hanger. The tubing hanger comprises first and second valves, each valve being a fail safe valve. |
| US09657523B2 |
Bottomhole assembly design method to reduce rotational loads
A method for estimating a location for disposing a tool in a drill tubular having a drill bit includes performing a modal analysis of the drill tubular to determine natural eigenfrequencies and corresponding eigenmodes of torsional oscillations of the model and selecting a predominant natural eigenfrequency and corresponding eigenmode from the determined natural eigenfrequencies and corresponding eigenmodes. The method further includes performing a forced modal analysis of the drill tubular at the predominant eigenfrequency with a force or moment acting on the drill bit to provide a correlation between forced torsional deflection amplitude and position and estimating the position to be within a range of positions wherein a vibration qualification of the tool is greater or equal to the torsional deflection amplitude throughout the range. |
| US09657522B2 |
Methods of beneficiating drilling fluids comprising low- and high-quality clays
Beneficiating drilling fluids that comprise low-quality clay and high-quality clay may be performed by adding a polymer and a high-quality clay to a fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a low-quality clay, so as to yield a drilling fluid, wherein the ratio of the low-quality clay to the high-quality clay is about 90:10 to about 80:20. |
| US09657521B2 |
Directional system drilling and method
A directional drilling system consisting of a four-motor drilling head for better steering in directional drilling and vertical/horizontal drilling is developed. The rotational speed of each motor is independently controlled. The use of four motors in coordination with other traditional drilling variables allow precise control of the drilling direction and optimization of the rate of penetration (ROP). The top and right motors rotate in opposite directions to the bottom and left rotors to stabilize the roll rotation of the drilling head. Inclination (pitch) movement is obtained by increasing/decreasing the speed of the top motor while decreasing/increasing the speed of the lower motor. The Azimuth (yaw) movement is obtained similarly using the right and left motors. The drilling power is derived from down hole motors. A drill string transmits the drilling fluid and force on bit. |
| US09657518B2 |
Extension ladder toolbox
An extension ladder toolbox which can be attached to the existing holes on the ends of the rungs in such a way that it does not interfere with the users use of the ladder yet it allows for easy access to necessary tools and equipment. |
| US09657517B2 |
Window shade and actuating system thereof
The structures described herein use an actuating system that can selectively switch between a lower and a raise mode of operation by rotating a rod assembly, and use a downward displacement of a pull member to lower and raise the window shade depending on whether its switching state. The actuating systems are simple to operate, allow convenient adjustment of the window shade, and are safe as the pull member has a limited length of extension. |
| US09657515B2 |
Cellular shade with divider webs
An extendable and retractable cellular shade may include a plurality of vertically aligned shade cells and one or more divider webs extending within each shade cells to as to divide the shade cell into two or more cell structures. By adjusting one or more design parameters associated with the cellular shade, the configuration of the shade cells, such as the size and/or shape of the cell structures, and/or the illumination or lighting effects associated with the cellular shade may be specifically tailored to provide a desired aesthetic look or feel for the shade. |
| US09657513B1 |
Shatter-resistant, optically-transparent panels and methods of use of the panels for on-site retrofitting and reinforcing of passageways
The disclosure includes multi-layered panels (10, 60, 204) including exterior layers of glass (12, 44) and interior layers of urethane (20, 36) and at least one layer of polycarbonate (16) between the urethane layers (20, 36) that result in enhanced shatter resistance within panels (10, 60, 204) that weigh between about 4.1 and 4.6 pounds per square foot. The panels (10, 60, 204) include an insertion tab (23, 61, 23″) of the polycarbonate layer (16) that enhances performance of the panel (10). Reinforced passageways (70, 200, 300) such as doors and windows of schools, hospitals and other public and private buildings, are disclosed using the multi-layered panel (10, 60, 204) with the insertion tab (23, 61, 23″). |
| US09657511B2 |
Impact resistant door skin, door including the same, and method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin
An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein. |
| US09657510B2 |
Integrated multi-function window
The present invention discloses an integrated multi-function window in the technical field of building material, which overcomes the disadvantages of the existing windows, including complicated structures and time, labor and cost consuming double constructions. The integrated multi-function window includes a first window frame having a first window. A first window cover is mounted at the upper part of the first window frame and first telescopic curtain cloth is located within the first window cover. One side of the first window frame is fixedly connected to the second window frame having a second window. The position of the second window is corresponding to that of the first window. The integrated multi-function window has a simple configuration and multiple functions and is of a low cost and improved reliability. |
| US09657509B2 |
Arrangement and method for retrofitting glass wall panel system with glass wall panel
A wall panel arrangement is designed for use in retrofitting a wall panel system provided with at least one pair of frame members having inwardly facing flat walls for retaining at least one existing glass panel therebetween. The wall panel arrangement includes an add-on glass wall panel and panel mounting structure configured with at least one receiving strip constructed with a planar body having an outer surface secured to one of the inwardly facing flat walls of the frame members in spaced relationship to the existing glass panel. The body also has an inner surface provided at opposite edges thereof with a pair of flexible resilient wall panel retaining elements extending therefrom and converging towards each other to define spaced apart retainer ends which are frictionally engageable with the opposed faces of the glass wall panel adjacent one of the opposed sidewalls thereof. |
| US09657505B2 |
Hinge mechanism for automatic document feeder and automatic document feeder provided therewith
A hinge mechanism of the present disclosure includes a pair of hinge units each having a hinge base, a hinge upper member, and a shaft, and the hinge mechanism holds an automatic document feeder to be openable/closable in up/down directions with respect to an image reading unit. The hinge base is supported on the image reading unit which reads a document image. The hinge upper member is supported on the automatic document feeder which feeds a document to the image reading unit. The shaft pivotably couples the hinge base and the hinge upper member together. By attaching the hinge upper member to the automatic document feeder, a groove formed in a circumferential surface of the shaft in an annular shape in a circumferential direction of the shaft and a rib provided on the automatic document feeder engage with each other, whereby axial movement of the shaft is restricted. |
| US09657501B2 |
Electric strike and combination with improved lock assembly
This invention relates to an improved electric strike assembly (1) including a keeper (6) which is mounted to a housing (8). A locking means including an electrical actuator (9) and a detent (10) configured to resist adjustment of the detent (10) from an active lock condition. The detent (10) is preferably grooved so as to catch on the keeper (6) or housing (8) preventing it moving from an active condition. |
| US09657499B2 |
Method and apparatus for a rekeyable master key lock
A rekeyable master lock includes a plurality of pin gears, with each pin gear engaged with a corresponding key follower. As each key follower rides up and down on the key bitting, it causes a corresponding pin gear to rotate. Each pin gear engages a user gear and a master gear so that, as the pin gear rotates, the user and master gears rotate. Each user and master gear, in turn, drives a corresponding user rack and a master rack. When a valid user key is inserted and rotated, the user racks or master racks are aligned along a common axis and held in alignment by a locking bar. Longitudinal movement of the user gear or master gear allows the rekeying function by decoupling and recoupling the user gear or master gear with the user racks or master racks. |
