| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09823941B2 |
Optimized placement of virtual machines on physical hosts based on user configured placement policies
Placement of virtual machines on physical hosts are based on differing initial policies and optimization policies set by a system administrator to more efficiently utilize system resources and serve the needs of different workloads. A scheduler mechanism allows a system administrator to select different initial placement policies for one or more host groups of physical hosts. The scheduler mechanism utilizes an optimizer that monitors host performance and adjusts the placement of virtual machines according to another set of optimization policies similarly selected by the system administrator for each of the host groups. |
| US09823940B2 |
Reconfiguring a snapshot of a virtual machine
Techniques for reconfiguring a snapshot of a virtual machine (VM) may be provided. The VM may be deployed on a hypervisor running on a computer. Techniques comprise provisioning of a VM, installing and configuring an operating system and a base program. A snapshot of the virtual machine may be taken together with the operating system and the base program together with configuration data defining the configuration of the virtual machine, the operating system and base application in a metadata descriptor. All may be stored in a persistent storage. Then the content of the metadata descriptor may be modified, and it may be reverted back to the snapshot using the modified content of the metadata descriptor such that the snapshot of the virtual machine with the operating system and the base program is reconfigured upon deployment of the snapshot including the operating system and the base program. |
| US09823939B2 |
System for an instruction set agnostic runtime architecture
A system for an agnostic runtime architecture. The system includes a close to bare metal JIT conversion layer, a runtime native instruction assembly component included within the conversion layer for receiving instructions from a guest virtual machine, and a runtime native instruction sequence formation component included within the conversion layer for receiving instructions from native code. The system further includes a dynamic sequence block-based instruction mapping component included within the conversion layer for code cache allocation and metadata creation, and is coupled to receive inputs from the runtime native instruction assembly component and the runtime native instruction sequence formation component, and wherein the dynamic sequence block-based instruction mapping component receives resulting processed instructions from the runtime native instruction assembly component and the runtime native instruction sequence formation component and allocates the resulting processed instructions to a processor for execution. |
| US09823937B1 |
Configuration system and method for an integrated computing system
An integrated computing system configuration system includes a computing system that executes an engine select a plurality of component specifications associated with corresponding components to be implemented in a customized integrated computing system, and for each selected component, abstract the component specification according to its functionality to create a component classification, and validate the component classification according to its interoperability with other component specifications to create a validated component. The engine may then apply one or more rules to at least one of the validated components to verify that the customized integrated computing system meets one or more architectural standards, and when at least one of the rules are not met, perform one or more remedial operations such that the at least one rule is met. |
| US09823927B2 |
Range selection for data parallel programming environments
According to some embodiments, the workgroup divisibility requirement may be dispensed with on a selective or permanent basis, i.e. in all cases, particular cases or at particular times and/or under particular conditions. An application programming interface implementation may be allowed to launch workgroups with non-uniform local sizes. Two different local sizes may be used in a case of a one-dimensional workload. |
| US09823925B2 |
Instruction and logic for a logical move in an out-of-order processor
A processor includes allocation unit with logic to receive a logical move instruction. The logical move instruction includes a source logical register as a source parameter and a destination logical register as a destination parameter. The source logical register is assigned to a source physical register and the destination logical register is assigned to a destination physical register. The allocation unit includes logic to assign a first value of the source logical register to the destination logical register and to maintain a second value of the destination physical register before and after the assignment of the first value to the destination logical register. |
| US09823924B2 |
Vector element rotate and insert under mask instruction
A Vector Element Rotate and Insert Under Mask instruction. Each element of a second operand of the instruction is rotated in a specified direction by a specified number of bits. For each bit in a third operand of the instruction that is set to one, the corresponding bit of the rotated elements in the second operand replaces the corresponding bit in a first operand of the instruction. |
| US09823923B2 |
Control flow points based software size and effort estimation
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for size and effort estimation of software-based projects. The software-based project includes functional requirements and computer-implemented programing language code. The method includes that for each functional requirement, identifying one or more controls flows associated with the functional requirement, each control flow including one or more components; accessing one or more reference tables; determining, for each component of the one or more components, a complexity of the component based on a comparison with the one or more reference tables; and estimating an effort of the software-based project based on the complexity of each component of the one or more control flows associated with the one or more functional requirements. |
| US09823922B1 |
Source code mapping through context specific key word indexes and fingerprinting
The subject technology provides embodiments for providing an index of source code repositories isolated to HTTP request parameters. By fingerprinting specific actions involving HTTP requests, such actions can be traced to specific source code files, and in some cases an exact line of code. The end result is that a webpage and any action on that webpage can be traced back to the exact line of source code that is accepting that request. This will allow the ability to find a software defect or security vulnerability while looking at a running application and then map it back directly to the line of code that needs to be modified. |
| US09823916B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improving compatibility between network devices
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a network device configured to receive an anomaly database of a first image that stores a set of differences between the first image and a base image. The network device is configured to compare the anomaly database of the first image with an anomaly database of a second image storing a set of differences between the second image and the base image to determine if the first and second images include at least one incompatible critical feature or incompatible non-critical feature. The network device is configured to send a signal associated with a first action if the first and second images include the at least one incompatible critical feature. The network device is configured to send a signal associated with a second action different from the first action if the first and second images include the at least one incompatible non-critical feature. |
| US09823915B1 |
Software container format
A system for building a package with a deterministic identifier for selective software component installation comprises an interface and a processor. The interface is to receive package configuration information. The processor is to retrieve build resources; determine a deterministic package identifier based at least in part on the build resources; build a package based at least in part on the package configuration information using the build resources; and provide the package. The package includes the deterministic package identifier. A selected software component from the package is installed on a target system. |
| US09823912B2 |
Data flow analysis with collapsed contexts
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for performing data flow analysis using collapsed contexts. One of the methods includes obtaining data representing a plurality of software elements, wherein one or more software elements are initially designated as elements having the particular property; iteratively designating other software elements to which data of the one or more elements having the particular property flows, including: whenever the program includes multiple calls to a function, analyzing the function in a collapsed context to determine whether any argument flows to a return value of the function, and whenever any data in an argument that has the particular property according to the collapsed context flows to a return value of the function, adding each call to the function throughout the program having one argument having the particular property; and providing the set of software elements having the particular property. |
| US09823910B2 |
Obtaining correct compile results by absorbing mismatches between data types representations
Methods and a system are provided. A method includes implementing a function, which a compiler for a first language does not have, using a compiler for a second language. The implementing step includes generating, by the compiler for the first language, a first abstract syntax tree. The implementing step further includes converting, by a converter, the first abstract syntax tree to a second abstract syntax tree of the compiler for the second language using a conversion table from data representation types in the first language to data representation types in the second language. When a compilation error occurs, the implementing step also includes generating a special node for error processing in the second abstract syntax tree and storing an error token in the special node. When unparsing, the implementing step additionally includes outputting the error token, in the form of source code written in the first language. |
| US09823909B1 |
Program code conversion for cross-platform compatibility
Methods and systems for program code conversion for cross-platform compatibility are disclosed. A plurality of original function calls are identified in an original program. The original program is targeted to a first platform, and the original function calls comprise invocations of a plurality of functions implemented on the first platform. It is determined whether individual ones of the original function calls correspond to alternative function calls in an index. For the original function calls that correspond to the alternative function calls in the index, the original function calls are replaced with corresponding alternative function calls in a modified program. The modified program is targeted to a second platform, and the alternative function calls comprise invocations of a plurality of functions implemented on the second platform. |
| US09823908B2 |
Apparatus for providing framework to develop client application executed on multiple platforms, and method using the same
A method for providing a framework to develop a client application executed on multiple platforms is disclosed. The method includes steps of: (a) an apparatus for providing a framework acquiring information on platform independent user interface (UI) and information on business logic written by using a general-purpose programming language; and (b) the apparatus performing (i) a process for generating a platform-dependent UI code corresponding to the acquired information on the platform independent UI as UI code for a target platform among the multiple platforms and (ii) a process for generating business logic code corresponding to the acquired information on the business logic as business logic code for the target platform. |
