| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09798367B2 |
Controlling supply of power to computing devices with dynamically variable energy capacity
Methods and apparatus relating to controlling the supply of power to computing devices with dynamically variable energy capacity are described. In one embodiment, logic causes modification to supply of power from a power source to one or more loads in response to a comparison of an output of the power source and a threshold value. The output of the power source may vary over a time period (e.g., oscillating) that causes the one or more loads to become inoperational. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09798364B2 |
Chassis used for an electronic device
A chassis used for an electronic device is disclosed, comprising: a main body (21) suitable for internally accommodating the electronic device, wherein the main body has an opening on at least one of its sides for accommodating the optional accessories of the electronic device; and a panel (22) for enclosing the opening when closed and exposing the opening when opened. The panel (22) is suitable to be connected with a cable (23), the first end of which is suitable for being electrically connected to the electronic device and the second end of which is suitable for being electrically connected to the optional accessories. The panel (22) maintains the cable (23) within the main body (21) when closed, and exposes the second end of the cable (23) when opened. According to an embodiment of the present invention, A UPS arranged inside the chassis described above is provided. A set of SNMP optional accessories are also provided for the UPS, which may be installed only when SNMP function is needed, so that the manufacture cost of the UPS is reduced. |
| US09798361B2 |
Solid state drive apparatus
Provided is a solid state drive apparatus having improved reliability. The solid state drive apparatus includes: a substrate on which at least one non-volatile memory device is mounted; a main body case in which the substrate is mounted, wherein an accommodating portion is formed at a corner of the main body case; a bumper case mounted in the accommodating portion of the main body case; and an shock-absorbing member connecting the main body case and the bumper case to each other such that a separation distance is provided between the main body case and the bumper case, wherein the main body case and the bumper case form an exterior of the solid state drive apparatus as adjacent portions of the main body case and the bumper case are located on a same plane with the separation distance therebetween. |
| US09798355B2 |
Projection method and electronic device
A projection method and an electronic device are provided. The method includes: projecting a first projection content from a first projection unit; determining at least one second projection unit of the electronic device in the presence of a first operation; and projecting the first projection content from the at least one second projection unit. |
| US09798349B2 |
Button pressing device with moving plate and sticky ball
A resilient ball is placed on a button to be pressed. The ball rises above the rest of the surface of a device with a button, so that a plate which pushes down on the device presses first against the ball, and presses the button there-beneath. A user can place the ball on a button of his/her choice and insert it in a housing, so that, when the plate is pushed downward, it will, in turn, cause the chosen button to be pressed. The plate is held with a dowel on one end, extending past the plate thereof at another end and into portals which are part of, or fixed to, the housing. The compressible ball is thus positioned between the plate and the button to be pressed, the device abutting the housing and/or a fixed plate on its other side. |
| US09798348B2 |
Power converter dependent on a voltage range the input voltage resides in
A power converter (14) can include a switching system (18) to convert a direct current (DC) input voltage to an output voltage based on a switching signal having a duty-cycle. A controller (16) can set the duty-cycle of the switching signal, depending on the DC input voltage, to one of a substantially constant value, such that the output voltage follows the DC input voltage in a normal mode, and a value that varies inversely with respect to the DC input voltage, such that the output voltage is substantially constant in another mode. |
| US09798346B2 |
Voltage reference circuit with reduced current consumption
Provided is a reference voltage circuit capable of outputting, with a low voltage and low current consumption, a voltage that is less liable to change due to a temperature change, and has a low GND terminal reference voltage. The reference voltage circuit includes a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor connected by a current mirror circuit, the first NMOS transistor having a gate and a drain connected to each other via a first resistor, the second NMOS transistor having a gate connected to the drain of the first NMOS transistor, and a source connected to a GND terminal via a second resistor, the second NMOS transistor having a threshold voltage lower than a threshold voltage of the first NMOS transistor, in which a reference voltage is output from the source of the second NMOS transistor. |
| US09798345B1 |
Control circuit and control system
A control circuit comprising a driving circuit, which comprises a voltage adjusting circuit for generating a control voltage, and comprises a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor comprises: a first terminal; a second terminal; and a control terminal, for receiving a bias voltage generated from at least operating voltage of the control circuit. The second transistor comprises: a first terminal, coupled to a second terminal of the first transistor; a second terminal, for receiving a first predetermined voltage; and a control terminal, for receiving the control voltage. The control circuit further comprises: a candidate voltage selecting circuit, for outputting one of a plurality of candidate voltages; and a voltage selecting circuit, for outputting one of the candidate voltage output from the candidate voltage selecting circuit and a ground voltage as the bias voltage. |
| US09798344B2 |
Power switch with source-bias mode for on-chip powerdomain supply drooping
This invention is an electronic circuit with a low power retention mode. A single integrated circuit includes a circuit module and a droop switch circuit supplied by a voltage regulator. In a normal mode a PMOS source-drain channel connects the voltage regulator power to the circuit module power input or isolates them dependent upon a power switch input. In a low power mode a second PMOS connected between the first PMOS gate and output diode connects the first PMOS. This supplied the circuit module from the voltage regulator power as reduced in voltage by a diode forward bias drop. This lower voltage should be sufficient for flip-flops in the circuit module to retain their state while not guaranteeing logic operation. There may be a plurality of chain connected droop switch each powering a corresponding circuit module. |
| US09798343B2 |
Quantifying operating strategy energy usage
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for quantifying operating strategy energy usage. One embodiment describes an industrial control system that includes a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions executable by a processor of the industrial control system. The instructions include instructions to determine a plurality of operating strategies associated with an industrial automation component that is communicatively coupled to the industrial control system, in which each of the plurality of operating strategies includes a set of operational parameters associated with the industrial automation component, determine an expected energy usage cost associated with the industrial automation component for each of the plurality of operating strategies, determine an expected value added associated with the industrial automation component for each of the plurality of operating strategies, and select one of the plurality of operating strategies for operating the industrial automation component based at least in part on the expected energy usage cost and the expected value added associated with each of the plurality of operating strategies. |
| US09798342B2 |
Detection and correction of fault induced delayed voltage recovery
Disclosed herein are methods for detecting and correcting a fault induced delayed voltage recovery event in an electric power transmission and distribution system. In some embodiments, a fault detection subsystem may receive an indication of a fault in the electric power transmission and distribution system. The system may also include a load analysis subsystem to analyze a plurality of loads supplied by the electric power system and to generate an estimated response of the loads. A fault analysis subsystem may analyze a plurality of factors relating to the fault and to determine a probability of the fault generating a fault induced delayed voltage recovery event. A control system may then implement a control strategy within a control window following the fault based on the probability of the fault generating a fault induced delayed voltage recovery event and the estimated response of the at least one load. |
| US09798336B2 |
Building management system with linked thermodynamic models for HVAC equipment
A building management system (BMS) includes one or more sensors that measure a variable state or condition in the BMS and a plurality of BMS devices that operate to affect the variable state or condition measured by the one or more sensors. Each of the BMS devices stores a thermodynamic block that models the BMS device. Each of the thermodynamic blocks includes a list of connections and a list of stats. The connections define one or more inputs to the thermodynamic block and one or more outputs from the thermodynamic block. The stats define one or more relationships between the inputs and the outputs. Each of the BMS devices includes a solver configured to perform calculations using the stats and connections defined by the thermodynamic block stored within the BMS device. |
| US09798331B2 |
Multi-stage back pressure regulators and associated devices, systems, and methods
Multi-stage back pressure regulators are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a multi-stage back pressure regulator includes a first stage and a second stage downstream from the first stage. The first stage includes a gas-charged regulator device arranged to receive a fluid at an inlet, and the second stage includes a spring-loaded regulator device having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The gas-charged regulator and the spring-loaded regulator are configured to control inlet pressure to the back pressure regulator and maximum differential pressures across the first and second stages. |
| US09798330B2 |
Fluid fitting with integrated fluid management device
What is presented is a fluid fitting used in a facility that has a plurality of surfaces and a source of fluid pressure. The fluid fitting comprises a mounting component, a conduit adapter, a port, and a fluid management device. The mounting component makes the fluid fitting mountable on the external side of the surface. The conduit adapter is connectable to the fluid handling conduit on the internal side of the surface. The port has a flow path to the conduit adapter that enables a fluid connection between the conduit adapter and the port. The fluid management device is permanently incorporated in the flow path such that the fluid management device is permanently connected to the port at the fluid dispensing point. |
| US09798328B2 |
Mobile robot area cleaning
A cleaning robot includes a chassis, a drive system connected to the chassis and configured to drive the robot, a signal generator and sensor carried by the chassis, and a controller in communication with the drive system and the sensor. The signal generator directs a signal toward the floor surface. The sensor is responsive to reflected signals from the floor surface. The controller controls the drive system to alter direction of the robot responsive to a reflected signal indicating an edge of the floor surface. |
| US09798327B2 |
Apparatus and method for deploying sensors
Described herein a robot assisted method of deploying sensors in a geographic region. The method of deploying sensors is posed as a Markovian decision process. The robot assigns each grid cell in a map of the geographic region a reward value based on a surface elevation of the geographic region and a soil hardness factor. Further, the robot determines an action for each grid cell of the plurality of grid cells, wherein the action corresponds to an expected direction of movement of the robot in the grid cell. The robot computes a global path as a concatenation of actions starting from a first grid cell and terminating at a second grid cell. The method monitors the movement of the robot on the computed global path and computes a second path based on a deviation of the robot from the global path. |
| US09798324B2 |
Autonomous vehicle operation
A method for an autonomous vehicle to follow a target is provided. The method may include obtaining a position and a velocity of a target and obtaining a position of an autonomous vehicle. The method may also include obtaining a path that encloses the position of the target and determining a path rate for the autonomous vehicle to move along the path based on the velocity of the target. The method may also include determining a path position along the path based on the position of the autonomous vehicle and determining a change in the position of the autonomous vehicle based on the path position, the path rate, and the velocity of the target. The method may also include adjusting a velocity and a direction of the autonomous vehicle to achieve the change in the position of the autonomous vehicle. |
| US09798320B2 |
Method and apparatus for alarm monitoring
A method for alarm monitoring abnormal conditions associated with a process operation includes collecting N sample data representing one or more parameters of a process, determining a distribution type of the sample data, obtaining an alarm monitoring strategy associated with the distribution type, and monitoring the process using the alarm monitoring strategy. The distribution type may be single-constant, multi-level discrete, normally distributed, continuous non-normally distributed, cyclical trend-up/down, and drifting away after a period maintenance. The alarm monitoring strategy includes a unilateral or bilateral control chart. The one-side control chart has either an upper control limit (UCL) of (100−p) or a lower control limit (LCL) of (p), and the two-sided control chart has a UCL of (100−p/2) and an LCL of (p/2), where p is a predetermined false alarm rate which determines the number N. The control limit may be a difference between two adjacent sample values of the sample data. |
| US09798319B2 |
Industrial control metadata engine
In an industrial control setting, different components can have information that can be valuable to various entities, such as other components, technicians, and the like. A decision can be made as to what information should be available to entities and a determination can be made if the information should be published in a directory or be discoverable. Security can be taken into account in determining if information should be published and decision making can employ adaptive learning, such that a publish and/or discovery decision criterion can be modified based on the learning. |
| US09798312B2 |
Numerical control device
A numerical control device (1) of a machine tool capable of controlling its spindle rotating speed includes: a program analyzing unit (2) that reads ahead a machining program (6) by one block or more and analyzes a command for the machine tool; and a command determining unit (3) that determines, based on a result analyzed by the program analyzing unit (2), whether a command posterior to a spindle control command causes any machining problem when the command is executed during a spindle rotating speed change, outputs a first command, in which some problem occurs in the machining, after the spindle rotating speed reaches the commanded rotating speed, and output a second command, which is other than the first command, before the spindle rotating speed reaches the commanded rotating speed. |
| US09798306B2 |
Energy usage auto-baseline for diagnostics and prognostics
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that provide an energy usage auto-baseline used for diagnostics and/or prognostics. One embodiment describes a method that includes determining, using an industrial control system, energy usage associated with an industrial automation component over a period of time based at least in part on an operational parameter associated with the industrial automation component, generating, using the industrial control system, an energy usage baseline associated with the industrial automation component based at least in part on the energy usage, in which the energy usage baseline includes an expected energy usage associated with the industrial automation component, and sending, using the industrial control system, a notification to a display of the industrial control system, in which the notification indicates that the industrial automation component is potentially experiencing a fault when the energy usage exceeds the energy usage baseline. |
| US09798305B2 |
Calculation device
A calculation device includes a plurality of calculation processing units configured to perform different processes with each other, a plurality of calculators configured to perform a same calculation, and a control unit configured to control a number of the calculators to be operated during each of a plurality of divided periods based on a length of a predetermined processing period and a number of calculations to be performed, such that a number of data which is equal to a number of calculations is processed within a predetermined processing period, and that the number of the calculators to be operated during each of the plurality of divided periods is averaged, the divided periods being obtained by dividing up the predetermined processing period. |
| US09798298B2 |
Community energy management system
Systems and methods for distributed control and energy management of one or more communities of energy-consuming units may include aggregation of consumption data from units, and determining per-unit electricity consumption based thereon, including consumption of backup power provided by a community during periods of time of poor quality (brownouts) or blackouts of a utility. A system may calculate and assess to respective units per-unit costs for such backup power. A system may also issue a command or alert to units to carry out one or both of community electricity usage objectives and electricity quotas required by the utility, which may be determined through execution of rules. |
| US09798295B2 |
Motor controller having a function of suppressing vibrations
A motor controller according to one aspect of the present invention is a motor controller for controlling a servo motor that drives a machine, including: a position command unit for outputting a position command of the machine; a position detector for detecting the position of the machine; a position controller for generating a motor velocity command based on the position command output by the position command unit and the machine position detected by the position detector; and a velocity controller for controlling the motor velocity in accordance with the motor velocity command, and is constructed such that the position controller includes a filter F(s) that approximates the inverse characteristic of the transfer characteristic from the motor velocity command to the machine velocity. |
| US09798288B2 |
Image forming apparatus which controls the rotation speed of a lubricant supply roller
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer to bear a toner image, a lubricant supply roller to supply lubricant to a surface of the image bearer, a rotation speed changer to change a rotation speed of the lubricant supply roller, and a controller to control the rotation speed changer to change the rotation speed of the lubricant supply roller to a target speed based on a predetermined condition. The controller is configured to control the rotation speed changer to avoid a predetermined speed range. |
| US09798287B2 |
Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a latching mechanism
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a body having a toner reservoir. A drive element on a rear end of the body is unobstructed to mesh with a corresponding drive element in the image forming device. A toner outlet port is positioned on a bottom of the body near the rear end of the body. A latch catch is positioned on a first side of the body to receive a corresponding latch when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A latch actuator at the front end of the body is movable between a home position and a releasing position. A release handle at the front end of the body is operatively connected to the latch actuator such that actuation of the release handle causes the latch actuator to move from the home position to the releasing position to unlatch the body. |
| US09798285B1 |
Door-actuated feed roll separator mechanism for an imaging device
An imaging device having a door-actuated feed roll separator mechanism. A pair of opposed panels of a frame of the imaging device are positioned parallel to a media path. A feed roll pair in the media path has a drive roll fixedly and rotatably mounted between the panels and a backup roll translateably mounted between the panels. A pair of cam followers are rotatably mounted to the backup roll. The backup roll is biased against the drive roll forming a feed nip. A door pivotally mounted along a bottom end to the frame substantially covers the media path. A pair of door-mounted, spring-biased actuators engage with the pair of cam followers. With the door lowered, the cam followers rotate with a camming surface thereon contacting the drive roll, translating the backup roll away from the drive roll and opening the feed nip to allow for removal of jammed media. |
| US09798284B2 |
Blade and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A multilayered blade made of an elastic material includes an edge layer, having a contact edge to contact an object, and at least one backup layer laminated on the edge layer.The blade has a converted loss tangent tan δ of 0.23 or greater and 0.51 or smaller in a temperature range of from 0° C. to 50° C. The converted loss tangent tan δ is defined as: X = A A + B × L 1 + B A + B × L 2 , where X represents the converted loss tangent tan δ, A represents a thickness in millimeters of the edge layer, B represents a thickness in millimeters of the at least one backup layer, L1 represents a variation of a loss tangent tan δ of the edge layer in the temperature range of from 0° C. to 50° C., and L2 represents a variation of a loss tangent tan δ of the at least one backup layer in the temperature range of from 0° C. to 50° C. |
| US09798283B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a power supply for forming an image on a recording material
An imaging forming apparatus includes a positive high-voltage circuit that generates voltage having a positive polarity, a negative high-voltage circuit connected in series with the positive high-voltage circuit and generates voltage having a negative polarity, a transfer roller to which the voltage generated by the positive high-voltage circuit or the negative high-voltage circuit is supplied, neutralizing pins to which the voltage generated by the negative high-voltage circuit is supplied, a current detection circuit that detects current flowing into the transfer roller, and a diode connected between the transfer roller and the neutralizing pins and that separates a path for the current flowing into the transfer roller and a path for current flowing into the neutralizing pins from each other. |
| US09798282B2 |
Belt conveyor unit and image forming apparatus
An inclined flange roller is located outward of an end portion of a tension roller in the belt width direction. The inclined flange roller includes a flange surface capable of being in contact with the edge portion of a belt in a region in which the belt is wound around the tension roller and a roller surface capable of being in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the belt between the flange surface and an end portion of the tension roller in the belt width direction. |
| US09798276B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The present invention includes a compressor for generating compressed air for separating a sheet from a fixing portion. By using the compressed air generated by the compressor, an image forming portion, more specifically, for example, a charger, is cleaned. |
| US09798273B2 |
Endless fuser belt with heat pipe and two heating elements
A fuser assembly comprising an endless fuser belt having positioned internally within a first metal roll having a heat pipe, a second metal roll having a first heating element, and a second heating element disposed between the first and the second metal rolls. The endless fuser belt is disposed proximate to a backup roll for forming a fusing nip therewith, wherein a rotation of the backup roll moves the fuser belt and rotates the first and the second metal rolls. The second metal roll is positioned upstream of the first metal roll relative to a media process direction. The first heating element has a rated heating power greater than the rated heating power of the second heating element. |
| US09798262B2 |
Method of producing toner
Provided is a method of producing a toner including the steps of: mixing a resin solution comprising a resin R, a colorant, and an organic solvent, a resin fine particle comprising a resin S containing an element α, and carbon dioxide to form a droplet having a surface covered with the resin fine particle; introducing carbon dioxide in a liquid state and pressurizing to extract the organic solvent in the droplet; and removing the extracted organic solvent together with the carbon dioxide to provide a toner particle. In the method of producing a toner, when the resin fine particle is treated with the carbon dioxide in a liquid state, a change in amount of the element α on the surface of the resin fine particle after the treatment as compared to the amount before the treatment falls within a specific range. |
| US09798258B2 |
Electrostatic charge image developing toner, electrostatic charge image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
There is provided an electrostatic charge image developing toner containing: a toner particle containing an amorphous resin having a polyester resin segment and a styrene acrylic resin segment, and a crystalline polyester resin dispersed in the amorphous resin, wherein a loss modulus G″ of the toner particles satisfies the following (1) and (2): (1) the loss modulus G″ at 40° C. is from 1.0×107 Pa to 1.0×108 Pa; and (2) the loss modulus G″ at the time when 60 minutes has passed from start of keeping the toner particles at 55° C. is from 1.0×108 Pa to 1.0×109 Pa. |
| US09798255B1 |
Phase inversed resin emulsions
A process is provided comprising forming a phase inversed resin emulsion comprising a resin, water, and an organic solvent, wherein the process excludes subjecting the phase inversed resin emulsion to an organic solvent removal technique, thereby retaining the organic solvent in the phase inversed resin emulsion. The phase inversed resin emulsion may be formed by dissolving a resin in an organic solvent to form a resin mixture; optionally, adding a neutralizing agent to the resin mixture to neutralize acid groups on the resin; and adding a sufficient amount of water to the resin mixture to emulsify and induce phase inversion in the resin mixture. Also provided are processes for preparing particles and processes for preparing toners utilizing the phase inversed resin emulsions. |
| US09798250B2 |
Lithographic apparatus for measuring overlay error and a device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus including an inspection apparatus can measure the overlay error of a target in a scribelane is measured. The overlay error of the required feature in the chip area may differ from this due to, for example, different responses to the exposure process. A model is used to simulate these differences and thus a more accurate measurement of the overlay error of the feature determined. |
| US09798248B2 |
Method for producing a structure
The invention relates to a method for producing a structure in a lithographic material, wherein the structure in the lithographic material is defined by means of a writing beam of an exposure device, in that a plurality of partial structures are written sequentially, wherein for writing the partial structures a write field of the exposure device is displaced and positioned sequentially and that a partial structure is written in the write field in each case, and wherein for positioning of the write field a reference structure is detected by means of an imaging measuring device. For calibration of the write field in the respectively positioned write field, before, during or after writing a partial structure, at least one reference structure element assigned to this partial structure is produced in the lithographic material with the writing beam, wherein the reference structure element after the displacement of the write field is detected by means of the imaging measuring device for writing a further partial structure. |
| US09798247B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method involving a liquid confinement structure
In an immersion lithography apparatus in which immersion liquid is supplied to a localized space, the space is substantially polygonal in plan substantially parallel to the substrate. In an embodiment, two corners of the space have a radius of curvature no greater than the width of a transition zone between the space configured to contain liquid and a surrounding configured not to contain liquid. |
| US09798244B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for minimizing defectivity in top-coat-free lithography and improving reticle CD uniformity
Methods, apparatus, and system for minimizing defectivity in top-coat-free immersion photolithography are provided. Embodiments include forming a photomask by defining a first pattern including a main functional pattern in the photomask; and defining a second pattern including a sub-resolution fill pattern in the photomask in areas between or and/or within structures of the first pattern, the fill pattern having a pitch or range of pitches smaller than a minimum resolved pitch of the lithographic exposure and/or at least a part of the sub-resolution structures of the sub-resolution fill pattern not substantially modifying an imaging of any structure of the main functional pattern in the lithographic exposure. |
| US09798241B2 |
Methods of manufacturing photomasks, methods of forming photoresist patterns and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices
A method of patterning a photoresist layer includes forming a photoresist layer on a substrate, exposing the photoresist layer to light using a first light source so as to induce a chemical change in the photoresist layer, performing a post-exposure bake process on the photoresist layer, the post-exposure bake process including irradiating the photoresist layer with at least two shots of laser light from a second light source such that the photoresist layer is heated to a first temperature, and performing a developing process on the photoresist layer after the post-exposure bake process, the development process selectively removing a portion of the photoresist layer. |
| US09798238B2 |
Cross technology reticle (CTR) or multi-layer reticle (MLR) CDU, registration, and overlay techniques
Methods for reducing reticle transmission differences and for optimizing layer placement for overlay in MTRs and CTRs are disclosed. Embodiments include providing a reticle having a prime area and a frame area surrounding the prime area; determining RT differences across the prime area; and providing RT adjustment structures on the reticle to decrease the RT differences. Other embodiments include grouping multiple layers of a semiconductor production flow, the layers for each group having an RT difference less than a predetermined value; and placing the layers on plural ordered reticles of a reticle set, each reticle having multiple image fields, by selecting, for each reticle, layers from a single group and optimizing placement of the layers for overlay. Other embodiments include selectively rotating image fields on a reticle having multiple image fields to improve overlay, or optimizing placement of DDLs on CTRs by placing each design orientation on a different reticle. |
| US09798236B2 |
Method for forming pattern having hollow structure
In at least one embodiment of a method for forming a pattern having a hollow structure, a light-absorbing layer capable of absorbing light is formed on a surface of a photosensitive resin film. Subsequently, a substrate having a protrusion and the photosensitive resin film are bonded together so that the protrusion and the light-absorbing layer come into contact with each other. Then, the photosensitive resin film and the light-absorbing layer are patterned at one time by photolithography. |
| US09798234B2 |
Resin composition, resist film using same, resist-coated mask blank, resist pattern forming method, and photo mask
An actinic ray sensitive or radiation sensitive resin composition contains a polymer compound (A) having a phenolic hydroxyl group and satisfying the following (a) and (b), a compound (B) capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, and a crosslinking agent (C) for crosslinking the polymer compound (A) by the action of an acid and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 200° C. or higher: (a) the weight-average molecular weight is 3,000 or more and 6,500 or less, and (b) the glass transition temperature (Tg) is 140° C. or higher. |
| US09798226B2 |
Pattern optical similarity determination
Aspects of the invention relate to techniques for determining pattern optical similarity in lithography. Optical kernel strength values for a first set of layout features and a second set of layout features are computed first. Based on the optical kernel strength values, optical similarity values between the first set of layout features and the second set of layout features are then determined. Subsequently, calibration weight values for the first set of layout features may be determined based on the optical similarity values, which, along with the first set of layout features, may be employed to calibrate lithography process model parameters. |
| US09798225B2 |
Method of characterizing, method of forming a model, method of simulating, mask manufacturing method and device manufacturing method
A method of characterizing a lithographic mask type uses a mask having thereon test pattern units of linear features at different orientations. The mask is exposed, rotated by angle, exposed again, rotated by a further angle, exposed, etc. The printed features are measured to determine one or more characteristics of the mask. The method can be used to model shadowing effects of a EUV mask with a thick absorber illuminated at an angle. |
| US09798224B2 |
Projector
A projector includes a light source, a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), a first prism, a second prism, and a lens. The light source is used for emitting an incident light. The DMD is used for receiving and reflecting the incident light as an image light. The first prism is disposed between the light source and the DMD. The second prism is disposed between the first prism and the DMD. The first prism includes a first plane, a second plane, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion adjoins the first plane and includes a reflecting portion. The incident light from the second plane is reflected by the reflecting portion and then passes through the second plane. The second prism includes a fourth plane, a fifth plane, and a sixth plane. When the DMD is operated in an on-state, the image light passes through the sixth plane. |
| US09798223B2 |
Projection image display
A projection image display includes: a screen unit that has a screen; a projection unit that projects an image onto the screen from a back surface of the screen; a housing that houses the projection unit; a slide mechanism that supports the screen unit such that the screen unit moves in an anterior-posterior direction; a locking mechanism that restricts a movement of the slide mechanism; and an adjustment mechanism that is capable of adjusting a position of the screen unit with respect to the housing from the outside while the locking mechanism restricts the movement of the slide mechanism. |
| US09798220B2 |
Shutter for an infrared camera
A shutter for an optical system, such as a small infrared camera, for alternately blocking and exposing an optical sensor to light includes an electrically conductive coil, having a center long axis, a magnet element rotatably mounted within the coil with an axis of rotation perpendicular to the center long axis of the coil, a shutter flag element connected to the magnet element, and a shutter base element supporting the shutter flag, magnet, and coil. Energizing the coil in a first manner causes the rotatable magnet to rotate from a first position to a second position and energizing the coil in a second manner returns the magnet to the first position, causing the flag to alternately block and expose the optical sensor. |
| US09798217B2 |
Electro-optical devices using dynamic reconfiguration of effective electrode structures
Variable liquid crystal devices for controlling the propagation of light through a liquid crystal layer use a frequency dependent material to dynamically reconfigure effective electrode structures in the device. The drive signal source uses pulse-width modulation to set a frequency and an amplitude of the drive signal. |
| US09798213B2 |
Electrochromic element, method of driving the same, an optical filter, lens unit, image pick-up device and window material
Provided is an electrochromic element, including: a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode being transparent; a third electrode; and an electrolyte, an anodic organic electrochromic material, and a cathodic organic electrochromic material that are arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, in which the third electrode is electrically connectable to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode via the electrolyte, and in which the third electrode has an effective area that is larger than an effective area of the first electrode and an effective area of the second electrode. |
| US09798208B2 |
TFT substrate, TFT switch and manufacturing method for the same
A TFT substrate, a TFT switch and a manufacturing method for the same are disclosed. The method includes steps of disposing a gate electrode layer on a substrate, thinning at least a portion of each side region along a thickness direction of the gate electrode layer in order to form two thin regions, disposing a semiconductor layer above the gate electrode layer, and disposing a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer on the semiconductor layer, wherein, a contact region between the source electrode layer and the semiconductor layer, and a contact region between the drain electrode layer and the semiconductor layer are respectively corresponding to the two thin regions. The present invention can omit a doping process in order to achieve a good ohmic contact so as to solve a schottky contact problem. |
| US09798203B2 |
Semiconductor device and display device
The array board 11b includes a first diode 29, a common line 25, a first shorting line 31, and the static protection portion 51. The first diode 29 include at least the first semiconductor portion 29d having outer edges 29d1 that cross the outer edges 29a1, 29b1 of first electrodes 29a, 29b in a plan view. The common line 25 is formed from the first metal film 34. The first shorting line 31 is formed from the second metal film 38 and crosses the common line 25. The static protection portion 51 is formed from the second metal film 38 or the protection film 37. At least a portion of the static protection portion 51 overlaps the common line 25 in a plan view. The static protection portion 51 is arranged closer to the first diode 29 than an intersection CPT of the common line 25 and the first shorting line 31. The static protection portion 51 includes at least a static dissipating portion 52 for dissipating static. |
| US09798197B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A display, includes: a substrate; first signal lines (FSLs) at least partially recessed in the substrate and extending in substantially a direction; a gate insulating layer (GIL) disposed on the FSLs; a first electrode disposed on the GIL; a thin film transistor (TFT) connected to a FSL of the FSLs and including the GIL and the first electrode; a pixel electrode (PE) extending in substantially the direction, connected to the TFT, and configured to receive a data voltage from the TFT; a common electrode (CE) overlapping with at least a portion of the PE; and a first insulating layer disposed between the PE and CE. One of the PE and the CE has a planar shape and the other includes branch electrodes overlapping with the planar shape and extending substantially parallel to the FSL. At least a portion of the CE overlaps with at least a portion of the FSL. |
| US09798196B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate including a first through-hole; a second substrate facing the first substrate and including a second through-hole corresponding to the first through-hole; a sealant coupling the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a supporting assistance member including a third through-hole connected to the first through-hole and the second through-hole, wherein the supporting assistance member includes a first supporting assistance member made with the same material as the spacer. |
| US09798195B2 |
Display
A display device that includes a first substrate, a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of pixel structures, a passivation layer, a bump, a second substrate, and a spacer is provided. The scan lines, the data lines, the pixel structures, and the passivation layer are all located on the first substrate. The bump is arranged on the first substrate. The second substrate is arranged opposite to the first substrate. The spacer is arranged on the second substrate and at least partially overlapped with the bump. One of the bump and the spacer has a first shape and the other has a second shape. Each of lengths of two end sections of the first shape in a first direction is larger than a length of a middle section of the first shape in the first direction. |
| US09798194B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a first insulating film, and a circumferential line, a second substrate includes a second insulating film, a first main spacer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate within a peripheral area and positioned between the first insulating film and the second insulating film, the first main spacer having a first height, and a first sub-spacer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate within the peripheral area and positioned between the circumferential line and the second insulating film, the first sub-spacer having a second height which is less than the first height. |
| US09798193B2 |
Method for manufacturing a display panel, display panel and display device
The present disclosure discloses a method for manufacturing a display panel, a display panel and a display device, the display panel comprising a first substrate and a second substrate, a polyimide film being formed on both of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the method for manufacturing a display panel comprises: aligning the polyimide film on one of the first substrate and the second substrate using a rubbing alignment process, aligning the polyimide film on the other substrate using an optical alignment process. The method for manufacturing a display panel of the present disclosure uses the rubbing alignment process and the optical alignment process simultaneously so as to improve the display quality of the display panel effectively and avoid shortcomings of a certain performance when using one of the alignment processes separately. |
| US09798191B2 |
Method for forming alignment film and liquid crystal display
The invention provides a method for forming an alignment film and a liquid crystal display. The method for forming an alignment film includes: providing a substrate, the substrate including a display region and a non-display region, the display region with a plurality of sides, a corner formed by two adjacent sides, the non-display region disposed to surround the display region; disposing a first alignment liquid on the display region of the substrate; disposing a second alignment liquid on the non-display region of the substrate and surrounding corners of the display region; toasting the first alignment liquid and the second alignment liquid to form an alignment film. |
| US09798188B2 |
Detecting accessories of a liquid crystal panel
The disclosure provides a detecting accessories of a liquid crystal panel. The detecting accessories comprises a backlight module and two adjusting plates. The backlight module comprises a bottom plate, an edge frame surrounding the bottom plate, a backlight source assembled on the bottom plate, and a diffusion plate disposed opposite to the bottom plate, and the diffusion plate covers the edge frame. Each adjusting plate comprises a carrying section and an assembling section. The two adjusting plates are disposed adjacent with each other. The assembling sections of each adjusting plates are detachably assembled on one side of the edge frame away from the bottom plate. The light of the backlight source emits outward through the diffusion plate. The carrying sections of the two adjusting plates are configured for shading an edge of the diffusion plate for changing an emitting area of the diffusion plate. |
| US09798186B2 |
Backlight unit having uniform brightness
A backlight unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept includes a driving substrate and a plurality of first clusters and a plurality of second clusters arranged in rows and columns on the driving substrate, wherein the first clusters and the second clusters are alternately arranged in each row on the driving substrate, wherein at least one of the first clusters and at least one of the second clusters are repeatedly disposed in each column on the driving substrate, wherein each of the first clusters and each of the second clusters includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), the first and second clusters having structures inverted to each other, wherein each of LEDs that are most adjacent to a row directional edge of the driving substrate, among the LEDs of the first and second clusters, is connected in parallel to a resistor. |
| US09798184B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition
A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is provided. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition shows stable antistatic performance, and in particular, stably maintains its antistatic performance even when the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is kept for an extended time under extreme conditions or conditions in which environmental changes are severe, and also has excellent general physical properties such as pressure-sensitive adhesive properties, durability and workability. |