| US09657496B1 |
Readily installable fence system, and method therefor
A fence includes a plurality of posts, and fence panels having rails which extend across the plurality of posts, and are secured thereto. Jambs may be formed onto the fence system, and one or more gates may be hung to the jambs. |
| US09657492B2 |
Pole-type member support device and method therefor
A pole type member support device has a receptacle having an opening formed in a top section thereof. The receptacle is conical in shaped and tapered so that the top section of the receptacle is smaller than a bottom section of the receptacle. A tubular cut-out is formed within the receptacle and extends down from the opening. The tubular cutout is tapered so that the top section of the tubular cut-out is larger than a bottom section of the tubular cut-out. A plurality of ring members is provided wherein each ring member has an opening formed through a central area thereof, each opening having a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of a pole-type member, each of the plurality of ring members configured to be inserted and held within the tubular cut-out to support a pole-type member in an upright position within the tubular cut-out. |
| US09657491B1 |
Pole-type member support device and method therefor
A pole type member support device has a receptacle having an opening formed in a top section thereof. The receptacle is tapered so that the top section of the receptacle is smaller than a bottom section of the receptacle. A tubular cut-out is formed within the receptacle and extends down from the opening. The tubular cutout is tapered so that the top section of the tubular cut-out is larger than a bottom section of the tubular cut-out. An adapter is positioned within the tubular cut-out. The adapter is configured to hold a pole-type member in an upright position. |
| US09657487B2 |
Water overflow edge device for a swimming pool and relative improved structural element
A water overflow edge device for a swimming pool is having a channel consisting of bottom, rear and front walls is disclosed. The front wall is made of a plurality of modular structural elements arranged in sequence and coupled together “end-to-end”. The channel is also covered on top by a walking grid that allows swimming pool water to enter. Each modular structural element has a first component with structural function, provided at the bottom with coupling means with the bottom wall of the channel and with the top of the vertical inner wall of the swimming pool. The structural component includes at one side with a first surface, which forms the front wall of the channel, and with a second substantially vertical surface, opposite the first surface and configured to support a second coating component which forms the entire exposed surface of the water overflow edge device and which has a finishing function. Preferably, the first component is plastic and the second coating component is ceramic. |
| US09657486B2 |
Drywall sheet removal tool
Disclosed herein are drywall sheet removal tools, comprising: a handle; and a plurality of tines; wherein an angle between a line of the handle and a plane defined by the plurality of tines is between 45° and 90°. Also disclosed are methods of removing a drywall sheet from a wall, the method comprising: creating an opening along the width of the drywall sheet; inserting a plurality of tines of a drywall sheet removing tool of claim 1 into the opening, such that the plurality of tines straddle a stud; and moving a handle of the tool in a direction opposite to a direction the tines are pointing. |
| US09657482B2 |
Floor panel having adhesive applied sheet
A floor panel having an adhesive applied sheet, including: a tile; an adhesive sheet laminated on the tile, the adhesive sheet having an adhesive applied face exposed in an L-shaped form at the edge of the tile; and an adhesive layer interposed between contact faces of the tile and the adhesive sheet, where the adhesive sheet includes: a sheet made of one of PVC, PLA, PET, PE, and PP; an acryl-based adhesive adhered on one side of the sheet; and a protective film adhered on the adhesive applied face exposed in the L-shaped form. |
| US09657481B2 |
Dry-built wall
The invention relates to a dry-built ceiling/wall, having a framework (1) and one or more construction panels (2) fixed to an associated upright profile (4), wherein the construction panels (2) are fixed to the respective upright profile (4) with the interposition of fastening elements (5) and to this end the fastening element (5) is equipped for example with lug ends (6) that grasp profile limbs (4a) of the upright profile (4). In addition to the at least two lug ends (6) for final fixing, the fastening element (5) is also equipped with one or more hooks (7) for pre-fixing the fastening element (5) to the respective profile limb (4a) of the upright profile (4). |
| US09657478B2 |
Shingle with reinforced nail zone and method of manufacturing
A roofing shingle is provided. The roofing shingles includes an overlay sheet including a headlap portion and a tab portion and an underlay sheet secured to the overlay sheet such that a region of the underlay sheet overlaps a region of the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. A reinforcement material is secured to the headlap portion of the overlay sheet. The reinforcement material is configured to improve nail pull-through. The reinforcement material extends beyond the overlapping regions of the headlap portion and the underlay sheet a distance of about 0.12 inches or less. |
| US09657474B2 |
High thermal resistance and permeance insulation material
A low-emittance material having improved energy efficiency protection against air infiltration and moisture build-up in buildings is disclosed. The aforementioned low-emittance material utilizes existing framing openings or without increasing the wall profile of a building. The present invention provides a low-emittance material which may be implemented on traditional 2×4 framing having R-15 mass insulation material within existing or newly constructed framing cavities. The material of the present invention also meets requirements for serving as a water resistive barrier as defined by ICC AC38. |
| US09657473B2 |
Vacuum toilet assembly
Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for improved removability and ease of maintenance for one or more components of the vacuum toilet system. They can be particularly useful on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Specific embodiments relate to a rinse valve bracket and connection system, a rinse ring tie down, and various improved connection systems. |
| US09657471B2 |
Touchless flushing systems and methods
A touchless actuation system for a toilet includes a touchless sensor, a motor assembly, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor and to detect an object within a detection region based on the signal. The touchless sensor lacks an optical path to the detection region. In some embodiments, the touchless sensor is a projected capacitive sensor. The processing circuit is configured to activate the motor assembly upon detecting the object and the motor assembly is configured to actuate flushing of the toilet when activated by the processing circuit. |
| US09657469B2 |
Lavatory drain
An adjustable lavatory drain assembly includes a receptor and a cover. The receptor includes a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the receptor includes an outer flange. The cover is removably coupled to the upper end of the receptor. The cover includes a body having an opening defining a first flow path and a sleeve extending from a bottom surface of the body. The sleeve is adjustably coupled to the upper end of the receptor forming a circumferential gap between an upper surface of the outer flange and a bottom surface of the body. The cover is selectively adjustable relative to the receptor to increase or decrease the circumferential gap. The circumferential gap defines part of a second flow path. |
| US09657468B1 |
Dual air admittance valve
An apparatus to allow or stop an air flow into an enclosed environment or piping system comprises (a) a housing having an upper flow passage, a middle flow passage, a lower flow passage; (b) a first valve seat; (c) a first valve diaphragm; (d) a second valve seat; and (e) a second valve diaphragm. |
