最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US09672011B2 System and method for composing a telecommunication application by orchestrating application components
In accordance with various embodiments, systems and methods are provided which facilitate composing a telecommunication application by orchestrating application components. Embodiments of the invention enhance the use of simplified programming constructs for user activities in a telecommunications network providing an invocation manager which invokes event functions in an order identified by an orchestrator. The orchestrator holds all specified event functions each with trigger chance and priority value. The event functions can be defined in Communication Beans with annotations and may be updated and selected by an XML file.
US09672009B2 Method and system of improved galois multiplication
Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for performing Galois multiplication using an enhanced Galois table. Galois multiplication may include converting a first and second multiplicand to exponential forms using a Galois table, adding the exponential forms of the first and second multiplicands, and converting the added exponential forms of the first and second multiplicands to a decimal equivalent binary form using the Galois table to decimal equivalent binary result of the Galois multiplication.
US09672008B2 Pausible bisynchronous FIFO
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for a pausible bisynchronous FIFO. Data is written synchronously with a first clock signal of a first clock domain to an entry of a dual-port memory array and an increment signal is generated in the first clock domain. The increment signal is determined to transition near an edge of a second dock signal, where the second clock signal is a pausible clock signal. A next edge of the second clock signal of the second clock domain is delayed and the increment signal to the second clock domain and is transmitted.
US09672000B2 Method and apparatus for generating an audio notification file
A method and apparatus for generating an audio notification file for a computing device are provided. A first audio file associated with a first mental state is selected as a first section of the audio notification file. The audio notification file enabled for storage in a memory. The audio notification file is further enabled for processing by a processing unit to control a speaker. A final state of the audio notification file is determined, the final state designated as a final section of the audio notification file, the final state associated with a second mental state. At least one intermediate section of the audio notification file is generated, between the first section and the second section, by morphing the first audio file to the final state by processing the first audio file using a digital signal processor.
US09671999B2 Methods and apparatus for improving understandability of audio corresponding to dictation
According to some aspects, a method for improving understandability of audio corresponding to dictation to assist a transcriptionist in transcribing the dictation is provided. The method comprises presenting a user interface to the transcriptionist, the user interface including at least one control that can be selectively set to one of a plurality of settings, receiving a selection of one of the plurality of settings via the at least one control, and compressing a dynamic range of at least a portion of the audio using at least one parameter value associated with the selected setting.
US09671997B2 Zone grouping
An example method involves causing a control device to display a graphical user interface that comprises an indication of a first zone of a media playback system, wherein the media playback system comprises the first zone and a second zone, and wherein the graphical user interface does not comprise an indication of the second zone. The example method further involves detecting, by the control device, an input that indicates a command to cause the first zone to form a zone group with the second zone and play back a target media in synchrony with the second zone. The method further comprises, based on the detected input, causing the first zone to form a zone group with the second zone and play back the target media in synchrony with the second zone.
US09671995B2 NFC-enabled digital apparatus and method of NFC-based information transmission
An NFC-enabled digital apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a touch screen display and a near field communication (NFC) module comprising an NFC antenna and an NFC controller. In response to tagging between the NFC-enabled digital apparatus and the external NFC terminal, an NFC communication channel is established between the NFC enabled-digital apparatus and the external NFC terminal for data communication therebetween.
US09671989B2 Print workflow management
A method for managing print workflow performed by a physical computing system includes, with an add-on application executed by the physical computing system, interfacing with a printing-capable application executed by the physical computing system; with the add-on application, interfacing with hardware components of a printing device; and with the add-on application, providing additional printing related functionality to the printing-capable application.
US09671987B2 Compatibility of configuration between variable and fixed print job data
A printing processor receives print job instructions to combine variable printing information and fixed data to build a print job to be printed using a printing engine. The variable printing information is unrasterized-type data. The printing processor evaluates the print job instructions to determine whether the configuration of the variable printing information is compatible with configurations of different fixed data forms (the fixed data forms are rasterized-type data). The graphic user interface displays menu selections of only the fixed data forms determined to be compatible with the configuration of the variable printing information.
US09671982B2 Method of performing cloud printing and mobile device, image forming apparatus, and cloud printing system for performing using the same
A method of performing cloud printing is provided. The method may include generating a virtual apparatus corresponding to an image forming apparatus in a mobile device, receiving, by the mobile device, a job request for the virtual apparatus, and when the mobile device is connected to the image forming apparatus, transmitting the received job request to the image forming apparatus.
US09671977B2 Handling data block migration to efficiently utilize higher performance tiers in a multi-tier storage environment
In one embodiment, a method for managing data includes receiving migration information that describes movement of data stored to a direct access storage device (DASD) during a data migration operation that causes at least one portion of the data to be moved from a first location in a first tier of a multi-tier file system to a second location in a second tier of the multi-tier file system, determining whether to swap data usage statistics for the second location with data usage statistics for the first location, and swapping the data usage statistics for the second location with the data usage statistics for the first location when the determination is to swap the data usage statistics. Other systems, methods, and computer program products for managing data in a multi-tier file system are described according to more embodiments.
US09671971B2 Managing prior versions of data for logical addresses in a storage device
Provided are a method, system, and computer readable storage medium for managing access to a storage device. A logical-to-physical mapping indicates for each logical address a physical address in the storage device having current data for the logical address and version information indicating whether there is a prior version of data for the logical address. In response to the logical-to-physical mapping indicating that there is no prior version of the data for a target logical address of a write, including information on the target physical address and the physical address indicated in the logical-to-physical mapping in checkpoint information. The version information for the target logical address is updated to indicate that there is a prior version of data. Data for the write is written to a target physical address. The logical-to-physical mapping for the target logical address is updated to indicate the target physical address.
US09671967B2 Method and system for implementing a distributed operations log
Disclosed is an improved approach for implementing a storage system having an operation log where data writes are initially performed to a fast operation log, rather than to its permanent storage location. A distributed operation log can be employed to replicate the data to multiple locations in the storage system.
US09671966B2 Management computer and computer system
The management computer includes a memory and a processor. The processor recognizes a state of a storage system that provides a first volume as a logical volume that stores a first image of an object. The processor generates a second volume as a virtual logical volume that stores a second image of the object. The processor selects, based on the state, one generation processing from a plurality of generation processing including: first generation processing of associating the second volume with the first image and differential data from the first image to provide the second volume; and second generation processing of generating the second volume as a logical volume and copying the first image to the second volume to provide the second volume. The processor transmits an instruction to execute the selected generation processing to the storage system.
US09671965B2 Data protection with multiple site replication
Systems and methods for replicating data from a first site to a second site remote from said first site are described. An embodiment includes storing compressed data on a hard disk appliance, reading said data without decompressing said data, sending said data over a wide-area-network (WAN) in a compressed state, and storing said data on a second hard disk appliance remote from said first hard disk appliance in its compressed state without performing an additional compression operation.
US09671964B2 Method of securely erasing a non-volatile semiconductor mass memory, computer system, and computer program product
A method of securely erasing a non-volatile semiconductor mass memory has a plurality of physical memory units assigned either to a first memory area which can be addressed via an interface of the semiconductor mass memory or to a second memory area which cannot be addressed via the interface, and a controller that changes assignment of the memory units to the first memory area and to the second memory area according to an algorithm that produces wear leveling upon receiving a command to overwrite memory units assigned to the first memory area via the interface.
US09671963B2 Data storage device
The object of the invention is to provide a data storage device which is extremely effective, scalable, and with fast access to the data. At least two front components (1-1′) participate therein, wherebetween a plurality of nodes (2-2′-2″ . . . 2n) are connected in parallel by means of an Infiniband (IB) network (3), so that each front component incorporates a series of internal (4) being and external (5) channels, with the internal channels responsible for providing access to the nodes (2-2′-2″ . . . 2n), which will all of them be of Infiniband (IB)-type at different speeds 40/56/100 Gbits/s, and the external channels (5) provide the connectivity with the clients may be materialized in Ethernet channels at different speeds 1/10/40 Gbits/s, Fiber Channel (FC) channels or Infiniband channels at different speeds 40/56/100 Gbits/s. The nodes (2) are materialized in a grouping of data storage disks (6) interconnected by an Infiniband (IB)-type network.
US09671958B2 Data set management
A method of and system for managing a data set stored on units of storage space in a storage facility is disclosed. The method and system may include identifying prospect extents of the data set. The prospect extents may include a first prospect extent stored on a first unit of storage space and a second prospect extent stored on a second unit of storage space. The method and system may include congregating the first prospect extent and the second prospect extent on a destination unit of storage space in the storage facility.
US09671957B2 Preserving data availability and I/O performance when creating virtual raid volumes
A method for preserving data availability and I/O performance when creating a virtual RAID volume includes exposing a set of backend virtual volumes. The backend virtual volumes are implemented on a set of physical storage devices (e.g., physical disks or solid state drives) residing on a storage system. The method further enables selection of the set of backend virtual volumes to create a virtual RAID volume having a selected RAID level. The method further provides verification that the backend virtual volumes will be implemented on the physical storage devices in a way that preserves the data availability and I/O performance associated with the selected RAID level.
US09671956B2 Presenting search term suggestions on graphical user interfaces
A method, system, and computer program product for presenting search term suggestions on a graphical user interface (GUI) are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A first keyword is extracted from a first suggested search term, the first suggested search term being a member of a subset of a set of suggested search terms. On the GUI a first graphical artifact is identified, wherein the first graphical artifact relates to the first keyword. The first graphical artifact is modified such that a modified first graphical artifact presents a default function of the first graphical artifact, and a first function of the modified first graphical artifact on the GUI. The modified first graphical artifact is presented on the GUI to receive one of a default input and a first input.
US09671955B2 Virtual smart phone
In embodiments of the present invention, a virtual phone is provided which includes a touch screen mounted on an enclosure that includes a processor, memory, wireless communication port, and a power port. The virtual phone further includes a software application executing on the processor to control image display on the touch screen and emulate features of a handheld device presented in the image in response to a user touching a presented feature. The virtual phone further includes a configuration of a user-specific handheld device that is derived from the user-specific handheld device is stored in a memory that is accessible to the processor; wherein the virtual phone presents a visual representation of the user-specific handheld device on the touch screen based on the configuration.
US09671953B2 Systems and methods using drawings which incorporate biometric data as security information
Systems and methods using drawings as security information are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing device may include a touchscreen display configured to receive information for drawing a security picture. Further, the computing device may include a security manager configured to determine one or more characteristics associated with input of the gesture information. The security manager may also be configured to authenticate a user based on the drawn security picture and the one or more characteristics associated with input of the gesture information.
US09671952B2 Function execution program, terminal device, function execution method, recording medium and information processing system
There are provided a function execution program, a terminal device, a function execution method, a recording medium and an information processing system capable of providing a more convenient touch panel operation method to a user. A computer is caused to function as a time measure means that detects a contact on an input means integral with a display means and measures contact duration at the contact point, a distance measure means that detects a continuous movement of the contact point and measures a moving distance, and an execution means that when the contact duration is a predetermined time or more and the moving distance is a predetermined distance or more, executes a preset function.
US09671950B2 Sample data computation for rendering of graph elements
In a method of computing sample data to render a graph element, first sample data is computed to render a first graph element type. A second indicator is received that indicates a second graph element type to present overlaid with the first graph element type. Second sample data is computed to render the second graph element type. Third sample data is computed to render a second instance of the first graph element type. The second instance of the first graph element type is rendered overlaid with the second graph element type using the computed second and third sample data. A first number of points computed for the second sample data is the same as a second number of points computed for the third sample data. A common axis is used, and the first number of points is determined based on a data type of the common axis.
US09671946B2 Changing settings for multiple display attributes using the same gesture
Content is displayed on a touchscreen display of a computing system such as an electronic book reader. The content is displayed according to a setting for a first attribute (e.g., level of brightness) and a setting for a second attribute (e.g., day mode or night mode). In response to sensing a motion proximate to the touchscreen, the setting for the first attribute is changed to a different value. In response to a value for the setting for the first attribute crossing a threshold value (e.g., while the motion is being performed), the setting for the second attribute is changed.
US09671941B1 Graphical behaviors for recognition interfaces
A computing device can utilize a recognition mode wherein an interface utilizes graphical elements, such as virtual fireflies, to indicate recognized or identified objects. Fireflies can be displayed near an input element to indicate that a recognition mode is available. When a user selects the input element, the fireflies can appear to emanate from the input element and disperse across the display screen. As objects are recognized, fireflies can create bounding boxes around those objects, or otherwise appear proximate those objects, to indicate recognition. The fireflies can again disperse as the objects fall out of view, and can begin moving towards new objects as features of those objects are identified as potential object features. A subsequent selection of the input element to exit recognition mode can cause the fireflies to appear to retreat to their original location in, or near, the input element.
US09671939B2 Systems and methods for automatic generation and consumption of hypermeetings
Provided a computer-implemented method for a meeting playback, the method being performed in connection with a computerized system incorporating a central processing unit, a display device and a memory, the computer-implemented method involving: generating a first user interface portion on the display device, the first user interface portion for displaying a first meeting; generating a second user interface portion on the display device, the second user interface portion for displaying a second meeting, wherein the first meeting is prior to the second meeting and wherein the first meeting and second meeting are linked together using at least one link; performing a playback of the second meeting in the second user interface portion; and during the playback of the second meeting, using the at least one link to perform a playback of at least a portion of the first meeting.
US09671938B2 Navigating visual data associated with a point of interest
Systems and methods for navigating an imagery graph are provided. In some aspects, a first image is provided for display, where the first image corresponds to a first image node within an imagery graph, where the imagery graph comprises image nodes corresponding to images from a plurality of different imagery types, and where each image node in the imagery graph is associated with geospatial data. An indication of a selection of a predetermined region within the first image is received, where the predetermined region is associated with a position in the first image that corresponds to geospatial data associated a second image node within the imagery graph. A second image corresponding to the second image node is provided for display in response to the indication of the selection of the predetermined region.
US09671936B2 System and methods for interacting with a control environment
A system and methods for facilitation of user interactions with an electronic device. A number of user interface methods are described and may be used alone or in combination with one another to present an enhanced interface to a user. A method of providing user interaction using a compact status indicator is described. A method for providing a virtual scroll wheel to a user for interaction with content sets is described. A method for allowing a user to dynamically modify a scalable user interface is described. A method for providing gesture based input to a user via a virtual gesture pad is described. A method of providing an interactive graphic search query interface is described. A method for indicating and selecting available content type is described.
US09671933B2 Providing electronic distribution of filtered calendars
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing electronic distribution of filtered calendars. The disclosed systems and methods may include receiving control data. The control data may be configured to indicate a portion of master calendar data a user designates to transmit. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include filtering the master calendar data based on the control data to create filtered calendar data and transmitting the filtered calendar data.
US09671930B2 Cross-application information display device, information display method for harmonizing display positions of menu items
An information display device is provided. The information display device includes a controller for being able to execute a plurality of applications, a user interface for allowing a user to instruct the controller, and a display unit for simultaneously displaying an application selection menu item for allowing the user to select one of the applications and a common menu item that is used in common between different applications, and an information image created by execution of the selected application. The display unit is configured to display the information image, the application selection menu item, and the common menu item at substantially the same positions on a display screen of the display unit, regardless of which application is selected.
US09671921B2 Utility object for specialized data entry
An object is associated with one or more controls in a software application. An object associated with a control determines the operation of the data entry user interface when the data entry user interface is being employed to enter data into the control. More particularly, the object may communicate interface e characteristics to a component that is responsible for providing the user interface to the user. Such a component may be, for example, a shared software module that renders the user interface on a display, receives input data from the user through the user interface, and routes the entered data to a designated destination. Alternately, the object itself may create a user interface having the specified characteristics.
US09671919B2 Display device
A display device includes: a plurality of pixel electrodes each of which is provided in each of a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in a display region; a driving electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of pixel electrodes when seen in a plan view; a plurality of detecting electrodes provided so as to overlap the driving electrode when seen in a plan view; and a dummy electrode provided apart from the detecting electrodes. The detecting electrodes and the dummy electrode include a metal layer or an alloy layer. A ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality sub-pixels which overlap any of the detecting electrodes and the dummy electrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of the plurality of sub-pixels is 1 to 22%.
US09671913B2 Capacitive display device
A device is described. In an example, a device comprises a capacitance sensor layer and a conductive grounded layer. The conductive grounded layer is placed under the capacitance sensor layer in a direction opposite to a targeted sensing direction of the device. The distance between the capacitance sensor layer and the conductive grounded layer is configured to remain within a threshold over a range of deformation. In other examples, a method for manufacturing a device and a module are discussed along with the features of the device.
US09671911B2 Touch input control method and device
A method for use in a device having a touch screen, includes: identifying touch information at a fringe area of the touch screen as fringe touch information; determining, according to a touch shape corresponding to the fringe touch information, whether the fringe touch information includes palm touch information generated from a palm touch by any part of a user's palm; and blocking the palm touch information if it is determined that the fringe touch information includes the palm touch information.
US09671901B2 Electrode sheet for capacitance-type touch panel
A first electrode pattern 25a and a second electrode pattern 25b, each composed of an opaque conductive fine line and a blank part 17 partitioned by the conductive fine line, have line segments 16a of the conductive fine lines 16, that face each other across a substrate 12, and the conductive fine line 16 in one of the first electrode pattern 25a and the second electrode pattern 25b is formed narrower in line width than that in the other of the first electrode pattern 25a and the second electrode pattern 25b only at the facing line segment 16a, thereby designed to have a non-uniform width.
US09671899B2 Display device and method of driving the same
In touch panel display device, a first touch electrode group has a first plurality of touch electrodes and a second touch electrode group has a second plurality of touch electrodes. A first current supplier circuit supplies a first current during a first current supply period to the first touch electrode group, and the second current supplier circuit supplies a second current during a second current supply period to the second touch electrode group. The sensing signal receiver circuit holds a first touch voltage for the first touch electrode group following the first current supply period, and holds the second touch voltage for the second touch electrode group following the second current supply period. The sensing signal receiver determines based on the first held touch voltage and the second held touch voltage, whether a touch occurred in each of the first touch electrode group and the second touch electrode group.
US09671898B2 Input device with force sensing
Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.
US09671894B2 Glove detection/adjustment of sensitivity for capacitive sensing button and slider elements
An input device for a control system of a vehicle includes at least one capacitive-sensing button, an actuation detection electrical circuit, a proximity sensor, a proximity temperature sensor, and a processor. In use, the capacitive-sensing button receives an actuation from a user. The actuation alters a capacitance value of the button. The detection electrical circuit comprises a threshold value and it outputs a button actuation signal when the capacitance value exceeds the threshold value. The proximity sensor generates a proximity signal when an object is provided near the capacitive-sensing button. The proximity temperature sensor provides a temperature measurement of the nearby area. The processor adjusts the threshold value to an adjustment value that is derived from the comparison signal.
US09671888B2 Display device having touch sensor and driving method thereof
A method for driving a display device including a display panel including a first and a second display area each of which is divided into a plurality of display blocks and n touch blocks comprises a first and a second step. The first step drives the respective display blocks of the first display area sequentially, drives at least one touch block after driving the display blocks, and generates a first touch report after driving all of the n touch blocks. The second step drives the respective display blocks of the second display area sequentially, drives at least one touch block after driving the display blocks, and generates a second touch report after driving the n touch blocks again. The first and the second step are processed within one frame period, and the one frame period includes a vertical blanking interval void of input image data.
US09671887B2 Sensor-equipped display device
According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device includes a display panel, a first driver, and a second driver. The display panel includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a detection electrode. The first driver delivers a common driving signal to the first electrode and the second electrode at a time of display driving, and selectively writes a write signal to one of the first electrode and the second electrode at a time of sensing driving. The second driver reads, from the detection electrode, a read signal indicative of a variation of a sensor signal occurring between the one of the first electrode and the second electrode, on one hand, and the detection electrode, on the other hand, at the time of the sensing driving.
US09671886B2 Touch-sensitive display device
Disclosed herein is a touch-sensitive display device comprising: a first set of metal electrodes including a first metal electrode; a second set of metal electrodes including a second metal electrode and a third metal electrode, the first metal electrode located between the second metal electrode and the third metal electrode such that the second metal electrode is physically separated from the third metal electrode; a first set of touch electrodes including a first touch electrode that is connected to the first metal electrode; a second set of touch electrodes including a second touch electrode and a third touch electrode, the second touch electrode connected to the second metal electrode and the third touch electrode connected to the third metal electrode; an insulation film having a plurality of contact holes; and a connection electrode electrically connecting the second metal electrode to the third metal electrode through the plurality of contact holes.
US09671879B2 Search controller and search manipulation system
A controller is applied to a search manipulation system that allows a user to manipulate a dial and thereby specify a search direction and a search speed when sequentially searching several display objects for a targeted display object. The controller determines that a sudden reverse manipulation occurs when the dial is reversely manipulated to reverse the search direction at a reverse manipulation speed higher than or equal to a specified speed. When determining that the sudden reverse manipulation occurs, the controller performs a search at a search speed lower than a speed used for a search during which no sudden reverse manipulation occurs.
US09671874B2 Systems and methods for extensions to alternative control of touch-based devices
Systems and methods configured to facilitate multi-modal user inputs in lieu of physical input for a processing device configured to execute an application include obtaining non-physical input for processing device and the application, wherein the physical input comprises one or more of touch-based input and tilt input; processing the non-physical input to convert into appropriate physical input commands for the application; and providing the physical input commands to the processing device.
US09671872B2 Gesture recognition method, gesture recognition system, terminal device and wearable device
The present disclosure provides a gesture recognition method, a gesture recognition system, a terminal device and a wearable device. The gesture recognition method includes: collecting action information about a user; recognizing the action information; inquiring an action instruction corresponding to the recognized action information from a personal action database of the user, a correspondence between the action information about the user and the action instruction being stored in the personal action database of the user; and executing an operation corresponding to the inquired action instruction.
US09671869B2 Systems and methods of direct pointing detection for interaction with a digital device
Systems and methods for recognizing an aimed point on a plane are provided. Images captured by one or more image sensor are processed for obtaining data obtaining data indicative of location of at least one pointing element in the viewing space and data indicative of at least one predefined user's body part in the viewing space; using the obtained data an aimed point on the plane is identified. In case it is determined that a predefined condition is met a predefined command and/or message is executed.
US09671866B2 System and method for providing complex haptic stimulation during input of control gestures, and relating to control of virtual equipment
A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user.
US09671865B2 Haptic feedback using composite piezoelectric actuator
A haptic tape includes a composite piezoelectric layer connected between a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The composite piezoelectric layer has a plurality of piezoelectric rods arranged in a polymer matrix. The haptic tape is configured to be used as a sealant.
US09671864B2 System and methods for providing information
Systems, methods and apparatus for presenting information using idle time slot. In an aspect, when a standby or idle device detects that a user gazes at it, it starts showing scheduled contents on its display automatically. In another aspect, when a standby or idle device detects that a user taps on it, it starts gaze sensing. If the user gazes at the device, it begins to show scheduled contents automatically. The contents may include advertisements.
US09671861B2 Electronic device for measuring angle of face and rotating screen thereof and method thereof
An electronic device is configured to measure an angle of a user's face and rotate a screen thereof. In a method, the electronic device verifies that a face of a user is included in photographed image information, recognizes the face of the user included in the image information, and rotates a screen of the electronic device according to an angle of the recognized face.
US09671856B2 Apparatus and method for activating and shutting down enhanced pipeline stages and enhanced modules based on priority and performance requirements
A pipeline-based processor and method. The method includes partitioning a particular pipeline into one or more base pipeline stages and a plurality of enhanced pipeline stages, each enhanced pipeline stage configured to be either a shutdown enhanced pipeline stage or an activated enhanced pipeline stage. Each enhanced pipeline stage has an enhanced stage priority level. The method also includes configuring each enhanced pipeline stage to be activated or shut down based at least on the enhanced stage priority level. The method additionally includes partitioning a particular pipeline stage into at least one base module and a plurality of enhanced modules, each enhanced pipeline stage configured to be either a shutdown enhanced pipeline stage or an activated enhanced pipeline stage. Each enhanced module has a particular priority level. The method further includes configuring each enhanced module to be activated or shut down based at least on the particular priority level.
US09671854B2 Controlling configurable peak performance limits of a processor
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having a plurality of cores each to execute instructions, a non-volatile storage to store maximum peak operating frequency values each a function of a given number of active cores, a configuration storage to store frequency limits each corresponding to one of the maximum peak operating frequency values or a configurable clip frequency value less than the maximum peak operating frequency value. In turn, a power controller is configured to limit operating frequency of the cores to a corresponding frequency limit obtained from the configuration storage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09671853B2 Processor operating by selecting smaller of requested frequency and an energy performance gain (EPG) frequency
In an embodiment, a processor includes at least one core and energy performance gain (EPG) logic to determine an EPG frequency based on a first value of an EPG. The EPG is based upon energy consumed by the processor and upon performance of the processor. The processor also includes a clock generator to generate a frequency of operation of the at least one core based on the EPG frequency. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09671852B2 Managing power consumption state of electronic devices responsive to predicting future demand
A system and process that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, transitioning a processor from a high-power consumption state to a low-power consumption state, wherefrom return to the high-power consumption state includes a boot process. Future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state is predicted, while the processor is in the low-power consumption state. The processor is transitioned from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state in response to predicting future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state. Such transition of the processor from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state sufficiently precedes actual demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state so as to avoid perceptible user delay. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09671850B2 Leakage current variability based power management
Technologies are generally described to provide a leakage current variability based power management of a processor. According to some examples, instruction counters and aggregated power consumption of the processor may be used to process power measurements of the processor into linear equations. The linear equations may be processed to produce a set of leakage values for the processor. In an example scenario, computation data from a power controller and processor instruction counters (PICs) of a core of the processor may be used to determine the leakage current variability of the core. A table of linear combination samples may be generated from the computation data. A micro-architectural leakage map of the core may be generated from the linear combination samples within the table.
US09671840B2 Multiple level computer system for temperature management for cooling fan control
In a method for designating cooling fan control management in a computing system, a processor causes one or more cooling fans to be managed by a first process, wherein the first process utilizes a first set of temperature sensors of a plurality of temperature sensors. A processor receives temperature data from a first set of temperature sensors. A processor determines a second process to manage the one or more cooling fans, based on the received temperature data from the first set of temperature sensors, wherein the second process utilizes a second set of temperature sensors of the plurality of temperature sensors.
US09671838B2 Composite chassis for lowering surface temperature
An IHS chassis defines an IHS housing that houses a plurality of IHS components. The IHS chassis includes an outer surface located opposite the IHS chassis from the IHS housing. A first layer of the IHS chassis provides the outer surface of the IHS chassis. The first layer includes a first layer oxidized surface located opposite the first layer from the outer surface of the chassis base. A second layer of the chassis base is located immediately adjacent the IHS housing. The second layer includes a carbide-based composite material that provides a thermal conductivity of less than 1 watt per meter-kelvin in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the IHS chassis, while providing a thermal conductivity of at least 100 W/mK in directions that are generally parallel to the outer surface of the IHS chassis.
US09671830B2 Electronic device having stand module
An electronic device including a main body and a stand module is provided. The stand module includes a supporting component and a sliding component. The supporting component is pivoted to the main body. The sliding component is slidably disposed to the main body and has an end. The sliding component is adapted to slide to a first position such that the end protrudes out of the main body. The end is adapted to receive an external force to move inside the main body, such that the sliding component slides to a second position and drives the supporting component to expand from the main body.
US09671828B2 Mobile terminal with dual touch sensors located on different sides of terminal body and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal includes a terminal body; a display located on a first side of the terminal body, the display including a plurality of areas; a first touch sensor located at the display; a second touch sensor located on a second side of the terminal body, the second side being an opposite side of the first side; and a controller configured to cause the display to display screen information in response to preset touches including a first touch applied to a first touch region of the first touch sensor and a second touch applied to a second touch region of the second touch sensor, wherein the screen information and an area of the display on which the screen information is displayed are determined based on which one of the plurality of areas the first touch region corresponds to.
US09671821B2 Synchronization apparatus and method between AVN system and digital clock of vehicle
A synchronization apparatus between an AVN system and a digital clock of a vehicle may include: a clock driving unit configured to transmit a clock information signal; a microcomputer configured to analyze the clock information signal when the clock information signal is received from the clock driving unit, update clock information according to the analysis result, and transmit the updated clock information to an external clock module; and the external clock module configured to display the clock information transmitted from the microcomputer.
US09671819B2 Digital filter with a pipeline structure, and a corresponding device
A digital filter with a pipeline structure includes processing structures timed by respective clock signals. Each processing structure in turn is formed by a number of processing modules for processing input samples. A phase generator aligns the processing modules with the input samples so that each input sample is processed by a respective one of the processing modules. An up-sampling buffer and a down-sampling buffer are used when the processing structures operate at different clock frequencies (thus implementing different clock domains) so as to convert signal samples between the clock domains for processing in the processing structures.
US09671818B2 Memory device
According to one embodiment, a memory controller sends a periodic control signal from a first terminal on a non-volatile memory side to the non-volatile memory, and the control signal includes a data strobe signal, a write enable signal, and a read enable signal.
US09671817B1 Accumulator-based phase memory
Embodiments relate to an accumulator-based phase memory. An aspect includes a phase correction calculator configured to, based on receipt of a new frequency tuning word on a frequency tuning word input, determine a phase difference between the new frequency tuning word and a current frequency tuning word, and determine a product of the phase difference and a value of a counter. Another aspect includes wherein the accumulator-based phase memory determines a phase offset value based on the product of the phase difference and the value of the counter. Another aspect includes the accumulator-based phase memory further comprising a waveform generator configured to generate a waveform based on the new frequency tuning word and the phase offset value.
US09671814B2 Lever device
A lever device in which a lid is mounted to an opening portion of a lever member without dropping down therefrom and with a good visual quality is disclosed. The lever device comprises a lever member swingably supported in a fixed system, an opening portion provided in the lever member to open in a radial direction, and a lid that is engaged to the opening portion to cover the opening portion therewith, wherein the lid is provided with a thin portion. Deflections are generated in such a manner as to concentrate on the thin portion of the lid.
US09671813B2 Trigger switch
A trigger switch has a case member, a cover member, and an operation member configured to be used to carry out an operation. The case member and the cover member are combined with each other to form a waterproof case. When the operation member is operated, the operation member is displaced inward of the waterproof case. An internal pressure of the waterproof case changes in accordance with displacement of the operation member. The case member has a case base that is made from an inelastic body. The case base does not deform in accordance with a change in internal pressure of the waterproof case. The case base has at least one hole part. The case member has at least one deformation section that seals the at least one hole part. The deformation section is made from an elastic body.
US09671812B2 Apparatus and methods for temperature compensation of variable capacitors
Apparatus and methods for temperature compensation of variable capacitors are provided herein. In certain configurations, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a variable capacitor array, an array biasing circuit that biases cells of the variable capacitor array to control the array's capacitance, and a bias voltage level control circuit that generates one or more temperature dependent bias voltages used by the array biasing circuit to bias the variable capacitor array's cells. The bias voltage level control circuit controls the one or more temperature dependent bias voltages to change with temperature so as to compensate the variable capacitor array for changes to capacitance arising from temperature variation.
US09671811B2 Low-power bandgap reference voltage generator using leakage current
A low-power bandgap reference voltage generator using a leakage current may include: a medium voltage generation unit configured to generate a medium voltage based on the absolute temperature, using a leakage current; a low power amplifier configured to amplify the medium voltage and outputting an operational amplification voltage; and a reference voltage output unit configured to output a reference voltage based on the operational amplification voltage at a target level.
US09671808B2 Circuit and method for controlling standyby power consumption
A circuit for controlling standby power consumption is disclosed. The circuit includes a main power supply, a transformer, a first switch transistor, a load, a low frequency divider circuit, and a signal generation unit. The transformer connects to one end of the signal generation unit and an input end of the low frequency divider circuit. The signal generation unit transmits the level signals to the low frequency divider circuit according to the operating mode and obtains the power supply voltage of the transformer. The second frequency of the low level signals is greater than the first frequency of the high level signals. The source of the first switch transistor connects to a load to obtain the frequency of the output signals to be operating frequency so as to control the turn-on duration of the transformer. So the power supply voltage in the standby mode and the power consumption are reduced.
US09671806B2 Method, a system, a server, a control element, a computer program and a computer program product for operating a power grid having decentralized control elements
An exemplary method and apparatus are provided for operating a power grid that has decentralized control elements. The decentralized control elements are adapted to interact with each other, in particular by communication. At least a part of the power grid, a control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular the communication between control elements, is monitored. When a problem in at least a part of the power grid, the control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular a communication breakdown, is detected, a control element affected by the problem is triggered to work autonomously.
US09671805B2 Linear voltage regulator utilizing a large range of bypass-capacitance
Amplifiers, notably multi-stage amplifiers, such as linear regulators (e.g. low-dropout regulators) configured to provide a constant output voltage subject to load transients are presented. An amplifier is described, which comprises a first amplification stage configured to provide an intermediate voltage, based on an outer feedback voltage and based on a reference voltage. Furthermore, the amplifier comprises an output stage configured to provide a load current at an output voltage based on the intermediate voltage. In addition, the amplifier comprises an outer feedback circuit configured to derive the outer feedback voltage from the output voltage. The output stage comprises a buffer configured to provide a drive voltage based on the intermediate voltage and based on an inner feedback voltage derived from the output voltage. The buffer comprises a pass device which is configured to provide the load current at the output voltage based on the drive voltage.