| US09798182B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device, including a lower polarizing plate configured to have a transmission axis in a first direction, a liquid crystal layer on the lower polarizing plate, an upper polarizing plate on the liquid crystal layer, the upper polarizing plate including a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate, the first polarizing plate having a transmission axis in the first direction, the second polarizing plate having a transmission axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and color filters including a white filter and a colored filter, the white filter overlapping with the first polarizing plate, and the color filter overlapping with the second polarizing plate. |
| US09798179B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device that includes a horizontal alignment film, stabilizes liquid crystal alignment by the PSA technique, can suppress the increase in power consumption, reduction in contrast, and image sticking in display, and has long-term reliability. The present invention is a liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the pair of substrates, a horizontal alignment film formed on at least one of the pair of substrates, and a polymer layer which is formed on the horizontal alignment film and controls the alignment of adjacent liquid crystal molecules, wherein the polymer layer is formed by the polymerization of at least one or more kinds of monomers added into the liquid crystal layer, and at least one of the one or more kinds of monomers is polymerized by itself functioning as a polymerization initiator by being irradiated with light. |
| US09798178B2 |
Semiconductor device
A variable capacitor is formed from a pair of electrodes and a dielectric interposed between the electrodes over a substrate, and an external input is detected by changing capacitance of the variable capacitor by a physical or electrical force. Specifically, a variable capacitor and a sense amplifier are provided over the same substrate, and the sense amplifier reads the change of capacitance of the variable capacitor and transmits a signal in accordance with the input to a control circuit. |
| US09798175B2 |
Composite substrate and methods for manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display panel
Provided are a liquid crystal display panel, a composite substrate and a method for fabricating the composite substrate. The composite substrate includes: a substrate, multiple electrodes insulated from each other and a carbon nanotube layer arranged on a surface of the substrate. The carbon nanotube layer is divided into multiple blocks insulated from each other in a plane where the carbon nanotube layer is located. Each block includes multiple carbon nanotubes extending in a same direction, and the extending directions of the carbon nanotubes in at least two blocks are different. Each of the electrodes is electrically connected to a respective block of a plurality of blocks. |
| US09798171B2 |
Liquid crystal panel, method for manufacturing the same and display device
The present disclosure discloses a liquid crystal panel, a method for manufacturing the same and a display device. The liquid crystal panel includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate oppositely arranged to the array substrate, liquid crystal arranged between the array substrate and the color filter substrate, and a solar battery arranged at a position corresponding to a non-pixel region of the array substrate or the color filter substrate. Two ends of the solar battery contact with the array substrate and the color filter substrate, respectively. By disposing the solar battery at the position corresponding to the non-pixel region of the array substrate or the color filter substrate and making the two ends of the solar battery contact with the array substrate and the color filter substrate, respectively, the solar battery can not only play a supporting function, but also play a shielding function between adjacent pixels. |
| US09798170B2 |
Display panel and electronic display apparatus
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a display layer, and a driving unit. The first substrate has a display area, an extended area, and an edge area located between the display area and the extended area. The display layer is positioned between the first and second substrates. The length of a boundary line of the edge area and the extended area is greater than the length of a bottom edge of the extended area that away from the edge area. |
| US09798165B2 |
Light modulation device
A light modulation apparatus 1A includes a first spatial light modulator, a pinhole member, and a second spatial light modulator. The first spatial light modulator has a phase modulation plane on which a kinoform for performing intensity modulation is displayed, and generates modulated light P2. The pinhole member has a light passing hole for letting a first-order light component of the modulated light P2 pass therethrough, and blocks a zeroth-order light component of the modulated light P2. The second spatial light modulator has a polarization modulation plane that controls the polarization state of the modulated light P2 incident on the polarization modulation plane through the light passing hole of the pinhole member, and generates modulated light P3. |
| US09798162B2 |
Annular shaped clear layer in cosmetic contact lenses
Contact lenses comprising designs/colorants may be utilized to enhance and/or highlight the appearance of the eyes upon which the contact lenses are positioned. These contact lenses comprise a substantially annular shaped clear layer on the front curve surface to completely encapsulate the designs/colorants within the contact lens. The annular shape provides no clear coat over the optic region thereby ensuring high optical quality. |
| US09798160B2 |
Image stabilization apparatus that reduces blurring of subject image and optical device
An image stabilization apparatus which reduces variations in performance with surface accuracy of a rolling surface for rolling members. A movable unit holds an optical element and is rotatable about a first rotational axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical element and a second rotational axis perpendicular to the optical axis and the first formational axis through rolling of the rolling members. With the second rotational axis coinciding with a center of the rolling surface, a first ratio of the first moving range of the rolling members to the first rotational range of the movable unit is smaller than a second ratio of the second moving range of the rolling members to the second rotational range of the movable unit. |
| US09798157B2 |
Image stabilizing apparatus, lens barrel, and image pickup apparatus
An image stabilizing apparatus includes a movable member holding a lens, a moving unit configured to move the movable member in a predetermined plane, a tilting unit configured to tilt the movable member relative to predetermined plane, a detection unit configured to detect shake, and a control unit configured to control the moving unit and the tilting unit based on shake information obtained from the detection unit. The control unit sets a tilt target value of the tilting unit in accordance with a displacement target value of the moving unit. |
| US09798156B2 |
Sight
The sight includes a main body, a regulating bolt movably joined to the main body, a securing bolt fixed to the regulating bolt, a regulating cover covering the regulating bolt and movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the regulating bolt, a first magnet disposed on the regulating cover, and a second magnet disposed on the regulating bolt and corresponding to the first magnet. The regulating cover is movable with respect to the regulating bolt when the regulating cover moves away from the second position. The regulating cover abuts the securing bolt and is rotatable with respect to the regulating bolt when the regulating cover moves to the first position. The regulating cover engages the regulating bolt when the regulating cover moves to the second position. The regulating cover is maintained in the second position through attraction of the first magnet and the second magnet. |
| US09798155B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program for generating a three dimensional image to be stereoscopically viewed
There is provided an imaging element that photographs multiple viewing point images corresponding to images observed from different viewing points and an image processing unit separates an output signal of the imaging element, acquires the plurality of viewing point images corresponding to the images observed from the different viewing points, and generates a left eye image and a right eye image for three-dimensional image display, on the basis of the plurality of acquired viewing point images. The image processing unit generates parallax information on the basis of the plurality of viewing point images obtained from the imaging element and generates a left eye image and a right eye image for three-dimensional image display by 2D3D conversion processing using the generated parallax information. By this configuration, a plurality of viewing point images are acquired on the basis of one photographed image and images for three-dimensional image display are generated. |
| US09798152B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and method for the manufacture thereof, and a 3D display apparatus
There are disclosed a liquid crystal panel and method for the manufacture thereof, and a 3D display apparatus, for enabling left-eye and right-eye images to be separated directly by means of a liquid crystal cell and the manufacturing process of a naked-eye 3D mode liquid crystal cell to be simplified. The liquid crystal panel comprises an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a liquid crystal cell formed of liquid crystal molecules located between the upper and lower substrates. The liquid crystal cell comprises a display layer and a grating layer, the grating layer being arranged in proximity to the upper substrate, the grating layer comprising a light shielding region and a light transmitting region, the light shielding region comprising light shielding liquid crystal molecules, the light transmitting region comprising light transmitting liquid crystal molecules, the light shielding region and the light transmitting region being arranged alternately. The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal panel that is capable of separating left-eye and right-eye images directly by means of a liquid crystal cell and simplifying the manufacturing process of a naked-eye 3D mode liquid crystal cell. |
| US09798149B1 |
Devices and methods for optical power sensing scanning laser projectors
Devices and methods are described herein to measure optical power in scanning laser projectors. In general, the devices and methods utilize a filter component and photodiode to measure optical power being generated by at least one laser light source, with the filter component configured to at least partially compensate for the non-uniform electric current response of the photodiode. Such a configuration facilitates accurate optical power measurement using only one photodiode, and thus can facilitate accurate optical power measurement in a relatively compact device and with relatively low cost. |
| US09798146B2 |
Head-mounted display apparatus
A head-mounted display apparatus includes a display unit including a plurality of emissive areas which displays images and a plurality of transmissive areas disposed between the emissive areas and which transmits light from external light sources, a first optical element which receives and converges light emitted from the display unit onto a predetermined area, and a second optical element disposed opposite to the first optical element with respect to the display unit and which receives and diverges light incident toward the display unit from an outside. |
| US09798144B2 |
Wearable image display device to control display of image
Provided is an image display device used by being mounted to a head or a face of a user, including a first display unit that displays an internal image seen from a side of the user, a second display unit that displays an external image seen from outside the image display device, and a control unit that controls display of the internal image and the external image. |
| US09798142B2 |
Display element having adjustable inclination for head-up display
A display element includes a projection screen for a head-up display and a pivot apparatus for adjusting an inclination of the projection screen about a horizontal inclination axis. The pivot apparatus includes an eccentric unit for adjusting the inclination. The eccentric unit is mechanically coupled directly to the projection screen. The eccentric unit includes a first gearwheel and an eccentric element which is formed eccentrically with respect to the first gearwheel and is fastened on the first gearwheel. The eccentric element is in the form of a disk and an area of a narrow side of the disk-shaped eccentric element is arranged eccentrically with respect to the first gearwheel. |
| US09798137B1 |
Laser operation device capable of steering the laser using a lens
A laser operation device includes an elongated catheter, a light irradiator configured to irradiate a laser in front of a tip of the catheter, a lens disposed at a front of the light irradiator and allowing the laser to pass therethrough, a wire configured to steering the lens by pulling one side of the lens, and an elastic body configured to give an elastic force to restore the lens against a tension of the wire, wherein when the lens is steered, the laser passes through the lens and is refracted. |
| US09798135B2 |
Hybrid MEMS scanning module
A scanning device includes a base containing one or more rotational bearings disposed along a gimbal axis. A gimbal includes a shaft that fits into the rotational bearings so that the gimbal rotates about the gimbal axis relative to the base. A mirror assembly includes a semiconductor substrate, which has been etched and coated to define a support, which is fixed to the gimbal, at least one mirror, contained within the support, and a connecting member connecting the at least one mirror to the support and defining at least one mirror axis, about which the at least one mirror rotates relative to the support. |
| US09798134B2 |
Side-illuminated excitation optics apparatus and systems
One or more excitation energy sources emit light in an excitation spectrum and direct the emitted light as an excitation beam to the emitting surface of a wavelength conversion element directly or via reflection. Distinct areas of the emitting surface are coated with one or more distinct fluorescent phosphors. The phosphor-coated areas receive the excitation beam and generate a sequence of fluoresced light beams at a light output, each fluoresced beam of a narrow spectrum determined by the type of phosphor and the excitation spectrum. The fluoresced beams travel parallel to an emitting axis at a non-zero angle to axes associated with the excitation beams. |
| US09798129B2 |
Microscope system and method for deciding stitched area
A microscope system for stitching element images to generate a stitched image includes an element image obtaining unit configured to obtain the element image; a user image obtaining unit configured to capture a plurality of user-specified areas being an area of a sample specified by a user to obtain a plurality of user images; a rectangle area deciding unit configured to decide a rectangle area including the plurality of user-specified areas; a candidate area deciding unit configured to decide, as a candidate area, each of a plurality of areas having a size of a field of view of the element image obtaining unit arranged in a grid-like manner in the rectangle area so as to fill the rectangle area; and an element area selecting unit configured to select an element area to obtain the element image, from the plurality of candidate areas. |
| US09798125B2 |
Projection optical system and projector
To provide a projection optical system that can cover a wide range of magnification changes with a focus lens group in which the number of constituted lenses is decreased, and a projector including the projection optical system. A 1-2nd lens group as the focus lens group includes an F1 lens group configured of one positive lens, an F2 lens group configured of one positive lens and one negative lens, and an F3 lens group configured of one negative lens. At least the F2 lens group is caused to move when focusing is performed in response to a magnification change. |
| US09798124B2 |
Image display apparatus and image capturing apparatus
The image display apparatus includes an optical system causing a light flux entering from an original image by being transmitted through a fifth surface to reflect at a fourth surface, a third surface, a first surface and a second surface and then cause the light flux to be transmitted through the first surface and exit toward an exit pupil, causing the light flux to form an intermediate image and causing optical paths to intersect with each other. The optical system satisfies 0.62≦L12/f≦5.00 and 1.80≦L45/L12≦5.00. When a distance between hit points of a central-view-angle principal ray on the surfaces is referred to as a hit point distance, L45 represents a hit point distance between the fourth and fifth surfaces, L12 represents a hit point distance between the first and second surfaces, and f represents a focal length of the optical system. |
| US09798123B2 |
Zoom lens system
A zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, a negative fourth lens group, and a positive fifth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short to long focal length extremities, at least the first, third and fifth lens groups move in the optical axis direction. The second lens group includes at least four lens elements. Each of the third, fourth and fifth lens groups includes a plurality of lens elements. The following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.60 |
| US09798122B2 |
Zoom lens system
A zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, in that order from the object side, and a positive nth lens group provided closest to the image side. During zooming from the short to long focal length extremities, the first lens group and the nth lens group remain stationary and the second lens group moves. A positive mth lens group is provided between the second and nth lens groups. The following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.23 |
| US09798120B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus using the same
A zoom lens includes in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having a negative refractive power, and includes an aperture stop which is disposed between the second lens unit and the fourth lens unit, and the first lens unit includes a negative lens and a plurality of positive lenses, and at the time of zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, a distance between the first lens unit and the second lens unit widens, a distance between the second lens unit and the third lens unit narrows, and a distance between the third lens unit and the fourth lens unit changes, and the zoom lens satisfies predetermined conditional expressions. |
| US09798118B2 |
Projection display apparatus and projection lens module thereof
A projection display apparatus includes a light source module, an optical engine module and a projection lens module. The optical engine module includes a prism and a light valve. The projection lens module includes a first lens group and a second lens group. The first lens group is disposed between the screen end and the imaging end. The first lens group includes a first lens, a second lens and a third lens, which are sequentially disposed from the screen end to the imaging end and have negative, negative and positive refractive powers, respectively. The second lens group is disposed between the first lens group and the imaging end and has a positive refractive power. The second lens group includes a fourth lens, a fifth lens and a sixth lens, which are sequentially disposed from the screen end to the imaging end and have negative, positive and positive refractive powers, respectively. |
| US09798115B1 |
Compact three-surface wafer-level lens systems
A compact three-surface wafer-level lens system for imaging a scene onto an image plane includes a one-sided wafer-level lens and a two-sided wafer-level lens disposed between the one-sided wafer-level lens and the image plane. The total track length of the wafer-level lens system is no more than 2.2 millimeters. The maximum transverse extent (in dimensions transverse to the optical axis) of the lens system and associated light propagating therethrough is no greater than 1.8 millimeters. The field of view angle of the lens system is at least 100 degrees. |
| US09798114B2 |
Concave spacer-wafer apertures and wafer-level optical elements formed therein
Wafer-level optical elements and the concave spacer-wafer apertures in which they are formed are disclosed. The wafer-level optical elements include a spacer wafer comprising a plurality of apertures. Each aperture has a concave shape in a planar cross-section of the spacer wafer and an overflow region intersecting the planar cross-section. The wafer-level optical elements also include an array of optical elements, each optical element of the array being formed of cured flowable material within a respective one of the plurality of apertures. A portion of the cured flowable material forming each optical element extends into the overflow region of the respective aperture of the plurality of apertures. The spacer wafer includes a plurality of apertures, each of the plurality of apertures having a concave shape in a planar cross-section of the spacer wafer. Each of the plurality of apertures includes an overflow region intersecting the planar cross-section. |
| US09798108B2 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises six lens elements positioned sequentially from an object side to an image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces of the lens elements and designing parameters satisfying at least one inequality, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened. |
| US09798101B1 |
Lens assembly method and systems
Methods and systems for mounting a lens in a lens cell. The system may include a spindle assembly including a motor and a spindle, which may be an air bearing spindle, a passage within the spindle and an opening at the end of the passage at the surface of the spindle head, a vacuum source connected to the passage of the spindle to create suction at the opening, a stage configured to securely receive a lens mount with a lens cell such that a central axis of the lens cell is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the spindle, a micropositioner configured to reposition the lens on the spindle head, and a motion gauge configured to detect eccentric rotation of a lens as lens motion when the lens is positioned on the head of the rotating spindle. |
| US09798098B2 |
Optical module
An optical module includes: a butterfly-type optical device including a body that contains a heating element in an interior space, a lid body that puts a lid on the interior space, and a plurality of pins; a substrate including a connecting surface to which the plurality of pins are connected; and a heat-dissipating component arranged to the connecting surface side, wherein the optical device is connected to the connecting surface with a heat-dissipating surface, of a part that has been arranged with the heating element, oriented to the heat-dissipating component side, and with a gap provided to a side of the lid body opposite to a side of the interior space. |
| US09798090B2 |
Reduced-profile data transmission element connectors, adapters, and connection assemblies thereof
Reduced-profile connection components are described. The reduced-profile connection components are configured to connect various data transmission elements, including cables, network devices, and computing devices. A non-limiting example of a connection component includes a fiber optic connection component, including connectors, adapters, and assemblies formed therefrom. In some embodiments, the connection components may include mechanical transfer (MT) and multi-fiber push-on/pull-off (MPO) connection components, such as MT ferrules and MPO adapters. The reduced-profile connection components configured according to some embodiments have a smaller profile and/or require less parts to achieve a connection compared to conventional connection components. In some embodiments, the reduced-profile connection components may be used with conventional connection components. For example a reduced-profile connector may use a conventional MT ferrule to establish a connection within a conventional MPO adapter. |
| US09798085B2 |
Splice enclosure arrangement for fiber optic cables
An optical fiber cable includes a first cable segment; a second cable segment; and a splice enclosure. The first cable segment can have a different configuration than the second cable segment. The splice enclosure is coupled to the strength member and strength component of the first cable segment and the second cable segment. One example splice enclosure includes a first enclosure body having a first threaded connection region and a second enclosure body having a second threaded connection region. Another example splice enclosure includes a tubular enclosure with two end caps. Cable retention members are positioned within the splice enclosure at fixed axial positions. |
| US09798078B2 |
Temperature compensated fiber bragg's grating filter
The present invention provides a filter composed of two layers of materials with different expansion coefficients. The difference between a length added to a whole section length of an outer low-expansion coefficient metal sleeve by a temperature change and a length added to a length of a whole section of high-expansion coefficient cylindrical coil spring arranged therein by the temperature change causes a stress-releasing or stress-increasing effect on the whole section of pre-tensioned high-expansion coefficient cylindrical coil spring arranged therein, so that a structure capable of compensating the wavelength shift of the fiber Bragg's grating filter caused by temperature by increasing or decreasing the refractive index is achieved. |
| US09798077B2 |
Slim waveguide coupling apparatus and method
In various embodiments, an illumination structure includes a discrete light source disposed proximate a bottom surface of a waveguide and below a depression in a top surface thereof. A top mirror may be disposed above the discrete light source to convert modes of light emitted from the discrete light source into trapped modes, thereby increasing the coupling efficiency of the illumination structure. |
| US09798075B2 |
Film-based light fixture with see-through light emitting region
In one aspect, a light emitting device comprises a film-based lightguide including folded and stacked strips extending from a lightguide region of the film. In one aspect, the film comprises light extracting features defining light emitting regions that extract light from at least one light source positioned to emit light into the stacked end of strips. In one aspect, a flux of light emitted in a first direction by the light extracting features is greater than 70% of a total flux emitted from the light emitting regions, the light emitting regions have an average luminous transmittance greater than 70%, and the outermost surface of the device has an ASTM D523-89 60 degree gloss less than 50 gloss units. In one aspect, the device is a light fixture and the color of the object, such as a wall or ceiling, behind the film is unchanged when looking through the film. |
| US09798074B2 |
Display device and processing apparatus using the same
A display device includes a display housing and plural display-light-emitting devices. At least one of the plural display-light-emitting devices includes a light guide member, a holding member, and a light source. The light guide member includes a light incident portion, a light exit portion, and a reflecting portion. The light guide member causes light incident upon the light incident portion to be reflected by the reflecting portion so as to guide the light to the light exit portion. The holding member has an opening so as to house the light guide member, includes an elastically deformable holding piece, and holds the light guide member by using the holding piece. The light source is provided at a portion facing the light incident portion. The holding member has a cut that allows the holding piece to be elastically deformed. |
| US09798073B2 |
Light guide plate comprising a connection layer disposed between first and second light guide layers, backlight module and display device
A light guide plate, wherein refractive indexes of the first light guide layer, the connection layer and the second light guide layer decreases in sequence; the first light guide layer comprises a first incident surface, a first angular surface and an illuminating surface; the second light guide layer comprises a first lateral surface, a bottom surface and a second angular surface; the connection layer comprises a main reflective layer and a sub reflective layer, and mesh dots of the main reflective layer and the sub reflective layer are positioned in staggered manner; the first angular surface is laminated with the first reflective surface, and the second angular surface is laminated with a back surface of the second reflective surface, and the illuminating surface is parallel with the bottom surface. The present invention further discloses a backlight module and a display device. |
| US09798071B1 |
Pyroelectric energy production
An energy generator including a material having a Curie temperature is provided. The energy generator includes a hot source at a first temperature, a cold sink at a second temperature, a means to couple the hot source to the material while the cold sink is insulated from the material, and a means to couple the cold sink to the material while the hot source is insulated from the material, wherein: the first temperature higher than the Curie temperature, and the second temperature lower than the Curie temperature. Also provided is an energy generator including elements as above, between the hot source and the cold sink. Further provided is a genset having an engine for producing electrical energy, a coolant system, an exhaust element, and an alternator, and an energy generator as above. A method for use an energy generator as above is also provided. |
| US09798064B2 |
Hybrid concentrator for a backlight
This document describes techniques and apparatuses for implementing a hybrid concentrator for a backlight. The backlight includes a light guide and multiple light sources positioned along an input end of the light guide. The backlight further includes multiple hybrid concentrators that each include a lens in a central region of the concentrator and one or more total-internal-reflection (TIR) zones. Each hybrid concentrator is positioned between a corresponding light source and the light guide, and is configured to concentrate light into the light guide. The light guide then projects the concentrated light to illuminate a modulating display panel to form images for viewing. |
| US09798062B2 |
Liquid crystal display device that switches between a transparent state and an opaque state comprising first and second light sources
A display device has a liquid crystal panel that switches between a transparent state and an opaque state, a first light source, a light guide plate arranged on a back surface of the liquid crystal panel and made of a transparent material, the light guide plate having an incident surface facing the first light source and an outgoing surface facing the back surface of the liquid crystal panel, propagating light emitted from the first light source and incident through the incident surface, and outputting the light toward the liquid crystal panel from the outgoing surface, and a second light source configured to illuminate an object arranged on an opposite side to the liquid crystal panel with the light guide plate interposed therebetween. |
| US09798061B2 |
Hybrid light guide plate and display device
A display device includes a housing, a frame bonded to the housing, and a display module. The display module includes a back cover bonded to the frame, a light guide plate (LGP), a support element, a display panel, and an optical film set. The LGP is supported on the back cover and has a light exiting surface and an opposite back surface. At least two sides of the LGP's back surface are adhered on the back cover, and the LGP is made of glass. The support element and display panel are supported respectively on the LGP and support element. The optical film set is between the display panel and LGP. A hybrid LGP includes a first light guide sub-plates and a second light guide sub-plate. The second light guide sub-plate is stacked on and bonded to the first light guide sub-plate. |
| US09798055B2 |
Optically variable element
The invention relates to an optically variable element as well as a method for the production thereof. In a first area the optically variable element has at least one first color region which in the event of illumination generates a color dependent on the angle of observation and/or angle of illumination. The first color region has two or more zones (41 to 47) arranged next to each other. The two or more zones arranged next to each other have in each case a width and/or length dimension of less than 300 μm. In at least one first zone (41) of the zones (41 to 47) of the first color region a thin-film interference filter (15) is provided with at least one interference layer (17). The interference layer (17) of the thin-film interference filter (15) has a first average thickness (d1) in the first zone (41). The first average thickness is chosen such that the thin-film interference filter (15) in the event of illumination at least one particular angle of observation and/or angle of illumination generates, by means of interference, a color which differs from at least one color which is generated in the event of illumination at this angle of observation and/or angle of illumination in at least one of the other zones (42 to 47) of the first color region. |
| US09798053B2 |
Mask plate, color filter substrate and method for fabricating the same, display panel and display device
A mask plate, a color filter substrate and a method for fabricating the same, a display panel and display device are disclosed. The mask plate includes a light transmitting region having at least two light transmittance levels, wherein the light transmittance level of the light transmitting region corresponding to a black matrix is configured to be increased from a central region of the mask plate to a peripheral region of the mask plate. |
| US09798050B2 |
Substrate with multilayer reflective film, mask blank, transfer mask and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A substrate with a multilayer reflective film capable of facilitating the discovery of contaminants, scratches and other critical defects by inhibiting the detection of pseudo defects attributable to surface roughness of a substrate or film in a defect inspection using a highly sensitive defect inspection apparatus.The substrate with a multilayer reflective film has a multilayer reflective film obtained by alternately laminating a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer on a main surface of a mask blank substrate used in lithography, wherein an integrated value I of the power spectrum density (PSD) at a spatial frequency of 1 μm−1 to 10 μm−1 of the surface of the substrate with a multilayer reflective film, obtained by measuring a region measuring 3 μm×3 μm with an atomic force microscope, is not more than 180×10−3 nm3, and the maximum value of the power spectrum density (PSD) at a spatial frequency of 1 μm−1 to 10 μm−1 is not more than 50 nm4. |
| US09798046B2 |
Lens plate for wafer-level camera and method of manufacturing same
A lens plate includes a transparent substrate wafer, and a plurality of lenses and spacers that are formed of a single portion of material on the transparent substrate wafer. An assembly includes a first lens plate that includes a first transparent substrate wafer, a plurality of first lenses and a plurality of spacers, the first lenses and spacers being formed of a single portion of material on said first transparent substrate wafer. The assembly also includes a second lens plate that includes a second transparent substrate wafer and a plurality of second lenses formed thereon, each of the plurality of second lenses corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of first lenses. The lens plates are aligned such that each of the plurality of first lenses aligns with the respective one of the plurality of second lenses, and the lens plates are bonded to one another. |
| US09798039B2 |
Frequency based measurement of characteristics of a substance
In a downhole environment, utilizing one or more ICE modules, in response to detecting light by one or more channels of a light to voltage converter, the detected light is converted into one or more voltages. The light has previously interacted with a downhole substance and has been processed by an integrated computational element. The one or more voltages are converted into one or more analog frequencies. The one or more analog frequencies are converted into one or more digital frequencies. One or more intensities are determined from one or more digital frequencies. One or more components of the substance are determined in response to the determined one or more intensities. |
| US09798037B2 |
Compensated sigma from measurements made by a pulsed neutron instrument
A method for determining a formation thermal neutron decay rate from measurements of radiation resulting from at least one burst of high energy neutrons into formations surrounding a wellbore includes determining a first apparent neutron decay rate in a time window beginning at a first selected time after an end of the at least one burst, a second apparent decay rate from a time window beginning at a second selected time after the burst and a third apparent decay rate from a third selected time after the burst. The second time is later than the first time. A thermal neutron capture cross section of fluid in the wellbore is determined. A decay rate correction factor is determined based on the first and second apparent decay rates and a parameter indicative of the wellbore capture cross-section. The correction factor is applied to the third apparent decay rate to determine the formation thermal neutron decay rate. |
| US09798035B2 |
Time-lapse time-domain reflectometry for tubing and formation monitoring
A system and method for monitoring a wellbore are disclosed herein. A pulse generator comprises a plurality of ports, wherein a first one of the plurality of ports is coupled to a first location of interest and a second one of the plurality of ports is coupled to a second location of interest. An electromagnetic pulse is generated at the first port and the second port. A reflected electromagnetic pulse is received at the first port and the second port. In another embodiment, the pulses are received at a separate pulse receiver with a plurality of receiving ports. A data storage device is coupled to the pulse generator or the pulse receiver, and data relating to the reflected magnetic pulse is stored at the data storage device. |
| US09798033B2 |
Sonde devices including a sectional ferrite core
Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms. |
| US09798032B2 |
Locating arrangement and method using boring tool and cable locating signals
An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method. |
| US09798027B2 |
Method for quantitative definition of direct hydrocarbon indicators
Method for automated and quantitative assessment of multiple direct hydrocarbon indicators (“DHI's”) extracted from seismic data. DHI's are defined in a quantitative way (33), making possible a method of geophysical prospecting based on quantification of DHI anomalies. Instead of working in a particular spatial region of seismic data pre-defined as a hydrocarbon opportunity, the present invention works on entire data volumes derived from the measured seismic data (31), and identifies opportunities based on quantified DHI responses. In some embodiments, a series of algorithms utilizes the geophysical responses that cause DHI's to arise in seismic data to search entire data sets and identify hydrocarbon leads based on the presence of individual and/or combinations of DHI's (34). |
| US09798022B2 |
Selection of receiver line orientation for seismic data acquisition array
Methods for selecting a receiver line orientation for a seismic data acquisition array and methods for performing a seismic survey using the selected receiver line orientation are provided herein. A method of selecting a 3D seismic data acquisition array comprising: selecting a survey area, determining the location of a plurality of source lines in the survey area, pre-planning a plurality of receiver line grids with differing orientations, assigning a cell grid to each receiver line grid, generating a fold level for each cell in each receiver line grid, determining a fold variation for each receiver line grid, and selecting a receiver line grid from the plurality of receiver line grids with the lowest fold variation. |
| US09798018B2 |
Luminescent beam stop
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to beam stops. In one aspect, a device comprises a luminescent material, a beam stop plate, and an optical fiber. The luminescent material is a parallelepiped having a first side and a second side that are squares and having a third side that is a rectangle or a square. The first side and the second side are perpendicular to the third side. The beam stop plate is attached to the first side of the luminescent material. The optical fiber has a first end and a second end, with the first end of the optical fiber attached to the third side of the luminescent material. |
| US09798016B2 |
Positioning processing apparatus, positioning processing method, and recording medium
A present invention relates to a positioning processing apparatus including: an orbit information receiving unit that receives Ephemeris relating to an orbit of a GPS satellite from the GPS satellite; a predicted orbit information receiving unit that receives a predicted value of the Ephemeris via a network from a server in which the Ephemeris is accumulated in advance; a power feeding unit that performs control relating to electric power supply; a first determination unit that determines a state of electric power supply; a selection unit that selects the orbit information receiving unit or the predicted orbit information receiving unit based on the state of electric power supply determined; and a positioning unit that performs positioning based on the Ephemeris or a predicted value of the Ephemeris received by the orbit information receiving unit or the predicted orbit information receiving unit selected by the selection unit. |
| US09798015B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting the orbit and detecting the type of a satellite
A method of predicting the orbit of a satellite of a satellite positioning system, including: associating first and second types of satellites with first and second models of celestial mechanics forces, respectively; storing first ephemerides data of a satellite, associated to first time intervals and second ephemerides data associated to second time intervals. Further, the method comprises: calculating reference satellite positions based on the first ephemerides data; estimating first and second satellite positions in the first time intervals by using the second ephemerides data and the first and second forces models, respectively; determining first and second estimate errors by comparing the reference positions with the first and second positions, respectively; and detecting the type of satellite between the first and second types by an analysis of the first and second errors. |
| US09798013B2 |
Method of detecting interference in a satellite radio-navigation signal
Method of detecting interference in a satellite radio-navigation signal, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: determining a first temporal position for which the correlation between the said signal and a local spreading code, offset by the said position, is maximum; determining a plurality of measurements of correlation between the said signal and a local spreading code offset by a plurality of secondary temporal positions, the said plurality of secondary temporal positions and the said first temporal position being regularly spaced; determining, for a plurality of correlation measurement pairs formed by two measurements at two consecutive temporal positions, the phase difference between the two correlation measurements of the said pair; calculating an item of information representative of the standard deviation of the said phase difference; and comparing the said item of information with a detection threshold configured at least as a function of the ratio of the powers of the signal and of the interference. |
| US09798011B2 |
Fast GPS recovery using map vector data
Methods and apparatuses to assist a global positioning system (GPS) module to determine GPS position estimates for a wireless communication device is disclosed. Processing circuitry in the wireless communication device determines a potential or an actual inaccuracy in a GPS position estimate obtained from a GPS module. The processing circuitry obtains a set of map vector data stored in or associated with the wireless communication device. The processing circuitry determines a location estimate of the wireless communication device based on at least a portion of the set of map vector data. The processing circuitry provides the location estimate to the GPS module and obtains an updated GPS position estimate from the GPS module, the updated GPS position estimate based at least in part on the location estimate provided to the GPS module. |
| US09798003B2 |
Distance measuring sensor and method for the detection and distance determination of objects
A distance measuring sensor (10) for a detection and distance determination of objects (18) in a monitoring area, the sensor (10) having a transmitter (12) for transmitting transmission pulses, a receiver (20) for generating a reception signal from transmission pulses remitted from the monitoring area, an A/D converter (38) for digitizing the reception signal, and a control and evaluation unit (28, 30), which is configured to transmit a plurality of transmission pulses via the transmitter (12), to accumulate the respective reception signals generated by the receiver (20) in a histogram (110), and to determine, from the histogram (110), a reception point in time and thus a measurement value for the signal time of flight from the sensor (10) to the object (18), wherein the sensor (10) comprises a noise generator (40) configured to add a noise signal to the reception signal prior to its digitization in the A/D converter (38). |
| US09798001B2 |
Radar apparatus and angle verification method