| US09823907B2 |
Extensible device object model
Systems and/or methods are provided relating to an extensible framework. The extensible framework provides constructs with which device developers can model devices within the framework to enable a host application utilizing the framework to interact with the devices. New devices can be supported by the framework without disrupting existing devices or the host application. |
| US09823906B2 |
Complementary model-driven and textual development using enforced formatting constraints
A complementary editor opens a plurality of views. Changes are received in a particular view of the plurality of views. The received changes are propagated to other views of the plurality of views other than the particular view and received by each particular view. The propagated changes are transformed in each particular view by a computer based on formatting constraints associated with each particular view and display of the transformed propagated changes is initiated in each particular view. |
| US09823905B2 |
Event based code generation
Techniques for generating software code for event processing applications are described herein. In one example, a method can include detecting, via a processor, a concept model, wherein the concept model comprises concept data related to an actor, an event, a domain, and a fact. The method can also include detecting, via the processor, a logic model comprising logic data related to event derivation and fact computation, wherein the logic model is not based on an operating environment. The method can also include creating, via the processor, a set of inferences that indicate a relationship between the concept data and the logic data. In addition, the method can include validating, via the processor, an accuracy of the logic model based on validation data, and generating, via the processor, software code based on the concept model and the logic model. |
| US09823902B2 |
Editing source code
A method for editing source code includes receiving a modification to the source code made by a user, determining whether the modification would change the semantics of the source code, and handling the modification depending on the result of the determining. |
| US09823899B2 |
Random number processing device generating random numbers by using data read from non-volatile memory cells, and integrated circuit card
A random number processing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a random number processing device generating random number data by using data read from memory cells, the memory cells having a property such that, in a variable state, in response to application of different electrical signals, a resistance value of each of the memory cells reversibly transitions between resistance value ranges and, when the resistance value falls within at least one resistance value range among the resistance value ranges, the resistance value changes as time passes, the random number processing device including a random number processing circuit that, in operation, generates first random number data from a combination of first resistance value information and second resistance value information about the resistance values of first and second memory cells among the memory cells which fall within the at least one resistance value range. |
| US09823897B2 |
Apparatus and method for floating-point multiplication
An apparatus and method for floating-point multiplication are provided. Two partial products are generated from two operand significands. An unbiased result exponent is determined from operand exponent values and leading zero counts, and a shift amount and direction for a product significand as needed for a predetermined minimum exponent value of a predetermined canonical format. First and second rounding values for injection into addition of the partial products are generated by shifting a predetermined rounding pattern by the shift amount in an opposite shift direction for the first rounding value and left shifting by one bit the first rounding value to give the second. The first and second partial products are added together with the first rounding value to give a first product significand, and are added together with the second rounding value to give a second product significand. These product significands are shifted by the shift amount in the shift direction and one is then selected in order to generate a formatted significand in the predetermined canonical format. The early injection rounding provides a faster floating-point multiplier. |
| US09823894B2 |
Controlling audio tempo based on a target heart rate
A method for controlling an audio output comprises playing a first audio file having a first tempo, measuring a first heart rate of a user, determining whether the first heart rate of the user is greater than a target heart rate, and playing a second audio file having a second tempo, the second tempo is slower than the first tempo, responsive to determining that the first heart rate of the user is greater than the target heart rate. |
| US09823893B2 |
Processing of voice conversations using network of computing devices
A method of processing audio through devices connected in a network. The devices include at least a device of a first user and at least one of the devices is a device of another user. The devices comprising at least an audio sensor for detecting audio from the other user, and the device of the first user comprising a processor coupled to at least a speaker for outputting audio. The device of the first user monitors audio from at least one audio sensor on a device of another user for preferences selected by the first user. When the device of the first user detects a preference within the audio, the device of the first user sends a notification to the first user regarding preference detected; and based on an input from the first user, plays the audio for the first user through the speaker. |
| US09823890B1 |
Modifiable bezel for media device
Embodiments of methods, systems and storage media associated with modification of non-active bezels on touchscreens of portable computing devices, such as tablet computers are described herein. A tablet computer with a touchscreen may incorporate a bezel that may provide a non-active area where a user may grip or otherwise touch the tablet computer without activation of the touchscreen. The bezel may surround, or otherwise form an edge of, an active area of the touchscreen. The bezel may be a virtual bezel that is displayed on the touchscreen, or may be a mechanical bezel that covers or otherwise limits access to the touchscreen. The tablet computer may modify the size and/or shape of the bezel based after detecting interactions by a user with the device that indicate a desire to change the shape and/or size of the active area of the touchscreen. |
| US09823888B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and storage medium
A portable terminal transmits a print job to a print apparatus, by connecting to an access point based on connection information acquired from an NFC tag. On completion of the transmission of the print job, the portable terminal deletes the connection information acquired from the NFC tag, from a memory, so that the connection information acquired from the NFC tag is not displayed in a connection history. |
| US09823885B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Provided is an image forming apparatus that is capable of proposing a user-suitable default value. The image forming apparatus, which is configured to store an operation related default value on a per-user basis as default information, includes a storage part that is configured to store an operation history on a per-user basis as operation history information and a default value determination part that is configured to determine, by referring to the operation history, whether or not an operation conducted by a user reaches a criterion for rewriting the default value and to make a propose to update the default value if the user conducted operation reaches the criterion for rewriting the default value. |
| US09823883B2 |
Printing management device and method, printing management system, printing system information processing device and recording medium for deciding a printout condition
A printing management device includes: a customer property DB configured to accumulate history data for each customer; a printer property DB configured to record printer property data for each of multiple printers; target image quality index decision means configured to decide a target image quality index by the use of the history data of the customer property DB; and printout condition decision means configured to decide/output output conditions with reference to the printer property DB according to order information and the target image quality index. |
| US09823882B2 |
Semiconductor device and information processing device
In a semiconductor device in which components to be a basic configuration unit are arranged in an array shape for calculating an interaction model, a technique capable of changing a topology between the components is provided. A semiconductor device includes a plurality of units each of which includes a first memory cell for storing a value indicating a state of one node of an interaction model, a second memory cell for storing an interaction coefficient indicating an interaction from a node connected to the one node, and a calculation circuit for determining a value indicating a next state of the one node based on a value indicating a state of the connected node and on the interaction coefficient. In addition, the semiconductor device includes a plurality of switches for connecting or disconnecting the plurality of units to/from each other. |
| US09823881B2 |
Ensuring storage availability for virtual machines
A management server allocates storage for a virtual disk of a virtual machine configured to execute on a first host computer, where the first host computer is associated with a plurality of data storage devices including first and second data storage devices, and where a first portion of storage is allocated to the virtual disk from the first storage device. The management server receives a request to allocate a second portion of storage to the virtual disk of the virtual machine and, responsive to determining that the first data storage device has insufficient free storage space from which to allocate the second portion of storage, selects the second data storage device having sufficient free storage space from which to allocate the second portion of storage. The management server allocates the second portion of storage for the virtual disk of the virtual machine from the second data storage device, wherein the virtual machine accesses the first and second portions of storage as a single virtual disk. |
| US09823879B2 |
Managing a networked storage configuration
Managing a networked storage system having a host operable to connect through a network fabric to storage apparatus comprises: a configuration component for inputting a configuration change into the networked storage system responsive to change instructions; a monitoring component operable in communication with the host and the network fabric to monitor I/O activity associated with elements of the networked storage system; an activity data storage component responsive to the monitoring component for storing a record of a monitored I/O activity; an analysis component, responsive to the configuration component for inputting configuration changes, for analyzing the record of a monitored I/O activity for a recent activity; and an alert component, responsive to the analysis component detecting a recent activity, for alerting the configuration component. |
| US09823878B2 |
Method and apparatus for erasing data in flash memory
A data erasing method and apparatus applied to a flash memory. The method includes receiving a data erasing instruction, where the data erasing instruction instructs to erase data or at least one data section of data sections corresponding to data, when the data erasing instruction instructs to erase the data, searching for recorded storage addresses of all the data sections corresponding to the data, and erasing all the data sections corresponding to the data according to the storage addresses that are found; and when the data erasing instruction instructs to erase the at least one data section of the data sections corresponding to the data, searching for a recorded storage address of the at least one data section, and erasing the at least one data section according to the storage address that is found. The data erasing method and apparatus may be used in an implementation technology of the flash memory. |