US09671804B2 Leakage reduction technique for low voltage LDOs
The present document relates to multi-stage amplifiers, such as linear regulators (e.g. low-dropout regulators). A method and a circuit for reducing leakage current of such multi-stage amplifiers is presented. A voltage regulator is described. The voltage regulator comprises a pass device configured to provide a load current at a regulated output voltage to an output node of the voltage regulator. A source of the pass device is coupled to a first potential of the voltage regulator. Furthermore, the voltage regulator comprises drive circuitry configured to control the pass device via a gate of the pass device, based on a reference voltage and based on a feedback voltage derived from the output voltage. In addition, the voltage regulator comprises leakage reduction circuitry configured to pull-up the gate of the pass device using a second potential; wherein the second potential is higher than the first potential.
US09671801B2 Apparatus and method for a voltage regulator with improved power supply reduction ratio (PSRR) with reduced parasitic capacitance on bias signal lines
An apparatus and method for a system with improved power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) over a wide frequency range. The improved PSRR is achieved by negating the influence of the parasitic capacitance associated with the bias lines and the introduction of a regulated power supply with embodiments associated with providing a ripple free and regulated supply. With reduction of parasitic capacitance, and providing an ENABLE switch by a pre-regulated supply, the degradation of the PSRR is achieved. The embodiments include both n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs implementations, and a positive and negative regulated power supply voltage. With the combined influence of the utilization of the VREG supply, and the lowering of battery-to-bias line capacitance using design layout and improved floor planning an improved PSRR over a wide frequency distribution is achieved.
US09671800B2 Bandgap circuit with temperature correction
A temperature corrected voltage bandgap circuit is provided. The circuit includes first and second diode connected transistors. A first switched compare circuit is coupled to the one transistor to inject or remove a first current into or from the transistor. The first current is selected to correct for curvature in the output voltage of the bandgap circuit at one of hotter or colder temperatures.
US09671793B2 Multi-phase metering of fluid flows
A multi-phase flow meter includes a flow conduit leading from an inlet to an outlet and including a variable inlet restriction, a variable outlet restriction, a pressure sensor and a volumetric flow meter, located between the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction. The flow meter further includes a controller adapted to receive data from the pressure sensor and the volumetric flow meter, and to adjust the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction in accordance with at least one program. The program causes the controller to adjust one of the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction.
US09671788B2 Vertical path control augmentation using lateral control surfaces
In one embodiment of a method for reducing vertical position errors of an aircraft, the displacement of the aircraft from a commanded vertical path may be determined. A determination may be made as to whether a magnitude of a vertical path error meets criteria. No more steps of the method may be followed if the vertical path error does not meet the criteria, while the vertical path error may be converted into a delta lift command if the vertical path error meets the criteria. The delta lift command may be limited. The delta lift command may be converted into lateral surface position commands for control surfaces. The lateral surface position commands may be communicated to lateral control surface actuators to move the control surfaces according to the lateral surface position commands.
US09671787B2 Method of dynamic control of a rotary- wing drone in throw start
A new method of dynamic control of a rotary-wing drone in throw start includes the steps of: a) initializing a predictive-filter altitude estimator; b) the user throwing the drone in the air with the motors turned off; c) detecting the free fall state; d) upon detecting the free fall state, fast start with turn-on of the motors, open-loop activation of the altitude control means, and closed-loop activation of the attitude control means; e) after a motor response time, stabilizing the drone by closed-loop activation of the altitude control means, and closed-loop activation of the attitude control means; f) detecting a stabilization state such that the total angular speed of the drone is lower than a predetermined threshold; and g) upon detecting the stabilization state, switching to a final state in which the drone is in a stable lift condition and pilotable by the user.
US09671786B2 Method and system for robot generation
A method is provided for the automatic generation of a robotic devices, where the method comprises the steps of receiving user input to determine a task specification for one or more tasks for the robotic device, determining a task list comprising one or more tasks based on the provided task specification, determining based on the task list provided, one or more mechanical components, one or more processing components, and logic components required to execute one or more tasks; and generating the logic components required to execute one or more tasks, and embedding the logic components onto a recordable medium associated with the robotic device.
US09671784B1 Detecting and responding to tailgaters
An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. A vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle responds to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. In this regard, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.
US09671782B2 Autonomous driving device
There is provided an autonomous driving device that improves the convenience for a driver in the switching between autonomous driving and manual driving. When the driver discovers an obstacle which cannot be detected by an autonomous driving device, and performs a driving operation which causes a manual driving switching threshold value to be exceeded for an operation time less than or equal to an operation threshold value so as to avoid the obstacle, a control unit of the autonomous driving device switches autonomous driving to manual driving, and then the control unit switches manual driving to autonomous driving even if the driver does not perform an autonomous driving switching operation. For this reason, it is possible to improve the convenience for the driver in the switching between autonomous driving and manual driving.
US09671781B1 Responsive navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle to a remedial facility
The present disclosure relates to a deployment system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In one aspect, an illustrative deployment system includes a communication system configured for receiving diagnostic data corresponding to an object included in a UAV, wherein the UAV has an expiration condition; and a logic module configured for (i) determining that the expiration condition has been satisfied based, at least in part, on the received diagnostic data, and (ii) responsive to determining that the expiration condition has been satisfied, initiating an action that includes sending to the UAV both (a) navigation data relating to a remedial facility, and (b) instructions to navigate to the remedial facility based, at least in part, on the navigation data.
US09671779B2 Method and system for filtering lot schedules using a previous schedule
Methods and systems are provided for filtering lot schedules of a manufacturing facility. A first schedule is identified, in which the first schedule is a previously executed schedule. A processing device generates a pool of lots to be scheduled using information from the first schedule, in which the pool of lots is a subset of a plurality of lots associated with the first schedule. The processing device generates a second schedule using the pool of lots.
US09671771B2 Timer module and method for checking an output signal
A method for checking an output signal of a timer module is provided, the timer module having at least one output module, at least one input module, and at least one logic module. The output signal to be checked is read in into the timer module via an input module in addition to its output via an output module, and in the input module, signal characteristics to be checked are determined for the output signal to be checked. Furthermore, the signal characteristics to be checked are read by the logic module from the input module and the signal characteristics to be checked are compared in the logic module to the predefined values for the signal characteristics.
US09671769B2 ECU monitoring system and monitoring method
An ECU monitoring system includes: an ECU that includes an input interface unit, a computer unit, and an output interface unit; a storage unit that stores a normal input signal and a normal output signal; a comparing unit that calculates a compared difference by comparing the current input signal with a previous input signal stored in the storage unit, and outputs an alarming signal showing the current input signal is abnormal, when the compared difference is out of a predetermined range; and a circulator that receives the output signal, provides the output signal when the output signal is a normal output signal, and provides a normal output signal to the output interface unit, instead of the output signal outputted from the computer in response to the abnormal input signal, when receiving the alarming signal from the comparing unit.
US09671764B2 Control system capable of periodically driving a corresponding device based on trigger policy and method thereof
The present invention is to provide a control system including a sensing device capable of periodically driving a corresponding operation device based on a trigger policy, wherein the sensing device and the operation device have the same trigger policy stored therein. The control system is characterized in that the trigger policy at least includes a trigger code, a time data (such as “after 15 minutes”) and an operation data (such as “turn on a lamp”). When the sensing device detects a sensing signal, the sensing device generates and transmits a trigger instruction to the operation device. When the operation device determines that a trigger code carried in the trigger instruction matches with a second identification code stored therein, the operation device calculates an expiration time of the time data based on the current time, and then executes an action corresponding to the operation data at the expiration time.
US09671762B2 Solar smart watch
A solar smart watch is provided. The solar smart watch includes: a case; a first display component, provided on a surface of the case, the first display component comprising at least a first touch sensing device and a first display device; two bands, respectively connected to opposite ends of the case, each of the two bands including a second display component, the second display component including at least a flexible second display device and a flexible second solar device, and the second solar device being laminated on an upper surface of the second display device; and a control module, connected to the first display device and the second display device.
US09671758B2 Quartz watch movement
A quartz watch movement includes a minute wheel connected to a handsetting wheel by an intermediate wheel, a shaft of a third wheel placed in a shaft hole in a main plate, elastic connection structures being rotated by a third-wheel shaft gear and a minute wheel piece gear which are engaged together and are arranged between a minute wheel tube and the minute wheel piece gear when a stem is pulled or the minute hand is adjusted through the handsetting wheel, the intermediate wheel and a minute wheel shaft gear, and a second-hand stop lever detachably connected to a second-hand stop electrode. The elastic connection structures are arranged between the minute wheel tube and the minute wheel piece gear, so that the quartz watch is accurate in travel time and has the function of efficiently adjusting the hour hand and the minute hand when omitting a handsetting middle wheel.
US09671757B1 Smartwatch assemblies having analog dials and related methods
A smartwatch assembly may include a dial portion having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and a circuit board having a plurality of LED modules disposed thereon. The plurality of LED modules may be oriented to emit light toward the plurality of apertures of the dial portion. The circuit board may include a control module configured to illuminate the plurality of LED modules in response to an alert and a communication module configured to interface with an electronic device wirelessly and to receive the alert. Methods of making a smartwatch assembly may include disposing a dial portion having a face plate and a plurality of hour-mark apertures extending through the face plate in a watch casing and disposing a circuit board having a plurality of LED modules disposed thereon in a watch casing, the plurality of LED modules corresponding to the plurality of hour-mark apertures.
US09671754B2 Barrel with substantially constant torque
A barrel for a timepiece. The barrel has a device for limiting the number of running rotations of the barrel, wherein this device still allows any number of winding rotations of the barrel.
US09671753B2 Image forming apparatus capable of cooling internal devices, cooling device for cooling internal devices of image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, a duct portion provided on a side surface of a partition wall member on a first space side includes first and second internal passages. The first internal passage allows air that has flowed in from a first air passage to flow and guides the air to a second air passage. The second internal passage allows air that has flowed in from a second air passage to flow and guides the air to a second space via a communication port formed in a partition wall member. A first blower provided in the first space sucks air from the first air passage and blows out the air to the first internal passage. A second blower provided in the second space sucks air from the second air passage and blows out the air to the second space through the second internal passage and the communication port.
US09671752B2 Optical writing device equipped with light emitting elements
An optical writing device adopting a low cost and simple structure can obtain temperatures of light emitting elements. The device comprises a plurality of light emitting elements arranged linearly in a main scanning direction. The amount of light emitting of the light emitting elements changes by self-generated heat. The light emitting elements are divided into a plurality of groups. Each of the groups includes a prescribed number of light emitting elements. The device comprises a control unit for calculating the amount of heat generation of the light emitting elements for each of groups from clock time t0 to clock time t0+Δt. The control unit calculates the temperature for each of the groups at the clock time t0+Δt, based on the amount of heat generation from the clock time t0 to the clock time t0+Δt and the temperature at the clock time t0.
US09671745B2 Image forming apparatus
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that includes a first opening/closing member arranged to be openable and closable with respect to a main body of the image forming apparatus, a second opening/closing member, a unit detachably attachable to the main body, and a crank mechanism configured to convert reciprocating motion caused by an opening and closing operation of the first opening/closing member into rotating motion of the second opening/closing member. A first distance from a moving area of the unit is configured to be greater than a second distance from the moving area to thereby suppress an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus.
US09671742B2 Process cartridge having a control mechanism for a driving mechanism
The invention relates to a process cartridge, which comprises a process cartridge housing, a photosensitive member, a driving force receiving opening, a retractable mechanism and a control mechanism, wherein the photosensitive member is arranged inside the process cartridge housing; the driving force receiving opening is connected with the photosensitive member and provides a driving force for the photosensitive member; the retractable mechanism allows the driving force receiving opening to extend or retract in the axial direction of the photosensitive member; and the control mechanism controls the extension and retraction of the retractable mechanism.
US09671739B2 Sheet-conveying device that conveys sheets, and image-forming apparatus using the same
A sheet-conveying device has a guide member that constitutes a sheet-conveying route, a plurality of rollers and a control portion that performs a sheet-position correction operation. The plurality of rollers is provided at plural portions of the guide member. Each roller projects from the guide member, contacts a sheet and rotates together with the conveyance of the sheet. The control portion searches the roller(s) 6 arranged at positions that may contact the end surface of the sheet along the width direction thereof in the register fluctuation operation to produce positional information of the roller(s) to be escaped. The control portion escapes the roller(s) specified by the positional information of the roller(s) to be escaped before a register fluctuation operation starts.
US09671738B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt arranged to have a surface thereof facing the photosensitive members, primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, a connector, a first feeding path extending in a range between the first feed roller and the secondary-transfer roller, and a second feeding path being formed in clearance between the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner container to convey a recording sheet being inserted through a sheet inlet and merging into the first feeding path in the vicinity of the first feed roller.
US09671737B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a casing, a conveyance unit, an intermediate roller unit, and a guide section. The intermediate roller unit includes an intermediate roller at a facing surface thereof that faces a sheet conveyance path. The conveyance unit includes a conveyance roller at a facing surface thereof that faces the sheet conveyance path. The guide section guides movement of the intermediate roller unit relative to the casing such that the conveyance roller pushes the intermediate roller in association with closing movement of the conveyance unit relative to the casing to close the intermediate roller unit relative to the casing.
US09671736B2 Unit moving apparatus and image forming apparatus
A unit moving apparatus includes a unit provided to a main body in such a manner so as to be attached to and pulled out from the main body, a main-body guide portion provided to the main body and configured to guide the unit while restricting rotation of the unit at a time of attaching and pulling out the unit, a pull-in unit configured to apply a pulling force to the unit to pull the unit into the main body, and a unit restriction portion configured to restrict rotation of the unit in such a manner that the units rotates within an angle smaller than an angle to which the main-body guide portion restricts the unit's rotation when a rotation moment is generated by the pulling force of the pull-in unit applied to the unit and a load applied to the unit in a direction opposite to an attachment direction.
US09671728B2 Image processing apparatus for forming and decoloring an image on a sheet
An image processing apparatus comprises an image decoloring unit, an image forming unit, a heater and a control unit. The image decoloring unit decolors an image formed on a sheet with a decolorable color material by heating the sheet. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet with a decolorable color material. The heater thermally fixes the image formed by the image forming unit on the sheet. The control unit carries out a control processing so that the formation of an image with a decolorable color material is different before and after a specified time elapses from the moment the image decoloring unit completes a decoloring processing.
US09671726B2 Fixing device
A fixing device for thermally fixing a developer image transferred onto a recording sheet, includes: a flexible fusing member which is flexibly deformable; a heating element; a nip member disposed in such a manner as to contact with a surface of the flexible fusing member and to allow the flexible fusing member to slide along the nip member; a reflecting plate configured to reflect radiant heat from the heating element in a direction toward the nip member; a backup member configured to nip the flexible fusing member with the nip member to thereby form a nip portion for the recording sheet between the flexible fusing member and the backup member; and a stay configured to support both end portions of the nip member. The reflecting plate has at least one flange portion, and the flange portion is held and supported between the nip member and the stay.
US09671724B2 Image forming apparatus
In a constitution of primary-transfer-high-voltage-less in which a power source dedicated to primary-transfer, in the case where voltage applications for determining primary-transfer and secondary-transfer voltages are carried out concurrently, there is a possibility of improper primary-transfer. The possibility is decreased by controlling a power source so that a voltage drop of a Zener diode maintains a Zener breakdown voltage.
US09671723B2 Image forming apparatus with cleaning blade and rubbing rotatable member
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; an intermediary transfer belt rotatable in a predetermined direction, a rubbing rotatable member provided between the secondary transfer portion and a cleaning blade with respect to the predetermined direction and configured to rub the belt; and a controller for controlling the belt such that after start of a both-side-printing mode operation in which the toner images are formed on respective sides of the recording material, the rotation of the belt is stopped at an end or interruption of the both-side-printing mode operation, and the belt is rotated in a direction opposite from the predetermined direction at least until a portion of the belt contacting the cleaning blade at the time of the stop of the rotation of the belt reaches a position opposing the rubbing rotatable member.
US09671720B2 Image forming apparatus with developing device for supplying toner
When an image forming apparatus detects that an amount of toner returns to a first reference amount or more without replacement of a container after determining that a toner low state has occurred, the image forming apparatus controls a container memory unit to store predetermined information. When performing toner supply, if the predetermined information is stored, the image forming apparatus performs at least one of a first process for changing a time ratio so that a rotation period ratio of a supply screw is increased and a second process for changing the first reference amount to be increased.
US09671719B2 Layer thickness restriction member, development device, process cartridge, and method for manufacturing layer thickness restriction member
A layer thickness restriction portion and a developer rectifying portion are formed integrally by injecting a resin material into a mold, in which a gate portion is offset to one side with respect to a center position of the layer thickness restriction portion, through the gate portion.
US09671717B2 Optical scanning device, image forming apparatus, aperture fixing method
An optical scanning device includes a scanning member, a plurality of light sources, a first reflection mirror, and a second reflection mirror. The scanning member scans incident laser beams in a predetermined main scanning direction. The plurality of light sources emit the laser beams from positions that are different along a sub scanning direction that is perpendicular to an optical axis direction of the laser beams and the main scanning direction. The first reflection mirror is inclined around the main scanning direction as a rotation axis, is inclined around the sub scanning direction as another rotation axis, and reflects the laser beams emitted from the light sources. The second reflection mirror is inclined around the main scanning direction as a rotation axis, is inclined around the sub scanning direction as another rotation axis, and reflects the laser beams reflected by the first reflection mirror toward the scanning member.
US09671715B2 Optical writing device and image forming device
An optical writing device performing optical writing onto a photoreceptor, including: a light-emitting unit including a plurality of light-emitting elements that form a plurality of element rows spaced from one another in a sub scanning direction, each of the light-emitting elements having a main scanning direction position differing from a main scanning direction position of any other one of the light-emitting elements; a plurality of signal output units, one for each element row, each outputting a light amount signal for each light-emitting element in a corresponding element row, each light amount signal indicating an amount of light to be emitted by a corresponding light-emitting element; and a plurality of drive units, one for each light-emitting element, each, when receiving a light amount signal for a corresponding light-emitting element, supplying a drive current in accordance with the light amount signal to the corresponding light-emitting element.
US09671712B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a power source applying voltage to a charging roller to charge a photosensitive drum; a toner-image forming unit forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum; a detecting member which detects a DC current to be flowed from the charging roller to the photosensitive drum; a driving source driving the photosensitive drum at a predetermined speed; and an execution unit executing a detection mode to detect the DC current with the detecting member when the voltage is applied in a state in which the photosensitive drum is rotated, in a period except a period during which the toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum, the execution unit setting a speed of the driving source when the detection mode is executed at a second speed faster than a first speed that is fastest in the period during which the toner image is formed.
US09671706B2 Electrophotographic photoconductor, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
An electrophotographic photoconductor including a support, an undercoat layer overlying the support, and a photosensitive layer overlying the undercoat layer is provided. The undercoat layer includes zinc oxide particles and a binder resin. The undercoat layer has a voltage (V)-current (I) characteristics such that, when S1 is a value obtained by integrating current (I [A]) in terms of voltage (V [V]) from 0 to a distribution voltage VUL [V] distributed to the undercoat layer, and S2 is a value obtained by integrating a line connecting two points at a voltage (V [V]) of 0 and the distribution voltage VUL [V] in terms of voltage (V [V]) from 0 to the distribution voltage VUL [V], S1 is within a range of from 1.0×10−4 to 1.0×10−2 and a ratio (S1/S2) of S1 to S2 is 0.50 or less.
US09671704B2 Vibration reduction apparatus, lithography apparatus and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a vibration reduction apparatus which reduces vibration of a first object supported on a base, the apparatus comprising a driving unit arranged between the base and the first object and configured to drive the first object, a reference system including a second object, and a control system including a detector configured to detect a relative distance between the first object and the second object, a compensator configured to control the driving unit such that the relative distance comes close to a target distance, and a high-pass filter configured to attenuate a signal in a predetermined frequency band in a path extending from the detector to the driving unit.
US09671703B2 Optical arrangement, EUV lithography apparatus and method for configuring an optical arrangement
The invention relates to an optical arrangement comprising: at least one optical element comprising an optical surface and a substrate, wherein the substrate is formed from a material whose temperature-dependent coefficient of thermal expansion at a zero crossing temperature ΔTZC=TZC−Tref related to a reference temperature Tref is equal to zero, wherein the optical surface has, during the operation of the optical arrangement, a location-dependent temperature distribution ΔT(x, y) that is dependent on a local irradiance (5a), is related to the reference temperature Tref and has an average temperature ΔTav, a minimum temperature ΔTmin and a maximum temperature ΔTmax, wherein the average temperature ΔTav is less than the average value 1/2 (ΔTmax+ΔTmin) formed from the minimum temperature ΔTmin and the maximum temperature ΔTmax, and wherein the zero crossing temperature ΔTZC is greater than the average temperature ΔTav.
US09671702B2 Positioning system, a lithographic apparatus and a method for positional control
A positioning system for controlling a relative position between a first component and a second component of a lithographic apparatus, wherein a position of each component is defined by a set of orthogonal coordinates, the positioning system including: a measuring device configured to determine an error in the momentary position of one of the components with respect to a setpoint position in a measurement coordinate; and a controller configured to control movement of the other component in a control coordinate based on the determined error; wherein the measurement coordinate is different from the control coordinate.
US09671698B2 Fuel stream generator, source collector apparatus and lithographic apparatus
A fuel stream generator comprising a nozzle connected to a fuel reservoir, wherein the nozzle is provided with a gas inlet configured to provide a sheath of gas around fuel flowing along the nozzle is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of generating fuel droplets and a lithography apparatus incorporating the fuel stream generator.
US09671686B2 Exposure methods using e-beams and methods of manufacturing masks and semiconductor devices therefrom
Disclosed are an exposure method and a method of manufacturing a mask and a semiconductor device using the same, which minimize time taken by mask data preparation (MDP) to optimize a total exposure process and enhance a quality of a pattern by using an inverse solution concept, based on a multi-beam mask writer. The exposure method includes receiving mask tape output (MTO) design data obtained through optical proximity correction (OPC), preparing mask data, including a job deck, for the MTO design data without a data format conversion, performing complex correction, including proximity effect correction (PEC) of an error caused by an e-beam proximity effect and mask process correction (MPC) of an error caused by an exposure process, on the mask data, generating pixel data, based on data for which the complex correction is performed, and performing e-beam writing on a substrate for a mask, based on the pixel data.
US09671682B2 Light source apparatus and projector using the same
An excitation light source is configured to emit excitation light. A fluorescent substance plate is configured to be excited by the excitation light and to emit fluorescent substance light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the excitation light. A condensing optical system is configured to condense the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source to an excitation light irradiation region that is smaller than the fluorescent substance plate, to apply the excitation light to the fluorescent substance plate, and to take in fluorescent substance emission light from the excitation light irradiation region. The excitation light is applied to the fluorescent substance plate such that the excitation light irradiation region is eccentric to the fluorescent substance plate.
US09671668B2 Color display device
The present invention is directed to a color display device in which each pixel can display at least six high-quality color states, and an electrophoretic fluid for such an electrophoretic display. The different types of particles exhibit different levels of attraction force to display different color states.
US09671661B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate on which a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines intersecting the gate lines are disposed, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates, a linear electrode on the first substrate, a surface electrode on the first substrate, an insulating layer interposed between the linear electrode and the surface electrode, a thin film transistor electrically connected to the gate and data lines and electrically connected to the linear electrode, a black matrix disposed on any one of the first and second substrates and overlapping the gate and data lines, and a voltage storage electrode extending from one end portion of the linear electrode into the black matrix and overlapping the thin film transistor.
US09671657B2 Electronic device and arrangement of components thereof
Provided is a mobile terminal including: an LCD module arranged under a window; an LCD circuit board arranged to one side of the LCD module to electrically control the LCD module; a printed circuit board formed apart from the LCD circuit board, positioned under the LCD module and the LCD circuit board, and electrically connected to the LCD circuit board; and a connector electrically connecting the LCD circuit board and the printed circuit board, in which multiple conductive pads arranged at a predetermined distance are formed on the LCD circuit board and the printed circuit board, respectively, conductive regions and non-conductive regions are formed on the connector alternately, and the conductive regions are connected to the conductive pads formed on the LCD circuit board and the printed circuit board, respectively.
US09671655B2 Array substrate, manufacture method thereof, and liquid crystal display device
An array substrate, a manufacture method thereof, and a liquid crystal display device (LCD) are provided. The array substrate includes a substrate; and a plurality of sub-pixel units disposed on the substrate. The sub-pixel unit comprises a thin film transistor (TFT), a pixel electrode, a common electrode and a passivation layer. The thin film transistor comprises an active layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The drain electrode is electrically connected with the pixel electrode. The passivation layer covers the source electrode, the drain electrode and the pixel electrode. The sub-pixel unit further includes a test electrode which is electrically connected with the pixel electrode and is exposed at an external surface of the sub-pixel unit. With the test electrode, electrical characteristics of the TFT can be tested conveniently, and the quality level of the LCD device can also be improved.
US09671651B2 Display panel and display device
A display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed separately; a sealant disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and at least one color resist layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein, the at least one color resist layer and the sealant are disposed in an alternate arrangement, and are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in order to support the first substrate and the second substrate. A display device is also disclosed. Through replacing the spacers in the sealant with the color resist layer to support the first substrate and the second substrate, a display uneven phenomenon near the sealant of a narrow frame display panel is solved. In addition, because the color resist layer replaces the spacer, the cost of the spacer is saved so as to reduce the design cost.
US09671649B2 Optical liquid-crystal phase modulator
A phase modulator for polarized light, comprising a first substrate with a first surface and a second substrate with a second surface, a liquid crystal layer between the two substrates and an electrode arrangement. The phase modulator is usable as a variable deflection grating, and liquid crystal materials which are currently conventional are usable for its production. A phase modulator has an out-of-plane angle of the liquid crystal molecules next to the two surfaces whose magnitude is greater than 0 but less than or equal to 45 degrees, and an electrode arrangement controllable such that an in-plane component of the liquid crystal molecule orientation is adjustable in an angle range of up to 180 degrees, and the rotation sense of the liquid crystal molecules next to the first surface is opposite to the rotation sense of the liquid crystal molecules next to the second surface.
US09671648B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a first alignment layer positioned in a first insulation substrate and a second alignment layer positioned in a second insulation substrate; and a liquid crystal layer positioned between the first insulation substrate and the second insulation substrate, in which the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer include an additive, and the additive is a mixture of two or more reactive mesogens selected from the group consisting of Chemical Formulas 1-1 to 1-15: In Chemical Formulas 1-4 to 1-15, X's are each independently H, CH3, (CH2)nCH3, F, Br, I, OH, C3H7, NH2, or CN, R's are each independently any one of and n is 1 to 20.
US09671646B1 Method for manufacturing eye-protecting liquid crystal display device
A method for manufacturing an eye-protecting liquid crystal display device is disclosed, in which an ultraviolet light emitting material and a ultraviolet absorbent are added in a first planarization layer of an array substrate and a second planarization layer of a color filter substrate. The ultraviolet absorbent absorbs short-wavelength blue light having a wavelength less than 400 nm and ultraviolet light emitting from a backlight module. The short-wavelength blue light and the ultraviolet light so absorbed excite the ultraviolet light emitting material to give off long-wavelength visible blue light having a wavelength greater than 400 nm. The first and second planarization layers are thus useful in converting ultraviolet light and short-wavelength blue light having a wavelength less than 400 nm, which could damage human eyes, into long-wavelength visible blue light having a wavelength greater than 400 nm that does not damage human eyes.
US09671641B2 Color filter substrate used in a display and its manufacturing method
A color filter substrate used in a display and the method thereby, and the photo mask of the color filter substrate are disclosed. The color filter substrate comprises a main body and a plurality color resist patterns on the main body. The adjacent color resist patterns partially overlap wherein in the overlapping region, the thickness of bottom color resist pattern is gradually thinning in its edge direction. Through the above way, the horn section in the overlapping region of the adjacent RGB color resist patterns of the color filter substrate is reduced. The performance of the liquid crystals is improved. Moreover, the OC flat layer does not need to be built on RGB the color resist pattern. The production cost of the liquid crystal display device is reduced and the productivity is improved.
US09671639B2 Liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch panel
The presence or absence of touch is detected according to a difference of a capacitance caused by the presence or absence of a material that blocks the electric field formed between the detection electrode and the common electrode. The common electrode includes a plurality of divided electrode portions that is extended in a lateral direction and aligned with each other in a longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of common lines is electrically connected to at least one of the divided electrode portions. The plurality of common lines is arranged in an area next to the common electrode in the lateral direction of the common electrode, arranged next to each other in a width direction orthogonal to a length thereof, is different in width from each other, and the width of the common lines is wider as the length is longer.
US09671636B2 Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a liquid crystal display. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display including a first substrate, a thin film transistor located on the first substrate, a pixel electrode located on the thin film transistor, a first roof layer that faces the pixel electrode and is formed of a first color filter layer, a capping layer located on the first roof layer; and a second roof layer that is located on the capping layer and is formed of a second color filter layer, in which a plurality of first microcavities is formed between the pixel electrode and the first roof layer, and the plurality of first microcavities forms a first liquid crystal layer that includes a liquid crystal molecule, and a plurality of second microcavities is formed between the second roof layer and a second substrate that is located on the second roof layer.
US09671635B2 Electro-optic display backplane structures with drive components and pixel electrodes on opposed surfaces
This invention relates to an electro-optic display having a backplane with a front surface and a reverse surface on opposed sides of the backplane, a front surface having a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix of columns and rows with column and row lines, a reverse surface having at least one driver chip, and conductive vias electrically connecting the column and row lines on the front surface to the driver chip on the reverse surface, such that the entire front surface area may be optically active.
US09671632B2 Display device
A display device includes: a display panel including a display area in which an image is displayed and a pad area in which an image is not displayed; an intermediate frame member on which the display panel is disposed; and an upper frame member which covers the pad area and is coupled to the intermediate frame member. The intermediate frame member may define: a first side wall portion thereof extended along a first side of the display panel; and a second side wall portion thereof extended along a second side of the display panel, the second sidewall portion connected to the first side wall portion in the pad area and a height of the second side wall portion being less than a height of the first side wall portion. The upper frame member which covers the pad area is coupled to the second side wall portion.
US09671630B2 Display device
Provided is a display device with a simplified configuration. The display device includes a display panel, a panel guide, a backlight unit, a front cover, and a back cover. The panel guide supports the display panel. The backlight unit emits light to the display panel. The front cover encloses an outer surface of the display panel. The backlight unit is stored in the back cover. The front cover includes a fixing portion formed thereon projecting toward the back cover, and the back cover includes a supporting portion projecting toward the backlight unit, to fix the front cover to the back cover.
US09671623B2 Foldable attachable front for eyeglasses
A removable attachment for eyeglasses. The attachment is held to the parent eyeglasses by magnets. The bridge of the attachment includes ball joints that allow the attachment to fold for storage while not in use, and also allow the lens units of the attachment to twist about a horizontal line with respect to the bridge thereby enabling the lens units to conform to misaligned parent lenses.
US09671620B2 Variable focus liquid filled lens apparatus
A variable focus optical apparatus including a rigid, curved, transparent optical component; two transparent, distensible membranes attached to a periphery of the rigid optical component to define two cavities, a first cavity between the rigid optical component and a first membrane and a second cavity between the first membrane and a second membrane; and a variable amount of fluid each of the cavities, and a reservoir containing additional fluid and in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the reservoir is configured to provide injection of fluid into the cavity or withdrawal of fluid out of the cavity in response to a force or an impulse.
US09671618B2 Method of determining optical parameters of an ophthalmic lens
Method for determining the values of a set of n optical parameters (P1, P2, . . . , Pn) of an ophthalmic lens, n being an integer greater than or equal to 1, the method comprising: an nominal ophthalmic lens data providing step, an ophthalmic lens providing step, an optical surface measuring step, a surface errors determining step during which a set of m surface error parameters (α1, α2, . . . , αm) is determined, m being an integer greater than or equal to 1, an optical parameter determining step during which each optical parameter of the set of optical parameters is determined by: P i = P i , 0 + [ ∑ j = 1 m ⁢ ⁢ ( ∂ P i ∂ α j ) 0 × Δα j ] + A i with Pi the value of the ith optical parameter of the manufactured optical lens, Pi,0 the value of the ith optical parameter of the nominal optical lens, ( ∂ P i ∂ α j ) 0 the value of the derivative of Pi with respect to the jth surface error parameter αj on the nominal surface and Δαj the value of the jth surface error parameter, and Ai a combination of terms of order greater or equal to 2 for each Pi.
US09671616B2 Optics system with magnetic backlash reduction
An imaging system may include a movable component that travels along a rail, the movable component being coupled to the rail by a carriage that includes a bearing and a magnetic portion configured to bias the bearing toward the rail. The imaging system may be suitable for use in a gimbal assembly.