A radar apparatus is provided to receive a transmission wave reflected by a target object by antennas. The radar apparatus includes a signal analysis unit to analyze reception waves, and to obtain amplitudes and phases of the reception waves, at a frequency with which reception strength shows a peak. The radar apparatus also includes a direction detection unit to detect a direction of the target object based on the phases of the reception waves, and an estimated amplitude and phase output unit to output estimated amplitudes and estimated phases of reception waves to be received, assuming that the target object exists in the detected direction. The radar apparatus further includes a comparison unit to compare the amplitude or phase obtained by the signal analysis unit with that output by the estimated amplitude and phase output unit. |
| US09798000B2 |
System and method for indoor geolocation and mapping
Methods and systems to provide location and navigation information to a user within a building. In an embodiment, low power radars may be used to locate and track a user. Moreover, the systems and methods described herein may take advantage of the known layout of a building, or may ascertain the layout using the radar devices. This information may be used to direct a user from a current location to a desired destination. In some contexts, such as stores, radio frequency ID (RFID) tags may be used to identify a particular destination, such as a particular product in a particular aisle in a store. Multiple persons may be tracked as they move about the building, so that the more frequently used paths may be identified for moving from point to point. These identified paths may then be used in constructing a path for a user who needs directions. |
| US09797997B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic system and system and method for ultrasonic imaging
The ultrasonic diagnostic system estimates a desired time phase or one cycle period of a moving region (e.g., a heart) that repeats contraction and relaxation cyclically and which can be specified by a presystole, an end systole, a prediastole, an end diastole, and other clinical characteristics for one cycle of the moving region on the basis of the velocity information on multiple positions of the moving region which is obtained for each time phase. More specifically, assuming that, for example, the end systole phase=a time phase in which the myocardial velocity comes to zero or close to zero, the system calculates |myocardial velocity| for each time phase in a predetermined period, and estimates a time phase in which this value comes closest to zero as an end systole phase. |
| US09797996B2 |
Distance-measuring-device
An apparatus and method for determining the distance from a distance-measuring-device to an object by sending a light-pulse from a light-emitting component toward the object by passing a current pulse through the component. A value based on the current or voltage across the component is used to determine the reference-time T0 when the value exceeds a first threshold-value, and determines first-time T1 when the value is reduced to a second threshold-value THL2. T1 is used to define two time-windows when intensity of reflected light is integrated to provide two values (Q1/Q3 and Q2/Q4) to determine a time of flight for the light-pulse based on the two values (Q1/Q3 and Q2/Q4), the difference between T0 and T1 (T1-T0), and the speed of light, c. |
| US09797994B2 |
Oil well improvement system—intrusion detection and respose subsystem
An oil well improvement system having an intrusion detection and response subsystem that provides practical capability to defend offshore drilling platform from surface or subsurface terrorist threats/attacks utilizing modified low-cost off-the-shelf equipment and processor programs. The subsystem processes acoustical and/or RF sensor data to determine contact positions, rates, projected future positions, identification, threat analysis and recommends appropriate soft/hard kill counter measures and further provides control of those countermeasures. |
| US09797993B2 |
Advance manufacturing monitoring and diagnostic tool
A device and a method for monitoring and analysis utilize unintended electromagnetic emissions of electrically powered components, devices or systems. The emissions are received at the antenna and a receiver. A processor processes and measures change or changes in a signature of the unintended electromagnetic emissions. The measurement are analyzed to both record a baseline score for future measurements and to be used in determining status and/or health of the analyzed system or component. |
| US09797991B2 |
FMCW radar device
In a FMCW radar device, a transmission unit transmits a transmission signal that has a rising portion in which the frequency successively increases and a falling portion in which the frequency successively decreases. A reception unit receives a reception signal resulting from the transmission signal being reflected by a target and outputs a beat signal based on the transmission signal and the reception signal. A control unit determines whether or not three or more targets that have the same relative speed are present at the same orientation among a plurality of targets extracted from a plurality of peak frequencies in each of the rising portion and the falling portion of the beat signal, and when determined that three or more targets are present, gives notification that oscillation has occurred in a power supply bias circuit that supplies power supply voltage to the transmission unit or the reception unit. |
| US09797985B2 |
Multi-factor location verification
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing at least two determinations of the location of a mobile computing device, with each determined location having been determined without reference to explicit location information manually input by a user of the mobile computing device. At least one first determined location is compared with at least one second determined location, with comparisons being made between location determinations made based on different location determination input. A functionality associated with the mobile computing device is allowed if the first determined location corresponds to at least one of the second determined locations. |
| US09797982B2 |
Signaling in a wireless positioning system
Devices, systems, and methods for sending positional information from transmitters/beacons. In one implementation a transmitter generates a range block including a ranging signal and a hybrid block including positioning data, and sends the range block and hybrid block at different times. A user device may receive signals from a plurality of transmitters and generates position/location information using trilateration and measured altitude information in comparison with transmitter altitude information. |
| US09797981B2 |
Moving-object position/attitude estimation apparatus and moving-object position/attitude estimation method
A moving-object position/attitude estimation apparatus includes: an image-capturing unit configured to acquire a captured image; a comparative image acquiring unit configured to acquire a comparative image viewed from a predetermined position at a predetermined attitude angle; a likelihood setting unit configured to compare the captured image with the comparative image and to assigns a high attitude angle likelihood to the comparative image and to assigns a high position likelihood to the comparative image; a moving-object position/attitude estimation unit configured to estimate the attitude angle of the moving object based on the attitude angle of the comparative image assigned the high attitude angle likelihood and to estimate the position of the moving object based on the position of the comparative image assigned the high position likelihood. |
| US09797977B2 |
Fixture de-embedding using calibration structures with open and short terminations
The present disclosure involves method and apparatus for de-embedding test fixture to extract the electrical behavior of device under test. A calibration board with both “1× open” and “1× short” test structures is fabricated and measured by equipment such as vector network analyzer that produces S parameters. The S parameters of “1× open” and “1× short”, with or without correction factors, are combined to produce the S parameters of equivalent “2× thru” test structure. The S parameters of equivalent “2× thru” are used subsequently to de-embed the test fixture. This present disclosure gives a simpler and more accurate method to create the S parameters of “2× thru” for de-embedding. |
| US09797974B2 |
Nonrigid motion correction in 3D using autofocusing with localized linear translations
A method for providing an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with nonrigid motion correction of an object is provided. An MRI excitation is applied to the object. A magnetic field read out from the object using a plurality of sensor coils. Spatially localized motion estimates are obtained for each sensor coil of the plurality of sensor coils. The motion estimates are used for each sensor coil to provide motion correction. |
| US09797973B2 |
MR imaging with extended field of view
Magnetic resonance examination system comprises displaceable carrier for supporting an object to be examined. The carrier can be moved over a two dimensional area. The magnetic resonance examination system is configured to acquire sets of magnetic resonance signals from the object for various positions of the carrier in the two dimensional area. |
| US09797968B2 |
System and method for magnetic resonance image acquisition
A method of data acquisition at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system receives at least a portion of raw data for an image, and detects anomalies in the portion of raw data received. When anomalies are detected, the system can correct those anomalies dynamically, without waiting for a new scan to be ordered. The system can attempt to scan the offending portion of the raw data, either upon detection of the anomaly or at some point during the scan. The system can also correct anomalies using digital correction methods based on expected values. The anomalies can be detected based on variations from thresholds, masks and expected values all of which can be obtained using one of the ongoing scan, previously performed scans and apriori information relating to the type of scan being performed. |
| US09797967B2 |
Active coil to shift a volume of uniform magnetic field
Gradient coils are operated to acquire magnetic resonance (MR) signals encoding a first MRI image over a first region inside a main magnet of the MRI system in which at least a portion of a subject is placed, the first region being located within a volume of uniform magnetic field with inhomogeneity below a defined threshold. An active coil is energized to shift the volume of uniform magnetic field such that a second region inside the main magnet of the MRI system is located within the shifted volume of uniform magnetic field, at least a portion of the second region being located outside of the volume of uniform magnetic field before the volume of uniform magnetic field has been shifted. The gradient coil is operated to acquire MR signals encoding a second MRI image over the second region. |
| US09797965B2 |
Fast hall effect measurement system
A method and system for measuring Hall effect in a material includes measuring a voltage in two test states, each state alternating the direction and orientation of a current applied across the material or the voltage measured across the material relative to a magnetic field in each state. According to an embodiment, the frequency of measurement at each state differs. |
| US09797960B2 |
Management of battery charging through coulomb counting
A battery charge management method and device operable to perform that method. The battery charge management method comprises the steps of determining charge delivered to or from a battery based on Coulomb counting and updating an estimated battery state of charge based on the amount of delivered charge and measuring the battery current. Then comparing the updated estimated battery state of charge with a predetermined state of charge value of less than 100%, such that each predetermined state of charge value being associated with an expected battery current for that predetermined state of charge value. The method also includes modifying the updated estimated battery state of charge when the updated estimated state of charge is greater than the predetermined state of charge value and the measured battery current is greater than the expected battery current associated with the predetermined state of charge. |
| US09797958B2 |
Monitoring system
A monitoring system having a monitoring unit and a circuit element that are integrated in an enclosure for protecting connections between the monitoring unit and the circuit element. The monitoring unit monitors the circuit element via a first electrical quantity, and the monitoring unit has a control unit and a first circuit unit and a second circuit unit. The first current is essentially or precisely equal in amplitude to the first current, and the first current and the second current flow simultaneously in the two line sections. The first current direction is opposite to the second current direction, and the first circuit unit ascertains a first voltage drop at the first line section, and the second circuit unit ascertains a second voltage drop at the second line section. The control unit ascertains the first electrical quantity from the first voltage drop and the second voltage drop. |
| US09797955B2 |
Insulation inspection device for motors and insulation inspection method for motors
An insulation inspection device for motors includes an inverter for driving a motor, a partial discharge detecting unit for determining soundness of the motor, and a control circuit for controlling the inverter. The control circuit adjusts a switching interval of a voltage pulse of the inverter so as to be equal to a pulse round-trip propagation time between the inverter and the motor, thereby generating surge voltage higher than driving voltage for the motor, between the motor and ground, and adjusts a switching time for each phase of the inverter, thereby generating surge voltage higher than driving voltage for the motor, between phases, thus performing insulation inspection. |
| US09797954B2 |
System and method for management of circuit breaker counter
A system for management of a circuit breaker counter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a data processing unit receiving state change data and measurement data of at least one of a circuit breaker and a current measuring unit and transferring an event on the basis of the state change data and measurement data; and a counter managing unit counting a total operation, a load-breaking operation and a fault-breaking operation of the circuit breaker, based on the event and the measurement data, and outputting and storing respective count accumulation values. |
| US09797953B2 |
Self-test module of electronic circuit breaker
A self-test module of an electronic circuit breaker includes a power supply assembly with a rechargeable battery, a self-test enablement assembly, an induced power supply assembly, a boost power supply, and a micro control unit (MCU). The self-test enablement assembly is connected to the rechargeable battery and includes an enablement button, a capacitor and a first power chip connected in series. The induced power supply assembly includes a buck chip. The boost power supply includes a second power chip and a boost chip connected in series. The MCU includes a plurality of pins that are connected to the first and second power chips, the buck chip, and the boost chip. The self-test module has two working modes; the electronic circuit breaker may be provided with or without a load current. The MCU operates the self-test procedure, indicates the self-test status, and maintains the indication for a period of time. |
| US09797946B2 |
Initializing and testing integrated circuits with selectable scan chains with exclusive-OR outputs
Embodiments of the invention provide a scan test system for an integrated circuit comprising multiple processing elements. The system comprises at least one scan input component and at least one scan clock component. Each scan input component is configured to provide a scan input to at least two processing elements. Each scan clock component is configured to provide a scan clock signal to at least two processing elements. The system further comprises at least one scan select component for selectively enabling a scan of at least one processing element. Each processing element is configured to scan in a scan input and scan out a scan output when said the processing element is scan-enabled. The system further comprises an exclusive-OR tree comprising multiple exclusive-OR logic gates. The said exclusive-OR tree generates a parity value representing a parity of all scan outputs scanned out from all scan-enabled processing elements. |
| US09797944B2 |
Test fixture and test method using the same
The present disclosure relates to the field of display technology, in particular to a test fixture, comprising a pressing connection mechanism (1), an eccentric mechanism (2), and a working carrier (3), the pressing connection mechanism (1) and the working carrier (3) being arranged correspondingly, and the rotation of the eccentric mechanism (2) driving the pressing connection mechanism (1) to move up and down in a Y direction so as to conduct a signal pressing connection test for a tested product on the working carrier (3). The test fixture has a simple structure and steady properties, easy to be operated and maintained conveniently. |
| US09797943B2 |
Electric linear actuator assembly and method of assembly
A method of constructing an electric linear displacement motor for use in a testing device includes providing a stator having as stator housing with internal coils and a through bore extending from a first end of the stator housing to the second end of the housing. First and second end supports are connected to the first and second ends of the stator housing. An armature having magnets retained therein is inserted into the stator housing such of the armature is supported by the first end support and the second end support. A plurality of set screws are inserted into threaded openings proximate both the first end and the second end of the housing. The set screws then support and retain the armature such that there is an annular gap between the armature and the coils. |
| US09797941B2 |
Arc fault detection system and method and circuit interrupter employing same
A DC arc fault detection module includes an LF current section, an LF voltage section, and an HF current section having a plurality of outputs, each output being associated with a respective one of a plurality of frequency sub-bands. The HF current section is structured to, for each of the frequency sub-bands, (i) detect a rise in energy of the frequency sub-band above a first predetermined threshold level for at least a certain amount of time and (ii) cause the associated output to indicate a rise in energy detection in response to detecting the rise in energy above the associated threshold level for at least the associated certain amount of time. The module includes a processing device structured to determine whether a DC arc fault has occurred based on the outputs from the LF and HF current and LF voltage sections. |
| US09797940B2 |
Arc fault detection system and method and circuit interrupter employing same
An AC arc fault detection module includes an LF current section, an LF voltage section, and an HF current section having a plurality of outputs, each output being associated with a respective one of a plurality of frequency sub-bands. The HF current section is structured to, for each of the frequency sub-bands, (i) detect a rise in energy of the frequency sub-band above a first predetermined threshold level for at least a certain amount of time and (ii) cause the associated output to indicate a rise in energy detection in response to detecting the rise in energy above the associated threshold level for at least the associated certain amount of time. The module includes a processing device structured to determine whether an AC arc fault has occurred based on the outputs from the LF and HF current and LF voltage sections. |
| US09797935B2 |
Device, arrangement and method for verifying the operation of electricity meter
An electronic electricity meter (102) for monitoring electrical power consumption due to a plurality of loads, comprising electric power sensor (506A, 506, 502, 504, 508) configured to register, optionally in a substantially real-time fashion, data indicative of aggregate power demand (202) of a number of loads coupled to a common electrical power source, such as one or more phases of a polyphase system, load tracker (506B, 506, 502, 504) configured to detect the effect of individual loads on the basis of distinctive load patterns in said data, wherein the tracker is configured to utilize a distinctive load pattern detected in said data as at least a basis for a reference pattern (304, 306, 308) for subsequent detections (304a, 306a, 308a) of the effect of the same load in the data, accuracy analyzer (506C, 506, 502, 504) configured to, on the basis of comparisons of subsequent detections with the corresponding references, determine (312, 314, 316) whether the comparisons relating to at least two, preferably three, loads each indicate the difference between the subsequently detected pattern and the corresponding reference exceeding a predetermined threshold, and notifier (506D, 506, 502, 504, 508) configured to send, provided that positive determination has taken place (318), a notification signal indicative of potential fault with the electricity meter towards an external entity (106, 108). Corresponding arrangement and method are presented. |
| US09797934B2 |
Home appliance having built-in power meter
An appliance includes an operation unit that is mounted in a case of the appliance that is supplied power by an external power supply and that includes at least one of a motor and a heating member. The appliance further includes a control circuit mounted in the case of the appliance and configured to control the operation unit to perform appliance functionality that is different than measuring power. The appliance further includes a power meter coupled to the control circuit, built into the case, and configured to measure power consumed by the appliance in performing the appliance functionality. |
| US09797933B2 |
Method for monitoring the power consumption of an electrical consumer
A method for monitoring the power consumption of an electrical consumer that has a capacitive load and the controllable circuit element and the consumer are connected in series. The amplitude of the current flowing through the consumer, the voltage dropping across the consumer, and the change over time of the voltage dropping across the consumer are sensed. An allowed operating current amplitude is calculated from the voltage dropping across the consumer and from a predefined power. A charging current amplitude of the capacitive load is calculated from the change over time of the voltage dropping across the consumer. An allowed instantaneous current amplitude is calculated. The allowed instantaneous current amplitude is compared with the amplitude of the current flowing through the consumer and the electrical resistance of the circuit element is increased if the amplitude of the current flowing through the consumer is greater than the allowed instantaneous current amplitude. |
| US09797929B2 |
Waveform processing assistance method and system
Provided is a waveform processing assistance system for helping users determine the value of a parameter which is necessary in a waveform processing method for determining the rising and falling points of a peak and whose validity cannot be easily and intuitively determined The system includes: a waveform displayer for showing, on a display screen, a waveform including a peak; a marker displayer for showing, on the display screen, a marker which is capable of being moved by a user; and a slope information displayer for showing information related to the slope of the waveform at a point lying on the waveform and meeting the marker, or at a point which lies on the waveform, which meets the marker, and at which a predetermined operation has been performed by the user. Examples of the slope-related information include a numerical value of the slope, a tangent, and a grid. |
| US09797928B2 |
Probe card assembly
The disclosure describes a probe card assembly for nondestructive integrated circuit testing. The probe card assembly includes an outer gimbal bearing with a tapered bearing surface being mounted on a top surface of a printed circuit board. The probe card assembly further includes an inner gimbal bearing with a spherical bearing surface which contacts the tapered bearing surface of the outer gimbal bearing at a single point of contact about a circumference thereof. The probe card assembly further includes a spring plate mounted to the outer gimbal bearing, providing a downward force to a substrate. |
| US09797926B2 |
Contact and electrical connection testing apparatus using the same
A contact terminal has a support section that holds an elastically deformable axle so as to rotate about the axle with an elastic deformation of the axle, and a contact section extending from the support section. The contact section has, at a distal end thereof, a contact portion configured to make a contact with a testing element. The contact section deforms elastically while rotating with the support section by the contact of the contact portion with the testing element. |
| US09797925B2 |
Probe pin and electronic device using the same
A probe pin includes a coil spring, a first plunger, and second and third plungers. The second and third plungers respectively are independently operable and include a main body and first and second elastic pieces that extend from the main body in the same direction to each other. The first plunger is inserted between the first and second elastic pieces each of the second and third plungers. |
| US09797924B2 |
Calibration standard with pre-determined features
Provided herein in an apparatus, including a substrate; a functional layer, wherein the functional layer has a composition characteristic of a workpiece of an analytical apparatus; and pre-determined features configured to calibrate the analytical apparatus. Also provided herein is an apparatus, including a functional layer overlying a substrate; and pre-determined features for calibration of an analytical apparatus configured to measure the surface of a workpiece, wherein the functional layer has a composition similar to the workpiece. Also provided herein is a method, including providing a lithographic calibration standard having a functional layer to an analytical apparatus, wherein the functional layer has a composition characteristic of a workpiece of the analytical apparatus; providing calibration standard specifications to a computer interfaced with the analytical apparatus; and calibrating the analytical apparatus in accordance with calibration standard readings and the calibration standard specifications. |
| US09797921B2 |
Compensation and calibration of multiple mass MEMS sensor
A system includes a MEMS sensor having dual proof masses capable of moving independently from one another in response to forces imposed upon the proof masses. Each proof mass includes an independent set of sense contacts configured to provide output signals corresponding to the physical displacement of the corresponding sense mass. A switch system is in communication with the sense contacts. The switch system is configured to enable a sense mode and various test modes for the MEMS sensor. When the switch system enables a sense mode, output signals from the sense contacts can be combined to produce sense signals. When the switch system enables a test mode, the second contacts are electrically decoupled from one another to disassociate the output signals from one another. The independent sense contacts and switch system enable the concurrent compensation and calibration of the proof masses along two different sense axes. |
| US09797920B2 |
Program setting adjustments based on activity identification
An electronic device monitors accelerations using a motion sensor. The electronic device determines a current motion state based on the accelerations. The electronic device identifies a plurality of applications that subscribe to a motion state identification service and notifies a subset of the applications of the current motion state, the subset meeting notification criteria associated with the current motion state. |
| US09797916B2 |
Chemical analyzer
A medical apparatus for analyzing fluid samples includes an outer casing, a slide loading mechanism disposed within the outer casing for loading fluid analysis slides, a slide ejecting mechanism disposed within the outer casing for ejecting fluid analysis slides, an evaporation cap opening mechanism disposed within the outer casing for opening an evaporation cap, an evaporation cap closing mechanism disposed within the outer casing for closing an evaporation cap, a drawer locking mechanism disposed within the outer casing for locking a drawer associated with the outer casing, a camera disposed within the outer casing, and a robot disposed within the outer casing. The robot is movable in three dimensions and has means for conducting three or more of the following operations: slide loading; slide ejecting; evaporation cap opening; evaporation cap closing; drawer locking; and camera manipulation. |
| US09797915B2 |
Analyzing system
In an analyzing system including a commanding unit for sending a command and an executing unit for executing a processing upon receiving the command, a processing instruction may not be executed at the right time due to a heavy traffic of information and other factors. In order to solve this problem, in a preparative separation system 1 according to the present invention, a PC 20 provides the execution time for starting/finishing the fractionation processing to a controller 18. Therefore, even in the case where the time of the PC 20 and that of the controller 18 are not synchronized, the controller 18 can accurately set the execution time for starting/finishing the fractionation in a preparative separation unit 16. A piping 17 may be placed so that the traveling time of sample components is sufficiently larger than the delay time of signals due to the signal transfer lag and other reasons. This can absorb the delay time, allowing the units to cooperate with each other at a correct timing. |
| US09797911B2 |
Composition for use in detection of sFlt-14
An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 70% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 4 and an isolated polynucleotide encoding same are disclosed. A polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence capable of specifically hybridizing to the isolated polynucleotide and an isolated antibody comprising an antigen recognition domain which specifically binds the isolated polypeptide are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, methods of diagnosing and treating comprising same are also disclosed. |
| US09797910B2 |
Assay for determining endogenous levels of analyte in vivo
The present invention relates to an assay for determining endogenous levels of analyte in vivo. In particular, the present invention is directed to an assay for determining endogenous levels of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1) isoforms in vivo. |
| US09797903B2 |
Non-invasive biomarker to identify subject at risk of preterm delivery
Methods for diagnosis to allow prediction of the likelihood of preterm birth based upon the concentration of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS) in cervical vaginal secretions. In addition, specific prostaglandin D2 receptor antagonists may represent novel tocolytic therapeutics. |
| US09797902B2 |
Human factor XIII as a normalization control for immunoassays
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful for normalizing the amount of signal detected in an assay, such as an immunoassay. The compositions and methods are useful for improving the accuracy of immunoassays, such as immunoassays that detect whether a subject is infected with a retrovirus such as HIV. |
| US09797895B2 |
Stabilizing compositions for immobilized biomolecules
The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising (a) at least three different amino acids, (b) at least two different amino acids and a saponin or (c) at least one dipeptide or tripeptide for stabilizing biomolecules immobilized on a solid carrier. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing stabilized biomolecules, comprising embedding the biomolecules in the composition according to the invention and a method of producing a solid carrier having biomolecules attached thereto. The invention furthermore relates to a solid carrier producible or produced by the method of the invention and a method of diagnosing a disease using the carrier of the invention. |
| US09797890B2 |
Activation of bioluminescence by structural complementation
Provided herein are compositions and methods for the assembly of a bioluminescent complex from two or more non-luminescent (e.g., substantially non-luminescent) peptide and/or polypeptide units. In particular, bioluminescent activity is conferred upon a non-luminescent polypeptide via structural complementation with another, complementary non-luminescent peptide. |
| US09797889B2 |
Activation of bioluminescence by structural complementation
Provided herein are compositions and methods for the assembly of a bioluminescent complex from two or more non-luminescent (e.g., substantially non-luminescent) peptide and/or polypeptide units. In particular, bioluminescent activity is conferred upon a non-luminescent polypeptide via structural complementation with another, complementary non-luminescent peptide. |
| US09797888B2 |
Nucleic acid element candidate molecule and screening method for screening for nucleic acid element for target analysis using the same
The present invention provides a novel nucleic acid element candidate molecule for use in screening for a nucleic acid element for target analysis and a novel screening method for screening for a nucleic acid element for target analysis using the same. The candidate molecule according to the present invention is a molecule for screening for a nucleic acid element for target analysis, being the following single-stranded nucleic acid (I): (I) a single-stranded nucleic acid comprising a catalyst sequence (D), a blocking sequence (B), and a binding sequence (A) that binds to a target, linked in this order. The blocking sequence (B) is complementary to a partial region (Dp) in the catalyst sequence (D). A terminal region (Ab) on the blocking sequence (B) side in the binding sequence (A) is complementary to a flanking region (Df) of the partial region (Dp) in the catalyst sequence (D) and is complementary to a terminal region (Af) on the side opposite to the blocking sequence (B) side in the binding sequence (A). |
| US09797887B2 |
High-throughput methodology for identifying RNA-protein interactions transcriptome-wide
Methods of identifying RNA-protein interaction sites are provided. Systems for identifying RNA-protein interaction sites are provided. Systems for identifying secondary structures are provided. Methods of identifying secondary structures are provided. Methods of identifying RNA-binding proteins are provided. |
| US09797886B2 |
Agglutination enhancer
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an agglutination enhancer which shows superior agglutination enhancing effect to those of conventional immunoagglutination enhancers, and the present invention relates to an agglutination enhancer for an immunoagglutination measurement method which comprises a polymer having a monomer unit shown by the following general formula [1]: (Wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 and R3 independently represent a methyl group or an ethyl group, respectively; X represents —NH— or an oxygen atom; n represents an integer of 1 to 6; and m represents an integer of 1 to 3), and an immunoagglutination measurement method in which, in the coexistence of the above-described agglutination enhancer for immunoagglutination measurement method, an antibody against analyte or an antigen for the analyte is brought into contact with the analyte to cause an antigen-antibody reaction. |
| US09797884B2 |
Marker for determination of sensitivity to anticancer agent
A marker can determine whether or not a patient has a therapeutic response to an anti-cancer agent. A novel cancer therapy employs the marker. The marker can be N-acetylglucosamine, 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, lauric acid, 6-phosphogluconic acid, butyric acid, 4-methylpyrazole, isobutylamine, glycolic acid, NADH, NAD+, or a substance involved in the metabolism of any of these substances. |
| US09797881B2 |
Method and system for controlling a passive driver impairment detection system in a vehicle
Methods and systems for controlling a passive driver impairment detection system in a vehicle are provided. The method and system detect states of vehicle component operating systems and/or vehicle occupant monitoring systems and control activation and deactivation of the impairment detection system in response. The methods and systems enable a proactive transition from an inactive state to an active state by detecting the presence of an individual within or approaching the vehicle or an intent of the individual to approach the vehicle in order to overcome a significant functional latency in the impairment detection system. The methods and system further enable a transition from the active state to the inactive state by using multiple systems to corroborate the absence of the individual within or approaching the vehicle and the lack of intent of the individual to approach the vehicle. |
| US09797879B2 |
Method for multiplexed sample analysis by photoionizing secondary sputtered neutrals
Disclosed herein is a method of generating a high resolution image of a cellular sample, the method including i) labeling a cellular sample with at least one mass tag, thereby producing a labeled sample in which a biological feature of interest is associated with the at least one mass tag, ii) scanning the sample with a continuous or near-continuous primary ion beam to generate sputtered secondary ions and sputtered neutral species, iii) photoionizing the sputtered neutrals to generate ionized neutral species, wherein the sputtered neutrals are photoionized at a site that is proximal to their source on the sample, iv) detecting the ionized neutral species by mass spectrometry, thereby obtaining spatially addressed measurements of the abundance of the at least one mass tag across an area of the sample, and v) producing an image of the sample using the measurements. A system for performing the method is also provided. |
| US09797874B2 |
Optical testing system and method
An optical testing system includes: a testing probe, a collecting unit, and a processing unit, wherein the testing probe includes a plurality of spectrum photodiodes used for emitting and casting monochromatic light to a sample, wherein the wavelength of the light emitted by at least one spectrum photodiode is different from that of any other. The collecting unit collects multi-way signal light obtained after the emitted monochromatic light is reflected by the sample surface. The processing unit includes a photoelectric conversion module, an adding module and a testing module. The photoelectric conversion module converts the collected multi-way signal light respectively to multi-way electrical signals. The adding module performs an adding operation for the multi-way electrical signal to obtain an operation result. The testing module tests a quality parameter of the sample according to the operation result, and outputs a testing result. |
| US09797873B1 |
Prediction of recipe preparation time
Embodiments infer a total preparation time of a recipe. A recipe including preparation steps describing how to prepare a food item is obtained. A recipe server identifies preparation features in the preparation steps, where the preparation features represent portions of the preparations steps that are correlated with time to prepare the recipe. The recipe server obtains preparation times associated with the preparation features and combines these preparation times to estimate to total preparation time of the recipe. The estimated total preparation time is stored or transmitted to a client device in response to a request for the recipe. The estimated total preparation time is used to filter recipes sent in response to a request for recipes, where the request specifies a criterion based on total preparation time. The estimated total preparation time is used to select recipes for recommendation to a user based on that user's preferences. |
| US09797871B2 |
Method for storage and stabilization of a target substance
The invention relates to a system and method for the stable storage of sensitive biological or chemical target substance, in a bound form on certain capture media. The method comprised providing a sample containing the target substance in a suitable buffer; combining the sample with a capture media to effect reversible binding of the target substance to the capture media; and storing the capture media with the target substance at between about −20 and 20° C.; and recovering the target substance from the capture media. The target substance recovered maintains the desired activity. Also provides are methods for reducing aggregates in the sensitive biological or chemical target substance. |
| US09797869B2 |
System for monitoring the condition of structural elements and a method of developing such a system
A system for monitoring the condition of elongate structural elements, for example, railway rails, and a method of designing and manufacturing the system is disclosed. The method includes identifying and selecting suitable modes of propagation and signal frequencies that can be expected to travel large distances through an elongate structural element; designing a transducer that will excite the selected mode at the selected frequency; numerically modelling the transducer as attached to the elongate structural element; validating the transducer design by analyzing a harmonic response of the selected mode of propagation to excitation by the transducer, and manufacturing one or more transducers for use in the system. |
| US09797866B2 |
Method of screening samples
A method of screening a sample for at least one compound of interest is disclosed. The method comprises comparing the ion mobility and at least one further physicochemical property of the ions of a compound of interest to the same properties of candidate ions in the sample. The properties of the compound of interest are matched to those of a candidate ion in the sample then the sample may be determined to comprise the compound of interest. |
| US09797864B2 |
Current monitoring in electrically enhanced air filtration system
A filtration system includes a frame directing a fluid flow through the filtration system. An ionization array is located in the frame and has an ionizer current flowing therethrough. The system further includes a media filter having a plurality of media fibers arranged to capture particles flowing therethrough and a conductive surface located at the media filter and having a filter current flowing therethrough. A comparator is utilized to determine a difference between the ionizer current and the filter current, and compare that difference to a predetermined range. |
| US09797862B2 |
Dielectrophoresis-based cell destruction to eliminate unwanted subpopulations of cells
A method for enriching a heterogeneous population of cells includes loading one or more sample chambers containing DEP electrodes therein with a solution containing the heterogeneous population of cells, wherein the heterogeneous population of cells comprises a first subpopulation of cells having a first crossover frequency and a second subpopulation of cells having a second, higher crossover frequency. An AC electrical field is applied to the DEP electrodes, wherein the AC electrical field has an applied frequency that is between the crossover frequency of the first subpopulation of cells and the second subpopulation of cells, wherein the first subpopulation of cells are substantially killed by the applied electrical field and the second subpopulation of cells are substantially not killed by the applied electrical field. |
| US09797861B2 |
Magnetic stimulus of ISFET-based sensor to enable trimming and self-compensation of sensor measurement errors
An ion sensor apparatus comprises at least one ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) device configured to be exposed to a liquid, a reference electrode configured to contact the liquid to which the ISFET device is exposed, and at least one magnet configured to intermittently expose the ISFET device to a magnetic field. A processor is operatively connected to the ISFET device and the reference electrode. The processor modulates the magnetic field to produce a corresponding modulated output in resistance of the ISFET device, and modulation of a reported output value of the ion sensor apparatus. |
| US09797858B2 |
Biosensor, measuring instrument for biosensor, and method of quantifying substrate
A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltages to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply. |
| US09797855B2 |
Method for determination of pollen viability and/or maturation grade of a pollen population
A method for the determination of pollen viability and/or maturation grade of a pollen population, comprising mechanically removing pollen grains from flowers; re-suspending pollen grains in an electrically conductive buffer for keeping the plant cells to remain viable; passing the pollen suspension through an appropriate filter with a pore size suitable for a microfluidic device being adapted to perform impedance flow cytometry (IFC); An advantage of the present invention is that a plant cell does not have to be stained for viability analysis, the method is non-invasive and a high number of cells can be analyzed in a short time frame in real-time and on-site. It is possible to follow developmental processes of plant cells, and that it is applicable to all plant species. In particular, the method allows a standardized measurement independent of the location and all over the world. |
| US09797854B1 |
RF probe
The RF Probe is a radiofrequency device designed to determine the composition of multilayer media by transmitting pulses which are reflected at medium boundaries and received by the device. The device consists of a signal transmitter which synthesizes the probing pulses and a receiver which receives the pulses and performs processing to determine the radiometric composition of the media or objects by analyzing the phase shift of reflected pulses. The RF Probe uses a method to identify medium composition in terms of conductivity, permittivity, permeability and impedance by calculating the phase shift of reflected pulses. |
| US09797841B2 |
Methods and compositions for rapid multiplex amplification of STR loci
Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications. |
| US09797833B2 |
Method for determining the refractive power of a transparent object, and corresponding device
A method for determining a refractive power of a large-surface-area transparent object, such as a windshield, a visual aid, a cockpit glazing, a helmet visor, or the like, includes detecting a first imaging of a first line grating through the transparent object at at least one predetermined point of the object using a camera and determining a line spacing of the first imaging, the rotation of the lines relative to the first line grating or both through use of a computing unit on the basis of the first imaging at the at least one specified point and using the line spacing or rotation of lines to determine the refractive power at the at least one predetermined point of the transparent object. |