| US09657466B2 |
Magnetic docking faucet
A faucet that includes a spout and a sprayhead movable between a docked position, in which the sprayhead is in contact with the spout, and an undocked position, in which the sprayhead is spaced apart from the spout. The faucet also includes a hose assembly that includes a tubular portion having an inlet end and an outlet end and configured to provide fluid through the spout to the sprayhead and a magnetically responsive end portion coupled to the outlet end of the tubular portion and freely and rotatably received within a portion of the sprayhead. A magnet is located in the spout such that when the sprayhead is in the docked position, the magnet magnetically attracts the magnetically responsive end portion so as to retain the sprayhead against the spout. |
| US09657463B2 |
Wear member attachment system for excavation implement
A wear member attachment system for an excavation implement can include a retainer with an abutment that engages a forward side of an opening extending through a lip of the excavation implement, the retainer further including a cam. Rotation of the cam displaces the abutment forward relative to a body of the retainer. Another wear member attachment system can include a retainer with a cam and an abutment. Rotation of the cam displaces the abutment outward relative to a body of the retainer. The abutment displacement is in a direction orthogonal to an axis of rotation of the cam. |
| US09657462B2 |
Tool and tool holder for a dredger
A cutter head that comprises at least one blade and at least one adapter chamber arranged in the blade for assembly of a tool holder in the blade, in which the adapter chamber is a cavity located in the blade and having an opening and an assembly recess. Also a blade for a cutter head, as well as a tool holder for assembly on a cutter head for a dredger is included. Moreover, included is a tool arrangement for a dredger. Included also are a method for assembly of a tool holder in a cutter head for a dredger and a production method for a blade for a cutter head for a dredger. |
| US09657458B2 |
Auxiliary power unit excavator system
An auxiliary power unit excavator system comprises a vehicular base powered by a first internal combustion engine enabling excavator mobility, an excavator boom assembly disposed on a top side of the vehicular base, an auxiliary power unit assembly disposed on a top side of the vehicular base, a cab disposed above the vehicle base, and a second internal combustion engine powering a generator. |
| US09657457B2 |
Shovel
An electric motor receives electric power from an electricity storage module. A drive target is driven by the electric motor. The electricity storage module has a plurality of protection plates, which are stacked up in a stacked direction, and a plate-shaped electricity storage cell, which is interposed between the protection plates adjacent to each other. The protection plates have a positional restriction shape for restricting a relative position with respect to a positional restriction direction which is perpendicular to the stacked direction. |
| US09657456B2 |
Wheel loader
A wheel loader is provided with a cab, a ladder, a vehicle body cover, an engine, an air cleaner, and an expansion member. The ladder has first to third steps. The air cleaner is disposed to the outside of the vehicle body cover and above and to the rear of the ladder. The expansion member is able to assume an expanded posture and a retracted posture. The expansion member abuts at least one step in the expanded posture. |
| US09657449B2 |
Pet waste receptacle
A waste receptacle for storing pet waste is provided. The waste receptacle includes a substantially planar base, peripheral sidewalls extending from the base, and an upper opening defining an interior volume configured to store animal waste therein. The peripheral sidewalls each include an upper portion connected to a lower portion. The upper portion includes ridges thereon so that a user can grip the upper portion and so that the user will not feel the pet waste when picking it up using the waste receptacle. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the waste receptacle is rigid so as to further avoid the sensation of contact between the user's hand and the pet waste stored in the waste receptacle. |
| US09657448B2 |
Bridge maintenance vehicle with hinge-connected type hanging bracket and capable of avoiding bridge-side obstacles
A bridge maintenance vehicle with a hinge-connected hanging bracket for avoiding bridge-side obstacles comprises an unwheeling and a suspension arm. The unwheeling comprises a vehicle frame chassis. The suspension arm is a C-shaped hanging bracket. The vehicle frame chassis is connected to a lower end of a strut in a hinged manner through a longitudinal shaft hinge and a longitudinal shaft. A protruding end of a lower cross beam of the C-shaped hanging bracket is provided with at least a fixing point for a lifting rope or a lifting rope winding/unwinding device. A vehicle frame stringer is fixed at an upper end of the strut. A hanging bracket longitudinal beam is fixed at an upper end of a vertical rod of the C-shaped hanging bracket. The hanging bracket longitudinal beam and the vehicle frame stringer are movably connected with each other into a whole through at least two cross beams. |
| US09657447B2 |
Modular screed box
A screed box includes a screed bucket, a screed plate mount attached to the screed bucket, a screed plate slidably connected to the screed plate mount and a screed bar attached to a bottom of the screed bucket. The screed plate mount includes a sealing edge. The screed plate includes at least one screed flange. The screed bar includes a body and a sealing lip including at least one projection. The screed bar is slidable between an open position where the sealing lip engages the sealing edge and a closed position where the sealing lip is disengaged from the sealing edge, and the at least one projection engages the sealing edge when the screed bar is in the open position and when the screed bar is in a closed position. |
| US09657445B2 |
Adjustable rail fastening assembly
Assembly (10) for fastening a railway rail (1), comprising a lower platen (11) provided with through holes (111) for anchoring the lower platen to ground (40) by means of anchoring means (15), an upper platen (12) superposable on the lower platen for supporting the rail (1), and a pair of rail fastening clips (142) for fastening the rail to the upper platen (12). The lower and upper platens comprise a pair of corresponding first holes (112, 121) distinct from the through holes (111), for removably securing the upper platen (12) to the lower platen (11) by first fastening means (16) independent of the ground anchoring means (15). The upper platen (12) and the rail fastening clips (142) comprise a pair of corresponding second holes (122, 144) distinct from the first holes and from the through holes, for securing the rail fastening clips (142) to the upper platen (12) by means of second independent fastening means (17). The first holes (121) of the upper platen (12) have oblong shape with a longer axis oriented transverse to the rail (1) so as to allow for lateral adjustment of the upper platen (12) relative to the lower platen (11). |
| US09657444B2 |
Smooth and bulky tissue
The present disclosure provides high bulk tissue products, as well as an apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. The tissue products provided herein not only have high bulk, but they also have improved surface smoothness, particularly compared to tissue products of similar basis weights. |
| US09657443B2 |
Soft creped tissue
The present disclosure is directed to creped tissue webs, and products produced therefrom. The creped tissue webs and tissue products made therefrom are soft and strong, such as having a TS7 value less than about 8.0. Moreover, the tissue of the present disclosure also preferably has low TS750 values such as less than about 7.0. Further, while webs prepared according to the present disclosure have low TS7, and in certain embodiments low TS750 values, they are also strong enough to withstand use. |
| US09657442B2 |
Aqueous glyoxyl-based insolubilizer composition for the surface treatment of paper and cardboard
The invention relates to an aqueous insolubilizer composition intended for the surface treatment of paper and cardboard, comprising a mixture composed of glyoxal and of at least one alkali metal orthophosphate, and also its use. |
| US09657441B2 |
Filler for paper making process