US09671615B1 Extended field of view in near-eye display using wide-spectrum imager
In a near-eye optical display system comprising a waveguide and diffractive optical elements (DOEs) configured for in-coupling, exit pupil expansion, and out-coupling, a wide-spectrum imager generates imaging light that is in-coupled to the system with an input pupil having an extended field of view (FOV). Wide-spectrum imaging light impinges on the in-coupling DOE over a range of incidence angles. As chromatic dispersion in the in-coupling DOE causes different wavelengths to propagate with different angles, for a given input pupil incidence angle, at least a portion of the imaging light spectrum meets a critical angle condition that enables propagation with total internal reflection (TIR) in the waveguide without leakage to the outside. Thus, different parts of the imaging light spectrum can be used for different regions of the FOV.
US09671609B2 Display device and method for reducing moiré effects using the same
A display device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of light emitting members, an anti-moiré member spaced away from the plurality of light emitting members at about a first distance (d), and a frame member receiving the PCB such that the PCB is interposed between the anti-moiré and the frame member. The anti-moiré member includes a first layer disposed to face the PCB and having a first foil with a randomized pattern surface. The first distance (d) equals L/(2*tan (α)). The second distance (L) is a shortest distance between two adjacent light emitting members. Each of the array of light emitting members has a radiation angle α.
US09671606B2 Illumination optical system for endoscope
An illumination optical system for an endoscope includes two light guides disposed in an insertion tube in a first direction to sandwich a center of the insertion tube therebetween; an observation window on a tip end face of the insertion tube; two concave lens parts having negative powers sandwiching the observation window at positions facing end faces of two light guides on the tip end face of the insertion tube. The end face of each of the two light guides has a smaller width in the first direction than a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; each of the two concave lens parts has a larger negative power in the first direction than a negative power thereof in the second direction; and of illumination light which has propagated through each of the two concave lens parts after being emitted from each of the two light guides.
US09671604B2 Observation unit and microscope system equipped with observation unit
A microscope system (100) includes a microscope (10) and an observation unit (20) provided separately from the microscope. The microscope includes a microscope objective lens (3), an image pickup element (31) disposed at a position at which an image is formed through the microscope objective lens, and a first control apparatus (32) connected with the image pickup element. The observation unit includes a second control apparatus (21), a display device (22, 22a, 22b) connected with the second control apparatus, and a magnifier optical system (25a, 25b) arranged at a predetermined distance from the display device. The microscope system further includes a communication apparatus (21) for communication between the first control apparatus and the second control apparatus so that an image picked up by the image pickup apparatus is displayed on the display device.
US09671601B2 Microscope having an autofocusing device and autofocusing method for microscopes
A method for autofocusing in microscopic examination of a specimen located at the focus of a microscope objective uses an autofocus beam path, the autofocus beam path being directed, via a deflection device arranged on the side of the microscope objective facing away from the specimen, toward the microscope objective, and from there onto a reflective autofocus interface in the specimen region. The autofocus beam path is reflected at the autofocus interface and directed via the microscope objective and the deflection device toward an autofocus detector. The deflection device comprises two regions spaced apart from one another in a propagation direction of the autofocus beam path. Each region reflects the autofocus beam path. The autofocus detector is arranged in a plane conjugated with the microscope objective pupil to acquire an interference pattern. The focus of the microscope is adjusted as a function of the acquired interference pattern.
US09671591B2 Optical lens assembly, image capturing apparatus and electronic device
An optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, a sixth lens element and a seventh lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element has refractive power. The fifth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The sixth lens element with refractive power has an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The seventh lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof.
US09671587B2 Imaging lens composed of five optical elements
A low-profile, high-resolution, low-cost imaging lens comprises five optical elements arranged from an object side: a first positive optical element group including a first positive lens having a convex object-side surface as a first optical element and a second negative lens having a concave image-side surface as a second optical element; a second positive optical element group including a third positive lens having a convex image-side surface as a third optical element; and a third negative optical element group including a fourth negative double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface as a fourth optical element. The image-side surface of the fourth lens has at least one pole-change point off an optical axis. A double-sided aspheric aberration correction optical element with virtually no refractive power as a fifth optical element is located in an air gap nearer to the image plane than the first optical element group.
US09671585B2 Imaging lens assembly
An imaging lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element with positive refractive power, a second lens element with negative refractive power, a third lens element with positive refractive power. The first lens element has a convex image-side surface in a paraxial region. The second lens element has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface in a paraxial region, and at least one of its surfaces is aspheric. The object-side surface of the third lens element is convex in a paraxial region and concave in a peripheral region. The image-side surface of the third lens element is concave in a paraxial region. The object-side surface and image-side surface of the third lens element are both aspheric. The imaging lens assembly satisfies 0.062 mm
US09671584B2 Method and cooling system for cooling an optical element for EUV applications
A method for cooling an optical element for EUV applications is disclosed. Heat is transferred from the optical element to a heat sink, and, via a first feed line, a first cooling medium is introduced into a cooling channel in the heat sink, in such a way that the first cooling medium effects laminar flow through the cooling channel and in the process absorbs heat from the heat sink. After flowing through the cooling channel, the first cooling medium is discharged into a discharge line leading away from the optical element. A second cooling medium is introduced into the discharge line via a second feed line, and the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium, downstream of the second feed line at a location that is further away from the optical element than the cooling channel, are subjected to a force field introduced into the discharge line externally.
US09671582B2 Pluggable optical transceiver module
A pluggable optical transceiver module for being plugged in a housing is provided. The housing has a cover and an elastic piece, and the cover has an accommodating space. One end of the elastic piece is connected to the cover while the other end has a first fastening portion. The first fastening portion is located on one side of the accommodating space. The pluggable optical transceiver module comprises a base and a sliding member. The base comprises a base body and a second fastening portion. The base body has a guide surface, and the second fastening portion is next to the guide surface. The base is for being plugged in the accommodating space, and the second fastening portion is fastened with the first fastening portion. The sliding member comprises a body section and a push section connected to each other. The body section is slidably disposed on the base.
US09671578B2 Structured substrate for optical fiber alignment
A structured substrate for optical fiber alignment is produced at least in part by forming a substrate with a plurality of buried conductive features and a plurality of top level conductive features. At least one of the plurality of top level conductive features defines a bond pad. A groove is then patterned in the substrate utilizing a portion of the plurality of top level conductive features as an etch mask and one of the plurality of buried conductive features as an etch stop. At least a portion of an optical fiber is placed into the groove.
US09671576B1 CWDM transceiver module
A CWDM transceiver module includes: a substrate; a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate; a spacer layer disposed above the substrate, a cavity being defined in the space layer to accommodate the light sources; a cap layer transparent to light emitted from the light sources and disposed on the spacer layer, a notch for assembling a waveguide being formed in the cap layer; a plurality of lenses disposed on the cap layer facing the light sources; reflector coating and filter coating disposed on surfaces of the cap layer; an active alignment element disposed on the cap layer; and a reflector disposed at bottom of the notch.
US09671575B2 Optical waveguide device and method of manufacturing the same
An optical waveguide device includes a wiring board; an optical waveguide having a first cladding layer, a core layer and a second cladding layer formed in this order on the wiring board; an optical path conversion mirror formed in the core layer; and an optical element mounted on the second cladding layer, the optical element comprising a light emitting portion or a light receiving portion protruding from a lower side thereof. The second cladding layer has an opening formed above the optical path conversion mirror. The optical element is mounted on the second cladding layer so that at least one end thereof is positioned above the opening of the second cladding layer. The light emitting portion or light receiving portion of the optical element is arranged the opening of the second cladding layer.
US09671573B2 Light receptacle and light module
This light receptacle comprises: first optical surfaces on which light beams emitted from light emitting elements are respectively caused to be incident; second optical surfaces which emit the light beams incident on first optical surfaces respectively toward the end faces of light transmission bodies; a third optical surface which reflects the light beams incident on the first optical surfaces toward the second optical surfaces; and recesses which are formed in the surface on which second optical surfaces are arranged. The distance between the centers of two adjacent first optical surfaces before mold release and the distance between the centers of two adjacent second optical surfaces before mold release during injection molding are shorter than the distance between the optical axes of light beams emitted from two adjacent light emitting elements that are arranged so as to face each other.
US09671570B2 Wavelength division multiplexor module
An optical wavelength division multiplexor module (40) has a housing (44) having a front face (45) and a rear face (46). The wavelength division multiplexor module (40) comprises a short wavelength path terminal (41), a common optical terminal (42), and a long wavelength path terminal (43). The short wavelength path terminal (41) comprises a first fiber optic adapter (48), for engaging a fiber optic connector of a first patch cable (24), while the common optical terminal (42) comprises a second fiber optic adapter (48), for engaging a fiber optic connector of a second patch cable (26). The long wavelength path terminal (43) comprises a fiber optic connector (49) for directly engaging with a fiber optic adapter (48) carried on a modified optical test access switch (50). The short wavelength path terminal (41) and the common optical terminal (42) are both provided on the front face (45) of the housing (44), while the long wavelength path terminal (43) is provided on the rear face (46) of the housing (44).
US09671569B2 Cable sealing device, cable termination and attaching device
A cable sealing device including an attaching part securable to the cable; a fixation part adapted to be mountable on the attaching part; and a sealing part. The attaching part includes outer locking faces. The fixation part has inner abutment faces adapted to co-operate with the outer locking faces to axially and rotationally lock the fixation part relative to the attaching part. The sealing part includes an inner seal and an outer seal. The sealing part also includes a second securing arrangement that is configured to engage a first securing arrangement of the fixation part to axially and rotationally lock the sealing part to the fixation part.
US09671567B2 Plug part
A plug part which has at least one plug part housing having at least one elongate plug region for establishing a plug connection with another plug part in a plug-in direction, wherein the plug region has at least one electrical and/or optical plug contact for establishing at least an electrical and/or optical connection with the other plug part, and at least one step is arranged between the plug region and the rest of the plug part housing, wherein the plug part housing is of integral design and the plug region has an outer contour, wherein the outer contour, apart from the ends thereof which are at the end faces as seen in the plug-in direction, is designed to be free of recesses over the entire longitudinal extent thereof in the plug-in direction, or, with at least one recess.
US09671562B2 Monitoring power combiners
The disclosed embodiments show a fused fiber combiner with sensors that are strategically located at various locations, thereby permitting performance monitoring of the fused fiber combiner. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments show various processes for determining causes of any performance degradations.
US09671558B2 Chemically induced optical signals and DNA sequencing
Methods for sequencing nucleic acids are presented. Sequencing is accomplished through the chemical amplification of the products of DNA synthesis and the detection of the chemically amplified products. In embodiments of the invention, a substrate is provided having a plurality of molecules of DNA to be sequenced attached and a plurality of molecules capable of chelating pyrophosphate ions attached, the DNA molecules to be sequenced are primed, and a next complementary nucleotide is incorporated and excised a plurality of times leading to the buildup of pyrophosphate ions locally around the DNA molecule to be sequenced. Pyrophosphate ions are captured by the substrate-attached chelators and optically detected to determine the identity of the next complementary nucleic acid in the DNA molecule to be sequenced.
US09671555B2 Display device
A display device includes a display screen and a frame disposed around the display device, an infrared receiver and a light guide member, wherein the light guide member has a securing surface through which the light guide member is secured to the frame, the light guide member further including a receiving end and a light exiting surface, the receiving end formed at a display side of the display device, a width of the receiving end in a direction perpendicular to the frame to which the light guide member is secured is narrower than a width of the light exiting surface in the direction. Only a narrower portion of the light guide member can be seen when a human being looks at the display device, thus improving display effect of the narrow frame of the display device.
US09671553B2 Bend-resistant multimode optical fiber
A multimode optical fiber includes a central core surrounded by an outer cladding. The central core has a graded-index profile with respect to the outer cladding and an outer radius r1 of between about 30 microns and 50 microns (e.g., between about 35 microns and 45 microns). The optical fiber also includes an inner cladding positioned between the central core and the outer cladding, and a depressed trench positioned between the inner cladding and the outer cladding. The multimode optical fiber exhibits reduced bending losses.
US09671551B2 Visual tracer system for fiber optic cable
A fiber optic cable includes a first optical fiber, a jacket, and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber includes a glass core and cladding. The glass core is configured to provide controlled transmission of light through the fiber optic cable for high-speed data communication. The jacket has an interior surface that defines a conduit through which the first optical fiber extends. The jacket further has an exterior surface that defines the outside of the fiber optic cable. The second optical fiber is integrated with the exterior surface of the jacket.
US09671544B2 Retardation film, and optical compensation layer, optical compensation polarizing plate, liquid crystal display device and organic EL display device each using said retardation film
The present invention achieves a phase difference film that is excellent in wavelength dispersion property, in-plane retardation, and film thickness, by using a polymeric material (i) which is composed of at least one type of cellulose derivative having a specific alkoxyl group substitution degree D1 and a specific 2-naphthoyl group substitution degree D2 and (ii) which has a specific total 2-naphthoyl group substitution degree D3.
US09671540B2 Polarization filter and sensor system
According to the present invention, there are provided a polarization filter and a sensor system. The polarization filter includes a circularly polarized light-separating layer having a cholesteric liquid crystalline phase fixed therein, in which the circularly polarized light-separating layer is a layer which selectively transmits one of the left-hand circularly polarized light and the right-hand circularly polarized light in the specific wavelength band, a λ/4 phase difference layer for light in the specific wavelength band is disposed on one of the surfaces of the circularly polarized light-separating layer, and the λ/4 phase difference layer includes a first phase difference region and a second phase difference region of which slow axis directions are orthogonal to each other. The sensor system includes the polarization filter, a light source which emits light having a wavelength in the specific wavelength band, and a light-receiving element which can detect light having a wavelength in the specific wavelength band. The polarization filter of the present invention can improve the sensitivity of a sensor system using polarized light, and the sensor system of the present invention has high sensitivity and is extremely cost effective.
US09671536B2 Electronic displays using optically pumped luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals
A multicolor electronic display is based on an array of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals. Nanocrystals which emit tight of different colors are grouped into pixels. The nanocrystals are optically pumped to produce a multicolor display. Different sized nanocrystals are used to produce the different colors. A variety of pixel addressing systems can be used.
US09671532B1 Safety light reflector kit
The safety light reflector kit comprises a plurality of reflectors that can be configured in a number of shapes and reflective options depending on the needs of the assembler. The plurality of reflectors further comprises reflectors of one or more shapes and reflectors of a plurality of colors.
US09671530B2 Optical member supporter and curved display device including the same
A display device includes: a display panel curved in a direction; a lower frame in which the display panel is accommodated, the lower frame curved in the direction in which the display panel is curved; an optical member between the display panel and the lower frame, the optical member curved in the direction in which the display panel is curved; and an optical member supporter of which an upper end portion thereof is coupled to the optical member curved in the direction in which the display panel is curved and an opposing lower end portion thereof is coupled to the lower frame curved in the direction in which the display panel is curved.
US09671525B2 Determining continuous capillary pressure curves for subsurface earth formations using saturation and NMR log data
Continuous capillary pressure (Pc) curves of subsurface rock formations adjacent wells are determined based on translation relaxation time (T2) data from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and from wireline well logs, such as resistivity logs, to obtain water saturation (Sw) of the rock in the formations. The T2 data and the hydrocarbon density, water density, free water level, and paleo-water level of the formation are processed to obtain parameters of Thomeer hyperbolas that closely conform to water saturation values obtained from the other well logs. The Thomeer hyperbolas so determined are converted to capillary pressure curves.
US09671524B2 Real-time dynamic data validation methods for intelligent fields
Methods for managing an intelligent field, are provided. An exemplary method can include receiving real-time dynamic field data, analyzing validity of the dynamic field data, validating values of the field data, validating a state/condition of a well, and flagging well components, well conditions, and/or well state validation issues.
US09671520B2 Dielectric loaded particle accelerator
A dielectric loaded accelerator for accelerating charged particles, such as electrons, ions and/or protons, is described herein. The dielectric loaded accelerator accelerates charged particles along a longitudinal axis and towards an outlet of the accelerator. The dielectric loaded accelerator accelerates the charged particles using oscillating electromagnetic fields that propagate within the accelerator according to an electromagnetic mode. The dielectric loaded accelerator described herein includes an electromagnetic mode with a phase velocity that increases towards the outlet of the accelerator and matches a velocity of the charged particles being accelerated along the longitudinal axis of the accelerator. By matching the phase velocity of the oscillating electromagnetic fields to the velocity of the charged particles, the accelerator reduces phase slippage between the fields and the charged particles and, therefore, efficiently accelerates charged particle towards the outlet.
US09671516B2 Modified pulse sequence to estimate properties
Methods and related systems are described for estimating fluid or rock properties from NMR measurements. A modified pulse sequence is provided that can directly provide moments of relaxation-time or diffusion distributions. This pulse sequence can be adapted to the desired moment of relaxation-time or diffusion coefficient. The data from this pulse sequence provides direct estimates of fluid properties such as average chain length and viscosity of a hydrocarbon. In comparison to the uniformly-spaced pulse sequence, these pulse sequences are faster and have a lower error bar in computing the fluid properties.
US09671515B2 Valve box
This hydrant (2) comprises an electrically conductive body (3) having a generally tubular shape and intended for being fixed in the floor flush with a valve mounted on a pipe, for example a water distribution pipe. The hydrant comprises connection means suitable for connecting at least one electrically conductive wire (10) extending along the pipe, said connection means being connected to the body (3) such that electric continuity is maintained between the body (3) and each electrically conductive wire (10) during use.
US09671512B2 Inversion-based reflector dip estimation
Method for estimating reflector dips in a window of post stack image traces (51) of seismic data for use in velocity tomography (57). The method iteratively (56) flattens (55) the image traces against a specified reference trace through the application of conjugate-gradient least-squares inversion (53). Different from other dip estimation methods which emphasize on strong-amplitude reflectors, the inventive method automatically inverts for the reflector dip for every grid point in the image window.
US09671510B2 Three/four dimensional data management and imaging for big oilfield data
Oilfield and wellbore data may include geophone data (seismic) and airborne surveys such as microseep data, as well as fiber optic measurements collected utilizing a distributed sensing system. Continuous monitoring of various oilfield and wellbore properties, such as temperature, pressure, Bragg gradient, acoustic, and strain, and the like, may generate a large volume of data, possibly spanning into several terabytes. Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for visualizing a large volume of such measurements taken in an oilfield or wellbore without down-sampling measurement data.
US09671509B2 Method and device for determining frequency sweep for seismic source
Controller and method for generating a frequency sweep for a seismic survey that uses a seismic source. The method includes receiving specification data about the seismic source; receiving environmental data about an infrastructure affected by the seismic survey; receiving guideline data about the infrastructure; setting a target energy spectrum density to be emitted by the seismic source during the seismic survey; and calculating, in a processor, the frequency sweep based on the specification data, environmental data, guideline data and the target energy spectrum density.
US09671507B2 Solid-state neutron detector device
The structure and methods of fabricating a high efficiency compact solid state neutron detector based on III-Nitride semiconductor structures deposited on a substrate. The operation of the device is based on absorption of neutrons, which results in generation of free carriers.
US09671506B2 Radiographic image detection device, radiographic image detection method, and computer-readable storage medium
A radiographic image detection device includes: an image pickup unit with plural radiation detection portions arrayed in a two-dimensional form and detect radiation, and that captures a radiographic image; a radiographic image generating unit having plural analog signal generating units that generate analog signals corresponding to radiation doses; a conversion unit that converts the generated analog signals into digital signals; a judging unit that judges whether or not level fluctuations of the generated analog signals are within a predetermined threshold value; and a control unit that controls the conversion unit such that an analog signal, at which it is judged that the level fluctuation is within the predetermined threshold value, is converted into a digital signal, and that controls the conversion unit such that an analog signal, at which it is judged that the level fluctuation has exceeded the predetermined threshold value, is not converted into a digital signal.
US09671505B2 Radiation measuring device
In the present invention, a battery box is provided on the lower side of a survey meter body so as to protrude downwardly. Four primary batteries are accommodated inside the battery box with inclined postures. A stepped structure is formed between the front surface of the battery box and the lower surface of the body. The survey meter can be held by a hand while an index finger, or the like, is hooked on the stepped structure. It is also possible to remove the battery box and dispose a plate-like secondary battery in an accommodation space.
US09671504B2 Surgical probe apparatus and system
A system for detecting and locating sources of radiation emissions. A hand-held probe includes a detector configured to generate a low-level electrical signal relating to a radiation source proximate the detector, and a probe wireless link configured to transmit a message containing gamma data relating to the low-level electrical signal. An instrumentation console includes a housing, an integral console wireless link within the housing and configured to receive the message transmitted by the probe wireless link, a receiver electrically coupled to the console wireless link to convert the message to corresponding electrical display signals, and a visually perceivable display electrically coupled to the receiver to convert the electrical display signals to a visually perceivable display relating to the amount of radiation detected.
US09671494B2 Large resistive vee dipole antenna combined with vee dipole array
A radar array comprising a panel, the panel comprising a top side and a bottom side; a plurality of high-frequency antennas coupled into a high-frequency array coupled to the panel; at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole transmitting antenna; and at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole receiving antenna, wherein the at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole transmitting antenna and the at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole receiving antenna are coupled into a low-frequency array.
US09671493B1 Automated scheduling of radar-cued camera system for optimizing visual inspection (detection) of radar targets
Described is system for optimizing visual inspection of radar targets. The system detects radar hits with a radar system comprising radar and a radar-cued camera. The camera has a current state comprising a current slew position and a current zoom level. The radar hits are stored, and a set of metrics are determined for each radar hit. A track value (TV) metric is determined that combines the set of metrics for each zoom level of the camera. The camera sends a set of commands based on the TV metric, such that the camera slews from the current state to a new state. The new state is a position of a radar hit with the largest TV metric and a corresponding zoom level. Given the new state, an image is captured and processed to generate captured tracks. The current state of the camera is updated to reflect the new state.
US09671490B2 Reduced stray radiation optoelectronic device
An optoelectronic device includes an optoelectronic component that generates or receives radiation, a frame and an optical element, wherein the frame extends in a vertical direction between a radiation passage side and a rear side; an opening, in which the component is arranged, is formed in the frame; the optical element covers the component in a plan view of the radiation passage side; and the optical element is a Fresnel lens or a Fresnel zone plate.
US09671489B1 Electromagnetic sensor and optical detection system for detecting angle of arrival of optical signals and a range of a source of the optical signals
An optical detection system for detecting an incident optical signal is described. The system includes an optical package adapted to collect the incident optical signal and directed it to a detector array that is coupled thereto. The array outputs electrical signals to be analyzed by a processor. The processor is adapted to iterate algorithms using the signals to calculate an incident angle of arrival for the incident optical signal and a range of the source of the optical signal to the system based on the angle of arrival calculation. The processor is further configured to discriminate the optical signal spectrally to calculate wavelengths thereof for false alarm rejection.
US09671488B2 Radar level gauge with signal division
A method for providing narrow-band interference unaffected measurement of a distance to a surface of a product kept in a tank, comprising mixing a return signal with a transmit signal to provide an intermediate frequency signal, and determining the distance, based on the intermediate frequency signal. The step of determining the distance further comprises dividing the intermediate frequency signal into a plurality of frequency portions, wherein each frequency portion corresponds to a frequency interval of the transmit signal, identifying disturbed frequency portions as frequency portions affected by narrow-band interference, and determining the distance based on frequency portions being unaffected by narrow-band interference. By dividing the IF-signal into frequency portions corresponding to frequency intervals of the transmit signal, frequency intervals where narrow-band interferences are present may be detected.
US09671486B2 Sensors, systems and methods for compensating for thermal EMF
Embodiments relate to sensor systems and methods that can compensate for thermal EMF effects that can cause residual offset and other errors in sensor systems. In one embodiment, a sensor system comprises at least one temperature sensor arranged proximate a primary sensor element, e.g., a Hall plate in an embodiment in which the sensor system comprises a Hall-effect magnetic field sensing system, though other types of magnetic field and sensors more generally can be used in other embodiments. In another embodiment, a plurality of temperature sensors can be used, with each one arranged proximate a different sensor contact or element. In an example in which the Hall plate is operated according to a spinning operation scheme, the at least one temperature sensor can be configured to sense a temperature in each operating phase, and the individual sensed temperatures can be combined and used to provide a temperature-dependent compensation signal.
US09671475B2 Device, method and system for controlling imaging methods and systems
In a computer-implemented method, device and system for controlling an imaging system, a specific absorption rate is calculated with a computation unit and an RF transmission signal of the imaging system is controlled with a control device. The process of controlling of the RF transmission signal includes disconnecting the RF transmission signal when a remaining period during which the RF transmission signal is harmless for the patient has been reduced to zero.
US09671470B2 Method and device for monitoring energy efficiency performance of equipment
The present invention discloses a method for monitoring energy efficiency performance of a device, which comprises: connecting the monitored device, obtaining input energy and output energy of the monitored device in a period of time, and calculating an energy efficiency index of the monitored device; and obtaining an energy efficiency deviation based on a standard energy efficiency index of the monitored device, and determining a state of the monitored device based on the energy efficiency deviation. The present invention further discloses a apparatus for monitoring energy efficiency performance of a device. Using the method and apparatus described above, the fine assessment for the device performance can be implemented in a simple way.
US09671468B2 Battery with computing, sensing and communication capabilities
Electrical battery apparatus embodiments are presented that generally involve incorporating sensing, computing, and communication capabilities into the one common component that a vast number of electronic devices employ—namely batteries. By integrating these capabilities into disposable and/or rechargeable batteries, new functionality and intelligence can be provided to otherwise stand-alone devices.
US09671459B2 Maintenance carriage for wafer inspection apparatus and maintenance method for wafer inspection apparatus
A maintenance carriage of a wafer inspection apparatus can easily unload a test head. A wafer inspection apparatus 10 includes a cell tower 12 in which cells 11 are arranged at four levels, and each of the cells 11 accommodates a test head 15. At an outside of the cell tower 12, a maintenance carriage 27 is arranged. The maintenance carriage 27 includes a carriage base 29 configured to be moved through rollers 28; a test head case 31 configured to accommodate the test head 15; a lift device 30 provided uprightly from the carriage base 29 and configured to move up and down the test head case 31; and a horizontal position adjusting stage 35 provided between a lifter 34 of the lift device 30 and the test head case 31 and configured to move the test head case 31 horizontally with respect to the lifter 34.
US09671452B2 Substrate inspection apparatus and probe card transferring method
A wafer inspection apparatus 10 includes a middle plate 22 that mounts a probe card 18 in which multiple contact probes 20 are provided; a drawer type table 21 in which the middle plate 22 is provided; a tester 15 to which the probe card 18 is mounted; and a transfer robot 17 that transfers the middle plate 22. The middle plate 22 includes a base 23 and multiple supports 24 protruding toward the probe card 18 to be mounted. A protruding height of each support 24 is equal to or higher than a protruding length of the contact probe 20 from the probe card 18. The probe card 18 is fastened to a probe card cover 29 when the probe card 18 is mounted on the middle plate 22, and the transfer robot 17 transfers the middle plate 22 from the table 21 to the tester 15.
US09671451B2 System and method for performing transformer diagnostics
A method for performing diagnostics on a transformer includes generating, by a voltage generator, an AC voltage and applying the AC voltage to a winding or phase of the transformer. Current flowing from the generator to the winding or phase is decomposed into a plurality of harmonic components. Respective magnitudes of the plurality of harmonic components are compared with corresponding magnitudes of harmonic components associated with one or more benchmark transformers of a known condition to determine whether the condition of the transformer matches the condition of one or more benchmark transformers.
US09671450B2 Array substrate, display panel and method for detecting the array substrate
The disclosure is related to an array substrate, a display panel and a method for detecting the array substrate. The array substrate comprises a plurality of pixels arranged in an array. Each of the pixels comprises a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in sequence. Each of the sub-pixels is arranged opposite to a capacitor at an interval. Each sub-pixel comprises a sub-pixel electrode. At least one sub-pixel electrode comprises an extension portion. At least one extension portion of the sub-pixel electrode of the sub-pixel is arranged corresponding to the space between the adjacent sub-pixel and the capacitor corresponding to the adjacent sub-pixel.
US09671447B2 Method of analyzing error rate in system-on-chip
In order to improve reliability of a system-on-chip (SoC) through fault tolerance verification, there is provided a method of analyzing an error rate in a system-on-chip (SoC) having at least one internal block obtained by interconnecting two or more gates, comprising: applying an input signal to an input terminal of a certain internal block; defining an input error rate of each gate of the internal block; and defining an output error rate of the internal block based on the input error rate of each gate and an error rate propagating to an output terminal. As a result, there is proposed a method of analyzing a change of the output error rate depending on the input error rate in a gate level in error model development necessary to design and verify a fault-tolerant SoC. Therefore, it is possible to analyze errors in each gate and formularize error rate information modeling including an input/output relationship between each gate of a digital circuit in a library form.
US09671442B2 System and method for detecting a grid event
A method for detecting a grid event is provided. The method includes sampling grid voltage and grid current over a fixed period of time; determining grid impedance at one or more frequencies using the sampled grid voltage and the sampled grid current; comparing the grid impedance at the one or more frequencies to a known expected grid impedance at the one or more frequencies; and detecting a grid event based on the comparison.
US09671438B2 High-current sensing scheme using drain-source voltage
In one embodiment, a method for measuring current is described herein. The method comprises shorting first and second inputs of an amplifying circuit to generate a first output signal, and converting the first output signal into an offset cancelation value. The method also comprises passing a current through a power switch, wherein the current generates a voltage drop across the power switch, applying the voltage drop across the first and second inputs of the amplifying circuit to generate a second output signal, and converting the second output signal into a current value. The method further comprises subtracting the offset cancelation value from the current value to generate an offset-compensated current value.
US09671435B2 Differential voltage measurement circuit
A voltage measurement circuit including a current mirror having an input branch in series with a first resistive element between first and second nodes of application of said voltage, and having an output branch providing a current representative of said voltage.
US09671434B2 Sensor devices and methods for use in sensing current through a conductor
A sensor device for use in detecting current in a conductor is provided. The sensor includes a non-magnetic substrate defining an aperture structured to receive a conductor therein, a coil comprising a plurality of turns wound about at least a portion of the substrate, and a housing for enclosing the substrate and coil. The housing includes a dielectric material having a dielectric constant and positioned adjacent to the coil and at least partially within the aperture such that the dielectric material is disposed between the coil and the conductor when the conductor is received through the aperture and at least one spacer coupled to the aperture to facilitate maintaining a position of the coil relative to the conductor, wherein each of the spacers is positioned offset from the dielectric material such that each of the spacers does not radially extend between the coil and the conductor.
US09671432B2 Nanowire electrode sensor
The invention provides a sensor device comprising a nanowire electrode and a faradic shield, said faradic shield is adapted to prevent unwanted capacitive charging current in said sensor. The nanoelectrode device design with a metallic Faradic Shield layer significantly reduces the noise levels, increase the sensitivity of the sensors and allow measurements to be undertaken in less than 1 second.
US09671427B2 Dual output high voltage active probe with output clamping and associated methods
A high-voltage active measurement probe is for a measurement instrument such as an oscilloscope. The high voltage active measurement probe includes an input terminal configured to receive an input signal from a device under test (DUT), a first output terminal configured to transmit a first output signal to the measurement instrument for measurement and display of peak voltages, and a second output terminal configured to transmit a second output signal to the measurement instrument for high sensitivity measurement and display of low level voltages. A first probe signal path is between the input terminal and the first output terminal, and a second probe signal path between the input terminal and the second output terminal. A first amplifier is in the first probe signal path between the input terminal and the first output terminal, and a second amplifier is in the second probe signal path between the input terminal and the second output terminal. A first attenuator is in the first probe signal path between the input terminal and the first amplifier, and a second attenuator in the second probe signal path between the input terminal and the second amplifier. A clamping circuit is in the second signal path between the second amplifier and the second output terminal and configured to clamp an internal probe signal, e.g. between an upper clamping threshold and a lower clamping threshold, to produce the second output signal.
US09671424B2 Methods and systems for optimizing frequency modulation atomic force microscopy
Energy dissipation measurements in Frequency Modulation-Atomic Force Microscopy (FM-AFM) should provide additional information for dynamic force measurements as well as energy dissipation maps for robust material properties imaging as they should not be dependent directly upon the cantilever surface interaction regime. However, unexplained variabilities in experimental data have prevented progress in utilizing such energy dissipation studies. The inventors have demonstrated that the frequency response of the piezoacoustic cantilever excitation system, traditionally assumed flat, can actually lead to surprisingly large apparent damping by the coupling of the frequency shift to the drive-amplitude signal. Accordingly, means for correcting this source of apparent damping are presented allowing dissipation measurements to be reliably obtained and quantitatively compared to theoretical models. The methods are non-destructive and can be both easily and routinely integrated into FM-AFM measurements within vacuum environments where measurements exploiting prior art solutions cannot be performed.
US09671423B2 Electronic device having a cover in which a penetration hole is provided and manufacturing method of electronic device
An electronic device includes a substrate, a lid which is bonded to the substrate, and a functional element which is provided between the substrate and the lid, in which the lid includes a penetration hole which penetrates a portion between an inner surface and an outer surface, the penetration hole includes a first hole portion and a second hole portion, a flat area of the second hole portion is set to be smaller than a flat area of the first hole portion, at least a part of an inner wall surface of the second hole portion substantially forms a right angle with respect to a bottom surface of the first hole portion, and the penetration hole is sealed with a sealing member.