| US09797832B2 |
Method and gas analyzer for measuring the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas
Method and gas analyzer for measuring the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas, wherein to measure the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas, a laser diode is actuated by a current and light generated by the laser diode is guided through the sample gas to a detector, the current is simultaneously varied within periodically successive sampling intervals for the wavelength-dependent sampling of an absorption line of interest of the gas component, and the current can be additionally modulated sinusoidally based on wavelength modulation spectroscopy with a low frequency and small amplitude, such that a measuring signal generated by the detector is evaluated to form a measurement result, where to improve the measuring signal-noise ratio and achieve a much lower detection limit with the same measuring distance, the current is modulated with a high (RF) frequency in the GHz range so that no wavelength modulation occurs, and an RF modulation amplitude is selected at the maximum level using the linear control range of the laser diode where, before evaluation, the measuring signal is demodulated at the radio frequency. |
| US09797826B2 |
Optical analyzer
An optical filter 4 is placed in an optical path between a light source unit 1 using a deep ultraviolet LED as a light source and a sample cell 2. The optical filter 4 is a shortpass filter that allows passage of light of a main peak located within a deep ultraviolet region while blocking light of an unwanted peak located within a visible region. The temporal change in the amount of light of the unwanted peak is considerably greater than that of the main peak. The optical filter 4 blocks the former light whose amount considerably changes with time. As a result, the influence of the noise and drift originating from the LED on the detection signal obtained in a detector 3 is dramatically reduced, so that the analytical accuracy is improved. |
| US09797820B2 |
Loadcell probe for overload protection
The present disclosure provides an electro-mechanical fuse-type configuration built into the probe that contacts the specimen during materials testing. The design includes an internal pre-loaded compression spring and an electrical contact switch. The coil spring preloaded to the desired safety load results in the probe assembly directly passing the load from the probe tip to the load cell for loads under the point where the spring additionally compresses. Upon deflection of the spring in excess of safety preload, the spring internally compresses within the probe coupling rather than the probe tip continuing to displace into the specimen, thereby switching the state of the electrical contact switch and stopping operation of the materials testing device. In a further configuration, excessive travel of the load cell coupling is detected, and, in response, operation of the materials testing device is stopped. |
| US09797819B2 |
Sensor for tension measurement
A device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a detected first force. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a detected second force. The first force and the second force has a substantially common direction. The device includes a processor configured to determine a measure of tension using the first signal and using the second signal. The measure of tension corresponds to displacement of an elongate member. |
| US09797817B2 |
Multi-mode separation for target detection
Sandwich separation is based on forming a sandwich complex with a magnetic bead, buoyant bead, and a target. Once a sandwich formation is created, the sandwich can be separated using its dual physical properties, namely magnetism and buoyancy. Sandwich separation is highly specific, allows for removal of the beads that do not have any attached target, and reduces the number of background beads. Sandwich separation can also be used to allow for target detection in raw specimen. Also, improvement of detection capability is accomplished by performing AMBR measurements on a solid interface, where the rotational period speeds up and allows for dramatically reduced time-to-result. |
| US09797815B2 |
Breath analysis system
A breath analysis system that includes a handle assembly with an analysis cartridge on an upper end thereof. The handle includes a main body portion with a pressure opening and a pressure transducer therein. The analysis cartridge includes a main body portion with an upper portion that defines a breath chamber, a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber and a filter assembly that is movable between a breath capture position and an analysis position. The filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough. In the breath capture position, the opening partially defines the breath chamber and in the analysis position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber. The system also includes an analysis device with a case, a door, a controller that controls the motor and a fluorescence detection assembly and a rotation assembly positioned in the case interior. The rotation assembly includes a shroud with a funnel portion for receiving the analysis cartridge. |
| US09797814B2 |
Probe for in situ monitoring the electrical conductivity of soil solutions
A probe for monitoring electrical conductivity of ground water in soil is provided. The probe includes a hollow tube that includes (a) an upper tube section with an apertured stopper, (b) a lower tube section, aligned with the upper tube section and having a porous ceramic cap for inserting into soil, and (c) a T-fitting connecting between the tube sections and having an apertured T-fitting stopper. A vacuum tube is inserted through the T-fitting stopper aperture; and a conductivity sensor electrode is inserted through the upper tube section stopper aperture. The conductivity sensor electrode includes a pair of electrode poles that are spaced apart at a distance of 3-5 mm and the distance between the conductivity sensor electrode and the hollow tube is greater than 3 mm, whereby interference by air bubbles in the ground water is mitigated. |
| US09797804B2 |
Method and system for determining the spatial structure of an object
The spatial structure of an optical element is determined. The optical element has a first optically active surface and a second optically active surface. The optical element is arranged in a holding device. The position of a point (P) on the first optically active surface and the position of a point (P′) on the second optically active surface are referenced in a coordinate system fixed to the holding device. The topography of the first optically active surface is determined in a coordinate system referenced to the holding device by the position of point (P) and the spatial structure of the optical element is calculated from the topography of the first optically active surface and from a data set as to the topography of the second optically active surface. The data set is referenced to the fixed coordinate system of the holding device by the position of point (P′). |
| US09797800B2 |
Systems and methods for emissions leak detection
Methods and systems are provided for detecting leaks in an emissions control system of a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises monitoring an equivalent resistance of a leak detection circuit, and indicating a leak responsive to the equivalent resistance not equal to a threshold resistance. In this way, leaks in vapor line interfaces can be easily detected and located, thereby reducing emissions, without intrusively testing the emissions control system. |
| US09797799B2 |
Intelligent adaptive system and method for monitoring leakage of oil pipeline networks based on big data
The present invention relates to an intelligent adaptive system and method for monitoring leakage of oil pipeline networks based on big data. The present invention effectively analyzes a large amount of data collected on site within a reasonable time period and obtains a state of a pipeline network by an intelligent adaptive method, thereby obtaining a topological structure of a pipeline network. The present invention specifically adopts a flow balance method in combination with information conformance theory to analyze whether the pipeline network has leakage; small amount of leakage and slow leakage can be perfectly and accurately alarmed upon detection; as a generalized regression neural network is adopted to locate a leakage of the pipeline network, an accuracy of a result is increased. Therefore, the present invention adopts a policy and intelligent adaptive method based on big data to solve problems of detecting and locating leakage of the pipeline network. |
| US09797795B2 |
Distributed pressure measurement by embedded fiber optic strain sensor
A pressure sensing pad includes a flexible planar layer having a two-dimensional sensing area, and an optical fiber embedded in the plane of the flexible planar layer traversing the two-dimensional sensing area in a particular configuration. At least one end of the fiber optic strain sensor has a connector that is connectable to an interferometric-based fiber optic interrogation and processing system. When the connector is connected to the an interferometric-based fiber optic interrogation and processing system and pressure is applied to the pressure sensing pad, a signal from the optical fiber is provided to and processed by the interferometric-based fiber optic interrogation and processing system to determine a two-dimensional pressure map for the two-dimensional sensing area. |
| US09797787B2 |
Systems and methods of measuring temperature in industrial environments
A temperature detector and method of measuring temperature to obtain temperature readings in environments, such as fluids and gasses, by measuring electrical characteristics of the temperature detector that are influenced by the temperature. The temperature detector can be arranged such that a plurality of measurements can be obtained to provide sufficient diversity and redundancy of the measurements for enhanced diagnostics to be performed, such as optimization for fast dynamic response, calibration stability, in-situ response time testability, and in-situ calibration testability. |
| US09797786B2 |
Device for calibrating temperature, and methods for calibrating the temperature of and positioning a fiber-optic temperature sensor
The invention relates to a device (100) for calibrating the temperature of a fiber-optic temperature sensor, with which an optical fiber (10) of a fiber-optic temperature sensor is to be provided. The device (100) comprises a device body (101) having a passage (109) through which the optical fiber (10) is to pass, and a means for transferring heat energy. The device (100) further comprises at least one portion (160a), referred to as a first fixed point, which is made from a first material having at least a first predefined temperature at which the state thereof changes. The first fixed point (160a) is thermally connected to the optical fiber (10) when the optical fiber (10) is provided with the device (100). The heat-transferring means is arranged in the device body (101) such that, during the actuation thereof, the heat-transferring means exchanges heat energy with the first fixed point (160a) so as to cause a change in the state thereof at the first predefined temperature. |
| US09797785B2 |
Environmental condition surveillance and methods thereof
A surveillance platform for the sensing, measuring, monitoring and controlling equipment and environments, such as food storage and retailing environments, data center environments, and other environments in which equipment performance, operating status, and environmental condition monitoring is desirable, is provided. The surveillance platform can facilitate reporting, visualizing, acknowledging, analyzing, calculating, event generating, notifying, trending, and tracking, of operational events occurring within the environment. Such techniques can be used to protect articles such as food articles, medical articles, computing devices and equipment, artifacts, documents, and the like. |
| US09797784B2 |
Communication and monitoring of a battery via a single wire
A power-management unit is described. This power-management unit allows a common signal line to communicate data between an integrated circuit (which may be external to the power-management unit) and a battery-monitoring mechanism in a battery pack, and to convey a signal that represents a temperature state of the battery pack to a temperature-monitoring circuit or mechanism that monitors the temperature state of the battery pack. In particular, the power-management unit may include a single-wire interface or a multiplexer that, at a given time, selectively couples the signal line from the battery pack either to the integrated circuit or the temperature-monitoring circuit based on a control signal provided by the integrated circuit (for example, via an I2C bus or interface). In this way, the power-management unit may reduce the number of signal lines needed to communicate with the battery-monitoring mechanism and to convey the signal. |
| US09797783B2 |
Filter and method and distributed temperature sensor system
A distributed temperature sensor (DTS) system includes a light source; a length of fiber filter having been hydrogen darkened prior to assembly of the system; and a DTS fiber. A method for making a filter for a DTS system. |
| US09797782B2 |
Temperature distribution measurement apparatus and temperature distribution measurement method
A temperature distribution measurement apparatus includes a laser light source optically connected to an optical fiber, a photodetector configured to detect light backscattered in the optical fiber, and a temperature distribution measurement unit configured to obtain a true measured temperature distribution by performing correction calculation using a transfer function on a temporary measured temperature distribution obtained based on an output from the photodetector. The temperature distribution measurement unit stores therein data on a transfer function set for each entire length of the optical fiber and for each longitudinal position in the optical fiber. Then, when the length of the optical fiber is changed, the temperature distribution measurement unit changes the transfer function to be used in the correction calculation by using the data on the transfer function. |
| US09797778B2 |
Active terahertz imager
An imager for obtaining an image of an object includes a substrate including a plurality of electrical emitting units for emitting electromagnetic waves and a plurality of electrical detecting units for detecting the electromagnetic waves reflected by the object. Each emitting unit includes an electrical emitter, a first antenna, a first metallic reflector, and a first dielectric element between the first antenna and the first metallic reflector. Each detecting unit includes an electrical detector, a second antenna, a second metallic reflector, and a second dielectric element between the second antenna and the second metallic reflector. |
| US09797776B2 |
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus based on high repetition rate pulsed laser
This invention discloses a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus based on a high repetition rate pulsed laser. The laser produces a train of laser pulses at a high repetition rate in the kHz or even higher range. When the laser beam hits the sample, it generates several thousands of micro-plasma emissions per second. Synchronized miniature CCD array optical spectrometer modules collect the LIBS signal from these micro-plasma emissions. By adjusting the integration time of the spectrometer to cover a plurality of periods of the laser pulse train, the spectrometer integrates the LIBS signal produced by this plurality of laser pulses. Hence the intensity of the obtained LIBS spectrum can be greatly improved to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower the limit of detection (LOD). In addition, the influence of pulse to pulse variation of the laser is minimized since the obtained LIBS spectrum is the spectrum of a plurality of micro-plasma emissions produced by a plurality of laser pulses. The high repetition rate laser also makes it possible to measure the LIBS signal at a short and a long integration time and mathematically combining the two spectra to obtain a LIBS spectrum with enhanced dynamic range. |
| US09797770B2 |
Stowed device detection using multiple sensors
A computing device determines whether the device is in a Stowed state (a state in which the device is stowed in a location such as a pocket, purse, bag, etc.) or a Not Stowed state (a state in which the device is not stowed in such a location). This determination is made using multiple different sensors on the device, at least one of which is situated on one side (e.g., the front or top) of the device and at least one of which is situated on the opposite side (e.g., the back or bottom) of the device. Values sensed by these multiple different sensors are used to determine whether the device is in the Stowed state or the Not Stowed state, as well as optionally to generate a confidence value indicating how confident the device is in its determination that it is in the Stowed state. |
| US09797769B2 |
Infrared detection device and masking section
An infra-red detection device comprising an infra-red detection section; a plurality of optical elements arranged to direct infra-red radiation to the infrared detection section; and a masking section arranged to partially mask a first optical element of the plurality of optical elements, such that a first part of the first optical element is masked and a second part of the first optical element is not masked, such that the masking section is arranged to attenuate infra-red radiation directed via the first optical element. |
| US09797765B2 |
Self-calibrating mechanism and self-calibrating method for flow rate sensor, and diagnostic mechanism and diagnostic method for fluid sensor
A valve fully closing part; a calibrating volume calculation part that calculates a calibrating volume on the basis value of an integration of a flow rate measured value outputted from a flow rate sensor in a fluid parameter changing interval; and a calibration part that calibrates a flow rate on the basis of the calculated calibrating volume and a preset reference volume are provided. |
| US09797764B2 |
Light enhanced flow tube
An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system. |
| US09797761B2 |
Recreational vehicle wastewater tank measurement system and method
A liquid level measurement device and method for a wastewater tank or tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented by attaching a visual liquid level measuring module (such as a liquid level sight or a mechanical pressure gage) to the inlet of a gate valve that is configured for attachment to the outlet of a recreational vehicle wastewater dump system. The visual liquid level measuring module is configured to entirely fit inboard of the sidewalls of the recreational vehicle and underneath the floor of the recreational vehicle. The liquid level of the wastewater tank may be measured by (a) closing the gate valve, (b) opening a shutoff valve upstream of the gate valve but downstream of the wastewater tank, and (c) reading the level of the liquid indicated by the visual liquid level indicating device. |
| US09797758B2 |
Method for operating a vortex flowmeter device
Method for operating a vortex flowmeter device for measuring the flow of a fluid that flows through a measuring tube in which a baffle is arranged for producing eddies in the fluid. A signal-processing device processes signals of first and sensors produced by pressure fluctuations. A first signal is obtained by multiplication of the signal of the first sensor with a correction factor, and the second signal is obtained by multiplication of the signal of the second sensor with another correction factor such that a wanted signal is obtained from the deviation between the first signal and second signals, and a sum signal is formed from the sum of the first and second signals. A correlation between the wanted signal and the sum signal is determined and the correlation is minimized by variation of the correction factors, whereby same-phase interfering signals superimposed on anti-phase sensor signals are at least minimized. |
| US09797755B2 |
Damped fiber optic accelerometers, sensors, and sensor assemblies, and methods of assembling the same
A fiber optic sensor is provided. The fiber optic sensor includes: a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest; a moveable portion; a spring member positioned at least partially between the fixed portion and the moveable portion; an optical fiber wound in contact with the fixed portion and the moveable portion such that the optical fiber spans at least a portion of the spring; and an elastomeric material provided in contact with at least one of the fixed portion, the moveable portion, the spring member, the body of interest, and the optical fiber. |
| US09797749B2 |
Resolver
A resolver has a lead wire that can be slack even in a structure in which it is impossible to maintain the distance between an end of wound wire and a terminal pin without using a special jig. A lead wire of a stator coil 500 is entwined on a plurality of terminal pins 603 in a slack condition, and the entwined parts are fixed by soldering or welding. Terminal base 600 is then moved to a stator core 200 side, and the lead wire is made slack by contacting the lower surface of a terminal base body 601 to the upper surface of the stator core 200. Next, end part of the pins 306 of a primary insulator 300 are melted so as to fix the terminal base 600. |
| US09797748B2 |
Gear sensing based on differential/asymmetric inductive sensing
An inductive gear sensing system suitable for sensing gear (gear tooth) movement, such as some combination of speed, direction and position, based on differential sensor response waveforms. Example embodiments of inductive gear sensing with differential sensor response for different gear configurations include generating differential pulsed/phased sensor response signals from dual differential sensors based on axial (proximity-type) sensing for offset differential sensors (FIG. 1B, 102, 102; FIG. 2B, 201, 202), and generating asymmetrical response signals from a single sensor based on lateral and axial sensing with either asymmetrical gear teeth (FIG. 3A, 30A; FIG. 3B, 30B) or an asymmetrical sensor (FIG. 4B, 401) or a combination of both. |
| US09797744B2 |
Electronic flight data display instrument
An electronic display instrument configured to secure in a desired position over multiple pre-existing instrument holes in a dashboard of an aircraft in place of multiple conventional display instruments, each conventional instrument having a conventional readout. The instrument comprises a display screen having a plurality of readouts corresponding to the conventional readouts of the multiple conventional instruments that the electronic display instrument replaces. The instrument further includes a body having a front and a back opposite the front and a top and a bottom opposite the top. The body is positioned adjacent and connected to the display screen. The instrument also includes an electronics module protruding from the back of the body to position in one of the pre-existing instrument holes in the dashboard panel of the aircraft. |
| US09797731B2 |
Consolidating and transforming object-descriptive input data to distributed rendered location data
Systems and methods are provided for consolidating and transforming object-descriptive input data to distributed rendered location data. The systems and methods are configured to receive object-descriptive input data from a plurality of input devices, consolidate the object-descriptive input data and correlate it with a plurality of physical objects, determine first and second subsets of the plurality of physical objects based on a proximity of each of the physical objects to each of a plurality of user devices, construct user device-specific graphical maps each indicating a route to each object in a subset, and instruct each user device to display a graphical map constructed therefor. |
| US09797730B2 |
Detected arrival at navigated destination automatically triggers delivery of relevant local information to user
A mobile navigation system may include a navigation computer, an arrival detection system, and an information delivery system. The navigation computer may be configured to receive a destination to which a user of the mobile navigation system wishes to travel and to provide guidance to the user about how to navigate to the destination. The arrival detection system may be configured to automatically detect when the mobile navigation system has arrived at the destination. The information delivery system may be configured to provide local information to the user that is tailored to the specific destination in response to detection by the arrival detection system of the arrival of the mobile navigation system at the destination. The local information may not be merely an announcement that the user has arrived at the destination. |
| US09797729B1 |
Systems and methods for automatic fit adjustment of a wearable device
Systems and methods for automatic adjustment of a wearable device are provided. One embodiment of a method includes determining whether a navigation sensor is in a desired position and, in response to determining that the navigation sensor is not in a desired position, determining a desired modification to the navigation sensor for achieving the desired position. Some embodiments include determining a change of a repositioning device for achieving the desired modification to the navigation sensor and actuating the repositioning device to implement the change. |
| US09797727B2 |
Method and apparatus for determination of misalignment between device and vessel using acceleration/deceleration
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for determining the misalignment between a device and a platform (such as for example a vessel or vehicle) using acceleration and/or deceleration of the platform, wherein the device can be strapped or non-strapped to the platform, wherein in case of non-strapped the mobility of the device may be constrained or unconstrained within the platform. In case of non-strapped, the device may be moved or tilted to any orientation within the platform and still provide a seamless navigation solution without degrading the performance of this navigation solution. When the device is in a holder in the platform, it is still considered non-strapped, as it may move with respect to the platform. The present method can utilize measurements (readings) from sensors (such as for example, accelerometers, odometer/wheel encoders, gyroscopes, etc.) whether in the presence or in the absence of navigational information updates (such as, for example, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or WiFi positioning). |
| US09797724B2 |
Capsize risk level calculation system
Provided is a capsize risk level calculation system which can calculate a capsize risk level providing an index of the capsize risk on an oscillation of hull without using hull information. This system includes an acceleration sensor detecting a reciprocating motion in an up-down direction of a vessel as an oscillation in an up-down direction of a virtual oscillation center axis; an angular velocity sensor detecting a simple pendulum motion in a rolling direction around the vessel center axis as a simple pendulum motion of the vessel COG around the oscillation center axis; and an arithmetic part calculating a capsize risk level from an oscillation radius connecting between the oscillation center axis and the vessel COG, and a capsize limit oscillation radius connecting between the oscillation center axis and the vessel metacenter, which are obtained on the results of detection by the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor. |
| US09797717B2 |
Measuring apparatus and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a measuring apparatus for measuring a shape of an object to be measured, comprising an emitting unit configured to emit pattern light, an optical system configured to guide the pattern light emitted from the emitting unit to the object, a deflection unit arranged between the optical system and the object and configured to deflect the pattern light emitted from the optical system, an image sensing unit configured to capture the object via the optical system and the deflection unit, and a processing unit configured to determine the shape of the object based on an image of the object captured by the image sensing unit, wherein the deflection unit comprises a diffraction grating configured to diffract the pattern light emitted from the optical system. |
| US09797715B2 |
Gage for verifying profile of part and method of verifying profile of part
A method of verifying the roundness of a clutch hub includes placing the clutch hub adjacent a non-contact measuring device. The method includes rotating one of the clutch hub and non-contact measuring device about a central axis that is stationary relative to the non-contact measuring device. Distance measurements are measured between the non-contact measuring device and a surface of the clutch hub at discrete points along splines and slopes between the splines of the clutch hub as the clutch hub is rotated about the central axis. The method includes identifying some of the distance measurements as spline measurements associated with splines of the clutch hub. The roundness of the clutch hub is calculated based on the spline measurements. |
| US09797714B2 |
Limit detection system for railway vehicle
A clearance detection system for a railway vehicle includes a cross beam, an upright column connected to two ends of the cross beam through an adjusting block, an inclined support connected to the upright column and the cross beam for supporting the upright column and the cross beam, an electric cylinder arranged on the upright column and the cross beam, a telescopic guide rod being provided on a guide rail of the electric cylinder, a connecting plate fixed at an end of the telescopic guide rod, and a PC connected to a controller of the electric-cylinder. The telescopic guide rod is movable along the guide rail of the electric-cylinder under movement of the electric-cylinder, adjusts the position of the industrial camera, and detects the contours of different types of rail vehicles. |
| US09797712B2 |
Method for evaluating Fresnel diffraction border profiles
A method for determining the position of at least one edge of an object, in particular a strand, comprises illuminating the object using light from at least one coherent light source, wherein diffraction borders are generated on both geometric boundaries of the shadow caused by the object. The method also includes recording the spatial intensity profile of at least one diffraction border using at least one single or multi line optical sensor, differentiating the at least one recorded intensity profile with respect to location and plotting it using a squared location axis, and comparing the at least one recorded intensity profile, differentiated with respect to location and plotted using a squared location axis, to at least one periodic reference intensity profile. The position of at least one edge of the object is determined on the basis of the completed comparison. |
| US09797711B2 |
Signal processing device of scanning-type distance measurement device, signal processing method, and scanning-type distance measurement device
A signal processing device of a scanning-type distance measurement device includes: a distance calculation unit for, on the basis of a predetermined correlation relationship between measured light and reflection light, calculating, for each predetermined scan angle, the distance from the scanning-type distance measurement device to an object; a to-be-monitored object determination unit for performing a to-be-monitored object determination process, in which, when the distance calculation unit calculates a distance within a to-be-monitored region for N number of scans (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) consecutively in a specific scan angle direction, it is determined that there is an object to be monitored in the specific scan angle direction; and a signal output unit which, when it is determined by the to-be-monitored object determination unit that there is an object to be monitored, outputs a to-be-monitored object detection signal. |
| US09797705B2 |
Laser heterodyne interferometric signal processing method based on locking edge with high frequency digital signal
The present invention discloses a processing method for laser heterodyne interferometric signal based on locking edge with high frequency digital signal. A reference signal and a measurement signal of heterodyne interferometer, after being processed by photodetector, signal amplifier, filtering circuit, voltage comparator and high frequency digital edge locking module, are transferred to pulse counting synchronized latching processing module, to obtain entire cycle interference fringe numbers and filling pulse numbers in one interference fringe cycle, of the reference signal and the measurement signal; the numbers are transferred to a computer to obtain displacement and speed of a measured object; usage of a high frequency digital pulse signal to lock the rising edge of laser heterodyne interferometric signal can improve the gradient of the rising edge of interference signal and eliminate wrong pulse caused by noises, and improve the accuracy and stability of the processing for the following signals. |
| US09797700B2 |
Variable modelling of a measuring device
A method for providing static and dynamic position information of a designated point of a measuring device having a surface and a structure that includes the designated point and being arranged moveable relatively to the surface. The method includes defining a model for representing an actual position of the designated point relative to the surface and deriving the actual position of the designated point by a calculation based on the defined model. At least two cells are used to model the structure. The at least two cells are linearly arranged in a linear extension direction. At least one of the cells is a variable cell of a set of at least one variable cell and exhibits variable elongation as to the extension direction. An actual elongation of the at least one variable cell is set to model a positional change, particularly in linear extension direction, of the designated point. |
| US09797695B2 |
Cartridge
The invention relates to a cartridge having a projectile, and a case which is mounted on the projectile from behind and which has a case mouth at the front end, wherein the projectile has a tip, and at the rear this tip merges into a circumferential front guide band which defines the outside diameter of the projectile, and directly adjoining this front guide band in the direction of the projectile base, a circumferential case mouth receiving space which extends in the axial direction of the projectile and in which the case mouth engages is situated in the projectile. In order to reduce the twistless freebore to a minimum and build up the gas pressure early during firing, it is proposed that an exposed portion of the case mouth receiving space extending in the axial direction of the projectile is situated between the front guide band and the case mouth; i.e., the case mouth does not completely fill the case mouth receiving space in the direction of the nose of the projectile. |
| US09797693B1 |
Adjustable stand for holding a liquid explosive
A low-cost, reliable and easy to use kit for neutralizing surface exposed landmine and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian demining is based on a liquid fuel and a solid/soluble fuel. Both fuels are premeasured in separate, sealed containers. The addition of a small quantity of solid/soluble fuel into the liquid creates an explosive. The resulting mixture is capable of detonating with a standard No. 8 blasting cap. The solid/soluble fuel can be in the form of a powder, tablet, or its saturated solution in water. The solid/soluble fuel is hexamethylenetetramine. The liquid fuel, nitromethane, is provided in premeasured quantities. User is provided instructions for choosing the appropriate quantity of liquid fuel, the corresponding solid/soluble fuel required, the method of mixing, placement and detonation of the kits. Also disclosed is a simple wooden stand to hold the bottle of explosive in place. A special fuel, liquid 2-ethylhexylnitrate, is provided to desensitize the mixed and sensitized explosive. |
| US09797692B2 |
System and method for a blast attenuating seat with lower-limb protection
A blast attenuating seat system for protecting a vehicle occupant from impulses generated by blasts from underneath the vehicle, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The blast attenuating seat system includes a post, a mounting body coupled to a portion of the post and a seat assembly movably coupled to the mounting body configured to move relative to the post and mounting body. The seat assembly includes a seat body having a seat support structure configured to support a plurality of seat cushions and a shock assembly coupling the seat body and mounting body and configured to compress and expand such that the seat assembly moves relative to the post and mounting body. The blast attenuating seat system thereby provides/enables improved protection for vehicle occupants that may be exposed to explosive blasts. |
| US09797686B2 |
Rangefinder system
A rangefinder system includes a bow that may launch an arrow. A range finder is provided and the range finder may determine a distance between the bow and a target. A mount is coupled to the bow such that the mount is directed forwardly from the bow. The range finger is coupled to the mount such that the mount directs the range finder forwardly with respect to the bow. A switch is coupled to the bow and the switch may be manipulated. The switch is electrically coupled to the range finder such that the switch turns the range finder on and off. A display is movably coupled to the bow and the display may be visible. The display is electrically coupled to the range finder and the display displays a distance between the range finder and the target. |
| US09797685B2 |
Archery sighting device for a mechanical release
A sighting device for a bow which attaches to a release mechanism being used with said bow. The sighting device includes a sighting assembly, a positioning-and-orienting arm with multiple degrees of freedom, and a mounting clamp. The sighting assembly includes an annular plate, a sight eyepiece, and a telescoping support arm. The sight eyepiece is oriented normal to the annular plate and is positioned within a lateral boundary that is defined as an extension of an inner wall of the annular plate. The telescoping support arm is swivelably and adjacently connected to the annular plate and holds the sight eyepiece in place. A first end of the positioning-and-orienting arm is adjacently attached to the annular plate and a second of the positioning-and-orienting arm is attached to the mounting clamp. The mounting clamp is attached to the release mechanism, thus positioning the sighting assembly directly in front of the user's eye. |
| US09797681B2 |
Stowable effector launch system
An effector launch system includes a stowable effector launcher housing having a housing panel configured for coupling with a vehicle, and one or more receptacle brackets movably coupled with the housing panel. The one or more receptacle brackets include one or more effector launcher sockets. The launch system further includes one or more effector launchers. Each effector launcher includes an effector received within an adapter housing. The stowable effector launcher housing is movable between deployed and stowed configurations. In the deployed configuration the one or more receptacle brackets extend from the housing panel and the one or more effector launchers are received within the one or more effector launcher sockets. In the stowed configuration the one or more effector launchers are removed from the one or more effector launcher sockets and the one or more receptacle brackets are stowed along the housing panel. |
| US09797679B2 |
Hands-free support device, a subassembly of a hands-free support device and methods for operating the same
An assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a base portion and a selectively rotatable portion attached to the base portion. The base portion includes a first subassembly attached to a second subassembly. The first subassembly includes a housing that at least partially contains an actuator. The second subassembly includes a housing receiver that retains the housing. The selectively rotatable portion includes an indexing member attached to an implement carrier portion. The actuator of the base portion is selectively interfaced with the indexing member of the selectively rotatable portion in order to permit the selectively rotatable portion to be arranged relative the base portion in one of two orientations being a rotatably-locked orientation and a freely rotatable orientation. |
| US09797677B2 |
Compressed gas cannon system and method of manufacturing and use thereof
A compressed air cannon includes a launch pipe and a gas tube. The launch pipe has a closed end and an open end. The gas tube is into the top of the launch pipe, where the gas tube has an outlet directed toward the closed end of the launch pipe. |
| US09797675B2 |
Archery equipment conveyance bag
An archery equipment conveyance bag including a container member, having a closure cover provided upon its upper surface, and connected thereto by means of a zipper, or other connectors, the bag being separated by at least one or more dividers, formed of rigid polymer or related material, so that a plurality of bows may be located within the formed compartments within the bag, and in an alternative arrangement, include a series of aligned tubes for holding arrows within the bag during transit or storage. Various pouches or accessory compartments may be applied to the outer surface of the conveyance bag, even those that may be removable, for aid in the conveyance of the accessories used during archery performance. In addition, the conveyance bag may rest upon and connect with a dolly member, in order to facilitate the wheeled movement of the archery ladened conveyance bag to another location, during application and usage. |
| US09797674B2 |
Crossbow de-tensioning apparatus
A crossbow de-tensioning apparatus includes, in an embodiment, a de-tensioning device configured to be coupled to a crossbow. The de-tensioning apparatus also includes at least one hook operatively coupled to the de-tensioning device. The at least one hook is configured to be hooked onto a bowstring of the crossbow. |
| US09797673B2 |
Window-mount firearm rest
An apparatus for supporting a firearm adjacent a window in a wall has an elongate member pivotably coupled to a pivot member, allowing pivoting about a first pivot axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the elongate member. At least one mounting element is configured for engaging the wall and is pivotably coupled to pivot member to allow pivoting of the pivot member and elongate member together relative to the mounting element about a second pivot axis generally perpendicular to the first pivot axis and to the longitudinal length. A stop selectively limits pivoting of the elongate member about one of the axes, and a firearm support is coupled to the elongate member. During use, one of the axes is generally horizontal and the stop is configured to constrain pivoting of the elongate member about the generally horizontal axis for defining an elevation angle of the elongate member. |
| US09797672B2 |
Tunable muzzle compensator for a firearm
A tunable muzzle compensator for a weapon such as a firearm that includes a tube that extends the barrel of the weapon by fitting over the muzzle or is directly integrated into the barrel. This center tube, or modified barrel includes one or more holes along its length. One or more removable sections that have gas exit ports at various predetermined angles fit over the center section. Removable sections can be rotated to either turn off top holes on the center tube or to choose different angles of gas discharge The total effect of all the removable sections represents a particular tuning for the weapon. The weapon can be very quickly tuned on the range or in the field to compensate for weight of the projectile, the charge, and the shooting style by simply replacing and/or reversing removable sections with sections that have different angles of discharge. |
| US09797671B2 |
Internal firing pin safety mechanism for 1911 pistol
An internal firing pin safety mechanism for a pistol, for example an M1911 80-Series pistol, which is activated by the beaver tail, rather than the trigger. The mechanism's constituents are comprised of a beaver tail, which engages a beaver tail lever when gripped, which in turn engages a plunger lever. The plunger lever then pushes up a firing pin block that has a concave opening, which allows the firing pin to pass through and strike the pistol's chamber. |
| US09797669B1 |
Magazine loader
A magazine loader include a main body, a rounds recess, and a magazine recess. A plurality of rounds are provided to the rounds recess and positionally maintained by a rounds recess bottom, first and second rounds recess ledges, and first and second rounds recess sides. With a magazine positioned within the magazine recess and the rounds within the rounds recess, as the rounds are slidably moved towards the magazine recess, pivot points of each round successively abuts a downwardly angled portion of the second rounds recess side and pivots to angle a second round end of each round towards the magazine and over another downwardly angled portion of the first rounds recess side, so that each round successively enters the magazine. |
| US09797667B2 |
Magazine for a firearm provided with a device indicating the number of remaining cartridges
A self-contained magazine intended for a firearm, including a main housing configured to receive a plurality of cartridges and having an open upper end through which the cartridges are loaded and unloaded, a follower arranged relative to the main housing and able to slide in a longitudinal axial direction along the main housing, a spring urging the follower toward the upper end so as to push the cartridges toward the upper end, a secondary housing fixed and preferably removably relative to a substantially planar lower end of the main housing, and an indicator device arranged at least partially inside the secondary housing to indicate the number of cartridges contained in the main housing. |
| US09797660B2 |
Heat sink assembly
A heat sink assembly includes a base block having a straight mounting groove on the middle and two U-shaped mounting grooves at two opposite lateral sides, cooling fins installed in the top wall of the base block, each cooling fin having multiple tight-fit mounting holes, a U-shaped heat pipe having a lower segment peripherally press-fitted into the straight mounting groove in flush with the bottom wall of the base block and an upper segment tightly inserted into one respective tight-fit mounting hole of each cooling fin, and two symmetrical, curved heat pipes with respective U-shaped lower segments thereof respectively and peripherally press-fitted into the U-shaped mounting grooves in flush with the bottom wall of the base block and respective upper segments thereof tightly inserted into respective tight-fit mounting holes of each cooling fin. Thus, heat can be drawn upwards from a heat source and evenly distributed through the cooling fins. |