The present invention relates to a filler comprising clay and cellulose derivative having a degree of substitution of net ionic groups up to about 0.65. |
| US09657440B2 |
Selectively sized multi-ply core stock paper, methods, and apparatus
Methods of making a multi-ply paperboard core include providing a number of paperboard furnishes and layering the furnishes to form a multi-ply paperboard web, wherein the two outermost plies are formed of furnish containing no size and the two plies adjacent the outermost plies are formed of furnish containing size. Apparatus for making a multi-ply paperboard core include two or more furnish sources configured to provide a number of paperboard furnishes, wherein at least one furnish source provides furnish containing no size and at least one furnish source provides furnish containing size, and a paperboard forming section wherein the furnishes are layered to form a multi-ply paperboard web in which the two outermost plies are formed of furnish containing no size and the two plies adjacent the two outermost plies are formed of furnish containing size. |
| US09657434B2 |
Machine for spreading out and loading flat clothing articles with an auxiliary device that deposits and feeds flat clothing articles on a conveyor belt
A machine that spreads out and loads flat clothing articles with an auxiliary device that deposits and feeds the flat clothing articles on a conveyer belt. The auxiliary device is located above loading end (30a) of a conveyor belt (30), extending transverse to a loading direction (D) and comprises a roof plate (13) pivotally articulated around an axis (14) transverse to loading direction (D) and providing a first position (RP1) in which the roof plate (13) is separated from the conveyor belt (30) providing a wide opening for reception of an edge of a flat clothing article (A) and a second position (RP2) in which a roof plate front end (13a) lies close to the loading end (30a) of the conveyor belt (30) allowing a controlled passage of the flat clothing article (A) on said conveyor belt (30), and driving means producing a rotation of said roof plate (13) between said first (RP1) and second (RP2) position in coordination with the operation of deposition means including nozzles (12, 15). |
| US09657425B2 |
Washing machine and a method for controlling the same
The present invention relates a washing machine and a method for controlling the same. The method for controlling a washing machine, having at least one spinning course, the spinning course includes a general spinning step for driving a motor which rotates a drum rotatably mounted in a tub to rotate the drum at a speed higher than a predetermined speed for extracting water, and a foreign matter removal step for supplying water to the tub for removing foreign matters from a space between the tub and the drum, whereby permitting to maintain the washing machine clean. |
| US09657418B2 |
Sewing machine
A needle drive assembly for a sewing machine includes a drive shaft rotatable about a drive shaft axis and a needle drive cam operably connected to the drive shaft and rotatable therewith. A needle drive race is slidably connected to the needle drive cam via a cam pin secured to the needle drive cam and at least partially extending through the needle drive race. A needle is assembly affixed to the needle drive race and includes a needle bar and a needle secured to the needle bar. Rotary motion of the drive shaft and needle drive cam about the drive shaft axis is translated into a needle path via the needle drive race, the needle path including a substantially vertical downstroke from a stroke peak to a stroke depth, a horizontal carry portion from the stroke depth and a curvilinear or linear upstroke from the horizontal carry portion to peak. |
| US09657416B2 |
Circular weaving machine
A circular weaving machine has warp-tape guide elements arranged around a circular reed to supply a multiplicity of warp tapes. Weaving-shed forming devices group the fed warp tapes into two warp-tape groups and impart thereon mutually opposed alternating movements, with the result that a weaving shed is opened and closed between the two warp-tape groups. A weaving shuttle moves on an orbit in the opened weaving shed and, in the process, introduces a weft tape from a weft-tape bobbin carried thereby into the weaving shed, with the result that a fabric is formed. The fabric is drawn off through a weaving ring. The weaving shuttle keeps the bobbin axis of the weft-tape bobbin at an angular position which deviates by at most +/−15°, preferably at most +/−10°, from a normal to a surface which contains the geometric connecting lines between the warp-tape guide elements and the weaving ring. |
| US09657413B2 |
Continuous carbonization process and system for producing carbon fibers
A continuous carbonization method for the carbonization of a continuous, oxidized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fiber, wherein the precursor fiber exiting the carbonization system is a carbonized fiber which has been exposed to an atmosphere comprising 5% or less, preferably 0.1% or less, more preferably 0%, by volume of oxygen during its passage from a high temperature furnace to the next high temperature furnace. In one embodiment, the carbonization system includes a pre-carbonization furnace, a carbonization furnace, a substantially air-tight chamber between the furnaces, and a drive stand carrying a plurality of drive rollers that are enclosed by the air-tight chamber. |
| US09657397B2 |
Apparatus for treating surfaces of wafer-shaped articles
An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a closed process chamber providing a gas-tight enclosure. A rotary chuck is located within the closed process chamber, the rotary chuck being adapted to hold a wafer shaped article thereon. A lid is secured to an upper part of the closed process chamber, the lid comprising an upper plate formed from a composite fiber-reinforced material and a lower plate that faces into the process chamber and is formed from a chemically-resistant plastic. |
| US09657395B2 |
Oxidation-resistant layer for TiAl materials and method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a protective layer for TiAl materials for affording protection against oxidation, said protective layer having a layer sequence which, proceeding from the inner side facing toward the TiAl material (1), has an inner aluminum oxide layer (5), a first gradient layer (6) comprising aluminum and a base metal with a base metal content increasing outward toward the surface side, a base metal layer (7), a second gradient layer (8) comprising aluminum and a base metal with an aluminum content increasing outward toward the surface side, and an outer aluminum oxide layer (9), and also to a method for the production thereof. |
| US09657393B2 |
Gas lock, and coating apparatus comprising a gas lock
The present invention relates to a gas lock for separating two gas chambers, which while taking up minimal space makes it possible to achieve the separation of gases without contact with the product/educt/transporting system. The gas lock according to the invention is distinguished by the integration of a measuring chamber for measuring at least one physical and/or chemical property. Also, the present invention relates to a coating device which comprises a gas lock according to the invention. Also provided are possibilities for using the gas lock according to the invention. |
| US09657392B2 |
Mask assembly for thin film vapor deposition and manufacturing method thereof
A mask assembly includes a frame for forming an opening, and a mask fixed to the frame while a tensile force is applied thereto and forming a plurality of pattern openings. The frame includes a frame main body for forming an opening, and a plurality of moving members installed to be movable in at least one direction on the frame main body. The mask is fixed to the moving members while a tensile force is applied thereto. |
| US09657391B2 |
Optical transmission/reflection mode in-situ deposition rate control for ice fabrication
Systems and methods of controlling a deposition rate during thin-film fabrication are provided. A system as provided may include a chamber, a material source contained within the chamber, an electrical component to activate the material source, a substrate holder to support the multilayer stack and at least one witness sample. The system may further include a measurement device and a computational unit. The material source provides a layer of material to the multilayer stack and to the witness sample at a deposition rate controlled at least partially by the electrical component and based on a correction value obtained in real-time by the computational unit. In some embodiments, the correction value is based on a measured value provided by the measurement device and a computed value provided by the computational unit according to a model. |