US09671417B2 Analyzer and analyzing method
There is provided an analyzer capable of stably supplying the cuvettes even if a great number of cuvettes is input to the storage section without thinking. The analyzer includes a storage section configured to store the plurality of input cuvettes, a take-out section configured to take out the cuvettes in the storage section from the storage section, and a vibration unit configured to vibrate the storage section to stimulate movement of the cuvettes in the storage section.
US09671411B2 Monocyte activation test better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogenic contaminants in medical products
An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.
US09671406B2 SPARC and methods of use thereof
The invention provides methods for predicting or determining the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent and for treating a mammalian tumor comprising detecting and quantifying the SPARC protein or RNA in a sample isolated from the mammal. The invention further provides kit for predicting the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent, comprising a means for the isolation of protein or RNA from the tumor, a SPARC protein or RNA detection and quantification means, control RNAs, and rules for predicting the response of the tumor based on the level of SPARC protein or RNA in tumor.
US09671400B2 Conjugate molecules
The present invention relates to compounds which are conjugates of two or more moieties capable of serving as substrates of an enzyme with peroxidase activity and one or more labels. The conjugate molecules of the invention are useful for detection of molecular targets, e.g. biological or chemical molecules, molecular structures, etc, in samples using a host of experimental schemes for detecting and visualizing such targets, e.g. immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), ELISA, Southern, Northern, and Western blotting, etc. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the conjugate molecules.
US09671396B2 Solid substrate comprising array of dendrons and methods for using the same
The present invention provides solid supports comprising a surface bound array of dendrons and methods for using the same.
US09671394B2 Method for the detection of free binding partner of a multispecific binder
Herein is reported a method for the detection of free antigen of a multispecific antibody in a sample, whereby the antigen to be detected can be specifically bound by a first binding site of the multispecific antibody, comprising the step of incubating a sample comprising free antigen and multispecific antibody with an anti-idiotypic antibody that specifically binds to a second binding site of the multispecific antibody, which is different from the first binding site, and thereby depleting the multispecific antibody from the sample.
US09671392B2 Multisensor array for detection of analytes or mixtures thereof in gas or liquid phase
The present invention relates to a multisensor array for detection of analytes in the gas phase or in the liquid phase, comprising at least two different chemo-selective compounds represented by the general formula (I) wherein the hetero atoms X1-X4 and the substituents R1-R4 are defined in the specification and the dashed bonds represent independently of each other either a single bond or a double bond. Said chemo-selective compounds are capable of individually changing physicochemical properties when exposed to analytes or analyte mixtures and these changes can be detected by a transducer or an array of transducers. The present invention does also relate to the use of at least two different chemo-selective compounds in a sensor array, a method for preparation of such sensor arrays and the use of said sensor arrays. Furthermore the present invention relates to methods for detecting and identifying analytes or mixtures thereof in the gas phase or in the liquid phase.
US09671387B2 Test system
The invention concerns a test system for carrying out blood sugar tests with a diagnostic tape cassette which comprises a windable analytical test tape for detecting an analyte and a cassette housing accommodating the test tape, and a test device which has a device housing for inserting and removing the tape cassette and a measuring unit for detecting the analyte on the test tape. According to the invention it is proposed that the tape cassette can be detachably fastened by positioning elements on a platform mounted in the device housing and that the measuring unit is rigidly attached on the platform or can be engaged therewith.
US09671382B2 Methylbenzene gas sensor using chrome-doped nickel oxide nanostructures and method for producing same
Provided is a gas sensor comprising a gas-sensitive layer consisting of nickel oxide (NiO) doped with chrome (Cr) so as to selectively detect methylbenzene gas. The gas sensor, according to the present invention, has a gas-sensitive layer consisting of Cr-doped NiO. The gas sensor exhibits superior selectivity for methylbenzene gas when compared to other gases. The gas sensor can be easily and mass produced according to the production method of the present invention and is not affected by the microstructures of the material forming the gas-sensitive layer. The present invention relates to a gas sensor exhibits a negligible sensitivity of benzene, formaldehyde, and alcohol and exhibits significantly high selectivity and sensitivity of methylbenzene gas such as xylene and toluene when the NiO sensor material with a hierarchical structure favorable to gas dispersion and response is doped with Cr.
US09671378B2 Sensing device for spectroscopic detection of hydrogen peroxide
A sensing device for determining the presence of hydrogen peroxide is disclosed. The sensing device comprises a light guide having a distal portion terminating at a light guide tip and a proximal portion, wherein the light guide tip is proximal to a layer of Prussian blue (PB), which is pure (or essentially free of contaminants). The sensing device produces a fast linear response and is durable, due to the robustness and purity of the PB. The PB is chemically deposited proximal to, or on, the light guide tip using a single-source precursor technique. Methods of making and using the device also are disclosed herein.
US09671374B2 Ultrasound probe assembly, system, and method that reduce air entrapment
An ultrasound probe assembly includes a transducer configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals in relation to a structure, and a delay line coupled to the transducer. The delay line is configured to change shapes between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. In at least one embodiment, the changing shape of the delay line changes a shape of the ultrasound signals.
US09671373B2 System and method for testing shell and tube heat exchangers for defects
A magnetostrictive transducer assembly for generating a longitudinal elastic guided wave of a selected frequency and mode and for guiding the wave into an open end of a heat exchanger tube for testing the tube. The transducer assembly comprises a current-carrying coil of wire, a magnetostrictive material wrapped around the coil of wire, a mechanism for pressing the magnetostrictive material against an inner surface of the tube, and one or more biasing magnets placed in the vicinity of the current-carrying coil of wire and the magnetostrictive material.
US09671369B2 Method and apparatus for determining a mobility of ions
A method and an apparatus for determining a mobility of ions. The method includes the steps of modulating an ion beam with an ion gate which is controlled by a modulation function for generating a modulated ion beam, of guiding the modulated ion beam through a drifting region, of measuring a signal of the modulated ion beam after the modulated ion beam has passed the drifting region and of calculating a correlation of the modulation function and the signal in order to determine the mobility of the ions. The apparatus includes the ion gate, the drifting region through which the modulated ion beam is guidable, a detector by which the signal of the modulated ion beam is measurable after the modulated ion beam has passed the drifting region and a calculation unit by which the correlation of the modulation function and the signal is calculable in order to determine the mobility of the ions. An autocorrelation of the modulation function is a two-valued function.
US09671366B2 Pipettes, methods of use, and methods of stimulating an object of interest
One embodiment of the invention provides a system adapted and configured to generate a localized flow circulation zone. The system includes: a free-standing microfluidic pipette comprising three or more channels with exits separated from each other by an outer surface of the pipette; and a controller programmed to control fluid flows through each of the three or more channels to generate a localized recirculating fluid flow path outside the pipette. Liquid leaving the microfluidic pipette through at least one outlet channel exit is withdrawn through at least two inlet channel exits.
US09671356B2 Method and device for measuring energy of electrons excited by sunlight
A technique of measuring energy of electrons excited by exposing a semiconductor material to solar ray is proposed. A surface layer having a negative electron affinity is formed on the surface of a semiconductor material. The semiconductor material is placed in a vacuum environment and exposed to solar ray. Photoelectrons emitted from the surface layer having the negative electron affinity are guided to an energy analyzer, and the energy of electrons excited by the solar ray is measured. Since the surface layer having the negative electron affinity is used, the photoelectrons are obtained from the electrons excited by the solar ray, and thereby energy measurement becomes possible.
US09671352B2 Reel-to-reel inspection apparatus and inspection method using the same
Provided are a reel-to-reel inspection apparatus and method. The reel-to-reel inspection apparatus includes: an unwinding unit configured to unwind a roll-shaped object; a first inspection unit configured to photograph a surface of the object discharged from the unwinding unit; a second inspection unit configured to photograph another surface of the object which has passed through the first inspection unit; a marking unit configured to indicate a mark on the object which has passed through the second inspection unit; and a winding unit configured to wind in a roll shape the object which has passed through the marking unit.
US09671351B2 Multi-sensor optical device for detecting chemical species and manufacturing method thereof
An optical device for detecting a first chemical species and a second chemical species contained in a specimen, which includes: a first optical sensor, which may be optically coupled to an optical source through the specimen and is sensitive to radiation having a wavelength comprised in a first range of wavelengths; and a second optical sensor, which may be optically coupled to the optical source through the specimen and is sensitive to radiation having a wavelength comprised in a second range of wavelengths, different from the first range of wavelengths.
US09671350B2 Test mass compensation of mass measurement drift in a microcantilever resonator
The present disclosure provides methods and mechanisms for measuring small masses attached to a substrate within a microcantilever. Specifically, the disclosure describes the measurement of small particles accumulated at a substrate that cannot be flowed through a microchannel within a microcantilever. A resonance measurement is acquired at a first time. A pair resonance measurements is then acquired at a second point in time—one with the test mass at a first position off or along the microcantilever, the second with the test mass at a second position along the microcantilever. Comparing the resonance frequencies determined for the two test mass positions allows for disambiguation of changes in the mass of the particles from changes in the resonant behavior of the microcantilever itself.
US09671347B2 Method of diagnosing malaria infection in a patient by surface enhanced resonance raman spectroscopy
Present disclosure relates to a method of diagnosing malaria infection in a patient by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The method includes obtaining a sample from said patient, mixing the sample with a suspension of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein said magnetic nanoparticles adsorb hemozoin present in the sample onto their surface, obtaining the SERS spectra of the sample, and correlating the obtained SERS spectra to the presence or amount of hemozoin in the sample, wherein the presence of hemozoin is indicative of malaria infection.
US09671340B2 Measurement method for determining an organ function
The invention relates to a method for acquiring data in order to determine organ function, in particular the liver or kidney function, comprising one or more polymethine fluorescent dyes having a fluorescence emission maximum, measured in ethanol, of less than or equal to 820 nm, and to the use of dyes as markers for acquiring data in order to determine the organ function. The invention further relates to a kit for determining an organ function with a marker dye, and to a device for acquiring data in the method.
US09671337B2 High numerical aperture objective lens system
An objective lens system having a high numerical aperture, a large working distance, and low optical aberrations over a wide spectral band of wavelengths is disclosed. The objective lens system includes a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group. The first lens group includes first and second positive meniscus lenses that are positioned at a distance from each other along an optical axis of the objective lens system. The distance may be dependent on a focal length of the objective lens system. The second lens group includes first and second meniscus lenses and a bi-convex lens. The third lens group includes a bi-concave lens and a doublet lens.
US09671332B2 Miniature tunable laser spectrometer for detection of a trace gas
An open-path laser spectrometer (OPLS) for measuring a concentration of a trace gas, the OPLS including an open-path multi-pass analysis region including a first mirror, a second mirror at a distance and orientation from the first mirror, and a support structure for locating the mirrors, a laser coupled to the analysis region and configured to emit light of a wavelength range and to enable a plurality of reflections of the emitted light between the mirrors, a detector coupled to the analysis region and configured to detect a portion of the emitted light impinging on the detector and to generate a corresponding signal, and an electronic system coupled to the laser and the detector, and configured to adjust the wavelength range of the emitted light from the laser based on the generated signal, and to measure the concentration of the trace gas based on the generated signal.
US09671327B2 Ultrasensitive biochemical sensing device and method of sensing analytes
Systems and methods biochemically sense a concentration of a ligand using a sensor having a substrate having a metallic nanoparticle array formed onto a surface of the substrate. A light source is incident on the surface. A matrix is deposited over the nanoparticle array and contains a protein adapted to binding the ligand. A detector detects s-polarized and p-polarized light from the reflective surface. Spacing of nanoparticles in the array and wavelength of light are selected such that plasmon resonance occurs with an isotropic point such that −s and −p polarizations of the incident light result in substantially identical surface Plasmon resonance, wherein binding of the ligand to the protein shifts the resonance such that differences between the −S and −P polarizations give in a signal indicative of presence of the ligand.
US09671326B2 Flow cytometry apparatus and methods
A particle analyzer, comprising a source of a substantially nondiffracting light beam; a flow path configured to produce in a flowcell a ribbon-like core stream having a specific cross-sectional aspect ratio; the flowcell being configured to expose a segment of the core stream to the light beam; a detector configured to receive a signal resulting from an interaction of a particle in the core stream with the light beam; a first sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, downstream of the exposed segment of core stream; a plurality of sorting channels in fluid connection with the flow path and downstream of the first actuator; the actuator having multiple actuation states, each state configured to direct at least one part of the core stream to a corresponding channel; a second sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, opposite the first actuator, and operable in coordination with the first actuator.
US09671320B2 Semi-dry type electrostatic cyclone sampler and method for sampling gas and/or water sample
A semi-dry type electrostatic cyclone sampler includes a cyclone body, an insulate element, a discharge electrode, an air tube, an air introducing means, a discharging means and a flushing means. The insulate element is disposed at a top of the cyclone body and co-defines a cyclone chamber with the cyclone body. The discharging electrode is disposed on the insulate element. The air tube is disposed at a bottom of the cyclone body. The air introducing means is for introducing a particulate-containing air stream into the cyclone chamber. The discharging means is for charging the particulates so that the particulates can attach to an inside of the cyclone body. The flushing means is for flushing the inside of the cyclone body and collecting part of the particulates. When the discharging means activates, the air introducing means activates simultaneously. When the flushing means activates, the discharging means is deactivated.
US09671318B1 Specimen collector
A specimen collector includes a sleeve with one or more interior walls defining a substantially hollow interior cavity. The sleeve further includes an inlet port in fluid communication with the interior cavity and an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior cavity. The sleeve further includes a first side aperture and a second side aperture. The specimen collector also includes a tray slidable within the interior cavity of the sleeve. The tray includes a first specimen well and a second specimen well that alternately may be placed into fluidic communication with the inlet and outlet ports.
US09671317B2 Automatic injection device for microarray chip and automatic injection hybridization microarray chip
An automatic injection device comprises at least an injection unit (1). The said injection unit (1) is formed by sealing a cover plate layer (3) with hydrophilic surfaces and a microfluid layer (4). The said cover plate layer (3) is provided with at least two through holes (5). The said microfluid layer (4) is provided with a hollow-out hybridization chamber (7) and at least two hollow-out microfluid channels (6). One end of each channel (6) is connected with the hybridization chamber (7), and the other end is connected with a through hole (5) of the cover plate layer (3) respectively. Taking advantage of the hydrophilicity of the cover plate, the automatic injection device makes a solution automatically enter and fill the hybridization chamber (7) and the microfluid channels (6) by the driving force of liquid surface tension. The flow uniformity of sample solution in microarray chip is achieved by the structural design of the hybridization chamber (7) and the microfluid channels (6). The automatic injection device has advantages of simple manufacture, easy operation, high hybridization efficiency, low sample cost, and automatic quantificational injection.
US09671315B2 System and method for nut swaging verification
An apparatus comprises an outer shell, a gauge ring, and a spring. The gauge ring is configured to rotate to a first position as a nut passes through an opening of the outer shell and contacts a bottom surface of the gauge ring, the first position permitting the nut to pass through the gauge ring and into a socket by aligning one or more gauge ring lobe slits with one or more outer shell lobe slits and one or more deformable lobes of the nut. The spring is configured to rotate the gauge ring to the second position after the nut passes through the gauge ring and into the socket, the second position preventing the nut from exiting the socket by preventing alignment of the one or more gauge ring lobe slits with the one or more outer shell lobe slits.
US09671313B2 Tire testing apparatus and method for testing a tire
A tire testing apparatus for testing a tire comprises a loading means for the tire (17), a measuring head (20, 22, 24) which is movable relative to the tire (17), and lower bearing elements (7) on which the tire (17) can be positioned in vertical position. To improve such tire testing apparatus, the tire testing apparatus comprises upper bearing elements (8) which are movable relative to the lower bearing elements (7) and which together with the lower bearing elements (7) form a holder for the tire (17). (FIG. 8c)
US09671309B2 Drainage apparatus
A drainage apparatus for a filter device may include a housing and a solenoid valve arranged in the housing. A non-return valve may be arranged downstream the solenoid valve. A pressure sensor may be arranged between the solenoid valve and the non-return valve. The pressure sensor may be configured for pressure sensing in a chamber disposed between the solenoid valve and the non-return valve.
US09671308B2 Method for helium mass spectrometric fine-leak test based on quantitative determination of maximum test-waiting time
A method for helium mass spectrometric fine-leak test is based on quantitative determination of maximum test-waiting time, which gives a method for quantitative determination of the maximum test-waiting time for fine-leak test during a helium mass spectrometric test process of the sealability, and gives a method for determining the criterion for measured leak rate by taking the minimum helium gas exchange time constant, i.e., a rigour grade τHemin, of an acceptable sealed electronic component as a basic criterion for helium mass spectrometric fine-leak test. Based on the inventive method for quantitative determination of the maximum test-waiting time, for most of the cavity volume ranges, the maximum test-waiting time that is determined accurately may be much longer than 1 hour or 0.5 hour as determined qualitatively by the existing related standards.
US09671307B2 Leak location detection system
The present application pertains to a method of detecting and locating leaks in pipes having a secondary containment vessel. More particularly, the present application pertains to a method of leak detection whereby a tracer gas is introduced into a secondary containment vessel and detected in the primary pipe to determine the location of a leak in the primary pipe.
US09671305B2 Tyre balancing compositions
The invention relates to tire balancing compositions having improved balancing properties comprise a visco-plastic gel and solid bodies having an average smallest dimension in the range of 0.5-5 mm; preferably 1-4 mm, more preferably around 3 mm. When applied in a layer to the inside of a motor vehicle tire, the compositions act by allowing the solid bodies move through the gel and to concentrate in areas to counteract imbalances. The solid bodies preferably have an average ratio α between their smallest and their largest dimension of α≦2, more preferably α≦1.5, especially around 1. The visco-plastic gel preferably has a storage modulus (G′) between 1000 Pa and 25000 Pa at 22° C., a loss modulus (G″) smaller than the storage modulus, and a critical yield stress above 3 Pa at 22° C. The bodies may be shaped as prolate or oblate ellipsoids, cylinders, rectangular paralleipipeds, or spheres, or mixtures of such bodies; they may have an apparent specific gravity in the range of 500-3000 kg/m3, preferably 600-2000 kg/m3, in particular 700-1000 kg/m3, especially 800-900 kg/m3; they may be made from polyolefins, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, rubber or glass. The weight ratio between the solid bodies and the gel is from 10:1 to 1:10, preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, in particular from 2:1 to 3:1, such as from 1:1 to 1:2. The invention further concerns a tire balancing kit and a method for balancing automobile wheel assemblies.
US09671304B2 Methods and systems for the manufacture and initiation of a pressure detection mat
A method for manufacture of a pressure sensing mat comprising the steps of: (a) preparing two conductive layers, each conductive layer comprising an array of conducting strips mounted upon a substrate arranged in a parallel fashion, wherein the conducting strips of the first conductive layer are oriented perpendicularly in relation to the conducting strips of the second conductive layer; (b) for each conductive layer, connecting each of the conducting strips to a communication line; (c) sandwiching a compressible layer between the two conductive layers; and (d) performing a pressure reading standardization test to the mat.
US09671300B2 Electronic devices with low-noise pressure sensors
An electronic device may include one or more low-noise pressure sensors for measuring air pressure. The electronic device may include wireless communications circuitry for communicating with external devices also having pressure sensors. Pressure data gathered by an external device may be used as reference pressure data for the electronic device. For example, if both devices are located in the same building, both pressure sensors will detect similar pressure fluctuations due to doors opening and closing and temperature-control systems turning on and off. By subtracting the reference pressure data from the pressure data gathered by the electronic device, calibrated pressure data may be obtained and may be used to reliably detect vertical displacement changes of the electronic device. In other scenarios, the pressure data may be compared with the reference pressure data to determine whether the two devices are in the same room.
US09671299B2 Fluid regulator having a retractable sense tube
A fluid regulating device includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve port, a control element adapted to be displaced relative to the valve port to control the flow of a fluid between the inlet and the outlet, a control assembly operatively coupled to the control element and including a diaphragm disposed adjacent a diaphragm chamber, and a sense tube. The sense tube has a first end, a second end, and a sense hole formed adjacent the second end. The first end is positioned to communicate with the diaphragm chamber, and the second end is disposed adjacent the outlet, with the second end being movable, relative to the first end, between a first position within the valve body and a second position extending outside of the valve body, the movement being in response to fluid flowing between the inlet and the outlet.
US09671298B2 Force sensor and robot having force sensor
A force sensor according to embodiments includes a light-emitting unit, a pair of first light detectors, a reflector, and a first frame. The light-emitting unit emits diffuse light. The first light detectors are arranged in a first direction with the light-emitting unit interposed therebetween. The reflector is arranged to face the light-emitting unit on an optical axis of the light-emitting unit and reflects the diffuse light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the first light detectors. The first frame is deformed in the first direction so that a reflection range of the diffuse light reflected by the reflector is displaced in the first direction.
US09671297B2 Pliable pressure-sensing fabric
A pliable pressure sensitive sensor device and method of making the same is provided. The sensor includes first and second pliable protective layers, which cover sets of conductive fibers that spatially separated by an electrically conductive pliable layer, which deforms in response to a pressure event. The fiber sets form a grid pattern and are in electrical communication with sets of electrical contacts located in predetermined locations along the fibers. In response to a pressure event in proximity to the contact, the pliable layer deforms and increases the amount of surface area in contact with an electrical contact whereby an electrical resistance at an individual electrical contact decreases in response to the pressure event.
US09671293B2 Temperature detection circuit and temperature measurement circuit
A temperature detection circuit and a temperature measurement circuit capable of detecting and measuring temperatures precisely are disclosed. The temperature detection circuit includes n temperature detectors (n is an integer of 2 or more), each of the temperature detectors being configured to output a detection signal of high level when a temperature of an object reaches a first value, and a temperature determination part configured to determine whether or not the temperature of the object has reached a second value based on a count of high-level detection signals.
US09671291B2 Non-contact temperature measurement in molten metal applications
A device to measure a temperature of molten metal may include an infrared sensor effective to measure the temperature of the molten metal, a sheath having an open end, a sealed end, and a channel extending from the open end to the sealed end, and an infrared-transparent window disposed between the infrared sensor and the channel of the sheath. The open end of the sheath is disposed near the infrared sensor and the sealed end of the sheath extends into the molten metal. The infrared-transparent window or rod is disposed between the infrared sensor and the channel of the sheath such that the infrared sensor can measure the temperature through the infrared-transparent window or rod, the channel, and the sealed end. The infrared-transparent window or rod seals the infrared sensor from the channel in the sheath.
US09671290B2 Temperature measurement method for ultraviolet light transmittance member, temperature measurement device for ultraviolet light transmittance member, and light source device
There is provided a temperature measurement method for measuring a temperature of an ultraviolet light transmittance member transmitting ultraviolet light. The method includes: detecting ultraviolet light transmitted through the ultraviolet light transmittance member using a spectroscopic measurement unit, and obtaining an absorption edge wavelength of the ultraviolet light transmittance member; and deriving a temperature of the ultraviolet light transmittance member on the basis of the obtained absorption edge wavelength.
US09671289B2 Color measurement device and color measurement method
In this color measurement device and method, an entire image and a partial image of a color chart are acquired, respectively, during conveyance of the color chart by a conveyance unit and during re-conveyance of the color chart by the conveyance unit, and an amount of positional deviation of the color chart occurring between the conveyance and the re-conveyance is derived based on the acquired entire and partial images. Then, a color of each of a plurality of patches of the color chart is measured by a color measuring unit, while a measurement position of the color measuring unit is corrected according to the derived positional deviation amount.
US09671287B2 Hyperspectral imaging
Described herein is a hyperspectral imaging system in which a polarizing beam splitter, a Wollaston prism, an optical system, and a plane mirror are arranged on an optical axis of the imaging system. An imaging detector is provided on which radiation is focused by an imaging lens. The Wollaston prism is imaged on itself by the optical system and the plane mirror so that translation of the Wollaston prism in a direction parallel to a virtual split plane of the prism effectively provides an optical path length difference that is the same for all points in the object field.
US09671283B1 Apparatus and method for modulating a laser beam and sensing the optical power thereof
A method and apparatus for modulating a beam from a laser with an electro-absorption modulator, and determining the optical power of the beam by measuring a back current produced by the electro-absorption modulator. The apparatus comprises an electro-absorption modulator and a back current detector. The electro-absorption modulator receives an electronic digital signal from an electro-absorption driver. The electro-absorption modulator modulates the beam of the laser according to the electronic digital signal. While modulating the beam, the electro-absorption modulator produces a back current. This back current is proportional to the optical power of the beam. The back current detector measures the back current to determine the optical power of the beam.
US09671281B2 Imaging systems with digital micromirror devices (DMD)
An imaging system includes an imager housing having a primary aperture defining an optical axis. A primary lens is disposed over the primary aperture. A first focal plane array (FPA) is within the imager housing. A second FPA is within the imager housing. A digital micro-mirror device (DMD) is angled with respect to the optical axis and optically coupled to the primary lens to selectively reflect light entering the primary aperture to at least one of the first FPA or the second FPA.
US09671275B2 Minibar scale to weigh a minibar
A minibar weighing machine for weighing a minibar refrigerator includes a receiving portion for receiving an underside of a minibar which is directed towards the minibar weighing machine where at least part of the minibar weighing machine and at least part of the minibar are arranged in a common, horizontal plane when the minibar is positioned in a weighing position.
US09671273B2 Grain measurement apparatus
A measurement apparatus may include a holding hopper configured to receive a sample of granular material. The measurement apparatus may include a top barrier assembly coupled between the holding hopper and a sub-sample measurement chamber. The top barrier assembly may include a movable top barrier configured to be moved from a closed position to an open position to direct a sub-sample of granular material to flow from the holding hopper to the sub-sample measurement chamber. The measurement apparatus may include the sub-sample measurement chamber configured to couple to the holding hopper at a docked position to receive the sub-sample of granular material from the holding hopper. The measurement apparatus may include a separator actuator configured to separate the sub-sample measurement chamber from the holding hopper. The measurement apparatus may include one or more measurement sensors configured to measure one or more attributes of the sub-sample of granular material.
US09671272B1 Dipstick adapter assembly
A dipstick adapter assembly for use with an oil pan includes a front fixture having an inner face, and a backing plate coupled to the front fixture opposite the inner face. A first fastener is applied through the front fixture and fixed to the backing plate with a bond to prevent rotation of the backing plate with respect to the first fastener. A second fastener is applied to the front fixture for application to the backing plate so as to engage the backing plate and move the backing plate toward and away from the front fixture.
US09671269B2 Gas meter and particle trap
Particle traps and meters fitted with particle traps are described for removing particles from a gas flowing through a gas meter, for example, removing particles from a gas flowing through an ultrasonic gas meter serving a domestic property. In one example, the particle trap has a body which defines a space defined by first and second portions of the body and housing a filter, an inlet through which gas can enter the space, and an outlet through which the gas can exit the space. The inlet and outlet are defined in the first portion and second portion is spaced away from the outlet.
US09671265B2 Thermal dispersion mass flow rate, material interface, and liquid level sensing transducer
A thermal mass dispersion flow rate sensing transducer and transducer assembly or instrument for improved functional life of the transducer without degradation in sensing accuracy. Several aspects of the transducer components and structure reduce thermal leakage within the transducer so the sensor (RTD) output signal is accurately transmitted to the signal processor, resulting in precise ΔT determinations and consequent precise determinations of mass flow rate of the fluid flowing in the conduit. Additionally, the same components and structure also have long life without appreciable degradation, thereby delaying any basis for the need for recalibration of the instrument.
US09671263B2 Ultrasonic flow switch
Provided is an ultrasonic flow switch which can be stably mounted on pipe. A clamp part is mounted on an outer surface of the pipe. A casing part which integrally or independently holds the first and second ultrasonic wave elements is fixed to the clamp part by a sensor fixing screw. The clamp part is configured to restrict displacement of the casing part in an axial direction of the pipe and in a circumferential direction of the pipe and to allow displacement of the casing part in a radial direction of the pipe in a state where the casing part is not fixed.
US09671262B2 Systems and methods for analyzing flowback compositions in real time
An example system includes a separator that accepts and separates a multiphase flowback effluent stream into a plurality of secondary streams. A first sensor assembly monitors the multiphase flowback effluent stream and generates a first signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of the multiphase flowback effluent stream. A second sensor assembly monitors one of the plurality of secondary streams and generates a second signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of the one of the plurality of secondary streams. A signal processor receives the first and second signals and determines a mass flow rate of a substance present in both the multiphase flowback effluent stream and the one of the plurality of secondary streams.
US09671259B2 Conduit
Disclosed is a conduit (4) comprising a conduit wall defining a flow channel through which a fluid may flow and a plurality of further channels (24) through at least part of the conduit wall. Each further channel (24) comprises a first end (20) and a second end (22). The first ends (20) of the further channels (24) are spaced apart along a length of the conduit (4) and comprise openings in fluid communication with the flow channel of the conduit (4). The second ends (22) of the further channels (24) are located proximate to one another (e.g. substantially collocated) such that the distance between the second ends (22) of any two further channels (24) is smaller than the distance between the first ends (20) of those two further channels (24). Pressure sensors (26) may be coupled to the second ends (22) of the further channels, which may be closed.
US09671249B2 System and method for incremental encoder loss detection
A system may include broken wire detector circuitry that may include an optocoupler, encoder isolator circuitry that may include input voltage protection circuitry, an optocoupler, and output filtering circuitry, and compensator circuitry that may include signal conditioning circuitry. The broken wire detector circuitry and the encoder isolator circuitry may be configured to accept inputs signals (A, B) and an index signal (Z) for a single-ended and differential type incremental encoder. The broken wire detector circuitry may be configured to convert an input AC pulse train signal to an analog DC signal. The encoder isolator may be configured to protect from high input voltages. And, the compensator may be configured to accept outputs of the broken wire detector circuitry and the encoder isolator circuitry and to integrate and dampen the analog DC signal that has a value representative of an operating state of the incremental encoder.
US09671244B2 Electronic device and method for providing travel information
An electronic device and a method are described, The electronic device is adapted to be installed on a handlebar of a vehicle, the electronic device comprising: a processor; a communication module; a display comprising a halo-shaped display; a memory for storing therein executable instructions, the instructions upon being processed by the processor, causing the electronic device to: receive, via the communication module, navigational data from a mobile device, the navigational data being associated with a circular visual signal indication, the circular visual signal indication being indicative of at least one of (i) an upcoming directional instruction and (ii) a distance between a current location and an upcoming location associated with the upcoming directional instruction; and, cause the display, on the halo-shaped display, of the circular visual signal indication on a portion of the halo-shaped display.
US09671243B2 Vision augmented navigation
A navigation system may include at least one processing device configured to determine, based on an output of one or more position sensors associated with the navigation system, a current location of at least one component associated with the navigation system and determine a destination location different from the current location. The navigation system may also acquire, from one or more image acquisition devices, a plurality of images representative of an environment of a user of the navigation system and derive, from the plurality of images, visual information associated with at least one object in the environment. The system may also determine one or more instructions for navigating from the current location to the destination location, wherein the one or more instructions include at least one reference to the visual information derived from the plurality of images. The system may also deliver to the user the one or more instructions.
US09671240B2 Route searching method of navigation system and apparatus therefor
A route searching method of a navigation system is provided and includes calculating, by a processor, a turning cost from an i-th node to an (i+1)-th node and a turning cost from the (i+1)-th node to an (i+2)-th node. The processor determines whether the turning costs are different between the sets of nodes. In addition, the processor calculates a driving risk degree from the i-th node to the (i+1)-th node when the turning direction from the i-th node to the (i+1)-th node is different from the turning direction from the (i+1)-th node to the (i+2)-th node.
US09671239B2 System and methods for facilitating real-time carpooling
Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving a request for transport of a first end user; selecting, in response to the received request, a transportation vehicle unit that is currently en route to or is currently transporting a second end user for transporting the first end user, the selection of the transportation vehicle unit being based, at least in part, on ascertaining that the transportation vehicle unit is able to accommodate transport of the first end user while transporting the second end user; and transmitting one or more directives that direct the selected transportation vehicle unit to transport the first end user. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.
US09671226B2 Magnetic sensor calibration for aircraft
A method of magnetic sensor calibration for aircraft comprises obtaining attitude data, heading angle data, position data, and date information; inputting the position data and date into an earth magnetic field (EMF) model and into an EMF model correction map; inputting the attitude and heading angle data into a NOLL to body frame transformation module; outputting an EMF model vector from the EMF model; outputting an EMF correction vector from the EMF model correction map; compensating the EMF model vector with the EMF correction vector to produce a corrected EMF model vector; inputting the corrected EMF model vector into the transformation module; inputting magnetic field measurements data into a calibration processing unit; inputting true earth magnetic field data from the transformation module into the processing unit; computing compensation coefficients in the processing unit based on the magnetic field measurements and the true earth magnetic field; and storing the compensation coefficients.
US09671223B2 Pattern dimension measurement method using electron microscope, pattern dimension measurement system, and method for monitoring changes in electron microscope equipment over time
Beforehand, the device characteristic patterns of each critical dimension SEM are measured, a sectional shape of an object to undergo dimension measurement is presumed by a model base library (MBL) matching system, dimension measurements are carried out by generating signal waveforms through SEM simulation by inputting the presumed sectional shapes and the device characteristic parameters, and differences in the dimension measurement results are registered as machine differences. In actual measurements, from the dimension measurement results in each critical dimension SEM, machine differences are corrected by subtracting the registered machine differences. Furthermore, changes in critical dimension SEM's over time are monitored by periodically measuring the above-mentioned device characteristic parameters and predicting the above-mentioned dimension measurement results. According to the present invention, actual measurements of machine differences, which require considerable time and effort, are unnecessary. In addition, the influence of changes in samples over time, which is problematic in monitoring changes in devices over time, can be eliminated.