| US09797659B2 |
Refrigerant heat dissipating apparatus
A refrigerant heat dissipation apparatus has an evaporator, a condenser having a first condensing tube and a second condensing tube, a first refrigerant tube, two second refrigerant tubes, and a refrigerant. The first refrigerant tube is connected between the top of the evaporator and an upper part of a first condensing tube. The second refrigerant tubes are respectively connected with a lower part of the first condensing tube and a lower part of the second condensing tube, so as to form a multi-flow closed-loop cycle. The refrigerant is filled into the multi-flow closed-loop cycle. The controlling of cycling direction of the refrigerant achieves the efficiency in heat dissipating of the refrigerant heat dissipation apparatus. |
| US09797658B2 |
Subcooler and air conditioner including the same
Provided are a supercooler and an air conditioner including the same. The supercooler disposed between a condenser and an evaporator of an air conditioner to supercool a refrigerant condensed in the condenser, thereby allowing the supercooled refrigerant to flow into the evaporator includes an inner tube in which a first refrigerant passing through the condenser flows, an outer tube having an inner space in which the inner tube is disposed, the outer tube allowing a second refrigerant heat-exchanged with the first refrigerant to flow by using the inner tube as a boundary, and a baffle supporting the inner tube to prevent the inner tube from being shaken within the outer tube. |
| US09797657B2 |
Heat exchanger, reactor arrangement comprising this heat exchanger and method for controlling the temperature of a reactor
A heat exchanger (1) contains: a bundle of at least two heat exchanger tubes (3), a heat exchanger housing (5) surrounding the bundle of heat exchanger tubes (3), wherein a liquid heat-transfer medium (7) is passed around the bundle of heat exchanger tubes (3) in the heat exchanger housing (5), a heat exchanger cap (9) sealing the top of the heat exchanger housing (5), a heat exchanger bottom (11) sealing the bottom of the heat exchanger housing (5), a feed point (13) for the heat-transfer medium (7), an outlet (15) for the heat-transfer medium (7), an emergency relief port (17) disposed in proximity to the heat exchanger cap (9). The heat exchanger (1) contains a safety device (19) disposed in proximity to the heat exchanger bottom (11). |
| US09797651B2 |
System for facilitating communication of information and related methods
A system for facilitating communication of information between an information source positioned inside a refrigerated environment and a position outside the refrigerated environment comprising a transmitter for transmitting a signal including the information, a planar antenna fixed to a gasket for resonating the transmitted signal, the gasket providing a seal between the refrigerated compartment and a door providing access to the refrigerated compartment, and a receiver for receiving the signal including the information. The information could include information concerning at least one container positioned in a refrigerated environment. The system may utilize a Wi-Fi device, a Bluetooth® device, RFID device, or other devices for transmitting the information. |
| US09797644B1 |
Collapsible and expandable ice dispensing tubing apparatus and related devices and methods of use
A collapsible and expandable ice dispensing tubing apparatus having a first end and an opposite second end, the apparatus comprising: a hollow flexible body having a first opening formed at the first end and an opposite second opening formed at the second end, the body comprising a sheath and at least one reinforcing member for communication through the body from the first opening to the second opening; a first collar formed on the body at the first end and an opposite second collar formed on the body at the second end; and a fastener configured to selectively engage the first and second collars so as to selectively maintain the apparatus in a collapsed configuration. The apparatus may be employed in conjunction with other devices for selectively dispensing ice from an ice dispensing machine into a container. |
| US09797641B2 |
Vehicular air-conditioning device
There is disclosed an air-conditioning device of a so-called heat pump system which acquires comfortable heating in a vehicle interior by preventing or inhibiting frost formation to an outdoor heat exchanger. In a vehicular air-conditioning device 1, a controller calculates a requested refrigerant evaporation temperature in non-frosting TXObaseQtgt which is a refrigerant evaporation temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger 7 when a required heating capability Qtgt as a heating capability required for a radiator 4 is realized in non-frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 7, and the controller controls heating by the radiator 4 and heating by a heating medium-air heat exchanger 40 of a heating medium circulating circuit 23 on the basis of the requested refrigerant evaporation temperature in non-frosting TXObaseQtgt and a frost point Tfrost to achieve the required heating capability Qtgt without causing frost formation to the outdoor heat exchanger 7. |
| US09797638B2 |
Compressor
A compressor capable of reducing oil circulation rate with a simple structure is provided. A compressor 100 in which a piston 136 is caused to reciprocate, so that a refrigerant gas drawn from a suction chamber 141 via a suction hole 103a is compressed and discharged, includes: a partition member 150 dividing the suction chamber 141, into which the refrigerant gas flows from a suction passage 104a, into a first space 141a connected to the suction passage 104a and a second space 141b connected to the suction hole 103a; and a communication passage 150a configured to allow the first space 141a and the second space 141b to be in communication with each other, and introduce the refrigerant gas, from which lubricating oil has been separated, from the first space 141a to the second space 141b. |
| US09797637B2 |
Refrigeration cycle apparatus
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor, a condenser, a first subcooling device that subcools a refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air, a second subcooling device that performs a heat exchange between refrigerant streams that have been branched by a branch pipe, thereby subcooling one of the refrigerant streams, a flow control device that adjusts a flow rate of the second stream of the refrigerant and passes this refrigerant through the second subcooling device, a bypass path that allows the refrigerant passing through the flow control device and the second subcooling device to flow therethrough, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a controller configured to control an amount of heat exchanged in the first subcooling device and an amount of heat exchanged in the second subcooling device based on a temperature of the air. |
| US09797633B2 |
Temperature regulating food conveying container system
A novel temperature regulating food conveying container system for holding hot and cold food in close proximity is provided. In preferred embodiments, the system generally includes a plurality of stacked, concentric, and annular levels with decreasing diameters. The levels are configured with a plurality of food serving containers each with a corresponding temperature regulating unit. One or more motors may be configured to rotate the individual levels. One or more light elements may be positioned at various locations on and around the levels. In further preferred embodiments, a control switch is configured to control the temperature of each individual temperature unit. |
| US09797630B2 |
Heat pump with restorative operation for magneto caloric material
A heat pump system is provided that uses MCM to provide for heating or cooling. The heat pump can include one or more stages of MCM, each stage having an original peak Curie temperature. In the event the magneto caloric response of one or more stages of MCM degrades, the present invention provides for operating the heat pump system so that one or more stages of MCM are held at a different temperature from the original peak Curie temperature so as to restore the MCM to its original peak Curie temperature or to within a certain interval thereof. The present invention can be used with e.g., an appliance, air-conditioning systems (heating or cooling), or other devices using such a heat pump system as well. |
| US09797629B2 |
Method for carrying out a heat transfer between alternately working adsorbers and device
The invention relates to a method for carrying out a heat transfer between alternately working adsorbers (Ad1, Ad2) in an adsorption refrigeration installation comprising an external cooling circuit (Kw) and an external heating circuit (Hw). The method is characterized by a closed heat transfer circuit, connected between the first and the second adsorber, comprising a heat transfer medium (Wm) circulating therein, a heat transfer with the external cooling circuit (Kw) being carried out in the heat transfer circuit via a first heat contact and a heat transfer with the external heating circuit (Hw) being carried out via a second heat contact. |
| US09797619B2 |
Temperature compensation system for an electronic device
Systems and methods herein include features for compensating a temperature reading of a thermostat. The thermostat may include a housing and one or more temperature sensors within the housing. The thermostat may sense a temperature using one or more of the temperature sensors. A processor and/or memory of the thermostat may be capable of and/or configured to compensate the sensed temperature with a first temperature compensation model and compensate the sensed temperature with a second temperature compensation model. During compensation of the sensed temperature, the system may transition from compensating the sensed temperature with the first temperature compensation model to compensating the sensed temperature with the second temperature compensation model over time and independent of the sensed temperature. |
| US09797615B2 |
Wireless controller with gateway
Remote control of energy consumption is realized using a readily installable, flexible approach. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a remote source communicates with a wireless controller for executing energy usage control. The remote source sends signals to the wireless controller via a gateway located near or, in one implementation, forming part of the wireless controller. In response to the signals, the wireless controller sets control settings for operating one or more of a variety of equipment types, such as a furnace, air conditioner, water heater or heat pump. With this approach, wired connections from the gateway to energy-consuming equipment do not necessarily need to be made in order to affect remote energy-consumption control. For instance, when used in connection with a controller wired to the energy-consuming equipment, the gateway need only communicate wirelessly with the controller and does not necessarily need to be coupled to the energy-consuming equipment. In addition, access to the energy-consuming equipment for establishing remote energy control is not necessary; rather, the remote energy control can be effected by accessing user-friendly locations, such as those where thermostats and other controllers are typically located. |
| US09797611B2 |
Combination air and ground source heating and/or cooling system
A combination air and ground source heating and/or cooling system. The system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and an in-ground unit, each of which has a coil, an inlet line and an outlet line. The system also comprises a flow connector, a coupling and a controller. The controller is configured to control the flow connector and coupling so that the system is selectively operable in three different modes. In the first mode, refrigerant bypasses the coil of the outdoor unit, while, in the second mode, refrigerant bypasses the coil of the in-ground unit. In the third mode, refrigerant flows through the coils of the in-ground and outdoor units. |
| US09797594B1 |
Tri-metallic ferrite oxygen carriers for chemical looping combustion
The disclosure provides a tri-metallic ferrite oxygen carrier for the chemical looping combustion of carbonaceous fuels. The tri-metallic ferrite oxygen carrier comprises CuxFeyMnzO4-δ, where CuxFeyMnzO4-δ is a chemical composition. Generally, 0.5≦x≦2.0, 0.2≦y≦2.5, and 0.2≦z≦2.5, and in some embodiments, 0.8≦x≦1.2, y≦1.2, and z≧0.8. The tri-metallic ferrite oxygen carrier may be used in various applications for the combustion of carbonaceous fuels, including as an oxygen carrier for chemical looping combustion. |
| US09797592B2 |
Illuminated housing for portable electronic devices
A device includes a housing with a recessed area and a raised peripheral section surrounding the recessed area, wherein the recessed area is recessed with respect to the raised peripheral section. A gripping mechanism is provided in the recessed area. The gripping mechanism is adjustable to hold portable electronic devices of a plurality of different sizes. A light source is provided in the raised peripheral section, to emit light from the raised peripheral section. |
| US09797589B2 |
High efficiency LED lamp
A high-efficiency LED lamp is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide a high-efficiency, high output solid-state lamp. The lamp includes an LED assembly, and an optical element or diffuser disposed to receive light from the LED assembly. The optical element includes a primary exit surface, wherein the primary exit surface is at least about 1.5 inches from the LED assembly. In example embodiments, the optical element is roughly cylindrical in shape, but can take other shapes and be made from various materials. An LED lamp according to some embodiments of the invention has an efficiency of at least about 150 lumens per watt. In some embodiments, the lamp has a light output of at least 1200 lumens. In some embodiments, the LED lamp produces light with a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 90 and a warm white color. |
| US09797587B2 |
Flexible electrical connection of an LED-based illumination device to a light fixture
An electrical interface module (EIM) is provided between an LED illumination device and a light fixture. The EIM includes an arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to an LED illumination device and a second arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to the light fixture and may include a power converter. Additionally, an LED selection module may be included to selectively turn on or off LEDs. A communication port may be included to transmit information associated with the LED illumination device, such as identification, indication of lifetime, flux, etc. The lifetime of the LED illumination device may be measured and communicated, e.g., by an RF signal, IR signal, wired signal or by controlling the light output of the LED illumination device. An optic that is replaceably mounted to the LED illumination device may include, e.g., a flux sensor that is connected to the electrical interface. |
| US09797585B2 |
Systems and methods for retrofitting existing lighting systems
LED lighting systems and methods for retro-fitting existing lighting systems such as acorn and other globe style fixtures is disclosed. The retro-fit systems can be provided with an LED driver, an adaptor casting which mounts to industry standard fixture, a riser for adjusting the height of the lighting fixture, and an assembly of an optically active sealing lens, a heat sink and a LED board, wherein the LED lights, which can be made up of a plurality of LEDs, are arranged in concentric rings on the LED board, and are fitted with a sealing lens in the form of a rotated bubble optic with concentric grooves on the inner surface. |
| US09797576B2 |
Luminaire
A luminaire includes a light source unit. The light source unit is configured to irradiate light having a correlated color temperature between 2600 K and 4500 K, a chromaticity deviation Duv between −1.6 and −12, and a general color rendering index Ra of 80 or more. |
| US09797574B2 |
Light-emitting diode obstruction light
An obstruction light is disclosed herein. The obstruction light can include a reflector having a first parabolic portion and a second parabolic portion. The obstruction light can also include a light assembly having at least one array of light sources disposed adjacent to the reflector between the first parabolic portion and the second parabolic portion. |
| US09797570B2 |
Air vent device for vehicle lamp
Disclosed is an air vent device for a vehicle lamp, including: an inner housing which is installed on a lamp housing, has an opening portion formed at one side thereof, and has a moisture generation inducing zone that is formed in the inner housing and generates moisture; and an outer housing which has a low pressure inducing unit that is formed between the inner housing and the outer housing and allows the outside air to pass therethrough, and discharges the moisture generated in the moisture generation inducing zone to the outside through the opening portion and the low pressure inducing unit. |
| US09797567B2 |
Organic-light-emitting diode and luminaire
Organic light-emitting diodes as well as luminaires with such organic light-emitting diodes are specified. The luminaires may in particular be the following apparatuses, or the luminaires are part of existing apparatuses: alarm, shower cubicle, shower head, solar protection, rain protection, lamp, bed, signalling light, changing cubicle, vision protection, housing, emergency lighting, mirror, slabs, ceiling lights, radiator cladding, blinds, noise protection, umbrella, warning light. |
| US09797566B2 |
Self-powered street light
A street lighting apparatus, and method of generating illumination, designed to provide illumination without the use of an electrical grid, is described. The illumination device is designed to have a first component configured to generate power for a second component, wherein the second component powers one or more functional elements, such as an LED or camera. The first component relies on at least one photovoltaic panel and solar power to electrically charge a first battery. The first battery is operatively coupled to a second component having a generator which is driven by a motor. The generator provides for an electrical charge to be stored in one or more batteries of a battery bank, thereby providing the necessary power utilized by the LED, camera, or other functional components. |
| US09797565B2 |
LED engine for emergency lighting
A light engine for a lighting fixture includes a bracket, with multiple mounting surfaces configured at different angles to form a substantially concave region, and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted to the multiple mounting surfaces to project an axis of a light beam from each of the plurality of LED modules along substantially a same illuminating plane. The light engine includes a first set of lenses with a first type of optical surface for focusing a first portion of the plurality of LED modules and a second set of lenses with a second type of optical surface, different than the first type, for focusing a second portion of the plurality of LED modules. |
| US09797561B2 |
Wiring boards for array-based electronic devices
In accordance with certain embodiments, lighting systems include one or more lightsheets each including a plurality of strings of light-emitting elements, control elements, and power conductors for supplying power to the light-emitting elements and control elements. |
| US09797560B2 |
LED luminaire utilizing an extended and non-metallic enclosure
The present disclosure relates generally to a light emitting diode (LED) luminaire. In one embodiment, the LED luminaire includes an enclosure having an interior volume and a flat side along a length of the enclosure, wherein the flat side comprises an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein the enclosure comprises an extruded optically clear plastic and one or more LEDs coupled to one or more circuit boards, wherein the one or more circuit boards are mounted on the inside surface of the flat side of the enclosure. |
| US09797555B2 |
LED device having collimator lens
An LED device includes a plurality of LED dies, a plurality of lens, a diffuser plate and a collimator lens. The collimator lens is positioned between the diffuser plate and the lens. The collimator lens includes a plurality of fresnel lenses. A focus of each fresnel lens is equal to a distance between a plane where the fresnel lens places and a light outputting surface of the LED die. Light emitted from the LED dies is adjusted to collimator light and striking perpendicularly into the diffuser plate. |
| US09797554B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp A includes a plurality of LED modules 2 each including an LED chip 21, and a support member 1 including a support surface 1a on which the LED modules 2 are mounted. The LED modules 2 include a plurality of kinds of LED modules, or a first through a third LED modules 2A, 2B and 2C different from each other in directivity characteristics that represent light intensity distribution with respect to light emission directions. This arrangement ensures that the entire surrounding area can be illuminated with sufficient brightness. |
| US09797549B2 |
Hook assembly
A hook assembly is convenient for use and is easily detached from a bonded surface. The hook assembly includes a hook including a hook part containing a hook member on which an object is hung to be supported thereby and an attachment part attaching the hook part to a bonded surface, and an adhesive tape attaching the attachment part to the bonded surface. |
| US09797548B1 |
Bracket for retaining a disassembled rifle
A bracket for retaining a disassembled rifle preferably includes a retention bracket and a pair of retractable spring pins. The retention bracket includes a base plate, a first yoke, a second yoke, a first lug and a second lug. The two lugs and the two yokes extend upward from a top of the base plate. A width of the lug slot is sized to receive a lug projection of an upper receiver half of a rifle. The two retractable spring pins are retained in the first and second yokes. The first and second lug holes are sized to receive a spring pin of a lower receiver half of a rifle. A second embodiment of the rifle bracket includes a retention bracket with yokes that extend from a side of a base plate and two lugs that extend from an opposing side of the base plate. |
| US09797546B1 |
Pivotal device for a support of an electric device
A pivotal device for a support of an electric device includes a base and a flip module. The base includes a compartment. At least one first track is disposed in the compartment and is arcuate. At least one friction device is coupled to and movable relative to the base. The flip module includes a first sliding member and a second sliding member. The first sliding member is received in the compartment and is movable relative to the base along a contour of the at least one first track. The at least one friction device abuts the first sliding member. The first sliding member includes a second track. The second track is arcuate. The second sliding member is coupled to the first sliding member and is movable relative to the first sliding member along a contour of the second track. |
| US09797542B2 |
Latch and bezel system for device enclosure
One example of a latch and bezel system for a device enclosure can be implemented as a system for mounting electronic equipment. The system includes a support structure. A head unit is configured to receive electronic equipment, and to connect to the support structure. A bezel is positioned in the head unit. The bezel is configured to retain the electronic equipment in the head unit. A release system is configured to be inaccessible when the head unit is connected to the support structure. Upon activation, the release system is configured to release the bezel within the head unit to release the electronic equipment. |
| US09797540B2 |
Apparatus for repair of polyolefin pipes and structures
A repair system for repairing a polyolefin pipe containing a transitional film applied over and bonded to the pipe and a reinforcement system, applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane system bonded to the second side of the transitional film.A system two polyolefin tubular members joined end-to-end containing two tubular members arranged such that their respective ends are adjacent, thereby defining a circumferential joint, a transitional film applied and bonded to the circumferential joint and at least a portion of the two tubular members, and a reinforcement system applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane or a fiber-reinforced epoxy system bonded to the second side of the transitional film. |
| US09797538B2 |
Electromagnetic boom and environmental cleanup application for use in conjunction with magnetizable oil
A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus is used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom. |
| US09797537B2 |
Device for securing a leak, premises equipped with such a device and associated leak-securing method
The invention relates to a device for securing a leak of fluid from equipment containing a pressurised fluid. The device comprising a gas-tight containment device disposed around the equipment and defining a volume, Vconf, between the inner surface of the sealed containment device and the outer surface of the equipment. A vent is formed by one or more ports in the sealed containment device, each port being defined by its cross-section and shape. According to the invention, the volume, Vconf, the cross-section and the shape of each port are configured such that, in the event of a leak of flow rate Qf, the fluid is discharged through each port in the form of a turbulent jet. |
| US09797536B2 |
Article having fluororesin joint, and method for producing such article
Provided are an article including a joint portion of a fluororesin having sufficient strength, and a method of producing the same. The article includes a joint portion including: a porous first layer of a first fluororesin; a second layer of a second fluororesin having a melting point lower than a melting point of the first fluororesin; and a non-porous third layer formed between the first layer and the second layer, the non-porous third layer including the first fluororesin. |
| US09797535B2 |
Bonding clip for fluid conduit coupling
A bonding clip is provided in combination with a fluid conduit coupling that interconnects fluid conveying members. The bonding clip conducts electrical charge across the coupling to prevent buildup of electrostatic charges in the coupling. In one aspect of the invention, it may be considered a bonding clip. In another aspect, it may be considered the combination including the bonding clip and coupler. The invention also includes a method for dissipating electrostatic charge across a coupling used to interconnect fluid conveying members. In a preferred embodiment of the bonding clip, it includes a continuous flexible wire element mounted exteriorly of the coupling. The bonding clip is formed in a shape to connect the facing flanges of adjacent fluid conveying lines connected by the coupler, and to pass over the coupler with a defined gap separating a bridge portion of the clip from exterior surfaces of the coupler. |
| US09797531B2 |
Securing assembly for screwed hose end connectors
A screwed end connector assembly includes a threaded connector having a conical end portion for the reception of a mating hose fitting. The connector has a flange which includes at least one arcuate, circumferentially extending slot. A nut for threaded engagement with the connector, for securing a hose end fitting to the conical portion of the connector, has a polygonal exterior. A member has an aperture for fitment over and irrotational engagement with the exterior of the nut and includes at least one hole positionable in axial register with the said slot. |
| US09797528B2 |
Connector with double lumen tube
An assembly of a dual lumen tubing and a dual bore connector has a first flow conduit along a first lumen and a first bore, and has a second flow conduit from a second bore, via a circumferential groove and along a second lumen. The assembly can be used in connection with an extracorporeal circuit of a haemodialysis machine or an infusion set. |
| US09797526B2 |
Riser assembly and method of installing a riser assembly
A riser assembly and method of installing a riser assembly are disclosed. The riser assembly includes a first attachment element connected to a first portion of flexible pipe and a second attachment element connected to a second portion of flexible pipe. The first attachment element and second attachment element are connected by at least one tether element, via a fixed structure in a configuration such that, in use, in response to movement of the first and second portions of flexible pipe, the tension load at any moment in time, at each attachment element, remains substantially equal. |
| US09797524B2 |
Microfluidic logic circuit
Pneumatic devices for implementing finite state machines are provided. In some implementations, the pneumatic device comprises a state register component configured to hold one of a set of possible states. The pneumatic device also comprises a next-state logic block component configured to determine a next state for the state register component based at least in part on a current state of the state register component. A pneumatic programmable logic array (PLA) implementing a next state logic block of a finite state machine is also provided. The pneumatic PLA comprises an elastomeric membrane containing a pattern of holes and disposed between two channel layers of a pneumatic device. The PLA receives one or more input values representing a current state of a state register and one or more input values representing a user input and calculates one or more output values representing a next state for the state register. |
| US09797521B1 |
Rotary magnetic coupling actuated valve with external magnets and internal magnetic flux path
Various devices and techniques related to magnetically-actuated valves are generally described. In some examples, valves may include a valve body with a cavity. Valves may include a stem at least partially disposed in the cavity. Valves may include a valve member coupled to the stem. Valves may include a ferromagnetic actuation member disposed in the cavity. The ferromagnetic actuation member may be operatively coupled to the stem such that movement of the ferromagnetic actuation member actuates movement of the valve member between an open position and the closed position. Valves may include an actuator exterior to the valve body. The actuator may include a first magnetic pole section and a second magnetic pole section. A magnetic flux may flow from the first magnetic pole section through the ferromagnetic actuation member to the second magnetic pole section in a magnetic flux path through the interior portion of the valves. |
| US09797516B2 |
Diaphragm bellows
The diaphragm bellows includes a plurality of diaphragms (1) with outer edges (3) and inner edges (2), wherein diaphragms (1) that follow one another in the direction of the central longitudinal axis (5) of the diaphragm bellows are welded together alternately in the region of their inner edges (2) and in the region of their outer edges (3). A sliding-guidance device of the diaphragm bellows has at least two ring parts (10, 11). The at least two ring parts (10, 11) each extend through at most 180° in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis (5) of the diaphragm bellows and each have a guide portion (12) and a holding portion (13) protruding from the guide portion (12) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5), the holding portion (13) projecting into an intermediate space (6) located between two adjacent diaphragms (1). The guide portion (12) extends radially outside the two adjacent diaphragms (1) between which the holding portion (13) projects, and has a guide face (16), directed away from the longitudinal axis (5) of the diaphragm bellows, for sliding guidance on the inner surface (15) of a tube (14) surrounding the diaphragm bellows at least along a part of its longitudinal extent. |
| US09797508B2 |
Double-acting shift cylinder actuating assembly
An assembly for actuating a double-acting shift cylinder of a shift assembly of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir having a motor-driven hydraulic pump and two control valves that are each connected to a pressure supply line of the hydraulic pump and to a return line to the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The shift cylinder has two pressure chambers that are each connected to one of the control valves. The control valves each connect one pressure chamber of the shift cylinder to the pressure supply line of the hydraulic pump or to the return line to the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The actuating assembly includes at least one pressure-limiting valve that connects the pressure supply line to the return line if a hydraulic over-pressure is present. The control valves can be 3/2-directional valves having integrated pressure-limiting valves. |
| US09797507B2 |
Hydraulic control apparatus for hydraulic torque converter
A hydraulic pressure control circuit of a torque converter includes a torque converter control valve for controlling a line pressure supplied from a line regulator valve stably controlling a hydraulic pressure supplied from a hydraulic pump to be directly supplied to a fluid chamber inside a torque converter case as an operation hydraulic pressure, a reducing valve for stably controlling the hydraulic pressure, a torque converter control solenoid valve for controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied from the line regulator valve to be supplied to an engage hydraulic chamber of the lock-up clutch, and a switch valve for supplying the hydraulic pressure supplied from the reducing valve to a releasing hydraulic chamber of the lock-up clutch or exhausting the hydraulic pressure of the releasing hydraulic chamber of the lock-up clutch while being controlled by a control pressure of the torque converter control solenoid valve. |
| US09797500B2 |
Method for manufacturing rack housing and rack housing
Two laminating sheets each formed by laminating a carbon fiber sheet and a film of a thermoplastic resin are set on heating in an area of a mold corresponding to a tubular portion of a rack housing. The mold is clamped, the carbon fiber sheet is impregnated with the thermoplastic resin of the film, each of the two laminating sheets is pressed into a shape with a half tube corresponding to a half circumference of the tubular portion and connection portions at both ends of the half tube in a circumferential direction, and two half tubes are bonded together at the connection portions thereof to form the tubular portion. |
| US09797499B2 |
Method of installing a motor on a gear box
A method of mounting a motor to a gearbox includes positioning a coupling along an input shaft of the gearbox from a starting position to a first alignment position. In the starting position, the coupling drivingly engages a greater portion of the gearbox input shaft than in the first alignment position. In the first alignment position, the coupling operatively contacts the motor output shaft. Another step includes rotating the coupling so that the coupling aligns with the motor output shaft. Another step includes axially positioning the coupling at a second alignment position such that the coupling drivingly engages both the motor output and the gearbox input shafts. Another step includes positioning the motor to allow mounting of the motor on the gearbox with the coupling at a third alignment position drivingly engaging a greater portion of the motor output and the gearbox input shafts than in the second alignment position. |
| US09797498B2 |
Isolator with double acting spring system with reduced noise
An isolator is provided for use with an engine and in particular an engine that is assisted or started by MGU (Motor-Generator Unit) or a motor through an endless drive member. It comprises a double acting spring system for isolating crankshaft pulley from torsion vibration at the crankshaft, and in extreme conditions, such as during engine startup and accelerations or decelerations of the engine crankshaft relative to the pulley and when isolator operates in an “engine-driven” mode with the engine crankshaft is driven by the belt. |
| US09797497B2 |
Strain wave gearing
A flat strain wave gearing device equipped with: a first internal gear and a second internal gear; a flexible tubular external gear; and an elliptically shaped wave generator. In the direction of a central axis, the center of support of the external teeth by the wave generator is offset, by an offset amount of Δ along the direction of the central axis, with respect to the tooth-width center of the external teeth of the external gear. By setting the offset direction and the offset amount appropriately it is possible to achieve a strain wave gearing device which is suitable in terms of the operating conditions and the mechanical characteristics of the first and second internal gears. |
| US09797496B2 |
Differential assembly with spider shaft retention
A differential assembly having a case and a spider. The case may have a first case portion and a second case portion. The first case portion may have a spider shaft hole and a recess. The second case portion may have a protrusion that may extend through the recess and into the spider shaft hole to retain a spider shaft in the spider shaft hole. |
| US09797495B2 |
Clutch and differential device with same
A clutch to be combined with a rotary machine rotating about an axis is comprised of a rotary member including a first face perpendicular to the axis, a first bottom receding in an axial direction from the first face, and plural first clutch teeth being arranged in a circumferential direction and respectively projecting from both the first face and the first bottom; and a clutch member movable in the axial direction relative to the rotary member, the clutch member including a second bottom, plural second clutch teeth being arranged in a circumferential direction and respectively projecting from the second bottom to be respectively engageable with the plural first clutch teeth, and an internal peripheral wall connecting internal ends of the plural second clutch teeth and projecting in the axial direction toward the rotary member. |
| US09797492B2 |
Force converter apparatus and method
This invention relates to devices for converting a small input force to a larger output force and particularly relates to devices and methods for converting an input force to an output force comprising: an arm rotatable about an axis of rotation where the axis of rotation is moveable between first and second positions; an input force for rotating and moving the arm about the axis of rotation between the first and second positions; structure for controlling the rotation of the arm, movement and position of the axis of rotation to generate a non-circular orbital segment of the arm to transfer an output force between the first and second positions. |
| US09797491B2 |
Electric actuator assembly
An electric actuator assembly comprises a main actuator including a gear set containing a stepped friction portion located on a gear shaft of a drive gear thereof, an extension rod, and a power drive for rotating the gear set to move the extension rod through a lead screw, and a one-way bearing consisting of an inner race fitted to the gear shaft of the drive gear, an outer race surrounding the inner race, and a backstop mechanism mounted in between. When operating the power drive to rotate the gear set in lifting the extension rod, the inner race is rotated by the gear set relative to the outer race in one direction. When the driving power is off, the one-way bearing cannot rotate in reverse direction, the stepped friction portion is abutted against the flat contact surface of the inner race to produce a braking effect, preventing falling of the load that is supported on the main actuator. |
| US09797490B2 |
High reliability actuator
An actuator for moving a first component relative to a second component includes a first actuating mechanism secured to the first component and having a first motor, a first nut, and a first shaft secured to the first motor and the first nut such that the first nut is rotatable with the first motor. A second actuating mechanism is secured to the second component and has a second motor, a second nut, and a second shaft secured to the second motor and the second nut such that the second nut is rotatable with the second motor. A screw is threadably engaged with the first nut and the second nut such that rotation of at least one of the first motor and the second motor causes movement between the first and second nuts to move the second component relative to the first component. |
| US09797489B2 |
Actuator thrust rod and method of assembly
A linear actuator includes an actuator housing (20), a drive screw assembly (26) extending into the actuator housing (20), a tubular thrust rod (22), and an inner sleeve (104) disposed therein and engaging the drive screw assembly (26) for supporting the drive screw assembly (26) against radial movement during axial movement of the thrust rod (22) relative to the actuator housing (20). The drive screw assembly (26) includes a rotatable drive screw (72), a nut (74) coupled to the thrust rod (22) for movement with the nut (74) and in threaded engagement with the screw (72) for driving the nut (74) relative to the screw (72), and a screw bearing (76) coupled to a distal end (90) of the screw (72) for providing engagement between the screw (72) and the inner sleeve (104), where the nut (74) translates rotational movement of the screw (72) into axial movement of the thrust rod (22). |
| US09797487B2 |
Apparatus for converting motion
An assembly for converting motion is provided, the assembly comprising: a first arm rotatable about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatable about a second fixed pivot, the second fixed pivot spaced apart from the first fixed pivot; a third arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a fourth arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a first connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the third arm; a second connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the second arm; and a third connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the fourth arm. The assembly finds particular use in the support and movement of moveable building assemblies. |
| US09797483B2 |
Guide shoe
An object is to provide a guide shoe having a simple structure and suppressing a significant shift in pitch line while reducing friction losses and preventing possible noise. In a guide shoe having a shoe surface on which a traveling chain is guided, the shoe surface includes a plate guide surface which is formed on an upstream side of the shoe surface in a shoe longitudinal direction and on which only chain plates are slidably guided, a guiding protruding portion which is formed on a downstream side of the plate guide surface and on which only a chain roller or a chain bush is guided, and a continuously transitioning protruding portion that smoothly connects the plate guide surface and the guiding protruding surface together. Plate escaping portions are formed on opposite sides across the guiding protruding portion in a shoe width direction to avoid contact with the chain plates. |
| US09797482B2 |
Belt tensioner mount
A belt tensioner for an accessory drive of an internal combustion engine having a lever arm rotatably assembled to a hydraulic strut assembly. The hydraulic strut assembly including a fixing eye for rotatably mounting to a mounting boss of an engine, the fixing eye having a cupped portion at a first end to seat onto the mounting boss and a travel limiter at a second end extending along an axis of the hydraulic strut to limit travel of the lever arm toward the fixing eye. |
| US09797481B2 |
Positive-locking shifting device of a transmission
A positive-locking shifting device of a transmission connects one element of a first planetary gear set to one element of a second planetary gear set in a first shifting position and connects an additional element of the second planetary gear set to a torque-proof element of the transmission in a second shifting position. A single element of the shifting device is axially displacable between the first and second shifting positions. A shiftable operative connection between the torque-proof element of the transmission and the additional element of the second planetary gear set disposed, at least in sections, axially between the first and second planetary gear sets. The shiftable operative connection between the torque-proof element of the transmission and the additional element of the second planetary gear set intersecting a shiftable operative connection between the one element of the first planetary gear set and the one element of the second planetary gear set. |
| US09797478B2 |
Electrically powered gear box for a semitrailer stabilizer
An electrically powered gear box for a semitrailer stabilizer, comprising a gear box housing; the housing is internally provided with a drive gear (10), a power output shaft (2), and a clutch mechanism ensuring transmission connection or disengagement between the drive gear (10) and the power output shaft (2); the housing is externally provided with a motor (20); and the shaft of the motor is in a transmission connection with the drive gear (10). The electrically powered gear box for the semitrailer stabilizer can be manually or electrically controlled. In the case of electrical control, the clutch mechanism causes the drive gear (10) to be in a transmission connection with the power output shaft (2); upon activating the motor (20), the motor (20) drives the power output shaft (2) to rotate via the drive gear (10) and the clutch mechanism, thus ensuring easy operation. In the case of manual control, the clutch mechanism causes the drive gear (10) and the power output shaft (2) to disengage from power, such that the power output shaft (2) can be rotated by turning a handle (9), thus being usable in the absence of a power source. |
| US09797473B2 |
Line guide
The invention relates to a line guide (100; 200; 300) for protecting at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, or the like for example, for supplying a motor vehicle seat for example. A longitudinal portion with multiple segments (110, 112; 210; 310) of the line guide is produced as a single piece, and each of the multiple segments has a closable holder (123; 223; 323) for the at least one line. Thus, the line can be positioned in a receiving area (130; 230; 330) when the holder is open and is held transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) in the closed position of the holder. The segments are connected together in the longitudinal direction so as to form an elbow (106; 206) by means of a flexible connection. The invention is characterized in that the connection between the segments comprises a first flexible section (120; 220; 320) and a second flexible section (120; 220; 320), and at least one transverse connector (122; 222; 322) is provided which is produced integrally with the sections and which runs about the longitudinal direction (L) in an arc- or bracket-like manner in the closed position of the holder so that the two sections (120; 220; 320) lie laterally relative to the receiving area and specify a neutral axis which crosses the receiving area (130; 230; 330). |