| US09657389B2 |
Target for spark vaporization with physical limiting of the propagation of the spark
The present invention relates to a target for an ARC source having a first body (3) of a material to be vaporized, which essentially comprises in one plane a surface which is intended to be vaporized, wherein the surface surrounds in this plane a central area, characterized in that in the central area a second body (7) is provided, which is preferably in the form of a disk and is electrically isolated from the first body (3), in such a way that the second body (7) can essentially provide no electrons for maintaining a spark. |
| US09657387B1 |
Methods of forming a multilayer thermal barrier coating system
Methods are provided for forming a thermal barrier coating system on a surface of a component. The method can include introducing the component into a coating chamber, where a first ceramic source material and a second ceramic source material are positioned within the coating chamber of a physical vapor deposition apparatus. An energy source is directed onto the first ceramic source material to vaporize the first ceramic source material to deposit a first layer on the component. The energy source is alternated between the first ceramic source material and the second ceramic source material to form a blended layer on the first layer. |
| US09657379B2 |
Forging steel
This invention provides a forging steel excellent in forgeability, which forging steel comprises, in mass %, C: 0.001 to less than 0.07%, Si: 3.0% or less, Mn: 0.01 to 4.0%, Cr: 5.0% or less, P: 0.2% or less, S: 0.35% or less, Al: 0.0001 to 2.0%, N: 0.03% or less, one or both of Mo: 1.5% or less (including 0%) and Ni: 4.5% or less (including 0%), and a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities; wherein Di given by the following Equation (1) is 60 or greater: Di=5.41×Di(Si)×Di(Mn)×Di(Cr)×Di(Mo)×Di(Ni)×Di(Al) (1) |
| US09657376B2 |
Aluminum alloy and production method thereof
Provided are an aluminum alloy improving mechanical characteristics by allowing a magnesium-silicon compound to be distributed in an aluminum matrix without performing a heat treatment, and a production method thereof. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of producing an aluminum alloy, including: melting a magnesium mother alloy including a magnesium-silicon compound, and aluminum to form a molten metal; and casting the molten metal. |
| US09657373B2 |
Nickel-chromium-aluminum alloy having good processability, creep resistance and corrosion resistance
A nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron alloy includes (in wt.-%) 24 to 33% chromium, 1.8 to 4.0% aluminum, 0.10 to 7.0% iron, 0.001 to 0.50% silicon, 0.005 to 2.0% manganese, 0.00 to 0.60% titanium, 0.0002 to 0.05% each of magnesium and/or calcium, 0.005 to 0.12% carbon, 0.001 to 0.050% nitrogen, 0.0001 to 0.020% oxygen, 0.001 to 0.030% phosphorus, not more than 0.010% sulfur, not more than 2.0% molybdenum, not more than 2.0% tungsten, the remainder nickel and the usual process-related impurities, wherein the following relations must be satisfied: Cr+Al≧28 (2a) and Fp≦39.9 (3a) with Fp=Cr+0.272*Fe+2.36*Al+2.22*Si+2.48*Ti+0.374*Mo+0.538*W−11.8*C (4a), wherein Cr, Fe, Al, Si, Ti, Mo, W and C is the concentration of the respective elements in % by mass. |
| US09657372B2 |
Manufacturing method of aluminum alloy in which Al—Fe—Si compound is refined
A manufacturing method of an inexpensive aluminum alloy that allows fine crystallization of the Al—Fe—Si compound and primary Si by employing a convenient and efficient means. To a molten aluminum alloy including 8 to 20% by mass of Si; 0.5 to 4% by mass of Fe; and, as necessary, at least any one of Mn and Cr; at least any one of Ni, Cu, and Mg; P; and the balance being Al and impurities, AlB2, which is present as a solid phase in molten metal upon crystallization of the Al—Fe—Si compound, is added in such an amount that B is in a range of 0.01 to 0.5% by mass with respect to entire molten aluminum alloy. As the AlB2, an Al—B alloy which includes B as the AlB2 may be used. |
| US09657370B2 |
Removal method of manganese from waste water
A removal method of manganese in which manganese is removed by precipitating manganese selectively from sulfuric acid waste water containing aluminum, magnesium and manganese with inhibiting the precipitation of magnesium.The removal method of manganese from waste water in which manganese is removed by precipitating manganese selectively from the sulfuric acid waste water containing aluminum, magnesium and manganese with inhibiting the precipitation of magnesium, characterized in that said waste water is subjected to the following steps (1) and (2). (1) First, aluminum in said waste water is removed. (2) Subsequently, neutralizing agent is added into the wastewater after removing aluminum, then pH of the waste water is adjusted at 8.0 to 9.0, and oxygen gas is blown. |
| US09657364B2 |
High strength hot rolled steel sheet for line pipe use excellent in low temperature toughness and ductile fracture arrest performance and method of production of same
The present invention has as its object the provision of hot rolled steel sheet (hot coil) for line pipe use in which API5L-X80 standard or better high strength and low temperature toughness and ductile fracture arrest performance are achieved and a method of production of the same.For this purpose, the hot rolled steel sheet of the present invention comprises C, Si, Mn, Al, N, Nb, Ti, Ca, V, Mo, Cr, Cu, and Ni in predetermined ranges and a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, in which the microstructure is a continuously cooled transformed structure, in which continuously cooled transformed structure, precipitates containing Nb have an average size of 1 to 3 nm and are included dispersed at an average density of 3 to 30×1022/m3, granular bainitic ferrite and/or quasi-polygonal ferrite are included in 50% or more in terms of fraction, furthermore, precipitates containing Ti nitrides are included, and they have an average circle equivalent diameter of 0.1 to 3 μm and include complex oxides including Ca, Ti, and Al in 50% or more in terms of number. |
| US09657363B2 |
Air hardenable shock-resistant steel alloys, methods of making the alloys, and articles including the alloys
An air hardenable steel alloy is disclosed comprising, in percent by weight: 0.18 to 0.26 carbon; 3.50 to 4.00 nickel; 1.60 to 2.00 chromium; 0 to 0.50 molybdenum; 0.80 to 1.20 manganese; 0.25 to 0.45 silicon; 0 to less than 0.005 titanium; 0 to less than 0.020 phosphorus; 0 up to 0.005 boron; 0 up to 0.003 sulfur; iron; and impurities. The air hardenable steel alloy has a Brinell hardness in a range of 352 HBW to 460 HBW. The air hardenable steel alloy combines high strength, medium hardness and toughness, as compared with certain known air hardenable steel alloys, and finds application in, for example, any of a steel armor, a blast-protective hull, a blast-protective V-shaped hull, a blast-protective vehicle underbelly, and a blast-protective enclosure. |
| US09657357B2 |
Methods and compositions for identifying and validating modulators of cell fate
The invention provides for compositions and methods for identifying and validating modulators of cell fate, such as such as maintenance, cell specification, cell determination, induction of stem cell fate, cell differentiation, cell dedifferentiation, and cell trans-differentiation. The invention relates to reporter nucleic acid constructs, host cells comprising such constructs, and methods using such cells and constructs. The invention relates to methods for making cells comprising one or more reporter nucleic acid constructs using fluorogenic oligonucleotides. The methods relate to high throughput screens. |
| US09657355B2 |
Assays for fungal infection
Methods and kits are described for testing for the presence or absence of any fungus in a sample. Examples of fungi that can be detected include, but are not limited to, those belonging to the genera Candida, Aspergillus and Pneumocystis. The methods include obtaining a sample suspected of containing fungal nucleic acid, including at least one universal region of fungal nucleic acid, and testing for the presence or absence in the sample of the at least one universal region of fungal nucleic acid. Samples may be biological or non-biological. |
| US09657350B2 |
RNA chimeras in human leukemia and lymphoma