| US09823877B2 |
Virtual machine backup from storage snapshot
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for virtual machine (VM) backup from a storage snapshot. An embodiment operates by receiving selective backup parameters including a VM to backup and then creating a VM snapshot associated with the VM. Next, an offset table associated with a virtual disk of the VM stored on a storage is retrieved. The embodiment further includes generating a storage snapshot and deleting the VM snapshot and then promoting the storage snapshot to a new logical unit number. The promoted storage snapshot is then mounted to the backups server. The virtual disk data is backed up to a backup storage using the offset table from the storage snapshot. The storage snapshot is dismounted from the backup server and deleted from the storage. |
| US09823872B2 |
Apparatus and method for translation from multi-dimensional to linear address space in storage
A translation system can translate a storage request having multiple fields to a physical address using the fields as keys to traverse a map. By using a map table, multiple storage services can be condensed into a single map traversal. The map can be made of nodes that include one or more node entries. The node entries can be stored in a hashed storage area or sorted storage area of a node. A node entry of root nodes or inner nodes can include a link to a next node. A node entry of a leaf node can include a physical address. Using the request fields as a key to a node, a node entry can be determined. A pointer in a root node entry or inner node entry can be followed to a next node. A physical address in a leaf node can be the translation of the storage request. |
| US09823871B2 |
Performance of coprocessor assisted memset() through heterogeneous computing
Techniques herein perform coprocessor assisted memory filling in a pipeline. A computer receives a request to fill multiple ranges of memory addresses with a value. The computer selects a first subset of the multiple ranges and distributes the first subset of ranges to multiple coprocessors. The coprocessors begin to fill the memory locations of the first subset of ranges with the value. At the same time as the coprocessors fill the first subset of ranges, the computer selects a second subset of the multiple ranges of memory addresses. Also while the coprocessors are still filling the first subset of ranges, the computer distributes the second subset of ranges to the coprocessors This overlapping activity achieves a processing pipeline that can be extended for any amount of additional subsets of memory ranges. |
| US09823868B2 |
Method and apparatus for virtualization
A virtual system on chip (VSoC) is an implementation of a machine that allows for sharing of underlying physical machine resources between different virtual systems. A method or corresponding apparatus of the present invention relates to a device that includes a plurality of virtual systems on chip and a configuring unit. The configuring unit is arranged to configure resources on the device for the plurality of virtual systems on chip as a function of an identification tag assigned to each virtual system on chip. |
| US09823864B2 |
Systems and methods for throttling packet transmission in a scalable memory system protocol
A method may include transmitting, via a processor, a plurality of packets to a receiving component, such that the plurality of packets corresponds to a plurality of data operations configured to access a memory component. The plurality of packets is stored in a buffer of the receiving component upon receipt. The method may also include determining, via the processor, whether an available capacity of the buffer is less than a threshold, decreasing a transmission rate of the plurality of packets when the available capacity is less than the threshold. |
| US09823860B2 |
One-time programming in reprogrammable memory
A portion of a reprogrammable storage device is used to implement permanent data storage. The storage device includes a plurality of electrically erasable memory elements and a controller. The plurality of electrically erasable memory elements are configured to store data. Each memory element is programmable a number of write cycles before reaching a write failure state. The controller is coupled to the plurality of memory elements. The controller includes a receiver and a write engine. The receiver receives an instruction to drive a selected memory element to the write failure state. The write engine repeatedly writes a data value, in a plurality of write operations, to the selected memory element until the write failure state of the selected memory element is established. |
| US09823859B2 |
Mechanical shock mitigation for data storage
A device adapted to capture vehicle data or surveillance data that includes a disk and a Non-Volatile Solid-State Memory (NVSM). The vehicle or surveillance data is received in a buffer of the device for storage on the disk, and an input is received indicating a level of mechanical shock. It is determined whether the input indicates the level of mechanical shock exceeds a first threshold indicative of an impact. If the input indicates the level of mechanical shock exceeds the first threshold, the vehicle or surveillance data is stored in the NVSM from the buffer and a status is determined for storing data on the disk. |
| US09823855B2 |
Storage control device, storage system and method of controlling a storage system
A storage control device controlling a storage system including a first storage device and a second storage device, the first storage device and the second storage device include a plurality of regions for storing data, respectively, a data transmission between the first storage device and the second storage device is executed by the region, the storage control device includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to determine a first region of the first storage device as a first transmitting target region, the first region having a first size, transmit, from the first storage device to the second storage device, second data having a second size smaller than the first size, and based on a response performance of the storage system during the transmitting of the second data, transmit first data stored in the first region from the first storage device to the second storage device. |
| US09823853B2 |
Data storage device including controller for controlling nonvolatile memory devices
A data storage device includes a first nonvolatile memory device including a target memory region, and a controller suitable for performing a first data input operation to transmit first data, which is to be stored in the target memory region, to the first nonvolatile memory device, regardless of whether a size of the first data corresponds to the target memory region. |
| US09823852B2 |
Memory system with nonvolatile memory
A memory device includes a nonvolatile memory unit a volatile memory unit, and a memory controller. When the memory controller receives a first read command designating a first address range of the nonvolatile memory from a host, the memory controller reads data of a second address range that includes and is longer than the first address range from the nonvolatile memory unit, stores the data of the second address range in the volatile memory unit, and then transfers the data of the first address range from the volatile memory unit to the host. When the memory controller receives a second read command designating a third address range that follows the first address range and is within the second address range, after receiving the first read command, the memory controller transfers corresponding data that has been already stored in the volatile memory unit to the host. |
| US09823850B2 |
Methods and apparatus to manage workload memory allocation
Methods, articles of manufacture, and apparatus are disclosed to manage workload memory allocation. An example apparatus includes a workload controller to log instances of access to data records in a log, the workload controller to identify, from the log, a first set of the data records to be migrated to a first memory and a second set of the data records to be migrated to a second memory based on frequencies at which the data records were accessed during a runtime, and a memory manager to migrate the first set of data records to the first memory, and migrate the second set of data records to the second memory. |
| US09823848B2 |
Establishing a logical configuration for a data storage library
A system to configure a storage library, by a processor. A first storage library comprising a plurality of host adapters, a data cache, and a plurality of device adapters is supplied. The first storage library is in communication via fiber channel with a storage area network comprising a storage virtual controller, and the storage area network comprises a configuration library. The storage area network is in communication with a host computer comprising a command line interface and an application. The host adapter, data cache, and device adapter is logically configured using a plurality of logical configuration commands created using the host computer and the command line interface. The plurality of logical configuration commands are added to the configuration library and saved for later use. |
| US09823843B2 |
Memory hierarchy monitoring systems and methods
Systems, methods, and devices of the various aspects enable identification of anomalous application behavior by monitoring memory accesses by an application running on a computing device. In various aspects, a level of memory access monitoring may be based on a risk level of an application running on the computing device. The risk level may be determined based on memory address accesses of the application monitored by an address monitoring unit of one or more selected memory hierarchy layers of the computing device. The memory hierarchy layers selected for monitoring for memory address accesses of the application may be based on the determined risk level of the application. Selected memory hierarchy layers may be monitored by enabling one or more address monitoring units (AMUs) associated with the selected one or more memory hierarchy layers. The enabling of selected AMUs may be accomplished by an AMU selection module. |
| US09823842B2 |
Gang migration of virtual machines using cluster-wide deduplication
Gang migration refers to the simultaneous live migration of multiple Virtual Machines (VMs) from one set of physical machines to another in response to events such as load spikes and imminent failures. Gang migration generates a large volume of network traffic and can overload the core network links and switches in a datacenter. In this paper, we present an approach to reduce the network overhead of gang migration using global deduplication (GMGD). GMGD identifies and eliminates the retransmission of duplicate memory pages among VMs running on multiple physical machines in the cluster. The design, implementation and evaluation of a GMGD prototype is described using QEMU/KVM VMs. Evaluations on a 30-node Gigabit Ethernet cluster having 10 GigE core links shows that GMGD can reduce the network traffic on core links by up to 65% and the total migration time of VMs by up to 42% when compared to the default migration technique in QEMU/KVM. Furthermore, GMGD has a smaller adverse performance impact on network-bound applications. |
| US09823837B2 |
Display control device, display control method, and display control program
This display control device can effectively reduce power consumption while assuring visibility of a display area. A display control device (400) carries out display control for a display panel with an integrated touch panel and has: a touch operation information acquisition unit (410) that acquires touch operation information from the touch panel; a user operation information estimation unit (420) that estimates a region of interest, which is a region that a user is giving attention to, from the display region on the display panel on the basis of the touch operation information that is acquired; and a display control indication unit (440) that sets the brightness level for regions of non-interest, which is a region other than the region of interest estimated within the display region, lower than the set brightness level. |