| US09797472B2 |
Plate-link chain
A plate-link chain for a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle. The chain includes relatively long and relatively short chain links. In long-short regions the chain links are arranged to overlap in a chain running direction by arranging plate-links disposed adjacent to one another transversely with respect to the chain running direction, and coupled to one another by pairs of rocker pressure members. In the long-short regions the plate-links of the chain links are arranged in a double configuration or in a triple configuration. Spacing or biasing elements are provided between pairs of side-by-side plate-links to provide damping of the plate-link chain when in operation. |
| US09797470B2 |
Torsional vibration damper and torsional vibration damping method
A torsional vibration damping arrangement has an input-side connection component, an output-side connection component, a first torque transmission path arranged between the input-side connection component and the output-side connection component, a second torque transmission path arranged parallel to the first torque transmission path between the input-side connection component and the output-side connection component ( ), a phase shifter arrangement and a torque adjusting arrangement ( ). The phase shifter arrangement is arranged in the first torque transmission path or second torque transmission path and is configured to generate a phase shift of rotational irregularities guided via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities guided via the second torque transmission path. The torque adjusting arrangement is configured to change a torque transmission ratio between a first torque component which is transmitted via the first torque transmission path and a second torque component which is transmitted via the second torque transmission path. |
| US09797463B1 |
Passive regulation of convective cooling
A passive airflow regulation system for controlling temperature of a heat-absorbing subassembly is disclosed. The passive airflow regulation system includes a duct configured to provide a conduit for an incident ambient airflow to the heat-absorbing subassembly. The duct is arranged proximate to the heat-absorbing subassembly. The airflow regulation system includes a valve configured to control passage of the incident ambient airflow through the duct. The airflow regulation system also includes an actuator employing a phase-change element configured to selectively store and release energy in response to changes in temperature and stress. The actuator is arranged at the heat-absorbing subassembly and configured to select a position for the valve between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed in response to a temperature of the heat-absorbing subassembly. The airflow regulation system can be arranged on a vehicle having a vehicle body including a first body end configured to face the incident ambient airflow. |
| US09797462B2 |
Electric linear motion actuator and electric brake system
An electric linear motion actuator includes an electric motor, a motion conversion mechanism for converting the torque of the electric motor to the linear driving force of an outer ring member, a load sensor, and a motor control device. The motor control device is configured to control the electric current applied to the electric motor such that the torque of the electric motor increases until the pressing force detected by the load sensor exceeds a target value, and then the torque of the electric motor decreases until the pressing force detected by the load sensor reaches the target value. |
| US09797456B2 |
Variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling
A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11) connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantage that varies dependent upon the position of each sliding connection along the first shaft. |
| US09797455B2 |
Roller bearing assembly apparatus and roller bearing assembly method
A roller bearing assembly apparatus is provided that, when assembling the roller bearing, effectively prevents rollers R that are assembled inside an outer ring W from becoming tilted or dropping out from the state immediately after assembly. After the rollers R are aligned into an annular shape by an alignment jig 14, the roller group G aligned in an annular shape is pushed out from the alignment space 26 of the alignment jig 14, and pushed inside a guide hole 39 of an insertion jig 15. As a result, with the diameter of the roller group G being prevented from expanding by the inner-circumferential surface of the guide hole 39, a retaining member 36, the diameter thereof being elastically reduced, is inserted inside the roller group G. After that, a push-out cylinder 38 of the insertion jig 15 is caused to displace in the axial direction, simultaneously pushing the roller group G and the retaining member 36 out from the guide hole 39, and simultaneously assembling the roller group and the retaining member 36 inside the outer ring W. |
| US09797452B2 |
Capped bearing with vibration sensor
A bearing includes a first ring, a second ring, at least one row of rolling elements arranged in a rolling chamber disposed between the first ring and the second ring, and a cap attached to the first ring that is configured to close the rolling chamber. At least one vibration sensor is attached on the inside of the cap, and the vibration sensor is mounted in a metal block connected to the cap. |
| US09797450B1 |
Linear guide with lubrication device
A linear guide with lubrication device includes: a elongate rail; a slide module slidably mounted on the elongate rail and including a slide block and two recirculation members, which are respectively mounted to two end faces of the slide block and include a plurality of recirculation passages, in which at least one of the recirculation members includes a lubricant reservoir and a fixing through hole formed therein such that the lubricant reservoir, the recirculation passage, and the fixing through hole are in communication with each other and the lubricant reservoir receives lubricant filled therein; an application member received in the fixing through hole; a transferring member covering the application member and the transferring member absorbing and transferring lubricant to the application member. Rolling bodies, when moving through the recirculation passage, may contact the application member to have lubricant applied thereto. |
| US09797447B2 |
Bearing for vertical axis windmill and vertical axis wind power generator
In a bearing for vertical axis windmill configured to rotatably support a vertical axis of a vertical axis windmill, the bearing includes a ball (7), a diameter of the ball and a curvature of a rolling groove of the bearing are set to satisfy a predetermined starting torque and a load rating. For example, the curvature of the rolling groove of the bearing is 54% or more and 100% or less, and the diameter of the ball has a ratio of 20% or less with respect to a vertical shaft (2). |
| US09797446B2 |
Slide member, housing, and bearing device
A slide member is provided with a metal back, a bearing alloy layer disposed over a first surface of the metal back, and a diamond-like carbon layer disposed at least over a second surface of the metal back, the second surface being located on an opposite side of the first surface. The diamond-like carbon layer has a hardness equal to or less than 1000 HV and when subjected to infrared spectroscopy analysis, exhibits absorption wavenumbers of following wavenumbers (1) to (5) originating from different chemical bonding states: wavenumber (1): 2800-3100 cm−1, wavenumber (2): 1500-1800 cm−1, wavenumber (3): 1200-1500 cm−1, wavenumber (4): 3300-3600 cm−1, wavenumber (5): 730-930 cm−1.The relation (P1+P3)/(P1+P2+P3)≧0.50 is satisfied when an integrated value of absorption rate with respect to wavenumbers (1), (2), and (3) is represented as peak area values P1, P2, and P3, respectively. |
| US09797443B2 |
Elastic bushing
An elastic bushing (1), particularly for use in the goods transport vehicle sector includes: a cylindrical tubular element (2) made of self-lubricating material, and an intermediate ring (3) made of an elastically deformable material, wherein the tubular element (2) and the intermediate ring (3), at one end (2′, 3′) thereof, are respectively provided with stop collars (4, 5). The elastic bushing (1) further includes an outer ring (6) made of plastic material adapted to deform, on assembly, to allow the bushing (1) to be forced into a respective assembly seat (100), wherein the outer ring (6) has along its side wall a reinforced annular section (16) and at least one gradual coupling surface (26) between the reinforced annular section (16) and the end (6″) of the outer ring opposite the stop collars (4, 5). |
| US09797442B2 |
Fuel consumption reduction apparatus using variable pre-load of vehicle bearing
A fuel-saving apparatus using a variable preload of vehicle bearings is provided. The fuel-saving apparatus includes a housing that supports a driving shaft of a vehicle, a bearing that is mounted in the housing and rotatably supports the driving shaft, and a variable preload unit that is provided at the housing or a side adjacent to the housing and applies a preload to an outer wheel or an inner wheel of the bearing. The fuel-saving apparatus using such a variable preload may reduce a driving load acting on the driving shaft by a fixed preload acting by the bearing, thereby reducing the driving load of an engine and saving fuel. |
| US09797439B2 |
Hinge for composite materials and process for its manufacture
A hinge is disclosed having at least two groups of layers of fibers arranged on and/or under two opposite edges, respectively, of at least one substrate of a material flexible and compatible for the adhesion with resins for composite materials, so that a central portion of the substrate is not covered by these layers, the substrate and the layers being incorporated in a cured and flexible resin. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing said hinge. |
| US09797438B1 |
Fastening structure of rangefinder wheel
A fastening structure of a rangefinder wheel includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a first base which has a first passage defined axially therethrough for receiving a first tube therein. A lever is pivotably connected to the first base and has an engaging hole. A first spring and a second spring are biased between the first base and the lever. The second unit is pivotably connected to the first base and has a second base which has a second passage defined axially therethrough for receiving a second tube therein. An engaging member is connected to the second base and has a protrusion which is engaged with the engaging hole of the lever. The lever compresses the first spring to move a distance transversely. The lever compresses the second spring to move a distance axially so as to separate the lever and the engaging member. |
| US09797437B2 |
Connecting device, flap system and aircraft having such a connecting device
The invention pertains to a connecting device for connecting a first structural component and a second structural component that can be moved relative to the first structural component in an articulated fashion such that three rotatory degrees of freedom are provided. |
| US09797436B2 |
Minimizing oil leakage from rocking journal bearings of two-stroke cycle engines
A rocking journal bearing is provided in a piston coupling mechanism of a two-stroke cycle engine. The bearing includes a sleeve and a wristpin constructed with two sets of eccentrically-disposed bearing surfaces which alternate in accepting a compressive load during an operational cycle of the bearing. The sleeve includes a network of grooves to transport oil to the bearing surfaces. Lubricating oil flow through the bearing is minimized by limiting provision of pressurized oil from the wristpin to the network of grooves to portions of the cycle when one or the other of the sets of bearing surfaces receives the compressive load. |
| US09797435B2 |
Bearing device for crankshaft of internal combustion engine
A bearing device, including a crankshaft, a pair of half bearings each having crush reliefs formed adjacent to both circumferential ends thereof, a bearing housing in which a retaining hole is formed for retaining the pair of half bearings, and one half thrust bearing having a semi-annular shape arranged adjacent to the retaining hole. The half thrust bearing includes thrust reliefs formed adjacent to both circumferential end portions of a sliding surface receiving an axial force of the crankshaft so that its wall thickness is made thinner toward the circumferential end surface, and a thrust relief length at an inner end portion of the thrust relief positioned on a rear side in the crankshaft rotational direction is formed to be larger than a thrust relief length at an inner end portion of the thrust relief positioned on a front side in the crankshaft rotational direction. |
| US09797434B2 |
Bicycle shift operating device with a multi-direction operating member
A shift operating device for a bicycle comprises a mounting member structured to be mounted to the bicycle, a cable coupling member coupled to the mounting member for moving a cable in a cable pulling direction and a cable releasing direction, a positioning unit that selectively maintains the cable coupling member in a plurality of operating positions, a first operating member that moves in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, and a transmission unit that transmits movement of the first operating member to the positioning unit such that the cable coupling member moves from an origin operating position toward a destination operating position when the first operating member moves in either of both the first direction and the second direction. |
| US09797431B1 |
Bungee cord with interlocking hooks
Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic straps include an elastic member 500 including a pair of similar interlocking hook devices 100 connected to each end of elastic member 501. Each interlocking hook device 100, is provided with a connector 300 which is fixedly attached thereon. Each hook device can be connected, preferably in a locking manner, onto the other hook device creating a closed hook assembly thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of elastic or rigid straps when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic straps 500 can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end. Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic members include an elastic member with interlocking hook devices 900 including two similar interlocking hook devices 800 with a connector groove 801 and a catch feature 802 and elastic member 811. Each interlocking hook device 800 is provided with a groove 801 and catch feature 802 designed to allow each hook to engage the other within their respective grooves and to releasably lock them together. Each hook device can be engaged and preferably locked onto the other hook device thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of the elastic member when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic members 900 can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end. |
| US09797430B2 |
Weldless building structures
A building structure including a first building member and a second building member may be connected by a plurality of fasteners, each fastener having a head, a threaded portion having a through hardness of between HRB 70 and HRC 40, a thread-forming portion of at least HRC 50 hardness enabling the fastener to form threads in at least the second steel building member, and a fluted lead portion of at least HRC 50 hardness with a nominal diameter between 70 and 95% of major diameter, such that the fastener is capable of providing a ratio of strip torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a ratio of strip torque to drive torque greater than 6.0 when the second steel building member having a thickness of 0.25 inch and the fluted lead portion having at least one diameter within nominal diameter between 80 and 98% of major diameter. |
| US09797429B2 |
Drill point fastener
A fastener may include an elongated shank, a head at a distal end of the shank, and a drill point at a terminal end of the shank, which is opposite to the distal end. The fastener may include a primary thread starting at the drill point and extending along the shank towards the head. The fastener may include a secondary thread starting at the drill point, extending along the shank towards the head, and stopping in an axial direction before the primary thread ends. The secondary thread may be radially located 180 degrees from the primary thread. The drill point may include a plurality of radially extending cutting edges and one or more relieved flute portion extending along the surface of the drill point. |
| US09797428B2 |
Connection between two components made of reinforced plastic and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a connection comprising at least two components having the following features: a first component and a second component, of which at least the second component comprises reinforced plastic, a self-piercing connection element (30) having a head and a shaft, the head thereof being supported on the first component and the shaft thereof running completely through the first and the second component, and a disc-shaped counter bearing to which the shaft is fastened such that the at least two components are fastened between the head and the counter bearing. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said connection. |
| US09797425B2 |
Latch with a built-in adjustment mechanism
A method and apparatus is provided for adjusting a latch. An apparatus comprises a latch body, a first member, and a second member associated with the latch body. A receiving area extends through at least a portion of the latch body. The first member is configured to be at least partially received within the receiving area of the latch body. The first member has a first coupling element. The second member has a second coupling element. Movement of the first member along an axis through the receiving area changes a distance between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. |
| US09797424B2 |
Local connection of sheets onto one another, method and apparatus for the implementation thereof
A local connection of contact surfaces of top and bottom sheets is formed in a defined connection zone. The zone is polygonal and the top and bottom sheets jointly form within the periphery of this zone a connecting lip with their first side faces located opposite one another cut obliquely through their sheet thickness. These first side faces of the sheets and their adjacent obliquely-oriented second side faces in the zone are complementarily beveled in the form of a conical wall running downwards and inwards, so that in the vicinity of these second neighboring side faces the underside of the bottom sheet protrudes inwards past the top surface of the connecting lip at the location of the top outside edges of its first side faces. A method and an apparatus are arranged to implement the local connection. |
| US09797422B2 |
Sheet material clamp
Provided is a clamp for clamping to sheet material, such as tarps. The clamp includes first and second clamping members each having a gripping portion that clamp the sheet material between one another in a clamped position. The first and second clamping members are held in the clamped position by an interaction between radial locking teeth on a deflectable release lever of one of the clamp members and a tooth in a slot of the other clamping member. |
| US09797421B2 |
Clamping device for a wire element
A clamping device has a body, at least one clamping member and an operating cover. The clamping member blocks at least one of the wire elements. The body has a cavity for passage a wire element and to house a clamping member, so that the clamping member is movable in the cavity along a first axis to a blocking position of the wire element. The operating cover is movable along the first axis relative to the body, and allows movement of the clamping member relative to the body along the first axis. The clamping device also has a drive device of the clamping member. The drive device enables free movement of the clamping member along the first axis with respect to the operating cover and with respect to the body, and enables movement of the clamping member away from the blocking position by actuation of the operating cover. |
| US09797418B2 |
Hydraulic device and prime mover device
An object of the present invention is to prevent breakage of a unidirectional filter part for high-pressure oil. A hydraulic device 100 supplies oil to a high-pressure oil channel L1 and a low-pressure oil channel L2 from an oil tank 102 via a supply pump 104. The hydraulic device 100 includes an accumulator 106 capable of accumulating a hydraulic pressure of the oil supplied to the high-pressure oil channel from the supply pump; a filter part 120 disposed between the supply pump and a connection point N1 at which the high-pressure oil channel connects to the accumulator, along a direction in which the oil is supplied; and a check valve 110 capable of preventing a backflow of the oil to the filter part, and disposed between the filter part and the connection point. |
| US09797416B2 |
Master brake cylinder arrangement with actuation detection for a vehicle brake system
A master brake cylinder arrangement includes at least one piston arrangement with a piston movably guided in a receiving bore in a master brake cylinder housing. The piston, together with the receiving bore, delimits a pressure chamber which is in fluid connection with a hydraulic brake circuit and may be moved along a movement axis between an initial position and an actuation position. A position detecting device detects movement of the piston caused by actuation is provided within the receiving bore. The position detecting device has a sensor element, which is movable as a function of a piston movement, and a position detecting sensor, which is arranged fixed on the master brake cylinder housing. The sensor element is received and guided in the master brake cylinder housing independently of the piston and is capable of interacting with the piston for deflection as a function of the piston movement. |
| US09797413B2 |
Bladeless ceiling fan
A fan assembly for generating an air flow within a room includes an annular casing which defines an interior passage. The interior passage includes an air inlet, and houses, downstream from the air inlet, an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to draw an air flow through the air inlet and into the fan assembly. The interior passage also has an air outlet from which at least a portion of the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly. The annular casing defines a bore about which the interior passage extends and through which a secondary air flow from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air emitted from the air outlet. |
| US09797411B2 |
Fan
A ceiling fan includes an annular nozzle having an inner wall, an outer wall extending about the inner wall, an air inlet for receiving an air flow, an air outlet for emitting the air flow, and an interior passage located between the inner and outer wall for conveying the air flow to the air outlet. The inner wall defines a bore through which air from outside the nozzle is drawn by the air flow emitted from the air outlet. A support assembly supports the nozzle on a ceiling and includes a ceiling mount for mounting the ceiling fan on a ceiling, an arm having a first end connected to the ceiling mount, and a body connected to a second end of the arm and the annular nozzle. The body is pivotable relative to the arm about a pivot axis to move the annular nozzle between a raised and lowered position. |
| US09797407B2 |
Aircraft engine
An aircraft engine including a fan having a center of mass, a low-pressure shaft that couples the fan directly to a low-pressure turbine of the aircraft engine, and a bearing arrangement for mounting the low-pressure shaft, where the bearing arrangement has at least two front bearings for mounting the low-pressure shaft, a first front bearing and a second front bearing, with the first front bearing being arranged in the axial direction in front of the second front bearing. It has been provided that the first front bearing is arranged substantially in the same plane, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft engine, as the center of mass of the fan. |
| US09797404B2 |
Speaker fan system and method
A ventilation assembly having a main housing that can be pre-installed in a wall or ceiling aperture. A fan assembly can be inserted through the aperture and releasably mounted within the main housing. The fan assembly can be removed from the main housing and replaced without removing the main housing from the wall or ceiling. An accessory component can be releasably mounted to the fan assembly either through the aperture when the fan assembly is mounted or prior to installation of the fan assembly. |
| US09797401B2 |
Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor includes a stationary scroll; an orbiting scroll having a pair of first Oldham keyways on one surface thereof, the orbiting scroll defining a compression chamber in combination with the stationary scroll; a frame having a pair of second Oldham keyways and supporting the orbiting scroll; and an Oldham ring for inhibiting rotation of the orbiting scroll, the Oldham ring having a pair of first Oldham keys on one surface thereof and a pair of second Oldham keys on the other surface thereof, the first Oldham keys slidably engaging with the respective first Oldham keyways, the second Oldham keys slidably engaging with the respective second Oldham keyways. The Oldham ring includes at least a pair of projections on the other surface thereof, and the projections have a height such that when the Oldham ring is inclined during simple harmonic motion, one of the projections makes contact with the one surface of the orbiting scroll before each of the first Oldham keys is brought into contact with the corresponding first Oldham keyway at two locations. |
| US09797397B2 |
Pump sleeve
A pump sleeve includes a tubular body extending from a first end to a second end along a center axis. A first hole is formed in the tubular body and is positioned axially on the tubular body between the first end and the second end. A second hole is formed in the tubular body, the second hole being axially aligned on the tubular body with the first hole. A third hole is formed in the tubular body and is positioned axially on the tubular body between the first end and the first hole. A fourth hole is formed in the tubular body, the fourth hole being axially aligned on the tubular body with the third hole. |
| US09797396B2 |
Removable cartridge for liquid diffusion device
A removable cartridge for use with a liquid diffusion device is provided. The removable cartridge includes a cartridge housing defining an internal housing cavity, partially filled with a liquid to be diffused, and a diffusion head positioned within the internal housing cavity with a venturi device for generating diffused liquid from the liquid contained in the internal housing cavity. The diffusion head defines at least a portion of a gas supply conduit that extends from a bottom end of the removable cartridge to the venturi device through the liquid to be diffused to enable the venturi device to be supplied with pressurized gas from an external source via the bottom end of the removable cartridge. |
| US09797395B2 |
Apparatus and methods for identifying defective pumps
Apparatus and methods for detecting pump defects in a pumping system comprising multiple pumps. Each pump includes a pump fluid outlet fluidly connected with the pump fluid outlet of the other pumps. Pump defects are detected by generating information related to fluid pressure fluctuations at each pump fluid outlet and determining harmonic frequencies from the information related to fluid pressure fluctuations for each of the plurality of pumps. The amplitude of the harmonic frequencies is indicative of a defective one of the plurality of pumps. |
| US09797393B2 |
Fluid-working machine valve timing
A fluid-working machine has a working chamber of cyclically varying volume, high and low pressure manifolds, and high and low pressure valves for regulating the flow of fluid between the working chamber and the high and low pressure manifolds respectively. A controller actively controls at least one said valve to determine the net displacement of working fluid of the working chamber on a cycle by cycle basis. At least one said valve is a variable timing valve and the controller causes the valve to open or close at a time determined taking into account one or more properties of the performance of the fluid working machine measured during an earlier cycle of working chamber volume. |
| US09797392B2 |
Disc pump with advanced actuator
A two-cavity pump having a single valve in one cavity and a bidirectional valve in another cavity is disclosed. The pump has a side wall closed by two end walls for containing a fluid. An actuator is disposed between the two end walls and functions as a portion of a common end wall of the two cavities. The actuator causes an oscillatory motion of the common end walls to generate radial pressure oscillations of the fluid within both cavities. An isolator flexibly supports the actuator. The first cavity includes the single valve disposed in one of a first and second aperture in the end wall to enable fluid flow in one direction. The second cavity includes the bidirectional valve disposed in one of a third and fourth aperture in the end wall to enable fluid flow in both directions. |
| US09797383B1 |
Magnet configurations for magnetic levitation of wind turbines and other apparatus
A wind turbine having one or more magnets for reducing friction between the turbine support and a turbine rotor. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines. The magnet configuration employs a ring of cylindrically-shaped magnets at the bottom and opposed by a corresponding number of generally rectangular-shaped magnets. Bearing magnets are also employed for axial stabilization. |
| US09797382B2 |
Method, system and device for contributing to the assembly of a wind turbine
A contribution is made to the assembly of a wind turbine intended to comprise, in a final assembly condition, a tower (2) surmounted by a nacelle (4) cooperating with a rotor (5) receiving a plurality of blades (3a-3c). To this end, a temporary association is made between at least some blades from said plurality of blades and the tower, so that said blades extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tower. |
| US09797381B2 |
Lightning protection system with integrated anti-icing system for wind turbine blades
Lightning protection system (LPS) with an integrated anti-icing system for wind turbine blades that comprises a smart protection system (10), an integrated IPS characterized by some conductive sheets (13) embedded in the carbon laminate of the wind turbine blade (1), some overvoltage dischargers (11) installed between the conductive sheets (13) of the IPS and the downlead cable (2) for the lightning protection system (LPS) and an external receptor frame (17). |
| US09797380B2 |
Solar powered compressor fan driven turbine grid scale electricity generation system
Systems and methods for generating electricity using solar panels to power compressor fans that force air into a nacelle that turns a spiral turbine. The turbine is connected to a gearing system that is connected to a generator. The generator is connected to a master control unit and a transformer. The master control unit decides whether to store the electricity in batteries, power the compressor fans or send the surplus electricity to the grid. The horizontal or vertical embodiments of the invention do not require a tower or the long blades connected to a hub. |
| US09797378B2 |
Direct-drive wind turbine
A direct driven wind turbine and a main bearing used in such a wind turbine is provided. A rotor of the wind turbine is directly connected with a rotating drive train of the wind turbine, the rotating drive train is directly connected with a rotor of an electrical generator of the wind turbine. The rotating drive train is connected with a stationary part of the wind turbine via at least one bearing, which allows the rotation of the drive train in relation to the stationary part. The at least one bearing is a plain bearing and the bearing is a tapered bearing, which comprises at least one conical shaped sliding surface. |
| US09797377B2 |
System and method for controlling a wind farm
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for controlling a wind farm. The method includes operating the wind farm based on multiple control settings over a plurality of time intervals. A next step includes collecting one or more wind parameters of the wind farm over the plurality of time intervals and one or more operating data points for each of the wind turbines in the wind farm for the plurality time intervals. The method also includes calculating a contribution of the operating data points for each of the wind turbines as a function of the one or more wind parameters. Further steps of the method include estimating an energy production for the wind farm for each of the control settings based at least in part on the contribution of the operating data points and controlling the wind farm based on optimal control settings. |
| US09797376B2 |
Floating wind turbine safety system
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for operating a safety system in a floating wind turbine. The floating wind turbine comprises one or more sensors 202, 203, and receives a fore-aft inclination signal from the sensor 202, wherein the fore-aft inclination signal indicates an inclination of said floating wind turbine in a fore-aft direction. A side-to-side inclination signal is also received from the sensor 203, wherein the side-to-side inclination signal indicates an inclination of said floating wind turbine in a side-to-side direction. An operational parameter of the floating wind turbine is altered based on either or both of said fore-aft inclination signal and said side-to-side inclination signal. |
| US09797375B2 |
Blade pitch system with a dual winding actuator
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a blade pitch system for a wind turbine, comprising at least one multi winding motor comprising a main independent set of control windings and at least one auxiliary independent set of control windings; and at least a main independent power electronic converter for controlling the main independent set of control windings, and an auxiliary independent power electronic converter for controlling the auxiliary independent set of control windings. |
| US09797367B2 |
Wave energy conversion
A wave energy converter (WEC) 10 has a body portion 18 with a face 20 and at least one flexible membrane 16 bounding at least part of a volume of a fluid to form a variable volume cell 22. The membrane is inclined from vertical providing a flow smoothed passage for wave energy from a wave 14 to travel over the WEC whilst deforming the at least one membrane towards the body to compress the fluid. The cell(s) can be submerged or floating. The inclination of the at least one membrane assists conversion of potential and kinetic energy of the wave to pressure within the fluid. Fluid pressure within the WEC cell(s) and/or system can be optimised to suit wave and/or performance conditions. |
| US09797359B2 |
Starting device for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a starting device (10) for an internal combustion engine, the starting device (10) comprising a hub (12; 70) configured to drivingly engage an internal combustion engine when the hub (12; 70) is rotated in a first direction (A); a pulley (14; 47; 60) interconnected with the hub (12; 70) by a spring (23; 41); a shaft (21) on which the pulley (14; 47; 60) and hub (12; 70) are mounted independently rotatable; a flexible member (16) attached to and coiled about the pulley (14; 47; 60); and where the spring (23; 41) coupled at a first end (26; 53) to the hub (12; 70) and at a second end (28; 54) to the pulley (14; 47; 60). The pulley (14; 47; 60) comprises a recess (15) arranged to receive the flexible member (16), which recess has the shape of a conical helix having a first end (15A) with a first diameter and a second end (15B) with a second diameter, larger than the first diameter; and is attached to the pulley (14; 47; 60) at the second end (15B). |
| US09797356B2 |
Air-assisted fuel evacuation system
A system and method are provided for evacuating fuel from a closed-loop fuel rail after engine testing. The method includes coupling a coaxial hose to a closed-loop fuel rail of an engine. The coaxial hose defines an outer tube section defining an outer passage and surrounding an inner tube section defining an inner passage, and a portion of the inner tube section is inserted a predetermined distance into the fuel rail. The method includes transferring fuel from a fuel supply through the outer passage of the coaxial hose and into the fuel rail for use during an engine testing procedure. After the engine testing procedure is complete, the method includes injecting compressed gas through the inner passage and into the fuel rail, creating a positive pressure. Residual fuel is evacuated from the fuel rail out through the outer passage of the coaxial hose. |
| US09797351B2 |
Ducted combustion systems utilizing duct cooling
A ducted combustion system is disclosed. The ducted combustion system may include a combustion chamber and a fuel injector in fluid connection with the combustion chamber and including at least one orifice opening from an injector tip of the fuel injector, the at least one orifice injecting fuel into the combustion chamber as at least one fuel jet. The system may further include at least one duct disposed within the combustion chamber such that the at least one fuel jet, at least partially, enters the at least one duct upon being injected into the combustion chamber. The system may further include a duct cooling system configured to cool a mixture of fuel and air of the at least one fuel jet. |
| US09797349B2 |
Combined steam reformation reactions and water gas shift reactions for on-board hydrogen production in an internal combustion engine
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the level of hydrogen produced in an exhaust gas recirculation pathway within an internal combustion engine. A hydrocarbon water gas shift reformer is positioned in series with a water gas shift reformer within the exhaust gas recirculation pathway to improve the yield of hydrogen and to improve the relative efficiency of both catalytic procedures. |
| US09797346B2 |
Fuel evaporative emission processing system
A fuel evaporative emission processing system suitable for a hybrid vehicle includes a shut-off valve, a first purge control valve and a second purge control valve. The shut-off valve is selectively opens and closes a fuel vapor passage between a fuel tank and a canister. The first purge control valve selectively opens and closes a purge passage between the canister and the intake passage of an internal combustion engine. The second purge control valve selectively opens and closes a tank opening passage between the canister and the fuel tank. When releasing a pressure for refueling, the second purge control valve with a small diameter opens prior to opening of the shut-off valve so that blow-by of gas associated with opening of the shutoff valve is prevented. |
| US09797344B2 |
System and method for diagnosing a dual path purge system using a hydrocarbon sensor and for diagnosing a hydrocarbon sensor in a single path purge system or a dual path purge system
A system according to the present disclosure includes a valve control module, a purge fraction module, and a diagnostic module. The valve control module opens a purge valve in an evaporative emissions system to allow purge vapor to flow to an intake system of an engine. The purge fraction module determines first and second fractions of purge vapor delivered to the engine relative to a total amount of air and purge vapor delivered to the engine based on first and second inputs, respectively. The first input is from a hydrocarbon sensor disposed in the evaporative emissions system of the engine. The second input is from an oxygen sensor disposed in an exhaust system of the engine. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in at least one of the evaporative emissions system and the hydrocarbon sensor based on the first and second purge fractions when the purge valve is open. |
| US09797343B2 |
Determining exhaust gas recirculation cooler fouling using DPOV sensor
Methods and systems are provided for determining degradation of an EGR cooler based on differential pressure across the EGR cooler during EGR flow. In one example, the differential pressure across the EGR cooler may be based on differential pressure across an EGR valve and a pressure downstream from the EGR valve with and without EGR flow. The pressure downstream from the EGR valve may be a compressor inlet pressure or an intake manifold pressure in a low pressure EGR system or high pressure EGR system, respectively. |
| US09797341B2 |
Linear cross-head bearing for stirling engine
An external combustion engine including a burner element, a heater head, a piston cylinder containing a piston, a cooler and a crankcase. The crankcase includes a crankshaft, a piston rod connected to the piston, a drive mechanism for converting the linear motion of the piston rod to rotary motion of the crankshaft and a linear cross-head bearing that is connected rigidly to the piston rod at one end and to the drive mechanism at the other end. Also the external combustion engine includes a piston clearance seal and a piston rod seal unit that has floating rod seals. The piston includes a inner dome to reduce axial heat transfer via radiation and convection. |
| US09797339B2 |
Hot-air engine
A hot-air engine (10) includes a compressor (12), a heating chamber (14), a rotary displacement type working engine (16) and a drive means (22). The compressor (12) has an inlet (12a) and an outlet (12b). The heating chamber (14) has an inlet (14a), in fluid communication with the outlet (12b) of the compressor (12), and an outlet (14b). The working engine (16) has an inlet (16a), in fluid communication with the outlet (14b) of the heating chamber (14), and an output shaft (16a). The drive means (22) connects the working engine (16) to the compressor (12) such that operation of the working engine (16) causes operation of the compressor (12). |
| US09797335B2 |
Method for manufacturing cylinder block
In a method for manufacturing a cylinder block provided with cylinder bores, the cylinder block is held by a clamp device, stress is generated in the cylinder block by a holding force of the clamp device to duplicate deformations of the cylinder bores after assembling hearing caps thereon, boring is carried out with the cylinder bores deformed in a condition where the stress is generated, and a thermally sprayed coating is formed, after the boring, on each inner surfaces of the cylinder bores deformed in the condition where the stress is generated. According to the method for manufacturing a cylinder block, superior cylindricity, after assembling the bearing caps, of the cylinder bores on each of which the thermally sprayed coating is formed can be brought, and workability degradation of finishing works (honing) for each inner surface of the cylinder bores (thermally sprayed coatings) can be restricted. |
| US09797333B2 |
Apparatus for and method of controlling fuel injection of internal combustion engine
There is provided a configuration in which a cylinder which is in an inlet stroke when an internal combustion engine is in a stop (automatic stop) state is determined and stored, and when starting the engine upon detection of a start request, the fuel injection of an initial cycle to the cylinder, which has been determined as having been stopped in the inlet stroke when the engine was in the stop state before starting, is split into a plurality if injections at least including an injection before engine rotation, to thereby perform injections. As a result, startability is improved while suppressing pre-ignition at the time of starting. |
| US09797331B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is configured to: calculate measured data of MFB using an output signal of an in-cylinder pressure sensor after performing a first low-pass filtering; execute engine control based on the measured value of a specified fraction combustion point that is calculated based on the measured data of MFB; and prohibit the engine control when the first correlation index value is less than a first determination value and a first correlation degree is lower than a first degree. |
| US09797327B2 |
Method and system for pre-ignition control
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting spark and/or fuel injection to a cylinder based on late combustion, partial burn, or misfire in a neighboring cylinder. In one example, a method may include deactivating spark and fuel injection to a second cylinder receiving exhaust residuals from combustion in a first cylinder, the first cylinder experiencing a misfire or late combustion event. Mitigating actions are performed in the second cylinder before the occurrence of a pre-ignition event. |
| US09797323B2 |
Methods and systems for humidity and PCV flow detection via an exhaust gas sensor
Methods and systems are provided for estimating a PCV flow to an engine based on the output of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. During DFSO conditions, a reference voltage of the sensor is modulated initially with an intake throttle open and then with the intake throttle closed. PCV flow leaking past the piston valves in an aging engine, as well as an ambient humidity estimate, are inferred based on the outputs of the sensor during the modulating with the intake throttle open and closed. |
| US09797322B2 |
Method and system for fuel vapor management
Methods and systems are provided for improving the efficiency of canister purge completion. Based on engine operating conditions, a canister is purged to a compressor inlet or a throttle outlet. During purging conditions, as canister loads change, a purge flow through the canister is varied so that a fixed preselected portion of total engine fueling is delivered as fuel vapors. |
| US09797321B2 |
Internal combustion engine with elevated compression ratio and multi-stage boosting including a variable-speed supercharger
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block that defines a cylinder and a cylinder head positioned relative to the cylinder block. A reciprocating piston is arranged inside the cylinder for compressing an air and fuel mixture at a geometric compression ratio of at least 10:1. A crankshaft is arranged in the cylinder block and rotated by the piston. An intake valve is operatively connected to the cylinder head and controls delivery of air to the cylinder for combustion therein. A mechanism provides late intake valve closing via constant peak lift of the intake valve over at least 5 degrees of crankshaft rotation. A multi-stage boosting system, having a turbocharger, a supercharger, and a continuously variable transmission for varying the supercharger's rotating speed, is regulated by a controller to selectively pressurize air being received from the ambient for delivery to the cylinder. |