US09671222B2 Method and device for determining thickness of rolling stock
Measurement accuracy during determination of the thickness of rolling stock, in particular a rolling strip or a metal plate, is remotely measured using a base measurement value for the thickness obtained by a radiation measurement system having a radiation source and a radiation detector, both carried by a holding mechanism. A reference measurement value for the thickness is measured by an ultrasonic measurement head that is likewise arranged on the holding mechanism. The reference measurement value is used to eliminate the influence of errors on the base measurement value.
US09671220B2 Device for determining the 3D coordinates of an object, in particular of a tooth
A scanner is used for scanning an object, in particular one or more teeth (13, 14, 15) or a dental cast. An improved scanner comprises a carrier (2) on which a plurality of projectors (4) for projecting a pattern onto the object and a plurality of cameras (5) for recording the object are provided one beside the other in an array.
US09671218B2 Device and method of quick subpixel absolute positioning
A quick subpixel absolute positioning device and method are introduced. The method includes the steps of (A) capturing a real-time speckle pattern of a target surface; (B) providing a coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern and a plurality of fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns, wherein the coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern and the fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns include a coordinate value; (C) comparing the real-time speckle coordinate pattern with the coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern by an algorithm and then comparing the real-time speckle coordinate pattern with the fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns to obtain a coordinate value, wherein each said coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern corresponds to a set of fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns, and the fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns are obtained when the coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern is captured again and then captured repeatedly according to a fixed fine-precision displacement distance. Accordingly, the subpixel positioning is attained by quick comparison and manifests high precision.
US09671216B1 Modulated laser for atom interferometers
The present invention is directed to a modulated which includes a semiconductor laser being driven by direct current for frequency tuning, and an AC current with two radio frequencies that can generate repump and Raman frequencies, such that only one laser is needed to produce all the frequencies required to operate an atom interferometer. The present invention is also directed to a method of double modulating a laser to produce all required frequencies for an atom interferometer.
US09671213B2 Wearable input device
Methods and systems are disclosed for integrating LC circuits into a user's jewelry for controlling systems such as computer games. The resonant frequency of the circuit at each of multiple rings worn by the user may be adjustable. A secondary coil within each ring may be moved in relation to the magnetic field generated by a primary coil that may be part of another piece of jewelry, such as a watch or a bracelet, to generate control signals. The magnetic field may inductively couple and power the rings, which may each contain an LC tank circuit. If powered, each of these circuits may oscillate at its resonant frequency. A receiver system may comprise an antenna and a tuning circuit to detect a resonant frequency as an input to control moves of a character within a game, for example for use with heads-up displays (HUDs) for augmented reality applications.
US09671212B2 Position sensor
A position sensor that detects operation positions of an operation member includes an element array having three stages, each including one or more detection elements. A detected subject is detected by each detection element in two adjacent upstream and downstream stages to determine an operation position of the operation member. Whenever the operation member is shifted by one operation position, the detected subject is moved relative to the element array by one stage. Each detection element outputs a detection result of the detected subject. The element array includes at least three detection elements of which the detection results change whenever the operation member is shifted by one operation position. A detection element in the upstream side stage detects the detected subject before the operation position shifting, and a detection element in the downstream side stage detects the detected subject after the operation position shifting.
US09671208B2 Supply of pillows, and a device for use therein
An improvement in the process of pillow selection is described, allowing customers to select a pillow that is appropriate for them in a less random manner. First, a method of selecting a pillow for a user is disclosed, comprising the steps of locating the user with a shoulder thereof adjacent a flat rigid surface, orienting the user substantially transverse to the surface, measuring a spacing between the surface and a proximate side of the user's head, and selecting at least one pillow from a group of pillows, based on the measured spacing. The rigid surface is ideally upright, such as a wall. The group of pillows can be divided into a plurality of sub-groups, each sub-group containing a plurality of pillows with substantially like thickness. Thus, based on the reading, the user can be invited to choose any pillow from a specific group or range of pillows. Second, an apparatus for assisting in the selection of a pillow is disclosed, comprising an extending center section located between a pair of opposing end plates, the center section having a visible indicia indicative of a distance between the end plates. The center section is ideally telescopic, and can comprise an inner and an outer telescopic sleeve, the visible indicia then being provided on the inner telescopic sleeve. A series of colored bands as the visible indicia allows the relevant group of pillows to be identified easily, quickly and unambiguously.
US09671206B2 Two wire daisy chain
A detonator which, in response to a command, uses a first modulation process to generate a first signal and, in response to an event, uses a second modulation process to generate a second signal.
US09671205B1 Portable bullet receiving device
A portable bullet receiving device is for receiving a plurality of bullet sets (50). The portable bullet receiving device includes a base (110), an assembly pillar (120) and a retaining member (170). The assembly pillar (120) is vertically connected to the base (110). The assembly pillar (120) includes two holes (122) opposite to each other and an opening (124). The retaining member (170) is movably installed at the opening (124) of the assembly pillar (120). The retaining member (170) includes a support portion (172), two arms (180) connected to one side of the support portion (172), and a flexible element (200) in contact with the other side of the support portion (172). Two end portions of the two arms (180) movably protrude out of the two holes (122) and restrict the bullet set (50) from being removed from the assembly pillar (120), thereby achieving rapid loading of bullets (10).
US09671193B2 Firearm stock and recoil system
A firearm stock connection system that includes a grip with a first hole, a stock system with a second hole, and a button positioned within the first hole and extending through the second hole in an extended position. The stock system may include a frame member, a plate, an extender tube, and a lock. The extender tube may be threaded onto a threaded projection of the plate. The lock may prevent rotation of the extender tube with respect to the threaded projection. The extender tube may include structures that engage a portion of the lock. The structures may be a plurality of slots. The stock system may include a recoil device. The recoil device may be filled with gas. The grip may include a first end, a second end, a gap positioned between the first and second ends, and a bolt aperture extending from the first end to the gap.
US09671189B2 High let-off crossbow
In at least one embodiment, a crossbow comprises a stock, a first limb, a first rotatable member, a second limb and a second rotatable member. A bowstring, a first power cable and a second power cable each extend between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are constructed and arranged to provide a left-off during draw of said bowstring in an amount of approximately 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% or more. The drawstring let-off reducing load on a latch assembly and/or a trigger assembly.
US09671188B2 Rifle accuracy and noise suppression systems
A noise suppressor for mounting on a distal end of a rifle barrel. The suppressor is made up of an inner core component and an outer sleeve component which is received about the inner core component, creating a gas-receiving chamber between the two. The inner core component an internally threaded, barrel receiving end which receives and engages the exteriorly threaded end of the rifle barrel in overlapping fashion, an oppositely arranged exteriorly threaded end, and a central bore between the two ends which allows the passage of a bullet when the bullet is fired, firing of the bullet also setting off hot exhaust gases in the central bore. The inner core component has window openings for exhausting hot gases from the inner chamber into the surrounding outer chamber and also has an exterior longitudinal region forward of the central chamber, the exterior region having a series of longitudinally aligned, upwardly extending teeth formed therein for diverting the hot, high speed gases contacting the upwardly extending teeth.
US09671186B1 Soft pull trigger mechanism
A trigger mechanism that gives a shooter a durable, adjustable, soft and gentle pull. In this design, the sear block remains, but the trigger mechanism is replaced with a new, softer action mechanism. This mechanism uses a tripper that attaches to a trip. The trip is a formed body that has a lower frame and a top bearing that sits against the bottom of the seer. When the trigger is pulled, it rotates the tripper forward, which causes the trip to rotate backwards. The backward movement of the trip causes the top bearing to roll off the bottom of the seer, causing the gun to fire. The rotation of the trip is smooth compared to the snapping action of the seer in the prior art designs. This smooth movement does not jar the action, making for a better shot.
US09671185B2 Minigun with improved access door
An improved door assembly for a delinking feeder of a minigun includes an access door mounted to a delinking feeder housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. The access door has an enclosed recess for receiving a tongue that is rotationally coupled to the access door and is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. When the access door is in the open position, the tongue is in the deployed position and a tongue first contact surface can contact and secure a linked cartridge positioned in the delinking feeder. When the access door is in the closed position, the tongue is in the retracted position and a tongue second contact surface can contact and guide a cartridge positioned in the delinking feeder.
US09671184B1 Gas flow control member for firearm impingement block
A firearm impingement apparatus that includes a gas flow control member that is operable to provide incremental adjustment of gas flow within the gas block of the firearm impingement apparatus wherein the gas flow control member is configured to provide calibrated rotational movement thereof. The gas flow control member further includes a first portion, second portion and third portion contiguously formed. The first portion includes a plurality of longitudinal indentations circumferentially disposed thereon. The second portion has a diameter that is less than that of said first portion and said second portion. A mounting member is present adjacent an opening of a channel and includes a control pin biasly mounted therein that is operable to engage the gas flow control member. The control pin engages the longitudinal indentations to provide calibrated rotational movement of the gas flow control member.
US09671173B2 Re-direction of vapor flow across tubular condensers
Vapor flow-diverting devices that re-direct upwardly flowing vapor, for example, in a downward direction across condenser tubes disposed in the upper or top section of a vapor-liquid contacting apparatus, are described. These devices are particularly beneficial in tubular condensers within distillation columns and may be used in combination with other associated equipment (e.g., a deflector plate and divider plate) as well as in combination with the tube surface enhancements to improve the heat transfer coefficient.
US09671166B2 Acoustic-assisted heat and mass transfer device
An acoustic energy-transfer apparatus including: an acoustic chest, the acoustic chest defining an inner chamber sized to receive a material to be processed; and an acoustic device positioned within the acoustic chest and oriented to direct acoustic energy towards the material to be processed. A method for drying a material, the method including: positioning a material in an acoustic chest including an acoustic device; and directing acoustically energized air from the acoustic device at the material within the acoustic chest.
US09671165B1 Weighted towel with handles
A weighted towel with handles manufactured from an absorbent material having weights near or at one end which allows a person with limited mobility, dexterity or range of motion to have the ability to dry himself; the end having hook and loop fasteners which attach and allow the end to wrap around a body extremity to dry areas of a limb which are difficult to reach or touch, where the weights are heavy material enclosed in a tough, flexible bag that allows the weight to conform to the limb, or the foot and toes when pressed against.
US09671164B2 Seed dryer and method
A system and method for at least partially drying seeds treated with a liquid. A supply of heated air is continuously fed to a drying chamber. Treated seeds enter one opening of the drying chamber and are forced around at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the drying chamber before exiting out a second opening. Another embodiment can treat the seeds during and/or after the seeds entering the drying chamber.
US09671162B2 Integration methods of gas processing plant and nitrogen rejection unit for high nitrogen feed gases
Gas processing plants and methods are contemplated in CO2 is effectively removed to very low levels from a feed gas to an NRU unit by adding a physical solvent unit that uses waste nitrogen produced by the NRU as stripping gas to produce an ultra-lean solvent, which is then used to treat the feed gas to the NRU unit. Most preferably, the physical solvent unit includes a flash unit and stripper column to produce the ultra-lean solvent.
US09671161B2 Controlling liquefaction of natural gas
A gas liquefaction process, especially for producing LNG, maintains product flow rate and temperature by controlling the refrigeration so that variation to reduce any difference between actual and required product temperatures is initiated before variation of the product flow rate to reduce any difference between actual and required flow rates.
US09671159B2 Liquefier with pressure-controlled liquefaction chamber
A liquefier includes a Dewar having a storage portion and a neck portion extending therefrom. A hermetically isolated liquefaction chamber is disposed within the neck of the Dewar. One or more control components including a temperature and pressure sensor are coupled to a CPU and disposed within the liquefaction chamber for dynamic control of liquefaction conditions. A gas flow control is coupled to the CPU for regulating an input gas flow into the liquefaction chamber. A volume surrounding the liquefaction chamber may be adapted to provide a counter-flow heat exchange. These and other features provide improved liquefaction efficiency among other benefits.
US09671151B1 Method of deciding when to terminate a defrosting cycle within a refrigerated container
The present invention relates to a method, device and computer program for terminating a defrosting cycle within a refrigerated transport container. The container may include: a transport volume, a cooling unit comprising an evaporator arranged in a cooling space, a return air grid arranged to separate said cooling space from said transport volume, means for sensing temperature indicative of the return air temperature of air returning to said cooling space from said transport volume or the temperature of the return air grid, means for actively heating said evaporator during defrosting cycles, and a processor configured for controlling the duration of said defrosting cycles. The method includes: establishing an indicator(s) indicative of frost and/or ice build-up on said return air grid, and terminating a defrosting cycle when an indicator(s) of frost and/or ice build-up on said return air grid indicates that said return air grid is free of frost and/or ice.
US09671150B2 Cooling apparatus and control method thereof
Disclosed herein are a cooling apparatus and a control method thereof. The cooling apparatus using latent heat of a refrigerant includes evaporators evaporating the refrigerant, a compressor compressing the evaporated refrigerant to a high pressure, defrosting heaters removing frost accumulated on the evaporators, a driving unit providing driving current selectively to the compressor or the defrosting heaters, and a control unit controlling the driving unit to provide driving current to the compressor in a cooling operation mode and controlling the driving unit to provide driving current to the defrosting heaters in a defrosting operation mode. The cooling apparatus controls the defrosting heaters using a driving circuit controlling the compressor, and thus lowers the manufacturing costs of a refrigerator operated at DC power.
US09671148B2 Apparatus and method for cooling a containerized fluid
An apparatus for cooling a containerized fluid apparatus has a refrigerant-delivery assembly axially depending from a handle assembly. The handle assembly forms a receptacle for receiving a canister of refrigerant such as pressurized liquid carbon dioxide (CO2). The refrigerant-delivery assembly comprises a supply tube through which refrigerant is fed from the canister in the handle assembly to a refrigerant-containment compartment enclosing an exit port of the supply tube and entry ports of one or more expansion tubes. The refrigerant-containment compartment places the supply tube in fluid-flow communication with the expansion tubes. The expansion tubes are rotatable about the axis of the supply tube. The expansion tubes are made to rotate by either a nozzle-turbine feature or a motor-and-gear subassembly. As refrigerant expands in the expansion tubes it takes on heat in accordance with thermodynamic properties thereby cooling the containerized fluid.
US09671147B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment provided in the body, a door to open and close the storage compartment, an icemaker provided to one side of the storage compartment, an ice bucket provided under the icemaker, and a crusher provided to the rear surface of the door and having an inlet disposed under the outlet of the ice bucket when the door is closed. The crusher may be provided separately from the ice bucket and may independently mounted and detached to and from the rear surface of the door. The ice bucket may have a slimmer design. The space utilization and usability of the storage compartments and the rear surface of the doors may be enhanced.
US09671140B2 Heterogeneous electrocaloric effect heat transfer
Technologies are generally described herein for electrocaloric effect heat transfer devices, methods, and systems that may be effective to efficiently transfer and distribute thermal energy from a heat source utilizing coordinated application of out of phase electric signals to adjacent heat transfer stacks coupled with a thermal distribution layer. Some electrocaloric effect heat transfer stacks may include alternating layers of electrocaloric effect material and thermal rectifier material. The out of phase electric signals produce electric fields that bias the electrocaloric effect material of one heat transfer stack to a hot phase, emitting thermal energy, while biasing the electrocaloric effect material of an adjacent heat transfer stack to a cold phase, absorbing thermal energy. The thermal distribution layer allows for thermal energy from the material in the hot phase to be distributed to the material of the adjacent stack in the cold phase rather than back to the heat source.
US09671139B2 Centrifugal refrigerant vapour compressors
A centrifugal compressor for compressing a refrigerant vapor in a refrigeration cycle. The compressor comprises an impeller drive shaft (28) supported by first and second radial bearings (32) for rotation within the compressor housing and an impeller assembly including at least one centrifugal impeller wheel mounted on the impeller drive shaft to rotate with the impeller drive shaft. The first and second radial bearings are hydrodynamic fluid bearings in which the bearing fluid is the refrigerant vapor. The compressor further comprising a conduit (36) for supplying a portion of the refrigerant vapor from the impeller assembly to the first and second fluid bearings.
US09671133B2 Heating device
This invention provides a heating device ensuring sufficient adhesive force, even when it is removed from clothing and then reattached to different clothing. The heating device of the present invention comprises a bag unit 2 containing an exothermic composition A including an oxidizable metal that can generate heat by contact with air, one surface of the bag unit 2 being air-permeable; an adhesive layer 3 formed on the other surface of the bag unit 2; a first release sheet 4 provided on the adhesive layer 3 to cover the adhesive layer 3; and a second release sheet 5 provided on the first release sheet 4 to cover the first release sheet 4, wherein the first release sheet 4 has a release portion 41 and a residual portion 42; when the second release sheet 5 is removed from the first release sheet 4, the release portion 41 is removed together with the second release sheet 5 and the residual portion 42 remains on the adhesive layer 3.
US09671122B2 Controller employing feedback data for a multi-strike method of operating an HVAC system and monitoring components thereof and an HVAC system employing the controller
A controller for an HVAC system, a compute-usable medium and an ERV are disclosed. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) an input terminal configured to receive feedback data from a first operating unit of the HVAC system, (2) an operation monitor configured to determine if the feedback data corresponds to a predetermined condition for the first operating unit and (3) a system director configured to operate a second operating unit of the HVAC system at a predetermined operating value corresponding to the predetermined condition and a number of occurrences of predetermined conditions associated with the first operating unit.
US09671116B2 Hot water supply system
A hot water supply system includes a hot water storage tank configured to store hot water, a plurality of temperature sensors that are installed in the height direction of the water storage tank and that detect temperatures at their installed positions, a main-unit-side hot water supply device that heats hot water in the hot water storage tank, a sub-unit-side hot water supply device, a main-unit-side control board equipped with control means that controls the corresponding hot water supply device, and a sub-unit-side control board. Signals sent from the temperature sensors are input in a distributed manner among the main-unit-side control board and the sub-unit-side control board, and each of the control boards are communicably connected to each other by a transmission line.
US09671115B2 Home appliance with a telescopic rack
A home appliance with a telescopic rack including a cavity with walls having an opposing set of ribs, a rack with opposing side edges, a slide coupled to an opposing side edge, and a brace coupled to the slide and capturing the opposing set of ribs.
US09671102B2 LED flashlight with improved heat sink
One electrical lead from an LED package is soldered to an inner electrically conductive member positioned and electrically isolated from an outer electrically conductive member by electrically insulating material while a second electrical lead and a neutral lead from the LED are soldered to the outer electrically conductive member so that heat is transferred from an LED die within the LED package to the outer electrically conductive member and then to a thermally conductive outer casing with a thermal path that minimizes thermal resistance.
US09671101B2 Lighting device and luminaire
Disclosed is a lighting device (1) comprising a housing (80), an air inlet (22) and an air outlet (24); a support structure (30) in said housing extending in between said air inlet and said air outlet, said support structure including a section (32) carrying at least one solid state lighting element (10); a conduit (20) from said air inlet to said air outlet such that the conduit extends over the support structure; and a fan (40) mounted in said conduit, wherein the fan is located closer to the air inlet than to the air outlet. A luminaire including such a lighting device is also disclosed.
US09671099B2 Package for light emitting device and method for packaging the same
There are provided a light emitting device package and a method for manufacturing the same. The light emitting device includes: a plurality of barriers provided above a metal circuit board; a plurality of light emitting devices placed in a space between the barriers; and a lens unit provided at an upper side of the barrier. Accordingly, the plurality of light emitting devices can be conveniently seated as a module format, and a luminance can be increased. Also, an efficiency of heat sink can be increase.
US09671097B2 Decorative lighting with reinforced wiring
A reinforced wire for decorative lighting, the wire defining a central longitudinal wire axis and including: a longitudinally-extending reinforcing strand, the reinforcing strand comprising one or more fibers comprising a polymer material and defining a reinforcing-strand axis; a plurality of conductor strands wound about the reinforcing strand, each of the plurality of conductor strands defining a conductor strand axis; and an outer insulating layer adjacent to, and covering, one or more of the conductor strands. The reinforcing strand in cross section normal to the wire axis defines an asymmetrical shape.
US09671096B2 TV remote control lighting
A system for focused lighting on a remote control including: a bracket, where the bracket includes a cradle and a release clip, where the release clip enables the placement of the bracket onto the remote control; a first set of clamps extending from a first side of the cradle, where the first set of clamps extend around a first side of the remote control; a second set of clamps extending from a second side of the cradle, where the second set of clamps extend around a second side of the remote control; a stem extending from the cradle; and a LED light at a distal end of the stem, where the LED light illuminates a control panel of the remote control. Preferably, the cradle and release clip abut an underside of the remote control. Also preferably, the stem extends from the underside of the remote control to the control panel side and the direction of the LED light is adjustable.
US09671094B2 Laser scanning apparatus and method of use
A laser system includes a housing and a laser. The laser can be positioned in the housing such that its laser beam is transmitted at an angle and its path forms a cone as the housing rotates. The laser device may also contain two or more lasers, the angle of each laser may be the same or different, and the angular position of each laser may be fixed or variable. The laser system may be stationary or mobile and used in a variety of methods to detect an object or topography and produce a three dimensional image. That information can be further used to provide maps, terrain data, volumetric measurements, landing guidance, obstacle avoidance warnings, mining profiles and other useful material.
US09671093B2 Holder for holding a carrier, a lighting module, a luminaire and a method of manufacturing a holder for a lighting module
A holder (210) for holding a carrier (240) comprising solid state light emitters (242), a lighting module, a luminaire and a method of manufacturing a holder for a lighting module are provided. The holder (210) comprises a light exit window (214), a fastening element (212), a contact surface (226) and at least two hooks (220). The contact surface provides a stop position with which the carrier is in contact when the carrier is assembled in the holder. The at least two hooks are moveable between a clamping position and a sidewards position. When the holder is assembled to the carrier, i) and when said hooks are in the clamping position, said hooks are arranged for clamping the carrier between said hooks and the contact surface, and ii) when the holder is fastened to the mounting surface of the another object, said hooks are in the sidewards position, the sidewards positions is a position away from the carrier.
US09671091B2 Low profile lighting fixture with movable heat sink and lighting element assembly
A low-profile, recessed light fixture with a housing, a lighting element enclosure with a heat sink, and a junction box containing a lighting driver. The base of the housing has an illumination aperture disposed therein. The heat sink acts as the top of the lighting element enclosure and is movable between an operation position and a service position. In the operation position, the heat sink is vertically aligned with the illumination aperture. In the service position, the heat sink is horizontally displaced from vertical alignment with the illumination aperture. When the heat sink is in the service position, the interior of the junction box is accessible through the illumination aperture, allowing the user to remove the lighting driver and other electrical components from the junction box for maintenance.
US09671090B2 Lighting device for obtaining a predetermined light distribution at a target area
The invention relates to a lighting device (100) comprising a light source (110) and an optical component (120) adapted for obtaining a predetermined light distribution (300) at a target area (400). The optical component has a substrate (122) comprising a material that is capable of controllably changing shape when an activating force is applied thereto, and one or more optical elements (121). The substrate further comprises a material capable of being switched from a first state comprising a first static modulus to a second state comprising a second static modulus by means of an external stimulus (140), the first static modulus being smaller than the second static modulus, the static modulus being calculated as the ratio of strain to stress of the substrate under static conditions. This material is capable of controllably changing shape in the first state and being dimensionally stable in the second state, when no activating force is applied thereto.
US09671089B2 Conversion element and illuminant
A conversion element (10) is specified, comprising a scattering layer (12), a reflection layer (14), and a conversion layer (16) arranged between the scattering layer (12) and the reflection layer (14). The scattering layer (12) is designed to transmit a first portion (20) of a primary radiation (18) impinging on it from a side facing away from the conversion layer (16) into the conversion layer (16), and to scatter a second portion (22) of the primary radiation (18) impinging on it towards that side of the scattering layer (12) which faces away from the conversion layer (16). The conversion layer (16) comprises at least one conversion means (25) which is designed to convert at least part of the first portion of the primary radiation (18) into a second radiation (19) having a higher wavelength different from the primary radiation (18). The reflection layer (14) has a reflective effect at least with regard to the second radiation (19).
US09671088B2 Lens and illumination device including the lens
Various embodiments may relate to a lens for an illumination device, including an incident surface, an emergent surface, and a reflective surface connected between the incident surface and the emergent surface. The lens includes a first axis as an optical axis of the lens, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and extending in a longitudinal direction of the lens, the first axis and the second axis defining a symmetrical surface of the lens, and a third axis perpendicular to the symmetrical surface, a first portion of light from a light source is incident upon the incident surface, refracted by the emergent surface, and then emerges to form a first light beam, and a second portion of light from the light source is incident upon the incident surface, reflected by the reflective surface, refracted by the emergent surface, and then emerges to form a second light beam.
US09671086B2 Oxynitride orange-red fluorescent substance and light-emitting film or sheet and light-emitting device comprising the same
An oxynitride orange-red fluorescent substance and a light-emitting film or sheet and a light-emitting device comprising the same are disclosed. The chemical formula of the oxynitride orange-red fluorescent substance is MmAaSixNyOz:dR in which the element M is one or more of the elements selected from Ca, Sr and Ba, the element A is Al or a mixture of Al with one or more of the elements selected from Ga, La, Sc and Y, the element R is one or more of the elements selected from Ce, Eu and Mn, 0.8≦m≦1.2, 1
US09671084B2 Display device
A plurality of LED light sources that are mounted on a front face of a mounting plate are separated from each other respectively being disposed in cells of a partitioning wall. Inner faces of the respective cells are made of a material of low reflectivity. With respect to a normal line direction of the mounting plate, light of the LED light source is viewed, as light being brighter the closer to a back side and darker the closer to a near side on the inner face, in a state of being given gradations by the inner face.
US09671079B2 Vehicular headlamp
A vehicular headlamp has a projection lens, a first light source disposed rearward of a rear focal point of the projection lens, a first reflector that reflects emitted light from the first light source above the first light source and toward the projection lens, a shield disposed such that a front end edge of the shield passes through a vicinity of the rear focal point to block a portion of reflected light from the first reflector, a second reflector that is disposed forward of the first reflector, and that reflects the emitted light from the first light source toward a position between the first light source and the shield, and a third reflector that is disposed between the first light source and the shield, and that reflects reflected light from the second reflector toward the projection lens by passing the reflected light below the shield.
US09671078B2 Lighting unit for a motor vehicle
A lighting unit including devices for emitting a luminous flux in the direction of a reflector featuring devices for optical deflection of the flux toward the outlet of the unit, the reflector including a support wall that is fastened to the optical deflection devices and is disposed across the optical deflection devices so as to be disposed between the optical deflection devices and the emission devices.The support wall includes a masking portion that is disposed facing the emission devices and a so-called cut-off edge of which is cut away so as to form a mask integral with the support wall adapted to allow to pass only a portion of the rays emitted by the emission devices. The invention also concerns a motor vehicle headlamp, notably in that it includes two lighting units disposed transversely side by side.
US09671065B2 Pump having wear and wear rate detection
Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. The apparatus includes a controller that diagnoses piston wear by driving the pump to achieve a predetermined pressure, stopping the pump with the piston in a home position, and measuring pressure at a preselected time interval after the step of stopping the pump. The amount of piston wear is approximated based on a difference between the predetermined pressure and the measured pressure at the predetermined time interval.
US09671063B2 Header support system
A header support system for supporting a product display header on a pegboard panel includes a pegboard bracket, a support arm, an extension arm and a front plate. The pegboard bracket includes a backplate member having an upper portion, a lower portion and a front face, a spacer member, a plurality of spaced apart upper prongs for engaging the pegboard panel, a plurality of spaced apart lower prongs for engaging the pegboard panel and a plurality of first connection elements. The support arm includes substantially perpendicular first and second elongated members with connection elements for securing the support arm to the pegboard bracket. The extension arm slidably engages the second elongated member and the front plate is disposed at a proximate end of the extension arm for receiving the product display header.
US09671061B2 Anti-spin mounting pole and method of forming
An anti-spin mounting pole for holding a communications device mounted thereon generally stable relative to a desired position when the lower end portion of the resultant pole is installed in a concrete base, such anti-spin mounting pole formed from an elongated pole having a generally uniform cross-sectional configuration defining a nominal outer perimeter and having one or more compressed areas formed along the lower end portion of the pole to alter thereat the initial generally uniform cross-sectional configuration and effect an enhanced out-of-round condition defining an anti-spin portion that includes a pair of oppositely directed ears extending outwardly beyond the nominal outer perimeter of the elongated pole.
US09671058B2 Rotating mechanism used for rotating a screen and display device therewith
A rotating mechanism used for rotating a screen includes a supporting stand and a base. An end of the supporting stand is connected to the screen. The supporting stand is for supporting the screen. The base is placed on a supporting surface, so as to support the supporting stand and the screen on the supporting surface. The other end of the supporting stand is fixed on the base. The base includes a first cover and a second cover. The other end of the supporting stand is connected with the first cover. The second cover is detachably installed on the first cover and contacts with the supporting surface. At least one of the first cover and the second cover is rotatable relative to the supporting surface.
US09671057B2 Support plate
A support plate is used for supporting an electronic device. The support plate includes a first plate member, a foldable portion, and a second plate member. The foldable portion is connected to the first plate member and the second plate member. The first plate member includes a combining portion far away from the foldable portion and a contact portion adjacent to the foldable portion. The second plate member includes at least one combined portion and a non-slip element attached on a side surface of the second plate member. The combining portion is foldable to combinedly position the combined portion, wherein the contact portion supports the second plate member and forms an included angle with the second plate member. Accordingly, the support plate can stably support the electronic device and can be expanded or received quickly.
US09671056B2 Insulation
Insulation (10) for vehicle components, for example, exhaust systems such as particle filters and SCR systems. The insulation has a plate-like component (12). The insulation can be fasted in an especially cost-effective manner by welding. The insulation (10) has at least one separate support (16).
US09671055B2 Vacuum heat insulating material
To provide a vacuum heat insulating material having good heat insulating characteristics and capable of forming a corner part with high reliability. The vacuum heat insulating material includes a core material including an inorganic fiber assembly, and an outer covering member covering at least one surface of the core material, the inside of which is decompressed and sealed, in which the outer covering member includes an outermost resin layer and radiation prevention layers positioned inside the resin layer, in which the radiation prevention layers have an overlapping part where at least two or more radiation prevention layers are stacked at apart thereof.
US09671052B2 Collet securing device for joining two fluid lines and providing lateral support at the connection of the two fluid lines
A fluid line support system includes a fluid line and a collet having an insertion end and a thickened portion having a biased end. A fluid valve has a valve aperture that receives the insertion end of the collet. A collet securing device has a fluid line portion that engages the wall of the fluid line, wherein at least the fluid line portion encircles the wall and is slidably engaged with the wall to define a loose position and a securing position. A collet portion of the collet securing device engages the retaining portion of the fluid valve when in the securing position. When in the securing position, the fluid line portion engages the biased end of the collet, wherein the fluid line and collet portions bias the retaining portion and biased end toward one another such that the insertion end is positioned at a final insertion depth.
US09671049B1 Hybrid push-to-connect fitting device and assembly
A fitting device includes a fitting body having an interior surface defining an interior, a packing assembly maintained within the fitting body interior, a retaining nut, and a shoe member maintained between the retaining nut and the axially outer rim of the fitting body, whereupon inserted tubes or pipes can be securely inserted into the fitting interior and maintained therein.
US09671045B1 Air hose supporting apparatus
An air hose supporting apparatus comprising a housing having a pair of sidewalls, a first end, a second end, a top surface and an air hose workstation surface engaging base located distal the top surface of the housing, an elongated air hose receptacle extending through the housing with the elongated air hose receptacle having an open end, a closed end, and an air hose supporting sidewall tapering from the open end to the closed end, and a means for maintaining the base to the air hose workstation surface.
US09671044B2 Linear pipe recovery/lay tensioners and method of using same
Linear pipe recovery/lay tensioners can include one or more pivot assemblies for rotatably moving an upper track away from a lower track to facilitate placement of a pipe segment between the two tracks. In addition, or alternatively, the tensioners can include one or more hydraulic cylinders that provide flexible suspension to the upper and lower tracks so the tracks can move and rotate as necessary due to differing pipe segment shapes. In addition, or alternatively, the upper and lower tracks include one or more gripping pads having one or more gripping members that can be sheathed by a compliant member until such time as the pipe segment compresses the compliant member causing the gripping member(s) to protrude from the compliant member and engage the pipe segment. Rotation of the tracks is controlled by a hydraulic pump capable of rotating the tracks at the same rate or at different rates.
US09671037B2 Fuel cutoff valve
A fuel cutoff valve includes: a casing main body having a valve chamber and a connecting hole to connect the valve chamber to the exterior of the fuel tank; a cover which has a pipe passageway which communicates with the exterior and which is connected to the connecting hole; a bottom member which has an induction chamber which has an opening portion through which liquid fuel and fuel vapor are allowed to flow and a distribution hole which communicates with the valve chamber; and a float configured to ascend and descend according to a fuel level in the fuel tank to close and open the connecting hole, wherein the bottom member has a guiding plate in the induction chamber, the guiding plate being formed into a shape of a recess portion which is oriented towards the opening portion in an axial section.
