Document Document Title
US09734006B2 System and method for error detection in a critical system
A system includes a processor having first and second processing units and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes processor executable code to implement an application to execute a first process to provide first application output information and to execute a second process to provide second application output information, a selector to provide a first indication that the first process is a critical process and a second indication that the second process is a non-critical process, and an application program interface (API) to run on the first processing unit. The API directs the processor to run the application on the second processing unit, executes the first process to provide first API output information in response to the first indication; determines if the first application output information matches the first API output information, and determines to not execute the second process in response to the second indication.
US09734004B2 Analytics output for detection of change sets system and method
A method, computer program product, and computer system for receiving, at a computing device, logs and traces from one or more sources. The logs and traces are analyzed for problem imprints associated with an error. A set of one or more candidate lists is generated from the logs and traces. A change set from the set of one or more candidate lists that caused the error is identified.
US09734002B2 Cyclical method and a device for localizing uncontrollable multiple failures in engineering systems in operation
A method and device improve efficiency, depth and reliability of diagnosing technical condition of highly complex objects. The technical effect is achieved by signals received from a diagnosed object (DO). These signals are transformed into a technical condition initial estimate vector for the DO elements. Then, technical condition estimates for the DO elements are specified through a cyclical process and by using a reverse logical model and a direct logical model. A technical condition vector estimate is formed after the cyclical process is completed, and its variable components are used for deciding on technical condition of the diagnosed object elements. The device comprises an interface unit which inputs serve for connecting to the DO data outputs, a measuring unit, an initial estimate forming unit, a switching unit, a reverse triplex logical model and a direct triplex logical model, a result interpretation unit and a control unit.
US09733997B2 Event management method and distributed system
A first information processing apparatus executes a first process, while a second information processing apparatus executes a second process. The first information processing apparatus obtains a first issuance request produced by the first process. The first information processing apparatus also receives issuance timing information that the second information processing apparatus issues in response to a second issuance request from the second process. Based on this issuance timing information, the first information processing apparatus controls issuance timing of a timer event that is to be issued to the first process in response to the first issuance request.
US09733994B2 Method and system for communicating information between a mobile device and an enterprise system
A method for communicating information between a mobile device and a computer system includes receiving a request from the mobile device to invoke a process of a legacy API of the computer system. The request specifies one or more input values associated with required input parameters of the process. The input values are provided in a first format that is different from a second format utilized by the legacy API for communicating data. The computer system determines required input parameters of the process, generates an input data structure in the second format that includes an entry for each of the required input parameters, determines parameters that are associated with the one or more input values communicated in the request, and sets values of entries in the input data structure associated with the one or more determined parameters to corresponding one or more input values in the request. A message call to the legacy API that includes the input data structure formatted in the second format is generated.
US09733992B1 Inter-process communication between containers
The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer-readable media for mediating communications between two processes not running in a common container. A request from a requesting process running in a first container to communicate with one or more target processes outside the first container is received, and a device file accessible to the first container is created. The inter-container communication is then routed from the requesting process through the created device file, and on to the target process.
US09733983B2 System and method for surge protection and rate acceleration in a traffic director environment
Described herein are systems and methods for use with a load balancer or traffic director, and administration thereof. In accordance with an embodiment the system comprises a traffic director having one or more traffic director instances, which is configured to receive and communicate requests, from clients, to origin servers having one or more pools of servers. A traffic monitor, at the traffic director, monitors traffic, including the number of connections, between the traffic director instances and one or more of the resource servers within the origin servers. The traffic director can set a traffic rate which controls the traffic, including the number of connections, to provide surge protection, or rate acceleration/deceleration.
US09733979B2 Communication device
A communication device communicating in conformance with a prescribed communication standard. The device includes a storage storing at least a first virtual program that includes a program implementing a first function of the communication device and a second virtual program that includes a program implementing a second function of the communication device. It also includes an executor configured to successively execute the first and second virtual programs, and a switching controller configured to read at least a part of either one of the first and second virtual programs from the storage, to store the part of either one of the first and second virtual programs into a memory of the executor, to execute the part of either one of the first and second virtual programs in the executor, thereby, to switch the first and second virtual programs to be executed in the executor.
US09733977B2 Distributed processing system, distributed processing device, distributed processing method, and distributed processing program
A distributed processing system in which a plurality of computers are interconnected, wherein each of the computers is provided with a module loader which loads each module and performs initialization processing, a metadata management unit which acquires metadata including a command for the initialization processing from a previously provided storage means or another computer, a file management unit which reads and writes a file within the storage means or the other computer, and an execution container which executes a distributed batch application. The file management unit examines whether or not an execution region including an execution code of a corresponding module is present in the storage means after the initialization processing, and when the execution region is not present, loads the execution code from the other computer and writes the loaded execution code as the execution region.
US09733975B2 System and method for implementing network experience shifting
Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network experience shifting, and, in particular embodiments, using either a roaming or portable hypervisor associated with a user or a local hypervisor unassociated with the user. In some embodiments, a network node in a first network might receive, via a first network access device in a second network, a request from a user device to establish roaming network access, and might authenticate a user associated with the user device, the user being unassociated with the first network access device. Based in part on a determination that the user is authorized to access data, content, profiles, and/or software applications that are accessible via a second network access device, the network node might establish a secure private connection through a hypervisor communicatively coupled to the first network access device to provide the user with access to her data, content, profiles, and/or software applications.
US09733974B2 Systems and methods for determining parent states of parent components in a virtual-machine environment based on performance states of related child components and component state criteria during a user-selected time period
Techniques promote monitoring of hypervisor systems by presenting dynamic representations of hypervisor architectures that include performance indicators. A reviewer can interact with the representation to progressively view select lower-level performance indicators. Higher level performance indicators can be determined based on lower level state assessments. A reviewer can also view historical performance metrics and indicators, which can aid in understanding which configuration changes or system usages may have led to sub-optimal performance.
US09733973B2 Automatically determining sensor location in a virtualized computing environment
A virtualized computing system including software sensors captures network data from one or more traffic flows the sensors. The captured network data from a given sensor indicates one or more traffic flows detected by the given sensor. The received captured network data is analyzed to identify, for each respective sensor, a first group of sensors, a second group of sensors, and a third group of sensors. All traffic flows observed by the first group of sensors are also observed by the second group of sensors. All traffic flows observed by the second group of sensors are also observed by the third group of sensors. A location of each respective sensor relative to other sensors within the virtualized computing system is determined based upon whether the respective sensor belongs to the first group of sensors, the second group of sensors, or the third group of sensors.
US09733971B2 Placement of virtual machines on preferred physical hosts
Placement of virtual machines on physical hosts is based on a preferred host list that may be generated from preferred host identifiers to more efficiently utilize system resources and serve the needs of different workloads. A host identifiers mechanism allows a system administrator to select preferred host identifiers for each virtual machine or a group of virtual machines. The host identifiers mechanism in conjunction with an optimizer periodically adjusts the placement of virtual machines according to the preferred host identifiers and consistent with optimization policies. Further, the preferred host identifiers may include a time component so that the preferred host resources can be periodically updated and can dynamically change over time.
US09733970B2 Placement of virtual machines on preferred physical hosts
Placement of virtual machines on physical hosts is based on a preferred host list that may be generated from preferred host identifiers to more efficiently utilize system resources and serve the needs of different workloads. A host identifiers mechanism allows a system administrator to select preferred host identifiers for each virtual machine or a group of virtual machines. The host identifiers mechanism in conjunction with an optimizer periodically adjusts the placement of virtual machines according to the preferred host identifiers and consistent with optimization policies. Further, the preferred host identifiers may include a time component so that the preferred host resources can be periodically updated and can dynamically change over time.
US09733960B2 Communications network and a network terminal
A power line communication network, comprising: a plurality of network terminals and at least one power line, wherein each terminal is coupled to said at least one power line such that the terminals are interconnected. Each terminal comprises: a power line interface; at least one processor and at least one memory; a plurality of resources that include at least one signal input and/or signal output; wherein at least one of said terminals has computer code that includes an operating system for controlling the power line communication network, the operating system including: a control layer for controlling access to the processor, memory and resources of each terminal; a virtual machine interface through which virtual machines can access said resources; and a virtual machine manager for controlling access to said resources, wherein said virtual machine manager accesses said resources through the control layer.
US09733959B2 Policy-based hypervisor configuration management
At least one target configuration of a host at a virtualization software level is automatically assembled based on a source configuration. A policy-based profile describing the source configuration is processed. A configuration specification describing the target configuration is automatically created, based on the policy-based profile describing the source configuration. The configuration specification is automatically applied to target configurations, such that the target configurations are compliant with the policy-based profile.
US09733958B2 Mechanism for performing rolling updates with data unavailability check in a networked virtualization environment for storage management
A method for performing rolling updates with data unavailability checks in a networked virtualization environment for storage management.
US09733956B2 Adjusting settings based on sensor data
Various techniques for adjusting settings based on sensor data are described herein. In one example, a method includes detecting sensor data from a sensor and ranking the sensor data based on predetermined zones. The method can also include identifying a dominant zone from the predetermined zones, and adjusting the setting based on the dominant zone.
US09733951B2 Creation and use of virtual device drivers on a serial bus
A node on a serial bus, preferably a device such as a personal computer (PC), can emulate other devices using virtual device drivers. A PC connected to a 1394 bus exposes its CROM on the bus which presents an image to other nodes on the 1394 bus and describes the functional units supported by the node. The CROM can be changed dynamically by adding unit directories to the CROM detailing peripherals connected to the PC. The PC can then be enumerated as the connected device by other PCs on the bus. The PC can emulate or morph itself into any desired device or even multiple devices at the same time. The invention also allows a PC to create devices that don't yet exist on the bus. The invention allows a user to create virtual device objects with device properties to have just in case a user plugs the particular device in to the PC.
US09733949B2 Semiconductor device capable of monitoring internal signal and method for driving the same
A semiconductor device includes an internal signal processing block suitable for generating an internal enable signal and an internal control signal that correspond to an external enable signal and an external control signal, and a monitoring unit suitable for outputting a monitoring signal that corresponds to a predetermined internal signal, based on the internal enable signal and the internal control signal, in an initial operation period.
US09733939B2 Physical reference list for tracking physical register sharing
A processor includes a processing unit including a storage module having stored thereon a physical reference list for storing identifications of physical registers that have been referenced by multiple logical registers, and a reclamation module for reclaiming physical registers to a free list based on a count of each of the physical registers on the physical reference list.
US09733937B2 Compare and exchange operation using sleep-wakeup mechanism
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for performing compare and exchange operations using a sleep-wakeup mechanism. According to one embodiment, an instruction at a processor is executed to help acquire a lock on behalf of the processor. If the lock is unavailable to be acquired by the processor, the instruction is put to sleep until an event has occurred.
US09733936B2 Multifunctional hexadecimal instruction form system and program product
A new zSeries floating-point unit has a fused multiply-add dataflow capable of supporting two architectures and fused MULTIPLY and ADD and Multiply and SUBTRACT in both RRF and RXF formats for the fused functions. Both binary and hexadecimal floating-point instructions are supported for a total of 6 formats. The floating-point unit is capable of performing a multiply-add instruction for hexadecimal or binary every cycle with a latency of 5 cycles. This supports two architectures with two internal formats with their own biases. This has eliminated format conversion cycles and has optimized the width of the dataflow. The unit is optimized for both hexadecimal and binary floating-point architecture supporting a multiply-add/subtract per cycle.
US09733928B2 Dynamic setup of development environments
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request from a user at a local machine to access a project. One or more programming languages used in the project are identified. Resource availability at the local machine is analyzed. An integrated development environment (IDE) is selected for the project, based at least in part on the one or more programming languages and the resource availability of the local machine. The IDE is provisioned automatically, by a computer processor, for the user in response to the request to access the project.
US09733917B2 Predicting whether a party will purchase a product
A method for predicting whether a party will purchase a product. The method includes accessing data wherein the data is obtained from a plurality of computing environments of a plurality of parties, analyzing the data; and predicting whether one of the plurality of parties will purchase a product based on the analyzed data.
US09733911B2 Value transfer between program variables using dynamic memory resource mapping
System and method for creating a program. A program may be compiled, including determining one or more value transfer operations in the program. Each value transfer operation may specify a value transfer between a respective one or more source variables and a destination variable. For each of the one or more value transfer operations, the value transfer operation may be implemented, where the implementation of the value transfer operation may be executable to assign each variable of the value transfer operation to a respective memory resource, thereby mapping the variables to the memory resources, and dynamically change the mapping, including assigning the destination variable to the memory resource of a first source variable of the one or more source variables, thereby transferring the value from the first source variable to the destination variable without copying the value between the memory resources.
US09733908B2 Dynamic arrays and overlays with bounds policies
Systems and methods are provided for writing code to access data arrays. One aspect provides a method of accessing a memory array. Data is provided within a one-dimensional array of allocated memory. A dimensional dynamic overlay is declared from within a block of statements, and the declaration initializes various attributes within an array attribute storage object. The data is accessed from within the block of statements as a dimensional indexed array using the array attribute storage object. Another aspect provides a method of creating and accessing a dimensional dynamic array. A dimensional dynamic array is declared from within a block of statements, and memory storage for the array is dynamically allocated. A dynamic overlay storage object is also provided and its attributes are initialized from the dynamic array declaration. The data is accessed as a dimensional indexed array from within the block of statements using the array attribute storage object.
US09733905B1 Embedded location awareness in UML modeling for mobile and IoT development
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a computer implemented method of automatically generating and storing a data structure for displaying a Unified Modeling Language (UML) model of behavior of a network of computing devices, the behavior dependent on location of the computing devices, comprising: creating a UML model comprising a plurality of line charts arranged in parallel to a time indicating axis, adding to the displayed UML model a plurality of connectors indicating communication between two entities, where a distance between each two line charts of the plurality of line charts in the UML model maps a geographical distance therebetween, and wherein the distance and the value and the plurality of connectors are editable according to at least one user input indicative of a selection of an area of the displayed UML model.
US09733902B2 Machine vision system program editing environment including operating context aware copy and paste feature
A method is provided for copying and pasting a set of machine vision part program operations when editing a part program in a machine vision inspection system. The method includes: a) selecting at least a first instruction representation at a copy location in a displayed part program representation; b) performing copy operations by executing a first subset of modification operations directed to elements that are specific to a first operating context at the copy location, to thereby generate a partially modified selected instruction representation and/or its underlying instruction code; c) defining a paste location in the displayed part program representation; and d) performing paste operations by executing a second subset of modification operations directed to elements that are specific to a second operating context at the paste location, to thereby generate and paste onto the paste location a fully modified selected instruction representation and/or its underlying instruction code.
US09733899B2 Lane position information for processing of vector
Processing circuitry performs a plurality of lanes of processing on respective data elements of at least one operand vector to generate corresponding result data elements of a result vector. The processing circuitry identifies lane position information for each lane of processing, the lane position information for a given lane identifying a relative position of the corresponding result data element to be generated by the given lane within a corresponding result data value spanning one or more result data elements of the result vector. The processing circuitry is configured to perform each lane of processing in dependence on the lane position information identified for that lane. This enables generation of results which are wider or narrower than the vector size supported in hardware.
US09733892B2 Obtaining content based on control by multiple controllers
A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.
US09733885B2 Display panel attachment mechanism
A light-emitting display system has interlocking tiles. In an implementation, each tile has a portion of a clamp that joins with another portion of the clamp on another tile. A tile is removed from the display by unlocking the clamp portions. The tile is removed without affecting the position of the other tiles in the display.
US09733884B2 Display apparatus, control method thereof, and display system
A display apparatus, control method, and system are provided. The display apparatus includes a display; one or more loudspeakers; a signal processor configured to process an image signal so that an image may be displayed on the display and sound may be output from the loudspeaker; a communication interface configured to communicate with one or more external display apparatuses; and a controller configured to transmit sound processed by the signal processor to the one or more loudspeakers in accordance with a preset output designation state, determine a divided and displayed state of an image with respect to the display apparatus and the one or more external display apparatuses, and adjust the output designation state of the sound with respect to the one or more loudspeakers based on the determination.
US09733883B2 Foldable display
A foldable display is disclosed. In one aspect, the foldable display includes a first display unit located on a front surface of the foldable display, a second display unit located on a first side surface of the foldable display, and a third display unit located on a second side surface of the foldable display. The foldable display includes a first configuration in which the first to third display units are exposed and a second configuration in which the first display unit is folded and the second and third display units are exposed. The second and third display units are configured to form a fourth display unit inclined with respect to the folded first display unit in the second configuration of the foldable display.
US09733882B2 Apparatus and method for coordinating visual experiences through visual devices, a master device, slave devices and wide area network control
A system includes a first digital display, a master content player configured to supply first visual content to the first digital display, a second digital display and a slave content player configured to supply second visual content to the second digital display. The master content player publishes synchronization commands to a synchronization server accessed through a wide area network and the slave content player utilizes the wide area network to access the synchronization server for the synchronization commands. The first visual content on the first digital display is coordinated in a predetermined manner with the second visual content on the second digital display on a segment-by-segment basis.
US09733867B2 Multi-layered storage administration for flexible placement of data
A storage administrator may maintain location information in separate layers. A data storage system may identify the location of particular data by identifying the virtual location of data, such as the logical extent to which the data belongs. Object stores may maintain mappings of virtual locations to physical locations, such as mappings of extent identifiers to virtual storage objects and mappings of virtual storage objects to storage unit locations. When particular data is relocated to a new location, a storage administrator may update mappings used to translate virtual locations to physical locations, such as an extent-object mapping or an object-storage unit mapping. References to the virtual locations, such as references to logical extent identifiers, may not be updated in response to the relocation of data.
US09733864B2 Memory system including nonvolatile memory device and erase method thereof
An erase method of a nonvolatile memory device is provided which includes receiving an erase request; selecting an erase mode of a memory block corresponding to the erase request, based on an access condition of the nonvolatile memory device managed by a memory controller; and controlling the nonvolatile memory device to erase the memory block according to the selected erase mode. The erase mode includes a fast erase mode of which an erase time for the memory block is shorter than a reference time and a slow erase mode of which an erase time for the memory block is longer than the reference time.
US09733863B1 Correlating storage rings
Correlating two storage rings based on an access rate for an object. A correlative dual hash ring includes a first ring of storage drives and a second ring of storage drives. Objects and replicas are allocated to either a first ring or a second ring.
US09733862B1 Systems and methods for reverse point-in-time copy management in a storage system
A method may include generating a chain of snapshot point-in-time copies (PITCs) for a virtual volume, the chain comprising one or more reverse PITCs and one active PITC, such that: (i) read operations to a snapshot pointing to a reverse PITC traverse a portion of the one or more reverse PITCs in a direction of the chain from the reverse PITC pointed to by the snapshot to the active PITC in order to return data responsive to the read operations to the snapshot; and (ii) read operations to the virtual volume traverse only the active PITC in order to return data responsive to the read operations to the virtual volume.
US09733860B2 Combined live migration and storage migration using file shares and mirroring
Migration of a virtual machine and associated files to a destination host may be performed. A source host may initiate establishment of a temporary network file share at a destination location of the destination host to provide the source host and the destination host with access to the file share. While the virtual machine is running at the source host, a storage migration and a live migration may be initiated. Using the network file share, the source host may copy the associated files to the destination location. A runtime state of the virtual machine may be copied to the destination host. In a final phase of the migration, the virtual machine at the source host may be stopped, the storage migration may be completed, the copying of the runtime state may be completed, and the virtual machine may be started at the destination host.
US09733855B1 System and methods for adjusting memory command placement
Integrated circuits may include memory interface circuitry operable to communicate with memory. The memory interface circuitry may include a memory controller and a memory interface circuit. The memory controller may fulfill memory access requests using the memory interface circuit. The memory controller may operate based on controller clock cycles of a controller clock, whereas the memory interface circuit may operate based on memory clock cycles of a memory clock. Each controller clock cycle may have a set of corresponding memory clock cycles. The memory interface circuitry may be configured using logic design computing equipment. The logic design computing equipment may identify memory timing requirements and controller latency requirements. The computing equipment may determine a command placement configuration that satisfies the timing and latency requirements. The computing equipment may configure the integrated circuit with the command placement configuration.
US09733852B2 Encrypted synchronization
A request to store a file to be protected is received. It is detected whether the file to be protected is a file to be synchronized. The encryption key is selected based on the detection of whether the file is a file to be synchronized. The file to be protected is encrypted using the selected encryption key.
US09733851B2 Shifting a defrag operation in a mirrored system
A computer program product for defragmenting volumes in a mirrored system is provided. The computer program product includes program instructions for suspending one or more updates from being mirrored from a first set of tracks on a first server to a second set of tracks on a second server. A defragmenting process is performed on the second server. The defragmentation process stores a before and after mapping of the second set of tracks, wherein the before and after mapping includes information identifying at least one track of the second set of tracks and a corresponding first location of the respective track before the defragmenting and a second location of the respective track after the defragmenting. The computer program product further includes program instructions for, upon defragmenting, relocating at least one track of the first set of tracks on the first server according to the stored before and after mapping.
US09733850B2 Optical cold storage with encoding and placement of data chunks on different optical disks
Various embodiments (“systems”) are described for transferring data from a primary storage (e.g., magnetic disk drives, solid state drives, etc.) to an optical cold storage rack. The optical cold storage rack may include many physical optical storage disks, but a much smaller number of burners and readers (e.g., optical disk drives). When data is to be transferred to the optical cold storage rack, the system may generate a plan for performing the transfer. “Migration worker” components may then implement the plan and may be exclusively dedicated to implementing such plans. In various embodiments, the plan may specify how large data file “aggregates” (collections of portions of one or more data files) are to be distributed across optical disks (“disks”) to improve throughput during subsequent reading operations from the optical cold storage rack. The plan may also anticipate the relation between the limited number of burners/readers and the overall optical cold storage rack disk capacity.
US09733849B2 Gateway for cloud-based secure storage
The systems and methods disclosed herein transparently provide an improved scalable cloud-based dynamically adjustable or configurable storage volume. In one aspect, a gateway provides a dynamically or configurably adjustable storage volume, including a local cache. The storage volume may be transparently adjusted for the amount of data that needs to be stored using available local or cloud-based storage. The gateway may use caching techniques and block clustering to provide gains in access latency compared to existing gateway systems, while providing scalable off-premises storage.
US09733847B2 Systems and methods for transmitting packets in a scalable memory system protocol
A memory device includes a memory component that store data and a processor. The processor may generate one or more data packets associated with the memory component. Each data packet may include a transaction type field that includes data indicative of a first size of a payload of the respective data packet and a second size of an error control code in the respective data packet. Each packet may also have a payload field that includes the payload and an error control code field that includes the error control code. The processor may transmit the data packets to a requesting component, such that the requesting component identifies the payload field and the error control field of each data packet based on the data of the transaction type field in each data packet.
US09733846B1 Integrated backup performance enhancements by creating affinity groups
A method in a backup engine is described. The method includes receiving a data access request for a data element in a logical storage volume for one of a read or write operation, determining an affinity group associated with the data element based on an affinity group list indicating a physical storage volume for the data element based on the data address range for the data element, determining a first frontend adapter identifier (ID) from the first affinity group associated with the data element, the first frontend adapter ID identifying a first frontend adapter associated with a first physical storage volume, and transmitting the data access request to the first frontend adapter based on the first frontend adapter ID to execute the data access request on the first physical storage volume.
US09733845B2 Shared virtualized local storage
An embedded processing unit (eCPU) processes an input/output (I/O) request from a host using a virtual storage controller. The eCPU associates a virtual network interface with a host. The virtual storage controller uses a first transport protocol. The eCPU receives an I/O request directed at a storage device from the virtual storage controller. The eCPU determines a second transport protocol used by the storage device, and converts the I/O request from a format according to the first transport protocol to a format according to the second transport protocol. The eCPU transmits the I/O request to the storage device using the second transport protocol.
US09733840B2 Managing the write performance of an asymmetric memory system
Some implementations include a method of managing a hosted non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) based storage subsystem that includes NVRAM devices. The method includes: receiving, at a device driver on the host computing device, write requests each requesting to write a respective unit of data to the NVRAM-based storage subsystem; categorizing the write requests into subgroups of write requests, where write requests within respective subgroups are mutually exclusive; ascertaining a load condition of each of several of the NVRAM devices of the NVRAM-based storage subsystem; identifying a target location on at least one NVRAM device to service a particular subgroup of write requests according to the ascertained load conditions of the NVRAM devices of the NVRAM-based storage subsystem; and servicing the particular subgroup of write requests by writing the corresponding units of data to the identified target location on the at least one NVRAM device of the NVRAM-based storage subsystem.
US09733839B2 Tape volume access block having data set information stored therein
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor. The logic is configured to position a magnetic tape volume to a position corresponding to an end of a last data set stored to the magnetic tape volume, and read an existing tape volume access block (TVAB) from the magnetic tape volume in response to a determination that the existing TVAB is stored to the magnetic tape volume. The logic is also configured to write one or more data sets to the magnetic tape volume subsequent to reading the existing TVAB in response to the determination that the existing TVAB is stored to the magnetic tape volume, determine metadata corresponding to the one or more written data sets, and update the existing TVAB with the metadata corresponding to the one or more written data sets to produce an updated TVAB.
US09733837B2 Shifting a defrag operation in a mirrored system
A computer system for defragmenting volumes in a mirrored system is provided. The computer system includes program instructions for suspending one or more updates from being mirrored from a first set of tracks on a first server to a second set of tracks on a second server. A defragmenting process is performed on the second server. The defragmentation process stores a before and after mapping of the second set of tracks, wherein the before and after mapping includes information identifying at least one track of the second set of tracks and a corresponding first location of the respective track before the defragmenting and a second location of the respective track after the defragmenting. The computer system further includes program instructions for, upon defragmenting, relocating at least one track of the first set of tracks on the first server according to the stored before and after mapping.
US09733835B2 Data storage method and storage server
Embodiments of the application disclose a data storage method and a storage server. The method includes: detecting actual usage of a hard disk corresponding to an initial capacity level in configured hard disk capacity levels; when it is determined, according to the detected actual usage, that the hard disk corresponding to the initial capacity level exceeds a limit, searching for a hard disk corresponding to a second highest capacity level and is higher than the initial capacity level; and when the hard disk corresponding to the second highest capacity level is obtained by searching, determining a migration ratio of a virtual node according to the initial capacity level, the second highest capacity level, and the actual hard disk capacity, and performing virtual node migration between hard disks that are corresponding to the configured hard disk capacity levels. By using the disclosure, hard disk capacity heterogeneousness in massive storage is supported.
US09733832B2 Buffer memory accessing method, memory controller and memory storage device
A method for accessing a buffer memory in a memory storage device is provided, wherein the buffer memory, which has a plurality of write buffer units, is equipped in the memory storage device having a rewritable non-volatile memory module. The method includes: receiving a write data from a host system and determining whether the number of used write buffer unit is smaller than a predefined value or not. The method also includes: if the number of the used write buffer unit is not smaller than the predefined value, temporarily storing the write data into one of the write buffer unit which is not being used and transmitting a confirmation message corresponding to the write data to the host system after a predefined time interval. Therefore, the method can reduce the latency of write operations of the host system.
US09733823B2 View activation via hit testing in an asynchronous windowing system
Embodiments provide systems and methods for activating applications in a distributed asynchronous system based on detecting touches on a display.
US09733821B2 Voice control to diagnose inadvertent activation of accessibility features
Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing inadvertent activation of user interface settings on an electronic device. The electronic device receives a user input indicating that the user is having difficulty operating the electronic device. The device then determines whether a setting was changed on the device within a predetermined time period prior to receiving the user input. When a first setting was changed within the predetermined time period prior to receiving the user input, the device restores the changed setting to a prior setting.
US09733819B2 Smooth scrolling of a structured document presented in a graphical user interface with bounded memory consumption
In one embodiment, one or more main processors of a device detect an event corresponding to scrolling a structured document presented in a scrollable graphical user interface of an application executed by the main processors. The main processors, in response to the event, determine a first set of elements and a second set of elements of the structured document; render the first set of elements of the structured document for presentation in the graphical user interface; and cause one or more graphic processors of the device to render the second set of elements for presentation in the graphical user interface.
US09733815B2 Split-screen display method and apparatus, and electronic device thereof
A split-screen display method and apparatus, and an electronic device thereof. A horizontal slide signal along a touchscreen or a vertical slide signal along the touchscreen entered by using the touchscreen is obtained; a current display area of the touchscreen is divided, according to the horizontal slide signal, into at least two display windows arranged up and down, or a current display area of the touchscreen is divided, according to the vertical slide signal, into at least two display windows arranged side by side, thereby implementing that multiple application programs are simultaneously displayed on a screen up and down or side by side, and a user does not need to frequently switch between programs, which facilitates user operations.
US09733814B1 Systems and methods for linking and displaying geographically-related interests in a social network
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating recommendations for places within a geographic area that are of interest to a user's social group, in one or more social networks, and more particularly where user interest is reflected by the posting of geo-tagged photographs of the places of interest and associated metadata. In one embodiment, an application for a mobile device presents a user with a list of geographic locations visited by one or more other users that the user follows on a social network. The user may select from the list and/or drill down to deeper levels in the list and then make a selection. Responsive to the selection, the application will retrieve from related databases identifying information for photographs associated with the selected geographic location, where the photographs were contributed by the users being followed and designated by them as being of interest, and display the identifying information. The user can then select one or more of the photographs for retrieval and display.
US09733813B2 Device for processing information
A device of organizing software objects having an attribute. A hierarchical tree of groups of objects called contexts is formed. The tree comprises a root context in which all the other contexts and all the objects are found. Each object of tree being in a context. For at least one context, a global subcontext to expose objects from a point of the tree of contexts and a contextualization directory of values of attributes for the objects of the context are formed. Each attribute of an object of the tree to be displayed is allocated the value of the higher-rank attribute of the same name, of the same type and with the same modifiers, to which the value has been allocated in the contextualization directory.
US09733811B2 Matching process system and method
A method for profile matching includes receiving a plurality of user profiles, each user profile comprising traits of a respective user. The method includes receiving a preference indication for a first user profile of the plurality of user profiles. The method also includes determining a potential match user profile of the plurality of user profiles based on the preference indication for the first user profile. The method also includes presenting the potential match user profile to a second user.
US09733808B2 Trigger event based response execution
The aspects of the present disclosure allow an extremely simple way to interact with e.g. various Internet and mobile telecommunications related services, for example by a single button press. An identification message is sent from a sensor apparatus, over a wireless communication network, in response to a trigger event sensed by a sensor device comprised in the sensor apparatus. The identification message includes a unique identifier of the sensor apparatus. The identification message is received at a network server. A pre-configured action profile associated with the unique identifier in the received identification message is accessed by the network server. A response action is caused to be executed based on information in the accessed action profile.
US09733807B2 Techniques to handle multimedia questions from attendees in an online meeting
An attendee device in an online meeting displays content from a presenter device in a shared area of an attendee device display. The attendee device detects that the shared area is pressed continuously at a press point therein for a predetermined time and, in response, records a location of the press point in the shared area, records an image snapshot of the shared area, and records audio sensed by a local microphone. The attendee device also detects when the press point is released and, in response, ends the audio recording. The attendee device displays a dialog box that presents user selectable options to store locally, upload to the meeting server, and not retain any of the recorded snapshot and the recorded audio.
US09733806B2 Electronic device and user interface operating method thereof
An electronic device and a user interface operating method thereof. The electronic device comprises an input unit and a processing unit. The input unit detects an input from a user. The processing unit adjusts a home screen from a first display location to a second display location according to the input.
US09733805B2 Generating procedures for entering data prior to separating a liquid into components
Described are embodiments that are useful for generating procedures for entering data prior to separating liquid into liquid components. The embodiments are applicable to procedures for entering data prior to separating blood into components. Graphical elements are displayed that allow a user to appreciate the workflow of someone who implements the procedures. As a result, the user can create a procedure that is simple, efficient, and is less prone to errors.
US09733801B2 Expandable and collapsible arrays of aligned documents
An embodiment provides a product comprising a machine-readable medium and machine-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform a method comprising providing expendable axes of user-selectable element displaying same user-selectable elements in corresponding axial locations along the axes of user-selectable elements to provide axial correspondence of user-selectable elements simultaneously displayed on more than one axis of user-selectable elements. A system and a graphical user interface providing the same are equally provided herein.
US09733799B2 Central station integration of patient data
A method for displaying medical data includes receiving physiological data from a first medical monitoring device. The physiological data is obtained on a continuous basis. Physiological data is received from a second medical monitoring device. The physiological data from the second medical monitoring device is obtained on a non-continuous basis. The physiological data received from the first medical monitoring device and the physiological data received from the second medical monitoring device are displayed on a central display station. The central display station is located centrally within a care unit of a caregiving facility.
US09733791B2 Access to contextually relevant system and application settings
Access to system and application settings may be gained from one place without leaving the context of an application. System and application settings accessed may be limited to settings that are relevant to the application or to the context of the application. An application may determine what application settings are displayed to a user. A user may to control some of the resources an application may access.
US09733790B2 Haptic interface for population of a three-dimensional virtual environment
The disclosure provides an approach for populating a virtual environment with objects. In one embodiment, an editing application may track a handheld device using sensor data from a camera, by following an image displayed on the handheld device's screen. The editing application then updates the position of an object in the virtual environment according to the tracked position of the handheld device. Initially, the handheld device may be placed at a fixed location for calibration purposes, during which the editing application initializes a mapping between the virtual and physical environments. To add an object to the virtual environment, a user may select the object on the handheld device. The user may then place the object at a desired location and orientation in the virtual environment by moving the handheld device in the physical environment.