| US09823835B2 |
Controlling display object on display screen
A method and associated system for modifying an image on a display screen. A first point and a second point in the image are received from a first interaction and a second interaction, respectively, between a user and the display screen. It is ascertained that a first line and a second line in the image respectively pass through the first point and the second point in the image. The first line and the second line divide the image into a first area, a second area, and a strip area between the first area and the second area. Hiding a portion of the strip area is performed by either removing the visibility of the strip area from the display screen or displaying the portion of the strip area on the display screen in lower resolution than before the hiding is performed. |
| US09823828B2 |
User interface for manipulating user interface objects with magnetic properties
The present disclosure relates to user interfaces for manipulating user interface objects. A device, including a display and a rotatable input mechanism, is described in relation to manipulating user interface objects. In some examples, the manipulation of the object is a scroll, zoom, or rotate of the object. In other examples, objects are selected in accordance with simulated magnetic properties. |
| US09823825B2 |
Multichannel controller
Multichannel device controllers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multichannel device controller includes a plurality of user selectable control modes for controlling a multichannel device and a plurality of user configurable settings for adjusting parameters associated with the plurality of user selectable control modes. A touchscreen displays a user interface corresponding to a selected one of plurality of user selectable control modes and receives user input indicative of a command to send to the multichannel device. A processor generates the command to send to the multichannel device based at least in part on the user input and the plurality of user configurable settings. |
| US09823823B2 |
Information processing device and information processing method
An information processing device includes a touch panel display that displays an object, a contact state detection unit that detects a state of proximity or contact of a finger on the touch panel display, a coordinate detection unit that detects proximity position coordinates on a plane of the touch panel display when the state of proximity of the finger on the touch panel display is detected by the contact state detection unit, and an object selection unit that calculates a direction of movement and a speed of movement of the proximity position coordinates in a plane direction of the touch panel display based on the proximity position coordinates and selects the object displayed at a position corresponding to the direction of movement and the speed of movement. |
| US09823820B2 |
System and method of presenting media content
A method includes monitoring media content at media content locations to identify media content items. The media content locations are identified in social network data stored by a set-top box device. The method includes receiving, at the set-top box device, a command to present image cells to a display device. The command is responsive to an alert sent from the set-top box device. The method also includes presenting the image cells at the display device. At least one of the image cells includes an image corresponding to an identified media content item. |
| US09823819B1 |
Method for launching remote applications from a mobile device using cloud cache
A method for using a mobile device to access remote host desktop applications. A client mobile device is connected to a remote server (host) over a WAN. The client mobile device launches host desktop applications remotely and loads the application windows onto its screen. The applications are executed on a remote host and the host application icons are loaded and rendered on a mobile device screen. The images are formed on the remote host as a result of execution of the applications. The host is connected to cloud cache storage. The host loads application icons onto the cloud cache storage. The icon hashes are generated. When a mobile client needs to launch the host application, the corresponding icon hashes are used for locating the required application icons in the cloud cache storage and loading them to the client mobile device. |
| US09823814B2 |
Disk utilization analysis
An approach is provided for monitoring disk utilization at an object level. At a first time a first size of an object in a System i computing platform is determined by calling an application programming interface (API). The object is an integrated file system object or a library that includes other objects in the System i platform. At a second time a second size of the object is determined by calling the API. A difference between the first and second sizes is determined. The difference is determined to be greater than a threshold. Based on the difference exceeding the threshold, an alert is sent. The alert indicates the object had a growth in size that exceeds the threshold and indicates the growth at a level of the object, which is different from a growth at a level of an auxiliary storage pool in the System i platform. |
| US09823811B2 |
Virtual assistant team identification
Techniques and architectures for implementing a team of virtual assistants are described herein. The team may include multiple virtual assistants that are configured with different characteristics, such as different functionality, base language models, levels of training, visual appearances, personalities, and so on. The characteristics of the virtual assistants may be configured by trainers, end-users, and/or a virtual assistant service. The virtual assistants may be presented to end-users in conversation user interfaces to perform different tasks for the users in a conversational manner. The different virtual assistants may adapt to different contexts. The virtual assistants may additionally, or alternatively, interact with each other to carry out tasks for the users, which may be illustrated in conversation user interfaces. |
| US09823806B2 |
Sponsored story creation user interface
A method includes monitoring an activity stream to identify actions that match stored sponsored story specifications, for providing one or more sponsored stories to a viewing user. The sponsored story specifications include a visual specification for the sponsored story, and matched sponsored stories are ranked for a viewing user. Users can set privacy preferences related to sponsored stories. The ranking and privacy settings contribute to which sponsored stories are provided for display to the viewing user. |
| US09823800B2 |
Integrated touch display panel and manufacturing method thereof
The present disclosure describes an integrated touch display panel and a manufacturing method thereof. The integrated touch display panel comprises a gate drive circuit positioned at an edges of two opposite sides of a first substrate, multiple scanning lines are alternately connected to the gate drive circuit positioned at the edges of two sides, and each scanning line is connected with one of the shift register units. There exists at least one scanning line. The pull up/pull down characteristics of a pull up transistor/pull down transistor of the shift register unit connected with the at least one scanning line are different from the pull up/pull down characteristics of a pull up transistor/pull down transistor of the shift register unit connected with a scanning line adjacent to the at least one scanning line. |
| US09823799B2 |
One glass solution touch panel and fabricating method thereof
A method for fabricating a one glass solution touch panel is provided. The method includes forming a protective layer on a first surface of a substrate, and forming a black matrix, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a first over coat layer, and a plurality of conductive bridges on a second surface of the substrate, wherein the second surface includes a visual area in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes are arranged in an alternating pattern, and a non-visual area where the black matrix is provided, wherein the second electrode includes a plurality of conductive lumps, wherein each of the conductive lumps is located between adjacent first electrodes, wherein the first over coat layer separates the conductive lumps from the first electrodes, and wherein each conductive bridge connects the conductive lumps belonging to the same second electrode. |
| US09823798B2 |
Capacitive sensor device and method of operation
A capacitive sensor system includes a capacitive sensor device having a sense electrode that includes a first capacitor, a first supply voltage in , a first switch operable to couple the sense electrode to the first supply voltage during a first mode and an analog to digital converter during a second mode, a second switch operable to couple a second capacitor to a second supply voltage during the first mode and to an open circuit during the second mode, and a resistive element that includes a first terminal coupled between the first capacitor and the first switch, and a second terminal coupled between the second capacitor and the second switch. |
| US09823797B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel includes a bending region which is at least one region which is bendable in the touch panel based on an axis; a flat region which is a region which is not bendable in the touch panel; a first unit conductive pattern formed in the flat region and configured to sense a touch; and a second unit conductive pattern formed in the bending region and configured to sense the touch. A dimension of the second unit conductive pattern is smaller than that of the first unit conductive pattern due to an opening portion formed in the second unit conductive pattern. |
| US09823796B2 |
Systems and methods for touch sensors on polymer lenses
This disclosure generally relates to a system comprising a touch sensor on polymer lens and methods for manufacturing such system. The system comprises at least one polymer lens and at least one touch sensor. The system further comprises at least one frame and a base coat. This disclosure also relates to an optoelectronic system comprising the touch sensor on polymer lens. |
| US09823794B2 |
Differential readout for sensor array
An input device for capacitive touch sensing includes: a plurality of sensor electrodes, the plurality of sensor electrodes comprising: a plurality of receiver electrodes, a plurality of transmitter electrodes, and a reference receiver electrode; and a processing system. The processing system is configured to: drive a first transmitter electrode of the plurality of transmitter electrodes with a transmitter signal, receive a resulting signal via a receiver electrode of the plurality of receiver electrode, the resulting signal comprising effects corresponding to the transmitter signal, receive a reference signal via the reference receiver electrode, and determine a modified resulting signal based on the resulting signal received via the receiver electrode and the reference signal received via the reference receiver electrode. |
| US09823791B2 |
Transmitter, touch sensitive system and transmitting method thereof
The present invention provides a transmitter, which includes a transmitting module configured to transmit an electrical signal to a touch sensitive device according to at least one transmitter operating status such that the touch sensitive device acknowledges the transmitter operating status by analyzing the electrical signal including one or more first frequencies; a detecting module configured to detect an interference signal coherent to the electrical signal from a received signal external to the transmitter when the transmitting module is not transmitting the electrical signal; and a processing module configured to replace the detected one or more first frequencies with one or more second frequencies in response to the interference signal being detected by the detecting module. |
| US09823790B2 |
Touch sensing apparatus and method of driving the same