| US09797318B2 |
Calibration systems and methods for model predictive controllers
A tangible computer readable medium of a vehicle includes object code referencing a plurality of variables, the object code for: identifying sets of possible target values based on air and exhaust setpoints for an engine; generating predicted parameters based on a model of the engine and the sets of possible target values, respectively; selecting one of the sets of possible target values based on the predicted parameters; setting target values based on the selected one of the sets of possible target values, respectively; and controlling opening of a throttle valve based on a first one of the target values. The tangible computer readable medium also includes calibration data stored separately and that includes predetermined values for the variables referenced in the object code, respectively. At least one processor executes the object code using the predetermined values to perform the identifying, the generating, the selecting, the setting, and the controlling. |
| US09797315B2 |
Probabilistic control in gas turbine tuning for power output-emissions parameters, related control systems, computer program products and methods
Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective power output to match a nominal power output value, and subsequently measuring an actual emissions value for each GT; adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual emissions value and a nominal emissions value at the ambient condition; and setting a target operating condition for each GT to match the adjusted operating condition after the adjusting of the operating condition. |
| US09797313B2 |
Internal manifold with fuel inlet
An internal fuel manifold assembly includes a fuel manifold ring having at least one fuel conveying passage in fluid flow communication with at least one inlet passage defined through an inlet member. The inlet member is connected to the manifold ring proximate its first end and connected proximate its second end to at least one transfer tube. The inlet member includes a drainage passage for collecting possible leaked fuel from an annulus, defined between the inlet member and a heat shield surrounding the inlet member and spaced apart therefrom. Any leaked fuel is discharged out of the inlet member at an exit of the fuel passage on an end surface of the inlet member proximate the second end thereof. |
| US09797305B2 |
Vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive includes a speed change mechanism connected to a rotary electric machine; an output member connected to the speed change mechanism and wheels; an engagement device changes a state of engagement between an input member connected to an engine and the speed change mechanism; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine or the rotary electric machine; a first pressure control device that controls pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the speed change mechanism; a second, separate hydraulic pressure control device that controls the pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the engagement device; and a case that houses the rotary electric machine, speed change mechanism, engagement device, and pump. At least the engagement device is housed in a space formed by the case, and the second hydraulic pressure control device is provided at a part of the case forming the space. |
| US09797303B2 |
Turbocharger with thrust bearing providing combined journal and thrust bearing functions
Turbochargers typically have separate hydrodynamic journal and thrust bearings. A turbocharger thrust bearing for a turbocharger is provided that merges the function of a journal bearing into a thrust bearing while maintaining the thrust bearing function to produce a turbocharger with a reduced axial space envelope. Such a thrust bearing includes a bore contoured to have a plurality of taper-land pairs distributed circumferentially about the bore. As a result, the axial length of the turbocharger bearing housing and shaft can be reduced. |
| US09797301B2 |
Valve assembly with cylinder having through holes
A turbocharger (10) that uses exhaust gas flow to drive a turbine wheel (12) having a barrel or piston-type wastegate valve assembly (26, 126) with a wastegate valve (28, 128) that controls exhaust gas flow bypassing the turbine wheel (12) to control turbine work. A cylinder (30, 130), which may have a through hole (32, 132), is moveable in a tubular chamber (22) and functionally operates with a wastegate port (24) in the turbine housing (20) for controlling exhaust gas flow. An actuator (36, 136) operably controls movement of the cylinder (30, 130). |
| US09797294B2 |
Intelligent sea water cooling system
An intelligent sea water cooling system including a first fluid cooling loop coupled to a heat exchanger, a second fluid cooling loop coupled to the heat exchanger and including a fluid pump for circulating fluid through the second fluid cooling loop, and a controller operatively connected to the fluid pump. The controller may be configured to monitor an actual temperature in the first fluid cooling loop and to adjust a speed of the fluid pump based on the monitored temperature in order to achieve a desired temperature in the first fluid cooling loop. |
| US09797290B2 |
Method for the regeneration of a particle filter, and internal combustion engine with particle filter
A method and an internal combustion engine for the regeneration of a particle filter includes periodic regeneration phases, where a regeneration is performed by virtue of the soot particles that have been deposited in the particle filter being burned off. During the operation of the internal combustion engine, the reactivity of the soot deposits is determined on the basis of a characteristic map previously established empirically for different engine operating ranges of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09797286B2 |
SCR filter washcoat thickness efficiency compensation system
An exhaust treatment system includes an SCRF device, a reductant delivery system, and an SCR storage module. The SCRF device includes a filter portion having a washcoat formed thereon that defines a washcoat thickness (WCT). The reductant delivery system is configured to inject a reductant that reacts with the washcoat based on a reductant storage model. The SCR storage module is in electrical communication with the reductant delivery system to provide the reductant storage model the amount of reductant to be injected based on the reductant storage model. The exhaust treatment system further includes a WCT compensation module configured to electrically communicate a WCT compensation value to the SCR storage module. The SCR storage module modifies the reductant storage model according to the WCT compensation value such that the amount of ammonia that slips from the SCRF device is reduced thereby increasing a storage efficiency of the SCRF device. |
| US09797284B2 |
Exhaust-gas aftertreatment device for an internal combustion engine, and method for heating an exhaust-gas aftertreatment device
An exhaust-gas aftertreatment device for an internal combustion engine, for use in a motor vehicle, includes an exhaust tract with at least one exhaust pipe and at least one exhaust-gas aftertreatment element. The exhaust-pipe internal wall and/or the at least one exhaust-gas aftertreatment element have/has a vapor-sorbing material forming at least one exhaust-tract-side sorption element. |
| US09797278B2 |
Camshaft
An adjustable camshaft may include an inner shaft and an outer shaft arranged coaxially thereto. The camshaft may also include a camshaft adjuster having a stator connected to the outer shaft in a torque-proof manner, and a rotor connected to the inner shaft. The camshaft may further include an integral first connection contour provided at an end of the inner shaft, and an integral second connection contour complementary to the integral first connection contour and provided on the rotor. The connection contours may directly or indirectly enable an interlocking connection between the inner shaft and the rotor. |
| US09797274B2 |
High-efficiency power generation system
A high-efficiency power generation system includes: at least one first heat exchanger, inside which is full of a liquid actuating medium with a low boiling point; a hydraulic power generator; a gas-liquid recycling device; a liquefying device and a control device. The present disclosure accomplishes a recirculation for an entire power generating procedure through two steps including vaporization and a recycle of the actuating medium with a low boiling point by liquefaction. A technical difficulty in the conventional art that huge costs for realizing recycle of the actuating medium by a compressor, a booster pump, etc. can be overcome. In addition, since the present disclosure generate power through the liquid pressure rather than the gas pressure, the conversion efficiency can be improved and the requirement for performance of material for the system can be lowered, so that the economical efficiency and practicability for the entire system are highly improved. |
| US09797272B2 |
Thermal energy recovery device and control method
A thermal energy recovery device includes: a circulating flow path connected to a heater, an expander, a condenser and a circulating pump for circulating a working medium; a bypass valve in a bypass path connecting the upstream side region and the downstream side region of the expander in the circulating flow path; a power recovery machine connected to the expander; a circulating pump sending the working medium condensed in the condenser to the heater; a cooling medium pump sending a cooling medium to the condenser; an upstream side sensor detecting the pressure/temperature of the working medium on the expander upstream side in the circulating flow path; and a controller controlling the bypass valve and the cooling medium pump. The controller opens the bypass valve after stopping the circulating pump, and drives the cooling medium pump if the pressure/temperature of the working medium on the expander upstream side exceeds a threshold. |
| US09797268B2 |
Oil scoop with integrated sensor
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a shaft of an engine of an aircraft, an oil scoop coupled to the shaft, a first portion of a sensor integrated with the oil scoop, and a second portion of the sensor coupled to a structure of the engine. In some embodiments, the first portion of the sensor comprises at least one tooth. |
| US09797267B2 |
Turbine airfoil with optimized airfoil element angles
A turbine airfoil assembly for installation in a gas turbine engine. The airfoil assembly includes an endwall and an airfoil extending radially outwardly from the endwall. The airfoil includes pressure and suction sidewalls defining chordally spaced apart leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. An airfoil mean line is defined located centrally between the pressure and suction sidewalls. An angle between the mean line and a line parallel to the engine axis at the leading and trailing edges defines gas flow entry angles, α, and exit angles, β. Airfoil inlet and exit angles are substantially in accordance with inlet angle values, α, and exit angle values, β, set forth in one of Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4. |
| US09797265B2 |
Stator vane adjusting device of a gas turbine
The present invention relates to a stator vane adjusting device of a gas turbine having a plurality of stator vanes each swivellable about a radial axis and arranged in at least two radial planes, as well as at least two stator vane adjusting rings connected to the respective stator vanes and rotatable in the circumferential direction by at least one actuating device, characterized in that the actuating device is connected to the stator vane adjusting rings by means of a first transmission device and that a second transmission device, which is not coupled to the actuating device, is arranged essentially opposite to the first transmission device, with the second transmission device being connected to the stator vane adjusting rings. |
| US09797264B2 |
Rotating blade having a rib arrangement with a coating
The present invention relates to a rotating blade (5), in particular for a compressor or turbine stage of a gas turbine, having a radially outer rib arrangement with at least one rib (2), onto which a coating (3) is disposed, whereby, in a meridian section, the coating (3) has an outer contour (3.1), which extends axially outwardly in the radial direction. |
| US09797257B2 |
Attachment of composite article
A composite article including composite component mounted on a spar including a shank extending heightwise from below component base up into composite component. Tab at an upper end of shank substantially or fully embedded in the composite component and at least one ply surface pattern of the composite component contacting and generally conforming to at least one spar surface pattern on the tab.Spar surface pattern may include spaced apart spar surface protrusions with spar surface spaces therebetween and spar surface protrusions extending outwardly from spar and disposed between tows in ply surface pattern. Tows may be layed up in spar surface spaces. Spar surface pattern may include continuous or segmented spaced spar surface protrusions and spar surface spaces therebetween with tows in ply surface pattern disposed in spar surface spaces. The composite article may be a composite blade or vane including a composite airfoil. |
| US09797254B2 |
Group of blade rows
A blade row group arrangeable in a main flow path of a fluid-flow machine includes N adjacent member blade rows firmly arranged relative to each other in both a meridional direction (m) and a circumferential direction (u). A relative secondary passage length (v′) and a relative secondary passage width (w′) each increase at least in one part of the area between the mean meridional flow line (SLM) and at least one of the main flow path boundaries (HB) towards the main flow path boundary (HB). |
| US09797251B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a conveyor in a mining system
Systems and methods for controlling a conveyor in a mining system. The conveyor includes a sprocket, a chain, a hydraulic cylinder, one or more sensors, and a controller. In one implementation, the method includes sensing a characteristic associated with the conveyor, generating a signal based on the characteristic, determining a tension associated with the chain based on the signal, determining an amount of chain stretch based on the tension, and modifying a position of the hydraulic cylinder based on the amount of chain stretch. |
| US09797248B2 |
Constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable and constant-resistance device
A constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable and a constant-resistance device are provided. The constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable comprises cables (7), an anchoring device (13), a loading plate (12) and clipping sheets (4). The upper end of cables (7) is fixed on the anchoring device (13) and the loading plate (12) by clipping sheets (4). The constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable also comprises a constant-resistance device, and the constant-resistance device comprises a sleeve (8) and a constant-resistance body (5). The sleeve (8) is a straight tube. The constant-resistance body is conical, and the diameter of the lower end of the constant-resistance body is bigger than the diameter of the upper end of the constant-resistance body. The inner diameter of the sleeve (8) is smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the constant-resistance body. A cuneiform part is arranged on inner wall of the lower end of the sleeve (8), and the constant-resistance body (5) is arranged on the cuneiform part. The strength of constant-resistance body (5) is higher than the strength of the sleeve (8), thus the sleeve (8) generates plastic deforming and the shape of the constant-resistance body (5) is not changed, when the constant-resistance body (5) moves in the sleeve (8). The lower end of the cables (7) is fixed on the constant-resistance body (5). The constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable and the constant-resistance device have the properties of constant-resistance and preventing fracture, and can detect and early warn the all process of the activity of the landslides and the causative fault. |
| US09797246B2 |
Chisel holder
The invention relates to a bit holder for an earth working machine, in particular a surface miner, a road milling machine, or the like, having a holding projection that comprises a bit receptacle and/or carries a cutting element. In order to improve the operating reliability of an earth working machine, provision is made according to the present invention that the holding projection has, behind the cutting element or behind a receiving region of the bit receptacle in the tool advance direction, a wear protection element having a hard-material element in order to provide an emergency-mode property. |
| US09797243B2 |
Geophysical prospecting by processing vertical seismic profiles using downward continuation
Geophysical prospecting may be achieved using borehole seismic data and processing velocity seismic profiles using downward continuation to simulate the seismic source being at the depth of the borehole receivers. Such methods may involve collecting seismic data for a subterranean formation with at least one borehole receiver; grouping the seismic data into a one common receiver gather corresponding to each borehole receiver; performing a downward continuation on at least one of the common receiver gathers to produce corresponding downward continued common receiver gathers; performing a normal moveout analysis on at least one of the downward continued common receiver gathers to produce corresponding semblance velocity spectra; and analyzing at least one of the semblance velocity spectra for a zone of interest in the subterranean formation. |
| US09797241B2 |
Acoustic transmitter for transmitting a signal through a downhole medium
An acoustic transmitter for transmitting an acoustic signal through a downhole medium includes a voltage source; a composite load; and switching circuitry that applies voltage from the voltage source across the composite load in response to a drive signal. The composite load includes charge control circuitry, in the form of at least one inductor, connected electrically in series with a piezoelectric transducer that may be electrically modeled as a capacitor. |
| US09797238B2 |
Magnetic tool position determination in a wellbore
A magnetic system for determining an operating position of a downhole tool. The system includes an array of magnets operable to produce a magnetic field that is operably associated with a stationary component of the downhole tool. A moveable component of the downhole tool has at least first and second positions relative to the stationary component. In the first position, the moveable component has a first degree of interference with the magnetic field. In the second position, the moveable component has a second degree of interference with the magnetic field. A magnetic field detector is operable to be run into the wellbore and moved relative to the downhole tool such that the position of the moveable component relative to the stationary component is determined by detection of a magnetic signature produced by the moveable component and the array of magnets. |
| US09797233B2 |
Method and a device for separating a multiphasic liquid
A cyclone type liquid/gas or liquid/liquid separator having separation properties that are stabilized, even when the flow rate and the proportions of the liquid phases for separation vary, by means of a platform situated in the low portion of a cylindrical separation chamber that is fed at its top end via a tangential feed orifice. An installation and a method are also provided for separating the oil and water contained in crude oil, with the help of a cyclone separator. |
| US09797228B2 |
Combined perforating and fracking tools
A tool for both perforating a well casing in a hydrocarbon formation and for subsequently fracturing the formation. The tool allows not only perforation and fracking, but in a preferred embodiment allows both perforation of the casing and fracking of the formation without having to further reposition the tool within the wellbore. The tool comprises a cylindrical member having thereon an upper and lower seal member and a longitudinal bore therein, and a cooperating piston which operates a punch to perforate the well casing. A flushing port is provided immediately uphole of the upper seal member, which port when said tool is lowered downhole allows fluid flowing up a longitudinal channel to flush an annular region immediately uphole of said upper seal, thereby greatly reducing the incidence of sand impaction and thereby better allow the tool to be moved uphole for further perforation and fluid injection into the formation. |
| US09797220B2 |
Tieback cementing plug system
A method for casing a subsea wellbore includes running a tieback casing string into the subsea wellbore using a workstring including first, second, and third wiper plugs. The method further includes: launching a first release plug or tag into the workstring; pumping cement slurry into the workstring, thereby driving the first release plug or tag along the workstring; after pumping the cement slurry, launching a second release plug or tag into the workstring; and pumping chaser fluid into the workstring, thereby driving the release plugs or tags and cement slurry through the workstring. The release plugs or tags engage and release the respective wiper plugs from the workstring. The first wiper plug or release plug ruptures, thereby allowing the cement slurry to flow therethrough. The method further includes: stabbing the tieback casing string into a liner string; and retrieving the workstring, the workstring still including the third wiper plug. |
| US09797216B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator for a blowout preventer
A blowout preventer comprising: a body comprising a bore therethrough; a cavity disposed through the body and intersecting the bore; first and second closure members moveably disposed within the cavity on opposite sides of the bore; a first rod having a length and comprising a first end coupled to the first closure member; a second rod having a length and comprising a first end coupled to the second closure member; a first glider assembly wherein a second end of the first rod is at least partially disposed within the first glider assembly; and a second glider assembly wherein a second end of the second rod is at least partially disposed within the second glider assembly. |
| US09797214B2 |
Casing hanger shoulder ring for lock ring support
A wellhead assembly has a casing hanger for supporting a string of casing, the casing hanger having an external upward-facing shoulder. A shoulder ring is mounted on the shoulder. A radially movable annular lockdown member is carried on the shoulder ring for movement between a refracted position while the casing hanger is being run and an expanded position for engaging an interior surface of a wellhead housing. A casing hanger seal is carried by the casing hanger above the lockdown member. The casing hanger seal has a nose on a lower end that engages and moves the lockdown member to the expanded position while the casing hanger seal is being lowered into a set position. The shoulder ring is formed of a material of greater yield strength than the shoulder. Flow channels between the shoulder and the shoulder ring assist in flowing debris from above the shoulder to below. |
| US09797212B2 |
Method of treating subterranean formation using shrinkable fibers
A method for treating a subterranean formation utilizing a slurry having a plurality of shrinkable material. The method of treatment may include a diversion treatment during a fracturing operation. The shrinkable material may be adapted to shrink in response to a temperature change. The slurry may be used to perform a plugging of a perforation or fracture in the formation. |
| US09797208B2 |
Apparatus and methods for setting slips on a tubular member
Systems, apparatus and methods are usable for automatically engaging and setting slips of an automatic slip setting apparatus about a tubular, when the automatic slip setting apparatus is properly positioned relative to a desired section of the tubular for gripping, lifting and/or holding, and installing and/or removing the tubular, in or out from a wellbore, while preventing slippage and/or dropping of the tubular. The automatic slip setting apparatus is usable with an elevator or spider assembly, each comprising a main body having a central opening extending therethrough, a plurality of slips, and a yoke. An arm assembly, connected to the elevator or spider assembly, moves when contacted by a tubular moving through the central opening, and a latching member, which is connected to the yoke, can be moved by the arm assembly, thereby causing the plurality of slips to move to a closed position for gripping the tubular. |
| US09797205B2 |
Collapsible wiring conduit for downhole linear actuator
A collapsible wiring conduit can provide an extendable and retractable wired connection between moving components in a downhole tool, such as components moved relative to one another by a linear actuator. The collapsible wiring conduit can include links, hinges, stoppers, and wiring. The hinges can couple the links to one another. The links can be coupled end to end by the hinges. The stoppers can prevent the hinges from opening to or beyond a predetermined amount, such as preventing the hinges from opening to a 180-degree orientation. The wiring can be routed from link to link along the collapsible wiring conduit. In some aspects, the hinges are hollow, and the wiring is routed from link to link through the hollow hinges. |
| US09797204B2 |
Releasable locking mechanism for locking a housing to a drilling shaft of a rotary drilling system
Downhole rotary steerable drill including a drilling shaft rotatably supported within a housing, the drilling shaft and housing each having a longitudinal axis. The drill can include a releasable locking mechanism for rotationally locking and releasing the drilling shaft relative to the housing, the releasable locking mechanism transitionable between locked and released configurations. The releasable locking mechanism includes a sliding plunger coupled to the housing by a coupling that permits longitudinal reciprocation of the sliding plunger relative to the housing and prevents rotation of the sliding plunger relative to the housing. The releasable locking mechanism can also include pressure-responsive piston that reciprocates between an unactuated configuration and actuated configuration in response to applied pressure from a pressuring pump. |
| US09797201B2 |
Cutting elements including nanoparticles in at least one region thereof, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and related methods
Cutting elements for earth-boring applications may include a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond material secured to the substrate. A first region of the polycrystalline diamond material may exhibit a first volume percentage of nanoparticles bonded to diamond grains within the first region. A second region of the polycrystalline diamond material adjacent to the first region may exhibit a second, different volume percentage of nanoparticles bonded to diamond grains within the second region. Methods of making cutting elements for earth-boring applications may involve positioning a first mixture of particles having a first volume percentage of nanoparticles and a second mixture of particles having a second, different volume percentage of nanoparticles within a container. The first and second mixtures of particles may be sintered in the presence of a catalyst material to form a polycrystalline diamond material including intergranular bonds among diamond grains and nanoparticles of the polycrystalline diamond material. |
| US09797196B2 |
Automated drilling/service rig apparatus
An automated rig apparatus for drilling or servicing a well is provided. The apparatus can include a motor vehicle having a frame, and a hinged derrick mast pivotally attached to the frame. The apparatus can further include a rack disposed in the mast and a carriage assembly with pinion motors configured to travel up and down the rack when the mast is raised to a vertical position. A tool carrier configured to receive a top drive unit or a power swivel unit can be attached to the carriage assembly. The apparatus can further include a movable platform and an operators cab configured to be moved to a desired position relative to the derrick mast when the mast is raised to a vertical position. The apparatus can further include a hydraulic drive assembly to operate the apparatus, and a mud pump and manifold for pumping drilling mud. |
| US09797190B2 |
Louver roller system with an intermittent gear turning mechanism
The invention discloses a louver roller system with an intermittent gear turning mechanism, comprising a base and a top cover, wherein a roller mechanism and an intermittent gear turning mechanism are mounted on the base, the roller mechanism is wound with ladder tapes, the roller mechanism is in axial connection with the intermittent gear turning mechanism, and the roller mechanism and the intermittent gear turning mechanism are driven to rotate by a square shaft. The roller mechanism controls horizontal rising and falling of secondary louver blades, and the roller within the roller mechanism rotates to wind or unwind the ladder tapes thereon and sequentially drives various secondary louver blades to rise and fall horizontally. When various secondary louver blades rise to a predetermined position, the intermittent gear turning mechanism drives a turning cylinder to rotate, so as to achieve turning of all louver blades. |
| US09797189B2 |
Cordless window shade and spring drive system thereof
A spring drive system for a cordless window shade includes multiple rotary drums respectively connected with suspension cords, and one or more springs respectively connected with the rotary drums. The rotary drums are operatively connected with each other, so that they can synchronously rotate to wind and unwind the suspension cords. Moreover, each of the rotary drums is connected with an end of one spring. The spring torque can act to sustain a bottom part of the window shade at any desired height, and drive rotation of the rotary drums to wind the suspension cords when the bottom rail is raised upward. |
| US09797188B2 |
Rail retention system for a cordless window shade
A covering for an architectural opening includes a first rail, a second rail adjustably connected to the first rail, and a magnetic retention assembly configured to removably connect the first and second rails. The magnetic retention assembly includes a magnet coupled to one of the first rail or the second rail, and a receiver coupled to the other of the second rail or the first rail, the receiver configured to form a magnetic connection with the magnet. |
| US09797187B2 |
Devices for modulation of temperature and light based on phase change materials
Devices that incorporate phase change materials in containment vessels promote conduction of thermal energy between the phase change materials within the containment vessels and the surrounding air. In some embodiments, the containment vessels are transparent to enable visual awareness of the operation and functionality of the PCMs. In some embodiments, the containment vessels are design to passively promote air flow across the surfaces of the containment vessels. In some embodiments, the containment vessels include embedded structures to promote the conduction of thermal energy to and from the interior of the containment vessel. In some of these embodiments, the intent is to target the location of crystal ‘seeds’ and control crystal growth, thus gaining greater control over thermal transfer. |
| US09797180B2 |
Decouplable power drive for tailgates
A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate. |
| US09797176B2 |
Device for opening and closing an outwardly opening pivoting wing
A device for opening and closing an outwardly opening pivoting wing, comprising: an actuating device including a support, a crank rotatable relative to the support and a control mechanism operated by the crank, and an arm having a toothed portion which cooperates with said control mechanism, wherein the control mechanism cooperates with the toothed portion of the arm for the translational motion of the arm along a rectilinear direction between a locked wing position and an unlocked wing position, and vice versa, a first and a second slider intended to engage a groove of the wing in a movable manner in a rectilinear direction, wherein the first slider is articulated at a distal end of the arm and wherein the second slider is connected to a locking device. |
| US09797174B2 |
Hinge for furniture or domestic appliances
The disclosure relates to a hinge for furniture or domestic appliances, comprising a lateral part on which a hinge part is pivotally mounted via two levers. A damping device is provided having a movable damping element which is mounted in a movable manner between guide elements for damping purposes and which can be moved via a first actuation element during a closing movement of the hinge before reaching the closed position. A second actuation element is provided which pushes the damping element during an opening movement of the hinge before reaching the maximum opening position for damping an opening process. In this manner, the hinge provides an opening as well as a closing damping function. |
| US09797172B2 |
Exterior door handle arrangement for motor vehicle door of a motor vehicle
An exterior door handle arrangement for a motor vehicle door of a motor vehicle includes a door handle a bearing bracket, and a hinge assembly having a pivot pin and a guide groove receiving the pivot pin for the pivotable connection of the door handle to the bearing bracket, wherein for pivoting the door handle from a resting position into a swivel-out position the pivot pin located in the guide groove forms a pivot axis of the door handle. The contour surfaces of the pivot pin and the guide groove which are in operative connection and which determine the pivot movement of the door handle are designed with a fit, such that the door handle has in the swivel-out position a clearance fit which transitions via a transitional fit into a positive fit when a pivoting movement into to a resting position is made. |
| US09797164B2 |
Combination lock
Provided is a combination lock including a housing having an lodge port configured for removably receiving therein a shank; a locking bar received within the housing and having a shank port; a combination mechanism associated with the locking bar; and a securing arrangement including an arresting member of the locking bar. |
| US09797163B2 |
Identification module for key making machine
An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key, and an imaging assembly configured to generate an image of the shank while the existing key is being manually held in the key receiving assembly. The identification module may also have a housing configured to house the key receiving assembly and the imaging assembly. The housing may have a slot formed therein to receive the existing key. The identification module further may have a tip guide configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key as the tip is inserted through the slot. The tip guide may be linearly movable by insertion of the existing key from a first location at the slot to a second location away from the slot. |
| US09797162B2 |
Key release stud
A locking assembly comprising a fastener having a locking stud having a locking cavity and an aperture for receiving the locking stud, a lock having material adapted to contract when activated and having jaws adapted to engage the locking cavity of the locking stud when received in the aperture, and an unlocking mechanism comprising rotating body having an opening for a key. |
| US09797161B2 |
Security door lock
A security door lock for security back locking of a door lock. The door lock enables back locking of the door lock from inside in such a way that the lock cannot be opened with a key or a picklock. The lock includes a lock body, a lock bolt inside the lock body, a lock bolt shifter inside the lock body, a lock bolt shifting lever protruding from the lock bolt shifter, a slot in the lock body for receiving the lock bolt shifting lever which is turnable between its inclined end positions in the slot when the lock bolt shifter is rotated, a twist knob inside the door for rotating the lock bolt shifter, a key cylinder outside the door, and an opening spindle present between the twist knob and the key cylinder. The opening spindle is in engagement with the lock bolt shifter for shifting the lock bolt by tuning the key or the twist knob. A security latch is movable from a security locking release position to a security locking position in which the security latch covers the slot in the lock body thereby preventing turning of the lock bolt shifting lever between its inclined end positions and locking the lock bolt shifter in a non-rotatable manner against turning effected with the key or the twist knob. |
| US09797149B2 |
Timber frame structures with improved joint assemblies
Timber frame structures comprising timber support posts and timber support beams. Improved joint assemblies are utilized for interconnecting the timber support posts and the timber support beams. In particular, each of the joint assemblies includes a tail having a wedge-shaped outer face and a complementary socket configured and dimensioned for receiving the tail. The tails may extend from the terminal faces of the support beams and the sockets may be formed in the sidewalls of the timber support posts. The tails may be installed into the sockets through a drop-in-place procedure. The timber frame structures may be packaged as kits for modular assembly at the desired location. |
| US09797148B2 |
Clip applying apparatus
A clip applying apparatus is provided for connecting plastic clips to reinforcing bars. The clip applying apparatus will generally include a barrel, a hammer received in the barrel, and a main drive configured to reciprocate the hammer within the barrel. Other features may include a safety shield as well as a lockout lever which prevents proximal movement of the safety shield if a clip is not fully received within the barrel. Another feature which may be included is a clip door operably connected to a sliding-pivot channel defined in one of the barrel and the clip door. Still other features may include at least one guide slot disposed within the barrel to direct hammer movement, and a hammer bushing coaxial with the barrel to support the hammer. |
| US09797145B2 |
Modular metal covering for buildings
The invention relates to a modular metal covering for buildings, consisting of successive metal sheets (1) which are interconnected by means of joining corresponding bends in the edges thereof, said connections being supported and fastened on supports (2), a lower groove (6) determining the bending of the edges of the metal sheets (1), wherefrom a vertical section extends, ending in a downward-oriented upper break, wherefrom one of the bends extends upwards, successively determining a bowed wing (9), a horizontal section (10) and a vertical section (11), while the other bend extends from the upper break with a wing (12) defining a domed shape; each support (2) comprising a body in the form of a column which determines structures to which said bends of the metal plates (1) are fitted. |
| US09797142B1 |
Lath device, assembly and method
The present invention provides for a welded wire lath device having a plurality of longitudinal wires extending along a plane and in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of tension release devices disposed on the plurality of longitudinal wires, a plurality of transverse wires extending along the plane in a transverse direction; and a plurality of weld connections at each intersection point between the plurality of longitudinal wires and the plurality of transverse wires. Each of the plurality of tension release devices are randomly spaced along the plurality of parallel longitudinal wires. The longitudinal wires, including each of the plurality of tension release devices, have a rectilinear cross-section. The present invention also provides for a structural assembly, and related method, having the welded wire lath device attached to a structural support such as a wall or ceiling and having a cementitious material embedded within the welded wire lath device. |
| US09797139B2 |
Concrete slab attachment device and method
An attachment device attaches adjacent first and second concrete pieces to one another along corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces thereof, thereby forming a concrete piece attachment arrangement. The device includes an elongate base member having opposed first and second portions, and first and second lateral members securing to and respectively extending substantially perpendicularly from first and second ends of the base member. The first and second portions of the base member extend within first and second recesses respectively formed into the concrete pieces, in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second interfacing side surfaces. The first and second lateral member respectively extend through bore holes extending through the first and second concrete pieces and connecting with the respective first and second recesses. A method for attaching the concrete pieces to one another with an attachment piece is also described. |
| US09797138B2 |
Constructive system and method of construction thereof
Constructive system comprising at least four modular elongated prefabricated floor elements, each floor element defining a longitudinal axis parallel to its long side and a transversal axis parallel to its short side, and being arranged coplanar in a 2×2 matrix configuration such that each floor element is adjacent to another element by one of its long sides and adjacent to another of the elements by one of its short sides, the ends of the short sides of the floor elements resting on linear supporting elements, the floor elements comprising in the vertical face of each of the long sides a longitudinal groove having the direction of the longitudinal axis such that a cavity is formed between each pair of adjacent floor elements, the cavities being filled with a grouting, the system including at least one duct extending continuously along the two cavities and a post-tensioned tendon within the duct. |
| US09797136B2 |
High performance architectural precast concrete wall system
A construction panel comprising a rigid insulation layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an outer concrete wythe secured to the exterior surface of the insulation layer, an inner concrete wythe secured to the interior surface of the insulation layer, a grid system which ties the outer concrete wythe to the inner concrete wythe and a capillary tube system located within the construction panel wherein liquid is passed through the tubing in order to increase or decrease the temperature of the construction panel. |
| US09797127B2 |
Vehicle-actuated weather barrier apparatus
Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus includes a support structure having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, where the first end is to couple to a wall and the second end is movable relative to the first end. A seal is pivotally coupled to the second end of the support structure to define a pivot axis. The seal has a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion spaced from the first sealing portion. The first sealing portion is to engage a rear edge of a vehicle and the second sealing portion is to engage a surface of the vehicle spaced from the rear edge of the vehicle when the vehicle is in engagement with the seal. |
| US09797126B2 |
Multifunctional enclosure
A manual or motor activated enclosure, appropriate for any surface to be enclosed, comprising matching opposite cross-linked structures containing a set of profiles that fits in the field of telescopic modular pivoting roof structures, that upon retraction it is housed underground such that none of its components are visible above ground, and upon deployment it achieves complete enclosure of the area while proving for openings. |
| US09797125B2 |
Connecting member for column and connection structure of column
A cutout part is formed at the approximate center of the connecting member. The cutout part in the connecting member is a circular penetrating hole that penetrates a convex part and a main body part. On the side of a lower surface of the connecting member, the convex part is formed around the cutout part. The convex part includes a tapered part and a rib. The tapered part gradually inclines in the direction toward the center from the side of the main body part (the side of the base part of the convex part) to the tip side (the side of the top part thereof). The rib part is formed on the edge part of the cutout part, which is the top part of the tapered part. The rib part is a part that protrudes downward from the top part of the tapered part. |
| US09797123B2 |
Dwelling
A terrestrial dwelling (1) including a floor (2) with at least one floor section (3) orientated substantially horizontally in use. The dwelling includes at least one wall (4), including at least one wall section (5) projecting substantially upwardly from the floor section (3). A dwelling support (6) is configured to at least partially elevate the floor section (3) above a terrain surface (15). A roof (7) with at least one roof section (8) is attached to an upper portion of said wall (4) wherein the dwelling (1) is configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency to at least partially allow atmospheric elements including light incident on the dwelling (1) above the floor (2) to reach the terrain surface (15) under the dwelling (1). |
| US09797121B2 |
Systems and methods for unclogging a drain
A system and method for unclogging a drain involving at least one internal member and at least one external member. At least one member is ferromagnetic, and at least one member is a magnet. External members may have handles. Internal members are disposed inside a pipe and external members are disposed outside a pipe. When an external member is moved, the magnetic force between the internal and external members causes the internal member to move. Internal members can be disposed such that they cause a clog to move further into the drain system. Internal members can also be disposed such that they are below the clog when it forms, allowing the internal members to move the clog out of the pipe system, into the sink, toilet, or other basin. Safety members can be disposed below the internal members to prevent loss of internal members into pipe system. |
| US09797119B2 |
Faucet including a capacitance based sensor
An electronic faucet is provided that includes a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a capacitive sensor coupled to the faucet. A controller may dynamically change on/off thresholds and monitor a stability signal to determine when to turn off the electrically operable valve. |
| US09797117B2 |
Fluid pressure control device