US09733789B2 Interfacing with a device via virtual 3D objects
The present invention provides a system and method for interacting with a 3D virtual image containing activatable objects. The system of the invention includes a 3D display device that presents to a user a 3D image, an image sensor and a processor. The processor analyzes images obtained by the image sensor to determine when the user has placed an activating object such as a hand or a finger, or has performed a gesture related to an activatable object, in the 3D space, at the location where the user perceives an activatable object to be located. The user thus perceives that he is “touching” the activatable object with the activating object.
US09733785B2 Facilitating touch screen users to select elements identified in a two dimensional space
An aspect of the present disclosure facilitates a user of a touch screen to select elements identified in a two dimensional space. In an embodiment, a user first selects an element (first element) of such elements sent for display on a chart having two axis, with each dimension mapped to one of the two axis. The user then swipes in a direction. The direction is mapped to one of the two axis, that is more proximate angularly than the other (to the swipe direction). An element next to the first element, along the dimension corresponding to the mapped axis, is selected as the selected element. The chart is updated to reflect the new selection.
US09733783B1 Controlling a user interface
Disclosed are various embodiments for controlling a user interface based at least in part on particular conditions. In response to an element in a user interface being triggered, a first region is identified based at least in part on the location of an input device pointer and the triggered element. An enlarged region is identified based at least in part on the first region. It is determined whether to modify the user interface based at least in part on whether the pointer is moved within the enlarged region.
US09733776B2 Touch panel
A touch panel includes: a substrate; a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed on the substrate and formed in a mesh pattern; a plurality of first connection parts connecting adjacent first touch electrodes and formed in the mesh pattern; and a plurality of second connection parts connecting adjacent second touch electrodes. The second connection part may include first and second contact parts overlapping the adjacent second touch electrodes, respectively, and a leg part connecting the first and second contact parts and a width of the leg part may be narrower than that of an opening of the mesh pattern.
US09733775B2 Information processing device, method of identifying operation of fingertip, and program
When positions of three or more fingers are specified in a sensor unit, it is determined in a determination unit whether a non-fingertip is included in a group consisting of three or more fingers based on a relative position relationship among the three or more fingers. Also, when it is determined that the non-fingertip is included in the group consisting of the three or more fingers, an operation of one true fingertip included in the group consisting of the three or more fingers is identified by an operation identification unit.
US09733774B2 Touch-sensitive device and manufacturing method thereof
A touch-sensitive device includes a cover plate, a first electrode layer and a laminated electrode structure. The cover plate has opposite upper and lower surfaces. The first electrode layer is disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate. The laminated electrode structure includes an adhesive substrate and a second electrode layer. The adhesive substrate is electrically insulating and heat-activated adhesive. The second electrode layer is disposed on a surface of the adhesive substrate, where another surface of the adhesive substrate that is opposite to the surface on which the second electrode layer is disposed is laminated to the first electrode layer.
US09733773B2 Touch panel using a dielectric layer to adjust colors of an active area and a peripheral area
A touch panel is provided. The touch panel includes a cover plate and a display element under the cover plate. A touch sensing layer is disposed at an active area of the touch panel and between the cover plate and the display element. A decorative layer is disposed at a peripheral area of the touch panel and between the cover plate and the display element, wherein the active area is surrounded by the peripheral area. The touch panel further includes a dielectric layer disposed between the cover plate and the display element, wherein the difference in reflectivity between the active area and the peripheral area is 0 to 0.5.
US09733771B2 Touch panel
A touch panel includes a plurality of first axial electrodes, a plurality of second axial electrodes and trace region. The first axial electrodes extend along a first axial direction. The second axial electrodes extend along the first axial direction and disposed to insulatively correspond to the first axial electrodes. Each of the second axial electrodes includes a central electrode, and a plurality of first branch electrodes which are electrically coupled to the central electrode, and have areas different from one another. Each of the first branch electrodes overlaps a corresponding one of the first axial electrodes. The trace region is disposed at one side of the first and second axial electrodes along the first axial direction.
US09733769B2 Touch display device with transparent electrodes and method for manufacturing the same
The present disclosure discloses a touch display device and its manufacturing method. The touch display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and receiver electrodes arranged on the first substrate and spaced apart from each other. First transparent electrodes spaced apart from each other are arranged on the first substrate and below the receiver electrodes in a direction where a display electrode on the second substrate is projected onto the first substrate. The first transparent electrode is spaced apart from the receiver electrode through an insulating layer, and connected to a constant potential.
US09733763B2 Portable device using passive sensor for initiating touchless gesture control
A portable device (100) comprising a controller (210), a memory (240), a camera (160) and a passive proximity sensor (170). The controller being configured for receiving input from said passive proximity sensor (170) indicating a light environment in front of the passive proximity sensor (170) detecting a change in light environment, determining a light pattern (P) of changes in light environment, determining if the light pattern (P) matches a stored initiating pattern, which is stored in the memory (240), and if so, accepting the light pattern (P) and in response thereto activating the camera (160), identifying an object (H) in front of the camera (160) and tracking the object (H) thereby enabling touchless gesture control of the portable device (100), characterized in that the passive proximity sensor is an ambient light sensor and the light pattern consists of a series of changes between dark and light (dark is light below a threshold, light is light above a second threshold).
US09733759B2 Driving circuit, array substrate, touch display device, and driving method of the touch display device
A driving circuit, an array substrate, a touch display device and a driving method of the touch display device. The first gate driving circuits and the touch driving circuits electrically connected with the first gate driving circuits are disposed in the driving circuit, and the secondary trigger signals outputted from the shift registers of the first gate driving circuit function as the strobe signals of the touch selection outputting units from the touch driving circuits, respectively.
US09733757B2 Apparatus and method for controlling operation of mobile terminal
A method of controlling the operation of a mobile terminal is provided. By dynamically selecting or setting a specific function of a mobile terminal according to a change in pressure or contact areas sensed by a plurality of touch sensors which cover the mobile terminal, a user can easily select or set a specific function of the mobile terminal according to his or her intention, and easily recognize information displayed on a screen of the mobile terminal.
US09733755B2 Touch panel and drive circuit thereof
A drive circuit of a touch panel includes a signal selection circuit and a de-multiplexing circuit, where in a display phase, the signal selection circuit is configured to forward a display signal to the de-multiplexing circuit, which is configured to de-multiplex the display signal and transmit signals resulting from the de-multiplexing of the display signal to the data lines; and in a touch phase, the signal selection circuit is configured to forward a touch driving signal to the de-multiplexing circuit, which is configured to de-multiplex the touch driving signal and transmit signals resulting from the de-multiplexing of the touch driving signal to the data lines, so that the pulse signals on the data lines are identical to the pulse signals on the touch driving signal lines and touch electrodes in the touch phase due to the signal selection circuit.
US09733750B2 Touch panel and method of fabricating the same
A touch panel and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The touch panel may include: a substrate; first sensing electrodes disposed on a first surface and arranged along a first direction and second sensing electrodes arranged along a second direction; at least one first connector connecting the first sensing electrodes in the first direction; a first insulating layer pattern disposed on the first connector; at least one second connector disposed on the first insulating layer pattern, intersecting the first connector, and connecting the second sensing electrodes in the second direction; and wires disposed on the first surface of the substrate in the peripheral area and electrically connected to the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes. The first connector includes a first light-transmitting conductive pattern disposed on the first surface of the substrate and a first light-blocking conductive pattern disposed on the first light-transmitting conductive pattern.
US09733748B2 Touch panel
A touch panel is disclosed herein. The touch panel includes a driving line, a gate line, a readout line, and a switching unit. The driving line is configured to transmit a driving signal. The gate line is configured to transmit a scan signal. The readout line forms a mutual capacitance with the gate line, and the mutual capacitance is configured to generate a first sensing signal in response to a driving signal according to a touch operation. The switching unit is electrically coupled to the gate line and the readout line, and configured to be selectively turned on to transmit the first sensing signal to the readout line according to the scan signal.
US09733747B2 Method for measuring touching position, touching energy and display device thereof
The present invention is a method for measuring touching position, touching energy and display device thereof. While touching position is measured, at least two sensors are installed in dispersing form under the sensing panel of touch control equipment. The sensing panel is divided into a plurality of grids. The unit energy distribution vector of the touching signal is compared with the unit energy distribution vector of the benchmark signal of each grid, therefore touching position is obtained. While touching energy is measured, at least one sensor is installed under the sensing panel. The sensing panel is divided into a plurality of grids. Touching position would be obtained by the above method for measuring touching position or other methods. The touching energy could be calculated by comparing the detected touching signal energy with energy of benchmark signal at touching position in corresponding grid. The present invention could reduce the cost, complexity and power consumption of touch control equipment dramatically.
US09733746B2 Touch interface device having an electrostatic multitouch surface and method for controlling the device
A touch interface device includes a touch surface, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode is coupled with the touch surface. The first electrode also configured to receive a first haptic actuation electric potential. The second electrode is coupled with the touch surface. The second electrode also is configured to receive a different, second haptic actuation electric potential having an opposite polarity than the first haptic actuation potential. The first and second electrodes generate an electrostatic force that is imparted on one or more appendages of an operator that touches the touch surface above both the first electrode and the second electrode in order to generate a haptic effect.
US09733741B2 Array substrate, touch display panel and touch display device
One inventive aspect is an array substrate. The array substrate includes a plurality of touch leads, a common electrode layer, and a drive circuit. The common electrode layer is divided into a plurality of self-capacitive electrodes, and the self-capacitive electrodes are electronically connected to the drive circuit through the touch leads. The array substrate also includes a plurality of pixel units. Each touch lead is electronically connected to the self-capacitive electrode corresponding to the touch lead via a first via hole. At least one touch lead is continuous and passes through a whole column of the self-capacitive electrodes. In a direction perpendicular to the array substrate, a projection of the self-capacitive electrode covers projections of a plurality of pixel units. In addition, along a direction of the touch leads, an interval between two adjacent first via holes is greater than or equal to a length of two pixel units.
US09733738B2 System and method for communication reproducing an interactivity of physical type
To reproduce an interactivity of physical type between at least two parties or participants in a meeting, the system comprises at least one display screen (20, 21, 22) which comprises a first device arranged so as to detect at least one position of a human finger by measuring a first physical quantity which varies as a function of a human finger contact on said screen (20, 21, 22), and a second device arranged so as to detect at least one position of an object (30, 31, 32) equipped in such a way as to emit a uniform signal, by measuring a second physical quantity related to a reception of said uniform signal which varies as a function of the position of the object (30, 31, 32) with respect to the screen (20, 21, 22). A computer (10, 11, 12) of the system, configured to receive the human finger's position detected by the first device and the object's position detected by the second device, is programmed to allocate an area of the screen (20, 21, 22) for writing, so as to modify, in the area allocated for writing, a local visual aspect which follows the position of the object (20, 21, 22) on the screen when the object emits the uniform signal and to vary the area allocated for writing as a function of a displacement related to the position of the human finger on the screen (20, 21, 22).
US09733733B2 Magnetic attractive capacitive stylus
A capacitive stylus, as an inputting device of a touch sensitive device, comprises a control circuit for emitting signals to the touch sensitive device, a power for providing electricity to the control circuit, two charging rings electrically connecting to the power, and a first magnetic member having a first magnetic pole and a magnetic second pole. The touch sensitive device comprises a recess for placing the capacitive stylus, two charging pads arranged within the recess for connecting with the two charging rings, a charging circuit for charging the power of the capacitive stylus via the two charging pads, and a second magnetic member having a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member assure the charging operation can be correctly proceeded.
US09733730B2 Systems and methods for navigating a scene using deterministic movement of an electronic device
Systems and methods are providing for scrolling the display of information based on the displacement of the electronic device. An electronic device can include a motion sensing component operative to detect movement of the electronic device (e.g., an accelerometer). The electronic device can display any suitable information, including information that is too large to display at a single instance on the display (e.g., a multi-page text document, or a large image). To view portions of the information that are not initially displayed (e.g., to scroll displayed information), the user can move the electronic device along the plane of the device. As the motion sensing component detects movement, the electronic device can scroll the displayed information to match the detected movement. In some embodiments, the electronic device can detect tilt movements and adjust the displayed information to reflect the tilted display.
US09733729B2 Method and device for sensing orientation of an object in space in a fixed frame of reference
The invention discloses an improved method and device for sensing orientation of an object in space in a Working Reference Frame. The device of the invention includes an angular velocity sensor with at least two sensing axes and a linear acceleration sensor with at least three sensing axes. The method used for sensing orientation of the object in space in the Working Reference Frame uses synthetic values of the gravity component of the acceleration of the object. It depends upon the number of sensing axes of the angular velocity sensor and upon the dynamicity of the movement of the object. The dynamicity of the movement of the object is tested to compute the synthetic values which are used. The method and device of the invention allow control of a cursor on a display, independently of the roll imparted to the device by a user, in a seamless manner which is greatly improved over the devices and methods of the prior art.
US09733728B2 Position detecting device and position detecting method
A projector includes: a pointer detecting unit that determines a type of each pointer; a coordinate calculating unit that calculates a pointed position of the pointer; a storage unit that stores a reference variation amount of the pointed position by the pointer for each of the pointers; and a projection control unit that acquires, from the storage unit, the reference variation amount according to the type of the pointer determined by the pointer detecting unit, and corrects, based on the acquired reference variation amount, the pointed position detected by the coordinate calculating unit.
US09733724B2 Phonetic keyboards
The present invention is directed to a system and method for typing phonetic characters using two keystrokes. An aspect of the invention relates to the rendering of characters is based on the timing between a first and second keystroke if a second modifying keystroke is used, or based on a first keystroke. The method may be used on computer devices, cellular devices, other devices (including, but not limited to tablets), and other abbreviated and non-abbreviated keyboards, whether actual or virtual.
US09733720B2 Ultrasonic proximity and movement detection
An electronic device comprises an ultrasound transmitter, an ultrasound receiver, a display screen, and a processing system. It transmits ultrasonic signals from the ultrasound transmitter and receives ultrasound signals, through air, at the ultrasound receiver. It uses signals transmitted by the ultrasound transmitter and received at the ultrasound receiver to determine, at intervals, whether or not an object is present within a three-dimensional detection zone adjacent the device, by determining whether or not a set of presence conditions is met. It alters the display screen when the results of two successive such determinations differ. It also uses signals transmitted by the ultrasound transmitter and received at the ultrasound receiver to detect a movement of an input object, and control a further operation of the device in response to said detection.
US09733714B2 Computing system with command-sense mechanism and method of operation thereof
A computing system includes: an input-output unit configured to identify a tone-detection result for representing a transmission tone received at a device; a control unit, coupled to the input-output unit, configured to: determine a wave-detection profile including a frequency shift based on the tone-detection result, calculate a command-movement direction based on the wave-detection profile for representing the command-movement direction relative to the device and a further device, and identify a gesture command based on the command-movement direction for operating the device relative to the further device including displaying on the device.
US09733713B2 Laser beam based gesture control interface for mobile devices
A method of receiving control instructions for a device, comprising receiving two or more video frames, analyzing the video frames for at least one foreground image and at least one background image, evaluating each video frame for a two dimensional aspect comprising a first area having a relatively higher channel intensity value in one or more channels than the channel intensity values of a second area, recording coordinates associated with the aspect in each of the video frames, evaluating the coordinates to determine a motion trajectory, and matching the motion trajectory to a prerecorded motion trajectory in a matching table, wherein the matching table contains associations of motion trajectories and control instructions, and obtaining the control instruction associated with the prerecorded motion trajectory.
US09733712B2 Device, method, and storage medium storing program
According to an aspect, a device includes a touch screen display and a controller. The touch screen display displays a screen. The controller controls an orientation of the screen based on a gesture detected through the touch screen display and a state of the device.
US09733711B2 Sensing module, and graphical user interface (GUI) control apparatus and method
A sensing module, and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) control apparatus and method are provided. The sensing module may be inserted into an input device, for example a keyboard, a mouse, a remote controller, and the like, and may sense a hovering movement of a hand of a user within a sensing area, and thus it is possible to provide an interface to control a wider variety of GUIs, and possible to prevent a display from being covered.
US09733705B2 Apparatus, method, computer program and user interface
An apparatus, method, computer program and apparatus wherein the apparatus comprises: at least one processor: and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, enable the apparatus to: provide a user selectable part; and configure the apparatus in either a first active state or a second active state wherein, in the first active state the user selectable part is actuated in response to a first mode of actuation and in the second active state the user selectable part is not actuated in response to the first mode of actuation; and configure the apparatus to provide a tactile indication when the apparatus is in the first active state that the user selectable part is actuated in response to the first mode of actuation.
US09733704B2 User interface impact actuator
A system generates a haptic effect that simulates a mechanical button. The system receives a signal that indicates that a user has contacted a user interface of the system. The system includes an impact actuator. In response to the signal, a moving element of the impact actuator contacts the user interface, which generates the haptic effect.
US09733699B2 Virtual anamorphic product display with viewer height detection
A product display system comprising a display surface; a height sensor for determining a height of a user; an input device for receiving a product selection from the user, where the product selection corresponding to one or more products; a computing device coupled to the height sensor and to the input device, the computing device comprising a frame buffer for outputting images to be displayed on the display surface, the computing device being configured to: receive the product selection from the input device; receive the height from the height sensor and, based on the height, determine a viewing angle of the user in relation to the display surface; and write to the frame buffer one or more images comprising virtual versions of the one or more products, thereby causing the one or more images to be displayed on the display surface, the one or more images corresponding to said viewing angle.
US09733696B2 Dynamic low power states characterization
An optimal idle state of a processor is selected using dynamically derived parameters. For example, the idle state is selected from a group of possible idle power states. A current detector is arranged to perform power measurements of the processor and to report a total power consumption of the processor for each time value of a range of discrete values for each possible idle power state. A calibration unit is arranged to communicate with the current detector and the processor, and to automatically activate a calibration sequence that is used to produce data from which idle power state is optimal for the processor for an estimated idle period.
US09733694B2 Apparatus, system and method for dynamic power management across heterogeneous processors in a shared power domain
Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting an input parameter, such as power supply level, to a shared power domain in a portable computing device are disclosed. The power domain includes a plurality of processing resources that share the power source. The power supply level is reduced based on a critical core vote pool derived from votes from the plurality of processing resources. The critical core vote pool is narrowed from all the votes by disqualifying votes based on the operating status of the associated processing resources. For example, because inactive processing resources may be unaffected by a change in the voltage level to the shared domain, and because certain active processing resources are in a position to adjust to a power change dictated by another processing resource, such processing resources may be considered noncritical and their votes disqualified from consideration.
US09733693B2 Combined power supply and input/output system with boost capability
A combined power and input/output system for an electronic device includes a host system; a target system operably coupled to the host system via a combined power and I/O line; and a power boost circuit in the target system for enabling a higher voltage target device.
US09733680B1 Thermal management system including an elastically deformable phase change device
Thermal management systems and corresponding use methods are described herein. A thermal management system includes components of a computing device. The computing device includes a housing. The housing includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The computing device also includes a heat generating component supported by the housing. The computing device includes a phase change device adjacent or physically connected to the heat generating component. The phase change device includes a first side and a second side. The first side is closer to the heat generating component than the second side. The second side is opposite the first side. The phase change device is compressible, such that when a force is applied to the outer surface of the housing, the inner surface of the housing flexes towards the second side of the phase change device and the phase change device is compressed.
US09733679B1 Component tray
Hard drive tray having a bracket with a front surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall forming a receiving space configured to receive a hard disk drive. At least one protrusion extends into the receiving space from the sidewall and is configured to engage the hard disk drive. A securing wire is coupled with the bottom surface opposite the sidewall and the securing wire has a securing end configured to be at least partially received within the hard disk drive, thereby securing the hard disk drive to the bracket.
US09733676B2 Touch panel and manufacturing method thereof
A touch panel having a cover plate, a sensor electrode layer, an insulating layer and a jumper layer is provided. The sensor electrode layer has first axis electrodes, second axis electrodes, bonding pads and first periphery traces. Each first axis electrode has first electrode blocks that are electrically connected to each other. Each second axis electrode has second electrode blocks that are electrically isolated from each other. The bonding pads are disposed on the periphery region of the cover plate. The first periphery traces are electrically connected to the bonding pads and the first axis electrodes or the second axis electrodes respectively. The insulating layer has first via holes and second via holes. The jumper layer has jumper traces and second periphery traces, wherein the second periphery traces are electrically connected to the first axis electrodes or the second axis electrodes through the first via holes.
US09733671B2 Flexible display apparatus
A flexible display apparatus is disclosed. The flexible display apparatus includes a display panel, a cover substrate, a first receiving portion and a first fluid. The display panel includes a first region and a second region surrounding at least one sides of the first region. The cover substrate is disposed over the display panel. The first receiving portion is disposed between the display panel and the cover substrate. The first receiving portion overlaps the first region of the display panel and has an empty space. The first fluid is disposed in the first receiving portion.
US09733667B2 Information processing device, information processing method and recording medium
An image information memory (132) stores, for each operational object image, a display area, an imaged layer (information indicating which layer the operational object image is disposed in a display hierarchy), and the like in association with one another. When either a first inputter (110A) or a second inputter (110B) detects a contact, a controller (120) specifies the operational object images including the contact position in the display area, and determines, in accordance with which one of the first inputter (110A) and the second inputter (110B) detects the contact, whether to operate the image disposed on an upper imaged layer among the specified operational object images or to operate the image disposed on the lower imaged layer.
US09733659B2 Load restoration for feeder automation in electric power distribution systems
A method and system restores power in a power distribution network. The network includes a plurality of power sources, a plurality of loading zones, a plurality of switching devices interconnected between the plurality of power sources and the plurality of loading zones, and an intelligent electronic device associated with each of the plurality of switching devices to control the switching devices. A base network state is defined and a power restoration logic is created for the base network state. A simulation is run for the power restoration logic and then the power restoration logic is transmitted to a power restoration controller which thereafter monitors and controls the intelligent electronic devices.
US09733656B2 System and method for automated household energy management based on classification and location information
A household energy management system and method, having one or more controlled appliances and an energy profile representing energy consumption, with one or more associated parameters and limits, wherein each of the controlled appliances are assigned a control class, a set of variable values collected, a first group of appliances determined based on the control class, parameters and collected values, a change requested in their power consumption, and the energy consumption of the household measured to calculate a difference between the consumption and energy profile, and a proposed change in the power consumption of appliances of a second group different from the first group is communicated if the difference surpasses one or more of the associated limits, the second group of appliances being determined on basis of the class, parameters and collected values, and a change in power consumption of one or more appliances of the second group requested.
US09733655B2 Low dropout regulators with fast response speed for mode switching
A low dropout regulator is provided. The low dropout regulator includes an output-stage circuit, a reference-voltage generation circuit, a timing controller, and an active low dropout circuit. When the low dropout regulator is at an operation mode, the output-stage circuit is controlled by a first enable signal to generate first output voltage to an output node of the low dropout regulator. The reference-voltage generation circuit is controlled by a bias voltage to generate a first reference voltage. The timing controller is coupled to the output node and receives the first reference voltage. When the low dropout regulator is in the operation mode, the timing controller programs the first enable signal according to the reference voltage and the voltage at the output node. When the low dropout regulator is in a standby mode, the active low dropout circuit generates a second output voltage to the output node.
US09733649B2 Flow control system with build-down system flow monitoring
To provide a flow control system with build-down system flow monitoring that realizes flow monitoring close to real-time monitoring by combining build-down system flow rate measurement with the upstream side of the flow control system without using a thermal type flow sensor by effectively utilizing high pressure fluctuation resistance characteristics of the flow control system, and can be significantly downsized and reduced in cost.
US09733644B2 Unmanned device interaction methods and systems
Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to participate in the performance of tasks, for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance, or for facilitating other interactions with such devices.
US09733643B2 Hydraulic interrupter safety system and method
A system and method for interrupting a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based automatic steering mode of a hydraulic steering system on a vehicle. When a steering wheel is manually turned by an operator, pressurized hydraulic fluid from a steering directional control valve activates an interrupter having an interrupter valve. The interrupter valve blocks pressurized fluid flow to the automatic steering system, thus overriding automatic steering and giving the operator full manual steering control via the steering wheel. The hydraulic interrupt system is mechanical with no electronic elements.
US09733641B2 Method and apparatus for performing diagnostics on a conventional control valve
The method comprises obtaining data samples, each data sample comprising a process variable and a controller output for adjusting the process variable to reach a set-point variable; and determining if there is valve jump or stiction by calculating a jump index or a static band index; wherein calculating the jump index comprises calculating a mean of a first set of angles, each angle from the first set of angles being computed from a ratio of: a difference between a peak process variable and its preceding process variable, and, a difference between a controller output corresponding to the peak process variable and its preceding controller output; and wherein calculating the static band index comprises calculating a mean of a second set of angles, each angle of the second set of angles being computed from a difference between a controller output corresponding to a flat process variable and its preceding controller output.
US09733639B2 Dynamic facility management system
Disclosed is a dynamic facility management system that is able to start quickly and monitor a state when various measuring instruments are attached to or removed from the facility to be securely monitored and maintained. The system includes a sensor as a measuring instrument. A measuring instrument reading device, which is a lower level device, transmits a type of the measuring instrument and a purpose of connecting the measuring instrument to a directory server. The directory server generates an instance by referring to class information and generates and registers a relation instance by referring to an inter-class relationship. The directory server transmits the generated instance to related devices on the basis of an inter-instance relationship, and the directory server exchanges facility management data between instances on the basis of the inter-instance relationship.
US09733638B2 Automated storage and retrieval system and control system thereof
An automated storage and retrieval system includes a storage space with storage locations defined therein, an automated transport system connected to the storage space and configured to transport store units for storage in the storage locations and retrieval from the storage locations, and a control system disposed for managing throughput performance of the automated storage and retrieval system, the control system being operably coupled to the automated transport system and having more than one separate and distinct control sections each configured for managing throughput performance with respect to a common group of the storage locations, wherein at least one of the control sections manages aspects of throughput performance of the common group independent of another of the control sections.
US09733632B2 Method and system for distributed generation trip protection using power line carrier signaling
A method and system for sending a repetitive permissive guard signal from an electrical power substation to a distributed generation site over existing medium voltage distribution lines to detect an islanding condition and apply transfer trip protection is disclosed. The permissive guard signal causes a receiver at the distributed generation site to control a recloser at the distributed generation site. Loss of the signal at the receiver device causes the tripping of the recloser at the distributed generation site in less than two seconds. The tripping of the recloser physically disconnects the distributed generation site from the electric power grid. The coupling to the medium voltage distribution lines can be implemented via a single phase-to-ground coupling or via a phase-to-phase differential coupling for multi-phase medium voltage distribution lines.
US09733628B2 System and method for advanced process control
A system and method for performing management and diagnostic functions in an advanced process control (APC) system. An APC management computer retrieves operating process data from an APC control computer and performs an iterative step test on the APC system. The iterative step test modifies at least one test parameter of the operating process data and identifies changes to a set of remaining parameters of the operating process data resulting from modification of the test parameter. The APC management computer determines at least one process variable from the iterative step test and generates at least one process model based on the process variable. The APC management computer transmits the process model to the APC control computer.
US09733624B2 Method for corrective action on the operation of a line for the production of absorbent sanitary articles, such as nappies for babies or incontinence pads for adults, sanitary towels or the like
A method for corrective action on the operation of a line for the production of absorbent sanitary articles, comprises capturing at least one image of each article being fed out of the line; using the image to define first parameters indicating the positioning and/or assembly and/or shape of at least one respective component; detecting a production defect if at least one of the first parameters is outside a respective acceptability range; identifying second, line operating parameters which are used to indicate if the first parameter is outside the respective acceptability range; comparing the line operating parameters with respective third, reference parameters indicating optimum line operation; using the comparison to derive a map of abnormal operating parameters; checking if each combination of abnormal operating parameters indicates a respective cause of malfunction of the line; defining a respective corrective action.
US09733621B2 Shock absorber with a bayonet fitting
A shock absorber device for an arbor of a timepiece element including: a support including a base cup surmounted by a peripheral rim, which is delimited, opposite the cup, by an upper surface, the cup and the rim together defining a housing; a pivot system extending along an arbor, the pivot system being arranged in the housing and including a base including an elastic return mechanism at the periphery thereof, formed by at least one curved arm, including an opening in which is inserted a pivot element configured to cooperate with the arbor. The at least one curved arm is used for locking the pivot system in a bayonet fitting.
US09733620B2 Striking mechanism for a watch or music box with a vibration plate having optimised actuation energy
A striking mechanism is for a watch or music box that includes a vibration plate with optimized actuation energy. The striking mechanism includes a plurality of cantilevered strips. These strips are each made of a material of Young's modulus E and of density ρ satisfying the inequality: E ρ 3 < 0.25 ⁢ ⁢ m ⁢ / ⁢ s . All of the strips (2) each satisfy the relation: δ f , b , 20 ⁣ μ ⁢ ⁢ W ⁡ ( L ) = ( 8 ⁢ U b ) 1 2 ⁢ ( 3.515 4 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ f ) 3 2 ⁡ [ E ( 3 ⁢ ρ ) 3 ⁢ ] 1 4 ⁢ L - 3 2 , where b is the width, L the length, δ the travel, f the frequency and U the actuation energy of the strip, U being greater than or equal to 20 microwatts, and the strips (2) are arranged to vibrate between 800 Hz and 4000 Hz.
US09733618B2 Timepiece with a single hand for simultaneously indicating both hours and minutes
A single-hand or single-indicator timepiece that can simultaneously identify both the hour and minute portion of a given time is present herein. The timepiece includes an indicator structured to rotate about the face of the timepiece and point to the hour element of the time via a distal end thereof. In addition, the same indicator includes a minute identifying portion disposed along a length thereof that will align with a rotationally disposed minute disc. The minute disc includes indicia representative of the minutes evenly spaced radially about its surface in a clockwise ascending order. As the minute disc rotates counterclockwise and the indicator rotates clockwise, the indicator will simultaneously identify the hour element at its distal end and the minute element via the relative position of the minute identifying portion and the minute disc.
US09733617B2 Display device and operating method thereof
A display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a determination unit to determine a display mode, a light generator to selectively irradiate a 2D light or a hologram 3D light, a spatial light modulator to selectively display a 2D image or a hologram 3D image, and a control unit that controls the light generator to selectively irradiate the 2D light or the hologram 3D light and controls the spatial light modulator to modulate the 2D light or the hologram 3D light irradiated from the light generator to display the 2D image or the hologram 3D image according to the display mode determined by the determination unit.
US09733616B2 Portable digital holographic probe for the inspection of optical fiber connectors, and inspection system and method for the same
A portable inspection probe for the inspection of a recessed mating surface of an optical fiber connector is provided. In one variant, the portable inspection probe includes a digital holographic detection module operable to digitally record a hologram of the recessed mating surface, and a rigid probe tip configured to be optically coupled to the digital holographic detection module and shaped to provide optical access to the recessed mating surface. In another variant, the portable inspection probe is to be used with a rigid probe tip connectable thereto, and the digital holographic detection module includes a probing optical assembly not traversed by a reference beam and configured to direct an object beam onto the recessed mating surface and to collect the object beam upon reflection thereof by the recessed mating surface. An inspection system and an inspection method are also provided.
US09733612B2 Cartridge package and packageable process cartridge
A packing member for packing a cartridge for an image forming apparatus, the packing member includes a frame portion having a recess for accommodating the cartridge; a closing member portion for openably closing the recess; a hinge portion for movably connecting the closing member portion relative to the frame portion to open and close the recess; a connecting portion connecting the frame portion and the closing member portion to close the recess; and the closing member portion being provided with a separating portion removable from the closing member portion while leaving the connecting portion on the frame portion.
US09733607B2 Toner conveyance device and image forming apparatus
A cleaning device in accordance with the present disclosure includes a cleaning member to clean toner on an image bearer, a toner conveyor that rotates to convey toner cleaned by the cleaning member, and an agitator that includes a bent portion that is in contact with the toner conveyor, and the agitator vibrates due to the rotation of the toner conveyor. The agitator includes a plurality of arm members, and a first end of a first arm member of the plurality of arm members is attached to a second end of a second arm member of the plurality of arm members.
US09733606B2 Printing apparatus and control method for deleting an area of image data before printing and binding
Even when a binding process for binding a plurality of sheets without using a staple is performed after performing printing on both faces of the sheets, the binding process can be performed so that the bound sheets are not easily separated. A control method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprises: performing a binding process for binding, without using a staple, a sheet on which an image is printed based on image data; specifying an area where the binding process is to be performed, the area being included in the image data; deleting image data of the specified area; and printing the image on the sheet based on the image data on which deleting is performed.
US09733603B2 Image forming apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable recording medium for image tone correction
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image in accordance with image information includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image that is uniform in area percentage of each of primary colors and a secondary color on an intermediate transfer belt; a measurer configured to measure amounts corresponding to density distribution of residual toner left on the intermediate transfer belt, on which the image uniform in area percentage of each of the primary colors and the secondary color is formed and from which toner is transferred onto a recording medium, in the main-scanning direction; and a corrector configured to correct a tone value of the image information so as to reduce density nonuniformity of a streak region observed in the density distribution in the main-scanning direction using the amounts measured by the measurer.
US09733599B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a fixing device for heating and fixing an unfixed image formed on a recording material. The fixing device includes a heater having a heat generating element and a substrate, a heat leveling member contacting the heater and having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the substrate, and a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the heat leveling member. The apparatus also has a controller for controlling electric power supplied to the heat heater to maintain a target temperature. The period in which the heat controller raises the target temperature with an increase of a number of the recording materials is provided in a period in which recording materials having widths smaller a width of a maximum size recording material usable with the device are continuously subjected to fixing operations.
US09733597B1 Image forming apparatus using residual heat of heating member in other jobs
An image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section which forms an image on an image receiving medium with a color material; a heating member which heats the image receiving medium; a heater which heats the heating member; a sensor which detects a temperature of the heating member; and a controller which executes a print job for forming an image on the image receiving medium with the image forming section and fixing the image on the image receiving medium with the heating member and a decoloring job for decoloring the image on the image receiving medium with the heating member and interruptedly executes an executable job in a state of stopping output of the heater if the temperature of the heating member is higher than a temperature control range of a job of which priority is highest and there is the executable job at the temperature of the heating member.