US09671036B2 Actuator for a valve and a valve comprising such actuator
Actuator for a valve, comprising a first piston, a first piston rod and a first fluid chamber for enabling movement of the first piston and the first piston rod. The actuator has a second piston, a second piston rod, the second piston rod being coaxially arranged with the first piston rod and radially enclosing at least a part of the first piston rod. A second fluid chamber is arranged for the second piston, for enabling movement of the second piston and the second piston rod. A first fluid channel is arranged in communication with each of the first and the second fluid chambers, for effecting, when fluid is introduced into the first fluid channel, movement of the first piston and the second piston. Also, a valve comprising such actuator is disclosed.
US09671035B2 Flow regulator
The present disclosure provides a flow regulator capable of regulating flow resistance of a fluid by adjusting helical pitch of the flow regulator. The flow regulator comprises: a channel, a rod, and a helical coil. The channel has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for a fluid flowing in and out of the flow regulator, respectively. The rod has a fore end and a rear end opposite to each other. The fore end is inside the channel, and the rear end is closer to the fluid outlet than the fluid inlet. The helical coil winds around the rod, and the helical pitch of the helical coil is adjustable for regulating flow resistance of the fluid. The channel further has a narrowed section where part of the helical coil located therein substantially occupies an annular space between the rod and an inner wall of the channel.
US09671031B2 Wireless electric valve for automatic closing and opening of main fluid pipe
An automatic, wireless electric valve designed to be installed on a main fluid pipe that receives wireless, remote open and close commands, and which comprises an external casing, an electric motor, an internal power supply, an inner pipe with an inlet, an outlet, and a disc, an inner clamp, a primary cogwheel that is attached to the electric motor by means of an axle, a secondary cogwheel that is attached to the rotation shaft, and an electronic control mechanism.
US09671027B2 Axially preloaded sealing element
A valve arrangement including a sealing element is provided. The valve arrangement includes a housing having a port. A rotary valve body includes an opening, and the rotary valve body is arranged within the housing. The port of the housing and the opening of the rotary valve body are alignable with each other via rotation of the rotary valve body in the housing. A sealing element is arranged within the port. The sealing element includes a seal body having a first axial end engaged against the rotary valve body and a second axial end including a resilient axially compressible portion that engages against a seat in the housing. The resilient axially compressible portion of the sealing element preloads the sealing element axially against the rotary valve body.
US09671026B2 Grid flap
The invention relates to a grid flap (1) for use in a filling device or scale, especially in food processing, wherein the grid flap (1) comprises a metal frame (2) and a metal grid (4), and wherein the grid (4) comprises a plurality of braces (4h, 4v), which are connected to the frame (2) on their respective final sections.
US09671022B2 Housing seal of two housing parts lying against each other
The invention relates to known housing seals of two housing parts lying against each other, a first housing part (1) having a first sealing surface (6) and a second housing part (2) having a second sealing surface (7), which housing seals are equipped with a seal (15), which is inserted into a groove (10) in the first sealing surface (6) of the first housing part (1), wherein the groove (10) is covered by the second sealing surface (7) of the second housing part (2). According to the invention, in order to prevent crevice corrosion, the groove (10) has an opening (11) between the sealing surfaces (6, 7), which is used to ventilate the groove (10) having the inserted seal. The invention is intended for water pumps, in particular for auxiliary water pumps of motor vehicles.
US09671020B2 Concentric slave cylinder for a hydraulic clutch actuator
A central release unit for a hydraulic clutch actuator has a plastic cylinder housing which is produced by injection molding and which has at least one cylinder wall provided, on an outer circumference, with a reinforcement sleeve. The reinforcement sleeve can be fastened to the cylinder wall after the injection molding of the cylinder housing, for which purpose a snap-action connection is provided on a forward end, which faces away from the pressure connection piece, of the reinforcement sleeve. The connection is formed by a radially inwardly bent detent portion of the reinforcement sleeve and by a rib integrally formed on the outer circumference of the cylinder wall. The reinforcement sleeve has a main portion which adjoins the detent portion and which is of conical shape complementary to an outer circumferential surface, which is of conical form in the reinforcement region, of the cylinder wall.
US09671017B2 Shift control device for continuously variable transmission
A transmission control device includes a converter that converts continuous accelerator positions detected by an accelerator pedal sensor into a stepped step position, and a controller that controls the gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission based on the converted step position. The converter creates a hysteresis regarding the converted step position, when the accelerator depression amount increases, and when the accelerator depression amount decreases. In the case where the step position reaches a predetermined position or greater, the controller executes kick-down control where the gear ratio is controlled to a low side.
US09671012B2 Vehicle shift lever apparatus
A vehicle shift lever apparatus may include a support bracket configured to be coupled to a vehicle body, an actuating bar disposed at the support bracket so as to elastically move axially and rotate axially, a shift lever coupled to the actuating bar to move the actuating bar axially or rotate the actuating bar axially depending on an operation thereof, and a cable interlocked with the actuating bar to longitudinally guide the axial movement or the axial rotation of the actuating bar.
US09671010B2 Hybrid driveline for a motor vehicle
A hybrid drive assembly for a motor vehicle, with a main transmission (4) and an electric machine (10) arranged in a hybrid module (6). The electric machine has a rotor (14) that rotates within a rotational space (38). The hybrid module (6) and the main transmission (4) share a common oil system, whose oil temperature is measured. A device (62, 64) is provided which, if a limit value of the oil temperature is exceeded, controls the oil level (58) in the oil sump in the rotation space (38) of the electric machine (10) in such a manner that the rotor (14) becomes immersed in the oil, within the oil sump (58), and can take up oil and throw the oil off again off onto components of the electric machine (10) located within the rotational space.
US09671009B2 Pressure and flow compensated hydraulic system
A vehicle hydraulic system includes a transmission lube circuit, a variable displacement main pump having an inlet, and a variable displacement charge pump having an outlet and a pressure responsive displacement control unit. The system also includes a charge line communicating the charge pump outlet with the main pump inlet, a sensing line communicating the charge line with the displacement control unit, and a lube line communicating the charge pump outlet with the lube circuit. The lube line includes a fluid restriction. A hydraulic oil filter and a filter bypass valve are connected in parallel between the outlet of the charge pump and the charge line.
US09671008B2 Oil suction device for vehicle
An oil suction device including a primary suction port installed at an inflow end of a thin pipe for sucking oil in an oil storing section, and a third suction port formed in a gap between a first tapered surface and a second papered surface due to a relative movement of the thin pipe to the thick pipe. At a suction pressure of the oil pump less than a predetermined pressure, the oil suction device sucks only oil from the primary suction port, and at a suction pressure of the oil pump equal to or more than the predetermined pressure, air is sucked from the third suction port formed in a gap between the first tapered surface and a second tapered surface due to the relative movement of the thin pipe to the thick pipe.
US09671007B2 Low noise pulley
Low-noise pulleys and methods of constructing low-noise pulleys are disclosed. In a first aspect, first and second pluralities of arms extending radially outward from the outer hub to the outer rim are angularly offset from each other about the axis of rotation to eliminate symmetry across the lateral midline of the pulley. In a second aspect, the radially outermost ends of a plurality of arms are arcuately spaced apart according to a pitch sequence describing a pseudo-random pattern of relative spacings so as to reduce or eliminate rotational symmetry of the pulley. In a third aspect, features of the first and second aspects are combined, and in one embodiment, first and second pluralities of arms are, respectively, approximately oppositely canted so as to vary the arcuate spacings of the laterally outermost ends of the arms.
US09670999B2 Low friction travel limiting stop module for a rotational drive system
A stop module halts rotation of a shaft of a rotational drive system when an axial stroke limit is reached without the use of frictional brake plates. The module has a fixed nut and a pawl carrier coaxially mounted on the shaft for axial travel along the shaft and rotation with the shaft. The pawl carrier includes a screw portion mated with the nut such that rotation of the pawl carrier with the shaft causes the pawl carrier to travel axially along the shaft. A pawl member is pivotally coupled to the pawl carrier, and a stop element is fixed at an axial limit location. The pawl carrier is axially displaceable from a non-limit position wherein the pawl member is clear of the stop element during rotation to a limit position wherein the pawl member is interfered with by the stop element during rotation to stop rotation of the shaft.
US09670998B2 Oscillation tool
An oscillation tool includes a grip-portion housing and a front-side housing which are fitted to each other so as to freely slide on each other. In the case that a driving unit and an oscillating unit are distanced from each other, the oscillating shaft is oscillated at a narrow amplitude. On the other hand, in a case that the driving unit and the oscillating unit are approached by each other, the oscillating shaft is oscillated at a wide amplitude.
US09670989B2 Driven hatch arrangement for a motor vehicle
A driven hatch arrangement is provided, particularly a rear hatch arrangement, for a motor vehicle with a hatch and with a hatch drive for opening and/or closing the hatch, with the hatch drive comprising a motor with a motor shaft and a motor pinion and at least one planetary gear with a sun gear, planetary carriers with planetary rolling elements arranged on bearing pins, and an annulus, with the sun wheel of the planetary gear being formed by the motor pinion and a driven shaft being driven via the planetary gear, in which the motor pinion is slid onto the motor shaft.
US09670985B2 Toothed belt and belt reduction gear including the same
A toothed belt includes: a back portion; and a plurality of helical teeth provided on an inner periphery of the back portion and disposed at a fixed pitch in a belt longitudinal direction. An angle θ between a tooth trace direction of the helical teeth and a belt lateral direction is in a range of 7 degrees to 10 degrees, both inclusive. A ratio A of a thickness tb of the back portion to a tooth height hb of the helical teeth, which is given by A=100×tb/hb, is in a range of 120% to 240%, both inclusive.
US09670979B1 Resilient expandable pressure vessel
A resilient expandable pressure vessel configured to function like a spring. The resilient expandable pressure vessel includes a body portion, a cavity defined within the body portion, and at least one port in communication with the cavity defined in the body portion. The at least one port is configured to receive a fluid into the cavity and discharge the fluid from the cavity. The resilient expandable pressure vessel has a predetermined expansibility across a range of operating pressures of the fluid in the cavity. The range is at least 200 psi.
US09670976B2 Composite disc brake backing plate
A brake backing plate is provided in which a non-compressible core material is sandwiched between two sheet metal stampings to make a lightweight, composite brake backing plate. Each of the stampings has a textured face with a plurality of integrally formed piercing members. By rolling or pressing, the piercing members of the textured faces are fully embedded in the core material, and thus lock the stampings and the core material together.
US09670969B2 Drive assembly for a motor vehicle drive train including a dynamically compensated clutch control assembly
A drive assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The drive assembly includes a clutch pack, a hub, a main piston axially movable with respect to the hub to engage the clutch pack and a clutch control assembly nonrotatably fixed to the hub. The clutch control assembly forms a pressure chamber with the main piston. Rotation of the hub causes the clutch control assembly to close an engagement gap of the clutch pack. Pressure in the pressure chamber moves the main piston to engage the clutch pack after the engagement gap is closed.
US09670966B2 Tube yoke for a driveshaft assembly
A tube yoke has a tube seat, lugs and stiffening ribs. The tube seat has a base, a wall and the stiffening ribs. The lugs project outwardly from the tube seat. Various designs of the tube yoke may be used to achieve different performance characteristics.
US09670964B1 Damper on constant velocity joint tube seat
A vehicle shaft assembly having a damper integrally connected to the constant velocity joint end of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a constant velocity joint stub shaft having a constant velocity joint stub shaft tube seat that is integrally connected to a shaft. Integrally connected to the outer surface of a constant velocity joint stub shaft tube seat is a damper. The damper may include a damper rubber first ring rotatively connected to a second damper ring acting as a rotational mass. Additionally, the damper may include an innermost steel ring and a damper rubber first ring rotatively connected to a second damper ring acting as a rotational mass.
US09670963B2 Constant velocity joint
A constant velocity joint has an inner race and a sleeve. The sleeve connects with the inner race. In addition, the sleeve connects with a pinion shaft via splines. A nut attaches to the sleeve and also the shaft. The nut/shaft attachment is through threads.
US09670959B2 Bearing with improved resistance to micropitting
A bearing comprising a plurality of rolling elements arranged between an inner and outer raceway thereof. A rolling contact interface is between a first rolling contact surface on at least one rolling element and a second rolling contact surface formed by one of the inner and outer raceways. The first rolling contact surface has a first RMS roughness Rq1 and a first roughness pattern γ1, expressed in terms of the Peklenik number γ. The second rolling contact surface has a second RMS roughness Rq2 and a second roughness pattern γ2. To minimize micropitting in the bearing, the rolling contact interface has a surface topography wherein (a) the roughness pattern of the first and second rolling contact surfaces are oriented in the direction of rolling, whereby γ1≧3.0 and γ2≧10.0; and (b) the first and of the second rolling contact surfaces have substantially equal roughness heights, whereby 0.8≦Rq1/Rq2≦1.25.
US09670958B2 Rolling bearing
A rolling bearing includes an outer ring, an inner ring, a plurality of balls disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring and allowed to roll, and a snap cage that is made of resin and holds the balls. The snap cage includes an annular main portion and a plurality of cage bars. The cage bars each protrude from a right side surface of the main portion. Pockets are formed between the cage bars to house the respective balls. An inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface of each of the cage bars in a radial direction have respective tilted surfaces that form a tapered shape in an axial direction. This allows lubricant oil to flow well in the rolling bearing in both directions.
US09670950B2 Elevator handrail attachment mechanism
The present invention relates to a mechanism and method for rigidly mounting a handrail to the interior of an elevator cab. The mechanism includes a threaded rod having a pivoting member at one end for passing through an existing or new opening in an elevator cab wall. Upon passing through the wall, the pivoting member can rotate to provide a brace against the exterior of the elevator cab wall. A base portion having a number of grooves on its exterior surface and threads on its interior surface threads onto the rod to create a solid connection to the cab's wall. The handrail, having a base portion receiver, is then securely attached to the cab by sliding over it the sleeve and having set screw(s) inserted through the handrail's receiver at points adjacent to the corresponding grooves in the sleeve.
US09670949B1 Keyhole weld-down fastener base
A weld-down base conforms to a surface to support other objects, such as cables, motors, water tanks, etc. The base has at least one keyhole shaped hole, with a first portion and a second portion. On the top side of the base, the first portion of each hole is large enough to pass the head of a bolt; the second portion is only large enough to pass the shaft of the bolt but not the head. However, the second portion is stepped near the exit side to be wider so that the bolt head can be inserted into the wider first portion and then slid laterally to the second portion where the step will hold the bolt in place with its threaded shaft extending from the base. The exposed bolt allows objects such as clamps, brackets, signs, lighting, fire extinguishers, hoses, instruments, and so on, to the supporting surface.
US09670947B2 Trim retainer-stab clip
A trim retainer assembly having a clip portion with a base and a molded housing having a keyhole and an opening. The keyhole in the doghouse is smooth for improved molding and elimination of tuning since there are no detents in the bore to tune or maintain. The base is provided with a pair of arms that are flexible and each arm having a self detent feature that passes through the opening in the housing to provide clip retention and, at the same time, float for tolerance variations is provided. The pair of arms also include nominal centering detents. The keyhole bore, opening, and clip portion provides clip detent, consistent retention effort, float, centering and anti-rotation.
US09670946B2 Screwed assembly
A screwed assembly consists of at least one pre-punched, upper and an unpunched, lower component, an intermediate layer arranged in between, and a plurality of self-drilling fastening screws which are introduced via a pre-punch hole in the upper component and screwed to the unpunched component with the interposition of the intermediate layer. In order to effectively prevent in a simple manner any still uncured intermediate layer material from flowing out of the upper component surface when the fastening screws are screwed in, the pre-punches in the upper component are designed as blind holes which are closed by a thin-walled web.
US09670942B2 Separate hydraulic unit with cooling of oil
A separate hydraulic power pack for providing at least one user with an oil flow. The hydraulic unit includes a motor, a hydraulic pump driven by the motor, a tank, an oil inlet, an oil outlet, a heat exchanger, and a first conduit system for oil. The first conduit system connects at least the oil inlet, the heat exchanger, the oil tank, the hydraulic pump and the oil outlet. The heat exchanger is provided for liquid cooling of the oil. A cooling liquid inlet for connection to a cooling liquid source, a first cooling liquid outlet and a second conduit system for a cooling liquid.
US09670940B2 Pressure-balance valve for balancing fluid feed to actuator cylinders of a servo-control for controlling rotor blades of a rotorcraft
A pressure-balance valve for balancing the pressures of fluids admitted into the pressure-balance valve via respective second ducts. The pressure-balance valve has both a chamber for guiding movement in translation of a piston, and also fluid flow paths, each comprising a said second duct and a first duct for admitting a fluid coming from the same fluid source as the fluid flowing in its second duct. Each of the first ducts is provided with a shutter co-operating with a ramp arranged on the piston. Movement of the piston in translation as a result of a pressure difference between the fluids respectively admitted into the second ducts causes one of the shutters to slide along the corresponding ramp and consequently allows additional fluid to be delivered from a first duct to the second duct of the same fluid flow path.
US09670937B2 Centrifugal compressor having cooling system
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a centrifugal compressor, a heat exchanger integral with the centrifugal compressor and configured to transfer heat from a fluid pressurized by the centrifugal compressor to a cooling fluid flow, and a cooling fluid supply head of the heat exchanger comprising an integral flow control valve configured to regulate a cooling fluid flow rate through the heat exchanger.
US09670936B2 Turbomachine stator internal shell with abradable material
The present application relates to a compression stage of a low-pressure compressor of an axial turbomachine, such as a turboprop. The stage includes a rotor with, on its outer surface, two lip seals, each forming a radial annular rib; and a stator which includes an annular row of stator blades extending substantially radially; and an inner shell whose radial cross section includes a central part connected to the inner tips of the blades, a lateral part extending from each side of the central part to one of the two lip seals, respectively, thus forming a rotor with the annular cavity. The shell and the rotor are configured so that the radial section of the annular cavity has a length L1 and a height H, the length L1 being greater than the height H, which initiates rotational movement of the air contained therein. The speed of the air reduces its pressure, which limits downstream to upstream leaks.
US09670934B2 Magnetic drive pump
A sealless magnetic drive pump features in improving the stiffness of a stationary shaft. More particularly, the metal magnetic drive pump has an anti-corrosion casing liner. The magnetic drive pump is used in manufacture processes related to corrosive fluid. The pump is especially used in a highly corrosive and high-temperature (up to 200° C.) condition to improve the stiffness of a front support. The stationary shaft includes a metal front support integrated with the pump casing at a pump inlet and encapsulated with a resin enclosure made of a fluoropolymer; a rear shaft seat positioned on a sealed bottom side of a containment shell for offering auxiliary support for the stationary shaft; an impeller including a channel for reducing an inlet flow velocity to offer a low NPSHr.
US09670931B2 Rotary vacuum pump
A rotary vacuum pump includes a first set of pumping stages having rotor discs with a first diameter and a second set of pumping stages having rotor discs with a second different diameter and further comprising an intermediate pumping stage that is particularly adapted for matching the change in the diameter of the pump rotor discs. According to the invention, the intermediate pumping stage comprises a rotor disc having an outer portion in the radial direction that is axially tapered from its inner diameter to its outer diameter and a corresponding stator stage including a spacer ring that is axially tapered from its periphery toward its center.
US09670928B2 Vacuum pump for a motor vehicle engine
A vacuum pump for a motor vehicle engine which has a stator and a chamber, has a side wall, and the side wall has a transversal section with a predetermined shape. The rotor mounted in the chamber is capable of rotating around a rotation axis parallel to the side wall. The vane mounted on the rotor is free to slide in a direction at right angles with respect to the rotation axis of the rotor, and the vane has a predetermined length and two opposite end portions that substantially slide along the side wall of the chamber. At least one of the end portions of the vane has at least one part that has a bend radius substantially equal to that of a part of the side wall, when the one vane is at a reference operating position.
US09670923B2 Wiper seal assemblies for a reciprocating pump and methods relating thereto
A wiper seal assembly for a reciprocating pump, the pump including a power section configured to be powered by a motor, a fluid section having an inlet and an outlet, and a plunger having a longitudinal plunger axis, a first end coupled to the power section, and a second end opposite the first end and disposed within the fluid section. The wiper seal assembly includes a cover mounted to the power section. In addition, the wiper seal assembly includes a first wiper seal radially disposed between the cover and the plunger. Further, the wiper seal assembly includes a splash guard disposed about the plunger and axially spaced from the cover. Still further, the wiper seal assembly includes a biasing member axially biasing the splash guard away from the first wiper seal.
US09670921B2 Reciprocating drive mechanism with a spool vent
A reciprocating drive mechanism. The reciprocating drive mechanism may comprise: a spool assembly and a spool housing. The spool assembly may be reciprocally movable within a spool chamber of the spool housing. The spool housing may comprise a first seal, a second seal, and a third seal. When the spool assembly is within the spool chamber, the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal may divide the spool chamber into a distal chamber, an intermediate chamber, a supply chamber, and a proximal chamber, respectively. The spool assembly may comprise a first spool vent that is in fluid communication with the distal chamber. The spool housing may comprise a first housing vent that is in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber. The first spool vent may be in fluid communication with the first housing vent when an outlet of the first spool vent is aligned within the intermediate chamber.
US09670920B2 Tank dampening device
A compressor assembly having a compressed gas tank having a tank dampening device in the form of a vibration absorption member. The vibration absorption member can provide a pressure to a portion of the compressed gas tank. A method of controlling sound emitted from a compressor assembly, by using a vibration absorber which exerts a force upon the compressed gas tank. A means for controlling the sound level of a compressed gas tank by using a means for absorbing vibration from the compressed gas tank which exerts a pressure on a portion of the compressed gas tank.
US09670919B2 Plural component pumping system
A plural component pump system is provided for delivering plural liquid components at a selected ratio. The pump system includes a first brushless DC motor configured to drive a first pump that pumps a first liquid component to an output and a second brushless DC motor configured to drive a second pump that pumps a second liquid component to the output. The pump system includes a first controller configured to control the first motor and a second controller configured to control the second motor. The pump system also includes a communication interface between the first controller and the second controller. The first controller is configured to send a signal to the second controller using the communication interface and the second controller is configured to control the second motor based on the signal to deliver the first and second liquid components to the output at the selected ratio.
US09670913B2 Plasma actuating propulsion system for aerial vehicles
A plasma propulsion nozzle incorporates a cylinder having an inlet and an outlet. A plurality of substantially cylindrical planarly disbanded electrodes with sandwiched dielectric spacers is cascaded in an array to be concentrically expanding from the inlet through an interior chamber to the outlet for a nozzle. A voltage source applies aperiodic signal with rapidly reversing polarity to the electrodes with differential phase applied to adjacent electrodes in the array creating and expelling plasma clusters at each dielectric spacer inducing flow from the nozzle outlet to produce thrust.
US09670912B2 Electric power generation system for roadway use
A hydraulic electric power generation system for roadway installation has a plurality of fluid-filled compressible pump channels positioned for compression by a vehicle to drive the fluid in a channel outwardly through outlet sides of the channels. The channels are contained in a mat adapted for positioning of a roadway surface in a manner such that the channels are compressed by the tires of vehicles travelling on the roadway. An outlet manifold collected the fluid driven out through the outlet sides of the channels and directs it to through piping to a hydraulic motor and coupled electric generator. The fluid exiting from the motor passes to a sump, from which it can be returned to a mat manifold at inlet sides of the channels. The channels are provided with one-way valves to prevent backflow.
US09670911B2 Manifolding arrangement for a modular heat-exchange apparatus
A heat-exchanger module that conveys a fluid through one or more heat exchangers with little or no pressure drop is presented. The heat-exchanger module comprises a first manifold that smoothly channels the fluid from a fluid source to each of the heat exchangers. The heat-exchanger module further comprises a second manifold that smoothly channels the fluid from the heat exchangers to a fluid sink. The manifolds are dimensioned and arranged to mitigate development of pressure drops in the fluid flow.
US09670909B2 Wind turbine foundation and wind turbine
A wind energy plant foundation is provided with a plurality of ready-made concrete foundation segments. The foundation segments have a plurality of first and second sheaths which serve to receive tension wires for bracing the foundation segments.
US09670908B2 Installation and method for exploiting wind energy
The invention relates to the field of methods and floating platforms for exploiting wind energy offshore. In particular, the invention provides a floating platform (1) anchored to at least one anchor point (7, 7′), including a wind turbine (2), and a shift device for shifting the wind turbine (2), which device is configured to shift the wind turbine (2) as a function of a set of parameters, including wind direction (V), in order to minimize the aerodynamic wake effects, and the invention also provides a method of exploiting wind energy by means of a set of floating platforms (1), each of which includes at least one wind turbine (2) and is anchored to at least one anchor point (7,7′). In this method, at least one wind turbine (2) of said set of floating platforms is shifted as a function of a set of parameters, including wind direction (V) in order to minimize the aerodynamic wake effects and in order to maximize the power generation of the set of wind turbines.
US09670906B2 Bearing arrangement for a wind turbine
A bearing arrangement to avoid a static charge in a bearing is provided.A bearing arrangement for a wind turbine comprises a first bearing shell that is prepared to be coupled to a first part of the wind turbine. The bearing arrangement comprises a second bearing shell that is prepared to be coupled to a second part of the wind turbine. The first and the second bearing shell are arranged in a way that the first and the second bearing shell are rotatable with respect to each other and have a first isolation ring for electrical isolation, so that the first part of the wind turbine can be rotated with respect to the second part of the wind turbine and avoid static discharge.
US09670905B2 Platform for collecting marine energy sources
The invention relates to a platform for collecting marine energy sources, which comprises solar energy collecting devices, wind energy generating devices and tidal generating devices. The platform also comprises electric energy gathering devices for gathering and outputting electric energy output by the collecting devices or the generating devices. The devices are arranged on the platform on the sea surface. The platform comprises a support partially submerged under the sea surface, a table arranged on the support, and a mounting bracket arranged on the table and used for placing the solar energy collecting devices and the wind energy generating devices.
US09670899B2 Low-profile power-generating wind turbine
A wind turbine is disclosed which uses energy in air moving relatively toward the turbine to focus and increase the velocity of air entering a turbine inlet air flow passage. The inlet flow passage discharges focused and accelerated air to blades of a rotor where the blades interact with that air to turn the rotor. Rotor motion can be used to operate an electrical generator. The plane of rotation of the rotor can be at substantially right angles to the plane of the passage inlet opening. Baffles in the flow passage and stator vanes adjacent the rotor blades cause the mass flow of the accelerated air to be substantially uniform, and desirably directed, throughout the rotor's blade area. The turbine is compact and operates quietly.
US09670891B2 Power supply for vehicle
There is provided a power supply for a vehicle, including a generator, a lead battery, an electric storage device that is connected in parallel to the lead battery and to the generator, a starter circuit that has a capacitor and a starter and is connected in parallel to the lead battery and to the generator, and at least two switches of a first switch connected in series to the lead battery, a second switch connected in series to the power supply, and a third switch connected in series to the starter circuit.
US09670890B2 Fuel injector
A fuel injector comprises a supply means for high pressure fuel, an injection nozzle including a valve needle engageable with a valve needle seating to control fuel delivery from the injector, a first filling flow path providing flow from the supply means into a control chamber, and a control valve for controlling fuel pressure within the control chamber. The control valve comprises a control valve member slidable within a guide bore of a valve housing. The injector further comprises a drain flow path including a drain restriction and permitting flow from the control chamber to a second valve chamber when the control valve member is in a second state, and a second filling flow path permitting flow from a first valve chamber into the control chamber when the control valve member is in a first state, wherein the second filling flow path bypasses the drain restriction.
US09670889B2 Sealing system for an engine
A sealing system comprising a cylinder head, a coupler, a fuel injection line, and a cap. The coupler is positioned in the cylinder head, and the fuel injection line extends into the coupler so as to at least partially define a fuel leak passageway therebetween. The fuel injection line extends through the cap, and the cap yieldably urges itself into a seated position in which the cap establishes a first sealed connection with the fuel injection line and establishes a second sealed connection with the coupler, so as to block ingress of moisture into the fuel leak passageway. Additionally, the cap allows movement of itself away from the seated position to an unseated position in response to a pressurized leaked fuel, in the fuel leak passageway, so as to allow the pressurized leaked fuel to flow out of the fuel leak passageway.
US09670886B2 Integrated exhaust gas recirculation cooler
An integrated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler includes a cooling core allowing an exhaust manifold and an intake manifold to be in communication with each other and an integrated housing having the cooling core inserted thereinto. The integrated housing is provided with a first exhaust port exhausting a coolant introduced thereinto only when a thermo-sensitive device mounted in the integrated housing is operated and a second exhaust port always exhausting the coolant introduced thereinto. An amount of the coolant introduced into an EGR cooler is maximized. Therefore, cooling efficiency may be maximized, and a size of the cooling core may be decreased.
US09670885B2 Fuel apparatus for vehicle
A fuel apparatus includes a vapor passage for guiding evaporation gas in a fuel tank to a canister, a sealing valve for closing the vapor passage in normal condition to keep the interior of the fuel tank in a sealed state, a leak detection portion for detecting leak of the evaporation gas from the fuel tank in the sealed state to outside, and an opening control portion for opening the sealing valve when leak of the evaporation gas is detected. Alternatively, the fuel apparatus includes a bypass passage connecting an upstream portion of the vapor passage located upstream of the sealing valve and a downstream portion of the vapor passage located downstream of the sealing valve to each other to bypass the sealing valve, and a bypass valve provided in the bypass passage, for opening the bypass passage in the closed state when leak of the evaporation gas is detected.
US09670883B2 Engine
An engine includes an engine body, a DPF case therein, high pressure and low pressure EGR paths, and a supercharger. The high pressure EGR path is between exhaust and intake manifolds. An exhaust gas discharge path extends from the DPF case. An intake pipe extends from the supercharger air compressor. The low pressure EGR path is between the exhaust gas discharge path of the DPF case and the intake pipe. The low pressure EGR path includes a low pressure EGR cooler. An extending direction of a crankshaft defines a longitudinal direction. A flywheel exists on a rear side. A width direction of the engine body defines a lateral direction. The low pressure EGR path includes a rear path portion extending along a rear side of the engine body, and a side path portion extending along a lateral side of the engine body on a side close to the exhaust manifold.
US09670880B2 Gaseous fuel feed apparatus
A gaseous fuel feed apparatus includes a first injector and a second injector which are provided in each cylinder of a gas engine. The first injector injects a gaseous fuel into an intake passage. The second injector injects the gaseous fuel in an injecting direction intersecting with an injecting direction of the gaseous fuel injected by the first injector, such that the gaseous fuel injected by the second injector collides with the gaseous fuel injected by the first injector. Thus, the gaseous fuel injected by the first injector can be forcibly pressed toward a flow of an air by utilizing an injection energy of the gaseous fuel injected by the second injector. Further, the first injector and the second injector may be placed at the same position of the intake passage, and can be placed at a position of the intake passage that is adjacent to a combustion chamber.
US09670875B2 Thrust reversers and methods to provide reverse thrust
Thrust reversers and methods to provide reverse thrust are disclosed. An example thrust reverser includes a cascade to direct air from an interior volume of an engine nacelle to generate reverse thrust with respect to a direction of travel, and an air extractor to extract a portion of air approaching the cascade from within the interior volume.
US09670870B2 Method for producing a cast component with an insert
A method for producing a cast component may include providing an insert part including an insert body having a circumferential face; coating the circumferential face with an adapter layer made of silicon oxide; arranging the insert part in a casting mold; and positively locking a casting encapsulation of the insert part and the adapter layer with an aluminum alloy to produce the cast component, wherein the aluminum alloy has a magnesium proportion of at least 0.3% by weight.
US09670868B2 Automatic stopping device and automatic stopping method for internal combustion engine
When a first automatic stopping condition is established while a vehicle (1A, 1B) is stationary or a second automatic stopping condition is established during travel, an internal combustion engine (2) of the vehicle is automatically stopped. The first automatic stopping condition is established when a battery voltage or a battery state of charge of a battery (21) equals or exceeds a first threshold, and the second automatic stopping condition is established when the battery voltage or the battery state of charge of the battery (21) equals or exceeds a second threshold. By setting the second threshold to be greater than the first threshold, opportunities for automatically stopping the internal combustion engine (2) are secured while satisfying a power requirement of an electrical load (26, 27) during restarting of the internal combustion engine (2).
US09670864B2 Method and device for actuating an injector in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine
A device and a method for actuating an injector in a fuel-injection system of an internal combustion engine are described. Using a first calibration method and based on a control parameter, an injector parameter which characterizes the injection process is determined. Starting from this injector parameter, a first feature is determined for calibrating the injector. A second calibration method determines a second feature for calibrating the injector, based on an engine parameter. The first calibration method is monitored on the basis of the second feature.
US09670861B2 Humidity sensor diagnostics
Embodiments for testing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises indicating degradation of a humidity sensor based on a humidity sensor output and output from an intake gas composition sensor. In this way, output from the intake gas composition sensor may be used to determine if the humidity sensor is degraded.