Provided are a touch sensing apparatus and a method of driving the same. The touch sensing apparatus includes a signal source configured to output a driving signal, a touch panel configured to be driven by the driving signal output by the signal source and output a current signal generated using the driving signal, a charge amplifier configured to convert the current signal output by the touch panel into a voltage signal, and a controller configured to control the charge amplifier to be periodically reset. |
| US09823788B2 |
Capacitive in-cell touch panel, display device, and driving method
A capacitive in-cell touch panel, a display device and a driving method are provided. For the capacitive in-cell touch panel, at least one gate line (4) or at least one data line (5) is reused as a first touch sensing electrode, a plurality of mutually independent common electrodes (6) are disposed to intersect the first touch sensing electrode, and at least one common electrode (6) is reused as a second touch sensing electrode. The capacitive in-cell touch panel can reduce the number of masking in the manufacturing process, reduce the thickness of the touch panel and reduce the production cost. In the driving process of the touch panel, certain period is set aside of a frame of picture as touch period, that is, a time division driving mode is used for the touch time period and the display time period, it is also possible to avoid mutual interference between display signals and touch driving signals and in turn guarantee the quality of displayed picture and the touch accuracy. |
| US09823787B2 |
Absolute capacitive sensing using sensor electrode pre-emphasis
A processing system comprises a sensor module and a determination module. The sensor module is configured to drive a modulated signal on to a sensor electrode to achieve a target voltage on the sensor electrode during a first portion of a sensing cycle, wherein the modulated signal comprises a first voltage that is beyond a level of the target voltage and which is driven for a first period of time and a second voltage that is at the target voltage and which is driven for a second period of time that follows the first period of time. The determination module is configured to determine an absolute capacitance of the sensor electrode during the first portion of the sensing cycle after driving the second voltage. |
| US09823786B2 |
Touch screen sensor
A touch screen sensor includes a visible light transparent substrate and an electrically conductive micropattern disposed on or in the visible light transparent substrate. The micropattern includes a first region micropattern within a touch sensing area and a second region micropattern. The first region micropattern has a first sheet resistance value in a first direction, is visible light transparent, and has at least 90% open area. The second region micropattern has a second sheet resistance value in the first direction. The first sheet resistance value is different from the second sheet resistance value. |
| US09823772B2 |
Sensing device
A sensing device includes a comparator, a first switch, a second switch, and a controller. The comparator includes a first input end and a second input end. An end of the first switch is connected to one of a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode that are complementary. An end of the second switch is selectively connected to the second touch electrode. When the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are touched, the controller controls the first switch to connect the first input end and the first touch electrode, controls the second switch to connect the second input end and the second touch electrode, and calculates a first touch position of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. |
| US09823770B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus comprises: a display panel configured to display an image; a touch panel disposed on the display panel; and a circuit board electrically connected to each of the display panel and the touch panel, the circuit board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The circuit board includes: a first circuit portion including a first connection disposed in the first surface and electrically connected to the display panel; a second circuit portion including a second connection disposed in the second surface and electrically connected to the touch panel; and a bending portion configured to link the first circuit portion to the second circuit portion, and curving in a direction toward the first circuit portion. |
| US09823764B2 |
Pointer projection for natural user input
A method to identify a targeted object based on eye tracking and gesture recognition. The method is enacted in a compute system controlled by a user and operatively coupled to a machine vision system. In this method, the compute system receives, from the machine vision system, video imaging a head and pointer of the user. Based on the video, the compute system computes a geometric line of sight of the user, which is partly occluded by the pointer. Then, with reference to position data for one or more objects, the compute system identifies the targeted object, situated along the geometric line of sight. |
| US09823761B2 |
Vibration control device, electronic apparatus, and vibration control method
In the use of a touch panel which vibrates in synchronization with a touch operation, discomfort caused by a panel vibration sound is reduced while an operational feeling of a touch operation on the touch panel being maintained. A vibration control device used for an electronic apparatus which includes a touch panel that vibrates in synchronization with a touch operation and a vibrating source that is different from the touch panel, includes a predominant frequency acquirer that acquires a main component of a vibrational frequency of the vibrating source as a predominant frequency of vibrations of the vibrating source; a consonant sound determiner that determines a consonant sound frequency based on the acquired predominant frequency, the consonant sound frequency being a frequency of a sound which is in consonant with a sound having the acquired predominant frequency; and a vibrational frequency setter that sets a vibrational frequency of the touch panel to the determined consonant sound frequency. |
| US09823757B2 |
Input apparatus, control apparatus, and control method for input apparatus
An input apparatus capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to an operation of a user to a control apparatus capable of switching display among a plurality of display screens, includes a first detection section, a second detection section, and a mode switch section. The first detection section detects analog information on a movement of the input apparatus made by the user. The second detection section detects digital information input by the user. The mode switch section makes a switch between a first mode for transmitting to the control apparatus a first signal that is based on the analog information detected by the first detection means and a second mode for transmitting to the control apparatus a second signal that is based on the digital information detected by the second detection means, in association with the display screen displayed on the control apparatus. |
| US09823755B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive user interface with wearable device
A method and system are disclosed for recognizing an object, the method including emitting one or more arranged patterns of infrared rays (IR) from an infrared emitter towards a projection region, the one or more arranged patterns of infrared rays forming unique dot patterns; mapping the one or more arranged patterns of infrared rays on the operation region to generate a reference image; capturing an IR image and a RGB image of an object with a wearable device, the wearable device including an infrared (IR) camera and a RGB camera; extracting IR dots from the IR image and determining a match between the extracted IR dots and the reference image; determining a position of the RGB image on the reference image; and mapping the position of the RGB image to a coordinate on the projection region. |
| US09823751B2 |
Wearable device and method of operating the same
Disclosed is wearable device including a sensor that detects a movement of a peripheral object, a display unit that displays a plurality of items and displaying a focus on at least one of the plurality of items, and a processor that controls the display unit to move the focus onto an item at a position corresponding to a moving direction of the peripheral object. |
| US09823750B2 |
Capturing gesture-based inputs
Systems, methods, and devices for capturing gesture-based inputs are disclosed herein. The concept employs infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs), infrared (IR) sensor, and processing of the information obtained by the interplay of the two. The processed information may be effectively translated to various gesture-based control systems, such as those employed to interact with electronic systems and displays. |
| US09823746B2 |
Method for controlling function and electronic device thereof
A method of controlling a function of an electronic device is provided. The method includes determining whether a human body of a user is in contact with the electronic device, and performing a corresponding function if the human body of the user is in contact with the electronic device. The determination of whether the human body of the user is in contact with the electronic device is based at least in part on whether an image pattern of the human body of the user, which is detected by the image sensor, a temperature pattern of the electronic device, which is detected by the temperature sensor, and a resistance pattern of the human body of the user, which is detected by the body conductivity sensor, respectively correspond to a reference image pattern, a reference temperature pattern, and a reference resistance pattern. |
| US09823744B2 |
Systems and methods for biomechanically-based eye signals for interacting with real and virtual objects
Systems and methods are provided for discerning the intent of a device wearer primarily based on movements of the eyes. The system can be included within unobtrusive headwear that performs eye tracking and controls screen display. The system can also utilize remote eye tracking camera(s), remote displays and/or other ancillary inputs. Screen layout is optimized to facilitate the formation and reliable detection of rapid eye signals. The detection of eye signals is based on tracking physiological movements of the eye that are under voluntary control by the device wearer. The detection of eye signals results in actions that are compatible with wearable computing and a wide range of display devices. |
| US09823739B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and program
Provided is an image processing device including: an image processing unit configured to generate an output image using a first image obtained by imaging a real space from a first viewpoint as an input image. Based on a position and a posture of the first viewpoint in the real space, the image processing unit generates, as the output image, a second image obtained by virtually imaging the real space from a second viewpoint having a position and a posture different from the position and the posture of the first viewpoint in the real space. |
| US09823738B2 |
Virtual entertainment environment and methods of creating the same
Various embodiments facilitate the creation and presentation of a virtual entertainment world. In one embodiment, the virtual entertainment world is created to help a user find and watch content. The virtual entertainment world includes various environments, including a virtual program guide, a virtual viewing environment, and a concession environment. The virtual program guide provides a starting point for users to easily and efficiently find content. The virtual viewing environment provides an immersive environment for users to watch content. The concession environment provides a convenient location where users may make purchases. |
| US09823731B2 |
Adaptive power control of address map memory devices