US09733595B1 Image forming apparatus and transfer device
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including an image carrier; a transfer unit including a transfer belt that is in contact with the image carrier in a transfer region, a transfer roller that presses the transfer belt against the image carrier, and a press-contact member that presses the transfer belt toward the image carrier; and a fixing unit including a pair of fixing members that form a fixing region and fix the toner image onto the sheet by nipping the sheet. The transfer roller and the press-contact member are disposed at positions such that a part of the transfer roller and a part of the press-contact member are on the image carrier side of a tangent plane that is tangent to the image carrier in the transfer region and that passes through an upstream edge of the fixing region in a sheet transport direction.
US09733589B2 Developing cartridge having electrode
A developing cartridge includes a casing, a rotating member, and an electrode member. The casing may be configured to accommodate therein developer. The rotating member has a rotational shaft extending in an axial direction. The rotating member is configured to rotate about the rotational shaft and carries the developer thereon. The electrode member is configured to be electrically connected to the rotating member. The electrode member covers at least part of the rotational shaft from an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction and is arranged to confront the casing in the axial direction. The electrode member is configured to move in the orthogonal direction in accordance with a movement in the axial direction.
US09733588B2 Exposure device and image forming apparatus adopting the same
An exposure device capable of precisely focusing light on a scanned surface to accomplish a good image quality is provided. The exposure device includes a substrate on which a plurality of light sources are arranged along a main-scanning direction, a lens array including a plurality of lenses configured to focus light emitted by the plurality of light sources on a scanned surface, and a housing configured to support the substrate and the lens array such that a certain spacing is maintained between the plurality of light sources and the plurality of lenses. At least a portion of the substrate is spaced apart from the housing along a sub-scanning direction.
US09733586B2 Resin composite particle, electrostatic charge image developing toner, and electrostatic charge image developer
A resin composite particle includes a continuous phase formed of a polyester resin, and a dispersed phase formed of a vinyl resin and dispersed in the continuous phase, the volume average particle diameter of the resin composite particles being from 50 nm to 1,000 nm.
US09733585B2 Toner for electrostatic charge image development
The present invention relates to a toner for electrostatic charge image development containing toner base particles containing a binder resin containing a vinyl resin as a main component and a crystalline resin, and a release agent, comprising a structure body in which the crystalline resin is in contact with the release agent, and the crystalline resin having a lamellar crystal structure that is not in contact with the release agent, in a cross section of the toner base particles. According to the present invention, a toner for electrostatic charge image development having good low-temperature fixability, excellent post-fixing separability, document storability, and high-speed fixability, and small environmental dependence of charge amount can be provided.
US09733584B2 Toner
Provided is a toner that is improved in transferability as compared to the related art and that keeps its effects through repeated use. In particular, provided is a toner suppressed in dependency on transfer current control. The toner includes a toner particle including a surface layer containing an organosilicon polymer and a resin having an ionic functional group, the organosilicon polymer having a partial structure represented by the following formula (1), the toner particle containing 5.0% or more of the partial structure represented by the formula (1) per 1.000 silicon atom contained in the organosilicon polymer, the resin having an ionic functional group having a pKa of 6.0 or more and 9.0 or less: R0—SiO3/2  (1) in the formula (1), R0 represents an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, or a phenyl group.
US09733579B2 Tooling configuration for electric/magnetic field guided acid profile control in a photoresist layer
A method of processing a substrate is disclosed herein. The method includes applying a photoresist layer comprising a photoacid generator to a substrate, wherein a first portion of the photoresist layer has been exposed unprotected by a photomask to a radiation light in a lithographic exposure process. The method also includes applying an electric field to alter movement of photoacid generated from the photoacid generator substantially in a vertical direction, wherein the electric field is applied by a first alternating pair of a positive voltage electrode and a negative voltage electrode and a second alternating pair of a positive voltage electrode and a negative voltage electrode.
US09733578B2 Measurement apparatus, lithography apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a measurement apparatus that includes a movable stage and measures a position of a mark on the stage, comprising an imaging device including a plurality of pixels arranged at a pitch and imaging the mark, a driving device changing a relative position between the stage and the imaging device, a measurement device measuring the relative position, and a processor obtaining the position of the mark based on a plurality of images respectively obtained by the imaging device at a plurality of relative positions between the stage and the imaging device that are different from each other and associated with the pitch, wherein the processor is configured to obtain, based on a deviation with respect to one of the plurality of relative positions, a target relative position with respect to another of the plurality of relative positions.
US09733577B2 Intra-field process control for lithography
In some embodiments, the present application is directed to a method and system for process control of a lithography tool. The method transfers a reference pattern to exposure fields of a reference workpiece to form pairs of overlapping reference layers. Misalignment between the overlapping reference layers is measured to form first and second baseline maps, and a Δ baseline map is formed from the first and second baseline maps. A production pattern is transferred to exposure fields of a production workpiece to form second production layers arranged over and aligned to first production layers. Misalignment between the first and second production layers is measured to form a production map. The Δ baseline map is transformed and subsequently added to the production map, to form a final production map. Parameters of a process tool are updated based on the final production map.
US09733575B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion lithography apparatus comprises a temperature controller configured to adjust a temperature of a projection system, a substrate and a liquid towards a common target temperature. Controlling the temperature of these elements and reducing temperature gradients may improve imaging consistency and general lithographic performance. Measures to control the temperature may include controlling the immersion liquid flow rate and liquid temperature, for example, via a feedback circuit.
US09733573B2 Optical projection array exposure system
A spatial light modulator imaging system is disclosed. The system comprises an illumination module configured to provide illumination light representing data patterns to be imaged by the spatial light modulator imaging system, a projection module configured to project the illumination light to a substrate, and an illumination-projection beam separator coupled between the illumination module and the projection module, where the illumination-projection beam separator is configured to receive the illumination light along an illumination optical axis and transmit the illumination light received to the projection module along a projection optical axis, and where the illumination optical axis and the projection optical axis are substantially parallel to each other.
US09733569B2 Mask, method of manufacturing the same, and method of manufacturing a display panel using the same
A mask includes a transparent substrate and a light blocking pattern. The light blocking pattern includes a light blocking part and a diffraction pattern. The light blocking part is disposed on the transparent substrate and is configured to block light. The diffraction pattern includes a plurality of protrusion parts and is configured to diffract the light. The plurality of protrusion parts protrudes from a side of the blocking part and is separated from each other.
US09733559B2 Dual controller image projector
An image projector includes: a light source to emit light; an image forming element irradiated with the light from the light source and to form an image for projection onto a projection surface; a first controller activated when the image projector is in a waiting state; and a second controller that is not activated when the image projector is in the waiting state. In response to detection of an execution request for executing the image projector in the waiting state at the first controller, the first controller sets a power supply circuit with an initial voltage to start supplying power to the light source, and when the light source is lighted at the initial voltage, activates the second controller.
US09733545B2 Nonlinear metasurfaces based on plasmonic resonators coupled to intersubband transitions
A nonlinear metasurface structure including a multi-quantum-well layer designed for a nonlinear response for a desired nonlinear optical process and an array of nanoantennas coupled to the intersubband transitions of the multi-quantum-well layer. Each nanoantenna in the array is designed to have electromagnetic resonances at or close to all input and output frequencies of a given nonlinear optical process. Nanoantennas allow efficient coupling of any incident and outgoing light polarizations to intersubband transitions. Nanoantennas may further provide significant field enhancement in the multi-quantum-well layer. As a result, the nonlinear metasurface structure can be designed to produce a highly nonlinear response for any polarization and angle of incidence of incoming and outgoing waves in a nonlinear optical process. Due to their very larger nonlinear response, efficient frequency conversion can be produced in these metasurfaces without the stringent phase-matching constraints of bulk nonlinear crystals.
US09733540B2 Components and methods for use in electro-optic displays
A front plane laminate useful in the manufacture of electro-optic displays comprises, in order, a light-transmissive electrically-conductive layer, a layer of an electro-optic medium in electrical contact with the electrically-conductive layer, an adhesive layer and a release sheet. This front plane laminate can be prepared as a continuous web, cut to size, the release sheet removed and the laminate laminated to a backplane to form a display. Methods for providing conductive vias through the electro-optic medium and for testing the front plane laminate are also described.
US09733539B2 Display panel and display device
A display panel and a display device are disclosed. Each of pixels in the display panel includes a pixel area; a switch element located near an intersection of a data line and a scan line; a pixel electrode electrically connected to the switch element; and a common electrode located on the first substrate. The common electrode comprises first common electrodes superposing data lines or scan lines and having the same first width; and second common electrodes overlapping with respective pixel areas and having the same second width, the first width is the same as the second width. Alternatively, the common electrode comprises first slits, which have the same first slit width, located above data lines and scan lines, and second slits, which have the same second slit width and are located in respective pixel areas. The first slit width is the same as the second slit width.
US09733531B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate; a first electrode formed on the first substrate; a second substrate configured so as to face the first substrate; and a second electrode formed on the second substrate. The first electrode includes a first portion having a plate shape and a plurality of branch electrodes extending from the first portion. The second electrode includes a cross-shaped cutout including a horizontal stem and a vertical stem which cross each other at a center thereof. A width of the first electrode and a distance between two adjacent ones of the branch electrodes are varied according to position.
US09733527B2 Display device
A display device includes a first color pixel, a second color pixel neighboring the first color pixel in a first direction, a third color pixel neighboring the second color pixel in the first direction, a fourth color pixel neighboring the first color pixel in a second direction, a fifth color pixel neighboring the second color pixel in the second direction, and a sixth color pixel neighboring the third color pixel in the second direction, wherein each of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, the fourth color pixel and the fifth color pixel has a first long-side length, the third color pixel has a second long-side length which is greater than the first long-side length, and the sixth color pixel has a third long-side length which is less than the first long-side length.
US09733524B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method therefor
A liquid crystal display device (100) includes a first substrate (10) and a second substrate (20) opposing each other, and a liquid crystal layer (30) provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate includes a horizontal alignment film (12, 22) provided on a side closer to the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal display device further includes an alignment sustaining layer (40a, 40b) provided between the horizontal alignment film and the liquid crystal layer, the alignment sustaining layer containing a polymerization product of a photopolymerizable compound. The photopolymerizable compound contains an acrylate group or a methacrylate group. The polymerization product in the alignment sustaining layer contains an acrylate group or a methacrylate group as a residue. The horizontal alignment film contains an acrylate group or a methacrylate group.
US09733521B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus
To provide a technique that prevents electrode disconnection in a liquid crystal display apparatus comprising a plurality of openings in an electrode. The apparatus comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer. The first electrode comprises first openings and the second electrode comprises second openings. Each first opening is disposed forming columns so that the respective longitudinal directions align with a first direction, and comprises two short-side edges that obliquely cross the first direction at an angle other than orthogonal. Each opening is disposed forming columns so that the respective longitudinal directions align with the first direction, and comprises two short-side edges that obliquely cross the first direction at an angle other than orthogonal. The first openings and second openings are alternately disposed column by column along a second direction that crosses the first direction.
US09733516B2 Illuminating apparatus and liquid crystal display having the same
An illuminating apparatus includes a support member comprising a light source support member having four corner areas; and a light emitter that is disposed on a surface of the light source support member, the light emitter including one or more light emitting modules, wherein each of the light emitting module comprises a strip-shaped printed circuit board (PCB) mounted on the light source support member and a plurality of light source packages that is mounted on the strip-shaped PCB and generates light; and four corner side extending portions that configure a portion of any one of one or more the light emitting modules and are extended toward the four corner areas of the light source support member.
US09733508B2 Touch liquid crystal display device
A touch liquid crystal display device is disclosed. The display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, and a touch layer being formed on the first substrate. The touch layer includes a plurality of drive electrodes and a plurality of sensing electrodes thereon, where the drive and sensing electrodes include a plurality of transverse metal wires and a plurality vertical metal wires interlaced with each other. In addition, the second substrate includes a plurality of transverse drive lines and a plurality of vertical drive lines, where the number of transverse metal wires is less than the number of transverse drive lines, or the number of vertical metal wires is less than the number of vertical drive lines.
US09733507B2 Display device and manufacturing method of display device
Warpage deformation which is caused when substrates having mutually different linear expansion coefficients are bonded to sandwich a display functional layer is suppressed. A display device has a first substrate, a second substrate bonded to the first substrate so as to be opposed to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer serving as a display functional layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. Also, a first linear expansion coefficient of the first substrate provided in the display device is larger than a second linear expansion coefficient of the second substrate, and a first thickness of the first substrate is larger than a second thickness of the second substrate.
US09733501B2 Array substrate of liquid crystal display and liquid crystal display
An array substrate of a liquid crystal display is provided, and includes a glass substrate; and a driving circuit for generating a data signal and a scanning signal, and driving components in a display area. The driving circuit is disposed on the periphery of the glass substrate. The driving circuit includes a flexible circuit board and a driver chip disposed on the flexible circuit board. The driver chip and the flexible circuit board are integrally combined. In the array substrate, it is not necessary to dispose the driver chip on the glass substrate, so as to not only ensure that the display area is a full circle, but to also reduce the width of the periphery of the liquid crystal display, and therefore actually achieving the display effect with a narrow border.
US09733500B2 Illumination unit and display
An illumination unit includes a light modulation layer including a first region and a second region that have optical anisotropy and different responsiveness to an electric field. The light modulation layer satisfies an expression A/B
US09733498B2 Disk resonator based on a composite structure
An optical modulator is described. This optical modulator may be implemented using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. In particular, the optical modulator may include a carrier-accumulation-type micro-disk resonator fabricated using optical waveguides having a composite structure. Moreover, the composite structure may embed a metal-oxide semiconductor capacitor in the disk resonator. For example, the composite structure may include polysilicon disposed on an oxide layer, which is disposed on a silicon layer in an SOI platform. The optical modulator may have high modulation efficiency and high-speed operation. In addition, the optical modulator may have a compact footprint with low power consumption.
US09733496B2 Handy shades
An eyeglass frame including a center portion configured to hold two lenses, a temple member connected to the center portion with a hinge, and a tab connected to the temple member configured to fit underneath the lip of a bottle cap and remove the bottle cap.
US09733490B2 Spectacle lens design system, supply system, design method and manufacturing method
A spectacle lens design system includes a first photographing apparatus having a first distance to the subject to photograph the subject and a second photographing apparatus having a second distance to the subject to photograph a visual target. The second distance is farther than first distance. The system determines a position of a subject's eye based on an image of the first photographing apparatus and tentatively calculates a position of the visual target based on an image photographed by second photographing apparatus. The system designs a shape of spectacle lens based on predetermined prescription information and calculated visual line information, where the visual line information is determined based on a determined position of eye and a position of the visual target moved in pseudo manner.
US09733484B2 Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes a display panel that displays an image and a switching panel operated in a two-dimensional mode or three-dimensional mode such that the image is perceived as a two-dimensional mode or three-dimensional image on the display panel. The switching panel includes a plurality of unit devices. Each of the unit devices includes a first zone disposed at one side of a center axis of the unit device and a second zone disposed at the other side of the center axis. Each of the first zone and the second zone includes a plurality of electrodes, respectively. The plurality of electrodes do not overlap the center axis.
US09733482B2 Wearable electronic display with pivoting display
A wearable display apparatus includes a display for providing viewable images. A display support assembly can support the display. The display support assembly can be self centering and telescoping for adjusting the position of the display for viewing by a user. The display support assembly can include right side and left side arm members spaced apart from each other, and a flexibly resilient support member to which the display is mounted between the arm members. The support member can be telescopically mounted to the arm members. The support member can have flexibly resilient right and left side portions secured to the display. Each side portion can be slidably mounted to a respective arm member for telescoping. The support member can have a material cross section that provides stiffness for supporting the display when in a generally horizontal orientation for viewing while also providing resilient flexibility between the arm members to self center the display between the arm members with changes in distances between the arm members.
US09733480B2 Head-mounted display device
A head-mounted display device is provided. The head-mounted display device includes: a frame having one surface formed to face a user's face; a wearing part formed to be coupled to at least a part of the frame so as to allow the frame to be fixed to the face; a mounting part formed in a cavity structure so that an external electronic device is capable of being mounted on the other surface of the frame; and one or more fastening parts that fix the external electronic device to the mounting part, wherein the fastening parts has an inclined opening angle.
US09733479B2 Optical element and display device with such an optical element
An optical element includes a reflective Fresnel element for deflecting light bundles which are incident on the Fresnel element along a direction of incidence, into a direction of emergence. The Fresnel element includes a plurality of reflective facets arranged next to each other, which are formed curved, and in each case, comprise a first reflective section and an adjoining second reflective section. The reflectivity of the first reflective section is greater than the reflectivity of the second reflective section. The second reflective section of a first reflective facet lies in front of the first reflective section of the directly neighboring reflective facet, seen in the direction of incidence, with the result that the portion of the incident light bundle which is transmitted from the second reflective section of the first reflective facet, strikes the first reflective section of the directly neighboring reflective facet, in order to be deflected.
US09733474B2 Reference calibration for an adaptive optics system
A method of determining a reference calibration setting for an adaptive optics system (1) comprising a detecting device (8) for detecting light from an object (5); and at least one controllable wavefront modifying device (9) arranged such that light from the object (5) passes via the wavefront modifying device (9) to the detecting device (8). The method comprises the steps of: arranging (100) a light-source between the object (5) and the wavefront modifying device (9) to provide a reference light beam to the detecting device (8) via the wavefront modifying device; for each of a plurality of orthogonal wavefront modes of the wavefront modifying device: controlling (101) the wavefront modifying device to vary a magnitude of the orthogonal wavefront mode over a predetermined number of magnitude settings; acquiring (102) a series of readings of the detecting device, each reading corresponding to one of the magnitude settings; determining (103) a quality metric value indicative of an information content of the reading for each reading in the series of readings, resulting in a series of quality metric values; and determining (106) a reference parameter set for the wavefront modifying device corresponding to an optimum quality metric value based on the series of quality metric values.
US09733473B2 Camera module comprising lens, image pickup element
In a camera module (51), a lid glass (15) protrudes from a sensor cover (14) toward an image pickup lens (1), and a base section (9) includes an overhanging part (9b) overhanging in such a manner as to cover part of the lid glass (15).
US09733471B2 Micromechanical device for projecting an image and for analyzing an optical spectrum and corresponding manufacturing method
A micromechanical device for projecting an image and for analyzing an optical spectrum and a corresponding manufacturing method. The device includes: a first light providing unit by which a first light beam is providable to the device; a diffraction unit for diffract the first light beam provided to the device as a function of a diffraction property of the diffraction unit; a second light providing unit by which a second light beam is providable to the device; a micromirror by which the second light beam provided to the device is variably deflectable as a function of a position and/or an orientation of the first micromirror; and a first actuator by which the adjustable diffraction property of the optical diffraction unit and also the position and/or the orientation of the micromirror are adjustable.
US09733467B2 Smart glass using guided self-assembled photonic crystal
A smart glass uses a guided self-assembled photonic crystal, including a photonic crystal layer that is interposed between a pair of conductive glass plates. The smart glass includes a first material and a second material having a different refractive index from the first material and surrounding the first material. Thereby, the smart glass has a color, even when a dye is not included, by strongly reflecting light in a specific wavelength range incident to the photonic crystal layer. This is because the first material is formed regularly to have a constant distance by guided self-assembly, and the smart glass thereby may obtain a target color by randomly adjusting the distance between the first materials.
US09733462B2 Scanning apparatus, confocal observation apparatus and disk scanning apparatus
A scanning apparatus includes a light source, a spatial light modulator that modulates an incident beam of light on a first reflection surface, an illumination lens that irradiates the spatial light modulator with a beam of light from the light source and that refracts a principal ray of a beam of light modulated by the spatial light modulator so that an angle between the principal ray and an optical axis of the illumination lens decreases, and a first reflector that directs, toward the illumination lens, a beam of light by reflecting the beam of light multiple times between the illumination lens and a front focal plane of the illumination lens, the beam of light being modulated by the spatial light modulator and entering through the illumination lens.
US09733461B2 Photo-stimulator and microscope system
To avoid unstable light radiation during switching of a phase modulation amount and stimulate desired stimulation points simultaneously, provided is a photo-stimulator which includes an AOM switching on/off of radiation of stimulation light to a specimen S; an LCOS-SLM being capable of modulating a phase of stimulation light once radiation to the specimen S has been turned on by the AOM; and a controller controlling the LCOS-SLM to switch a phase modulation amount of stimulation light and controlling the AOM to switch on/off of radiation of stimulation light, wherein the controller causes the AOM to turn off radiation of stimulation light before the LCOS-SLM starts switching a phase modulation amount, and causes the AOM to turn on radiation of stimulation light after the LCOS-SLM completes switching a phase modulation amount.
US09733460B2 Method and apparatus for microscopic imaging
Apparatus and method for facilitating a microscopic imaging of at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, with a spectrally-encoded confocal microscopy (SECM) system, it is possible to provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the anatomical structure(s). In addition, a mobile device can be provided which can communicate with the SECM system. The mobile device can have a sensor arrangement, and with such sensor arrangement, it is possible to receive at least one second electro-magnetic radiation that is based on the first radiation(s) from at least one section of the SECM system. The mobile device can further include a computer arrangement, with which it is possible to display at least one portion of the anatomical structure(s) as a microscopic image based on the second radiation(s) received by the sensor arrangement.
US09733458B2 Multi-camera system using folded optics free from parallax artifacts
Aspects relate to an array camera exhibiting little or no parallax artifacts in captured images. For example, the planes of the central mirror surfaces of the array camera can be located at a midpoint along, and orthogonally to, a line between the corresponding camera location and the virtual camera location. Accordingly, the cones of all of the cameras in the array appear as if coming from the virtual camera location after folding by the mirrors. Each sensor in the array “sees” a portion of the image scene using a corresponding facet of the central mirror prism, and accordingly each individual sensor/mirror pair represents only a sub-aperture of the total array camera. The complete array camera has a synthetic aperture generated based on the sum of all individual aperture rays.
US09733457B2 Zoom lens
A zoom lens includes a first lens group and a second lens group. The first lens group has a negative refractive power and includes a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens arranged in sequence from a magnified side to a minified side, refractive powers of which are negative, negative, and positive, respectively. The second lens group has a positive refractive power and is disposed between the first lens group and the minified side. The second lens group includes a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, a seventh lens, an eighth lens, a ninth lens, and a tenth lens arranged in sequence from the magnified side to the minified side, refractive powers of which are positive, negative, positive, negative, positive, negative, and positive, respectively. The first lens and the tenth lens are aspheric lenses, and the second lens to the ninth lens are spherical lenses.
US09733454B2 Photographing optical lens assembly, imaging device and mobile terminal
A photographing optical lens assembly comprises, 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 and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with refractive power has a concave object-side surface in a paraxial region. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side and an image-side surfaces both being aspheric. The fifth lens element with refractive power has an aspheric object-side surface and an aspheric image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region with at least one inflection point. The photographing optical lens assembly has a total of five lens elements with refractive power.
US09733452B2 Optical lens system with a wide field of view
An optical lens system with a wide field of view includes, in order from the object side to the image side: a stop, a first lens element with a positive refractive power, a second lens element with a negative refractive power, and a third lens element with a positive refractive power. A focal length of the first lens element and the second lens element combined is f12, a focal length of the third lens element is f3, and they satisfy the relation: 0.3
US09733449B2 Lens barrel
An interchangeable lens includes a fixing frame in which a front movable lens group and a rear movable lens group are coaxially arranged and movable in the direction of an optical axis. An intermediate member is arranged between a movable range of a lens frame holding the front movable lens group and a movable range of a lens frame 12 holding the rear movable lens group. The intermediate member is a partition between the movable lens groups and prevents interference between them. In addition, the intermediate member blocks undesired light components which are part of the light incident on the fixing frame and traveling from the front movable range to the rear movable range.
US09733446B1 Freeze protection through volume donation
Devices, systems and methods to prevent damage to power and communication conductors located in cold occurring regions, with an elongated cylindrical tubular assembly of closed cell foam within an outer non-conductive durable outer coating, with a pull cord extending therethrough, wherein the assembly along with communication and power lines is pulled through new power and communication ducts and conduits and in retrofitting existing power and communication ducts, so that the assembly reduces the volume spacing in the ducts/conduits that can be damaged by water intrusion which expands during freeze conditions.
US09733436B2 Ruggedized fiber optic connectors and connection systems
Example fiber optic connector systems have rugged, robust designs that are environmentally sealed and that are relatively easy to install and uninstall in the field. Some connector systems can be configured in the field to be compatible with different styles of fiber optic adapters. Some connectors include a first seal (90) on a release sleeve; and a second seal (88) between the release sleeve and a connector body. Other connectors include a seal (139) and a flexible latch (136) on a connector. Other connectors include a protective structure (228, 328, 428) that mounts over the fiber optic connector. Other connectors include a protective outer shell (528, 860) and a sealing and attachment insert (570, 570A, 876). Other connectors include a protective outer shell (728) and a fastener (780).
US09733434B2 Device for an optical-fiber connection
Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).
US09733423B2 Backlight assembly and display device having the same
A backlight assembly includes a light source, a circuit board on which the light source is disposed, a light guide plate in which light emitted from the light source is incident on one surface and the incident light is emitted to another surface, a bottom chassis configured to accommodate the light guide plate, and a fixing frame coupled to the bottom chassis and configured to fix the circuit board. The fixing frame includes a first fixing frame on which the circuit board is disposed and a second fixing frame separably coupled to the first fixing frame and disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom chassis.
US09733422B2 Reflective display apparatus
A reflective display apparatus includes a reflective display panel, a light guide plate, an elastic ring, a light permeable liquid and a holding device. The elastic ring is sandwiched between the reflective display panel and the light guide plate, and it spaces the reflective display panel and the light guide plate apart defines a space between the reflective display panel and the light guide plate. The light permeable liquid is located in the space. The holding device holds the reflective display panel and the light guide plate, thereby pressing against the elastic ring and making the elastic ring deform.
US09733420B2 Cooling system for liquid crystal display
A light guide may be located behind an electronic display and have a number of LEDs located adjacent an edge thereof. A thermal plate may be placed adjacent to said plurality of LEDs and may be in conductive thermal communication therewith. The thermal plate may comprise a first portion located above the electronic display and a second portion located below the electronic display.
US09733419B2 Electronic display device
An electronic display device is provided. The electronic display device includes an electronic display panel and a rear chassis assembly. The rear chassis assembly includes a bottom wall, a first and a second side wall, and a first and a second sheet. The first and the second side walls are respectively disposed at two opposite edges of the bottom wall. The electronic display panel is positioned in an accommodation space defined by the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall. The first and second sheets are respectively fixed on the first and second side walls. The curvature of the first sheet corresponds to the curvature of the first side wall, and the curvature of the second sheet corresponds to the curvature of the second side wall.
US09733415B2 Display panel unit and display device
In an embodiment, a display panel unit includes a reflective polarizing layer, a transparent layer, and a display panel. The polarizing layer transmits a first polarized component of light incident on an incident surface to an exit surface and reflects a second polarized component of the light. The transparent layer transmits the first and second polarized component of the light incident on a second surface to a first surface adhered to the incident surface and transmits the second polarized component reflected by the polarizing layer to be incident on the first surface to the second surface. The panel faces the exit surface, and selectively transmits the light exiting from the exit surface.
US09733413B2 Optical member, display device, and light emitting device having the same
Disclosed are an optical member and a display device. The display device includes a light source; a light conversion layer to convert a wavelength of light emitted from the light source; and a display panel into which the light is incident from the light conversion layer, wherein the light conversion layer includes a plurality of concave surfaces.
US09733407B2 Light emitting arrangement using light guides
A light emitting arrangement comprising two light emitting elements (32, 32a) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the light emitting arrangement, and at least one light guide (34) each partly covering the light emitting surface of a first of the light emitting elements and having an entrance surface (35) arranged to receive incident light from the first light emitting element (32) and an exit surface (36) arranged to emit at least a portion of the incident light received by the entrance surface. The light guide is arranged such that the exit surface (36) is located between the first light emitting element (32) and a second light emitting element (32a) and is oriented to emit light in the general lighting direction. The light guide will distribute light emitted by the first light emitting element to more than one location, as if it was emitted of several weaker light emitting elements.
US09733405B2 Polarizer and polarizing plate including same
Provided are a polarizing plate including a polarizer having a thickness less than or equal to 10 μm and having a ratio A700/A450 of absorbance A700 at a wavelength of 700 nm to absorbance A450 at a wavelength of 450 nm greater than or equal to 0.85; a polarizer having a thickness less than or equal to 10 μm and having an absolute value of a difference between absorbance A700 at a wavelength of 700 nm and absorbance A450 at a wavelength of 450 nm less than or equal to 0.11 after heat-treated at 100° C. for 30 minutes; and a polarizing plate including such a polarizer.
US09733402B2 Reflective color display based on tunable sub-wavelength high contrast gratings
A sub-pixel unit for a reflective display includes a color filter including a tunable high contrast grating. The tunable high contrast grating reflects light within a first range of wavelengths, and the sub-pixel unit can exist in a first state and a second state, the first state reflecting at least one of (i) light within a different range of wavelengths, and (ii) light of a different intensity level, than the second state.
US09733399B2 Optical film and display device using the same
An optical film having a first surface and a second surface is provided. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface and has a first area connected to the first surface, a second area connected to the first area, and a third area connected to the second area. The optical film includes a first micro-structure disposed on the first surface and a second micro-structure disposed in the first area and the second area. The first micro-structure includes a plurality of bubble structures. The second micro-structure includes a plurality of protrusions and recesses.
US09733398B2 Polarizing plate and image display apparatus comprising same
The present invention relates to a polarizing plate including a polarizer; and a protective layer formed on at least one surface of the polarizer, in which the protective layer is a cured product of a radical curable composition having a hydroxy value of 500 mg·KOH/g or more, and an image display device including the same.
US09733397B2 Anti-reflection coat and optical device
An anti-reflection coat includes an intermediate layer and a low refractive index layer sequentially stacked on a substrate, and preventing the reflection of incident light by optical interference effect, wherein the low refractive index layer is a film formed on the surface of the intermediate layer by a wet film formation method using a coating liquid including layer-constituting raw materials which includes hollow silica particles adhering each other with a binder, and the intermediate layer is a layer mainly composed of an organometallic compound which adheres well to the binder and having wettability to the coating liquid; and provides an optical device including the anti-reflection coat.
US09733396B2 Touch panel and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a touch panel includes the following steps. A touch-sensing unit is provided. A decoration layer is formed on the touch-sensing unit. And, a cover lens is disposed on the decoration layer. A touch panel is also provided. A touch panel includes a cover lens, a touch-sensing unit, and a first decoration layer separating the cover lens from the touch-sensing unit, wherein the first decoration layer and the touch-sensing unit have a first adhesive force per unit area therebetween, the first decoration layer and the cover lens have a second adhesive force per unit area therebetween, and the first adhesive force per unit area is greater than the second adhesive force per unit area.
US09733392B2 Methods of using environmental conditions in sports applications
A method is generally described which includes a method of using environmental information in sports applications. The method also includes receiving at least one environmental condition detected using electronic remote sensing. Further, the method includes determining by a computer simulation an estimated effect of the at least one environmental condition on at least one of a predicted or actual first user action. Further still, the method includes communicating the estimated effect to at least one of the first user or a second user.
US09733388B2 Systems and methods for connectivity analysis using functional objects
Systems and methods which utilize functional objects in connectivity analysis are shown. Functional objects may be denoted by a geological feature, a user-defined location, a critical point in a connection network, a region within a 3D volume, etc. Each functional object preferably possesses and/or has associated therewith an ability to obtain information such as relevant connection pathways, linked regions of interest, statistical connection information, etc. Such functional objects may have dynamic regions associated therewith, such as to define an area of uncertainty, for facilitating exploring connectivity. Desired connectivity information can be revealed interactively from within a confusing web of connection pathways through use of the functional objects. Through interactive manipulation of functional objects analysis may be refined or revised. Additionally or alternatively, logical operations may be applied with respect to one or more functional objects to extend or reduce the connectivity of interest.
US09733386B2 Scintillator including an elpasolite scintillator compound and apparatus including the scintillator
A scintillator can include an elpasolite scintillator compound. The scintillator can be doped with a Group 2 element, and may also include an activator. The scintillator has an improved core valence luminescence at room temperature as compared to a corresponding elpasolite scintillator compound without the Group 2 dopant. The elpasolite scintillator compound can have significant core valance luminescence at a temperature higher than 125° C. In a particular embodiment, the elpasolite scintillator compound can include Cl and may or may not also include another halide, such as Br or I. The scintillator can be part of an apparatus that detects gamma radiation and neutrons and may allow a relatively simpler pulse discrimination technique to be used to a higher temperature, such as 125° C. to 150° C. before a relatively more complex pulse discrimination technique would be used.
US09733385B2 Systems and methods for the automatic detection of lithium batteries in cargo, baggage, parcels, and other containers
The present specification discloses methods for scanning objects for the presence of lithium batteries. Normalized transmission X-ray data is used to generate organic, effective Z, and attenuation-based images. These images are then segmented using a combination of thresholding and region growing techniques to identify regions of interest. The regions are classified as lithium batteries or other objects, based on characteristics such as area of the region, its organic intensity, Zeff number, shape, spatial arrangement and texture.