Provided herein are kits, compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to recurrent RNA fusions as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for leukemia. |
| US09657347B2 |
Nucleic acid melting analysis with saturation dyes
Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye to form a mixture. Optionally, an unlabeled probe is included in the mixture. A melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided. |
| US09657335B2 |
High throughput screening of populations carrying naturally occurring mutations
Efficient methods are disclosed for the high throughput identification of mutations in genes in members of mutagenized populations. The methods comprise DNA isolation, pooling, amplification, creation of libraries, high throughput sequencing of libraries, preferably by sequencing-by-synthesis technologies, identification of mutations and identification of the member of the population carrying the mutation and identification of the mutation. |
| US09657325B2 |
Glucose dehydrogenase
Provided is a flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent glucose dehydrogenase comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence with 78% or more identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, and having glucose dehydrogenase activity. |
| US09657324B1 |
Method for treating or preventing mood disorders
The present invention is directed to methods of treating a subject, wherein a biological sample taken from the subject comprises an antibody against a small protein encoded by an intermediate stage transcript of HHV-6 (SITH-1), and the antibody against SITH-1 being present in an amount sufficient to be detected in the biological sample which is at least diluted 10-fold or more by an immunological detection method. Such treatment methods are used for the following: a) treating or preventing mood disorders; b) suppressing an elevation of the level of SITH-1 within cells in the subject's brain, reducing the number of cells in the brain that carry the protein SITH-1, and/or reducing the total amount of SITH-1 in the brain; c) suppressing an elevation of the level of a calcium modulating cyclophilin ligand (CAML) protein within cells in the subject's brain; or d) suppressing an elevation of the level of calcium ions within cells in the subject's brain. Methods of the present invention can involve administering a human herpesvirus 6 suppressor to a subject. |
| US09657323B2 |
Polypeptide cleavage method using OmpT protease variant
A polypeptide cleavage method characterized in that arginine or lysine is at the P1 position of a desired cleavage site in a polypeptide, an amino acid other than aspartic acid, glutamic acid or proline is at the P1′ position, a single basic amino acid or two or three consecutive basic amino acids are situated at any site in the amino acid sequence from the P10 position to the P3 position or from the P3′ position to the P5′ position (with the proviso that a single basic amino acid is not situated at the P6 or P4 position), and OmpT protease or its variant enzyme having a substitution at the 97th amino acid from the N-terminus is used to cleave the desired cleavage site in the polypeptide. |
| US09657319B2 |
Process for production of low saturate oils
Provided here is an enzymatic process for production of low saturate oil, in one embodiment, low palmitic oils from triacylglycerol sources. The enzymes used in the processes herein are saturase enzymes, including palmitase enzymes. The oils produced by the processes herein are used in food products. |
| US09657318B2 |
Electrochemical detoxification method of wood-based hydrolysate for producing biochemicals or biofuels
Provided is a method for preparing a lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate having toxicity reduced or removed and being used for fermentation by microorganisms, comprising the steps of: pretreating, hydrolyzing, and using an electrochemical detoxification method. |
| US09657316B2 |
Microorganisms and methods for enhancing the availability of reducing equivalents in the presence of methanol, and for producing 1,4-butanediol related thereto
Provided herein is a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a methanol metabolic pathway that can enhance the availability of reducing equivalents in the presence of methanol. Such reducing equivalents can be used to increase the product yield of organic compounds produced by the microbial organism, such as 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Also provided herein are methods for using such an organism to produce BDO. |
| US09657314B2 |
Antimicrobial method for fermentation processes
A system and method for controlling bacteria, especially lactic and acetic acid bacteria in the production of ethanol using an organic oxidizing compound in combination with an inorganic oxidizer is provided. Particularly, a mixture of one or more peroxy acids and one or more peroxide compounds is introduced into a fermentation mash so as to inhibit or reduce levels of bacteria that compete with yeast for the fermentation sugars. The peroxy acid and peroxide compounds largely are consumed during the fermentation process and are generally not present in the fermentation by-products, especially recovered distiller's grains. |
| US09657311B2 |
Lentiviral vectors containing an MHC class I, MHC class II, or B2 microglobulin upstream promoter sequence
The present invention relates to the insertion of an MHC class I, MHC Class II, or β2 microglobulin upstream promoter sequence into a lentiviral vector to increase viral titers. The invention encompasses these vectors, methods of making the vectors, and methods of using them, including medicinal uses. |
| US09657309B2 |
Recombination system
The present invention relates to a method for carrying out recombination at a target locus. |
| US09657308B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules that target PP1-87B and confer resistance to coleopteran pests
This disclosure concerns nucleic acid molecules and methods of use thereof for control of coleopteran pests through RNA interference-mediated inhibition of target coding and transcribed non-coding sequences in coleopteran pests. The disclosure also concerns methods for making transgenic plants that express nucleic acid molecules useful for the control of coleopteran pests, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby. |
| US09657305B2 |
Synthesis of sialic acid in plants
A method of synthesizing sialic acid in plants, and plants capable of synthesizing sialic acid is provided. Furthermore, a method of producing sialylated protein in a plant is also provided. The method to synthesize sialic acid comprises providing a plant comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding N-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) synthase or Neu5Ac lyase, and expressing the nucleotide sequence thereby synthesizing sialic acid. The plant may also co-express a nucleotide sequence encoding one or more than one of an epimerase, a CMP-Neu5Ac synthase, a CMP-Neu5Ac transporter and a sialyltransferase. |
| US09657304B2 |
Genetically engineered plants with increased vegetative oil content
The invention relates to genetically modified agricultural plants with increased oil content in vegetative tissues, as well as to expression systems, plant cells, seeds and vegetative tissues related thereto. |
| US09657300B2 |
Polynucleotides having leader sequence function
The present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides having leader sequence function. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods using the polynucleotides for production of polypeptides. |
| US09657299B2 |
Tailored oils produced from recombinant heterotrophic microorganisms
Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants. |
| US09657298B2 |
Recombinant nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain, inoculum containing the same and application methods
Recombinant bacterial strains comprising heterologous nif genes in its genome, and capable of fixing nitrogen. The strain may be, for example, a recombinant Pseudomonas fluorescens strain comprising heterologous nif genes in its genome. An inoculum and a method for increasing plant productivity are further described. |
| US09657293B2 |
Biological control of coleopteran pests
Disclosed are double stranded RNA molecules that are toxic to coleopteran insects. In particular, dsRNA molecules that capable of interfering with pest IAP genes and that are toxic to the target pest are provided. Further, methods of making and using the interfering RNA, for example in transgenic plants to confer protection from insect damage are disclosed. |