US09670853B2 Outboard motor
An outboard motor has a vertical-shaft vee engine unit provided with a crankshaft arranged approximately vertically and left and right cylinder units aligned to be open backward in a “V” shape as seen in a plan view. A surge tank and an air intake system unit provided with an intake pipe to connect the surge tank to intake ports of the left and right cylinder heads are arranged in a center of a width direction of a rear side of the engine unit. In addition, an electronic control unit is arranged in an approximate center of a height direction in the right side of the air intake system unit. Furthermore, a high-pressure fuel filter is arranged in an approximate center of a height direction in the left side of the air intake system unit. Moreover, a vapor separator embedded with a high-pressure fuel pump is arranged under the high-pressure fuel filter.
US09670852B2 Method and system for limiting output of a boosted engine
A method for operating a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, during a first condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to a turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a first limit and during a second condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a second limit that differs from the first limit. Degradation of the engine may be reduced under some engine operating conditions by adjusting engine operation in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio.
US09670848B2 Variable compression ratio engine
A variable compression ratio engine may include a variable chamber housing communicated with a combustion chamber of the engine, a variable chamber piston slidably disposed within the variable chamber housing, forming a variable chamber communicated with the combustion chamber within the variable chamber housing, forming a hydraulic pressure chamber between the variable chamber piston and the variable chamber housing, and having a leaking line for flowing oil leaked from the hydraulic pressure chamber, a connecting shaft connected to the variable chamber piston, and having an oil drain line for exhausting the oil in the leaking line is formed thereto, an oil supplier supplying oil to the hydraulic pressure chamber, and a compression ratio controller connected to the connecting shaft and controlling a relative position of the variable chamber piston.
US09670838B2 Vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive includes a speed change mechanism connected to a rotary electric machine; an output member connected to the speed change mechanism and wheels; an engagement device changes a state of engagement between an input member connected to an engine and the speed change mechanism; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine or the rotary electric machine; a first pressure control device that controls pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the speed change mechanism; a second, separate hydraulic pressure control device that controls the pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the engagement device; and a case that houses the rotary electric machine, speed change mechanism, engagement device, and pump. At least the engagement device is housed in a space formed by the case, and the second hydraulic pressure control device is provided at a part of the case forming the space.
US09670834B2 Dual wastegate actuation
Various systems and methods for controlling dual wastegates via a single wastegate actuator are provided. In one example, a system comprises a first wastegate comprising a first wastegate valve, a second wastegate comprising a second wastegate valve, and a wastegate actuator coupled to each of the first and second wastegate valves to vary openings of the first wastegate valve and the second wastegate valve according to desired boost.
US09670821B2 Protective shields to reduce exhaust soot and condensate deposition
An exhaust assembly that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle; and a bezel in close proximity with, or coupled to, a vehicle fascia, the bezel comprising rearmost surfaces and inner surfaces. The exhaust assembly further includes a sleeve substantially aligned with the pipe, tangentially aligned with the inner surfaces. The sleeve extends rearward, flush with, sub-flush with, or past an exhaust plane tangent to the rearmost surfaces of the bezel.
US09670818B2 Air-assist dosing system having priming detection
A reductant dosing system is disclosed as having a pump, and suction, discharge, and return passages. The system may also have a return valve, an air passage, and an air valve. The system may additionally have an air passage pressure sensor, a discharge passage pressure sensor, and a controller. The controller may be configured to calculate a first average pressure inside the discharge passage while the pump is off, the air valve is open, and the return valve is closed; and calculate a second average pressure inside the discharge passage while the pump is off, the air valve is open, and the return valve is open. The controller may also be configured to determine a pressure drop inside the discharge passage based on the first and second average pressures, and to determine that priming is successful based on the pressure drop and pressures of the discharge and air passages.
US09670814B2 Mounting member for pollution control element, manufacturing method thereof, and pollution control device
A mounting member that can sufficiently suppress scattering of inorganic fiber material when a pollution control element is assembled in a casing, and that can maintain sufficiently high contact pressure between the inner surface of the casing and the pollution control element, even after the organic binder has combusted. The mounting member of the present invention is for wrapping and mounting a pollution control element (30) in a casing (20), and provides a mat (1) made from inorganic fiber material, and an aggregated substance (5) containing an organic binder and inorganic fine particles that is impregnated throughout most of the mat (1).
US09670810B2 Exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system which can suppress a decrease in engine torque during a desulfurization process applied to a NOx storage reduction catalyst. The system includes a NOx storage reduction catalyst in an exhaust pipe of an engine, and a desulfurization process control unit that controls an amount of intake air introduced to the engine to enrich the exhaust gas, and performs a desulfurization process to the NOx storage reduction catalyst. The desulfurization process control unit is configured to gradually reduce an amount of intake air when the desulfurization process is commenced.
US09670804B2 Oil passage of internal combustion engine
An oil passage of an internal combustion engine including a crankcase, a cylinder block integrally connected to the crankcase, a piston operatively mounted within the cylinder block, a piston jet for providing oil to the piston within the cylinder block and a breather device integrally formed on the cylinder block wherein the breather device is in communication with the inside of the crankcase. An elevation of temperature of the oil which flows in an oil supply path is prevented thus allowing oil in the oil supply path to maintain a low temperature wherein the oil in the supply path is supplied to a piston jet formed on the internal combustion engine. An oil supply path through which oil is supplied to the piston jet is integrally formed on a wall body exposed to ambient air on a peripheral wall which forms the breather device.
US09670800B2 Control apparatus and control method for variable valve mechanism
A control apparatus and method for a variable valve mechanism operated by an oil pressure by a variable displacement pump that is capable of varying its capacity. A control apparatus and a control method for a variable valve mechanism, by which deterioration of fuel efficiency and deterioration of operability can be suppressed, is provided. When controlling the variable valve mechanism that is operated by the oil pressure by a variable displacement pump, the control gain of the variable valve mechanism is changed, according to the capacity switching condition or the capacity switching operation of the variable valve mechanism. Driving the variable valve mechanism dependent on an actual hydraulic pressure state is enabled by changing the control gain of the variable valve mechanism in response to switching of the variable displacement pump, so that deterioration of fuel efficiency and operability can be inhibited while suppressing overshoot and response lag.
US09670798B2 Turbojet engine nacelle with variable ventilation outlet cross section
A turbojet engine nacelle includes a rear section having an internal structure. The internal structure surrounds a rear part of an engine compartment and delimits, with an ejection jet pipe, an outlet cross section for the ventilation of the engine compartment. The engine nacelle includes a moving element associated with a corresponding controller. The moving element is able to move between a withdrawn position in which the outlet cross section for ventilation is at a maximum and an engaged position in which the moving element partially reduces the outlet cross section for ventilation by comparison with the retracted position. The controller is capable of moving the moving element between the retracted and engaged positions.
US09670795B2 Method for inspecting a turbine engine rotor with a rotor disc cavity inspection apparatus
Turbine engine rotor corresponding thru-bolts and disc cavities are inspected with a camera inspection system that includes one or both of a thru-bolt male threads inspection apparatus and a rotor disc cavity inspection apparatus. The disc cavity inspection scope apparatus is insertable in one or more of the desired rotor disc cavities and orients an attached inspection camera field of view generally transverse to the circumferential wall in the rotor disc that defines the cavity. Preferably inspection scope apparatus insertion into the disc cavities is performed with a motion control system that monitors spatial position of the camera field of view relative to the recess circumferential wall. The plural camera cavity circumferential wall images are desirably combined to form a composite image of a desired portion of or the entire disc cavity circumferential surface, which aids their inspection evaluation and provides an archived composite image of the surface.
US09670792B2 Method of making a turbomachine
A turbomachine is made by first providing a stepped shaft having a large-diameter cylindrical portion, an intermediate-diameter cylindrical portion, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion all centered on a common axis. A separately manufactured a one-piece and annular first impeller wheel is then permanently mounted on the large-diameter portion with a back face of the first wheel facing axially toward the intermediate-diameter portion and carrying a rotor bearing half of an axial magnetic bearing. A rotor ring of a radial bearing is then detachably mounted on the intermediate-diameter portion of the shaft, and finally a one-piece and annular second impeller wheel is detachably mounted on the small-diameter portion of the shaft with a back face of the second wheel facing axially toward the first wheel and carrying a rotor bearing half of another axial magnetic bearing.
US09670791B2 Flexible finger seal for sealing a gap between turbine engine components
An assembly for a turbine engine includes a turbine engine first component, a turbine engine second component and a flexible seal that is attached to the first component. The flexible seal at least partially seals a gap between the first component and the second component. The flexible seal includes a mount and a finger seal that sealingly engages the second component. The mount includes a boss that sealingly engages the first component.
US09670788B2 Composite aerofoil vane
A composite aerofoil vane for a gas turbine engine extends in use in a generally radial direction across an axially- and circumferentially-extending annular duct. The vane comprises a plurality of first reinforcing fibers extending in a generally radial direction and a plurality of second reinforcing fibers extending in generally axial and circumferential directions. The second fibers are interlaced with the first fibers so as to form a more unified and integrated structure, and to prevent the first reinforcing fibers from moving relative to one another.
US09670787B2 Ti—Al-based heat-resistant member
The present invention relates to a Ti—Al-based heat-resistant member including a Ti—Al-based alloy which includes: 28.0 mass % to 35.0 mass % of Al; 1.0 mass % to 15.0 mass % of at least one selected from the group consisting of Nb, Mo, W and Ta; 0.1 mass % to 5.0 mass % of at least one selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn and V; and 0.1 mass % to 1.0 mass % of Si, with the balance being Ti and unavoidable impurities, in which a whole or a part of a surface of the Ti—Al-based heat-resistant member includes a hardened layer as a surface layer, the hardened layer having a higher hardness than an inside of the Ti—Al-based heat-resistant member, and the Ti—Al-based heat-resistant member has a hardness ratio (a hardness of the surface layer/a hardness of the inside) of 1.4 to 2.5.
US09670781B2 Gas turbine engines with turbine rotor blades having improved platform edges
A turbine rotor blade is provided. The turbine rotor blade includes a root, a platform coupled to the root, and an airfoil extending from the platform. The platform has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side edge, and a pressure side edge. The pressure side edge includes a first concave portion.
US09670772B2 Method and device for well communication
The present invention concerns a method and a well string element for transmitting data in a well. The well string element (20c) includes an elongated body (80) that defines a through channel (110) and also includes a side pocket (92) that is open to ambient (91); and an acoustic modem (60) provided in the pocket (92) and configured to emit acoustic waves. The acoustic modem (60) is configured to receive electrical signals from one or more sensors (50, 52), transform the electrical signals into the acoustic waves and emit the acoustic waves into a wall (112) of the elongated body (80) when receiving an acoustic wake-up call from a device (70) outside the drill string element (20c).
US09670767B2 Apparatus, system and methods for alerting of abnormal drilling conditions
A method of monitoring drilling conditions includes acquiring raw data from drilling equipment and conditioning the raw data to generate conditioned data. Conditioning the raw data includes removing outlier data values and/or filtering out noise. The method further includes processing the conditioned data to generate output values. Processing the conditioned data includes determining a slope of a first set of data values of the conditioned data. The first set of data values correspond to a regression length of time. Processing the conditioned data further includes determining whether a difference between the slope of the first set of data values and a median slope determined over a median window of time exceeds a threshold. The method also includes generating an alarm based on the output values to indicate an abnormal drilling condition.
US09670761B2 Methods and systems for downhole thermal energy for vertical wellbores
Systems and methods for enhanced delivery of thermal energy to vertical wellbores are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises heating a heat transfer fluid; continuously circulating the heat transfer fluid into a vertical wellbore to a downhole heat exchanger; advancing hot feedwater into the vertical wellbore to the downhole heat exchanger, wherein the downhole heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the hot feedwater to generate high-quality steam; transmitting the steam from the downhole heat exchanger into a subterranean formation, whereby thermal energy from the steam causes a reduction in viscosity of hydrocarbons in the subterranean formation; injecting an acid scale wash to counter scale buildup from the hot feedwater on the downhole heat exchanger; and returning the heat transfer fluid from the downhole heat exchanger to the surface thermal fluid heater for reheating and recirculation into the vertical wellbore.
US09670760B2 Process for in situ upgrading of a heavy hydrocarbon using asphaltene precipitant additives
A process for in-situ upgrading of a heavy hydrocarbon includes positioning a well in a reservoir containing a heavy hydrocarbon having an initial API gravity no greater than about 20, an n-heptane asphaltene content at least about 1 wt. %, and a viscosity at 35° C. greater than about 350 centistokes; injecting hydrocarbon solvent(s) and asphaltene precipitant additive(s) into the well at a ratio by volume of the solvent to the heavy hydrocarbon of about 0.1:1 to about 20:1 under reservoir conditions so as to provide an upgraded hydrocarbon in the reservoir having an improved API gravity, a reduced asphaltene content, and a lower viscosity; and producing the upgraded hydrocarbon from the well. The process of the present invention can be also carried out at higher temperatures such as by injecting steam with the one or more hydrocarbon solvents and the one or more asphaltene precipitant additives into the well.
US09670757B2 Downhole pump flushing system and method of use
A downhole pump flushing system has a pump body defining an interior cavity, an inlet end, an outlet end and at least one flushing inlet. A lifting member is positioned within the interior cavity of the pump body for facilitating lifting of wellbore fluid. An injection mandrel in circumferentially engaging relation to an exterior surface of the pump body is provided such that it encompasses the at least one flushing inlet. The injection mandrel has an injection port fluidly connected to a fluid outlet port. The fluid outlet port is in fluid communication with the at least one flushing inlet of the pump body. An injection line is connected to the injection port of the injection mandrel and to a fluid supply. An annular channel is provided between the pump body and the injection mandrel adjacent to the at least one flushing inlet such that fluid is guided into the at least one flushing inlet from the fluid outlet port of the injection mandrel. A first sealing member and a second sealing member are provided in sealing engagement between the pump body and the injection mandrel such that a fluid tight seal is created above and below the at least one flushing inlet.
US09670755B1 Pump module systems for preventing or reducing release of hydrocarbons from a subsea formation
A system for pumping a fluids from a subsea formation has a pipe extending into the formation, a first blowout preventer affixed to the pipe so as to be in fluid communication with the pipe, a flow diverter affixed to the first blowout preventer so as to have a diverter line in fluid communication with the flow passageway of the first blowout preventer, a pump module having a flow line affixed to the diverter line of the flow diverter so as to create a positive pressure to the fluid in the flow line, and an outline interconnected to the flow line of the pump module. The pump module is suitable for passing fluid from the flow line of the pump module through the outlet line. The pump produces a pressure to the fluid greater than the pressure of the formation. A second blowout preventer is affixed to the flow diverter.
US09670753B2 Optimized acidizing of production and injection wells
A system, computer program product, and computer implemented method are provided for determining an optimal acidizing placement design which would yield a prescribed profile of injection or production rate that accounts for the drawdown from heel to toe and reservoir heterogeneity and thereby improve hydrocarbon recovery.
US09670751B2 Sliding sleeve having retrievable ball seat
A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball and applied pressure and is subjected to reverse flow pressure. The sleeve has a housing and an insert. The housing defines a first bore and defines a flow port communicating the first bore outside the housing. The insert is disposed in the first bore of the housing and has a seat held in a first direction therein. The seat engages the deployed plug in the first direction, and the insert moves, by the applied pressure against the plug engaged in the seat, axially in the first direction inside the first bore from a closed position toward an opened position relative to the flow port. The seat is disengageable from the insert in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the reverse flow and is passable at least out of the insert.
US09670749B2 Integrated pump assembly for well completion
An integrated pump assembly for both delivering mud and cement slurry to a borehole during a well completion operation. The pump assembly includes separate mud and cement pumps for maintaining isolation between mud and cement slurry during different stages of the operation. However, in order to obviate the need for a dedicated cement pump prime mover, the cement pump may be driven by the mud pump itself or a prime mover coupled to the mud pump. In the case of coupling the cement pump to the mud pump a hydraulic line may be employed such that hydraulically compatible mud and cement pumps may be more remotely positioned relative to one another if so required based on equipment blueprints for a given well completion facility to be located at a production site.
US09670743B2 Rock drill machine with feed leg
A rock drill machine with a feed leg. The feed leg is attached to the rock drill machine with one end and rests on a support with another end. The feed leg is configured to feed the rock drill machine in a drilling direction and to interrupt feeding of the rock drill machine in the drilling direction. A control regulates the feed leg and a starter activates the rock drill machine. The control is provided on a rear handle in close proximity to the starter such that the control and the starter can be reached at the same time with one hand. Hereby, it is possible, with one hand, to activate and interrupt activation of the rock drill machine respectively, and simultaneously regulate the feed leg to feed the rock drill machine in the drilling direction and interrupt the feeding of the rock drill machine in the drilling direction.
US09670741B2 Threaded connection
A threaded connection having a straight central axis, the connection including a plurality of pin threads, each pin thread having a root and a crest, and a box having a plurality of box threads, each box thread having a root and a crest. The crests of at least a portion of the box threads are curved so that when the pin threads are fully engaged with the box threads, there is a void between the roots of the pin threads and the corresponding curved crests of the box threads to reduce standoff caused by lubricant or other fluids becoming trapped between the threads as the connection is made up.
US09670740B2 Drilling riser with distributed buoyancy
A drilling riser configured to convey drilling materials between a drilling vessel and a subsea wellhead. The drilling riser has an upper section, and a lower section coupled via a connector to the upper section. The lower section has a buoyant material for distributed passive buoyancy of the lower section. The overall drilling riser is neutrally or negatively buoyant, whereas the lower section is positively buoyant when decoupled from the upper section and coupled to the subsea wellhead.
US09670734B2 Removal of casing slats by cutting casing collars
Embodiments herein include a casing cutting tool comprising a top mandrel operatively coupled to a conveyance; a first retractable wedge operatively coupled to the top mandrel; a jetting tool operatively coupled to the retractable wedge, the retractable wedge thereby interposing the top mandrel and the jetting tool, wherein the jetting tool has one or more jetting nozzles arranged thereon; and a bottom terminal operatively coupled to the jetting tool, the jetting tool thereby interposing the retractable wedge and the bottom terminal.
US09670733B1 Subsea multibore drilling and completion system
Systems and methods for drilling multiple wells include a landing template, the landing template having at least two through bores. Each through bore extends from a first face of the landing template to an opposite second face of the landing template. A skirt conductor is secured to the landing template, the skirt conductor operable to be driven into a sea floor so that the landing template is proximate to a mudline. A bore separator guide has a drill bit guide sized to register with one of the through bores. The bore separator guide is moveable to align with each of the at least two through bores one at a time.
US09670730B2 Method of providing mechanical stability around an entrance of a new well path to be formed from an existing well
A method is for establishing a new well path from an existing well, wherein the existing well, at least in a portion where the new well path is to be established, is delineated radially by a casing. The method comprises disposing and anchoring a plug base in the well; providing a plug above the plug base in the well and along a longitudinal section thereof, wherein the plug, at least in a portion thereof, covers substantially the entire cross-section of the well; removing a portion of the plug in such a manner that at least a cross-sectional section of the plug remains on the outside of the casing; disposing and anchoring a direction-guiding element in the well, and at least partially within the longitudinal section; and with the direction-guiding element, guiding a drilling tool against the inside of the casing in the existing well path in order to form a hole through the casing, and through the remaining cross-sectional section of the plug within the longitudinal section, which opens up to formation of a new well path. The method also comprises conducting a perforation tool down into the casing and to the longitudinal section where the plug is to be set; forming holes in the casing and along the longitudinal section by means of the perforation tool; and pumping a fluidized plugging material down through the string and out into the casing, thus also into the annulus via the holes in the casing.
US09670728B2 Rotary impact drill and double-layer drilling rod mechanism
A rotary drill and a double-layer drilling rod mechanism are disclosed. A connecting rod (2) is provided in the rotary connecting sleeve (9), and the rotary connecting sleeve (9) is connected with the double-layer drilling rod mechanism (11). An impact drilling string (25) located by a guide bearing bush (26) is arranged in the outer rotary drilling pipe (28) of the double-layer drilling rod mechanism (11); a latch (24) for connecting the connecting rod (2) is arranged at the top of the inner impact drilling string (25); and an impact head (12) connected with the impact drilling string (25) is arranged in the drilling bit connecting sleeve (29). The drilling bit (13) below the impact head (12) is connected with the drilling bit connecting sleeve (29) by a front connector (30).
US09670727B2 Downhole motor coupling systems and methods
A drilling system includes a drillstring and a power section further including a stator having a stator axis and a rotor within the stator. The rotor rotates eccentrically within the stator in response to fluid flowing therebetween. Additionally, the system includes a coupling section including first, second, and third rotation members having a first, second, and third axes, respectively. The third rotation member is coupled to the first and second rotation members. The third rotation member is configured to move radially relative to the first and second rotation members as the first, second, and third rotation members rotate about the first, second, and third axes, respectively. Further, the system includes an input shaft coupled to the rotor and first rotation member. The input shaft and first rotation member rotate with the rotor eccentrically to the stator axis and the second rotation member rotates concentrically about the stator axis.
US09670724B2 System and method for manual and motorized manipulation of an architectural covering
An architectural covering is presented that can be manually moved as well as moved through motorized manipulation. The system includes a header, a bottom bar and shade material and suspension cords extending therebetween. The header has an open interior compartment which includes a spring housing, a drive shaft assembly, spool assemblies and a motor assembly. The architectural covering can be manually moved by pulling on the shade material. The shade can also me moved via motorization by actuating the motor assembly through tugging, a remote control device, a voice actuation device or through the internet. In this way a novel architectural covering is presented that is easier to use than the prior art and has a plurality of methods of operation.
US09670719B2 Double blind with vertical shade
A blind for a building opening, and having an upper blind roller, located in an upper region of the head rail, a lower blind attachment located in a lower region of the head rail, an upper blind stored on the upper blind roller, a lower blind stored on the lower blind attachment, a lower blind support wall, and a blind carriage mechanism thereon, for carrying vertical blind slats, so as to provide a head rail having a slim, aesthetically pleasing profile.
US09670714B2 Manufacture of laminated glazing
A method for manufacturing a laminated glass panel, which includes at least two glass substrates and at least one intermediate layer made of a polymeric material arranged between the substrates, the method including in the following order: the bending of the substrates; the controlled cooling of the substrates; and the formation of a laminated assembly that includes the substrates and the intermediate layer; the cutting of the laminated assembly straight through the entire thickness thereof along a line on one of the main surfaces thereof, the controlled cooling including general controlled cooling and local controlled cooling of an area that includes the cutting line, the local controlled cooling being faster than the general controlled cooling.
US09670712B2 Multiple pane
The disclosure relates to a multiple pane which includes a pair of glass panels spaced by the spacers and sealed at peripheries thereof. The objective is to provide a multiple pane in which the spacers are formed easily, and a method of preparing the multiple pane. The multiple pane includes: a pair of glass panels; a plurality of spacers interposed between the pair of glass panels; and a hermetic bond to hermetically bond peripheries of the pair of glass panels to each other. The multiple pane contains a space formed between the pair of glass panels, the space being to be sealed so as to be in a reduced pressure state. Each of the plurality of spacers being a porous member formed on one glass panel of the pair of glass panels.
US09670711B2 Methods for speed control of a movable partition
A movable partition system includes a movable partition including coupled panels and a lead post engaged with and movable along a track. A motor control system includes a motor coupled to the movable partition and a switching circuit coupled to the motor and for selectively coupling the motor to a positive power source and a negative power source responsive to one or more PWM signals. An encoder is configured for generating one or more rotation signals indicative of operational direction and operational speed of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the switching circuit and is configured for improving airflow around the panels of the movable partition when the lead post of the movable partition is between a predefined position and a fully retracted position indicative of a billowing effect for the panels by adjusting pulse widths of the PWM signals to control rotational speed of the motor.
US09670710B2 Over slam bumper for vehicle
An over slam bumper for a vehicle is provided and includes a buffer unit having one end protruding from an inner panel of the door toward a vehicle body and absorbing shock power between the vehicle body and the door. A mounting unit has one end fixed to another end of the buffer unit and another end thereof is inserted into a penetration aperture to fix the buffer unit to the inner panel. The mounting unit includes an insert flange inserted into the buffer unit and a support flange interconnected to the insert flange. An insert having one end integrally protrudes from a center of the support flange toward the penetration aperture and clips are integrally formed at the protruding end of the insert and are fixed while being locked to an inner circumferential surface of the penetration aperture when a predetermined portion thereof is inserted into the penetration aperture.
US09670706B2 Portable door guard hinge security device
A portable door guard used to secure the door at the hinge, particularly the wings of the hinge. The portable door guard comprises a retractable, non-permanently fixed device that can be secured around the hinge of the door from the inside to prohibit the door to open more than a gap. The portable door guard includes a center area designed to grip the hinge to limit the swinging movement of the hinge and adjusting means to configure the size of the gap.
US09670705B2 Casement window opening control device
A device may limit opening of a sash hingedly coupled to a master frame, and includes: a bracket attached to the sash; a first arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the bracket; a second arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the first arm's second end; means for biasing the second arm into a retracted position; and a release assembly. The release assembly is secured to the master frame and includes a hook pivotable between a first position and a second position, which, in the first position, may be releasably received in an opening in the second end of the second arm when the second arm is in the retracted position, as the sash is closed and received within the master window frame The second arm is disengaged from the hook, permitting full opening of the sash, when the hook is pivoted into the second position.
US09670704B2 Full width tailgate release handle
A full width tailgate release handle is pivotably connected to tailgate and extends substantially along the entire width of the tailgate for a cargo bed or the like. The full width tailgate release handle provides access for an operator to open the tailgate at any location along the width of the tailgate.
US09670699B2 Padlock
A padlock, which is capable of remaining functional in even very dusty, watery or otherwise difficult conditions is disclosed. In addition, there would be reason for forming the protection level of the padlock to be selectable and updatable as needed to be even better. A protective cap is provided with a gasket and possibly gasketed latch elements.
US09670693B2 Interchangeable lock assembly
A lock assembly includes a lock housing with an annular wall separating an end wall and a face. A core is received in an opening disposed in the face. The core defines a keyway disposed in rotational engagement with an end portion for actuating the lock assembly between locked and unlocked positions. A drive member is rotationally interconnected with the end wall of the housing. The drive member is disposed in driven engagement with the end portion of the core. An adapter defines a generally X-shaped slot and is fixedly attached to the end portion. A tail piece is received by the slot. The tail piece defines an elongated substantially flat appendage including a proximal end retained in the adapter and a distal end extending outwardly from the adapter. The proximal end is twisted relative to the distal end between generally 40 and 50 degrees.
US09670689B2 Container based data center solutions
A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit.
US09670685B2 Removable anchoring device for pitched roofing
A removable anchoring device for a pitched roof comprises a clamping device that is removably mountable onto the edge of a first slope of the roof and a flexible attachment secured to the clamping device for attaching the worker to the clamping device for work on or below a second slope that is opposite to the first slope. According to an illustrative embodiment, the removable anchoring device comprises a frame, first and second clamping members mounted to the frame for contacting respectively first and second surfaces of the roof near an edge of a first slope thereof. The first and second clamping members are so mounted to the frame for selective variation and locking of the position and angle of the first clamping member relative to the second clamping member.
US09670684B2 Apparatus and method for lifting and sliding a structure attached to the wall
The invention disclosed an apparatus for lifting and sliding a structure attached to the wall, comprising a lifting platform extending out over the building on the roof, and a synchronous lifting and sliding system which is arranged on the lifting platform; wherein the lifting platform comprises two platform beams extending out over the building, and a lifting beam placed on the platform beam; the synchronous lifting and sliding system comprises a hydraulic lifter arranged on the lifting beam, a hydraulic push instrument kit connected to the lifting beam, and a controller; A connecting rod is connected to one end of the hydraulic push instrument kit, and several installing holes are arranged at regular intervals on the connecting rod; The distance between the adjacent installing holes of the connecting rod matches with a stroke of the hydraulic push instrument kit; An installing ear-plate is provided on the platform beam to connect with the connecting rod.
US09670683B2 Panel, covering and method for installing such panels
A panel for forming a covering, more particularly a floor panel for forming a floor covering, which at least at two opposite edges, comprises coupling parts arranged to couple two of such panels to each other by means of a downward movement of one panel in respect to the other. The coupling parts form a first locking system arranged to lock in the plane of the panels and perpendicularly to the edges, as well as form a second locking system, which effects a locking perpendicularly to the plane of the panels. At least one of the coupling parts is formed at least partially in soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride), as well as at least partially formed from a milled profiled part of this soft PVC.
US09670681B2 Anchoring member
Anchoring member provided for being mounted on a support pedestal, which anchoring member comprises a plate provided with a notch extending as from a part of his border, which plate is provided for being partially entered in each time a cut-out situated in a lateral sidewall of a corner of a tile resting on the support pedestal, wherein the plate comprises a geometry essentially parallelogram shaped, said notch extending from a first corner located on a crossing of a first raising edge and a first horizontal edge of the parallelogram shaped geometry over essentially a quarter of the plate surface.
US09670680B2 Floor connector and a floor with the floor connector
The present invention relates to the sector of building materials, and more specifically, to a floor connector and a floor with the floor connector. The floor connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part used to connect floors, and a supporting part arranged between the bottom surface of the first connecting part and the upper surface of the second connecting part for the purpose of supporting the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The floor includes a main body, a floor pedestal arranged under the main body, and a floor connector used to connect the main body and the floor pedestal. In this solution, the floor can be arranged without a keel, thereby significantly reducing the labor intensity during floor installation. Consisting of three parts, the floor features lightweight and simplification of installation procedure.
US09670677B2 Roofing granule including a base particle and a layer covering the base particle, a process of forming the same, and a roofing product including the roofing granule
A roofing granule can include a base particle having a base material and a layer covering the base particle of the roofing granule. The layer can has a first material and a second material that includes a metal carbonate, wherein the first and second materials include a same metal element, and the base material is different from the first material. In a process of forming the roofing granule, the layer can have pores. The process can include infiltrating a fluid into the pores of the layer while the base particle is present and adjacent to the layer, wherein the fluid includes a carbonate. The process can further include reacting the carbonate with a metal compound within the layer to form a metal carbonate within the layer. The roofing granules can be used in roofing products.
US09670673B2 Ceiling system
A ceiling system including: a ceiling structure suspended in an interior space. The ceiling structure includes: a perimeter frame defining a central opening, the perimeter frame comprising a fabric gripping member; a support grid comprising a plurality of intersecting struts defining a plurality of grid openings, the support grid disposed within the central opening and coupled to the perimeter frame; a plurality of acoustic ceiling panels, each of the acoustic ceiling panels mounted to the support grid and disposed in one of the grid openings; and a tensioned fabric sheet having a perimeter portion that is engaged by the fabric gripping member of the perimeter frame, the tensioned fabric sheet located below the acoustic ceiling panels and covering the central opening.
US09670671B2 Hatch with thermally broken frame
A roof access hatch, which utilizes thermal breaks is disclosed. This roof access hatch has a cover with a first metallic exterior surface spaced from a first metallic interior surface by at least a first insulation layer, where the first metallic exterior surface is thermally isolated from the first metallic interior surface. A first thermal break spans the insulation layer and is in contact with both the metallic exterior surface and the metallic interior surface. A frame supports the cover. This frame has a second metallic exterior surface separated from a second metallic interior surface by at least a second insulation layer, where the second metallic exterior surface is thermally isolated from the second metallic interior surface by a thermal break component. A non-metallic, thermally insulating gasket is disposed between the cover and the frame.
US09670664B2 High performance thermal insulation products
The manufacture of a thermal insulating product whereby a foam is produced from a mixture of mineral particles, the product is shaped, and the foam is dried. Specifically, the foam is produced from a crystallized calcic part and a crystallized magnesian part, and a composite aggregate of the crystals of the calcic and magnesian part is formed. The calcic part is chosen from calcite and/or aragonite, and the magnesian part is made of hydromagnesite.
US09670663B2 Cover panel seismic expansion joint
A seismic expansion joint cover assembly installed at an expansion gap between a first structural member on one side of a gap and a second structural member on the opposite side of the gap including a cover panel bridging the gap having at least one connector joining one edge of the cover panel to the first structural component to allow movement of the cover panel. The expansion joint cover assembly includes at least one slide support, which attaches to the second structural member, and which includes a track having a lift component located on the track to lift the cover panel. The expansion joint cover assembly also includes a rider assembly for engaging with the track of the slide support. One or more spring assemblies are attached to the second structural member and the cover panel. The expansion joint cover assembly is mechanically latched when the system is in the normal service position, but has the capability of becoming unlatched in response to large displacements.
US09670662B2 Marker with twisted reflective strip
A marker has an anchor portion and a twisted portion, and the twisted portion has one or more reflective sides and is twisted about a length axis of the strip so that part of at least one of the reflective sides faces any view toward the marker. Or, a marker includes an anchor portion and a reflective portion, and the reflective portion contains a material that permits manual, plastic deformation to create a twist in the reflective portion. The marker when twisted may be attached to mark a location of a feature of a building in which insulation hides the feature but leaves the twisted portion of the marker exposed within an access space of the building.
US09670658B2 Water closet device
A switching mechanism is configured to switch an advancing direction of water injected from a nozzle by moving between a first position and a second position. The switching mechanism is held at the second position by a force received from the water injected by the nozzle during the tank water feeding process. A refill mechanism has a refill pipe for causing the water injected from the nozzle during the tank water feeding process and whose advancing direction is switched by the switching mechanism to flow in through an inflow port on one end side. The refill pipe is configured to lead the water having flowed in through the inflow port to a toilet stool body without flowing through a suction port of a throat pipe.