US09733384B2 Package inspection system
A package inspection system is provided, where an electromagnetic-wave detection part is hardly affected by illumination light for optical detection. Below a gap 6c of a conveyor mechanism 6 for conveying a package, provided are an X-ray sensor 13 for detecting X rays transmitted through the package and an illumination part 16 for applying illumination light to the gap 6c. The X-ray sensor 13 and the illumination part 16 are separated from each other by a partition 42. A light-shielding member 43 is placed in the path of X-ray incidence to the X-ray sensor 13. The light-shielding member 43 is formed of a material that allows passage of the X rays but does not allow passage of the illumination light and is hardly deteriorated by irradiation of the X rays, e.g., a carbon sheet.
US09733382B2 Dip correction using estimated formation layer resistivities
In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to determine apparent resistivity values of the formation associated with each of several layers comprising a set of at least three layers; to determine a resistivity correction for a selected one of the layers based on at least one of the apparent resistivity value of the selected layer, the width of the selected layer, and the apparent resistivity values in layers of the set located above and below the selected layer in the set within which the apparent resistivity value was obtained; and to generate a dip corrected resistivity value associated with the selected layer, based on the resistivity correction. Methods described herein may operate without using inversion-based or filter-based methods of dip correction. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09733379B2 Line locator with a metal detector
A line locator system that includes a metal detector is disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the line locator system includes a digital signal processor in a housing; a line locator portion mounted in the housing and coupled to the digital signal processor; and an active metal detector mounted in the housing and coupled to the digital signal processor.
US09733378B2 System for generating pressure waves in an underwater environment
System for generating pressure waves for deep seismic surveys operating in an underwater environment below the surface, suitable for investigating subcrustal objectives for prospecting purposes in the search for hydrocarbons and/or minerals. The system comprises one or more autonomous underwater vehicles organized in swarms, independent and coordinated, each housing one or more autonomous acoustic sea sources with self-propelled striker pistons. This system is served by a system of supporting surface stations, for reprovisioning, recovery actions, checking the well-being of the single vehicles and swarms and maintenance. The system is capable of using both conventional and non-conventional self-charged acoustic sea seismic sources. The system is capable of replicating the effect of a conventional source operated from the surface. The seismic sea source of the non-conventional acoustic type, proposed herein, can release a high-intensity pressure wave produced by a system of two striker pistons, which does not consume air when operating as it does not disperse air or another gas in water and does not produce mass variations of the device during its functioning and allows the amplitude and duration of the sound wave emitted and characteristics of the emission spectrum, to be regulated.
US09733375B2 Method and device for alternating depths marine seismic acquisition
System and method for enriching a bandwidth of seismic data related to a subsurface of a body of water. The system includes streamers and sources that are towed at alternating depths during consecutive and/or adjacent line of sails or during the same line of sail.
US09733369B2 Neutron monitor device and neutron measurement method
Provided are a neutron monitor device and a neutron measurement method which make it easier to measure the intensity of the neutrons having the energy region of 10 KeV to several hundreds KeV. A neutron monitor device includes a first detector which includes a hemispherical first body formed of PE and having a radius of 31 mm, a first specimen containing GaN disposed at the center of the first body, a Cd layer provided on an outer surface of the first body, and a B layer provided inside the first body, and a second detector which includes a hemispherical second body formed of PE and having a radius of 27 mm, a second specimen containing GaN disposed at the center of the second body, a B layer provided on the outer surface of the second body, and a Cd layer provided inside the second body.
US09733367B1 Neutron detection apparatus and method
An apparatus for neutron detection is provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor medium in electrical contact with an electrode arrangement conformed to collect radiation-generated charge from the sensor medium. The sensor medium comprises a borazine and/or a borazine-based polymer.
US09733365B2 Gamma ray detector and method of detecting gamma rays
In various embodiments, a gamma ray detector is provided. The gamma ray detector may include a converter element, configured to release an electron when a gamma ray moves at least partially through the converter element. The gamma ray detector may further include a semiconductor detector, arranged to receive the electron and configured to produce a signal when the electron moves at least partially through the semiconductor detector; and an amplifier circuit, coupled to the semiconductor detector and configured to amplify the signal produced by the semiconductor detector. In the gamma ray detector, the converter element may be arranged to at least partially shield the amplifier circuit from electromagnetic radiation.
US09733362B2 Satellite signal receiver
A satellite signal receiver has a positioning error in a range from −8 m to +8 m with a probability equal to or more than 95% when positioning in a reception environment with a signal strength equal to or more than −135 dBm and average power consumption from start of positioning to first positioning equal to or less than 7 mW.
US09733360B2 Joint processing of GNSS pseudorange signals
An approach to joint processing of GNSS signals to determine a receiver location and common mode bias associated with grouped records corresponding to GNSS signals. In this regard, a receiver may acquire signals from a GNSS space vehicle over a relatively long period of time. In turn, records corresponding to received signals may be stored and grouped. The grouping of records may be based on assumptions of a common-mode bias for certain records (e.g., records acquired within a given duration of an observation time period). Upon acquisition of a suitable number of records, an over-determined system may be established that is used in iterative processing to solve for location and/or bias values associated with the respective common-mode bias for each group of records. As such, improved receiver performance may be realized.
US09733356B1 Detection of animate presence with an ultrasonic signal
A system for monitoring animate presence, including one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal, one or more ultrasonic receivers configured to receive an echo signal in response to the transmitted ultrasonic signal, an electronic circuit for comparing the transmitted signal to the received echo signal and identify a phase shift between the signals; wherein the electronic circuit identifies animate presence based on the identified phase shift.
US09733352B2 Positioning system and method
According to an embodiment, positioning system includes transmitter apparatus transmits radio wave and receiver apparatus receives target echo. Transmitter apparatus comprises first receiver and transmitter. First receiver receives GPS signal and outputs reference signal. Transmitter transmits radio wave at time interval based on reference signal. The receiver apparatus includes second receiver, detector and first and second calculators. Second receiver receives GPS signal and outputs time information. Detector receives target echo and outputs reception signal added received time information. First calculator calculates Doppler frequency based on reception frequency and transmission frequency. Second calculator calculates time difference of echo based on Doppler frequency. Detector sets time filter to receive next pulse based on time difference and time information of reception signal.
US09733346B1 Method for providing sound detection information, apparatus detecting sound around vehicle, and vehicle including the same
A method for providing sound tracking information includes detecting a sound emitted adjacent to a subject vehicle and generating a sound tracking result based at least on sound data relating to the detected sound. A relative velocity of another vehicle operating near the subject vehicle is determined based on an angle of the other vehicle determined from the sound tracking result. A notification regarding the other vehicle is determined based on the relative velocity. The sound tracking result includes, for each of a plurality of angles relative to the subject vehicle in each of a plurality of frames of sound data according to time, an estimate of a probability of the presence of at least one other vehicle at each respective angle in each respective frame.
US09733345B2 System and method for enhanced point-to-point direction finding
A system, device and method that enables units to communicate with each other and point to each other's location without requiring line-of-sight to satellites or any other infrastructure. Further, the system, device and method are able to operate outdoors as well as indoors and overcome multipath interference in a deterministic algorithm, while providing bearings at three dimensions, not only location but actual direction.
US09733343B2 Proximity sensor arrangement having an optical barrier to pass light to a photo detector via a cover
A proximity sensor arrangement comprises an optical barrier being placed between a light emitting device and a photo-detector. The light emitting device, the photo-detector and the optical barrier are covered by a cover. The optical barrier is being designed to block light emitted from the light emitting device to the photo-detector and reflected by the cover by means of specular reflection. Furthermore, the optical barrier is being designed to pass the light emitted from the light emitting device to the photo-detector via the cover and scattered on or above a first surface of the cover facing away from the light emitting device and the photo-detector.
US09733342B1 Radar target simulation using a high speed tunable short
Disclosed here are apparatuses and methods including a waveguide having a length and a port. The waveguide is a split-block construction waveguide, which includes a seam between a first waveguide section and a second waveguide section. The first waveguide section and the second waveguide section form a waveguide cavity, and the seam corresponds to a low surface current location of a propagation mode of the waveguide. The apparatus also includes an antenna coupled to the port of the waveguide. The antenna is configured to (i) receive an electromagnetic signal and propagate the electromagnetic signal into the waveguide, and (ii) transmit a reflected electromagnetic signal from the waveguide. Additionally, the apparatus includes a reflecting component. The reflecting component is configured to provide a short in the waveguide along the length of the waveguide, and to move with a velocity to simulate a radar target having the velocity.
US09733340B2 Techniques for high arrival angle resolution using multiple nano-radars
A device includes a circuit board having thereon, a controlling component, a first radar chip and a second radar chip. The first radar chip includes a first radar transmission antenna, a second radar transmission antenna and a first radar receiver antenna array. The second radar chip includes a second radar receiver antenna array. The controlling component can control the first radar chip and the second radar chip. The first radar transmission antenna can transmit a first radar transmission signal. The second radar transmission antenna can transmit a second radar transmission signal. The second radar chip is spaced from the first radar chip so as to create a virtual receiver antenna array between the first radar receiver antenna array and the second radar receiver antenna array.
US09733338B1 Single satellite geolocation systems and methods
A method for locating an interferer is provided. The method includes determining, from one of a time difference of arrival (TDOA) signature and a frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) signature between a first signal received at a satellite at a first location and a second signal received at the same satellite at a second location, a first curve on which the interferer lies, determining, from direction of arrival information generated using signals received from the interferer at a plurality of elements of a linear array on the satellite, a second curve on which the interferer lies, and determining, based on an intersection between the first and second curves, the location of the interferer.
US09733337B2 Support of downlink positioning using coherent and non-coherent signal acquisition
Techniques are discussed for conveying frequency error characteristics for a plurality of cell transceivers from a server to a mobile device to enable the mobile device to determine an optimum or near optimum period of coherent integration of a downlink signal from one or more of the plurality of cell transceivers based on the frequency error characteristics. The coherent integration of the downlink signal may be to support a downlink terrestrial positioning method such as the Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) method for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the downlink signal may be a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS). A mobile device may perform downlink signal integration for longer periods than the optimum period for coherent integration by combining coherent integration results using non-coherent integration. The optimum period may achieve maximum or near maximum signal to noise ratio.
US09733336B2 System for local error compensation in electromagnetic tracking systems
A system for local metal distortion correction for using an accurate electromagnetic tracking system in a medical environment comprises an electromagnetic field generator monitoring a medical device having a suitable sensor coil. A correction function, derived from an error correction tool, is applied to the position and orientation readings of the sensor coil. The error correction tool comprises a number of electromagnetic sensors arranged in a fixed and known geometric configuration and is placed surrounding the site of the medical procedure. Sensor data is displayed on an imaging system. In addition, a distortion mapping can be done utilizing optical sensors for relative positioning readings along with an electromagnetic tracking system sensor.
US09733330B2 Method and magnetic resonance apparatus to optimize a magnetic resonance data acquisition sequence
In a method to optimize a magnetic resonance sequence of a magnetic resonance apparatus, the magnetic resonance sequence includes first imaging parameters that, during acquisition of magnetic resonance images by the magnetic resonance sequence, the first imaging parameters produce acoustic noise with a first acoustic noise volume level and magnetic resonance images with image noise at a first signal-to-image noise ratio. An automatic optimization of the imaging parameters is implemented such that during acquisition of magnetic resonance images by the magnetic resonance sequence, the optimized imaging parameters produce acoustic noise with a second acoustic noise volume level and magnetic resonance images with image noise at a second signal-to-image noise ratio. The second acoustic noise volume is reduced by at least 3 dB relative to the first acoustic noise volume and the second signal-to-image noise ratio is reduced by a maximum of 35 percent relative to the first signal-to-image noise ratio.
US09733327B2 NMR imaging device with probe, magnetic field generator and image processor using transverse relaxation time (T2L) and NMR imaging method for performing T2L imaging
In order to provide an NMR imaging device capable of distinguishing substances that cannot be distinguished by T2H, an NMR imaging device (1) according to this invention includes: a probe (3) capable of housing a sample in a static gradient magnetic field; an application portion (5) configured to apply a π pulse having a Larmor frequency corresponding to the static gradient magnetic field at a predetermined position of the sample to the sample in a multiplexed manner at a predetermined time interval; and an image processing portion (7) configured to determine a relaxation time based on a nuclear magnetic resonance signal of the sample, and perform imaging of the relaxation time.
US09733317B2 Position detecting device
A magnetism detecting element detects a leakage magnetism from a scale, on which a magnetic signal with a constant period is recorded, and a relative position between the scale and the magnetism detecting element is detected. The magnetism detecting elements are arranged, along a detection direction of the magnetic signal relative to the scale, in a pattern with a pitch of 1/2n (n is a prime number of 3 or more) of a wavelength λ′ of a signal output by the element. Furthermore, as the pattern for cancelling m odd-order harmonics, the m-th power of 2 magnetism detecting elements are arranged within a range in which a pitch distance L of the magnetism detecting element farthest in the detection direction is expressed by L=(λ′/2)×(1/3+1/5+1/7+ . . . 1/(2m+1)).
US09733312B1 Methods for dynamic characterization of electrochemical systems
The present invention provides impulse-response-based algorithms for high-speed characterization of electrochemical systems (e.g., batteries) with good accuracy. In some variations, a method for dynamic characterization of an electrochemical system comprises selecting an electrochemical system to be characterized; sensing the measured current to or from said electrochemical system; sensing the measured voltage across said electrochemical system; sensing or calculating the time derivatives of the measured current and voltage; and calculating an impulse response using a recursive or matrix-based algorithm (as disclosed herein), wherein said impulse response characterizes said electrochemical system within a selected sampling window. The algorithms are robust, incorporating noise-reduction techniques, and are suitable for real applications under various operating conditions. These algorithms, and the apparatus and systems to implement them, are able to accept various exciting signals to provide dynamic characterization of various states of the electrochemical system.
US09733311B2 Electric storage device management apparatus, electric storage apparatus, electric storage system, and a method of managing electric storage device
An electric storage device management apparatus includes a controller that is configured to perform a voltage drop determination process to determine a voltage drop value of a conductive member that connects electric storage devices, and perform a voltage between terminals determination process to determine a voltage value between terminals of one of the electric storage devices after the voltage drop determination process.
US09733310B2 Battery management unit having a plurality of monitoring IC chips
A battery management unit includes a plurality of monitoring IC chips each configured to detect at least one operating parameter of at least one battery cell or battery module, which has a predetermined number of battery cells and is connected to a first bus. The battery management unit further includes a control unit and a basis monitoring IC chip which is likewise connected to the first bus and is configured to communicate with each of the monitoring IC chips via the first bus. The basis monitoring IC chip and the control unit are connected to a second bus and are configured to communicate with each other via the second bus. The basis monitoring IC chip and the control unit are arranged on a common circuit board.
US09733308B2 Tap, CMD with two flip-flops, routing circuit, and data register
This disclosure describes different ways to improve the operation of a device's 1149.1 TAP to where the TAP can perform at-speed Update & Capture, Shift & Capture and Back to Back Capture & Shift operations. In a first embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by time division multiplexing CMD signals onto the TMS input to the TAP. The CMD signals are input to a CMD circuit that operates in conjunction with a Dual Port Router to execute the at-speed operations of a circuit. In a second embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by detecting the TAP's Exit1DR state as a CMD signal that is input to the CMD circuit that operates in conjunction with a Dual Port Router to execute the at-speed operations of a circuit. In a third embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by detecting the TAP's Exit1DR and PauseDR states and in response producing Capture and Update signals that are input to a Programmable Switch that operates in conjunction with a Dual Port Router to execute the at-speed operations of a circuit. In a fourth embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by detecting the TAP's Exit1DR and PauseDR states and inputting these states to a Dual Port Router to control the at-speed operations of a circuit. Each of the embodiments may be augmented to include externally accessible Update and Capture input signals that can be selected to allow a tester to directly control the at-speed operations of a circuit. The improvements of the disclosure are achieved without requiring any additional IC pins beyond the 4 required TAP pins, except for examples showing use of additional data input pins (TDI or WPI signals), additional data output pins (TDO or WPO signals) or examples showing use of additional control input pins (Capture and Update signals). Devices including the TAP improvements can be operated compliantly in a daisy-chain arrangement with devices that don't include the TAP improvements.
US09733306B2 Remote evaluation tool
Remote evaluation, e.g., web-based evaluation, lowers the evaluation barrier by allowing an engineer to gain experience with an integrated circuit (IC) using a client (e.g. a web browser) on a remote computer (e.g., a machine remote from the IC being evaluated but local to the engineer) to activate a test set-up that is maintained at a location that is far away from the engineer.
US09733304B2 Semiconductor device test apparatuses
Apparatus for testing semiconductor devices comprising die stacks, the apparatus comprising a substrate having an array of pockets in a surface thereof arranged to correspond to conductive elements protruding from a semiconductor device to be tested. The pockets include conductive contacts with traces extending to conductive pads, which may be configured as test pads, jumper pads, edge connects or contact pads. The substrate may comprise a semiconductor wafer or wafer segment and, if the latter, multiple segments may be received in recesses in a fixture. Testing may be effected using a probe card, a bond head carrying conductive pins, or through conductors carried by the fixture.
US09733302B2 Circuit for monitoring metal degradation on integrated circuit
An integrated circuit (IC) having a heat-generating element, such as a power MOSFET, a current-carrying conductor coupled to the heat-generating element, a sense conductor adjacent the current-carrying conductor, and a failure-detection circuit coupled to the sense conductor. When thermal cycling of the IC causes the resistance of the sense conductor to become greater than a temperature-dependent threshold value, the failure-detection circuit generates a signal indicating that the integrated circuit will soon fail. The resistance of the sense conductor is determined by injecting a current into the sense conductor to generate a voltage. The temperature-dependent threshold value is a voltage generated by injecting a current into a reference conductor disposed away from the current-carrying and sense conductors. A voltage comparator compares the two voltages to generate the output. Alternatively, the failure-detection circuit includes a processor that calculates the temperature-dependent threshold value from a temperature measurement taken on the integrated circuit.
US09733301B2 Universal multiplexing interface system and method
A system for communicatively connecting devices for testing to respective test pins of a test head of an automatic test equipment (ATE). The system includes a tester interface device for communicative connection to the test pins of the ATE. The tester interface device includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is communicatively connected by the tester interface device to a first group of the test pins and the second connector is communicatively connected by the tester interface device to a second group of the test pins. The first group and the second group can be different test pins, same test pins, or combinations of some same and some different test pins. The system may also include a first pogo pin block device and a second pogo pin block device.
US09733298B2 Method and device for testing an electronic appliance
A method and a device for testing an electronic appliance for determining at least one variable of a system. The electronic appliance is designed in the form of a sensor. The method includes defining an expected minimum and/or maximum value of the variable and producing an electric signal by means of the electronic appliance depending on the variable. The method also includes detecting at least one value of a parameter of the produced electric signal and defining an expected minimum and/or maximum value of the parameter depending on the defined minimum and/or maximum value of the variable of the system. A determination is made, based on whether the detected value of the parameter is greater than the minimum value defined for the parameter and/or smaller than the maximum value, whether there is a malfunction of the electronic appliance provoked by an external electromagnetic interference field.
US09733293B1 Differential pixel test for capacitive touch screens
Techniques are described for testing a capacitive touch panel for the presence or absence of discontinuities. A pixel matrix is determined for a capacitive touch panel. The pixel matrix comprises pixel values representative of mutual capacitance of respective pixels of the capacitive touch panel. A difference matrix is generated from the pixel matrix. The difference matrix contains differences in pixel values for respective pixels of the capacitive touch panel with respect to pixel values of adjacent pixels. A determination may then be made from the difference matrix whether respective ones of the pixels of the capacitive touch panel contain a discontinuity.
US09733286B2 Method for identifying electric appliance and apparatus and system thereof
A method for identifying an electric appliance and an apparatus and a system thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps: respectively collecting a first power event on a first phase power and a second power event on a second phase power; when the first power event and/or the second power event are collected, determining whether the first power event and the second power event substantially occur at the same time; if not, identifying an unknown electric appliance as a first type electric appliance; and if yes, determining whether the first power event and the second power event are substantially the same, wherein if yes, identifying the unknown electric appliance as a second type electric appliance, and if no, identifying the unknown electric appliance as the first type electric appliance.
US09733283B2 DC-DC converter load current estimation circuit
A method for estimating load current in a DC-DC converter, in some embodiments, comprises: identifying a converter capacitor in parallel with a converter load in a DC-DC converter; providing an estimation capacitor based on a capacitance of the converter capacitor; providing said estimation capacitor with an estimation capacitor current based on an inductor current flowing through an inductor in the DC-DC converter; driving an estimation voltage across the estimation capacitor toward a voltage present across the converter capacitor; and using the estimation voltage to generate an estimation current that estimates a load current passing through said converter load.
US09733282B2 Current balancing, current sensor, and phase balancing apparatus and method for a voltage regulator
Apparatuses and methods of current balancing, current sensing and phase balancing, offset cancellation, digital to analog current converter with monotonic output using binary coded input (without binary to thermometer decoder), compensator for a voltage regulator (VR), etc. are provided here. An apparatus is provided which comprises: a plurality of inductors coupled to a capacitor and a load; a plurality of bridges, each of which is coupled to a corresponding inductor from the plurality of inductors; and a plurality of current sensors, each of which is coupled to a bridge to sense current through a transistor of the bridge.
US09733280B2 Balancing an eddy current effect and a skin effect on a magnetic sensor using die paddle notches
A magnetic current sensor may include a first sensing element, a second sensing element, and a die paddle. The die paddle may include a first edge and a second edge substantially parallel to a direction of the current. The die paddle may include a first notch, extending from the first edge in a direction of the first sensing element, with a first width in a range of approximately 50 percent to approximately 100 percent of a distance between the first edge and the first sensing element. The die paddle may include a second notch, extending from the second edge in a direction of the second sensing element, with a second width in a range of approximately 50 percent to approximately 100 percent of a distance between the second edge and the second sensing element.
US09733278B2 System for measuring loss of HVDC
A system for measuring a loss in power between a power transmission side and a power reception side in a high voltage direct current (HVDC) system is provided. The system for measuring the loss in power includes: a first loss measurement unit installed at the power transmission side, and a second loss measurement unit installed at the power reception side, wherein each of the first and second loss measurement units is installed at a location at which a current or voltage is measured, and includes a voltage sensor for measuring a voltage, a current sensor for measuring a current, a GPS module for providing time information on when measurement is performed by the voltage sensor and the current sensor, and a storage unit storing the time information along with a voltage value and a current value measured by the voltage sensor and the current sensor.
US09733273B2 Testing method for semiconductor manufacturing equipment
The time required to test an electronic device mounted in semiconductor manufacturing equipment can be reduced. A first test panel mounted, on a first connector surface thereof, with plural first test-object connectors respectively including plural first terminals electrically coupled to an electronic device and a second test panel mounted, on a second connector surface thereof, with plural second test-object connectors respectively including plural spring probes are provided. The first connector surface of the first test panel and the second connector surface of the second test panel are positioned to face each other, the spring probes included in the second test-object connectors are electrically coupled to the first terminals included in the first test-object connectors, and a functional test concerning an electrical characteristic of the electronic device is performed.
US09733269B2 Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device with multi-dimensional spring structure and frame
The invention provides a MEMS device. The MEMS device includes: a substrate; a proof mass, including at least two slots, each of the slots including an inner space and an opening, the inner space being relatively closer to a center area of the proof mass than the opening; at least two anchors located in the corresponding slots and connected to the substrate; at least two linkages located in the corresponding slots and connected to the corresponding anchors; and a multi-dimensional spring structure for assisting a multi-dimensional movement of the proof mass, the multi-dimensional spring structure surrounding a periphery of the proof mass, and connected to the substrate through the linkages and the anchors. The multi-dimensional spring structure includes first and second springs for assisting an out-of-plane movement and an in-plane movement of the proof mass.
US09733267B2 Method of determining a changing spatial distribution of particles at multiple points in time
For determining a changing spatial distribution of particles at each of multiple points in time, real two-dimensional images of the particles are recorded with different mapping functions. An estimated spatial distribution of the particles is provided. Virtual two-dimensional images of the estimated spatial distribution are calculated applying the different mapping functions. Differences between the virtual and the real two-dimensional images are determined; and the estimated spatial distribution of the particles are varied for reducing the differences to obtain a spatial distribution approximated to the actual spatial distribution of the particles. The estimated spatial distribution of the particles is provided in that the locations of the individual particles in a spatial distribution approximated for one other point in time are shifted dependently on how the locations of the individual particles have changed between at least two spatial distributions approximated for at least two other points in time.
US09733265B2 Method for adjusting position of aspirator and sample processing apparatus
Disclosed is a method for adjusting a position of an aspirator in a sample processing apparatus, the sample processing apparatus comprising the aspirator configured to aspirate a sample or a reagent from a container and a capacitance sensor connected to the aspirator to detect change in capacitance, the method comprising: moving the aspirator above a position adjustment part which is electrically conductive and which is disposed at a predetermined position; obtaining capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor while moving the aspirator; and setting reference position information indicating a reference position of the aspirator based on change in the obtained capacitance.
US09733261B2 Methods and compositions for diagnosis and prognosis of stroke or other cerebral injury
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in stroke patients and in patients at risk for stroke. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker assays in such patients.
US09733258B2 Biomarker for determining mitochondrial damage in friedreich's ataxia
Compositions and methods for screening for a disease or a disorder associated with a deficiency in frataxin in a subject using biomarkers for diseases or disorders associated with a deficiency in frataxin are disclosed. The compositions and methods include determining the acetylation status of mitochondrial proteins. Also disclosed are methods of detecting progression of a disease or a disorder associated with a deficiency in frataxin in a subject and methods of monitoring effectiveness of a therapy for diseases or disorders associated with a deficiency in frataxin.
US09733256B2 Combined anticancer drug sensitivity-determining marker
To provide an anti-cancer agent sensitivity determination marker, which marker can determine whether or not the patient has a therapeutic response to the anti-cancer agent, and novel cancer therapeutic means employing the marker.The anti-cancer agent sensitivity determination marker, the anti-cancer agent including oxaliplatin or a salt thereof and fluorouracil or a salt thereof, contains one or more substances selected from among an amino-acid-metabolism-related substance, a nucleic-acid-metabolism-related substance, a substance in the pentose phosphate pathway, a substance in the glycolytic pathway, a substance in the TCA cycle, a polyamine-metabolism-related substance, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin, 6-phosphogluconic acid, butyric acid, triethanolamine, 1-methylnicotinamide, NADH, NAD+, and a substance involved in the metabolism of any of these substances.
US09733254B2 Methods and apparatus for the in vitro modelling of drug administration
Methods and apparatus for the in vitro modelling of changes that occur on administration of a drug formulation are described, in particular for studying the changes that take place on administration of protein or peptide drug formulations by subcutaneous injection.
US09733250B2 Device for capturing circulating cells
The present invention provides devices and methods for capturing rare cells. The devices and methods described herein can be used to facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of metastatic cancers.
US09733249B2 MPL mutations in JAK2 V617F negative patients with myeloproliferative disease
The invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing a patient as having a myeloproliferative disease by identifying mutations in the MPL gene or gene products.
US09733247B2 Detection of an immune response
Provided herein are methods of detecting and/or monitoring the presence or severity of an immune disorder in a subject, including detecting a frequency of a Th2a subset of CD4+ T cells in a biological sample of the subject. In some embodiments, the detecting includes: (a) detecting a frequency of CD4+ T cells in a biological sample of said subject; (b) detecting a frequency of a Th2a subset of the CD4+ T cells in the biological sample; and (c) comparing the frequency of the Th2a subset with the frequency of the CD4+ T cells.
US09733243B2 Test method for rheumatoid arthritis and kit for rheumatoid arthritis test
Provided are: a novel test method for rheumatoid arthritis; and a kit for rheumatoid arthritis test, which is used in the novel test method for rheumatoid arthritis. A test method for rheumatoid arthritis according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a step for measuring the amount of talin in the plasma or serum of an animal subject. This measurement is carried out, for example, by an immunological method using an antibody which binds to talin. A kit for rheumatoid arthritis test according to the present invention is used for such a test method and contains, for example, a solid-phase carrier to which an antibody that binds to talin is affixed.
US09733241B2 Detection of degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluids
Provided herein are compositions useful in detecting degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluid samples.
US09733232B1 Nanopillar arrays with interfaces for controlled polymer stretching and effective translocation into nanochannels
A technique relates to stretching an extensible molecule. The molecule moves through an array of pillars in a flow direction, where the array has an interface connecting a first pillar region and a second pillar region. Stretching the molecule by traversing the molecule in the flow direction through the interface connecting the first pillar region to the second pillar region, such that a first end and a second end of the molecule straddle a straddle pillar, thereby causing the first end to extend along a first path in the second and the second end to extend along a second path. Traversing the molecule stretches the first end and the second end along two different paths. The molecule is further traversed through the array such that the second end follows the first end along the first path, where the stretching causes the molecule to be in an uncoiled state.
US09733227B2 Dive computer with free dive mode and wireless data transmission
A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.
US09733224B2 Solar powered sample analyzing system using a field deployed analytical instrumentation and vacuum jacketed small diameter tubing
Provided herein is a solar powered system for a gas sampling and analysis for placement and operation remote from conventional infra-structure that utilizes a minimum of power to obtain a sample extracted from a source such as a pipeline or well-head, conditions the extracted sample, transmits the conditioned sample through vacuum jacketed tubing to an analyzer while maintaining the sample at a temperature and pressure preventing phase transition, condensation or component partitioning.
US09733219B2 Automated weld inspection system with weld acceptability pass or fail indications
An automated system for non-destructively evaluating spot welds that includes at least one matrix phased array probe; a fixture adapted to be mounted on a robot or other mechanical actuator, wherein the fixture is further adapted to retain the at least one matrix phased array probe; and an enclosure that includes at least one input for connecting to the at least one matrix phased array probe, ultrasonic phased array transmitting and receiving circuitry in electrical communication with the at least one input, at least one data processor running software that includes at least one algorithm for processing data received from the probe and generating discrete specifications of evaluated welds, wherein the discrete specifications further include pass indications or fail indications regarding weld acceptability; and at least one output for outputting the discrete specifications of evaluated welds.
US09733216B2 Apparatus and method for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline
An inspection apparatus (100) for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101) comprising a central electromagnetic device (102) suitable for generating a magnetic field (106); a pair of magnetic conveyors (103′, 103″) connected to the central electromagnetic device (102) suitable for conveying the magnetic field (106) to the wall of the pipeline (101); a system of sensors (104) for revealing the magnetic field (106) conveyed on the pipeline (101); electric means (105) for feeding the inspection apparatus (100) and acquiring and storing data relating to the magnetic field (106) revealed; wherein said central electromagnetic device (102) is divided into various ferromagnetic elements (107) held together by a casing (109) made of polymeric material suitable for degrading after prolonged contact with a mixture of hydrocarbons. Method wherein an inspection apparatus according to the present invention is used for monitoring the structural integrity of a pipeline (101).
US09733212B2 Sharply resolving labeled protein molecular weight standards
Pre-labeled protein standards useful in electrophoresis that have sharp, consistent separation characteristics that are substantially the same as those of their unlabeled counterparts are provided. The invention provides pre-labeled protein standard sets that include a plurality of labeled proteins that are labeled on a first amino acid, in which side reactions of the label with amino acids not targeted for labeling are reduced.
US09733210B2 Nanofluid sensor with real-time spatial sensing
A semiconductor structure capable of real-time spatial sensing of nanoparticles within a nanofluid is provided. The structure includes an array of gate structures. An interlevel dielectric material surrounds the array of gate structures. A vertical inlet channel is located within a portion of the interlevel dielectric material and on one side of the array of gate structures. A vertical outlet channel is located within another portion of the interlevel dielectric material and on another side of the array of gate structures. A horizontal channel that functions as a back gate is in fluid communication with the vertical inlet and outlet channels, and is located beneath the array of gate structures. A back gate dielectric material portion lines exposed surfaces within the vertical inlet channel, the vertical outlet channel and the horizontal channel.
US09733206B2 Soil chemistry sensor
We describe a soil chemistry sensor for in-situ soil chemistry sensing, the sensor comprising a probe incorporating a first, ion-selective electrode and a second, reference electrode, wherein said ion-selective electrode comprises a first-electrode housing defining a first lumen having an ion-selective plug towards a distal end, said first-electrode including a first conductor in a first electrolyte, wherein said reference electrode comprises a second electrode housing defining a second lumen having a porous reference electrode plug towards a distal end, said second electrode including a second conductor in a second electrolyte, wherein said ion-selective plug and said porous reference electrode plug are within 10 mm of one another, and wherein said porous reference electrode plug and said ion-selective plug each comprise a polymer.
US09733205B2 Sensor and sensor system equipped with same
This sensor has a diverter, such as a convex portion (608) and a concave portion (508), on the side wall (408) of a cavity (308). A biological sample deposited in a suction opening (52) is drawn into the cavity (308) by capillary action, but if the amount of biological sample is too small, either the biological sample is prevented from moving forward by the convex portion (608) and the concave portion (508), or the time it takes to reach a detecting electrode (33) is increased, which provides the user enough time to supply additional biological sample before a false detection occurs.
US09733196B2 Upper surface foreign material detecting device of ultra-thin transparent substrate
Provided are a foreign material detecting device and method for detecting only a foreign material on a surface of a substrate except for a foreign material on a lower surface of the substrate in a manufacturing process of a transparent substrate passing light therethrough, such as a glass substrate used in a flat panel display (FPD) such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a plasma display panel (PDP), etc., a sapphire wafer used in some of semiconductors, or the like, and in a pattern forming process in a manufacturing process of the FPD and the semiconductor using the transparent substrate. More particularly, provided are a foreign material detecting device and method for detecting only a foreign material on a surface of an ultra-thin transparent substrate having a thickness of 0.3 T or less.