An apparatus includes a storage resource to store data. The data can be accessible by a host computer system. The apparatus includes a set of dynamically powered volatile memory devices that are configured to store mapping information. The mapping information maps logical addresses of received access requests to corresponding physical addresses of the storage resource to which the access requests pertain. In accordance with received mode setting information, the controller logic adaptively controls power settings of the volatile memory devices storing the mapping information. If an abundance of power such as 120 VAC power is available, more of volatile memory devices can be powered to store a greater portion of the mapping information. If only battery power is available, fewer than all of the volatile memory devices can be powered to store a smaller portion of the mapping information. |
| US09823729B2 |
Display apparatus and method of driving the same
A display apparatus includes a display panel and a power supply. The display panel displays an image at a first driving frequency in a normal mode and displays an image at a second driving frequency in a low power mode. The second driving frequency is lower than the first driving frequency. The power supply outputs a first initialization voltage at a first level to the display panel during an active period of the low power mode. The power supply outputs a second initialization voltage at a second level to the display panel during at least a portion of a blank period of the low power mode. The second level is higher than the first level. |
| US09823728B2 |
Method and system for reduced rate touch scanning on an electronic device
Embodiments of the present invention are capable of lowering touch scan rates in a manner that conserves power resources without compromising performance or user experience thereby promoting battery life. Embodiments of the present invention perform touch scan operations using a touch sensitive panel at a first scan rate. In response to certain events automatically detected within the mobile device (e.g., when a full-screen video is being displayed), embodiments of the present invention may then perform touch scan operations at a second scan rate that is slower than the first scan rate that also consumes less power compared to the first scan rate. As such, for events or use cases in which limited user interaction with the touch sensitive panel is typical, embodiments of the present invention may lower touch scan rates in a manner that still enables users to interact with applications (e.g., interaction with playback controls during video playback) and promotes efficient power usage and extends battery life. |
| US09823726B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing power consumption caused by communication between processors in portable terminal
An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a display unit for displaying at least one indicator that indicates status information measured by a slave processor, a master processor for controlling one of ON and OFF of the display unit and for providing image data to the display unit, and the slave processor for transmitting to the master processor indicator update information for updating the at least one indicator, wherein transmission to the master processor of the indicator update information is discontinued if the status of the display unit is OFF. |
| US09823725B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting a sleep mode display mechanism of an electronic device
An electronic device performs a method for adjusting a sleep mode display mechanism. The method includes determining, responsive to a trigger, whether a trusted device is proximate to the electronic device. The method further includes adjusting a sleep mode display mechanism of the electronic device when the trusted device is determined to be proximate to the electronic device. |
| US09823724B2 |
Power management of mobile clients using location-based services
In one embodiment, a mobile client system may determine its location. The mobile client system may store the location in a location history in a memory of the mobile client system, where the location history comprises one or more geographic locations and one or more time stamps corresponding to each of the geographic locations. The mobile client system may detect its current status based at least in part on whether the mobile client system is stationary. The mobile client system may send the location history to a location server of an online social network based at least in part on the current status of the mobile client system and a power requirement for sending the location history to the location server. |
| US09823721B1 |
Switchgear controller device
A switchgear controller device that generates commands to a switchgear apparatus that selectively routes power from one of two or more feeds to an electrical load of a power distribution system based upon the commands includes a user interface that displays graphical representations of various portions of the power distribution system. The switchgear controller device can receive data from components included in respective upstream portions and downstream portions of the power distribution system and generates graphical representations of present configurations of the components based at least in part upon the received data. Graphical representations of components included in the downstream portion of the system may be non-interactive, and graphical representations of components included in the upstream portion may be interactive based at least in part upon the present operating mode of the switchgear controller device. |
| US09823720B2 |
Detection, classification and mutual recognition of 4 pair power over ethernet
A method for verifying interconnection of a PSE and PD with 4-pair PoE capabilities includes performing a first classification event on first and second pairs, respectively, and detecting a first predetermined class current on first and second sets of twisted pairs, respectively. The method includes performing a second classification event on first and second pairs, respectively, and detecting first and second predetermined class currents on first and second pairs, respectively. After expiration of a first variable delay period related to a first pseudo-random variable of the PSE, the method includes performing a third classification event on the first pair and detecting a first derived class current on the first pair. After expiration of a second variable delay period related to a second pseudo-random variable of the PD, the method includes performing the third classification event on the second pair and detecting a second derived class current on the second pair. |
| US09823715B1 |
Data center air handling unit including uninterruptable cooling fan with weighted rotor and method of using the same
Described herein is an air handling unit for use in an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, wherein the air handling unit includes one or more uninterruptable cooling fans each with a weighted rotor for providing uninterrupted cooling during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line, and a method of using the same. The uninterruptable cooling fan rotors are configured to store sufficient energy as rotational kinetic energy. Furthermore, the uninterruptable cooling fans may also be configured for generation of electricity to power a control system associated therewith during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line. |
| US09823714B2 |
Hard disk quick release unit and hard disk replacement module
The instant disclosure relates to a hard disk quick release unit and a hard disk replacement module which includes a plurality of fixed guiding grooves and hard disk quick release units; each hard disk quick release unit includes a slidable guiding groove having at least a guiding member; at least a side fixing unit arranged adjacent to the outer side surface of the slidable guiding groove, the side fixing unit has a restricting groove, the guiding member engaged into the restricting groove for guiding the slidable guiding groove to move along a straight path; a cover board pivotally connected to the front end of the slidable guiding groove; and a resilient positioning member arranged on the front end of the slidable guiding groove, when the slidable guiding groove is moved to an exit position, the resilient positioning member engages with a side of the hard disk socket. |
| US09823708B2 |
Handheld computing device
A handheld computing device and handheld music player are disclosed. The handheld computing device includes a seamless enclosure formed from an extruded tube. The extruded tube includes open ends and internal rails which serve as a guide for slidably assembling an operational assembly through the open ends of the extruded tube, a reference surface for positioning the operational assembly relative to an access opening in the seamless enclosure, and a support structure for supporting the operational assembly during use. The handheld music player includes an elongated extruded tube extending along a longitudinal axis. The elongated extruded tube has a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, and defines an internal lumen which is sized and dimensioned for slidable receipt of operational components of the handheld music player. The lumen includes rails for guiding the operational components to their desired position within the lumen. |
| US09823707B2 |
Contortion of an electronic apparatus
An apparatus including: a body configured for resilient contortion from a neutral equilibrium shape by a user, the body having an exterior surface that resiliently contorts in response to user provision of a force, wherein the body defines, proximal to a perimeter of a face of the body, at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the apparatus and a second portion of an exterior surface of the apparatus that opposes the first portion across the face, wherein user provision of a force in a first direction results in a first contortion of the exterior surface and user provision of a force in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, results in a second contortion of the exterior surface; and electronic circuitry configured to provide consistent meaning across a plurality of different software applications for user provision of a force to the exterior surface. |
| US09823704B2 |
Protective case for a computing device with adjustable stand
A case for a computing device includes a rear support surface that is operatively coupled to a perimetral edge that securely engages with a perimetral edge of the computing device. A support stand may be in communication with the rear support surface, wherein the stand is operable to move between one or more elevations. The rear support surface and the perimetral edge may substantially or entirely shield a rear surface of the computing device. The support stand may include a stand mechanism with support and pivot portions, the support portion operable to communicate with a corresponding mounting surface and the pivot portion operable to pivot the support stand between a closed state and one or more elevations. |
| US09823699B2 |
Flexible device and folding unit thereof
A flexible device in which a display is folded is provided. The flexible device includes a main body, a flexible display fixed to a first surface of the main body, and a cover coupled to the main body to face a second surface of the main body, wherein the second surface of the main body is opposite to the first surface of the main body, such that when the main body is curved or folded, the cover moves with respect to the second surface of the main body to compensate for a difference in elongation, which is generated when the main body is curved or folded. |
| US09823698B2 |
Display sleeves
Some embodiments relate to wearable technology. An example embodiment includes a garment that includes a panel, a sensor, a flexible display device, and a communication module. The panel includes an outer surface. The sensor is integrated into the garment and configured to collect data. The flexible display device is integrated into the outer surface of the panel. The flexible display device is configured to receive and display data. The communication module is communicatively coupled to the flexible display device, the sensor, and a programmable device and is configured to receive data from the programmable device and sensed data from the sensor and to communicate the received data and the sensed data to the flexible display device. |
| US09823696B2 |
Limiting movement