A fluid pressure control device includes a switching valve configured to operate in conjunction with the control valve by the pilot pressure led through the pilot valve to switch work of the operation check valve. The switching valve includes a pilot chamber to which the pilot pressure is led, a spool that moves in accordance with the pilot pressure of the pilot chamber, a bias member that biases the spool in the valve closing direction, a collar detachably installed in the pilot chamber, and a piston slidably inserted into the collar, the piston being configured to receive the pilot pressure on a back surface thereof and give thrust force to the spool against bias force of the bias member. |
| US09797115B2 |
Work vehicle, and work vehicle control method for charging
A power transmission device includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a gear mechanism, an energy-generating motor, a first clutch, and a locking device. The energy storage unit is configured to store the energy generated by the energy-generating motor. The gear mechanism includes a planetary gear mechanism, which includes a first rotation element, a second rotation element, and a third rotation element, which are mutually different. The first clutch is provided in the power transmission route between the engine and the first rotation element. The locking device locks or releases the second rotation element. The energy-generating motor is connected to the third rotation element. A controller locks the second rotation element, converges the rotation speeds of two rotation shafts in the first clutch to cause the first clutch to engage, and rotates the energy-generating motor using drive power from the engine to thereby accumulate energy in the energy storage unit. |
| US09797105B2 |
Erosion control mat system
An erosion control mat provides a plurality of concrete blocks. Each block has an upper portion with a plurality of upper inclined side walls. Each block has a lower portion with a plurality of inclined lower side walls. The block has an upper surface and a lower surface and a block periphery in the form of an edge where the upper and lower side walls meet. Cables or ropes connect the blocks together to form a block matrix and the erosion control mat. Each block has a boot affixed to the block lower portion, the boot having a plurality of inclined side panels. Each boot side panel has an upper edge. The boot has a lower panel, a boot interior surface and an interior that is receptive of at least part of the block lower portion. The boot inclined side panels engage the block inclined lower side walls. The boot lower panel engages the block lower surface. A plurality of anchor posts are attached to the interior surface of the boot. Some of the anchor posts are attached to the side wall panels to enable a connection to be formed between the boot inclined side panels and the block inclined lower side walls. Some of the anchor posts are attached to the lower panel of the boot to enable a connection to be formed between the boot lower panel and the block lower surface. As part of the method, the boot is first placed in a mold. Slurried concrete is then added to the mold so that a connection is formed between the boot anchor posts and the concrete when the concrete sets after a time period. |
| US09797102B2 |
Traffic cone
A two-piece traffic marker assembly a marker body includes a marker body formed of a low density polyethylene and a separable molded rubber base. The base has a weight comprising at least 70% of a total weight of the traffic marker assembly, with the marker body having a weight comprising the remaining 30% or less of the total weight of the traffic marker assembly. Because of this advantageous weight distribution, relative to prior art traffic cones, when the traffic marker assembly is assembled, a tip angle of the traffic marker assembly is about 76 degrees from vertical. A plurality of circumferentially spaced interlocking protrusions disposed on the wall of the marker body, for engaging an interior circumference of the base when the marker assembly is in an assembled space, and for also preventing sticking of marker bodies together when they are stacked. |
| US09797101B2 |
Walkway installation, as well as a vessel with such a walkway installation
A walkway installation includes a base (1) intended to be fastened to a support construction, such as to the deck (5) of a ship (6), as well as a base bridge part (2) that is connected at one end so it can be rotated around an upright base axis of rotation (11) with the base. Furthermore, a main bridge part (4) is positioned on the other end of the base bridge part (1) as well as a hinge construction between the base bridge part (1) and the main bridge part (2). The hinge construction has an upright main axis of rotation (12) and an auxiliary axis of rotation (13) aligned transversely to the upright main axis of rotation and transversely to the main bridge part. By rotating the gangplank parts, the installation may be adjusted in a reliable and quick way in relation to a fixed object or another vessel. |
| US09797098B2 |
Aggregate spreading system
An aggregate spreading system includes a dump truck that has a cab and a bed. The bed may contain an aggregate. A transport unit is coupled to the dump truck. The transport unit is positioned on the bed to urge the aggregate forwardly in the bed. A distribution unit is coupled to the dump truck. The distribution unit is positioned on the bed to receive the aggregate from the transport unit. Thus, the distribution unit distributes the aggregate onto a support surface. The distribution unit levels the aggregate on the support surface when the aggregate has been released onto the support surface. |
| US09797093B2 |
Method for producing nanofibrillar cellulose
In a method for preparing nanofibrillar cellulose, fibrous dispersion of ionically charged cellulose is repeatedly passed through a mechanical process of disrupting fibers into fibrils until the viscosity starts to decrease. The number average diameter of the nanofibrillar cellulose after the mechanical process is in the range of 2-10 nm, and the zero-shear viscosity is below 10 Pa·s, preferably below 1 Pa·s, when measured in the concentration of 0.5 wt-%. The nanofibrillated cellulose is low aspect ratio nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC-L). |
| US09797091B2 |
Felt conditioner and cleaner
A method of cleaning or conditioning a paper-making press felt or other substrate is described. The method includes treating the paper-making press felt or other substrate with a formulation that contains at least solketal. |
| US09797089B2 |
Method of photocatalytic white discharge printing for achieving patterns on textiles
A method for photocatalytic white discharge printing for achieving patterns on textiles includes closely integrating substrates with patterned printing plates or fixing patterned printing plates on one or both sides of a substrate, placing them in a reactor equipped with a light source and containing the photocatalytic white discharging formulation. The method has the characteristics of a simple process, short processing, easy controlling and wide adaptability. The process eliminates the need for printing plates and expensive printing apparatus used in complicated conventional printing methods. Additionally, the photocatalytic solution can be reused which avoids generous application of chemical agents and waste discharges that are present in conventional printing methods. The method is beneficial for cutting costs, saving energy, reducing emissions and has cleaner production. |
| US09797081B2 |
Laundry treating appliance suspension system
A suspension system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a tub comprises a rod coupled to the cabinet and a shock absorber coupled between the rod and the tub. A socket interface on the rod reduces side loading forces on the shock absorber. The socket interface may be separate from the shock absorber. |
| US09797079B2 |
Collapsible watertight assembly
A collapsible watertight assembly comprises an impermeable flexible container (1) having an open end adapted to be sealed, a neck (7) closable by a screw cap (8), and a roll and lock seal (9) which provides a watertight seal on the open end. The assembly further comprises a reticulated inner container (11) adapted to fit inside the impermeable container (1). In use, a person puts garments in the inner container (11), places the inner container (11) inside the impermeable flexible container (1), fills the impermeable flexible container (1) with water and a cleaning substance, seals the sealing means (9) and applies an agitating motion to the assembly to enable the garments to be washed. The assembly can be used as a portable laundry assembly, as a self-contained assembly for bleaching, dyeing rinsing and drip-drying clothes or to carry water or to keep items dry in high-humidity or damp conditions. |
| US09797077B2 |
Hook for lockstitch sewing machine comprising a bobbin case with a slide composed of multiple components
Hook for lockstitch sewing machine, both of the rotary type and of the Central Bobbin type (CB-shuttle or CB-hook), which includes a bobbin case (508, 708, 808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208) with an improved slide, composed of multiple components, including a slide body (515a, 615a, 715a, 815a, 915a, 1115a, 1215a) which performs entirely the functions of guiding the slide on the bobbin case and of creation of the leverage with the lever (16, 16b), and at least one secondary component (582, 782, 882, 982, 1182, 1286), fixed to the slide body and apt to perform the function of slide's claw or guide and/or protection of the thread. |
| US09797071B2 |
Polyester yarn and production method thereof
Disclosed is a polyester yarn that can be used in a fabric for an airbag. In particular, a polyester yarn having a diethylene glycol content of 1.1 to 2.5 wt % and initial modulus of 100 g/d or less, a production method thereof, and a fabric for an airbag produced therefrom are disclosed. The polyester yarn has excellent moisture and heat resistance and light resistance, and maintained excellent mechanical properties after long-term aging under high temperature and high humidity conditions. Therefore, when applied to a fabric for an airbag, the polyester yarn provides excellent packing property, shape stability, and gas barrier effect, and the impact applied to a passenger is minimized, thereby safely protecting the passenger at the same time. |
| US09797069B2 |
Substrate with high fracture strength
The invention discloses a substrate with high fracture strength. The substrate according to the invention includes a plurality of nanostructures. The substrate has a first surface, and the nanostructures are protruded from the first surface. By the formation of the nanostructures, the fracture strength of the substrate is enhanced. |
| US09797062B2 |
Zone melting furnace thermal field with dual power heating function and heat preservation method
The present invention aims at providing a zone melting furnace thermal field with a dual power heating function and a heat preservation method. The zone melting furnace thermal field comprises a primary heating coil and an auxiliary heater, wherein the auxiliary heater has a wavy appearance bent repeatedly up and down and forms a circular loop by surrounding in the horizontal direction, wherein both end parts of the auxiliary heater are provided with ports and are connected with an auxiliary heating power supply through cables; and the auxiliary heating power supply is also sequentially connected with a data analysis module and an infrared temperature measuring instrument through single lines. The present invention can solve the problem of single crystal rod cracking caused by unreasonable distribution of the thermal field and overlarge thermal stress in the growth process of zone-melted silicon single crystals over 6.5 inches, and simultaneously can improve the thermal field distribution in the growth process of 3-6 inch zone-melted silicon single crystals. |
| US09797058B2 |
Process for manufacturing a recovery annealed coated steel substrate for packaging applications and a packaging steel product produced thereby
This relates to a process for manufacturing a recovery annealed coated steel substrate for packaging applications and a packaging steel product produced thereby. |
| US09797056B2 |
Electrolyte for the electrolytic deposition of silver-palladium alloys and method for deposition thereof
The present invention relates to an electrolyte and to a method for the electrolytic deposition of silver-rich silver-palladium alloys which to a minor degree also include selenium and/or tellurium. The electrolyte of the invention allows uniform deposition of such an alloy on conductive surfaces across a wide range of current densities. |
| US09797051B2 |
Method of retrofitting of finite-gap electrolytic cells
The present invention concerns a method of retrofitting of a membrane electrolysis cell, wherein a rigid cathode is shaped by plastic deformation of the regions in correspondence of cathodic supports; a pre-shaped conductive elastic element having compressed regions in correspondence of said cathodic supports is overlaid onto said rigid cathode; a flexible planar cathode provided with a catalytic coating is overlaid onto said conductive elastic element. The invention also concerns a correspondingly retrofitted electrolysis cell. |
| US09797050B2 |
Energy-efficient diaphragm-electrolyser
The invention relates to the field of electrochemical production of disinfectants, where a solution of alkaline metals is used as the electrolyte in the anode chamber. The invention offers a new design for electrolyzers, reducing power consumption in the production of disinfectants by known methods. As a result of this invention, power consumed in the production of 1 gram of active chlorine by known methods will be reduced by 20%, and the possibilities for producing disinfectants with active chlorine content 7500 ppm in an electrolyzer without channelling the water into external cooling devices will also expand. |
| US09797043B1 |
Shielding coating for selective metallization
Shielding coatings are applied to polymer substrates for selective metallization of the substrates. The shielding coatings include a primer component and a hydrophobic top coat. The primer is first applied to the polymer substrate followed by application of the top coat component. The shielding coating is then selectively etched to form an outline of a desired current pattern. A catalyst is applied to the patterned polymer substrate followed by electroless metal plating in the etched portions. The portions of the polymer substrate which contain the shielding coating inhibit electroless metal plating. The primers contain aromatic heterocyclic compounds and the top coat contains hydrophobic alky organic compounds. |
| US09797040B2 |
Surface coated cutting tool
A hard coating layer on a cutting tool includes at least a Ti and Al complex nitride or carbonitride layer and has an average layer thickness of 1 to 20 μm. In a case where a composition of the complex nitride or carbonitride layer is expressed by: (Ti1-xAlx)(CyN1-y), a content ratio x and a content ratio y satisfy 0.60≦x≦0.95 and 0≦y≦0.005, where x and y are in atomic ratio. Crystal grains constituting the complex nitride or carbonitride layer include cubic phase crystal grains and hexagonal phase crystal grains. An area ratio occupied by the cubic phase crystal grains is 30-80%. An average grain width W is 0.05-1.0 μm. An average aspect ratio A of the crystal grains with the cubic grain structure is 5 or less. A periodic content ratio change of Ti and Al in (Ti1-xAlx)(CyN1-y) exists in each of the cubic phase crystal grains. |
| US09797035B2 |
Apparatus for applying a hot-melt adhesive to a substrate
The invention relates to applying a liquid to pasty hot-melt adhesive to a substrate (44), comprising a template (29), having at least one cavity (38) for the hot-melt adhesive, and also comprising an adhesive-transfer infeed (33), which is assigned to the template (29) and through which the adhesive can be introduced into the cavity (38). The special feature consists in that the apparatus (10) further comprises a transporting-fluid-supply opening (35), assigned to the template (29), and a device for displacing (13, 15), in particular pivoting, the template (29) between a first position, in which the cavity (38) is assigned to the adhesive-transfer infeed (33), and a second position, in which the cavity (38) is assigned to the transporting-fluid-supply opening (35), and therefore the adhesive, in the second position, can be discharged from the cavity (38) by a transporting fluid flowing through the transporting-fluid-supply opening (35). |
| US09797030B2 |
Aluminum alloy with additions of scandium, zirconium and erbium
An aluminum alloy including additions of scandium, zirconium, erbium and, optionally, silicon. |
| US09797029B2 |
Heat resistant titanium alloy sheet excellent in cold workability and a method of production of the same
The present invention provides a heat resistant titanium alloy sheet excellent in cold workability having high temperature strength characteristics better than JIS Class 2 pure titanium and having a cold workability and high temperature oxidation resistance equal to or better than that of JIS Class 2 pure titanium and a method of production of the same, that is, a heat resistant titanium alloy sheet excellent in cold workability characterized by comprising, by mass %, 0.3 to 1.8% of Cu, 0.18% or less of oxygen, 0.30% or less of Fe, and, as needed, at least one of Sn, Zr, Mo, Nb, and Cr in a total of 0.3 to 1.5%, and the balance of Ti and less than 0.3% of impurity elements and by a β-phase and Ti2Cu-phase being included in a volume percentage of 0 to 2% and, further, a method of production of that titanium alloy sheet characterized by performing the final annealing at 630 to 850° C. in temperature range or performing the hot-rolled sheet or coil annealing or intermediate annealing at 630 to 850° C. in temperature range and perform the final annealing after cold working at 600 to 630° C. in temperature. |
| US09797023B2 |
Shaft furnace and method of operating same
A method of operating a shaft furnace includes inserting a mixture including anthracite coal and coke into a cavity defined by the furnace, and disposing a metal feedstock within the cavity. The method includes injecting natural gas at a natural gas flow rate and a first quantity of oxygen gas at a first oxygen gas flow rate into the cavity simultaneously through at least one burner. The method also includes driving a second quantity of oxygen gas at a supersonic oxygen gas flow rate into the cavity through at least one lance, wherein the supersonic oxygen gas flow rate is greater than the first oxygen gas flow rate. The method also includes combusting the mixture within the cavity to produce a stack gas, melting the metal feedstock to produce a melted metal material, and monitoring the stack gas to thereby operate the shaft furnace. A shaft furnace is also disclosed. |
| US09797021B2 |
Compositions comprising C5 and C6 oligosaccharides
Compositions comprising C5 and C6 saccharides of varying degrees of polymerization and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed. |
| US09797019B2 |
Devices for the detection of multiple analytes in a sample
The present invention relates generally to an assay for detecting and differentiating multiple analytes, if present, in a single fluid sample, including devices and methods therefore. |
| US09797016B2 |
Methods and biomarkers for detection of bladder cancer
The invention relates to methods and biomarkers (e.g., epigenetic biomarkers) for detection of bladder cancer in biological samples (e.g., tissue samples, urine samples, urine sediments). In some embodiments, methods and biomarkers of the present invention find use in discriminating between bladder cancer, prostate cancer and renal epithelial tumors. |
| US09797009B2 |
Enzyme construct
The invention relates to methods using constructs comprising a helicase and an additional polynucleotide binding moiety. The helicase is attached to the polynucleotide binding moiety and the construct has the ability to control the movement of a polynucleotide. The constructs can be used to control the movement of polynucleotides and are particularly useful for sequencing polynucleotides. |
| US09797004B2 |
Methods and compositions for determination of vector backbone in a nucleic acid sample
The invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantifying vector backbone in a nucleic acid preparation comprising a polynucleotide of interest using amplification assays that amplify a junction located between the polynucleotide of interest and the vector backbone, under conditions whereby amplification can occur, wherein the junction comprises a recognition site for a nuclease, and detecting the absence of an amplification product, whereby the absence of the amplification product indicates low or no vector backbone and/or quantifying the amount of amplification product to determine the amount of vector backbone in the nucleic acid preparation. |
| US09797003B2 |
Nucleic acid sequence measuring method, nucleic acid sequence measuring device, manufacturing method for nucleic acid sequence measuring device, and nucleic acid sequence measuring apparatus
A nucleic acid sequence measuring method includes measuring fluorescence from the nucleic acid sequence measuring device supplied with a sample solution. The device includes a fluorescent probe added with a fluorescent molecule, and a quenching probe added with a quenching substance. The fluorescent probe and/or the quenching probe has a detection part detecting a predetermined nucleic acid sequence. Fluorescence from the fluorescent molecule is quenched by the quenching substance coupled with the fluorescent molecule when the hybridization between the detection target nucleic acid and the detection part has not occurred, and fluorescence is emitted from the fluorescent molecule separated from the quenching substance when the hybridization has occurred. |
| US09797002B2 |
Methods and kits for genome-wide methylation of GpC sites and genome-wide determination of chromatin structure
Disclosed are methods and kits for genome-wide methylation of GpC sites and for genome-wide chromatin structural determination. Specifically, the methods and kits of the present invention make possible the simultaneous determination of endogenous DNA methylation state and chromatin architecture across the entire genome. |
| US09796999B2 |
Detection of oligosaccharides
Provided herein are processes for detecting oligosaccharides in a biological sample. In specific instances, the biological sample is provided from an individual suffering from a disorder associated with abnormal glycosaminoglycan accumulation. |
| US09796997B2 |
Detection of bacteria and fungi
A method of detecting a ligase expressing micro-organism in a sample comprises steps of treating the sample under conditions that inhibit the activity of ATP-dependent ligase from mammalian cells but which do not inhibit the activity of the microbial ligases, contacting the sample or a portion of the sample with a nucleic acid molecule which acts as a substrate for ligase activity in the sample, incubating the thus contacted sample under conditions suitable for ligase activity; and specifically determining the presence and/or the amount of a ligated nucleic acid molecule resulting from the action of the ligase on the substrate nucleic acid molecule to indicate the presence of the ligase expressing micro-organism. The micro-organism may be a fungus or a bacterium or both. High pH conditions may be employed to inactivate mammalian ligases. Related kits are described. |
| US09796996B2 |
Means and methods for distinguishing FECV and FIPV
The invention provides methods and means for distinguishing FECV and FIPV, and methods and means for determining whether FIPV is present in a sample. Further provided are primers and probes for detecting FIPV specific nucleic acid sequences encoding a spike protein, antibodies for detecting a FIPV, and an immunogenic composition and use thereof for eliciting an immune response against a feline coronavirus, preferably a FIPV. |
| US09796995B2 |
Endogenous auto-fluorescent biological markers for assessing a biological parameter of a cell
The present application related to the use of endogenous fluorescent biological markers to determine a parameter of a cell in a liquid Because the techniques provided herein provide accurate results in a relatively short amount of time, the methods described herein can be used to monitor and optimize cell culture online as well determine the presence of a cellular contamination in a cell suspension. |
| US09796993B2 |
Lignin-degrading methods
A method involving degrading materials that include lignin generally includes contacting a lignin sample with a flavin-dependent monooxygenase and contacting the lignin sample with an auxiliary compound. |
| US09796992B2 |
Gene cluster for biosynthesis of cornexistin and hydroxycornexistin
The invention pertains to the field of production of natural products and, in particular, in the field of production of cornexistin and hydroxycornexistin. It provides polynucleotides encoding polypeptides involved in the biosynthesis of cornexistin and hydroxycornexistin as well as vectors and recombinant microorganisms comprising such polynucleotides. Also provided are methods for the production of natural products, in particular methods for the production of cornexistin and hydroxycornexistin, using such polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therein, as well as vectors and recombinant microorganisms comprising such polynucleotides and polypeptides. |
| US09796988B2 |
Processes for producing microbial copolyesters from sucrose-containing feedstocks
A process for producing hydroxyalkanoate copolymers, which comprises: (i) pre-treating a sucrose-containing feedstock in an acidic solution; (ii) feeding the pre-treated feedstock into a bioreactor containing polyhydroxyalkanoate producing microbial cells; (iii) cultivating the polyhydroxyalkanoate producing microbial cells to form a cell mass containing the hydroxyalkanoate copolymers; (iv) recovering the hydroxyalkanoate copolymers from the cell mass. The pre-treating step has the main function of hydrolyzing sucrose into glucose and fructose, which in turn are converted into 4-ketovaleric acid to give a mixture of mono-saccharides and organic precursors for microbial synthesis of hydroxyalkanoate copolymers, and particularly of PHBVV ter-polymers. Complex and expensive purification processes of the substrates obtained from the pre-treating step are not needed. The solutions can be directly used as the feeding solutions for microbial PHA biosynthesis. |
| US09796985B2 |
Compositions and method for modulating the sensitivity of plants to cytokinin
The present invention includes an expression cassette containing a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide; and a host cell, transgenic plant (e.g., a dicot or monocot), transformed seed, and transgenic rootstock containing said expression cassette. Methods for desensitizing a plant to endogenous cytokinin; increasing seed, embryo or cotyledon size or weight; increasing the seed yield of a plant; and/or increasing the size of the root or root meristem or formation of lateral or adventitious roots are provided. In some embodiments, expression of the polypeptide is under control of a seed-preferred, embryo-preferred or root-preferred promoter. |
| US09796982B2 |
Use of Cry1Da in combination with Cry1Ca for management of resistant insects
The subject invention includes methods and plants for controlling fall armyworm lepidopteran insects, said plants comprising a Cry1Da insecticidal protein and a Cry1Ca insecticidal protein, and various combinations of other proteins comprising this pair of proteins, to delay or prevent development of resistance by the insects. |
| US09796980B2 |
Microbial engineering for the production of chemical and pharmaceutical products from the isoprenoid pathway
The invention relates to recombinant expression of a taxadiene synthase enzyme and a geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) enzyme in cells and the production of terpenoids. |
| US09796975B2 |
Double-stranded ribonucleic acid as control against insects
A composition for use in formulations for controlling insect populations, including populations of mosquito and flies. The composition comprises one or more double-stranded constructs inhibitory to RNA transcription of ribosomal proteins. The invention also relates to method of using the compositions in formulations to inhibit insect populations. |
| US09796974B2 |
Modified RNAi agents
One aspect of the present invention relates to double-stranded RNAi (dsRNA) duplex agent capable of inhibiting the expression of a target gene. The dsRNA duplex comprises one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides in one or both strand, particularly at or near the cleavage site of the strand. Other aspects of the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these dsRNA agents suitable for therapeutic use, and methods of inhibiting the expression of a target gene by administering these dsRNA agents, e.g., for the treatment of various disease conditions. |
| US09796973B2 |
Terminator sequence-containing reverse primer for overexpression and linear DNA
Plasmid vectors have been widely used as a carrier of a DNA sequence capable of expressing a target RNA in cells. However, construction of these plasmid vectors requires technical skill and time. Thus, a quicker and easier method is required therefor. To solve this problem, a method using a linear DNA that has been amplified by the PCR method is examined. However, this method is disadvantageous in that RNA expression in cells is extremely low. Under these circumstances, the present inventors attempted to develop an RNA expression method using a linear DNA which can be produced mainly by using the PCR method alone and which enables a high level of RNA expression. As the results of intensive studies on terminator sequences to be used in a linear DNA, the present inventors found a smallest unit of a terminator sequence enabling linear DNA expression equivalent to that when using a plasmid vector. A linear DNA including the aforesaid terminator sequence can be produced quickly and easily, and enables RNA expression at a higher level. The present invention has been completed based on these findings. |
| US09796972B2 |
Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of glycyl-tRNA synthetases
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications. |
| US09796971B2 |
Generation of native recombinant secreted human endoplasmic reticulum chaperones by using their native signal sequences in yeast expression systems
A method using yeast as a host for production of human ER chaperone proteins, using endogenous signal peptides of intracellular human proteins that are recognized and correctly processed in the yeast cells to subsequently lead to the secretion of the human proteins. The resultant proteins possessed native amino acid sequence and were biologically active. Moreover, secretion allowed simple one-step purification of native recombinant human proteins with high yields. |
| US09796959B2 |
Method for inducing astrocytes
The present invention provides a method for producing astrocytes from neural progenitor cells, the method comprising: (1) culturing neural progenitor cells in a culture medium comprising a neurotrophic factor; (2) dissociating the cells obtained in the step (1); and (3) subjecting the cells obtained in the step (2) to adherent culture in a culture medium comprising a neurotrophic factor using an uncoated culture vessel. |
| US09796958B2 |
Bacterial growth enhancer
We describe the production and use of an extract obtained from Musa spp., preferably from bananas, in the promotion of growth of Gram-positive bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria. The extract is also useful for growth enhancement of environmentally-stressed Gram negative bacteria. Fermented foods containing such extracts are also described. |
| US09796956B2 |
Multi-stage acoustophoresis device
An acoustophoresis device made up of modular components is disclosed. Several modules are disclosed herein, including ultrasonic transducer modules, input/output modules, collection well modules, and various connector modules. These permit different systems to be constructed that have appropriate fluid dynamics for separation of particles, such as biological cells, from a fluid. |
| US09796954B2 |
Dyed coated bleach materials
The invention relates to dyed particles of a bleach material that comprise a coating. The invention also relates to the use of the dyed particles in detergent compositions. |
| US09796947B2 |
Detergent composition comprising a polymer that performs both a cleaning and rinsing function
Industrial 2-in-1 cleaning compositions providing both detergency and rinseability in a single cleaning composition comprising a polymer are disclosed. Alkali metal carbonate-based cleaning compositions and methods of both making and using the same provide user-friendly, solid, detergent compositions without the need for using a separate rinse aid composition. The compositions and methods are particularly well suited for use in industrial cleaning using alkali metal carbonate compositions that beneficially provide cleaning and rinseability in the rinse cycle. |
| US09796943B2 |
Lithium-based thickener and grease composition including the same
A lithium salt thickener that enhances thermal stability at high temperature and operability at low temperature, and a grease composition including the same, is provided. |
| US09796942B2 |
Bearing material
A plastic bearing material of a bearing may include a block copolymer. The block copolymer may include structural blocks of two or more different polymers. A first polymer may include at least one of polyamide-imide and polybenzimidazole. A second polymer may include at least one of polydimethylsiloxane, methyl vinyl ether and polyisobutene. A method for manufacturing a plastic bearing material may include synthesizing a structural block of a first polymer and a structural block of a second polymer to define a block copolymer via a condensation reaction. |
| US09796941B2 |
Method and composition for contemporaneously dimerizing and hydrating a feed having butene to produce a gasoline composition
Methods for producing alcohols and oligomers contemporaneously from a hydrocarbon feed containing mixed butenes using an acid based catalyst are provided. Additionally, methods for producing fuel compositions having alcohols and oligomers prepared from mixed olefins are also provided as embodiments of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the catalyst can include a dual phase catalyst system that includes a water soluble acid catalyst and a solid acid catalyst. |
| US09796938B2 |
Fatty acid blends and uses therefor
Provided herein are blends oils or fatty acids comprising more than 50% medium chain fatty acids, or the fatty acid alkyl esters thereof, and having low melting points. Such blends are useful as a fuel or as a starting material for the production of, for example, a biodiesel. Also provided genetically altered or modified plants, modified such that the amount of medium chain fatty acids generated by the plant are increased. Further provided is a method of predicting the melting point of a blend of fatty acid methyl esters and the use of such a method for identifying blends suitable for use as, for example, a biodiesel. |
| US09796935B2 |
Method for selective hydrogenation using a catalyst containing iron and at least one metal selected from between zinc or copper
The invention concerns a method for selectively hydrogenating a hydrocarbon charge containing at least two carbon atoms per molecule, having a final boiling point which is less than or equal to 250° C., and comprising at least one polyunsaturated compound, wherein the charge, in the presence of hydrogen, is brought into contact with at least one catalyst comprising a carrier and an active metal phase deposited on the carrier, the active metal phase comprising iron and at least one metal selected from zinc and copper in a molar ratio of Fe:(Zn and/or Cu) of between 0.35 and 0.99. |
| US09796931B1 |
Catalysts and methods for converting carbonaceous materials to fuels
This disclosure relates to catalysts and processes designed to convert DME and/or methanol and hydrogen (H2) to desirable liquid fuels. These catalysts produce the fuels efficiently and with a high selectivity and yield, and reduce the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons by incorporating H2 into the products. This disclosure also describes process methods to further upgrade these fuels to higher molecular weight liquid fuel mixtures, which have physical properties comparable with current commercially used liquid fuels. |
| US09796922B2 |
Method of forming a scintillation crystal including a rare earth halide
A scintillation crystal can include Ln(1-y)REyX3, wherein Ln represents a rare earth element, RE represents a different rare earth element, y has a value in a range of 0 to 1, and X represents a halogen. In an embodiment, RE is Ce, and the scintillation crystal is doped with Sr, Ba, or a mixture thereof at a concentration of at least approximately 0.0002 wt. %. In another embodiment, the scintillation crystal can have unexpectedly improved linearity and unexpectedly improved energy resolution properties. In a further embodiment, a radiation detection system can include the scintillation crystal, a photosensor, and an electronics device. Such a radiation detection system can be useful in a variety of radiation imaging applications. |
| US09796916B2 |
Self-suspending proppants for hydraulic fracturing
The present invention provides modified proppants, and methods for their manufacture. In embodiments, the modified proppant comprises a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating is applied to a surface of the proppant particle and localizes on the surface to produce the modified proppant. In embodiments, formulations are disclosed comprising the modified particles, and methods are disclosed for using the formulations. |
| US09796904B2 |
Use of MEMS in set-delayed cement compositions comprising pumice
Disclosed is a method of cementing. The method comprises providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and a micro-electrical-mechanical system; and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set. |
| US09796897B2 |
Thermally conductive ceramic-polymer composite and method of preparing the same
Provided are a thermally conductive ceramic-polymer composite in which thermoplastic polymers form a matrix, and planar fragments of thermally conductive ceramic or thermally conductive ceramic powder is uniformly dispersed on a grain boundary between thermoplastic polymer particles, thereby forming a thermal pathway, wherein the thermoplastic polymer particles are formed in a faceted shape, and the average size of the planar fragments of thermally conductive ceramic or thermally conductive ceramic powder is smaller than 1/10 of that of the thermoplastic polymer particles, and a method of preparing the same. Accordingly, since dispersion and interfacial affinity of a thermally conductive ceramic filler are maximized, excellent electrical insulation and excellent thermal conductivity can be exhibited even with a small content of the thermally conductive ceramic filler. |
| US09796887B2 |
Switchable adhesives
The present invention provides switchable adhesives comprising a mixture, in proportions by weight, of 20% to 98% of an adhesive, 2% to 80% of curable molecules and 0.05% to 10% of photoinitiator in which the weight proportion of the adhesive is calculated on the basis of its dry weight and wherein the adhesive includes an internal cross-linker for cross-linking the adhesive during drying to provide a cohesive strength of between 5 and 100 N/12.7×12.7 mm measured according to FINAT test method No. 18. Preferably, the adhesive and curable molecules are mutually soluble when dry, or the curable molecules and adhesive may be uniformly dispersed in each other. Preferably the amount of adhesive in the mixture is in the range 40% to 98% by weight, more preferably 60% to 95% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 85% by weight. Preferably the proportion of curable molecules in the mixture ranges from 2% to 60% by weight, more preferably 5% to 40% by weight, even more preferably 15% to 30% by weight. Preferably, the photoinitiator is present in the mixture in the proportions 0.5% to 5% by weight, more preferably 1% to 3% by weight. Such switchable adhesives are useful in medical dressings and other removable sheet products, and may be simply prepared by stirring the adhesive, the curable molecules and the photoinitiator together at room temperature. |
| US09796877B2 |
Coating composition and method
The invention concerns a method of applying a coating in a liquid state to wellbore tubing, such as threaded connector parts or casing sections, before running the tubing downhole. The coating only cures while running downhole. The coating is an elastic curable coating composition, comprising a curable elastic thermosetting resin, a curing agent and a water-absorbing expansion agent. During make-up of a connector, the liquid coating composition acts as lubricant. When cured, the coating will swell when contacted with a wellbore fluid to ensure leak-tightness. |
| US09796876B2 |
Coating material with high scratch resistance
The present invention relates to a coating material comprising at least one aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate having an NCO functionality of at least 2, preferably 2.8 to 6, optionally at least one binder, preferably a hydroxyl-containing binder, at least one adduct of an isocyanatotrialkoxysilane and a polyhydric alcohol, with more than 90, more preferably more than 95, most preferably more than 99 percent of the hydroxyl groups in the polyhydric alcohol having been converted by reaction with the isocyanatotrialkoxysilane, and less than 0.1 wt % of the isocyanate groups from the isocyanatotrialkoxysilane being reactive in the adduct, at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of Lewis acids, phosphoric acid or phosphorous acid and esters thereof, blocked or non-blocked sulphonic acids, sulphuric acid, carboxylic acids having a melting point >60° C. and tetraalkylammonium carboxylates, optionally at least one auxiliary, preferably at least one further crosslinker, and/or adjuvant, and optionally organic solvents, and also to a process comprising providing, applying to a surface and curing the coating material, to a coating obtainable by curing the coating material, and to use of the coating material for coating a metal, glass, plastic or wood surface. |
| US09796875B2 |
Coating composition and use thereof
The invention relates to a coating composition comprising: a) at least one alkyd binder with an oil content of at least 45 wt % and at most 85 wt %, a modified alkyd binder, or a combination thereof; b) at least one amine or imine component selected from the group comprising: polyaspartic acids and esters thereof, (meth)acrylate/aspartate amines, aldimines, ketimines, and combinations thereof; and c) at least one isocyanate compound. |
| US09796874B2 |
Substrate structure, manufacturing method thereof, and method for manufacturing an electronic device
According to embodiments of the disclosure, a substrate structure, a method for manufacturing the substrate structure, and a method for manufacturing an electronic device are disclosed. The substrate structure includes a carrier, a de-bonding layer, and a flexible substrate. The carrier has a top surface. The de-bonding layer contacts the carrier, wherein there is a first adhesion force between the de-bonding layer and the carrier. The de-bonding layer is prepared from a composition, and the composition includes at least one acrylate-based monomer and at least one acrylate-based oligomer, wherein the total number of acrylate groups in the acrylate-based monomer and the acrylate-based oligomer is greater than or equal to 3. The flexible substrate covers and contacts the de-bonding layer, wherein there is a second adhesion force between the de-bonding layer and the flexible substrate. The second adhesion force is greater than the first adhesion force. |
| US09796867B2 |
Coating composition for hot sealable, inkjet printable image transfer material
The present invention relates to a coating composition for a heat sealable, inkjet printable image transfer material, an article comprising said coating composition in form of at least one heat sealable, inkjet printable layer, a method for applying graphical information to a surface of an object using a heat sealable, inkjet printable image transfer material comprising said coating composition and a method of making such a coating composition. |
| US09796861B2 |
Ink jet ink compositions
The invention provides dispersed inorganic mixed metal oxide pigment compositions utilizing a carboxylic acid, containing dispersant and a mixed metal oxide pigment. The metal oxide pigment is of the type used to color ceramic or glass articles. The dispersant, in addition to at least one carboxylic acid group, comprises at least one 300-3000 g/mole solubilizing chain of repeating units from hydrocarbylene or repeating units from C3 or C4 alkylene ethers or mixtures of said ethers. A milling process using beads is also described to reduce the mixed metal oxide particle size to the desired range. A method of using the mixed metal oxide dispersion to digitally print an image on a ceramic or glass article using the dispersion jetted through a nozzle and firing the colored article is also described. |
| US09796859B2 |
Insulation layer-forming composition and use thereof
Described is an insulation layer-forming composition containing a binder that is based on a compound having low-electron multiple carbon bonds and a carbanion-forming compound. The disclosed composition, which has a relatively high expansion rate, makes it possible to apply, in a simple and rapid manner, coatings that have the layer thickness required for the particular fire resistance time, the layer thickness being reduced to a minimum while achieving a great insulating effect. The disclosed composition is particularly suitable for fire protection, especially as a coating for steel components such as pillars, beams and truss members, for increasing the fire resistance time. |
| US09796854B1 |
Method of synthesizing near IR, closed chain sulfo-cyanine dyes
Compositions and methods of synthesizing near IR, closed chain, sulfo-cyanine dyes are provided. |
| US09796853B2 |
Water-absorbent resin composition and method for producing thereof, and absorbent material and absorbent product using thereof
A water-absorbent resin composition suffering exfoliation of additives from a water-absorbent resin only insignificantly and excelling in fluidity of powder after absorption of moisture and in deodorizing property and absorbent property as well is provided. The water-absorbent resin composition of this invention comprises a water-absorbent resin obtainable by polymerizing an unsaturated monomer having an acid group and/or a salt thereof; and complex oxide hydrate containing zinc and silicon, or zinc and aluminum, wherein the complex oxide hydrate contains zinc as main metal component, the mass ratio of the content of zinc and the content of silicon or aluminum is in the range of 50/50-99/1, and the absorption capacity at 60 minutes toward 0.90 mass % sodium chloride aqueous solution under the pressure of 1.9 kPa is not less than 20 g/g. Optionally, a plant component (C) can be added to the water absorbent resin composition. |