US09733194B2 Method for reviewing a defect and apparatus
A method for reviewing a defect including a light capturing step that illuminates a sample with light under plural optical conditions, while varying only at least one of illumination conditions, sample conditions, or detection conditions, and detects plural lights scattering from the sample; a signal obtaining step that obtains plural signals based on the lights detected; and a processing step that discriminates a defect from noise according to a waveform characteristic quantity, an image characteristic quantity, or a value characteristic quantity created using the signals and derives the coordinates of defect.
US09733192B2 Slot flow cell
Apparatus include a test cell body having a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface, a cavity extending between the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface, and a first textured wetted plate and a second textured wetted plate disposed within the cavity. A fluid flow gap is defined between the first textured wetted plate and the second textured wetted plate. An illuminator is disposed between the second textured wetted plate and the second exterior surface, and a viewing window formed within the first exterior surface. The first textured wetted plate and the second textured wetted plate may be transparent.
US09733191B2 Directing a drilling operation using an optical computation element
Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to operate a tool downhole in a well, where the tool has an optical computation element to determine different properties of downhole structures. Such an optical computation element can be structured to provide optical analysis of fluid and material composition of the downhole environment associated with a drilling operation. The data measurements from the optical computation element can be used in a geosteering operation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09733189B2 Smoke analysis characterization cell
The invention relates to a smoke analysis characterization cell employing optical spectroscopy, which comprises: a reaction chamber, an inlet orifice for injecting smoke into the reaction chamber; an outlet orifice for discharging the smoke from the reaction chamber; and an analysis window for the entry of a laser beam intended to form the plasma inside the reaction chamber, which cell is characterized in that the system further includes a blower for blowing an inert gas close to the analysis window; and a shielding gas injector for the shielded injection of the smoke into the reaction chamber, the shielding being provided by a jet of inert gas around the smoke.
US09733188B2 Enhancing on-chip fluorescence detection
Apparatus for enhancing on-chip fluorescence detection. For example, an apparatus comprises a microfluidic channel, an excitation signal enhancing structure formed on a first side of the microfluidic channel and a photodetector structure formed on a second side of the microfluidic channel. For example, the excitation signal enhancing structure enhances an excitation signal and the enhanced excitation signal excites one or more samples in the microfluidic channel to emit signals at a fluorescence wavelength at a higher rate.
US09733186B2 Cell analysis apparatus and cell analysis method
A cell analysis apparatus includes an optical detection section that accommodates a flow of a measurement sample obtained from a biological sample and a pigment into a flow cell. A light source irradiates the measurement sample flowing in the flow cell and a fluorescence detector detects fluorescence from the measurement sample. A signal processing circuit acquires a value reflecting the height of a waveform of the signal and a value reflecting the length of a ridge line of the waveform of the signal, and a system control section distinguishes between an aggregating cell formed by aggregation of a plurality of cells and a non-aggregating cell, based on the value of the fluorescence signal obtained by the signal processing circuit.
US09733185B2 Gradient structures interfacing microfluidics and nanofluidics, methods for fabrication and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a device for interfacing nanofluidic and microfluidic components suitable for use in performing high throughput macromolecular analysis. Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the nanofluidic area. In one embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of lateral spatial gradient structures for narrowing the cross section of a value from the micron to the nanometer length scale. In another embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of a vertical sloped gradient structure. Additionally, the gradient structure can provide both a lateral and vertical gradient.
US09733183B2 Designs for integrated computational elements
Disclosed are improved integrated computational elements for use in optical computing devices. One integrated computational element includes an optical substrate, first and second pluralities of optical thin film layers alternatingly deposited on the optical substrate to form a thin film stack, wherein each optical thin film layer of the first plurality exhibits a first refractive index and each optical thin film layer of the second plurality exhibits a second refractive index different than the first refractive index, and at least one additional optical thin film layer arranged in or on the thin film stack and in optical communication with at least one of the optical thin film layers of the first and second pluralities, the at least one additional optical thin film layer exhibiting a third refractive index that is different than the first and second refractive indices.
US09733180B2 Bolometer with high spectral sensitivity
A bolometric detector including an absorption membrane, for converting an incident electromagnetic radiation into heat; and a reflector, for reflecting to the absorption membrane part of the incident electromagnetic radiation having passed there through, is provided. The bolometric detector includes a non-metallic layer, situated between the absorption membrane and the reflector, having a series of index jumps, so as to form a network resonating at a wavelength of interest λ0; the mean pitch of the network is less than λ0; and the optical distance between the absorption membrane and the reflector is substantially equal to a multiple of λ0/2.
US09733179B1 Chlorophyll meters and related method
A method, system, and apparatus for determining chlorophyll content of a plant sample. The method includes emitting light at a first wavelength and a second wavelength into a plant sample with a chlorophyll meter; detecting the light after passing through the plant sample; generating an optical value responsive to a ratio of the percentage of transmitted light through the plant sample for the first wavelength and the second wavelength; and determining chlorophyll content based on the optical value compared with an optical/absolute chlorophyll relationship that was determined by a matched combination of extraction method, extraction solvent, spectrophotometric equation, and spectrophotometer resolution, wherein the optical/absolute relationship is one of a plurality of different optical/absolute relationships that a user may select from for different species. These relationships may link in situ optical measurements with in vitro chlorophyll concentration for display on a chlorophyll meter in units of mass or moles of chlorophyll per unit area or mass of tissue.
US09733178B2 Spectral ellipsometry measurement and data analysis device and related systems and methods
Spectral ellipsometry measurement systems are provided including a polarizer that rotates at a first angle and adjusts a polarizing direction of incident light of a measurement sample; a compensator that rotates at a second angle, different from the first angle, and adjusts a phase difference of the incident light; an analyzer that rotates at a third angle and adjusts a polarizing direction of light reflected on the measurement sample; a detector that detects a spectral image from the reflected light; a controller that controls one of the polarizer, the compensator, and the analyzer according to polarizer-compensator-analyzer (PCA) angle sets including the first to third angles; and a processor that receives, from the detector, a first spectral image corresponding to a first PCA angle set and a first wavelength and a second spectral image corresponding to a second PCA angle set and a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, and generates a polarizer-compensator-analyzer rotating (PCAR) spectral matrix using the first and second spectral images.
US09733177B2 Method and system for optical evaluation, and optical detector
An optical detector comprises a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising a photodiode operable to detect light incident on that pixel and to generate a signal indicative of an intensity of that light. The plurality of pixels comprises a plurality of pixel pairs, and for each pixel pair, in a configuration mode, the detector is arranged to compare the signal generated by a first pixel of the pair with the signal generated by a second pixel of the pair. A method of optical detection is also described, as is a system incorporating the described optical detector.
US09733176B2 Optical detector scatter cap assembly having a removable scatter bar and methods of using the same
Aspects of the present disclosure include an optical detector scatter cap assembly. Optical detector scatter cap assemblies according to certain embodiments include a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an orifice at the distal end of the housing, a scatter bar affixed to the housing and extending across the orifice and a cover bar that reversibly mates with the scatter bar. Also provided are systems that include the optical detector scatter cap assemblies, methods of using the systems, e.g., in sample processing, and kits that include component(s) of the optical detector scatter cap assemblies.
US09733175B2 Full-automatic erythrocyte sedimentation rate analysis meter and detecting method thereof
The invention provides a full-automatic erythrocyte sedimentation rate analyzer, which comprises a base as well as a blending device and a detecting device mounted on the base, wherein the blending device comprises a sample rack, a sample rack bracket and a rotating device; the sample rack bracket is arranged on the base, and is connected to the sample rack through a rotating shaft; more than one test tube rack is arranged on the sample rack; the rotating device is connected to the rotating shaft, and drives the rotating shaft to rotationally drive the sample rack to turn over up and down; a plurality of holes are arranged in each test tube rack; a fixing device is arranged in the hole, and used for placing and fixing a closed container containing samples; the detecting device comprises a guide device, a driving device, infrared transmitting and receiving devices having the same quantity as that of the test tube racks, and a mounting rack; the driving device drives the mounting rack to move up and down along the guide device; the mounting rack drives the infrared transmitting and receiving devices to move; the closed containers containing the samples are located on moving paths of the infrared transmitting and receiving devices; and infrared rays penetrate through the closed containers to realize detecting.
US09733173B2 Method for selecting an interlayer for vibroacoustic damping, interlayer and glazing unit comprising such an interlayer
The invention relates to a method for selecting a viscoelastic plastic interlayer including two outer layers and a central layer that can be incorporated between two glass sheets of a glazing unit, the method includes providing first and second components that constitute respectively the central layer and the outer layers, measuring the shear modulus G′ of the first and second components, selecting the material of the second component only if G′≧3×107 Pa at 20° C. and between 100 Hz and 240 Hz, and setting the thickness h of the first component so that h is between 0.31 mm and 1.20 mm and so that g=G′/h is between 5.58×108 Pa/m and 2.37×109 Pa/m at 20° C. and between 100 Hz and 240 Hz.
US09733168B2 Manipulation of microfluidic droplets
The invention provides methods for assessing one or more predetermined characteristics or properties of a microfluidic droplet within a microfluidic channel, and regulating one or more fluid flow rates within that channel to selectively alter the predetermined microdroplet characteristic or property using a feedback control.
US09733165B2 Methods and apparatus for the isolation and enrichment of circulating tumor cells
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for concentrating and isolating Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from body fluids. One embodiment of the present invention includes a micro-fabricated or nano-fabricated device having channels configured for separating and excluding. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention utilize features that reduce the hydrodynamic pressure experienced by the cells during the separation, isolation and concentration processes, and therefore reduce the likelihood of cell lysis or other damage to the cells.
US09733164B2 Lamella creation method and device using fixed-angle beam and rotating sample stage
A system for creating a substantially planar face in a substrate, the system including directing one or more beams at a first surface of a substrate to remove material from a first location, the beam being offset from a normal to the first surface by a curtaining angle; sweeping the one or more beams in a plane that is perpendicular to the first surface to mill one or more initial cuts, the initial cuts exposing a second surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface; rotating the substrate about an axis other than an axis normal to the first beam or parallel to the first beam; directing the first beam at the second surface to remove additional material from the substrate without changing the curtaining angle; and scanning the one or more beams in across the second surface to mill one or more finishing cuts.
US09733159B1 Wet natural gas sampling method and apparatus therefore
A system for on-stream sampling of pressurized process gas such as natural gas or the like, including pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as “wet”. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for obtaining an accurate sample of process gas, as well as providing an apparatus for obtaining same.
US09733158B1 Dilution into a transfer line between valves for mass spectrometry
A system can include a sampler assembly configured to collect a viscous sample at a first location. In implementations, the viscous sample includes concentrated sulfuric acid (e.g., greater than about 75% H2SO4). The system can also include a valve coupled with the sampler assembly for receiving the viscous sample. The valve is configured to couple with a source of a diluent and a sample transfer line. The system further includes a pump coupled with the valve for injecting the diluent into the sample transfer line along with the viscous sample to dilute the viscous sample and transport the diluted sample to a second location remote from the first location via the sample transfer line. In implementations, the sample transfer line is at least approximately two meters in length.
US09733149B2 Method and device for determining and/or monitoring the air tightness of an enclosed room
The invention relates to a method for determining and/or monitoring the air tightness of an enclosed room (2) which is equipped with an oxygen reducing system (1) and in the atmosphere of which at least one oxygen content that can preferably be determined in advance and is reduced in comparison to the normal surrounding air can be set and maintained in order to prevent and/or extinguish fires by introducing an oxygen-displacing gas. The oxygen reducing system (1) has a compressor system (4; 4.1, 4.2) for compressing an initial gas mixture and a gas separation system (3; 3.1, 3.2) downstream of the compressor system (4; 4.1, 4.2) for separating at least one part of the oxygen contained in the initial gas mixture and for providing a nitrogen-enriched gas which is supplied to the enclosed room (2). The differential pressure set in the room (2) is ascertained and compared to a corresponding reference value, whereby information regarding the air tightness of the room (2) is provided.
US09733146B2 Imbalance measurement machine
An imbalance measurement machine for determining tire imbalance has a hollow shaft rotatably driven relative to a fixed hollow axle. A tubular air feed for filling the tire with air is centered within and rotates with the shaft to rotate the tire for determining imbalance. An air hose is connected to a rotational coupling disposed at an air feed end that faces away from the tire. Force transducers between the axle and a machine bed measure forces that occur there during operation. The air hose is attached not only to the rotational coupling but also to the axle, at a distance from the rotational coupling. An alternative embodiment omits the rotational coupling and fills the tire in the resting state of the shaft, via the air hose and the non-rotating air feed. Subsequently, the air hose is separated from the air feed, and the tire retains the supplied air.
US09733145B2 Apparatus and method of measuring components in a manufacturing process
A data collection and processing system includes a hand-held tool for measuring the spacing between two locations on a test object such as automobile body panels. The tool generates and transmits a measurement signal to a remote data processing unit in response to a single operator input. The data processing unit compares the measurement signal with a predetermined range of values and classifies the measurement signal as either in-range data (i.e., when the measurement falls within the range of values) or out-of-range data (i.e., when the measurement falls outside of said range of values). If the measurement signal reflects an in-range measurement, the database is updated with the measurement signal as being in/out of specification. If the measurement signal reflects an out-of-range measurement, the signal is classified as a functional flag, advancing the system to a next measurement group or confirming vehicle status (e.g., measurement complete or hold for re-work).
US09733144B2 Electronic device, control method, and control program
In one implementation, an electronic device includes: a display; a sensor configured to measure information to be used for determining whether the electronic device is underwater; and at least one processor configured to determine, based on results of the measurement by the sensor, whether the electronic device has fallen into the water. Upon determining that the electronic device has fallen into the water, the at least one processor displays maintenance operation information for guiding a user to maintenance operations for the electronic device on the display. The electronic device is capable of, when the electronic device has fallen into the water, guiding a user so as to prompt the user to perform self-maintenance on the electronic device so that a breakdown or the like of the electronic device due to moisture left in the electronic device can be prevented.
US09733141B1 Method for making measurements of the post-combustion residence time in a gas turbine engine
A method of measuring a residence time in a gas-turbine engine is disclosed that includes measuring a combustor pressure signal at a combustor entrance and a turbine exit pressure signal at a turbine exit. The method further includes computing a cross-spectrum function between the combustor pressure signal and the turbine exit pressure signal, calculating a slope of the cross-spectrum function, shifting the turbine exit pressure signal an amount corresponding to a time delay between the measurement of the combustor pressure signal and the turbine exit pressure signal, and recalculating the slope of the cross-spectrum function until the slope reaches zero.
US09733139B2 Vertical membranes for pressure sensing applications
Pressure sensors having vertical diaphragms or membranes. A vertical diaphragm may be located in a first silicon wafer between a first and second cavity, where the first and second cavities are covered by a second silicon wafer. One or more active or passive devices or components may be located on a top of the vertical diaphragm.
US09733135B2 Method and device for automatically detecting an incorrect measurement of a total temperature on an aircraft
A method and a device for automatically detecting an incorrect measurement of a total temperature on an aircraft. The detection device comprises several monitoring units configured to monitor the variations of the measured total temperature, provided by a temperature probe, and current values of the Mach number and of the altitude of the aircraft over a predetermined monitoring period of time, and a detection unit configured to detect an incorrect measurement of the total temperature when said monitoring units simultaneously detect particular conditions relative to said variations.
US09733134B2 Solder assembly temperature monitoring process
A method includes providing a printed circuit board (“PCB”) supporting a solderable component, and supporting a first fuse on the PCB, where the first fuse includes a first temperature-sensitive element that measurably changes in response to exposure to ambient thermal conditions exceeding a first threshold temperature. The PCB, the solderable component, and the first fuse define an apparatus. The method includes performing a PCB assembly manufacturing process, and then testing the first fuse to determine whether, during the PCB assembly manufacturing process, the first fuse was exposed to ambient thermal conditions exceeding a first threshold temperature. The first threshold temperature is a minimum temperature where the PCB assembly manufacturing process is to be carried out, a maximum temperature at which the PCB assembly manufacturing process is to occur, or a first intermediate temperature between the minimum and maximum temperatures.
US09733133B2 Faraday current and temperature sensors
This patent application discloses techniques and devices for sensing or measuring electric currents and/or temperature based on photonic sensing techniques. An optical current sensor head is located near or at a current-carrying conductor so that a magnetic field associated with the current is present at a Faraday material and the optical detection unit detects the light from the Faraday material to determine a magnitude of the current. An optical temperature sensor head is located near or at a location so that the temperature at a temperature-sensing Faraday material is reflected by the optical polarization rotation which is detected to determine the temperature.
US09733132B2 In-mold transfer film which changes its color according to a temperature and which has a scent-emitting function and method for manufacturing same
An in-mold transfer film includes a release layer, a scent-emitting hard layer, a color-changing print layer and an adhesive layer formed sequentially in one direction on one side of a base layer, wherein the scent-emitting hard layer includes aromatic microcapsules, and the color-changing print layer changes its color according to the temperature. An method for manufacturing an in-mold transfer film includes the following steps: forming a release layer on one side of a base layer; forming a scent-emitting hard layer on an upper surface of the release layer; forming a print primer layer on an upper surface of the scent-emitting hard layer; forming a color-changing print layer formed on an upper surface of the print primer layer; forming an adhesive primer layer on an upper surface of the color-changing print layer; and forming an adhesive layer on an upper surface of the adhesive primer layer.
US09733130B2 Temperature sensor belt
A temperature sensor belt includes at least one temperature sensor. The at least one temperature sensor is configured to provide an indication representative of a temperature of a workpiece. The temperature sensor belt also includes a support material disposed over the at least one temperature sensor. The support material is configured to support the at least one temperature sensor on the sensor belt. The temperature sensor belt also includes an insulative material at least partially surrounding the at least one temperature sensor. The insulative material is configured to thermally insulate the at least one temperature sensor.
US09733125B2 Resonator enhanced raman spectroscopy
Embodiments of the invention provide Raman spectroscopy methods and devices that exploit high quality factor (Q) resonators to enhance Raman signal by several orders of magnitude over the signal typically expected for Raman methods. Embodiments typically include one or more resonators, typically microtoroid microresonators. Embodiments also take advantage of Rayleigh scattering using these microresonators. Embodiments may be particularly useful for non-labeled nanoparticle sensing.
US09733124B2 Microplate reader with linear variable filter
A microplate reader includes a pair of linear variable filters (LVFs) that together form a wavelength selector. Movement of one or both of the LVFs enables selection of the desired center wavelength and/or passband used to analyze a sample on a microplate inserted into the microplate reader. The microplate reader may also include a similar second wavelength selector. The LVFs are located on movable frames, with each frame also advantageously including least one of an aperture, a fixed optical filter, and an optical polarization filter. In some cases, different types of measurements may be taken without changing the geometry of the optical path between the wavelength selectors. The microplate reader may additionally use a LVF to form a continuously adjustable dichroic for sample analysis.
US09733122B2 Photosensor lens including a purality of convex lens surfaces
An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensor lens which, in the case of using a plurality of light emitting elements to form a reflective photosensor, can maximize the efficiency of light irradiation of the light emitting elements with a simple structure. Provided is a photosensor lens configured to condense irradiation light from a plurality of light emitting elements 2 housed in a unit case 1 in a detection region 3 outside the unit case 1, and to condense reflected light from the detection region 3 at a light receiving element 4 in the unit case 1. A single convex lens surface 5 is formed on one side of the photosensor lens, and a light-receiving convex lens surface 6 sharing an optical axis with the single convex lens surface 5, and a plurality of light-emitting convex lens surfaces 7 each having an optical axis in parallel with the optical axis of the light-receiving convex lens surface 6 are integrally formed on the opposite side of the photosensor lens.
US09733115B2 Analyzer, and method of detection liquid level in an analyzer
The present invention improves the technology for detecting the level of a reagent in a container using changes of the capacitance, for instance, of an aspiration tube for aspirating the reagent from the container. The present invention can eliminate noises to detection of the capacitance caused by metals surrounding the container and changes of the moving speed of aspiration tube. Changes of the capacitance are detected using an empty container and recorded. The recorded changes are subtracted from changes of the capacitance measured with a container containing a reagent to eliminate the noises to the detection of changes of the capacitance.
US09733114B2 Volumetric measurement vessel with sloped saddle-shaped bottom wall for outlet vortex prevention
A volumetric measurement vessel is characterized by a bottom wall having an inverted saddle shape defining a concave trough at its topside, and mounted in a tilted orientation placing the trough at an obliquely inclined angle. An outlet of the vessel is positioned at a lower end of the trough at an angle matching the tilted bottom wall to provide smooth, vortex free draining of the tank body at the outer periphery thereof. The bottom wall is cut as a flat piece of squashed oval shape, and subsequently bent into curved form to create the trough. A circumferential wall of the vessel is cut as a flat piece with a wave-shaped bottom edge, then bent into circular form to align major and minor troughs of the wave shape with opposite ends of the bottom wall's concave trough.
US09733113B2 Thermal flow meter including a protrusion protruding from a circuit package body and a temperature detection element buried in the protrusion
Provided is a thermal flow meter to improve the measurement accuracy of a temperature detector provided in a thermal flow meter. The thermal flow meter includes a bypass passage through which a measurement target gas 30 flowing through a main passage flows, and a circuit package 400 which includes a measurement circuit for measuring a flow rate of the measurement target gas 30 flowing through the bypass passage and a temperature detecting portion 452 for detecting a temperature of the measurement target gas. The circuit package 400 includes a circuit package body which is molded by a resin to internally envelope the measurement circuit and a protrusion 424 molded by the resin. The temperature detecting portion 452 is provided in the leading end portion of the protrusion 424, and at least the leading end portion of the protrusion protrudes to the outside from a housing 302.
US09733112B2 Ultrasonic flow meter with digitally under-sampled flow measurements
The invention relates to a method of operating an ultrasonic flow meter by digitally sampling received signals. Acoustic wave packets are transmitted through a measuring distance in opposite directions, and the received signals are digitized at a sampling frequency being below the Nyquist-limit of two times the signal frequency of the wave packet to generate digitized under-sampled signals 31. From the digitized under-sampled signals, the difference in propagation time along the measuring distance is determined.
US09733111B1 Integrated flow control valve with flowrate feedback
A flow control valve assembly has at least one manifold having an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, and a flow channel provided therebetween, the flow channel having an inlet chamber, a variable area chamber and an outlet chamber, with fluid flowing from the inlet flow port to the inlet chamber, the variable area chamber and the outlet chamber, in that order, before exiting the outlet flow port. The flow control valve assembly also includes a float assembly extending inside the flow channel, the float assembly having a float that is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a measuring device which measures the displacement of the float, and a connecting rod which connects the float to the measuring device. A bracket assembly is secured to the inlet chamber inside the flow channel, with the measuring device retained by the bracket assembly.
US09733107B2 XMR angle sensors
Embodiments relate to xMR sensors, in particular AMR and/or TMR angle sensors with an angle range of 360 degrees. In embodiments, AMR angle sensors with a range of 360 degrees combine conventional, highly accurate AMR angle structures with structures in which an AMR layer is continuously magnetically biased by an exchange bias coupling effect. The equivalent bias field is lower than the external rotating magnetic field and is applied continuously to separate sensor structures. Thus, in contrast with conventional solutions, no temporary, auxiliary magnetic field need be generated, and embodiments are suitable for magnetic fields up to about 100 mT or more. Additional embodiments relate to combined TMR and AMR structures. In such embodiments, a TMR stack with a free layer functioning as an AMR structure is used. With a single such stack, contacted in different modes, a high-precision angle sensor with 360 degrees of uniqueness can be realized.
US09733104B2 Utility meter emulation mode system and method
One embodiment describes a utility metering system that includes metering infrastructure that facilitates data communication within the utility metering system in accordance with an expected metering platform, and a utility meter communicatively coupled to the metering infrastructure. The utility meter operates in a native mode when a native metering platform is compatible with the expected metering platform, in which the utility meter operates in a first manner in accordance with the native metering platform. The utility meter operates in an emulation mode when the native metering platform is not compatible with the expected metering platform and an emulation metering platform is compatible with the expected metering platform, in which the utility meter operates in a second manner in accordance with the emulation metering.
US09733099B2 Electronic device and operation method thereof
The present disclosure provides an electronic device and operating method of the electronic device reflecting real traffic situation more precisely, by navigating a path in consideration of both real-time traffic information and statistical traffic information.
US09733092B2 Vehicle position detection device and program
To acquire a direction error of a vehicle so that a more appropriate result is acquired in subsequent processing, a vehicle position detection device includes: a start/end point calculation part for acquiring a turning start point on a pre-turning link, and acquiring a turning end point on a post-turning link; a virtual link generation part for acquiring a virtual link connecting between the turning start point and the turning end point; a link direction calculation part for calculating a virtual link direction that is a direction at a predetermined position on the virtual link; and an error calculation part for using the virtual link direction to calculate a direction error of a vehicle direction.
US09733087B2 Electron-bombarded active pixel sensor star camera
A star camera system that includes an optical system configured to focus radiation from a star to be imaged onto a collector. Specifically, the collector is in the form of an electron bombarded active pixel sensor (EBAPS) configured to provide high gain. The EBAPS comprising a photocathode disposed in a vacuum is configured to release electron into a vacuum when exposed to radiation focused thereon by the optical system. In addition, the EBAPS includes an active pixel sensor anode disposed distant from the photocathode in the vacuum. An electric field is generated by a voltage source to direct electrons from the photocathode to the active pixel sensor anode to thereby generate an image of the star.
US09733085B2 System and method for updating a digital map in a driver assistance system
A system and method for updating a digital map for a driver assistance system in a vehicle. The digital map contains map data having coordinates and attributes for characterizing subregions of an overall region of the digital map. The system includes a base station and a plurality of vehicles, each equipped with a driver assistance system. The base station has at least one transmission unit for sending updated map data having updated attributes to the driver assistance systems. The driver assistance system has a memory unit for storing map data from at least a portion of the digital map, a receiver unit for receiving the updated map data sent by the base station and a control unit for updating the stored map data using the received updated map data.
US09733080B2 Wide-angle image pickup unit and measuring device
The invention provides a wide-angle image pickup unit, comprising at least two cameras (4a and 4b) to take digital images, wherein the two cameras are arranged in such a manner that optical axes (11a and 11b) of the two cameras cross perpendicularly each other on a same plane and images of wide field angle α with the crossing point O as a center enable to be acquired, and wherein parts of field angles of the two cameras are superimposed on each other and an overlapping portion is formed by the two images superimposed on each other, and stereoscopic measurement can be performed based on the two images of the overlapping portion.
US09733079B2 Double-bead horizontal and vertical spirit level, apparatus using the spirit level, and method of measuring distance and height by using the apparatus
Disclosed is a double-bead horizontal and vertical spirit level having a transparent tube contains an air bubble, a basic liquid and bead insoluble in the basic liquid and having a density greater than that of the basic liquid. By comparing the relative positions of the air bubble and bead, the spirit level gives precise measurements. An apparatus using the spirit level and protractor can measure horizontal tilt angles of upper and lower surfaces, and vertical tilt angle of the vertical plane; it can also be further combined with a laser pen to measure the angle of elevation, distance, height of a remote object, tilt angles, draw a horizontal and plumb line. An apparatus where the long axis of spirit level is perpendicular to the axis of pivot, the long axis doesn't need to pass the axis of pivot and the space could be used to install a laser pen.
US09733075B2 System and method for assessing inhomogeneous deformations in multilayer plates
A method and device for evaluating inhomogeneous deformations in a first wafer bonded by molecular adhesion to a second wafer. This evaluation method includes the steps of making at least one reading of a plurality of measurement points, the reading corresponding to a surface profile of the first wafer along a predefined direction and over a predefined length, computing a second derivative from the measurement points of the surface profile and evaluating a level of inhomogeneous deformations in the first wafer according to the second derivative.
US09733073B2 Apparatus for determining the angle between two planar workpiece surfaces
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining the angle (α) between two planar workpiece surfaces (1, 2), comprising a laser transmitter (10) for a laser beam (9), a continuously rotating straightening rotor (3), which is arranged between the two workpiece surfaces (1, 2), is axially parallel to the vertex axis (5) of the angle (α) and has an emission direction for the laser beam (9) that is perpendicular to the rotor axis (4), and comprising a receiving device (11) having a receiver for the laser beam (9) reflected on the workpiece surfaces (1, 2) in the emission direction, and an evaluation circuit (18) connected to the receiving device (11). In order to provide advantageous constructive conditions, it is proposed that the laser transmitter (10) comprises a monitor diode (16) and that the monitor diode (16) forms the receiver for the reflected laser beam (9).
US09733068B2 Optical position measuring device
In an optical position measuring device for detecting the relative position of a first measuring standard and a second measuring standard, movable relative to each other along at least one measuring direction, at a splitting grating, a beam bundle emitted by a light source is split up into at least two partial beam bundles. When passing through scanning beam paths, the partial beam bundles undergo different polarization-optical effects. After the differently polarized partial beam bundles are recombined at a combination grating, a plurality of phase-displaced, displacement-dependent scanning signals is able to be generated from the resulting beam bundle. No polarization-optical components are arranged in the scanning beam paths of the partial beam bundles between the splitting and recombination. To generate the different polarization-optical effects on the partial beam bundles, a conically incident illumination beam bundle impinges upon the splitting grating, the incident illumination beam bundle extending in a plane perpendicular to the measuring direction at an angle other than 0°, the plane of incidence being defined by the grating normal to the splitting grating and the direction of incidence of the illumination beam bundle. The scanning beam paths of the partial beam bundles are arranged in mirror symmetry with respect to the plane of incidence between the splitting and recombination.
US09733060B2 Method of finding a feature using a machine tool
A method of finding a feature of an object using an analogue probe mounted on a machine tool. The method includes the analogue probe and/or object following a course of motion which causes the analogue probe's surface sensing region to traverse across the feature to be found a plurality of times whilst approaching the feature over successive traverses so as to ultimately arrive in a position sensing relationship with the feature so as to collect scanned measurement data about the feature along at least part of a traverse.
US09733059B2 Method for determining the position of a target along a movement axis while being insensitive to movement of the target along axes that are orthogonal to the movement axis
A method that includes: providing a structure that is movable along a first axis; coupling a sensor assembly to the structure, the sensor assembly comprising first and second eddy current sensors and first and second targets that are mounted to the structure for movement along the first axis; sensing the first target with the first eddy current sensor and responsively generating a first sensor signal; sensing the second target with the second eddy current sensor and responsively generating a second sensor signal; and using the first and second sensor signals to determine a location of the structure along the first axis in a manner that is insensitive to coordinated movement of the first and second targets along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and a third axis that is perpendicular to both the first and second axes.
US09733058B2 Proximity sensor
A proximity sensor with high accuracy without being subject to an influence due to magnet variations is disclosed. A first yoke is insert-molded in an intermediate position between N and S poles of a magnet, and a projecting portion of the first yoke projects from a wall face of the magnet vertically to a magnetic pole face. A protruding portion of a second yoke opposes the projecting portion to arrange a main body portion in parallel with the wall face of the magnet, and a hall IC having a direction of connecting the projecting portion and the protruding portion as a magnetic responsive direction is arranged in a space between the projecting portion and the protruding portion.
US09733055B2 Dynamic ignition and ignition delay multi-mode fuse system
A multi-mode fuse system for use in a warhead for combating a target. At least one target sensor is electrically connected to a signal processing block and an I/O-block. The I/O-block is configured to be set by the operator of the warhead. The target sensor is adapted to generate an electrical output in response to the rate of deceleration of the warhead. The fuse system is adapted to discriminate the hardness of the target based upon the electrical output of the target sensor and to select the mode of operation depending upon the target discrimination. The fuse system is adapted to discriminate at least one type of target depending upon the electrical output of the target sensors. The fuse system selects one of at least three modes of operation of the warhead. Also a method for classifying the target hardness and selection of the operational mode of a warhead.
US09733054B2 Sealable container
An embodiment of a container may include a cap and a body. The body may include a bottom and body walls extending from the bottom from proximal ends of the body walls to distal ends of the body walls. The body walls may have a channel disposed within the body walls and proximate the distal ends of the body walls. The channel may have a floor, an opening proximate the distal ends of the body walls, an inner wall including an upper inner rim disposed a first distance from the bottom of the body, and an outer wall including an upper outer rim disposed a second distance from the bottom of the body. The second distance may be greater than the first distance relative to the bottom of the body. The channel may be sized to receive a portion of the cap when the container is in a closed position.
US09733050B2 Projectile arresting device and projectile arresting arrangement
The present invention relates to a projectile arresting device (1) comprising a foundation (3) constituting a floor (7) and a rear wall (5) of the projectile arresting device. It further comprises partition walls (9) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear wall (5), wherein the partition walls comprises a rear edge (10a) connected to the foundation (3), and a front edge (10b). Stopping materials (11) is arranged between the partition walls (9). A stopping material retaining layer (S) is arranged between the partition walls, and a pressure resistant wall (19) comprising a number of closely situated hollow sections (15) are connected to the front edges (10b) of the partition walls. The pressure resistant wall (19) further comprises a rear surface connected to the stopping material retaining layer (S) and a front surface. The front edge (10b) of each partition wall comprises a V-shaped profile of ballistic material, wherein a tip (12a) of the profile is adjacent to the pressure resistant wall. The invention also relates to a projectile arresting arrangement.
US09733048B2 Shooting training and game system with virtual target
A shooting training and game system with virtual targets is revealed. The system includes a main controller, a projection module, a lens module, and a shooting tool. The shooting tool can be a real gun or a laser gun. By hardware and software of the main controller, the projection module projects a light beam to a screen therefront to form a target image area with at least one static or dynamic virtual target. Then the lens module is aligned to the target image area for detecting and obtaining relative positions and coordinates of each shot formed on the target image area by the shooting tool. Thereby an error of each shot is calculated for evaluation of shooting accuracy. The shooting training and game system is more interesting, optional and used more efficiently.