| US09657292B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating or preventing lupus
The invention features compositions comprising agents that inhibit or reduce self-reactive IgE and/or basophils, and related methods of using the compositions for treating or preventing lupus, lupus nephritis, and lupus-related disorders. |
| US09657291B2 |
Method of making a paired tag library for nucleic acid sequencing
The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for making paired tags and paired tag libraries. |
| US09657288B2 |
Connector compound peptide phage display
The invention relates to a complex comprising a phage particle, said phage particle comprising (i) a polypeptide; (ii) a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of (i); (iii) a connector compound attached to said polypeptide wherein said connector compound is attached to the polypeptide by at least three discrete covalent bonds. The invention also relates to libraries, and to methods for making complexes and to methods of screening using same. |
| US09657287B2 |
Repeat protein from collection of repeat proteins comprising repeat modules
A repeat protein from a collection of repeat proteins, wherein each repeat protein of said collection comprises a repeat domain, which comprises a set of consecutive repeat modules, wherein the repeat modules have the same fold and stack tightly to create a superhelical structure having a joint hydrophobic core, wherein each of the repeat modules is derived from one or more repeat units and wherein the repeat units comprise framework residues, which contribute to the folding topology of the repeat unit or contribute to an interaction with a neighboring repeat unit, and target interaction residues, which contribute to an interaction with a target substance, wherein the repeat proteins of the collection differ from other repeat proteins in the collection in at least one amino acid position of the repeat modules is described as are related pharmaceuticals and nucleic acid molecules. |
| US09657282B2 |
Methods and products for expressing proteins in cells
The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids encoding proteins, therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding proteins, methods for inducing cells to express proteins using nucleic acids, methods, kits and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, and therapeutics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods and products for altering the DNA sequence of a cell are described, as are methods and products for inducing cells to express proteins using synthetic RNA molecules. Therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding gene-editing proteins are also described. |
| US09657281B2 |
Polymerase compositions, methods of making and using same
The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, kits, systems and apparatus that are useful for nucleic acid polymerization. In particular, modified polymerases and biologically active fragments thereof are provided that allow for nucleic acid amplification. In some aspects, the disclosure provides modified polymerases having lower systematic error as compared to a reference polymerase. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to modified polymerases useful for nucleic acid sequencing, genotyping, copy number variation analysis, paired-end sequencing and other forms of genetic analysis. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to modified polymerases useful for the generation of nucleic acid libraries or nucleic acid templates. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to the identification of homologous amino acid mutations that can be transferred across classes or families of polymerases to provide novel polymerases with altered properties. |
| US09657278B2 |
Methods to produce bunyavirus replicon particles
The invention relates to methods of producing infectious bunyavirus replicon particles. These bunyavirus replicon particles are safe and can be used outside a biosafety containment. The invention further relates to recombinant bunyavirus replicon particles and uses of these recombinant bunyavirus replicon particles. |
| US09657274B2 |
Reprogramming cells
The present invention provides for methods, compositions, and kits for producing an induced pluripotent stem cell from a non-pluripotent mammalian cell using a 3′-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) activator or a compound that promotes glycolytic metabolism as well as other small molecules. |
| US09657273B2 |
Method for suppressing teratoma formation via selective cell death induction in undifferentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells
The present invention relates to a method for preparing differentiated cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cell, wherein undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) are removed, the method comprising steps of: (a) preparing a cell sample including undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells by differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells; and (b) causing selective apoptosis of the undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells by treating the resultant in step (a) with quercetin of Formula 1 below or with YM-155 of Formula 2 below.According to the present invention, the present invention makes it possible to effectively selectively cause apoptosis only of undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells by causing induced pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into specific differentiated cells and then carrying out culturing in a differentiating culture medium comprising quercetin or YM-155, and, in the induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation method according to the present invention, only undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells that are a cause of teratoma formation are selectively caused to die, and thus differentiated differentiating cells are completely unaffected. In other words, the invention can be expected to ensure safety as the possibility of tumor formation during clinical use as a cell therapeutic agent is eliminated since the survival and functioning of the differentiated cells is maintained unchanged. |
| US09657268B2 |
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a source of neural progenitors
Methods are provided for treating and/or reducing the severity of multiple sclerosis in a human, by administering autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural precursors. Also described is an in vitro method for differentiating mesenchymal stem-cell derived neural precursor oligodengroglial and neuronal cell types. |
| US09657261B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices relating to a biomimetic cellularized nephron unit
Disclosed herein are systems and devices for culturing cells in a biomimetic environment of a cellularized nephron unit, and methods for fabricating and using the cellularized nephron unit. |
| US09657260B2 |
Method and system for continous monitoring of toxicity
Systems, kits and methods for non-invasive, long-term, real-time monitoring of one or more physiological parameters of a cell, including but not limited to oxygen uptake, are provided. |
| US09657257B2 |
Colorant neutralizer
A composition for a medium that can discharges organic unsaturated colorant molecules that may stain is described. The composition can quickly and effectively neutralize a discoloration that results from, in particular, blood or blood-based, ink, or grease stains. The composition can remove the stain within, typically about 20-30 minutes, and can achieve color contrast of a ΔE value of about 15-20 or greater. The composition can be adapted for different uses and embodied in various cleaning, stain-fighting, cosmetic, personal hygiene, or medical products. |
| US09657251B1 |
Friction and wear modifiers using solvent partitioning of hydrophilic surface-interactive chemicals contained in boundary layer-targeted emulsions
A wear and/or friction reducing additive for a lubricating fluid in which the additive is a combination of a moderately hydrophilic single-phase compound and an anti-wear and/or anti-friction aqueous salt solution. The aqueous salt solution produces a coating on boundary layer surfaces. The lubricating fluid can be an emulsion-free hydrophobic oil, hydraulic fluid, antifreeze, water, or a water-based lubricant. Preferably, the moderately hydrophilic single-phase compound is sulfonated castor oil and the aqueous salt solution additionally contains boric acid and zinc oxide. The emulsions produced by the aqueous salt solutions, the moderately hydrophilic single-phase compounds, or the combination thereof provide targeted boundary layer organizers that significantly enhance the anti-wear and/or anti-friction properties of the base lubricant by decreasing wear and/or friction of sliding and/or rolling surfaces at boundary layers. |