US09670656B2 Quick release mechanisms for plumbing tools
Quick release mechanisms for auger type cleanout tools are described. The mechanisms enable engagement and disengagement of a handle to an auger without the use of separate retainers or fasteners. Also described are auger type tools and related methods of use utilizing the quick release mechanisms.
US09670653B2 Cartridge type valve core structure of water tap
A cartridge type valve core structure of a water tap includes a cartridge casing and a valve core. The cartridge casing has an accommodation room therein. An outer wall of the cartridge casing is provided with a first engaging portion for connecting with the water tap. The valve core is disposed in the accommodation room. The valve core includes a control end, a water inlet end, a water outlet end, and at least one water room. The control end extends out of the cartridge casing from a top end of the accommodation room. The water inlet end extends out of the cartridge casing from a bottom end of the accommodation room. The water outlet end extends out of the cartridge casing from one side of the accommodation room. Through the aforesaid modular structure, the valve core can be mounted to the water tap quickly through the cartridge casing.
US09670651B1 Anti-freeze faucet
An anti-freeze faucet contains: a first pipe, a second pipe, a control holder, a closing member, a closing member, a controlling valve, and a resilient element. The first pipe includes a first through hole, an outlet, an inlet, a channel, and a fitting sleeve having a second through hole and an inner screwing section. The second pipe includes a vertical moving portion, a connecting portion, and an air conduit. The vertical moving portion is connected with a rotary knob and has an outer screwing section and an air orifice. The control holder includes a water aperture, a water stop ring, plural first vents, plural second vents, and a connection portion. The closing member is fitted between the control holder and the connecting portion. The controlling valve is connected with the coupling portion, and the resilient element is mounted on the coupling portion and pushes the controlling valve toward the inlet.
US09670649B2 Wear part monitoring
A process and tool for monitoring the status, health, and performance of wear parts used on earth working equipment. The process and tool allow the operator to optimize the performance of the earth working equipment. The tool has a clear line of site to the wear parts during use and may be integrated with a bucket or blade on the earth working equipment.
US09670646B2 Working vehicle
A wheel loader includes: an exhaust gas aftertreatment device disposed above an engine and housed in an engine compartment along with the engine; an upper exterior cover covering an upper side of the engine compartment; an air inlet through which a cooling air is introduced into the engine compartment; and a fan configured to supply the cooling air to the engine compartment through the air inlet. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device includes a treatment unit configured to treat exhaust gas and is oriented with a longitudinal direction of the treatment unit being parallel with a vehicle front-rear direction. The air inlet is disposed at a front side of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device.
US09670644B2 Drop line tensioning assembly
A tensioning assembly including a primary rod and a hydraulic jack. The primary rod being positioned adjacent to a center section of the hydraulic jack. The tensioning assembly further including a frame housing anchored to the hydraulic jack. The tensioning assembly also includes a link rod connected to the primary rod and a primary adjusting and a secondary adjusting nut associated with the link rod to adjust the tension of a cable or line.
US09670642B2 Coupler for coupling attachments to excavation machines
A quick coupler for coupling an attachment, such as a digging bucket, to an evacuator machine. The quick coupler includes a first fixed jaw for a first coupling pin of the attachment. The quick coupler includes a latch cooperating with the first fixed jaw, which is moveable to a latched position for retaining the first coupling pin. A moveable jaw is provided that is able to slide, under power of a hydraulic ram, to a closed position retaining the second coupling pin. A locking arm assumes a locked position, while the latch assumes the latched position, preventing withdrawal of the moveable jaw from the closed position. Consequently, in the event of a hydraulic failure the locking arm simultaneously locks both the first attachment coupling pin, by means of the latch, and the second attachment coupling pin by means of preventing movement of the movable jaw from the closed position.
US09670639B2 Pad for support of equipment and method of producing same
A pad is provided for supporting heavy loads and is capable of supporting loads of 100 tons or more. The pad has a core having a bi-directional grid formed from parallel fiberglass materials, with a first set of material at right angle to a second set of fiberglass materials and which grid surrounds a closed cell material, which is infused with resin to form a core. A fiberglass top surface, bottom surface and at least one sidewall is provided. The result is a pad able to distribute very heavy loads, is resistant to bending, durable and light weight.
US09670628B2 Ground preparation machine, in particular a compactor
A ground preparation machine, in particular a compactor, comprises at least one roller (16) rotatable around an axis of rotation of the roller (A) and, attached to the at least one roller (16), at least one scraper device (36, 38) for scraping off material adhering to the outer peripheral region (26) of the roller (16), wherein the scraper device (36, 38) comprises a scraper bar (40) extending along the roller (16), the scraper bar (40) being designed to provide a first scraper region (58) for scraping off material from a roller having an essentially untextured outer peripheral region (26) and to provide a second scraper region (66) for scraping off material from a roller having a textured outer peripheral region (26).
US09670627B1 Three-dimensional finishing machine
An apparatus and method for finishing or texturing a paved surface including one or more transition curves includes a finishing machine with a transverse frame including a series of flexibly connected frame members and one or more power transition adjusters. As the finishing machine proceeds through the transition curve, the control system and sensors of the finishing machine determine its position and the transverse curvature of the paved surface corresponding to its position. The control system may then adjust the position of accessories mounted to the transverse frame via a combination of raising or lowering the accessories relative to the paved surface and articulating the one or more power transition adjusters to adjust the shape of the transverse frame to conform to the transverse curvature of the paved surface.
US09670626B2 Impermeable liner, substrate, and artificial grass surface for animals and human beings to walk thereon with hidden cleaning structure and method for use thereof
A floor cleaning system and method for use thereof is disclosed for facilitating removal of waste materials. The system includes and the method relies upon use of a floor base, a floor covering, a substrate spacing the floor base and the artificial grass surfacing apart from one another, and at least one fluid-carrying structure. The floor base receives the waste materials. The floor covering is spaced above the floor base, and is at least in part permeable to the waste materials and in liquid communication with the floor base. The fluid-carrying structure is adapted to provide cleaning fluid to the floor base to rinse the waste materials received thereon. The cleaning fluid and waste materials flow along the floor base under the floor covering to facilitate evacuation thereof.
US09670625B2 Road surface maintenance material forms
Road surface maintenance material including a core of cold-applied rubberized asphalt and an outer shell of aggregate material surrounding the core. The core and outer shell are in the shape of either a ball form, a string form, or a ribbon form.
US09670620B2 Sanitary tissue products
Sanitary tissue products employing fibrous structures that exhibit novel compressibility properties alone and in combination with plate stiffness properties and methods for making same.
US09670616B2 Active web spreading and stabilization shower
Described herein are methods and systems for reducing, preventing, or eliminating wrinkles in a paper sheet during papermaking. The systems may include a dryer configured to dry a continuous paper sheet having a travel direction. The system may also include at least one roll configured to receive the dried continuous paper sheet. The systems may also include an air spreader located downstream of the dryer and upstream of the at least one roll. The at least one roll may include one or more calendering rolls. The air spreader may include a plurality of nozzles configured to expel a gas toward the dried sheet. The nozzles may be oriented in a direction at least partially opposed to the travel direction of the dried sheet.
US09670609B2 Auxiliary washing machine and laundry treatment apparatus using the same
Provided is a washing machine which may include a cabinet that defines an accommodation space, a washing device configured to be withdrawn from the accommodation space of the cabinet, and a front panel provided in front of the washing device that defines a front external appearance of the auxiliary washing machine. The washing device may include a drawer configured to be slidably inserted or withdrawn from the accommodation space of the cabinet, the drawer including a tub for wash water, a rotating drum assembly provided in the drawer, the rotating drum assembly having a drum and a rotating shaft connected to the drum and extending through the tub, and a motor provided below the drawer and connected to the rotating shaft to rotate the drum.
US09670599B2 Spinning station of an air jet spinning machine
A spinning position on an air-jet spinning machine has a yarn-forming element extending at least partially into the turbulence chamber; and air jets directed into the turbulence chamber to impart to the fiber strand a twist in the area of an intake mouth of the yarn-forming element. A guide arrangement for guiding the fiber strand is situated in the area of the inlet port of the turbulence chamber and comprises at least two guide sections spaced a distance apart from one another, their mutual spacing decreasing in at least some sections in the direction of conveyance of the fiber strand. The guide arrangement also comprises at least one central guide element, which extends at least partially between the guide sections in a section running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the draw-off channel and produces a deflection of the fibers of the fiber strand perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the draw-off channel.
US09670596B2 Production method for purified polysaccharide fibers, purified polysaccharide fibers, fiber-rubber complex, and tire
The present invention provides a production method for purified polysaccharide fibers in which carbon disulfide emission is suppressed while efficiently producing purified polysaccharide fibers having excellent strength, purified polysaccharide fibers produced by using the production method, a fiber-rubber complex using the purified polysaccharide fibers, and a tire having excellent tire characteristics using the fiber-rubber complex. The production method for purified polysaccharide fibers of the present invention is a production method for purified polysaccharide fibers of wet-spinning or dry-wet-spinning polysaccharide by bringing a polysaccharide solution obtained by dissolving a polysaccharide raw material in a liquid including an ionic liquid into contact with a solidification liquid including an ionic liquid, in which a concentration of the ionic liquid in the solidification liquid is 0.4% by weight to 50% by weight and the anionic moieties of the ionic liquid in the polysaccharide solution and the ionic liquid in the solidification liquid have one or more types selected from the group consisting of a phosphinate ion, a phosphate ion, and a phosphonate ion.
US09670591B2 Defect reduction in seeded aluminum nitride crystal growth
Bulk single crystal of aluminum nitride (AlN) having an areal planar defect density ≦100 cm−2. Methods for growing single crystal aluminum nitride include melting an aluminum foil to uniformly wet a foundation with a layer of aluminum, the foundation forming a portion of an AlN seed holder, for an AlN seed to be used for the AlN growth. The holder may consist essentially of a substantially impervious backing plate.
US09670589B2 Alkali uranium fluorophosphate-based crystals and methods of fabrication
A method of synthesizing alkali uranium fluorophosphate crystals. The method includes combining a uranium-based feedstock with a mineralizer solution. The mineralizer solution includes an alkali nutrient, a phosphate, and a fluoride. The feedstock and mineralizer solution are pressurized and a thermal gradient applied thereto such that a first portion of the feedstock and the mineralizer solution is heated to a temperature that is greater than a temperature of a second portion of the feedstock and the mineralizer solution. Uranium nutrient enters the mineralizer solution from the feedstock in the first portion and uranium nutrient precipitates to spontaneously form crystals in the second portion.
US09670584B2 Plasma processing device
A plasma processing device including a stage for holding a substrate, a processing vessel, a first supply unit, a masking portion, a dielectric member, a microwave introduction unit, and a second supply unit. The first supply unit supplies a first process gas for layer deposition to the processing space. The masking portion is electrically conductive and has a first surface facing the processing space, a second surface at an opposite side, and one or more through holes extending from the first surface to the second surface. The dielectric member is in contact with the second surface of the masking portion, and is formed with one or more cavities connected to the one or more through holes. The microwave introduction unit introduces microwaves to the dielectric member. The second supply unit supplies a second process gas for plasma processing into the cavities of the dielectric member.
US09670583B2 Method for adjusting vapor-phase growth apparatus
A method of adjusting vapor-phase growth apparatuses in which the individual difference of a heater-set temperature and a surface temperature of substrate-mounted plate among the vapor-phase growth apparatuses is eliminated. The method of adjusting vapor-phase growth apparatuses includes a thermocouple-location-adjusting step, in which the relative location of a thermocouple and a heater is adjusted so that the change amount of the surface temperature of a substrate-mounted plate with respect to the change amount in the heater-set temperature reaches a predetermined value, and a temperature-control-value-correcting step, in which the thermocouple is disposed at the location adjusted in the thermocouple-location-adjusting step, the surface temperature of the substrate-mounted plate is obtained when the substrate-mounted plate is heated by the heater in accordance with a prescribed temperature-set value, and a temperature-control value with respect to a temperature-set value is corrected on the basis of the difference between the temperature-set value at this time and the surface temperature of the substrate-mounted plate.
US09670582B2 ALD of metal-containing films using cyclopentadienyl compounds
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) type processes for producing metal containing thin films comprise feeding into a reaction space vapor phase pulses of metal containing cyclopentadienyl precursors as a metal source material. In preferred embodiments the metal containing cyclopentadienyl reactant comprises a metal atom that is not directly bonded to an oxygen or halide atom. In other embodiments the metal atom is bonded to a cyclopentadienyl compound and separately bonded to at least one ligand via a nitrogen atom. In still other embodiments the metal containing cyclopentadienyl compound comprises a nitrogen-bridged ligand.
US09670578B2 Oxide sintered body, sputtering target, and oxide semiconductor thin film obtained using sputtering target
An oxide sintered body which, when made into an oxide semiconductor thin film by sputtering, can achieve low carrier density and high carrier mobility, and a sputtering target using said oxide sintered body are provided. This oxide sintered body contains indium, gallium and zinc as oxides. The gallium content is 0.08 or more and less than 0.20 in terms of Ga/(In+Ga) atomic ratio, and the zinc content is 0.0001 or more and less than 0.08 in terms of Zn/(In+Ga+Zn) atomic ratio. This crystalline oxide semiconductor thin film is formed with the oxide sintered body as a sputtering target, and can achieve a carrier density of 8.0×1017 cm−3 or less and a carrier mobility of 10 cm2/V·s or greater.
US09670576B2 Steel sheet including a multilayer coating and methods
A steel sheet is provided. The steel sheet includes a multilayer coating including at least one zinc-based layer being 0.1% to 20% magnesium by weight which is covered by a fine temporary protective layer of 5 to 100 nm. The fine temporary protective layer is composed of metal or metal oxide selected from the group consisting of aluminum, chromium, aluminum oxides AlOx, with x being strictly between 0.01 and 1.5 and chromium oxides CrOy, with y being strictly between 0.01 and 1.5. The at least one zinc-based layer is not alloyed with the temporary protective layer. Manufacturing methods for a sheet and part are also provided.
US09670571B2 Method for manufacturing components made of single crystal (SX) or directionally solidified (DS) nickelbase superalloys
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a component, especially of a gas turbine, made of a single crystal (SX) or directionally solidified (DS) nickelbase superalloy, including a heat treatment and a machining and/or mechanical treatment step. The ductility of the component is improved by doing the machining and/or mechanical treatment step prior to said heat treatment and a solution heat treatment of the component is done prior to the machining/mechanical treatment step.
US09670569B2 Cold-rolled steel sheet and production method thereof
This is a cold-rolled steel sheet includes, by mass %, C: 0.02% to 0.4%, Si: 0.001% to 2.5%, Mn: 0.001% to 4.0%, and Al: 0.001% to 2.0%. The sum of the Si content and the Al content is 1.0% to 4.5%. An average pole density of an orientation group from {100}<011> to {223}<110> is 1.0 to 6.5, and a pole density of a crystal orientation {332}<113> is 1.0 to 5.0. A microstructure includes, by an area ratio %, 5% to 80% of ferrite, 5% to 80% of bainite, and 2% to 30% of retained austenite. In the microstructure, by an area ratio %, martensite is limited to 20% or less, pearlite is limited to 10% or less, and tempered martensite is limited to 60% or less.
US09670556B2 Apparatus for processing the skin side of a fur
An apparatus for processing the skin side of a tubular fur where one or more scraping means are configured for being arranged in a first position away from a mandrel of the apparatus with a first distance in relation to the center axis of the mandrel, and in a third position where the scraping means are configured for being in contact with the skin side so as to process the skin side of the fur, where the one or more scraping means are furthermore configured for being arranged in a second predefined position being arranged between the first position and the third second position with a second predefined distance in relation to the centre axis of the mandrel, and the apparatus is configured for automatically releasing the scraping means from the second position towards the third position when predetermined criteria is complied with.
US09670551B2 Diagnosis kit and chip for bladder cancer using bladder cancer specific methylation marker gene
The present invention relates to a kit and nucleic acid chip for diagnosing bladder cancer using a bladder cancer-specific marker gene. More particularly, the invention relates to a kit and nucleic acid chip for diagnosing bladder cancer, which can detect the promoter methylation of a bladder cancer-specific gene, the promoter or exon region of which is methylated specifically in transformed cells of bladder cancer. The use of the diagnostic kit or nucleic acid chip of the invention enables diagnosis of bladder cancer at an early stage of transformation, thus enabling early diagnosis of bladder cancer, and can diagnose bladder cancer in a more accurate and rapid manner compared to a conventional method.
US09670550B2 Method for examination of carcinogenic risk
The present invention provides a method capable of detecting a cancer and/or a carcinogenic risk, and a reagent for the detection thereof. The present invention also provides a method for screening for a pharmaceutical drug for reducing a carcinogenic risk and a pharmaceutical composition. Since cancer development closely correlates with alteration in gut microbiota, cancer development and/or a risk of cancer development are detected by detecting alteration in gut microbiota and a secondary bile acid produced by an intestinal bacterium. The present invention further provides a method for screening for a pharmaceutical drug with a gut microbiota as an index, and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09670542B2 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.
US09670541B2 Manipulation of microparticles in microfluidic systems
An array of transportable particle sets is used in a microfluidic device for performing chemical reactions in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and intersecting side channels, the main channel and side channels forming a plurality of intersections. The array of particle sets is disposed in the main channel, and the side channels are coupled to reagents. As the particle sets are transported through the intersections of the main channel and the side channels, reagents are flowed through the side channels into contact with each array member (or selected array members), thereby providing a plurality of chemical reactions in the microfluidic system.
US09670538B2 Nucleic acid sequencing by electrochemical detection
Provided herein is technology relating to sequencing nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems for sequencing-by-synthesis using changes in pH to monitor base addition. In some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a microfabricated mixed metal oxide electrode and in some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a membrane electrode. Moreover, in some embodiments the device further comprises a reference electrode. Performing the sequencing reaction involves moving solutions and other fluids (e.g., samples, nucleotide solutions, wash solutions) into and out of the reaction vessel. Thus, in some embodiments, the device further comprises a tube or other transport mechanism or pathway attached to the reaction vessel.
US09670536B2 Increased confidence of allele calls with molecular counting
Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions for determining the number of individual polynucleotide molecules originating from the same genomic region of the same original sample that have been sequenced in a particular sequence analysis configuration or process. In these aspects of the invention, a degenerate base region (DBR) is attached to the starting polynucleotide molecules that are subsequently sequenced (e.g., after certain process steps are performed, e.g., amplification and/or enrichment). The number of different DBR sequences present in a sequencing run can be used to determine/estimate the number of different starting polynucleotides that have been sequenced. DBRs can be used to enhance numerous different nucleic acid sequence analysis applications, including allowing higher confidence allele call determinations in genotyping applications.
US09670535B2 Microarray fabrication system and method
A microarray is designed capture one or more molecules of interest at each of a plurality of sites on a substrate. The sites comprise base pads, such as polymer base pads, that promote the attachment of the molecules at the sites. The microarray may be made by one or more patterning techniques to create a layout of base pads in a desired pattern. Further, the microarrays may include features to encourage clonality at the sites.
US09670531B2 Dynamic flux nucleic acid sequence amplification
Provided herein are dynamic flux nucleic acid sequence amplification methods. The dynamic flux nucleic acid sequence amplification methods described herein are capable of amplifying nucleic acid sequences within a narrow temperature range. In some aspects, the disclosure provides for real-time dynamic flux nucleic acid sequence amplification methods.
US09670524B2 Test elements for determining an analyte concentration that include correction information for at least one interfering variable
Test elements are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte concentration in a sample. The test elements are used for detecting one or more analytes such as metabolites in body fluids, especially glucose. The test elements correct for an interfering variable such as temperature and or hematocrit in a test element system via a correction factor based upon diffusion of at least one diffusable label.
US09670523B2 Nitrite-reductase (NIRB) as potential anti-tubercular target and a method to detect the severity of tuberculosis disease
The present invention discloses functional nitrite reductase as a potential drug target for anti-tubercular drug development. The present invention also relates to the development of an easy method for identification of nitrite in clinical samples as well as its correlation with the severity of the disease. Presence of active as well as dormant/latent stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) could be identified from nitrite in clinical samples like sputum of potential TB patients.
US09670521B2 Amino acid derivatives
There are provided amino acid derivatives of formula V and VI as defined herein which are pyrrolysine analogs for use in bioconjugation processes.
US09670520B2 Process for the culturing of cells
The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.
US09670519B2 Methods for reducing accumulation of lactate during culturing and method for producing polypeptide
The present disclosure relates to methods of decreasing lactate production in cell culture using divalent transitional metallic salts. The present disclosure also relates to a method of producing polypeptide by adding divalent transitional metallic salt to the cell culture medium for reducing lactate accumulation followed by fermenting and recovering the polypeptide.
US09670517B1 Synthesis of long nucleic acid sequences
The invention provides methods for the synthesis of long oligonucleotides, genes and gene fragments. The methods include the manufacture of genes or gene fragments that can be then inserted into a variety of vectors.
US09670516B2 Method of producing sugar liquid
A method of producing a sugar liquid from cellulose-containing biomass includes (1) to (4): (1) subjecting a cellulose-containing biomass to a dilute sulfuric acid treatment and thereafter separating the treated cellulose-containing biomass into a dilute sulfuric acid-treated liquid and a cellulose-containing solid content; (2) adding a cellulase to the cellulose-containing solid content to hydrolyze the cellulose and thereafter obtaining a sugar liquid; (3) filtering the dilute sulfuric acid-treated liquid through a nanofiltration membrane at pH 2.5 or lower to thereby separate a sugar concentrated liquid as a retentate and at the same time recover a sulfuric acid aqueous solution as a permeate; and (4) reusing the whole amount or a part of the sulfuric acid aqueous solution obtained in (3) in the dilute sulfuric acid treatment in (1).
US09670514B2 Method for producing polysaccharide
The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a polysaccharide with high efficiency using a polysaccharide synthase. The present invention provides a method for producing a polysaccharide, including allowing polysaccharide synthase (B) to act on ribonucleoside diphosphate-monosaccharide (A) to produce a polysaccharide, wherein in 10 to 100% of the duration in which (B) acts on (A), the concentration of ribonucleoside diphosphate in a reaction solution is lower than 100 times an inhibitory concentration IC50 against polysaccharide synthase (B).
US09670511B2 Methods and systems for removing undissolved solids prior to extractive fermentation in the production of butanol
A method and system for efficiently producing a fermentative product alcohol such as butanol utilizing in situ product extraction are provided. The efficiency is obtained through separating undissolved solids after liquefying a given feedstock to create a feedstock and prior to fermentation, for example, through centrifugation. Removal of the undissolved solids avoids problems associated with having the undissolved solids present during in situ production extraction, and thereby increases the efficiency of the alcohol production.
US09670502B2 Multiple virus resistance in plants
The present invention provides gene targets, constructs and methods for the genetic control of plant disease caused by multiple plant viruses. The present invention relates to achieving a plant protective effect through the identification of target coding sequences and the use of recombinant DNA technologies for post-transcriptionally repressing or inhibiting expression of the target coding sequences of plant-parasitic viruses. Protein-expression based approaches may also be utilized to augment phenotype resistance. Thus, transcription of a single transgenic event comprising one or more plant expression cassettes can allow for broad spectrum resistance of a plant to multiple plant viral strains and species among the geminiviruses, tospoviruses, and potexviruses.
US09670501B2 Isolated polypeptides, polynucleotides useful for modifying water user efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency, biotic/abiotic stress tolerance, yield and biomass in plants
Polynucleotides, polypeptides, plant cells expressing same and methods of using same for increasing abiotic stress tolerance water use efficiency (WUE), fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant. The method is effected by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:33, 34, 30, 27-29, 31, 32, 35-52, 1401-1403, 1405-1435, 1437-1494, 1496-1542, 1544-1553, 1555-1559, 1561-1827, 1829-1866, 1868-2450, 2453-2458, 2460-2463, 2465-2481, 2483, 2485-2746, 2765-2769, 3052-3065 and 3067-3259, thereby increasing the water use efficiency (WUE), the fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), the biomass, the vigor and/or the yield of the plant.
US09670500B2 Transgenic plants with enhanced traits
This disclosure provides transgenic plants having enhanced traits such as increased yield, increased nitrogen use efficiency and enhanced drought tolerance; propagules, progeny and field crops of such transgenic plants; and methods of making and using such transgenic plants. This disclosure also provides methods of producing hybrid seed from such transgenic plants, growing such seed and selecting progeny plants with enhanced traits. Also disclosed are transgenic plants with altered phenotypes which are useful for screening and selecting transgenic events for the desired enhanced trait.
US09670496B2 Methods and means to modify a plant genome
Methods and means are provided to modify in a targeted manner the genome of a plant in close proximity to an existing elite event using a double stranded DNA break inducing enzyme. Also provided are plants, in particular cotton plants showing tolerance to a field dose of at least 1× of at least one HPPD inhibitor, and methods for making such plants.
US09670494B2 Genetically engineered yeast cells
The present invention relates to yeast cells producing high levels of acetoacetyl-CoA. It also relates to a method for making such yeast cells and to the use of such yeast cells in a method for producing acetyl-CoA derived products.
US09670491B2 MCP-1 binding nucleic acids
The present invention is related to a nucleic acid, preferably binding to MCP-1, selected from the group consisting of Type 1A nucleic acids, type 1B nucleic acids, Type 2 nucleic acids, Type 3 nucleic acids, Type 4 nucleic acids and nucleic acids comprising SEQ ID NOs:87-115
US09670490B2 Methods, systems, and compositions relating to miRNA-146a
Some embodiments comprise methods, systems, and compositions to promote, improve and/or increase neuronal differentiation, oligodendrocyte differentiation, or neurological outcome or function in a patient in need thereof. Some embodiments also comprise the administration a composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more of a group comprising microRNA-146a, a promoter of microRNA-146a expression, a microRNA-146a mimic, thymosin beta 4, and a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor to treat neurological conditions, disease, or injury in mammals, including in human beings.
US09670489B2 Method for treating and/or preventing myopia
The present disclosure provides a method for treating and/or preventing myopia, including: administering an RNA interference (RNAi) to a subject, wherein the RNA interference is capable of counteracting another RNA interference, and the other RNA interference is an RNA interference capable of inhibiting an expression of PAX-6 gene, and the RNA interference capable of inhibiting an expression of PAX-6 gene comprises microRNA-328.
US09670488B2 Methods and compositions for the specific inhibition of met by double stranded RNA
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for reducing MET target RNA and protein levels via use of dsRNAs, e.g., Dicer substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) agents.
US09670487B2 Cationic lipids for oligonucleotide delivery
The instant invention provides for novel cationic lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components such as cholesterol and PEG-lipids to form lipid nanoparticles with oligonucleotides. It is an object of the instant invention to provide a cationic lipid scaffold that is susceptible to hydrolytic instability that may translate into reduced liver residence times and reduced hepatocellular toxicity. The present invention employs acetals and ketals to provide a low pH sensitive chemical handle for degradation.
US09670484B2 Methods and compositions
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.
US09670479B2 Sample preparation device and methods of use
A device for isolating DNA from a sample containing cells, including a cartridge having an entrance port and an exit port, a membrane disposed between the entrance port and the exit port, and a plurality of channels between the membrane and the exit port. Additionally, systems and methods for isolating DNA from a sample containing cells and also systems and methods for amplifying and isolating single-stranded DNA from a sample containing DNA.
US09670475B2 Factor IX polypeptides and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides methods of administering Factor IX; methods of administering chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor IX; chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor IX; polynucleotides encoding such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides; cells comprising such polynucleotides; and methods of producing such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides using such cells.
US09670474B2 Fused NHase with improved specific activity and stability
The present invention provides a fused NHase with improved specific activity and stability, which relates to the field of genetic engineering. This invention provides a method of overexpressing a fused NHase in E. coli and producing a mutant NHase with improved the stability and product tolerance. The invention provides a simple, efficient and safe method of making mutant NHase, and can produce a large amount of soluble NHases in a short period. The present invention makes a contribution to large-scale industrial production and further theoretical study of NHases.
US09670473B2 Crystals of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
The present invention relates to a crystal. In particular the present invention relates to a crystal of the N-domain of ACE protein. The present invention also relates to methods, processes, domain specific modulators, pharmaceutical compositions and uses of the N-domain crystal and the structure co-ordinates thereof.
US09670468B2 Polypeptides having peroxygenase activity
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09670466B2 Pestivirus replicons providing an RNA-based viral vector system
Replicons of pestiviruses, in particular replicons of swine fever virus, are engineered to have a defective replication thereby having lost infectivity, and further containing a foreign gene. A replicon contains all the genetic information required for its replication, but lacks essential codons or all codons of at least one of the genes encoding the viral structural proteins E1, E2, Ems or C protein, and consequently cannot generate infectious virus particles. Particular replicons are generated with a mutated gene encoding a modified Npro protein that no longer controls the cell interferon-induction pathway. Another particular replicon lacks the genes encoding all the structural proteins, the p7 protein and the NS2 protein, and has cytopathogenic properties in transduced cells. The replicons provide a new vector system that can be used for vaccination, gene delivery and gene therapy applications in mammals, including humans, as naked RNA or packaged into any form of delivery vehicle.
US09670463B2 Inhibition and enhancement of reprogramming by chromatin modifying enzymes
Methods and compositions are provided for the production of stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, and for uses thereof.
US09670462B2 Bioactive surface for hepatocyte-based applications
The invention provides a surface, wherein said surface comprises (i) a polymer substrate and (ii) sugar groups and peptide groups coupled to said substrate suitable for culturing hepatocytes.
US09670461B2 Method for undifferentiated growth of mesenchymal stem cell and method for concentration of mesenchymal stem cell
A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of: concentrating cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells; and causing the mesenchymal stem cells thus concentrated to grow with use of a particular factor while maintaining undifferentiated state of the mesenchymal stem cells.
US09670458B2 Methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer
The present invention provides highly advantageous and efficient methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer for the generation of animals having valuable traits or genetic background.
US09670454B2 Methods of microalgae cultivation for increased resource production
Methods of inducing or increasing lipid and protein production in microalgae are disclosed. Methods of enhancing microalgae biomass are also disclosed. The methods may comprise inoculating a culture media with microalgae and propagating the microalgae under heterotrophic growth conditions. The heterotrophic growth conditions may comprise inhibiting exposure of the inoculated culture media to light. The methods may further comprise delivering oxygen into the inoculated culture media. Additionally, lipids, proteins, and other cellular components may be isolated and purified from microalgae cultivated under the disclosed methods.
US09670447B2 Microfabricated polymeric vessel mimetics
The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of microstructured membranes, methods of fabricating microstructured membranes, bioreactors housing microstructured membranes, and methods of using bioreactors and microstructured membranes. In some embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of cellular tissues in an environment which more accurately resembles a native environment. In some more specific embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of tumor cells on a membrane having a microfabricated pattern which mimics a native vasculature system.
US09670442B2 Treatment of beverages to reduce the effects of noxious constituents
A method of treating an beverage, comprising exposing a beverage to an ion exchange matrix that includes a mixture of cation exchange beads and anion exchange beads each capable of binding to one or more cationic or anionic constituents present in the beverage and thereby reduce concentrations of the one or more cationic or anionic constituents in the beverage and capable of maintaining a pH of the beverage within ±0.5 pH units of the beverage's pretreatment pH value. The cationic or anionic constituents have a noxious effect on humans and the cation exchange beads include a cationic mineral form and the anion exchange beads include a chloride mineral form.
US09670437B2 Water-soluble delayed release capsules, related methods, and related articles
Disclosed herein are capsules for delayed release of an ingredient contained therein, in particular water-soluble capsules for delayed release of water-sensitive, gas-generating compositions, other gas-forming compositions, or other cleaning compositions into an aqueous liquid medium. The delayed release capsules can incorporate one or more gas-relief pinholes for gas-generating water-sensitive or other gas-forming compositions contained in the capsules, such as inorganic bleach or other alkaline compositions intended for delayed release into a wash medium during a laundry cycle or perfumes. The pinholes permit gas generated or otherwise formed within the capsule, such as due to exposure to environmental water vapor, to escape from the capsule interior, preventing pressure build-up and capsule deformation during storage. The pinholes are sized to prevent or otherwise substantially limit the passage of liquids when submerged in a liquid medium (e.g., liquid water in an aqueous liquid medium). Related articles and methods for delivering the capsules in combination with a detergent or other laundry composition are also disclosed.
US09670432B2 Biological method for preventing rancidity, spoilage and instability of hydrocarbon and water emulsions and also increase the lubricity of the same
A method for preventing degradation of physical and chemical properties, and for increasing lubricity, of a hydrocarbon and water emulsion, comprising adding to the emulsion an effective amount of at least one copper salt of a carboxylic acid for enabling at least one bacterium species from Pseudomonas genus to become dominant in the emulsion.
US09670429B2 Separation systems for dewatering of fog and biodiesel fuel production
The present invention provides for methods and systems that effectively separate dispersed FOG from emulsions and/or free-floating FOG from a waste stream to provide dewatered emulsions and/or separated fats, oils and greases from emulsions thereby providing value added separated product while reducing disposal of solid or liquid waste matter into landfills or water treatment facilities.
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