US09733046B1 Elevation adjustment sight assembly
An elevation adjustment sight assembly, comprising a windage carrier, a lift dial, and a lift spring. The windage carrier is specially structured to fit within a housing. The lift dial and the lift spring are specially structured to fit within the windage carrier and are movable in relation to the windage carrier to thereby adjust the height of a sight held by the housing.
US09733045B1 Folding sight assembly
A folding sight assembly, comprising a housing having a lower region that is configured to hold a crosslock, and an upper region comprising a catch plate separated from a windage adjustment plate by a space. The assembly comprises a shaft and an engagement spring. The engagement spring comprises a longitudinally extending body that turns to form a retaining loop portion comprising an arcuate-shaped member having an opening formed therethrough. The shaft is disposed through the opening of the engagement spring and within the space formed between the windage adjustment and catch plates, and the engagement spring is further engaged with the housing and the crosslock to secure the component parts of the folding sight assembly to one another.
US09733043B1 Devices and methods for improving the grip of a slide associated with a semi-automatic weapon
The invention discloses devices and methods for providing a better grip on a slide associated with a semiautomatic firearm. In some embodiments, a metal frame is covered with a polymer-mineral mixture that includes steps on both a left side and a right side of a slide so as to provide maximal friction between fingers and the slide. The instant invention may aid those with wet or sweaty hands or those form whom racking a pistol is difficult by providing improved gripping features based on shape, materials, and texture of the grip enhancement elements herein described.
US09733037B2 Battery-powered motor unit
The technology disclosed herein can include a motor unit having a motor with a motor gear to rotate a drive shaft and a drive gear. A manual input shaft can also be configured to transmit rotation to the drive shaft. The motor can have a central axis that forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with a plane substantially defined by an outer surface of a gear box coupled to the motor. A mounting bracket is configured to allow mechanical communication between the motor unit and an internal ring gear. The internal ring gear can be mounted to a vehicle and a turret can be pivotably disposed within the internal ring gear. A motor unit is mounted on the turret and a drive gear is rotatably mounted on the motor unit and in direct engagement with the internal ring gear.
US09733036B2 Multipurpose securing systems, kits and methodologies
Securing mechanisms are provided for various applications. As consistent with one or more embodiments, first and second securing mechanisms respectively couple to a surface and an object to be secured. The first securing mechanism includes a device interface that secures a first portion of a device, and includes a rigid protrusion having a concave surface and a flexible structure coupled to the rigid protrusion and configured and arranged to flexibly secure the device via the concave surface. A first surface interface mitigates movement of the first securing mechanism and the first portion of the securable device relative to a surface. The second securing mechanism includes a device interface that secures a second portion of the securable device relative to the second securing mechanism, and a second surface interface that mitigates movement of the second securing mechanism and the second portion of the securable device, relative to the surface.
US09733035B2 Retractable supressor
A variety of apparatuses and associated methods are provided for providing a retractable suppressor system for gas generator systems such as a firearm. One embodiment includes a suppressor system that includes a retractable structure and housing, a fixed baffle, floating baffles, and springs to displace the floating baffles within the suppressor as the suppressor is extended from the housing along a gas generator system, e.g. a barrel of a firearm and thereby enclose the barrel within the suppressor. Embodiments of the invention permit full retraction, partial retraction/extension, or full extension of an exemplary suppressor with respect to an emission section of the gas generator e.g., firearm muzzle. Embodiments of the invention include an external latch which enables an operator to latch or unlatch the suppressor as it moves from one position to another and prevents accidental activation. Embodiments of the invention are configured to operate with accessory mounting systems.
US09733033B1 Trigger lock
A trigger lock that can be mounted to the trigger guard of a handheld firearm. The trigger lock has a cover assembly displaceably mounted to a lock housing assembly. The cover assembly is displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A mount adapter is removeably mated to a housing body within the lock housing assembly. The removeable mount adapter has a mount surface shaped to correspond with the outer surface of the trigger guard, allowing the trigger lock to be used on various makes and models of firearms. The trigger lock includes a locking means which in one embodiment has a lock rotor with a camming surface to displace one or more locking members into the cover assembly.
US09733031B1 Rotary lockup action
Disclosed herein is an example including a firing mechanism for a firearm including a receiver having a cavity therein configured to accept a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism comprising a bolt guide rail fixed to the inner surface of the cavity of the receiver. The firing mechanism also comprises a bolt sliding along a longitudinal axis on the bolt guide rail. Also disclosed is a change handle rotatably mounted to the bolt so as to rotate relative thereto about a vertical axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The charge handle may be mounted to the bolt so as to longitudinally reposition therewith. The charge handle having a surface defining a cut therein aligned with a slot in the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position; and wherein the surface defining a cut in the charge handle is not aligned with the slot in the bolt when the bolt is in a forward position.
US09733029B2 Cooling system for vehicle and controlling method thereof
A cooling system for a vehicle may include a cooling water temperature sensor, a cooling circulation fluid passage including first, second and third fluid passages, wherein the cooling water exhausted from the engine may be branched into the first fluid passage provided with a heater core, the second fluid passage provided with a radiator, and the third fluid passage provided with an exhaust heat recovery apparatus, a fluid flow adjusting valve provided on a point at which the cooling water passing through the cooling water temperature sensor may be branched into the first fluid passage to the third fluid passage to adjust a flow of the cooling water, and a controlling part controlling the first fluid passage to the third fluid passage to be selectively opened or closed by operating the fluid flow adjusting valve depending on the temperature of the cooling water, in a heating mode and a non-heating mode.
US09733028B2 Bypass valve with a hollow shaft and a memory metal alloy spring
A valve includes an outer structure. The valve includes a hollow shaft that includes holes formed therein, the shaft disposed within the outer structure and translatable from a first position to a second position. A memory metal alloy (MMA) spring is coupled to the shaft and the outer structure, the MMA spring expanding and moving the shaft from the first position to the second position in response to a temperature of a fluid. A valve head is coupled to the shaft and adapted to be biased within the outer structure, the valve head closing a bypass inlet in the first position and allowing fluid to enter the bypass inlet in the second position, and transferring fluid from the bypass inlet into the hollow shaft so that the fluid can exit the valve via an outlet. A pressure relief mechanism may be included.
US09733023B2 Return waterbox for heat exchanger
A return waterbox for a heat exchanger, such as a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, is provided. The return waterbox may include an insert configured to direct a fluid flow(s) in the return waterbox. In some embodiments, such as in a two-pass heat exchanger, the insert can be configured to receive water from one portion of the heat exchanger tubes in the first pass and redirect the received water to another portion of the heat exchanger tubes in the second pass.
US09733019B2 Container for heat treatment of positive-electrode active material for lithium-ion battery and method for producing the same
A container for heat treatment of a positive-electrode active material for a lithium-ion battery to the present invention is characterized by having a base portion containing 60 to 95 mass % of alumina, and a surface portion containing 20 to 80 mass % of spinel and formed integrally with the base portion. Moreover, a production method of the present invention is characterized by comprising a step of placing an alumina-based powder, a step of placing a spinel-based powder above the alumina-based powder, a step of forming a compact by compressing the powders and a step of firing the compact.
US09733018B2 Dental furnace
The invention relates to a dental furnace, in particular a firing furnace or press furnace, for firing or pressing a dental restoration part which is receivable in the furnace, possibly after pre-heating in a pre-heating furnace, and which is placeable on a base, in particular centrally thereon, wherein the dental furnace comprises a firing chamber whose diameter is larger than, in particular at least twice as large as, the largest dental restoration part to be fired, and which comprises a control device and an operating unit at the or for the dental furnace (10), wherein by means of the operating unit (26) the size and/or the weight and/or the number of the dental restoration part(s) (18) to be fired or pressed is adjustable in units.
US09733017B2 Quartz pouring and casting system for non-wetting amorphous alloys
Described herein is a crucible with a rod fused thereon to optimize pouring of molten material, and method of using the same. The crucible has a body configured for receipt of an amorphous alloy material in a vertical direction, and the rod extends in a horizontal direction from the body. The body of the crucible and the rod are formed from silica or quartz. The rod may be fused to the body of the crucible and provided off a center axis so that pouring molten material is improved when the crucible is rotated.
US09733014B2 Method and device for obtaining compressed oxygen and compressed nitrogen by the low-temperature separation of air
The invention relates to a method and device for obtaining compressed oxygen and compressed nitrogen by the low-temperature separation of air in a distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation, said distillation column system having at least one high-pressure column (8) and one low-pressure column (460), wherein the low-pressure column (460) is in a heat-exchanging connection with the high-pressure column (8) by means of a main condenser (461) designed as a condenser-evaporator. Feed air is compressed in an air compressor (2). The compressed feed air (6, 734, 802, 840) is cooled down in a main heat exchanger (20) and at least partially introduced into the high-pressure column (8). An oxygen-enriched liquid (462, 465) is removed from the high-pressure column (8) and fed to the low-pressure column (460) at a first intermediate position (464, 467, 906). A nitrogen-enriched liquid (468, 470) is removed from the high-pressure column (8) and/or the main condenser (461) and fed to the head of the low-pressure column (460). A liquid oxygen flow (11, 12) is removed from the distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation, brought to an elevated pressure in the liquid state (13), introduced into the main heat exchanger (20) at said elevated pressure, evaporated or pseudo-evaporated and heated to approximately ambient temperature in the main heat exchanger (20), and finally obtained as a gaseous compressed oxygen product (14). A high-pressure process flow (34, 734) is brought into indirect heat exchange with the oxygen flow in the main heat exchanger (20) and then depressurized (36, 38; 736, 738), wherein the depressurized high-pressure flow (37, 737) is introduced at least partially in the liquid state into the distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation. A gaseous circuit nitrogen flow (18, 19) is drawn from the high-pressure column and at least partially (21) compressed in a circuit compressor (22). A first sub-flow (45, 46; 244, 242, 230; 845, 846) of the circuit nitrogen flow is removed from the circuit compressor (22, 322), cooled down in the main heat exchanger (20), at least partially condensed in the bottom evaporator (9, 209) of the high-pressure column (8) in indirect heat exchange with the bottom liquid of the high-pressure column (8), and conducted back into the distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation. A second sub-flow of the circuit nitrogen flow is branched off upstream and/or downstream of the circuit compressor and/or from an intermediate stage of the circuit compressor at a product pressure (P, P1, P2, P3, P4) and obtained as a compressed nitrogen product (27, 29, 53, 564, 565). The circuit compressor (22, 322) is designed as a hot compressor and is driven by means of external energy.
US09733005B2 Subcooling system with thermal storage
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward systems and method for cooling a refrigerant flow of a refrigerant circuit with a cool water flow from a cool water storage to generate a warm water flow and to cool the refrigerant flow by a subcooling temperature difference, flowing the warm water flow to the cool water storage, and thermally isolating the warm water flow from the cool water flow in the cool water storage.
US09733002B2 Screw compressor drive control
An embodiment of method used to control operation of a screw compressor of a refrigeration system may include receiving status signals regarding operation of the screw compressor of the refrigeration system. The method may further include determining an operating point of the screw compressor based upon the received status signals, and selecting a torque profile for the screw compressor based upon the operating point. The method may also include driving the screw compressor per the selected torque profile. Refrigeration systems and compressor systems suitable for implementing the method are also presented.
US09733000B2 Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus includes a compressor, a heat source-side heat exchanger, a receiver, a utilization-side heat exchange, a receiver degassing pipe interconnecting an upper portion of the receiver and a suction side of the compressor, and a receiver liquid level detection pipe connected to the receiver. The receiver liquid level detection pipe detects whether or not liquid level in the receiver has reached a predetermined position on a lower side of a position where the receiver degassing pipe is connected. The receiver liquid level detection pipe merges with the receiver degassing pipe via a capillary tube. The receiver degassing pipe has a refrigerant heater to heat refrigerant flowing through the receiver degassing pipe. Whether or not the liquid level in the receiver has reached the predetermined position is detected using a temperature of refrigerant flowing though the receiver degassing pipe.
US09732999B2 System and method for recovering refrigerant
A refrigerant recovery system includes a first oil separator including a chamber configured to receive refrigerant from an air conditioning system, a heat exchanger disposed within the first oil separator, and a compressor fluidly connected to the chamber and the heat exchanger. A first valve is disposed in a first flow line that is fluidly connected between an inlet of the first oil separator and a source of refrigerant and a second valve is disposed in a second flow line that fluidly connects the compressor and the heat exchanger. A controller is configured to open the first valve to enable refrigerant to pass into the chamber of the first oil separator, open the second valve so that a flow loop for refrigerant is formed between the heat exchanger and the compressor, activate the compressor to heat the refrigerant flowing through the flow loop, and subsequently commence a refrigerant recovery operation.
US09732998B2 Method and system of using a reversing valve to control at least two HVAC systems
An HVAC system, including a reversing valve including a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the reversing valve may be placed into a first position in which the first port is operably coupled to the second port for the flow of refrigerant therebetween, and a second position in which the second port is operably coupled to the third port for the flow of refrigerant therebetween, a first HVAC component operably coupled to the first port, a second HVAC component operably coupled to the second port, and a third HVAC component operably coupled to the third port.
US09732994B2 Device and method for an efficient surface evaporation and for an efficient condensation
An evaporator or a condenser includes a surface on which the operating liquid is arranged. Further, turbulence generators are provided to generate turbulences in the operating liquid located on the operating surface. In the condenser, alternatively or additionally, a laminarizer is present to make the vapor stream laminar provided by the compressor. On the evaporator side, the evaporation efficiency is increased and, on the condenser side, the condenser efficiency is increased, which may be used for a substantial reduction in size without loss of power of these components, in particular for a heat pump for heating a building.
US09732991B2 Motor driving device and air conditioner including the same
A motor driving device includes a rectifier to rectify inputted alternating current (AC) power, a boost converter to boost and to output the power rectified by the rectifier, and an inverter including a plurality of switching devices to output converted AC power to a motor using a voltage from the boost converter. Accordingly, a voltage utilization ratio of a voltage input to an inverter in the motor driving device using a low-capacitance capacitor is enhanced.
US09732990B2 Biased drive assemblies for heliostats
A drive assembly for a heliostat is described, wherein the drive assembly may be configured to dynamically adjust the position of an attached reflector in concentrated solar power applications. The drive assembly may be further configured to provide for biasing of the reflector to reduce backlash due to external loads. The biasing force may be provided by at least one of a spring, counterweight, or offset of the center of gravity of the reflector or other attachment, or some combination thereof.
US09732989B2 Heat receiver tube, method for manufacturing the heat receiver tube, parabolic trough collector with the receiver tube and use of the parabolic trough collector
A heat receiver tube having first, second, and further partial heat receiver tube surfaces for absorbing and transferring solar energy to heat transfer fluid is presented. The first and further partial heat receiver tube surfaces are formed by solar absorptive coatings deposited on partial surfaces of core tube. The second partial heat receiver tube surface is formed by emission radiation inhibiting coating deposited on second core tube surface for inhibiting emissivity for infrared radiation. The further partial heat receiver tube surface is arranged in radiation window of second partial heat receiver tube surface such that direct sunlight impinges further partial heat receiver tube surface. The heat receiver tube is arranged in focal line of parabolic mirror of parabolic trough collector. The first partial heat receiver tube surface and sunlight reflecting surface is arranged face to face, second and further partial heat receiver tube surfaces are averted to reflecting surface.
US09732988B1 Thermal storage device including a plurality of discrete canisters
A novel thermal storage device is made up of a plurality of thermal storage canisters. The canisters are in thermal contact with one another so as to form a single thermal storage body. Because the thermal storage device can be broken down into a plurality of discrete thermal storage canisters, it is portable and has a high thermal storage capacity. In a particular embodiment, each canister contains a metal phase change material. In a more particular embodiment, the canisters each have a concave region such that when the canisters are assembled the concave regions, together, define a solar receiver.
US09732986B2 Solid particle receiver with porous structure for flow regulation and enhancement of heat transfer
There is disclosed a receiver panel. In an embodiment, the panel is configured to receive a curtain of particles in a solar central receiver system. A porous structure of the panel has a top end and a bottom end. The porous structure is disposed between the top end and the bottom end. The porous structure has a size to impede movement of the particles during downward travel from the top end to the bottom end. There is disclosed a solar central receiver system. In an embodiment, the receiver system includes a plurality of receiver panels, a tower supporting the plurality of receiver panels in a configuration to receive solar irradiation, and a hopper forming a slot configured to dispose the particles at a given location on to the porous structure. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US09732985B2 Tiled roof of standard appearance comprising a solar radiation heat recovery device invisible from the outside
A roof comprises a solar radiation heat recovery device that is invisible from the outside. The roof is made up of supports receiving a heat transfer network which has a longitudinal groove designed to receive the male profile of the protrusion of the heat recovery modules. The supports comprise arms which exert a lateral pressure on the flexible network. The resilient deformation of the network permits the sliding thereof between the arms to the clamped position. The groove of the network closes around the protrusion, immobilizing the module and holding the assembly in the support fixed to the roof frame. The roof is particularly intended to recover solar radiation heat in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, economical, simple and easy to install.
US09732982B2 Boiler unit
A boiler unit (100) housed in an enclosure, the boiler unit (100) configured to receive a solid state combined heat and power generating device (130). The boiler unit (100) comprises a heating device (110) to produce heat; and a control unit (120) to independently control each of the heating device (110) and the solid state combined heat and power generating device (130). The boiler unit (100) is operable without the solid state combined heat and power generating device (130) being present.
US09732979B2 HVAC control system encouraging energy efficient user behaviors in plural interactive contexts
Methods and devices for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by a thermostat are provided. Input can be received from a user via a thermostat, the input being indicative of an adjustment of an HVAC-related setting. On a real-time basis, the HVAC-related setting that is being adjusted can be compared against a feedback criterion designed to indicate a circumstance under which feedback is to be presented to the user. The circumstance can be indicative of an achievement of a HVAC-related setting of a predetermined responsibility level with respect to an energy usage of the HVAC system. Upon a real-time determination that the feedback criterion is satisfied, visual feedback can be caused to be presented to the user in real-time. The real-time feedback can include a visual icon having a visual appeal corresponding to a desirability of the satisfaction of the feedback criterion.
US09732978B2 Control method for information terminal device and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
There is provided a control method for an information terminal device having a display and controlling an air conditioner over a network. The control method makes the information terminal device perform processing including: displaying a temperature setting screen where an air conditioner temperature is settable for each of a plurality of time periods; calculating a first time period preset temperature using a first preset temperature at a boundary time and a second preset temperature at a go-to-bed time; calculating a second time period preset temperature using the first preset temperature and a third preset temperature at a wake-up time; displaying the first time period preset temperature and second time period preset temperature; and outputting to the network a control command corresponding to the first preset temperature and second preset temperature when the first time period preset temperature and second time period preset temperature have been fixed.
US09732976B2 Direct power control for constant airflow control with advanced motor system modeling
Systems and methods for providing constant airflow based on direct motor power control and advanced motor system modeling are described. A power and speed of a motor may be determined based on static pressure in the system. A target airflow rate for the system may be obtained, and a target motor power that yields the target airflow rate in the system may be determined based on the determined speed of the motor and the obtained target airflow rate for the system. A determination of whether the determined motor power is approximately equal to the target motor power may be made, and the power of the motor may be adjusted when the motor power is not approximately equal to the target motor power.
US09732974B2 System and method for wiring-relay configuration in digital thermostats
In a thermostat having a plurality of demand circuits and a thermostat controller, a method of controlling devices connected to the demand circuits. One or more demand circuits in a thermostat are connected to devices in an HVAC system. The thermostat is configured to associate each connected demand circuit with the device to which it is connected and control signals are routed from the thermostat controller to the one or more demand circuits to control devices associated with the demand circuits.
US09732973B2 Air conditioner and method of controlling the same
An air conditioner includes an indoor fan motor driven according to a signal to control the indoor fan motor by a controller, and a controller that resets a reference value of a rated air flow rate according to the pre-set conditions by checking an indoor fan motor driving voltage when an indoor fan motor RPM reaches a reference value of a strong wind mode while the air conditioner operates in strong wind mode. The controller compares the checked indoor fan motor driving voltage with a reference indoor fan motor driving voltage of the rated air flow rate, and resets the reference value when the checked indoor fan motor driving voltage is different from the reference indoor fan motor driving voltage of the rated air flow rate.
US09732966B2 Multi-stage hood filter system
A filtration system for a ventilation hood includes a first filter and a second filter, operatively disposed in series. The first filter is configured to be mounted within the ventilation hood, and has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a grease outlet. The second filter includes a filter material with an upstream surface and a downstream surface, an upstream housing element abutting the upstream surface of the filter material, and a downstream housing element abutting the downstream surface of the filter material. The housing elements include openings, and hold the filter material in compression.
US09732964B2 Electric oven
The present invention relates to an electric oven. The electric oven according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cavity which is provided with an oven chamber, a door for opening and closing alternatively the oven chamber, a carbon heater for providing radiant energy to the inside of a cooking room through the communication opening, a reflector for reflecting the radiant energy from the carbon heater to the inside of the cooking room, and a grate which is fixed to the reflector and is disposed on the communication opening and is provided with a forming section a part of which is formed toward the reflector. Therefore, the grate can be prevented from being damaged according to the electric oven of the present invention.
US09732963B2 Appliance control panel assembly
A control panel assembly for an appliance with features for securing a backing plate to a control panel frame to maintain a high quality fit, feel, and finish of the control panel assembly is provided. In particular, the backing plate includes a plurality of securing tabs for securing the backing plate against the control panel frame. The backing plate also may include a plurality of spring tabs for securing the backing plate against the control panel frame.
US09732960B2 Fuel manifold for a gas turbine engine
A pigtail assembly of a fuel supply manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine, includes a first coupling assembly defined along a first axis; a second coupling assembly defined along a second axis, the second axis is parallel to the first axis; a first conduit between the first coupling assembly and the second coupling assembly; a third coupling assembly that defines a third axis, the third axis is non-parallel to the second axis; and a second conduit between the second coupling assembly and the third coupling assembly.
US09732959B2 Directional fire-starting system, method, and device
A system for starting a fire, that has a directional fire-starting device, having a front and a back, and a tube-shaped housing, defining a longitudinal dimension and further defining a slot extending longitudinally along the tube-shaped housing, the slot having a front end near to the front of the device, the tube-shaped housing further defining a flint chamber, having an open end at the front of the device. A flint is positioned inside the flint chamber and has a surface portion that extends adjacent to the slot. A striker has a first portion that is sized to fit through the slot and extend to the flint as a second portion extends from the slot outwardly from the tube-shaped housing, to be grasped by a user.
US09732953B2 LED luminaire with multiple vents for promoting vertical ventilation
Some features of the invention include a LED luminaire, including a chassis having a chassis body, the chassis body having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. At least one LED lighting module is mounted on the chassis body. A LED power supply assembly includes at least one LED power supply unit for the at least one LED lighting module. The LED luminaire further includes at least one inner perimeter vent interposed between the chassis body and the LED power supply assembly to thermally separate the chassis body from the LED power supply assembly. Outer perimeter vents may be located along the outer perimeter. The inner and outer perimeter vents promote the natural flow of air around and through the LED luminaire to remove heat generated by the at least one LED lighting module and/or LED power supply assembly. In certain features, the LED power supply assembly includes top and bottom vent covers, and the at least one LED power supply unit is located between the top and bottom vent covers. The top and bottom vent covers are vented to promote the natural flow of air through the LED power supply assembly, further removing heat generated by the at least LED one power supply unit. Yet other features include a shaped optic covering the at least one LED lighting module and that further promotes the natural flow of air around and through the LED luminaire.
US09732948B1 Hands-free LED lighting system
A light system is provided that can be removably coupled to a layer of material, such as clothing, to provide hands-free illumination for tasks and activities (e.g., while walking, running, reading, writing) at low level light conditions. The light system includes a light module with one or more light sources, a power source and one or more magnetic elements or magnetically responsive modules. The light system also includes a backing plate removably coupleable to the light module so that the layer of material is interposed between the light module and the backing plate. The backing plate has one or more magnetic elements or magnetically responsive modules. When removably coupled to said layer of material, the light module and backing plate remain substantially in place even when the layer of material is under motion.
US09732945B2 Lampshade cover
A removable cover for a lampshade having a support frame of a ferromagnetic material. The cover includes a rectangular-shaped sheet of material having top, bottom, first side, and second side edges cooperating to form an inner surface and an outer surface configured to cover the lampshade, and first, second, third, and fourth pluralities of magnets. The first plurality of magnets is at the inner surface and is spaced-apart along the top edge. The second plurality of magnets is at the inner surface and is spaced-apart along the bottom edge. The third plurality of magnets is at the inner surface and is spaced-apart along the first side edge. The fourth plurality of magnets is at the inner surface and is spaced-apart along the second side edge. The pluralities of magnets are configured to be removably secured to the support frame to removably secure the cover to the lampshade.
US09732939B2 Optical member and lighting device using the same
Provided are an optical member capable of implementing optical images having desired shapes through a pattern design, and a lighting device using the optical member, the optical member including: a base substrate; multiple patterns sequentially arranged on a first surface of the base substrate and having inclined surfaces with an inclination angle with respect to the first surfaces; and a reflective portion on the base substrate or the multiple patterns, wherein the multiple patterns implement a line shaped beam of a first path crossing at right angles to respective pattern extension directions of the multiple patterns by guiding a first incident beam into a first surface direction toward which the first surface looks or a second surface direction toward which a second surface of the base substrate opposite to the first surface looks, through refraction or reflection from the inclined surfaces.
US09732938B2 Illumination panel
Illumination panel comprises: (1) a receiver substrate assembly including: (a) a rigid sheet of light transmissive material having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a conductor pattern attached to the first surface; and (b) at least one receiver assembly affixed to the rigid sheet, each receiver assembly including a light source in electrical communication with the conductor pattern; and (2) at least one light-guide optic attached to and supported by the receiver substrate assembly, each light-guide optic in optical communication with the photovoltaic cell of an associated one of the at least one receiver assembly for guiding light for output via the rigid sheet.
US09732924B2 Headlight lens for a vehicle headlight
The invention relates to a headlamp lens for a vehicle headlamp, in particular a motor vehicle headlamp. The headlamp lens comprises a body made of a transparent material and having at least one light inlet surface and at least one optically effective light exit surface. The body comprises a light tunnel which transitions into a light-conducting element while making a bend for imaging the bend as a light-shadow line. The body further comprises an orientation structure for orienting the headlamp lens in a vehicle headlamp and/or for orienting the headlamp lens towards a light source for irradiating light onto the light inlet surface.
US09732923B2 Integral lighting assembly
The invention describes an integral lighting assembly (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) comprising an optical arrangement (2, 3); a first light source (S1) for generating a first beam (L1) of light; a first collimator (C1) for directing the first beam (L1) at the optical arrangement (2, 3); a second light source (S2) for generating a second beam (L2) of light; and a second collimator (C2) for directing the second beam (L2) at the optical arrangement (2, 3), wherein the optical arrangement (2, 3) is realized to manipulate the first and second light beams (L1, L2) to give a first exit beam (BLO) and a second exit beam (BRI) such that the first exit beam (BLO) and the second exit beam (BRI) are partially combined in an overlap region (44) on a projection plane (4) located at a predefined distance from the integral lighting assembly (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E). The invention further describes an automotive headlamp arrangement (12) comprising such an integral lighting assembly (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E).
US09732921B2 Multiple functions wall cover plate has built-in USB and light means
The multiple functions wall cover plate has built-in USB and light means connect by prong means to existing wall inner-kit's receptacle to get AC power source to multiple function wall cover's circuit(s) to drive each circuit for predetermined functions. The said cover plate fasten by screw, prong or false prong to hold on inner-kit's holder and overlay at least one of the inner receptacle to offer people safety and quickly USB charger with desire light illumination and add extra functions.
US09732917B2 Optical assembly and optical module
An optical assembly that is adapted to be located at a light path of light emitted from at least one light source and spaced apart from the at least one light source by a distance is provided. The optical assembly includes a wavelength converting device, which is a spatial structure, and a reflector. The reflector covers a portion of the wavelength converting device and exposes at least a portion of a region of at least one surface of the wavelength converting device. The light emitted from the at least one light source enters or leaves the wavelength converting device from at least the portion of area which is not covered by the reflector. An optical module including the light source and the optical assembly is further provided.
US09732914B2 LED lamp
Provided is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp. The LED lamp includes: four external connection pins including at least two connection pins connected to a ballast stabilizer for a fluorescent lamp; an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are connected in series; and at least a pair of capacitors formed between the LED array and the external connection pin, wherein in each of the at least a pair of capacitors, two polarized capacitors are connected in series with a back-to-back method.
US09732909B2 Gas supply method
A gas supply system for supplying a gas into a processing chamber for processing a substrate to be processed includes: a processing gas supply unit; a processing gas supply line; a first and a second branch line; a branch flow control unit; an additional gas supply unit; an additional gas supply line; and a control unit. The control unit performs, before processing the substrate to be processed, a processing gas supply control and an additional gas supply control by using the processing gas supply unit and the additional gas supply unit, respectively, wherein the additional gas supply control includes a control that supplies the additional gas at an initial flow rate greater than a set flow rate and then at the set flow rate after a lapse of a period of time.
US09732907B2 Cooling apparatus comprising a thermal interface and method for recondensing a cryogen gas
A thermal interface between a removable cryogenic refrigerator (4) and an article (10) to be cooled by the cryogenic refrigerator. The thermal interface consists of a recondensing chamber filled with a gas (12), the recondensing chamber being in thermal contact with a cooling surface (9) of the refrigerator and the article (10) to be cooled.
US09732906B2 Hydrogen energy systems
Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled lasers. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.
US09732898B2 Apparatus and method for repairing the junction of a sewer main and lateral pipe
The present invention is directed to methods for repairing pipes or pipe junctions. The methods include providing a launcher device having a bladder and a liner impregnated with a material capable of curing and hardening. The bladder includes a first end, a closed second end, and an opening proximal the closed second end. A portion of the bladder is positioned within the launcher device, a rope or a line is connected to the liner, and the rope or line is threaded through the opening in the bladder. The rope or the line is pulled until the liner is at least partially within the bladder, and the rope or line is removed. The pipe is repaired by positioning the liner against the wall of a pipe, and allowing a material capable of curing and hardening to cure and harden. The methods allow for the rapid reuse of the bladder.
US09732896B2 Apparatus for diverting a flow of material
An apparatus comprises an input chamber being configured for accepting a flow of material. An output chamber is configured for flowing the material along a first pathway and a second pathway. A diverter member is disposed within the input chamber. The diverter member comprises a half wing shape pivotally joined at a juncture of the input chamber and the output chamber. The diverter member is operable to be positioned at a first position for diverting the flow to the first pathway and to be positioned at a second position for diverting the flow to the second pathway. A lever mechanism is configured to be operable for moving the diverter member between the first position and the second position in which the flow is uninterrupted.
US09732894B1 Double cam levers and safety lock for cam lock fitting
A method and apparatus for an improved safety cam lock fitting having cooperating double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on a fork shaped inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space therein between. An automatic lever latching mechanism prevents the cam levers from being inadvertently opened.
US09732893B2 Rapid-connect coupler
A rapid-connect gas coupler is shown and described herein. In an embodiment, the rapid-connect gas coupler includes a spring-loaded probe within a probe cavity, which is defined by a housing and one or more latch segment. The probe can engage with a gas connector, which causes the latch segment to engage and couple with the gas connector.
US09732892B2 Quick connect coupling with a self-resetting retention mechanism
A quick connect coupling includes a male coupling and a female coupling. A stop may be associated with the male coupling and configured to prevent the male coupling from being inserted into a port of the female coupling beyond a predetermined depth. The stop may be axially slidable between a first position and a second position. The first position may be located between a leading edge of the male coupling and the second position. The stop may be biased towards the first position so that the stop substantially resets to the first position.
US09732890B2 Articulated conduit device
An articulated conduit device may include at least two arms pivotally connected at proximal ends of the arms by a joint, a tiltable adapter at a distal end of each of the arms, capable of tilting up to a predetermined angle, and a locking mechanism operable by a single action to concurrently lock or unlock the arms and adapters in a user-defined orientation and direction. A continuous cavity is defined within the device between external openings in the adapters and through the arms and joint so as to allow fluid to flow between the external openings of the adapters.
US09732886B2 Modular pipe-shoe, pipe-support system
A modular system for supporting, on an underlying framework, and at plural pipe-underside locations, an elongate linear pipe. The system includes (a) for each such location, a shoe anchorable to the pipe's underside at that location, (b) for one pipe-underside location only, an anchor securable to the framework for receiving and anchoring the shoe, and thus the pipe also, at this one location, against any motion relative to the framework, and (c) for each other pipe-underside location, a guide securable to the framework for guidably receiving the adjacent shoe in a manner permitting it, and thus the pipe also, at this other location, solely reversible sliding motion relative to the framework along a line substantially paralleling the pipe's long axis.
US09732881B2 Gate valve and substrate processing system
Disclosed is a gate valve that opens/closes a plurality of vertically arranged openings by a plurality of valve bodies when conveying a plurality of vertically arranged substrates to an inside of a vacuum container. The gate valve includes: a housing including the plurality of openings formed therein; a supporting member configured to support the plurality of valve bodies; a driving mechanism configured to move the plurality of valve bodies via the supporting member such that the plurality of openings is opened/closed; and a plurality of guide mechanisms arranged to correspond to the plurality of valve bodies, respectively. Each of the plurality of guide mechanisms includes: a vertically stretchable bellows fixed to the housing; and a guide member contained in the bellows and configured to guide the supporting member inside the bellows.
US09732880B2 Fluid flow control devices and systems, and methods of flowing fluids therethrough
Fluid flow control devices comprise a body including a central aperture extending along a longitudinal axis therethrough and a plurality of channels extending from an outer sidewall of the body to an inner sidewall of the body. At least one first channel may intersect at least one other channel. Fluid flow control systems, methods of forming fluid flow control devices, and methods of flowing a fluid through a fluid flow control device are also disclosed.