An apparatus includes first and second portions configured for relative movement; and a compression transmission arrangement extending between them and configured to enable movement of the first portion and the second portion towards each other and further configured to transmit compression forces between the first portion and the second portion to limit movement of the first portion and the second portion towards each other. The apparatus further includes a tension transmission arrangement extending between those portions which is configured to enable movement of the first portion and the second portion away from each other and further configured to transmit tension forces between the first portion and the second portion to limit movement of the first portion and the second portion away from each other. Both transmission arrangements may be on the same side of an equilibrium plane of the apparatus. |
| US09823695B2 |
Screen-edge stylus retainer
A stylus mount includes first and second orthogonal screen edge clips and a stylus retainer associated with at least one of the first and second clips. The screen edge clips are attachable to a screen edge via at least one of a snap-fit, interference fit, and friction fit. The stylus retainer comprises an elongated channel to accommodate insertion of a stylus therein via longitudinal insertion into the length of the channel and via lateral insertion into a depth of the channel. Openings in the screen edge clips provide access to controls along a screen edge. A web extends between the first and second orthogonal screen edge clips with an adhesive, a tackifier, or a high-friction pad disposed across at least a portion of the web. |
| US09823693B2 |
Robotically controlled convertible display
A convertible display includes a number of video display panels which are movable between a first position in which the panels extend in the same plane to define a unified display and a configuration in which one or more of the panels are moved into other planes which allow them to form steps. Multiple of the rotated panels may form a sequence of steps, e.g. a staircase. The convertible display may be moved via a robotic mount, whereby the position or orientation of the convertible display may be changed. |
| US09823690B2 |
Techniques and apparatus for securing a structure to a support
Techniques and apparatus for securing a structure to a support are described. A mounting device may releasably secure a structure to a support. The mounting device may include a first plate, a second plate proximate the first plate, and at least one frangible connection securing the first plate to the second plate. The frangible connection(s) may be adapted to break in response to application of a shear force or other loading above a predetermined value. The mounting device may further include a retention member connecting the first plate to the second plate. The retention member may be adapted to maintain coupling of the first plate and the second plate after breakage of the frangible connection. |
| US09823687B2 |
Low frequency precision oscillator
A technique includes using a first oscillator to clock operations of a radio of an integrated circuit (IC). The technique includes intermittently using the first oscillator to frequency tune a second oscillator of the IC. |
| US09823685B2 |
Acceleration and braking mechanism kit for a vehicle
An acceleration and braking mechanism kit autonomously controls a vehicle brake pedal and a vehicle accelerator pedal. The kit includes a support bracket and bell crank supported on the support bracket for connection with an acceleration pedal or a brake pedal of the vehicle. An actuator is connected to the bell crank for moving the bell crank. A first base bracket is configured to mount to a first vehicle. A second base bracket is configured to mount to a second vehicle. The first base bracket and the second base bracket each include a mounting feature. The support bracket includes a mounting base alternately engageable with the mounting feature of the first base bracket and the mounting feature of the second base bracket such that the support bracket may be mounted to the first base bracket in the first vehicle or to the second base bracket in the second vehicle. |
| US09823684B2 |
Lockable knob and related methods
Lockable knobs for a rotary control of a device are described, wherein the control may be set at a specific setting via the knob without being susceptible to accidental disruption of the setting during use or transport of the device. Generally the device features: a spindle that is coupled to the rotary control via a set screw; a locking base with teeth that is stationary coupled adjacent to the spindle; and, a locking nut that may be positioned over the spindle, wherein the nut is configured to electively interact with the teeth of the base to prevent or allow rotation of the spindle. |
| US09823675B2 |
Tunable DC voltage generating circuit
A tunable DC voltage generating circuit includes: a resonance circuit including an inductor and an input capacitor connected in series configuration, and arranged to operably receive an input signal and generating a resonance signal at an output node between the inductor and the input capacitor; a rectifying circuit coupled with the output node and arranged to operably rectify the resonance signal; a current control unit connected with the resonance circuit in series configuration; a stabilizing capacitor coupled with an output terminal of the rectifying circuit and arranged to operably provide a DC output signal having a voltage level greater than that of the input signal; and a control circuit coupled with the output terminal of the rectifying circuit and the current control unit, and arranged to operably adjust a current passing through the current control unit to thereby change the DC output signal. |
| US09823672B2 |
Remote application for controlling an HVAC system
A wireless device used to communicate with and control one or more components of an HVAC system from a remote location is provided. The wireless device is configured to display two or more icons on the display of the device, wherein each icon executes a function that aids the user in controlling one or more components of the HVAC system. The wireless device dynamically orders the two or more icons on the display of the device, each according to a dynamic ranking algorithm. The dynamic ranking algorithm is based on a number of factors such as, for example, a relative frequency of selection of each of the two or more icons by a user, the current time of day, the current time of year, the current temperature, and/or the current location of the wireless device. |
| US09823671B2 |
Thermostatic cartridge for controlling hot and cold fluids to be mixed
This cartridge comprises a base (10), a fixed attached piece (20), a spool (30) for controlling the temperature of the mixture of the hot and cold fluids, and a thermostatic element making it possible to move the spool along an axis. The base simultaneously delimits an outlet orifice (16) for the mixture, an inlet orifice (14) for the cold fluid that supplies, via a first distribution channel (F4), cold fluid around the spool, a passage (F3), delimited axially between the spool and the base, and an inlet orifice (15) for the hot fluid that supplies, via a second channel (C4) for distribution hot fluid around the spool, a passage (C3) delimited axially between the spool and the attached piece. In order for the base to remain simple and cost-effective to produce, while still favoring the flow of high fluid flow rates through it, the invention proposes to close, axially toward the outlet orifice, the first distribution channel by means of the spool and the second distribution channel by means of the attached piece. |
| US09823668B2 |
Pressure regulator for hydrogen storage system
A pressure regulator for a hydrogen storage system, wherein the pressure regulator is adapted to operate at temperatures below −50° C., while minimizing the need for separate sealing elements and O-rings. The pressure regulator includes a main body including an inner cavity bounded by an interior wall, a piston disposed in the inner cavity, the piston including a first channel disposed adjacent a first portion, wherein the first portion is adapted to cooperate with the interior wall to form a seal between the piston and the interior wall, a first biasing device disposed in the first channel, wherein the first biasing device is adapted to exert a force on the first portion of the piston to form a seal between the first portion and the interior wall, and an end cap coupled to the main body thereby enclosing the piston to form an outlet pressure chamber. |
| US09823666B2 |
Flow control system
The present invention relates to a flow control system for controlling a flow of a medium passing through a pipe part of a pipe system via which the medium is distributed from a common source to a plurality of consumer devices. The flow control system comprises a flow sensor for sensing an actual medium flow through the pipe part, a controller in communicative connection with the flow sensor and provided for evaluating the electrical signal indicative of the sensed actual medium flow with a value representing a set medium flow and an orifice adjusting system in communicative connection with the controller and provided for adjusting the adjustable orifice in response to the control signal received from the controller. The flow sensor is arranged outside the flow chamber and has a static measurement principle based on a wave propagating in the medium. |
| US09823662B2 |
Transport vehicle for the transport of load shelves with partially autonomous operation and method for operating said transport vehicle
The invention concerns a transport vehicle and a method for the trouble-free transport of load shelves in workshops with partially autonomous operation, having the following features: (a) a vehicle body with a carrier plate for receiving and transporting a load shelf with cargo, with two separately driven drive wheels, at least one support wheel being provided at the front and at the rear of the vehicle body in each case; (b) a transverse link which connects the drive wheels which are each pivotable via an angled lever about the rotational axis, such that the drive wheels can carry out vertical movements independently of each other; (c) a centrally disposed adjusting element which, via a lifting-turning lever and a thrust rod connected thereto, can move two front lifting rods and two rear lifting rods in order to raise or lower the carrier plate; (d) a system for supplying energy to the vehicle body; and (e) at least one 3D scanner and at least one light field sensor in the front region of the vehicle body. |
| US09823658B1 |
Systems and methods for adaptive property analysis via autonomous vehicles
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assessment and reporting system may conduct micro scans of a wide variety of property types. A risk zone within which the UAV may navigate during the micro scan may include a plurality of virtual tags that identify navigational hazards relevant to the navigation of the UAV at a specific location or specify scan actions to be implemented while the UAV is at the specific location. Scan data from any of a wide variety of sensor types may be compared with profile data using computer vision techniques to identify characteristics, defects, damage, construction materials, and the like. A rule set evaluator may evaluate tags and/or matched profile data to determine adaptive actions to modify the navigation or scanning process of the UAV. |
| US09823655B2 |
Unmanned vehicles, systems, apparatus and methods for controlling unmanned vehicles
An unmanned vehicle for use with an entity physically spaced from the unmanned vehicle, the unmanned vehicle having objective parameters corresponding to controlled parameters of the entity. The unmanned vehicle comprises a transceiver that is configured to wirelessly receive an input signal from the entity, wherein the input signal is indicative of the controlled parameters of the entity. The unmanned vehicle further comprises a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) circuit that is configured to generate a command signal based on a phase of the input signal and a phase of a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is indicative of the objective parameters of the unmanned vehicle. The transceiver is further configured to wirelessly transmit the command signal to the entity such that the entity controls the controlled parameters of the entity based on the command signal. |
| US09823647B2 |
Servo control apparatus having function of sensorless controlled stop