| US09657250B2 |
Modified alkyl-phenol-aldehyde resins, use thereof as additives for improving the properties of liquid hydrocarbon fuels in cold conditions
Modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins include one or more alkylamines, having preferably at least one primary amine type group as well as their use for improving the flow properties of motor fuels and hydrocarbon fuels, such as in particular jet fuel, gas oil, fuel oil domestic, heavy fuel oil. |
| US09657249B2 |
Device and methods for discharging pretreated biomass from higher to lower pressure regions
Provided are devices and methods for discharging pretreated biomass from a pressurized reactor. Pretreated, hot biomass is added under high pressure at the top of a discharge vessel, which is partially filled with water or aqueous solution. The vessel comprises water jets situated on its sides through which water or aqueous solution is injected in order to establish a strong turbulence in the lower part of the vessel. This turbulence, preferably a vortex turbulence or “hydrocyclone,” blends biomass and water and disintegrates any clumped material prior to its ejection at high speed as a slurry through an orifice or valve at the bottom of the vessel. A stable temperature stratification is established within the discharge vessel, whereby hot water remains at the top of the vessel, reducing heat and steam loss from the pretreatment reactor. |
| US09657248B1 |
Systems, devices, compositions, and/or methods for de-sulphurizing acid gases
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, reacting reactants comprising a ferric/ferrous chelate and a sour gas stream. |
| US09657246B2 |
Process for natural gas liquefaction
A natural gas liquefaction process suited for offshore liquefaction of natural gas produced in association with oil production is described. |
| US09657243B2 |
Process and a reaction apparatus for the gasification of wet biomass
A process for the gasification of wet biomass. The process comprises heating wet biomass at a pressure in the range of from 22.1 MPa to 35 MPa. The wet biomass is heated from a temperature of at most T1 to a temperature of at least T2 by heat exchange with a first heating fluid. The gasification product is further heated. The further heated gasification product is used as the first heating fluid, upon which the further heated gasification product is cooled down from a temperature of at least T3 to a temperature of at most T4. The temperatures T1, T2, T3 and T4 can be calculated by using certain mathematical formulae. Also claimed: a reaction apparatus for the gasification of wet biomass. |
| US09657242B2 |
Quench chamber with integrated scrubber system
The present application provides a gasifier for creating a flow of a syngas. The gasifier may include a reaction chamber and a quench chamber. The quench chamber may include a number of integrated scrubber trays therein such that the syngas first enters a quench pool via a dip tube and then passes through the scrubber trays before leaving the quench chamber. |
| US09657238B2 |
Process for producing aromatics from wide-boiling temperature hydrocarbon feedstocks
The present invention relates to methods and systems useful for producing aromatics-rich products from liquid hydrocarbon condensates. The production system includes a hydroprocessing reactor, an aromatization reactor system and a hydrogen extraction unit. The methods for producing the aromatics-rich products include introducing a wide boiling range condensate into the hydroprocessing reactor and operating the aromatics production system such that the hydroprocessing reactor forms a naphtha boiling temperature range liquid product. The liquid hydrocarbons produced in accordance with the present invention may optionally be further processed using a hydrogen extraction unit to produce a high-purity hydrogen fraction. |
| US09657235B2 |
Reforming process with optimized distribution of the catalyst
The invention relates to a process for catalytic reforming of a naphtha hydrocarbon feedstock using a number of reaction zones in series, wherein the reaction zones contain a reforming catalyst bed. The process comprises comprising the following stages: sending hydrocarbon feedstock that is heated with hydrogen through the reaction zones to convert paraffinic and naphthenic compounds into aromatic compounds, with the effluent that is produced by each reaction zone, except for the last reaction zone, being heated before its introduction into the following reaction zone; drawing off a reformate from the last reaction zone. |
| US09657228B2 |
Performance boosting UV-absorbing compounds
UV-absorbing compounds are disclosed that are derived from at least: (a) a UV absorber having at least one hydroxyl group, primary amine group, or secondary amine group, (b) a coupling agent having anhydride functionality, and (c) a graft host comprising an unsaturated fatty acid. These compounds absorb, scatter, deflect, or scatter ultraviolet radiation in a variety of personal care and performance chemical applications. R″ and R′″ are alkyl or alkenyl groups that naturally occur in oil. |
| US09657225B2 |
Multicolor tunable nanophosphor and its synthesis method and transparent polymer composite including the nanophosphor
The present invention relates to a nanophosphor which may be used as a wavelength conversion part of a solar cell, a fluorescent contrast agent, and a light emitting part of a display device, and a synthesis method thereof. The nanophosphor of the present invention is excited by ultraviolet light to exhibit strong green light emission, and has multicolor light emission characteristics capable of controlling a color such as green, yellowish green, yellow, and orange color by only adjusting the amount of a doping agent. |
| US09657224B2 |
Fluorescent-material-containing resin sheet and light-emitting device
The present invention pertains to a fluorescent-material-containing resin sheet to be used as a light-emitting element. The present invention addresses the problem of obtaining a fluorescent-material-containing resin sheet which exhibits excellent formability, favorable light resistance, and favorable heat resistance, and when used as a light-emitting element, has high brightness and low variation in light emission between chips. As a means of solving this problem, this fluorescent-material-containing resin sheet contains a fluorescent material, a resin, and metal oxide particles (I) having an average particle diameter of 10-200 nm, wherein the amount of the fluorescent material contained therein is 250-1000 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the resin. Preferably, this sheet also contains metal oxide particles (II) having an average particle diameter of 300-1000 nm, and as a separate embodiment, preferably contains silicone fine particles. |
| US09657223B2 |
Method of stabilizing alpha-sialon phosphor raw powder, alpha-sialon phosphor composition obtained therefrom, and method of manufacturing alpha-sialon phosphor
Disclosed herein is a method of stabilizing alpha-sialon phosphor, including the steps of: mixing raw powder including Si3N4, AlN, a rare-earth metal oxide and calcium nitride (Ca3N2) as a calcium source; heat-treating the raw powder to convert the calcium source into Ca—Al—Si—N based compound comprising CaAlSiN3 or CaAl2Si4N8; and sintering the heat-treated raw powder thereby forming alpha-sialon phosphor. This method is advantageous in that a reliable alpha-sialon phosphor having high photoluminescence intensity can be manufactured regardless of weather, season, environment and the like. |
| US09657221B2 |
Wavelength conversion member and light-emitting device
Disclosed is a wavelength conversion member which is a resin-molded article having dispersed therein a complex fluoride fluorophore that absorbs light with a blue wavelength component and emits light including a red wavelength component and that is represented by A2(M1−xMnx)F6 (in the formula: M is at least one type of tetravalent element selected from Si, Ti, Zr, Hf, Ge, and Sn; A is at least one type of alkali metal selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs and including at least Na and/or K; and x is from 0.001 to 0.3), wherein the hue of the wavelength conversion member when light is not emitted is as follows in CIELAB (CIE 1976): L*=from 40 to 60 inclusive; a*=from 0 to +1 inclusive; and b*=from +2 to +15 inclusive. |