US09732879B2 Sensor assembly for monitoring a fluid extraction component
The present disclosure relates to monitoring the condition of fluid extraction components associated with a subsea hydrocarbon drilling and production operation and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a sensor assembly for monitoring the extraction component which is easily installable and locally powered. The sensor assembly, in one embodiment, is contained on a patch. The assembly comprises a sensor, a power supply, and a communication device, all located on the patch. The patch can be easily coupled to fluid extraction components, such as a valve associated with a blowout preventer stack. The patch can include a coupling material on one side of the patch allowing the patch to adhere to the fluid extraction components. The patch can further include a power generator, such as a piezoelectric generator, thereby allowing for the sensor assembly to be locally powered.
US09732877B2 Joint linkage actuating means for a valve
The present invention concerns a control valve comprising: —A passage path for a fluid inside the valve and that puts in communication an inlet with an outlet; —An obstruction element arranged as to result mobile between a closing position, in which it obstructs the path impeding the passage of the fluid from the inlet towards the outlet, and an opening position in which it allows said passage, and; —Movement means for operating the movement of the obstruction element between said opening position and said closing position and vice-versa. In accordance with the invention, the movement means comprise a joint linkage.
US09732876B2 Retarder control valve assembly and system for rail cars
A retarder control valve assembly and system for controlling speed of rail cars, utilizes cartridge valves carried in a manifold body including piping and pilot control apparatus, but no wearing surfaces, dynamic seals, or moving parts. The cartridge valves are replaceable without replumbing, and include all moving valve elements and dynamic seals. The valves each include a piston controlled poppet carried on a spool movable within a cartridge body to open and close the valve and supported to withstand high side loads. The pressure sensing and feedback to the retarder system controller is at the manifold, in a pressure spike attenuating circuit having a phase modulating capability to mimic retarder pressure remotely.
US09732873B2 Valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves
A valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves is described. An example disclosed valve seat apparatus includes a seat ring having an outer surface that includes a first annular recess at a first end of the seat ring, where the first annular recess is to receive a portion of a cage, a second annular recess proximate a second end of the seat ring opposite the first end, and where the second annular recess defines a groove in the outer surface of the seat ring, and a third annular recess adjacent the second annular recess. The example disclosed valve seat apparatus also includes a first seal assembly disposed in the third annular recess and a retainer disposed in the second annular recess to retain the seal assembly in the third annular recess.
US09732871B2 Aspirated relief valve for a turbocharging system
A valve assembly is disclosed, and includes an evacuator and a relief valve. The evacuator includes a suction port that selectively applies a vacuum. The relief valve has an open position and a closed position, and includes an inlet, an outlet, a piston that translates within a chamber, and a pressurized chamber. The piston includes a first end and a second end. The pressurized chamber is fluidly connected to the suction port of the evacuator, and is defined in part by the first end of the piston. The piston translates within the pressurized chamber towards the open position if vacuum is applied to the pressurized chamber.
US09732861B2 Piston valve
A valve for controlling a fluid flow comprising: an inner sleeve having a control surface and a middle sleeve, wherein a first movement of the inner sleeve with respect to the middle sleeve can be carried out, wherein the valve comprises a control piston, wherein the first movement prompts a second movement of the control piston, whereby the valve is moved into a switched state.
US09732859B2 Noise reducing diffuser trim
A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with a trim assembly to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The trim assembly includes a cage having a plurality of openings that characterize fluid flowing through the cage and a plurality of vents that suppress noise generated by the plurality of openings.
US09732853B2 Joint-sealing strip
A joint-sealing strip consisting of foam material has one or more moisture-variable membrane layers. The joint-sealing strip may have two longitudinal sides as well as a top side that borders on a joint flank in the installed state of the joint-sealing strip, and an underside that borders on an opposite joint flank in the installed state of the joint-sealing strip. The one or more memebrane layers may run in the longitudinal direction between the top side and underside, in each instance, as well as parallel to or almost parallel to the longitudinal sides.
US09732848B2 Continuously variable transmission
A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.
US09732844B2 Transmission apparatus
Disclosed is a transmission apparatus comprising: a sun gear connected to the input terminal; a plurality of first planetary gears engaging with an outer surface of the sun gear; a second planetary gear which forms a concentric circle with each first planetary gear, and which is integrally formed with the first planetary gears; a first ring gear engaging with outer surfaces of the first planetary gears and connected to the output terminal; a second ring gear engaging with an outer surface of the second planetary gear; a cage for supporting rotary shafts of the first and second planetary gears such that the first and second planetary gears can revolve about the sun gear; and a brake member.
US09732843B2 Power transmission unit for hybrid vehicle
A power transmission unit adapted to optimize an oil delivery amount to oil requiring site is provided. A selectable one-way clutch comprises a selector plate that is rotated to a position to bring the selectable one-way clutch into engagement, and to a position to bring the selectable one-way clutch into disengagement. The selector plate comprises a valve plate crossing an oil passage for delivering lubrication oil to the planetary gear unit. The valve plate comprises a through hole that is overlapped with the oil passage to open the oil passage by rotating the selector plate to the position to bring the selectable one-way clutch into engagement, and that is displaced from the oil passage by rotating the selector plate to the position to bring the selectable one-way clutch into disengagement.
US09732840B2 Dual circuit lubrication method and device with increased reliability for a main power transmission gearbox of an aircraft
A dual circuit lubrication device for lubricating a mechanical system, the lubrication device being provided with two independent lubrication circuits and a tank that is common to both lubrication circuits and that contains a lubrication liquid. A first lubrication circuit has two first suction points for sucking in the lubrication liquid and situated inside the tank, and a second lubrication circuit includes a second suction point for sucking in the lubrication liquid and situated inside the tank. The dual circuit lubrication device has means for detecting the lubrication liquid passing below a limit depth in the tank, which means are formed by a high first suction point situated at the level of the limit depth, the second suction point being situated below the limit depth, and a low first suction point being below the second suction point.
US09732839B2 Fan drive gear system integrated carrier and torque frame
A method of assembling a fan drive gear system includes the steps of installing spherical bearings into respective races to provide a plurality of bearing assemblies, mounting at least one of the bearing assemblies onto a corresponding shaft of a torque frame, each of the shafts fixed relative to one another, installing at least one gear onto at least one of the bearing assemblies, the gears meshing with a ring gear and a centrally located sun gear and grounding the torque frame to a static structure to prevent rotation of the torque frame.
US09732831B2 Self-tensioning member for a cable or rope
A tensioning assembly for a vehicle door includes a spring member disposed in the vehicle door and includes a sinusoidal configuration defined by a plurality of linear members having ends coupled by a plurality of arcuate members. A cable extends through the spring member in the door. The cable is interlaced with the linear member and includes a first end being operably coupled with a pulley wheel. An intermediate portion of the cable is wrapped around a drive wheel. A second end of the cable is operably coupled with the pulley wheel. A plurality of locating nubs on the linear members locate the cable through the spring member.
US09732830B1 Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting a shifted torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first shaft, a second shaft directly connected with the input shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft, a fifth shaft selectively connectable with the first shaft, a sixth shaft selectively connectable with the fourth shaft, a seventh shaft selectively connectable with the fourth shaft, and an eighth shaft selectively connectable with the fifth shaft and directly connected with the output shaft.
US09732829B1 Variable ratio transmission with spherical teeth
A variable gear system for various embodiments of continuously variable transmissions comprises a gear including a radius, an axis, and spherical teeth spaced from each other by a constant pitch. The spherical teeth of the gear engage a splined shaft comprising a radius that varies nonlinearly along a length of the splined shaft, an axis running the length of the splined shaft, and splines along the length of the splined shaft. Further, a portion of the length of the shaft across a seam of the splined shaft includes a non-constant pitch between the splines.
US09732828B2 Rotational drive apparatus for transmitting rotational force to a plurality of driven gears
A power transmission apparatus includes a drive gear disposed on a shaft of a motor; a plurality of driven gears disposed to be engaged with the drive gear; and a plurality of driven members configured to receive power from each of the plurality of driven gears, wherein the plurality of driven gears is arranged so that, when the plurality of driven gears are engaged with the drive gear, a gear engagement phase of each of the plurality of driven gears is different.
US09732826B2 Centrifugal pendulum vibration control device
A centrifugal pendulum vibration control device for an engine includes an input member, a first link member, a first inertia mass body, a second link member, and a second inertia mass body. The input member is rotated by an engine. The first link member is rotatably connected to the input member. The first inertia mass body is supported on the input member via the first link member so as to perform pendulum motion. The second link member is rotatably connected to the first inertia mass body. The second inertia mass body is supported on the first inertia mass body via the second link member so as to perform pendulum motion. The input member and the second inertia mass body are coaxially disposed so as to be relatively rotatable.
US09732825B2 Driven plate with intermediate plate centering guide
A turbine damper assembly, for a torque converter, includes a driven plate and an intermediate plate. The driven plate engages and drives the intermediate plate through elastic drive elements. The driven plate includes an axially extended, circumferentially oriented, driven plate flange that both centers the intermediate plate with respect to the drive plate and also assists in containing the elastic drive elements in circumferential curved cavities during and after assembly of the turbine damper assembly.
US09732820B2 Load compensator having tension spring assemblies contained in a tubular housing
In view of the above, there has been described a load compensator including one or more tension spring assemblies that are contained within a tubular housing when tension from a load is applied to the tension spring assemblies. When the load compensator includes more than one tension spring assembly, the tension spring assemblies are mechanically connected to each other in series and stacked in-line with each other in the housing. In a preferred construction, each of the tension spring assemblies includes elastomeric tension elements mounted between two disks, and the tubular housing includes a tube having threaded ends and caps that screw onto the tube.
US09732819B2 Electronically controlled internal damper
An electronically controlled internal damper includes: a main passage formed by a working fluid flowing through a main piston; a pilot passage formed by a working fluid as much as a predetermined amount discharged from a first pilot chamber and a second pilot chamber so as to maintain internal pressures of the first pilot chamber and the second pilot chamber to a predetermined level when pressures of the first pilot chamber and the second pilot chamber are increased beyond the predetermined level; and a bypass passage formed by a working fluid passing through the compression retainer and the rebound retainer symmetrically disposed above and under the main piston and a plurality of holes formed transversely to a vertical length direction of a spool rod. Accordingly, the electronically controlled internal damper is capable of implementing damping performance in both a soft mode and a hard mode with a relatively simple structure and increasing sealing performance while reducing rigidity.
US09732814B2 Electric brake device
A brake device includes a control device which performs feedback control using a braking force of a linear motion mechanism as a controlled variable. The control device includes a computing unit for computing an operating quantity (voltage applied to an electric motor) for canceling out fluctuations in braking force, and a frequency detector for detecting the frequency of the operating quantity. The control device further includes an operating quantity limiting unit which limits the operating quantity according to a predetermined parameter when the detected frequency is higher than a predetermined frequency threshold (i.e. when the detected frequency is in a high-frequency range in which the permissible value of the braking force fluctuations is high). Thus, it is possible to reduce the output of the electric motor within a range in which the braking force fluctuations does not exceed the permissible value, thereby reducing the power consumption.
US09732812B2 Vehicle brake having spindle/nut arrangement
A hydraulic vehicle brake has a piston which acts upon a friction element and is displaceable by a rotationally drivable spindle/nut arrangement into an actuating position. A spindle of the spindle/nut arrangement is secured against rotation and movable by the spindle nut either into abutment against the piston or away from the piston. The spindle nut comprises a first part, which at least close to one end thereof is configured for screw-type engagement with the spindle, and a second part, configured for rotationally driving the first part and connected to the first part by a rotationally fixed connection. The first part at an other end thereof is provided with a support surface for the rotatable, axial mounting of the spindle/nut arrangement and the second part at the other end extends into the first part.
US09732809B2 Electro-magnetic and centrifugal clutch
A clutch includes a first race, a second race, a pawl, a post, and a shoe. The second race defines a cam surface. The pawl is supported in the first race to pivot between an engaged position and a disengaged position such that contact between the cam surface and the pawl in the engaged position prevents relative rotation between the first and second races in at least one direction. The post is supported in the first race to slide between a first and a second position such that in the first position the post forces the pawl into the disengaged position. The shoe is configured to pivot with respect to the first race in response to a magnetic field to slide the post into the second position.
US09732804B2 Disconnect shaft for an integrated drive generator (IDG)
A disconnect shaft of an integrated drive generator is provided including a body configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The body has a first end, a second opposite end, and a plurality of teeth formed adjacent the first end and configured to engage a complementary portion of an adjacent component. A relief is formed in the body such that a first portion is defined between the relief and the plurality of teeth. The first portion includes a plurality of threads having at least one of a major diameter between about 1.3044 and about 1.3125 inches (3.313-3.334 centimeters), a minor diameter between about 1.2482 and about 1.2547 inches (3.170-3.187 centimeters), a pitch diameter between about 1.2765 and about 1.2800 inches (3.242-3.251 centimeters), and a root radius between about 0.0075 and 0.0090 inches (0.0190-0.0029 centimeters).
US09732803B2 Concentric V-groove coupling
A coupling comprises a pair of clutch end members, a clutch center member disposed between the clutch end members, and an actuator coupled to one of the end members. Each end member includes concentric V-grooves disposed on a respective face thereof. The center member is axially movable between the end members, and includes a pair of opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces includes concentric V-grooves configured to mesh with the V-grooves of one of the end members. Another of the opposing surfaces includes concentric V-grooves configured to mesh with the V-grooves of another of the end members. The actuator is configured to simultaneously couple the end members to the center member by urging the V-grooves of both of the end members into engagement with the V-grooves of the center member.
US09732793B2 Bearing and bearing arrangement
A spherical roller bearing having an outer ring providing at least one inner raceway, an inner ring providing a first and a second outer raceway, a plurality of roller elements arranged in a first and second roller row in-between the at least one inner raceway and the respective first and second outer raceway is provided. The bearing provides a cage for guiding the roller elements in the first and second roller row, the cage includes a plurality of cage pockets, wherein in each cage pocket one of the roller elements is disposed. The bearing further presents a specific pitch circle diameter (PCD), and the cage is essentially in-pitch roller centered in relation to the pitch circle diameter (PCD) when there is an axial force acting on the bearing. In addition, the present invention regards a bearing arrangement and a wind turbine bearing arrangement.
US09732791B1 Bearing assemblies including tilting bearing elements and superhard sliding bearing elements, bearing assemblies including a substantially continuous bearing element and superhard sliding bearing elements, and related bearing apparatuses and methods
Bearing assemblies and bearing apparatuses are disclosed. In an embodiment, a first bearing assembly includes tilting pads and a first plurality of sliding superhard bearing elements secured to a first support ring. In an embodiment, a second bearing assembly includes a substantially continuous bearing element secured to a second support ring. In an embodiment, a bearing apparatus includes the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly, with the substantially continuous bearing element generally facing the tilting pads. At relatively low rotational speeds, the first plurality of superhard bearing elements supports at least a portion of a load exerted on the bearing assembly. At relatively high rotational speeds, the tilting pads support at least a majority of the load.
US09732789B2 Journal air bearing with air-film-supply vent
A journal air bearing is provided. The bearing includes a top foil configured to receive the shaft, an intermediate foil disposed radially outboard the top foil, and a journal sleeve disposed radially outboard the intermediate foil. The intermediate foil defines a plurality of holes configured to act as a vent to communicate fluid to an increased supply area to an air film.
US09732787B2 Two-dimensional movement closed-link structure
Provided is a two-dimensional movement closed-link structure for supporting a moving object. The moving object can freely move in a plane includes a fixed link, a first link one end of which is rotatably connected to one end of the fixed link, a second link one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link, a third link one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the second link, and a fourth link one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the third link and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the fixed link, the second link having joint parts at both ends at which the second link is connected and a bar part, and the moving object being disposed in the bar part of the second link.
US09732783B2 Anti-loosening bolt assembly
An anti-loosening bolt assembly includes a bolt having a bolt head and a bolt shank; a fixed nut having second threads on an inner circumferential surface thereof; and a washer, wherein the bolt head includes a plurality of locking protrusions, each of the locking protrusions having an inclined locking surface and a vertical locking surface, the washer includes a plurality of stop protrusions, each of the stop protrusions having an inclined stop surface and a vertical stop surface, and a magnetic member is provided in the washer such that the magnetic member maintains a combined state of the washer with an objective member using a magnetic force, so that when a rotational force is applied to the bolt in the loosening direction, the inclined locking surface is stopped by the inclined stop surface, thereby preventing the bolt from loosening and rotating.
US09732775B2 Flow straightener apparatus and systems for ducted air
A flow-straightener apparatus and associated systems for converting a rotating airflow into a substantially longitudinally directed airflow is presented. A first annular frame is provided and a second annular frame arranged concentrically within the first annular frame. A plurality of flow-straightener vanes are also provided, each having a first end coupled to an interior surface of the first annular frame and a second end coupled to an exterior surface of the second annular frame. The plurality of flow-straightener vanes each also have a leading edge and a trailing edge and each vane has a curved segment.
US09732774B1 Use of treating elements to facilitate flow in vessels
A method for facilitating the distribution of the flow of one or more streams within a bed vessel is provided. Disposed within the bed vessel are internal materials and structures including multiple operating zones. One type of operating zone can be a processing zone composed of one or more beds of solid processing material. Another type of operating zone can be a treating zone. Treating zones can facilitate the distribution of the one or more streams fed to processing zones. The distribution can facilitate contact between the feed streams and the processing materials contained in the processing zones.
US09732773B2 Drive system for hydraulically driven working mechanisms of a working machine
A drive system for hydraulically driven working mechanisms of a working machine includes an axial piston pump, the pump capacity and flow direction of which is varied by changing the pivot angle of the axial piston pump. The drive system includes a hydraulic motor connected via a line to the axial piston pump and drivably connected to the working mechanisms, a control unit operated to set the pump capacity of the axial piston pump to zero and a control valve arrangement that is actuated by the control unit to actuate a limiting device such that the pivot angle of the axial piston pump can be mechanically set to zero degrees (0°).
US09732772B2 Hybrid servo actuator for crash test
Provided is a hybrid servo actuator for a crash test, and more particularly, a hybrid servo actuator for a crash test in which an operating part including a piston and a rod, a chamber supplying an air pressure to the operating part, and a controller controlling a movement of the operating part are integrally formed, thereby increasing a moving speed in a stroke direction of the operating part more than in a general hydraulic cylinder and pneumatic cylinder. The actuator includes an oil pressure cushion type cushion part provided therein to absorb a shock generated by a shock of an operating part even at the time of a malfunction of the operating part and discharge an oil pressure generated by the shock to the outside and thus is used semi-permanently.
US09732771B2 Hydraulic rotary actuator
A hydraulic rotary actuator including a stator housing having a through bore to position a rotor assembly. A rotor assembly includes an output shaft and at least a first rotary piston member disposed radially about the output shaft. The rotary piston member includes an vane element. A continuous seal is disposed on peripheral longitudinal faces and lateral end faces of the rotary piston element. The bore through the stator housing includes an interior cavity with surfaces adapted to receive the rotor assembly and contact the continuous seal. With rotation fluid ports blocked, the housing cavity is sealed with the continuous piston seal for hydraulic blocking, preventing actuator displacement by external forces. A method of operation and method of assembly is disclosed.
US09732769B2 Servo-control and an aircraft having such a servo-control
A servo-control having at least one movable cylinder that includes a hydraulic directional control valve. The hydraulic valve includes a control shaft that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, the control shaft being connected to a distributor slide. The servo-control including a stationary abutment member secured to a cylinder and an input lever situated outside the cylinder. The input lever is connected to the control shaft and includes a stop portion arranged in the abutment member. The servo-control includes movement means for moving the input lever longitudinally, a first abutment surface of the abutment member limiting a travel amplitude of the stop portion when the input lever is in a first position.
US09732768B2 Intermittent fluid pump
An intermittent fluid pump is disclosed wherein a gas is introduced into a fluid storage housing containing liquid. The gas is released intermittently from a fluid transfer housing via a fluid transfer passage into a vertically oriented fluid conveyance conduit thereby creating a density differential along with an ascending lift that sucks liquid into a liquid suction conduit wherein the liquid discharges into the fluid conveyance conduit. The ascending gas and liquid are discharged from the fluid conveyance conduit, allowing liquid to be introduced into both the storage and transfer housings thereby temporarily interrupting any further transfer of gas into the fluid conveyance conduit such that an intermittent cycling of fluid is established.
US09732767B2 Compressor cover with integrated heat shield for an actuator
The disclosure describes a compressor housing for a turbocharger system. A scroll section of a collecting volute may be defined by a wall of the compressor housing. The scroll section may extend around the axis of the compressor from an inlet of the volute to a scroll discharge stage. A plate section of the compressor housing may extend from the wall in a radial direction outward from the axis and may extend in a circumferential direction around a substantial portion of the collecting volute. The plate section may be configured to shield heat and may advantageously be formed integral with the compressor housing.
US09732754B2 Shunt pulsation trap for positive-displacement machinery
A shunt pulsation trap for a positive-displacement gas-transfer machine having a gas transfer chamber with an intake port and a discharge port and having at least one positive-displacement drive device (such as two cooperating rotors) defining a compression region of the transfer chamber. The trap includes a pulsation-trap chamber arranged for parallel fluid flow with the machine transfer chamber. The trap has a first (e.g., inlet) port in communication with the compression region of the transfer chamber (e.g., at least one lobe span away or totally isolated from the transfer-chamber intake port), a second (e.g., discharge) port in communication with the discharge port of the transfer chamber, and at least one pulsation dampener in the pulsation-trap chamber. In this way, the shunt pulsation trap traps and attenuates gas pulsations before discharge from the machinery transfer chamber, thereby reducing induced NVH and improving machinery efficiency.
US09732751B2 Water lubricated screw compressor
In a water-supply line for performing water-supply to the rotors and the mechanical seal of a compressor, or in a condensed-water collection line for collecting condensed water of a dryer into the inlet port of the compressor, a water reservoir is provided at a position higher than the water-supply unit of the compressor. Moreover, there are provided a start-time water-supply line and a solenoid valve set up therein. Here, the start-time water-supply line establishes the connection between the lower portion of the water reservoir, and the inlet port of the compressor and the water-supply unit of the mechanical seal.
US09732749B2 Rotary piston pump having converging inlet and outlet openings for conveying a fluid medium containing solids
Embodiments provide a rotary lobe pump for conveying a fluid medium containing solids. Two rotary lobes have rotational axes that are spaced apart from each other a minimum length distance. A housing enclosing the two rotary lobes has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, each with a continuously decreasing convergence and defined lengths.
US09732748B2 Valve unit and a fluid working machine comprising a valve unit
A valve unit for regulating the flow of working fluid between a working chamber of a fluid working machine and both a first working fluid line and second working fluid line, the valve unit comprising: a first valve comprising a first valve member and one or more cooperating first valve seats, a second valve comprising a second valve member and one or more cooperating second valve seats, an actuator coupled to both the first and second valve members through which a force may be applied to urge the first valve member open or closed and to urge the second valve member open or closed, a coupling between the actuator and the first valve member, wherein the coupling between the actuator and the first valve member comprises a connector which extends at least partially through the second valve member.
US09732747B2 Air compression system and cooling structure thereof
An air compression system includes an air compression device and a cooling structure. The air compression device includes a liquid-cooled motor and a compressor. The cooling includes a radiator, a cooler, a first liquid conveying tube, a second liquid conveying tube, a third liquid conveying tube, a fourth liquid conveying tube and a cooling liquid. The radiator interconnects the compressor for cooling a lubricating liquid in the compressor; the first liquid conveying tube interconnects the radiator and the cooler; the second liquid conveying tube interconnects the radiator and the cooler; the third liquid conveying tube interconnects the liquid-cooled motor and the cooler; the fourth liquid conveying tube interconnects the liquid-cooled motor and the cooler; and the cooling liquid is filled into the cooler, so as to reduce the space occupied by the cooling structure.
US09732746B2 Fluid end of a high pressure plunger pump
A fluid end of a pump includes a casing defining a plurality of working spaces that each include an inlet bore, an outlet bore, a plunger bore, and a valve cover bore. The bores define a cross bore intersection space, and an inlet bore transition area at the intersection of the inlet bore and the cross bore intersection space. A first V-shaped groove and a second V-shaped groove are formed adjacent the inlet bore transition area with each extending partially around the inlet bore axis. An inlet spring retainer includes first and second engagement portions and is orientable in a first orientation in which the retainer is movable from the inlet bore to the plunger bore and a second orientation in which the retainer engages the first and second V-shaped grooves to inhibit movement of the retainer from the inlet bore to the cross bore intersection space.
US09732740B2 Cylinder
A cylinder includes a curved cylinder body, a first support member, and a piston assembly. The curved cylinder body defines a gas chamber passing through opposite ends. The first support member includes a support housing slidably mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder body and a first permanent magnet securely mounted in the support housing. The piston assembly received in the gas chamber includes a first piston member and a second piston member rotatably coupled to the first piston member. The first and second piston members respectively have a second permanent magnet which is arranged to be attracted to the first permanent magnet. When the piston assembly moves along the curved cylinder body from the first end to the second end in the gas chamber, the first support member moves with the piston assembly on the outer circumferential surface of the curved cylinder body.
US09732739B2 Concrete pumping system having safety recirculation and method features
Mixed concrete is pumped under pressure along a primary flow path to a typically lengthy supply line. In the event a clog, blockage or other supply line concern is detected, a branch conduit in communication with the primary flow path permits a portion or all of the pressurized flow to pass through a diverter valve and a recirculation conduit back into an open-to-atmosphere reservoir or hopper from which the concrete originally was pumped. The recirculation system of this invention permits supply line pressure to be safely regulated, diminished, relieved and jogged, all without there being any need to discharge or waste valuable mixed concrete, and without having to dangerously open one or more connections of a pressurized supply line.
US09732737B2 Drive unit and mounting structure thereof
A drive unit includes a base member having an operation base having operation recesses in a front surface, a movable member that is disposed to be opposite to the base member and has operation projections to be inserted into the operation recesses in an opposed surface, and a shape memory alloy member that is disposed between the base member and the movable member and shrinks by heat generated by passing an electric current. In conjunction with the shrinkage of the shape memory alloy member by the passage of the electric current, the movable member is moved in a direction away from the base member. The base member has a fixed portion in its middle in a core axial direction of the shape memory alloy member, to fix the middle on a support member.
US09732735B2 Apparatus, system, and method for raising water using a container with membrane
An apparatus, system, and method for raising water is provided. The apparatus includes at least one container movable between at least a descended position and a ascended position within a body of water. A non-water-permeable membrane is positioned within the at least one container, wherein the membrane is movable within an interior compartment of the at least one container to separate the interior compartment into at least a first and a second portion. At least one vent structure is within a wall of the at least one container, wherein movement of the membrane controls a flow of water through the at least one vent structure and into at least one of the first and second portions.
US09732733B2 Two phase wind power generator system
A two phase wind power generator system for producing an electrical output having twice the voltage relative to single phase systems includes a shaft connected to an external shaft rotator, a generator aspect integral with the shaft and an output aspect connected to the generator aspect. The generator aspect includes a power source, switching commutator with integrated brushes, first rotor assembly, first stator assembly, second rotor assembly, and a second stator assembly, with the switching commutator, the first rotor assembly and second rotor assembly discretely mounted to shaft, with the rotor assemblies oriented 180 degrees out of phase. The power source energizes the rotor assemblies, and when the shaft is rotated by an external force, electricity is induced in the stator assemblies. The output aspect is operative to receive electricity induced thereby and convert it to a desired form of electrical current as well as combine it for output.
US09732731B2 Pivoting perch for flying wind turbine parking
An airborne wind turbine system is provided including an aerial vehicle having a fuselage, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a rotatable drum positioned on a tower onto which the tether is wrapped when the aerial vehicle is reeled in, a perch extending from the tower, one or more perch booms attached to the perch panel and pivotably mounted to the tower, wherein when the aerial vehicle is secured to the perch, the aerial vehicle is positionable in a lowered parked position, and wherein the aerial vehicle is movable to a raised parked position caused by rotation of the one or more perch booms with respect to the tower.
US09732727B2 Wind turbine system
A wind turbine system to provide electrical power in areas not connected to the electrical power grid. The wind turbine system includes a frame and a rotatable shaft supported by the frame. A ring and idler gear assembly is coupled to the rotatable shaft. An upper rotor assembly is coupled to the rotatable shaft. The upper rotor assembly is configured to rotate in a first direction and thereby to rotate the rotatable shaft in a first direction. A lower rotor assembly is coupled to the ring and idler gear assembly. The lower rotor assembly is configured to rotate in a second direction which is opposite of the first direction and thereby to rotate the rotatable shaft in the first direction via the ring and idler gear assembly.
US09732722B1 Methods and systems for cylinder speed increase control to improve combustion uniformity
Systems and methods are for controlling internal combustion engines having a plurality of piston-cylinders that cause rotation of a crankshaft. A crankshaft sensor is configured to sense rotational speed of the crankshaft. A controller is configured to calculate an an engine speed increase for each piston-cylinder based upon the rotational speed of the crankshaft and then balance the engine speed increases of the respective piston-cylinders by modifying a combustion input to one or more of the piston-cylinders in order to reduce engine vibration.
US09732714B2 Method and system for water drainage in fuel system
Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle including an engine and a fuel system. In one embodiment, a water drainage system for a fuel system comprises a fuel tank, a fuel-water separator in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a purge tank in fluid communication with the fuel-water separator and the fuel tank, the purge tank separate from the fuel tank. The water drainage system further includes a fuel property sensor for detecting a presence of water and a purge line in fluid communication with the purge tank for removing fluid from the purge tank, a flow of the fluid from the purge tank controlled by a check valve.
US09732713B2 Purge system for a dual-fuel engine
A fuel system for an engine has a cylinder with an inlet air port, an air box surrounding the inlet air port, and a gaseous fuel injector positioned in the air box and having a nozzle located at the inlet air port. The fuel system also has a gaseous fuel control valve, a fuel supply line fluidly extending from the gaseous fuel control valve to the gaseous fuel injector, a purge valve, and a purge fluid supply line fluidly extending from the purge valve to at least one of the fuel supply line and the gaseous fuel injector. The fuel system also has a return valve and a return line fluidly extending from at least one of the fuel supply line and the gaseous fuel injector.
US09732712B1 Marine propulsion device having flame arrestor
A marine propulsion device has an internal combustion engine; an intake manifold that delivers intake air from an upstream inlet to a downstream outlet for combustion in a plurality of piston-cylinders in the internal combustion engine; and a flame arrestor located in the intake manifold at the upstream inlet.
US09732704B2 Gas engine assembly
Gas engine arrangement having a gas engine, a gas rail, via which a first gas in the form of fuel gas can be supplied to at least one gas metering device of the gas engine, and a gas control section, which is designed to supply fuel gas to the gas rail via a supply path on the outflow side. A purge line is passed into the gas rail. The gas engine arrangement is designed to selectively supply fuel gas or a second gas to the purge line, and the gas engine arrangement is designed to displace gas from the gas rail and to discharge it via the supply path when the fuel gas or second gas is supplied to the purge line.
US09732702B2 Heat exchanger for aircraft engine
A heat exchanger for an aircraft engine includes: a body including a plate-like first member and a plate-like second member that are stacked in a thickness direction of the first and second members and joined together, and a channel which is defined in the body and in which the cooling target fluid flows; and a corrugated fin plate disposed in the channel in the body. The body is bent along a curved surface to which the heat exchanger is attached. A plurality of heat dissipation fins stand on an outer surface of at least one of the first member or the second member.
US09732701B2 Center body attachment system
A center body attachment system may comprise an engine flange, a center body mounting assembly, and a center body. The center body mounting assembly may retain the center body and the engine flange in slidable engagement, whereby the engine flange and the center body may expand and contract at different rates. The center body may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a floating counter bore, a spring supporting the floating counter bore, and a slider radially inward of the floating counter bore and retained within the housing by a nut.
US09732699B2 Thermodynamically interactive heat flow process and multi-stage micro power plant
A high efficiency, thermodynamically interactive power system incorporating a “thermodynamic battery” operating in the cryogenic range. The “thermodynamic battery” is drawn upon to optimize the efficiency of power generation during times of peak demand and is “recharged” during periods of low demand. The system is ideally suited for (although not limited to) micropowerplants suitable for widely distributed generation of power in or associated with homes and small businesses, reducing transmission loading on the grid and capable of supplying power into the grid during peak load periods. The widely distributed power generation made practical by present inventions also enables distribution of heating and chill service locally on a much larger scale than is possible with large, centralized generation plants. A novel form of gear pump mechanism makes possible inexpensive and effective multi-stage compression and expansion of gaseous working fluid particularly suitable for incorporation into micropowerplants for distributed and localized power generation.
US09732697B2 Method for controlling engine combustion noise feedback
A method for engine combustion noise feedback control includes calculating an engine combustion noise target value by a controller. A cylinder pressure is measured after combustion of fuel according to a main injection timing and an amount of pilot fuel based on the calculated engine combustion noise target value. A combustion noise index (CNI) is calculated by converting the measured cylinder pressure into a cylinder pressure level. The feedback pilot injection is controlled in which the CNI is applied to injection variable control while controlling the main injection timing and the amount of pilot fuel.
US09732692B2 Apparatus for diagnosing fuel pressure sensor characteristic fault
After an ECU is activated by turning a key switch on, if a total intake air quantity, which is indicative of the engine temperature immediately before turn-off of the key switch, exceeds a set intake air quantity indicative of a full warm-up determination temperature, and a soak time exceeds a set key-off time, it is determined that the condition for executing a diagnosis of a fuel pressure sensor is satisfied.
US09732689B2 Method and system for estimating fuel system integrity
Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel system configured to deliver a gaseous fuel to an engine. While the engine is shutdown, diagnostic routines may be performed to identify fuel system leaks or breaches. When the engine is subsequently restarted, fuel rail pre-priming is adjusted based on the presence of fuel system leaks.
US09732686B2 Variable displacement engine control system and method
Methods and systems are provided for improving the performance of a variable displacement engine. Split injection and spark retard may be used in active cylinders during a VDE mode to heat an exhaust catalyst and extend the duration of VDE mode operation. Split injection and spark retard may also be used in reactivated cylinders at a time of cylinder reactivation to improve restart combustion stability.
US09732681B2 Generation of electricity from exhaust gas
A turbo-generator system generates electricity from the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine 1. The electric current generated by the generator 11 (e.g. a switched reluctance machine) is controlled so as to maintain the turbine 3 at a first pre-set rotational speed. The amount of electric current demanded from the generator 11 is limited or reduced if the electrical system 17 cannot accept a greater electric current or if the exhaust gas pressure upstream of the turbine 3 is too great. In such cases, the proportion of the exhaust gas permitted to bypass the turbine 3 is controlled so as to maintain the turbine 3 at a second pre-set rotational speed that is slightly greater than the first. The turbine's preset speeds are chosen to maximize electrical generating efficiency and for turbine safety. The system maximizes the amount of electricity generated, avoids excessive exhaust gas back-pressure on the engine 1, and avoids overloading the electrical system 17.
US09732680B2 Control device and control method of vehicle
A control device for a vehicle including an engine, the engine including an electric VVT mechanism, the electric VVT mechanism that changes a valve timing of at least either one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve, the control device includes an ECU. The ECU is configured to: perform a crankshaft stop position control to control a rotation stop position of a crankshaft during a stop process of stopping the engine, such that a valve opening degree in which at least either one of a first gap between the intake valve and the corresponding valve seat and a second gap between the exhaust valve and the corresponding valve seat is fully closed or becomes a predetermined gap or more is set as a target valve opening degree; and operate the electric VVT mechanism until the valve opening degree reaches the target valve opening degree, when the engine stops.
US09732674B2 Flow path structure and gas turbine exhaust diffuser
A flow path structure includes a wall surface in which a flow path is formed, a structure configured to extend in a direction intersecting a main stream direction of a fluid flowing through the flow path from the wall surface, and a concave section forming region formed throughout a range including the structure in the main stream direction and having a concave section formed in the wall surface. As the structure occupies a partial range of the flow path in the flow path cross section intersecting the main stream, a cross-sectional area of the flow path is varied in accordance with positional variation in the main stream direction.
US09732673B2 Stoichiometric combustion with exhaust gas recirculation and direct contact cooler
Methods and systems for low emission power generation in hydrocarbon recovery processes are provided. One system includes a gas turbine system configured to stoichiometrically combust a compressed oxidant and a fuel in the presence of a compressed recycle exhaust gas and expand the discharge in an expander to generate a gaseous exhaust stream and drive a main compressor. A boost compressor can receive and increase the pressure of the gaseous exhaust stream and inject it into an evaporative cooling tower configured to use an exhaust nitrogen gas having a low relative humidity as an evaporative cooling media. The cooled gaseous exhaust stream is then compressed and recirculated through the system as a diluent to moderate the temperature of the stoichiometric combustion.
US09732672B2 Method and system for gas turbine power augmentation using steam injection
A method of augmenting power output by a gas turbine engine includes channeling fuel into the gas turbine engine at a predetermined fuel flow rate to generate a first power output. Steam is then injected into the gas turbine engine at a first steam flow rate, and a firing temperature bias is determined based at least on the first steam flow rate. The predetermined fuel flow rate is then adjusted based on the determined firing temperature bias such that the gas turbine engine generates a second power output greater than the first power output.
US09732671B2 Method for safe, efficient, economically productive, environmentally responsible, extraction and utilization of dissolved gases in deep waters of a lake susceptible to limnic eruptions, in which methane is accompanied by abundant carbon dioxide
A method and system are disclosed for safe, efficient, economically productive, environmentally responsible, extraction and utilization of dissolved gases in deep waters of a rare type of “exploding” lake, where methane (CH4) is accompanied by abundant CO2. CH4 is combusted to generate electricity. CO2 usually is considered a contaminant requiring removal to avoid power loss. Cleaning high CO2 levels from CH4, however, is costly and causes CH4 loss. Venting CO2 is environmentally undesirable. Or, if CO2 is disposed in water flow returned to the deep lake, danger persists. CO2 and CH4 are degassed efficiently together and input into oxy-fuel combustion. Three process outputs are: degassed nutrients-rich water flow, power and CO2+H2O exhaust, all usable for industrially productive purposes. Extracting and using both gases together in an integrated method advances safety, economic productivity and environmental stewardship. Previously, it has not been possible to accomplish these ends together. The invention provides a hyper-efficient way.
US09732666B2 Intake control valve and intake apparatus
An intake control valve includes a valve body being made of resin, the valve body configured to be pivotally mounted to a surge tank of an internal combustion engine, the valve body pivoting between an open position and a closed position to for opening and closing a fluid passage formed at a division wall, the division wall dividing inside of the surge tank into two portions; and a bearing being made of metal, the bearing being integrally provided with a first end portion of the valve body by insert molding when resin molding the resin-made valve body.
US09732665B2 Compression ignition internal combustion engine
A compression ignition internal combustion engine includes: a cylinder block and a cylinder head; a piston including a cavity that defines a combustion chamber in cooperation with the cylinder block and the cylinder head; and a nozzle for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber.
US09732661B2 Vehicle water jacket
A vehicle water jacket assembly includes a first water jacket portion establishing a plurality of first fluid channels that are situated to facilitate fluid movement along at least a first plane. A second water jacket portion is situated near the first water jacket portion. The second water jacket portion establishes a plurality of second fluid channels that are situated to facilitate fluid movement along at least a second plane that is generally parallel to the first plane. At least one connector portion establishes a plurality of connector fluid channels that are situated to facilitate fluid movement between at least one of the first fluid channels and at least one of the second fluid channels along a direction that is transverse to the first and second planes.
US09732659B2 SOx concentration detection device of internal combustion engine
The object of the invention is to detect a concentration of a SOx included in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine easily and accurately by a limiting current type sensor. The invention relates to a SOx concentration detection device of the engine having a limiting current type sensor. The device of the invention comprises a detecting part for detecting the concentration of the SOx included in the exhaust gas by using an output current of the sensor while lowering a voltage applied to the sensor from a predetermined voltage.
US09732657B2 Oxygen sensor and oxygen sensor control device
In this invention, an EMF oxygen sensor is subjected to an activation process applying unidirectional voltage between an atmosphere electrode and an exhaust electrode thereof. A control device controlling the oxygen sensor in which a voltage was applied with the atmosphere electrode being positive, additionally applies unidirectional voltage between the electrodes to make the atmosphere electrode positive, for example, when the oxygen sensor was used under an environment in which the air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine was rich relative to the theoretical air-fuel ratio. Conversely, a control device controlling the oxygen sensor in which a voltage was applied to make the atmosphere electrode negative, additionally applies unidirectional voltage between the electrodes to make the atmosphere electrode negative, for example, when the oxygen sensor was used under an environment in which the air-fuel ratio was lean relative to the theoretical air-fuel ratio.
US09732655B2 Exhaust purifying device for internal combustion engine
The device includes an exhaust passage having an upstream end connected to an exhaust port of the engine and a downstream end provided with a catalytic converter, a secondary air passage having a downstream end connected to an intermediate point of the exhaust passage and an upstream end communicating with the atmosphere, and a reed valve provided in an upstream end of the secondary air passage to permit air flow from the atmosphere to the exhaust passage but not in the opposite direction. The reed valve has a resonance frequency which is z times the prescribed exhaust frequency of the engine, where z is an integer. The length of the secondary air passage is selected that the pulsation effect of air in the secondary air passage may be advantageously utilized.
US09732652B2 Exhaust-gas purification device
An exhaust-gas purification device includes an injection nozzle provided inside an exhaust pipe and a catalyst reactor provided on a downstream side of the injection nozzle, and is configured to inject urea water from the urea water injection nozzle into exhaust gas and to reduce nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas by a NOx catalyst contained in the catalyst reactor, where the injection nozzle is disposed to inject the urea water toward the downstream side of the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and a mixer is connected to an upstream end of the catalyst reactor, the mixer having a plurality of plate members radially disposed around the axial center of the exhaust pipe, the plate members each being formed in such a way that angles of plate surfaces of the plate member to the flow direction are different values on the upstream side and the downstream side.
US09732649B2 Evaporative fuel vapor emission control systems
An evaporative emission control canister system comprises an initial adsorbent volume having an effective incremental adsorption capacity at 25° C. of greater than 35 grams n-butane/L between vapor concentration of 5 vol % and 50 vol % n-butane, and at least one subsequent adsorbent volume having an effective incremental adsorption capacity at 25° C. of less than 35 grams n-butane/L between vapor concentration of 5 vol % and 50 vol % n-butane, an effective butane working capacity (BWC) of less than 3 g/dL, and a g-total BWC of between 2 grams and 6 grams. The evaporative emission control canister system has a two-day diurnal breathing loss (DBL) emissions of no more than 20 mg at no more than 210 liters of purge applied after the 40 g/hr butane loading step.
US09732648B2 Catalyst device for exhaust gas purification and method for exhaust gas purification
An exhaust gas purification catalytic device 1 contains Pt, Pd, and Rh as catalytic metals. The catalytic metal Pt is loaded on silica-alumina which serves as a support, and Pt-loaded silica-alumina obtained by loading the Pt on the silica-alumina is contained in a catalytic layer with which an exhaust gas contacts first.
US09732642B2 Apparatus for resetting an engine brake using decompressing
An apparatus for resetting an engine brake to be able to exhibit a braking force by opening an exhaust valve at the close of a compression stroke of an engine to prevent combustion includes a housing configured to introduced with pressurized oil from the engine brake and to discharge the oil to the outside depending on an operation of a rocker arm of the engine brake, a check plate configured to be elastically supported within an inside of the housing to control oil introduced into the housing, a piston configured to be accommodated in the check plate and slid when the inside of the housing is filled with oil to discharge the oil, and a reset pin configured to be elevatably installed at one side of the housing to form a passage through which the oil is discharged from the housing to the outside.
US09732640B2 Method for controlling and monitoring an electromagnet, in particular in a variable valve lift control device
Disclosed is a control and monitoring method via H bridge of an electromagnet including a solenoid through which a current can be passed in one direction and in the opposite direction. The solenoid delivers a signal corresponding to a mechanical locking movement. Once a current flows in the solenoid, the bridge switches automatically into high impedance with all transistors thereof blocked. A measurement is then taken at the terminals of the solenoid to verify the locked state of the electromechanical system.
US09732635B2 Method for enhanced cold steam turbine start in a supplementary fired multi gas turbine combined cycle plant
A method for enhanced cold (or warm) steam turbine start in a supplementary fired multi-gas turbine combined cycle plant is disclosed. Boiler supplementary firing, which is normally used to increase steam flow when the plant gas turbine is at maximum load, is used to augment steam production with a partly loaded, temperature matched gas turbine. This is done to satisfy minimum required steam flow for a cold (or warm) steam turbine start. Lighting the supplementary firing burners in the heat recovery steam generator/boiler and setting them at a minimum or low heat load serves to add enough steam, at the proper temperature, to insure a successful cold or warm steam turbine start when the gas turbine load and related steam production capacity from the gas turbine exhaust flow are limited by the need to match the required steam temperature and/or maintain low gas turbine exhaust emissions.
US09732634B2 Rankine cycle device, expansion system and expansion machine
To improve the reliability of the Rankine cycle device using a sealed-type expansion machine, the Rankine cycle device 100 according to the present disclosure comprises a pump 1, a heater 2, an expansion machine 3, a radiator 5, and a cooling path 8. The expansion machine 3 comprises an expansion mechanism 11 for extracting a power from the working fluid, an electric power generator 12, a sealed container 10 containing the expansion mechanism 11 and the electric power generator 12, a first inlet 34a, a first outlet 35a, a second inlet 30a, and a second outlet 31a. The radiator 5 is connected to the pump 1 with a flow path to cool the working fluid drained from the second outlet 31a. The cooling path 8 which connects the first outlet 35a to the second outlet 30a has a cooler 4 to cool the working fluid drained from the first outlet 35a.
US09732633B2 Turbocharger turbine assembly
A turbocharger including a turbine housing including a gas inlet passage and a turbine wheel arranged in the turbine housing. A bearing housing is connected to the turbine housing. A nozzle ring is disposed around the turbine wheel and a shroud is arranged in surrounding relation to at least a portion of the turbine wheel. The shroud is connected to the nozzle ring and the nozzle ring and shroud are connected to a heat shield. The heat shield is secured to the bearing housing by a plurality of cross key pins, each cross key pin being inserted in a radially extending first passage in the heat shield and a complementary radially extending second passage in the bearing housing. The first passages and second passages are symmetrically arranged in a circular pattern about a rotational axis of the turbine.
US09732629B2 Turbofan engine main bearing arrangement
A turbofan engine (20; 300; 400) comprises a fan (28), a fan drive gear system (60), a fan shaft (120) coupling the fan drive gear system to the fan, a low spool, an intermediate spool, and a core spool. The low spool engages at least three main bearings of which at least two are non-thrust bearings and at least one is a thrust bearing. The fan shaft engages at least two bearings (148, 150). The core spool engages at least two bearings (250, 260). The intermediate spool engages at least two of said bearings (220, 200, 230; 220, 200, 230-2; 200, 220, 230-3).
US09732627B2 Sealing structure in steam turbine
According to an embodiment, a rotor blade cover section is integrated with the rotor blades at leading ends thereof. A plurality of sealing fins is disposed at the rotor blade cover section, the sealing fins forming a predetermined clearance relative to an inner peripheral portion of the nozzle outer ring. An annular solid particle trapping space is disposed at the inner peripheral portion of the nozzle outer ring, the solid particle trapping space communicating with an inlet of a steam leak and trapping solid particles that flow in with steam. In the sealing structure, the nozzle outer ring has a through hole through which the solid particles are to be discharged from the solid particle trapping space toward a downstream stage of the steam turbine.
US09732626B2 Turbomachine casing assembly
A turbomachine casing assembly includes a first casing element locatable radially outward of one or more rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine, a second casing element located radially distal to the first casing element and one or more arcuate fence elements positioned between the first and second casing elements. Following impact of a detached fan blade, a radially outward movement of the first casing element causes the or each fence element to project into the air flow passing through the turbomachine.
US09732625B2 System and method for controlling a gas turbine engine
A control system for a gas turbine engine including a power turbine is disclosed. The control system may include a control module to receive engine operating goals and an estimated current engine state, wherein the estimated current engine state is produced by a model-based estimation module using a bandwidth signal produced by an adaptation logic module. The control module is operative to determine fuel flow, inlet guide vane schedules and stability bleed schedules based at least in part on the received engine operating goals and the estimated current engine state, and to send signals to a gas generator of the gas turbine engine in order to control the gas generator according to the determined fuel flow, inlet guide vane schedules and stability bleed schedules.
US09732622B1 Self-balancing air riding seal for a turbine
A turbine of a gas turbine engine has an air riding seal that forms a seal between a rotor and a stator of the turbine, the air riding seal including an annular piston movable in an axial direction under the influence of a pressure on one side with a pressure acting on an opposite side that self-balances the air riding seal during the steady state condition of the engine and lifts off the seal during engine transients.
US09732615B2 Moment-cancelling 4-stroke engine
A moment-cancelling, four-stroke engine is disclosed. The engine includes a first cylinder having a first piston and a second cylinder having a second piston, a first crankshaft operably connected to the first piston and a second crankshaft operably connected to the second piston. The first crankshaft rotates in a first direction and the second crankshaft rotates in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to cancel the moments applied to the engine and reduce engine vibration.
US09732611B2 Method and apparatus for formation testing and sampling when performing subterranean operations
Methods and systems for improving operations of a formation tester are disclosed. The formation tester (400) is placed in a wellbore at a location of interest. The formation tester comprises a first isolation pad (402) coupled to a pad carrier (410) and a second isolation pad (404). The first isolation is extendable to substantially seal a probe of the formation tester against a wellbore wall. The first isolation pad is then replaced with the second isolation pad if it is determined that the first isolation pad should be replaced with the second isolation pad.
US09732610B2 Method of sampling oil-bearing inclusion
A method of sampling ingredients of an oil-bearing inclusion includes a) providing a first container and a second container, an external diameter of the first container being smaller than an internal diameter of the second container, and the first and second containers both being transparent; b) adding a solvent into the first container and sealing said first container; c) adding an oil-bearing inclusion sample into the second container, and putting the first container that contains the solvent and is sealed in step b) into the second container; and d) using a laser to ablate the oil-bearing inclusion sample contained in the second container that is sealed in step c), and using the laser to break an end portion of the first container close to the sample on condition that the second container is maintained complete, so as to allow the solvent in the first container to enter the second container.
US09732609B2 Distributed clamps for a downhole seismic source
The present disclosure relates to increasing the output power of a clamped seismic or acoustic source disposed in a wellbore without damaging the borehole/casing/cement. One or more sources are provided and carried on a conveyance mechanism. The conveyance mechanism may be a wireline, a coiled tubing, or a drill pipe. The one or more sources are run into and/or out of the wellbore and temporarily disposed at various locations within the wellbore. The one or more sources are temporarily clamped to the wellbore at the various locations using distributed clamping, and a source signal is generated by the distributed clamped source. The distributed clamping device may have multiple clamping mechanisms along an increased length of the source or a continuous clamping mechanism along an increased length of the source.
US09732608B2 Downhole telemetry
A telemetry system with a plurality of controllers and telemetry systems, where the controllers are configured to obtain information from one or more sensors and transmit that information on one or more of the plurality of telemetry systems. The configuration of a controller may be changed so as to change which information is transmitted on a given telemetry system.
US09732605B2 Downhole well tool and cooler therefor
A well tool can include a well tool housing and a cooling section positioned within the well tool housing, the cooling section including a helical cooling fluid flow path, and the flow path having a reversal of direction proximate an end of the cooling section. Another well tool can include a cooling fluid which flows through the helical flow path toward the end of the cooling section in one direction, and which flows through the helical flow path away from the end of the cooling section in an opposite direction. Another well tool can include the cooling fluid which flows through the helical flow path, and which makes multiple passes longitudinally through the cooling section proximate a heat-sensitive device.
US09732604B2 Remote visual and auditory monitoring system
A well site remote monitoring system comprises a monitoring station, a number of recording devices, a number of sensors, a processor, and a power source. The monitoring station supports the recording devices, processor, and power source thereon and is positioned at a strategic location at a well site so that the recording devices can create video, audio, or other recordings of points of interest of the well site. Operation data relating to operational aspects of the points of interest may be overlaid on the recordings. The processor controls the recording devices and uploads the recordings to a remote server computer for storage and so that an operator can manage and view the recordings on a remote monitoring computer.
US09732603B2 Fluid injection filtration system
A system for filtering produced fluid from a wellbore comprises a filter system, a solids collection vessel in fluid communication with a drain in the filter system, and a fluid line coupled to the solids collection vessel. The filter system comprises a housing defining a chamber, a filtration device disposed within the chamber, a fluid inlet disposed in the housing and configured to receive a fluid comprising suspended solids into an inlet portion, a fluid outlet disposed in the housing and configured to pass the fluid out of the housing from an outlet portion, and a drain in fluid communication with a lower portion of the housing and configured to pass at least a portion of the suspended solids out of the inlet portion of the housing.
US09732602B1 Method of delivering fracturing fluid and additives by formulating an aqueous based fluid for optimal fracturing fluid characteristics
A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.
US09732601B2 Electrical device for well stimulation
An electrical device for well stimulation comprising a plurality of sections configured to be assembled, end to end, to form a tool. The tool comprises first and second electrodes. The second electrode is an electrically insulated peripheral electrode of the first electrode. The first and second electrodes of the tool forming, at one of the ends of the tool, a stimulation head. Additionally, one end of a body of a first section comprises a peripheral ring that is rotatably movable and translatably immobile relative to the body of the first section. The peripheral ring comprises a thread configured to engage with a thread of the second electrode of one end of a second section.
US09732598B2 Downhole electromagnetic pump and methods of use
The downhole electromagnetic pump includes a pumping chamber that is provided with a throughbore through which fluid may be pumped. An electrode arrangement is provided in order to produce an electro-hydro-dynamic force on fluids within the pump such that fluid may be pumped through the pump in a desired direction. A method of utilizing the downhole electromagnetic pump in order to pump fluids in a downhole environment is also provided.
US09732596B2 Method and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from one subsea well
A method of commissioning one subsea hydrocarbon well terminating by a wellhead, wherein, from a petroleum drilling rig, the method includes: screwing double-walled pipe segments together in mutual succession to form a thermally insulated floor-to-surface 1 hydrocarbons, and an outer pipe, between which pipes a thermally insulating material is disposed; connecting the floor-to-surface link pipe to wellhead; and extracting the hydrocarbons via the floor-to-surface link pipe to the drilling rig on the surface.
US09732592B2 Estimating well production performance in fractured reservoir systems
Systems and methods for estimating well production performance in fractured reservoir systems using real-time down-hole temperature and stress information from advanced monitoring techniques.
US09732589B1 Integrated subsea power distribution system with flowline direct electrical heating and pressure boosting and methods for using
Disclosed is a system and method for integrating power distribution for subsea boosting and direct electrical heating (DEH) of at least one subsea flowline. A subsea power cable located in a subsea environment is electrically connected to at least one power generator at a topsides location and delivers power to a subsea switchgear module which connects to subsea adjustable speed drives (ASD). At least one pump motor is electrically connected to at least one of the ASD, and at least one capacitor bank is electrically connected to at least one of the subsea ASD. A subsea pressure boosting pump is driven by the pump motor. At least one capacitor bank is electrically connected to at least one of the subsea ASD. At least one DEH is electrically connected to at least one of the subsea ASD in series with the at least one capacitor bank and in contact with the at least one subsea flowline. Power is distributed to the boosting and DEH equipment more efficiently and cost effectively.
US09732583B2 Completion systems with flow restrictors
A method of completing a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes: placing a lower completion assembly that includes a flow device to provide fluid communication between the lower completion assembly and a production zone associated with the lower completion assembly; placing an isolation assembly with a packer above the lower completion assembly for isolating an annulus between the lower completion assembly and the wellbore; placing a flow restriction device above the packer; setting the flow restriction device in the annulus to restrict flow of fluid through the annulus; and setting the packer after setting the flow restriction device.
US09732582B2 Wellbore sealing with hybrid wicker system
A wellbore system includes a sealing assembly for creating an annular seal between wellbore members. The sealing assembly includes a wicker profile defined a first sealing surface for engaging and embedding into a radially adjacent, second sealing surface. The wicker profile includes a first section having a first hardness and a second section adjacent to the first section and having a second hardness greater than the first hardness. Both the first and second sections of wickers are embedded into the second sealing surface, and can thus provide a high degree of both sealing and lockdown performance.
US09732579B2 Plug apparatus
A disintegrable plug apparatus for use in connection with petroleum wells, especially during pressure testing of such petroleum wells. The plug apparatus has an outer housing surrounding at least one sealing device and a plurality of supporting bodies, where at least one of the supporting bodies is in engagement with a locking device for locking to a locking sleeve. After application of a predetermined pressure on the plug apparatus, the at least one supporting body and the at least one sealing device are permitted an axial movement such that the at least one sealing device is brought into contact with loading devices for disintegration of the at least one sealing device.
US09732578B2 Downhole sealing assembly with swellable seal
A downhole sealing assembly comprises a sleeve adapted to be mounted on a tubular body disposable within a bore, the sleeve (12) including a swellable material and defining a sealing arrangement comprising inner and outer seals. Swelling of the material radially extends the inner seal into contact with the tubular body and extends the outer seal into contact with the bore.
US09732567B2 Interchangeable bail link apparatus and method
An interchangeable elevator bail link system and method for changing elevator bail length and load carrying configurations during rig operations, wherein an upper bail section is provided comprising a connection for a link tilt system of a top drive or traveling block, and further comprising a connector for connecting to a corresponding connector located on one or more lower bail sections of differing tonnage capacities and lengths, wherein the upper bail section connector and lower bail section connector comprise male and female profiles of corresponding size, shape and location, so that when the connector of the lower bail section is aligned in nonparallel relation to the connector of the upper bail section, which is attached to a link tilt system, movement of the top drive or traveling block in an upwards direction will cause the lower bail section to rotate to a position parallel with the upper bail section.
US09732566B2 Downhole release tool
A downhole tool has a release device for releasing a downhole device in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a collet with an inner surface and a collet shoulder; a release rod configured to engage the collet shoulder in a locked position and disengage from the collet shoulder in a release position; and a release tube surrounding the release rod and having a release ramp proximate a nose of the release tube.
US09732565B2 Method for riser string handling and an offshore drilling vessel
A method for riser string handling on an offshore drilling vessel, the offshore drilling vessel including a multiple firing line hoist system, a riser tensioner system arranged in the second firing line, and a suspended riser transfer device. The method including the steps of lowering a riser string in the first firing line, and simultaneously assembling and preparing a riser tensioner system in the second firing line, wherein the riser hang-off assembly displaces the riser string, leaving the top end of the riser string exposed, from the first firing line to the second firing line to be connected to the riser tensioner system.
US09732564B2 Drilling rig equipment platform
An aircraft-transportable platform component for supporting a drilling rig includes a buoyant body supported by a frame and lifting members coupled to the frame for engagement by an aircraft. A portion of the frame protrudes from an underside surface of the frame for anchoring the platform component in unstable ground. The buoyant body maintains a top surface of the aircraft-transportable platform component above the unstable ground.
US09732560B2 Drilling tool and apparatus
A drilling apparatus including a rotary cutting tool having a proximal end and a distal end and further defining a rotary axis generally extending between the proximal and distal ends. The rotary cutting tool includes a proximally directed face located between the proximal and distal ends that face mainly in a proximal direction. The rotary cutting tool also includes an angled mounting face that extends between the proximally directed face and the proximal end. The angled mounting face is angled relative to the proximally directed face and the rotary axis where one of a mounting aperture and a mounting protrusion are provided at the proximally directed face. The one of the mounting aperture and the mounting protrusion have a mounting depth that extends generally in the direction of the rotary axis. The distal end includes a feature that is configured for at least one of cutting and grinding.
US09732553B2 Shutter assembly
A shutter assembly including a plurality of shutter panels arranged side-by-side. Each shutter panel has a respective plurality of louvers and a respective operable tilt mechanism configured to adjust the tilt angle of the respective plurality of louvers. A control shaft operates the tilt mechanisms. The control shaft is configured to drive simultaneously the respective tilt mechanisms of all of the plurality of shutter panels.
US09732550B2 Storage assembly having user-accessible compartments categorized by different levels of user access
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a furniture apparatus comprising an outdoor-storage assembly having user-accessible compartments being arranged relative to each other, of which are categorized by different types of user access.
US09732549B2 Safe with concealed hinge
A safe with a concealed hinge assembly. A safe body has a pocket with a hinge pin attached to the pocket. A safe door has a hinge lug rigidly attached to the safe door. A hinge assembly is formed when the hinge pin is inserted through the hinge lug allowing for the safe door to be pivotally attached to the safe body. The hinge assembly is contained within the pocket so that the hinge assembly is concealed and protected from tampering. In a preferred embodiment the safe body includes two pockets within a rigidly attached door frame. Two hinge assemblies are contained within the pockets so that they are concealed and protected from tampering.
US09732542B2 Retractor assembly for a cylindrical lockset
A retractor assembly for a cylindrical lockset comprises inner and outer retractors. Each of the retractors has a cam engaging surface to convert rotary motion from the inside door handle into linear latch-retracting motion. Inner and outer spindles having retractor activation cams are configured to bear upon cam surfaces of the inner and outer retractors to retract the latch. When the inner door handle is operated, the inner retractor acts directly upon the tailpiece of the latch bolt assembly to retract the latch. When the outer door handle is operated, the outer retractor presses on the inner retractor, causing it to retract the latch. If there is an attack, a blocker assembly engages with members formed in the outer retractor to render the outer retractor inoperative to move into a latch-retracting position without interfering with operation of the inner retractor to move into a latch-retracting position.
US09732532B1 Construction method for protecting a surface of a structure
A construction method for protecting a surface of a structure is provided to protect interior and exterior surfaces of the structure before construction starts. The construction method is executed by laying a soft base material on the surfaces of the structure and covering the base material with a quick setting cement material to form a leveled cement plate with great wear resistance and pressure resistance whereby the surfaces are not damaged by any improper force derived from the construction. Thus, the construction efficiency is increased. The base material on which the quick setting cement material is laid can be easily removed from the surfaces of the structure without tools because the base material is not adhered to the surfaces. The base material can also be reused after being separated from the quick setting cement material to prevent the occurrence of environmental pollution and reduce the cost of construction.
US09732525B1 Method and apparatus for manufacturing building panels
A method of manufacturing building panels includes assembling a frame of a building panel. The frame defines at least one cavity and at least one injection aperture in fluid communication with the at least one cavity. The method also includes positioning the frame on one of a base and a shelf of a multi-panel consolidation device having a plurality of shelves, with the shelves being in an expanded configuration, and at least substantially enclosing the at least one cavity. The method also includes forcing the shelves of the multi-panel consolidation device into a collapsed configuration, and injecting an expandable polymer through the at least one injection aperture into the at least one cavity. The method further includes forcing the shelves into an expanded configuration after a predetermined period of time selected to permit the expandable polymer to form a foam bonded to the frame.
US09732522B2 System, method and apparatus for attic rafter extension for storage
A support structure may have a base having surfaces including a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and sides. A first top slot may be formed in the top and may extend at least partially between the front and the rear. A second top slot may be formed in the top and may extend at least partially between the sides. In addition, a bottom slot may be formed in the bottom. A system for attic storage can include an attic having attic joists. A plurality of support structures, each comprising a base, may be mounted to the attic joists. At least two conventional lumber studs may be included and may extend between adjacent ones of the bases. In addition, a plurality of lumber panels may be mounted to at least one of the bases and the lumber studs.
US09732511B2 Truss hinge with variations in angular settings
A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.
US09732508B1 Hexagonal module and assembly for storage of water underground
Individual hexagonal shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant honeycomb shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another via openings or windows in module side walls. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.
US09732507B2 Wall-hung toilet with improved load-bearing capacity
A wall hung toilet is described which has a toilet body having a toilet body inlet, a back plate having at least a first and a second lower fastener opening therethrough, a toilet body outlet, a bowl and a base. The bowl has an interior surface defining a interior area for receiving fluid, an inlet for introducing fluid to the interior area of the bowl and a bowl outlet. A trapway for passing fluid from the bowl outlet to the toilet body outlet is also included. The base of the toilet body extends from a front bowl portion of the base to a rear portion of the base that contacts the back plate, and the base is configured so as to distribute load bearing forces when applied to the bowl in use towards each of a first area around the first fastener opening and a second area around the second fastener area.
US09732506B2 Anti-overflow toilet with detachable primary and secondary drain tubes
A toilet configuration includes a toilet fixture, a detachable primary drain, and a detachable secondary drain. The primary and secondary drains can be assembled together or formed unitarily. The fixture includes a toilet bowl, a primary drain interface at a bottom of the bowl configured to permit liquid to flow from the toilet bowl into a detachable primary drain, and a secondary drain hole. The detachable primary drain fluidly is connected to the primary drain interface and is configured to be fluidly connected to a sewer pipe to discharge the liquid directly into the sewer pipe. A detachable secondary drain fluidly is connected to the secondary drain hole and is configured to be fluidly connected to the sewer pipe to discharge backed up fluid from the toilet fixture directly into the sewer pipe.
US09732505B2 Devices for moving a toilet, and related methods and kits
In certain aspects, devices and methods for moving a toilet are provided that can include an elongated member, a first engaging member, and a second engaging member. The engaging members can be coupled to the elongated member and extend radially away from the elongated member. The engaging members can include contact surfaces that are disposed distal to the elongated member and that are configured to engage the toilet. In other aspects, devices and methods for moving a toilet can include a handle, a first collar, and a second collar. The collars can be coupled to the handle and can be configured to slide along the handle in unlocked modes and to positionally secure along the handle in locked modes. The collars can be configured to receive and secure to one or more removable shackles.
US09732500B2 Cushioned swing circuit
A cushioned swing circuit provides the reduction of oscillation common in the operation of heavy equipment such as with boom members. The circuit utilizes a transfer of high pressure fluid flow (caused by the inertial of the swing during rapid deceleration) from one leg of the circuit to the other leg of the circuit or to the sump which serves as decompression for the oil that would ordinarily be trapped in the leg. These phenomena create the swing cushioning effect.
US09732496B1 Sorting and sifting methods and apparatus, and loader attachments and methods
An attachment configured to be captured and lifted by a bucket of a vehicle includes a back end proximate the bucket, in operation; a left side; a right side; a front end distal from the bucket, the front end defining a bottom surface; connection means for receiving a forward edge of the bucket, wherein the bucket can engage and lift the attachment; and means defining a material handling area between the left side, right side, front end, and back end, the material handling area including apertures for sifting, wherein material rolls up into the material handling area when the attachment moves forward so that material can be sifted in the sifting area.
US09732495B2 Implement cutting edge wear member
A wear member for an earth-working implement including a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The wear member includes a front face defined on the front portion with a front cutout surface, a front lower surface, and a front upper surface. The wear member includes a rear face on the rear portion facing away from the front face. The wear member includes a front cutout on the front face defining the front cutout surface between the front lower surface and the front upper surface. The front cutout surface extends between the inner side portion and the outer side portion and offset from the front upper surface and the front lower surface toward the rear face. The front lower surface and the front upper surface are co-planar and parallel to the front cutout surface and the rear face.