A servo control apparatus includes a sensor unit for detecting a motor speed; an amplifier for driving a motor and feeding back a current; a magnetic pole position detector; a position controller for outputting a speed command; a speed controller for outputting a current command; a current controller for outputting a voltage command; a speed estimator for calculating an estimated speed from the voltage command; a magnetic pole position estimator for calculating an estimated magnetic pole position from the estimated speed; a sensor malfunction detector; a stop position command generator; and a first switch for switching from the position command to the stop position command, a second switch for switching from the magnetic pole position to the estimated magnetic pole position, and a third switch for switching from the detected speed to the estimated speed, when the sensor malfunction detector has detected a malfunction. |
| US09823646B2 |
Device and method for generating a trigger signal in a position-measuring device and corresponding position-measuring device
A method generates an asynchronous trigger signal in a position-measuring device having a position-sensing unit, a processing unit and an interface unit. The position-measuring device is connectable via the interface unit and a bidirectional data channel to subsequent electronics for communication purposes. A synchronous data stream is generated from an asynchronous data stream arriving at the position-measuring device from a direction of the subsequent electronics by sampling the asynchronous data stream in a time pattern of a clock signal. A gate signal is generated upon an enable condition for outputting the trigger signal being detected by evaluating the synchronous data stream. The asynchronous trigger signal is generated upon the gate signal being present and a signal edge of the asynchronous data stream occurring. |
| US09823645B2 |
Computerized tool path generation
An automated computer-implemented method for generating commands for controlling a computer numerically controlled machine to fabricate an object from a workpiece, the method including the steps of selecting a maximum permitted engagement angle between a rotating cutting tool and the workpiece, selecting a minimum permitted engagement angle between the rotating cutting tool and the workpiece, and configuring a tool path for the tool relative to the workpiece in which the engagement angle gradually varies between the maximum permitted engagement angle and the minimum permitted engagement angle. |
| US09823641B2 |
PLC communication system
The PLC communication system associated with the invention is characterized in that the system comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC), a plurality of processing devices, at least three communication processing nodes provided at the PLC and at the plurality of processing devices respectively to establish communication of the PLC and each of the processing devices and an interconnecting device and a plurality of communication lines for connecting the communication processing nodes with one another to establish data communication among the communication processing nodes. The PLC detects a state of communication failure and a display device displays an abnormal portion in a communication route based on the number of occurrences of the state of communication failure in respective interconnecting device and plurality of communication lines. |
| US09823640B2 |
Networked programmable industrial controllers
Different devices or subsystems, including programmable industrial controllers, are connected to a common network. Each connected device has the capability for autonomous or quasi-autonomous action based on a common pool of information accessible on the network. For example, all or a subset of devices connected to the network may periodically broadcast status data over the shared network medium; status data may include the current state of the controller and/or environmental conditions that the controller monitors. |
| US09823639B2 |
Control program management system and method for changing control program
A control arithmetic device controls so that an approval-receiving device displays a content of a new control program that the control arithmetic device received from the editing device. The approval-receiving device receives input of approval information that indicates whether a change of a control program is approved or not from an manager. The control arithmetic device changes the control program to the new control program in the case where the approval information received from the approval-receiving device indicates approval of the control program. |
| US09823637B2 |
Fault detection and isolation using a common reference clock
A fault detection and isolation system for distribution electric power lines utilizing a remote reference voltage signal, multiple three-phase current monitors producing asynchronous event data, and a common reference clock. A voltage measurement obtained for a power line at a substation may be synchronized with multiple current phase measurements taken at a power monitoring location along that particular power line. The same voltage measurement may be similarly synchronized with current measurements taken at multiple current monitoring locations along the power line. As a result, the same voltage measurement may be synchronized with current measurements taken multiple tap points along the power allowing a fault on a tapped line segment to be identified, located and isolated. An alternative embodiment utilizes differential current analysis utilizing current measurements from adjacent current monitoring locations correlated to a common reference clock to locate faults and therefore does not require a voltage measurement. |
| US09823636B2 |
Systems and methods for parallel feedback temperature control
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a first feedback controller, a second feedback controller, and logic. The first feedback controller may be configured to calculate a first intermediate air mover speed based on a measured temperature. The second feedback controller may be configured to calculate a second intermediate air mover speed based on the measured temperature. The logic may be configured to select a maximum of the first intermediate air mover speed and the second intermediate air mover speed as a selected air mover speed and generate a control signal indicative of the selected air mover speed. |
| US09823635B2 |
Handheld information processing device with remote control output mode
A handheld information processing device such a mobile telephone or portable computer has a normal operating mode in which it executes information processing operations in response to user activation of user controls from the user control interface. Furthermore, the device has a remote control signal transmitter coupled to its processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to switch automatically to a remote control mode when no user activation of the user controls has been detected for a predetermined time duration. In an embodiment handheld information processing device switches to the remote control mode only if it is within a predetermined range of spatial locations after the time duration. In the remote control mode the processing circuit responds user activation of the user controls substantially only by causing the remote control signal transmitter to transmit conventional remote control command signals to equipment like TVs, recorders etc. |
| US09823630B2 |
Control device, actuator including control device, image blur correction device, replacement lens, imaging device and automatic stage
Provided is a vibration type driving device enabling multidirectional driving of a moving body while considering a difference in transfer characteristics of the synthesized driving force of a plurality of motors between at least two mutually crossing directions. |
| US09823628B2 |
Laboratory system
A laboratory system and a method for controlling a laboratory system comprises multiple subsystems; each subsystem being configured to receive and carry out a command; and a master control device configured to process command groups and/or command(s) within the same command group simultaneously; to process command groups and/or command(s) of different command groups sequentially; and within a command group, to process command group(s) and/or command(s) grouped into a command group before processing other commands command group(s) and/or command(s). |
| US09823626B2 |
Regional big data in process control systems
A regional big data node oversees or services, during real-time operations of a process plant or process control system, a respective region of a plurality of regions of the plant/system, where at least some of the regions each includes one or more process control devices that operate to control a process executed in the plant/system. The regional big data node is configured to receive and store, as big data, streamed data and learned knowledge that is generated, received, or observed by its respective region, and to perform one or more learning analyses on at least some of the stored data. As a result of the learning analyses, the regional big data node creates new learned knowledge which the regional big data node may use to modify operations in its respective region, and/or which the regional big data node may transmit to other big data nodes of the plant/system. |
| US09823623B2 |
Conversion of complex holograms to phase holograms
Fast processing of information represented in digital holograms is provided to facilitate converting a complex Fresnel hologram into a phase-only hologram, which can be a localized error diffusion and redistribution (LERDR) hologram, for displaying 3-D holographic images representative of a 3-D object scene. For a complex Fresnel hologram representing a 3-D object scene, a holographic generator component (HGC) can directly apply an LERDR process to the complex hologram to facilitate converting the complex hologram into an LERDR hologram. As part of the LERDR process, the HGC can partition the complex hologram into segments, convert the complex values of the pixels in each segment to phase-only values, and apply error diffusion to each segment to facilitate generating the phase-only hologram. The HGC can apply error redistribution to the last pixel of each segment to produce the resulting LERDR hologram, which can be displayed on a phase-only display device. |
| US09823620B2 |
Image forming apparatus with detachable fixing device
An image forming apparatus with a detachable fixing device that is capable of printing with high quality without printing wastefully. A storage unit stores identification information about a fixing device in association with an attribute of a sheet that is printable with the fixing device concerned. A control unit executes printing when the storage unit does not store an attribute of a sheet corresponding to a fixing device that is currently attached to the image forming apparatus. The control unit determines whether to execute printing according to an attribute of a sheet used in printing and an attribute of a sheet stored in the storage unit when the storage unit stores the attribute of the sheet corresponding to the fixing device that is currently attached to the image forming apparatus. |
| US09823612B2 |
Printing device
A printing device includes a first ejector that ejects a recording medium to an exterior, a second ejector that enhances a rigidity of the recording medium more than by the first ejector, and ejects the recording medium to the exterior, and an ejector selector that selects either the first ejector or the second ejector. |
| US09823611B2 |
Sheet processing device and image forming device provided with the same
A sheet processing device includes: an adhesive-binding unit that applies an adhesive onto sheets stored in a stacker section one by one and adhesive-binds the sheets; a staple-binding unit that staple-binds sheets accumulated in the stacker section by means of staples; and a folding mechanism section having a folding roller that folds the adhesive-bound or staple-bound sheet bundle in two at a binding position of the adhesive-binding unit or staple-binding unit and a folding blade that pushes the bound sheet bundle into the folding roller. A folding speed of the folding mechanism section for the sheet bundle bound by the adhesive-binding unit is lower than a folding speed for the sheet bundle bound by the staple-binding unit; thereby, productivity of the folding processing is improved and occurrence of the peeling-off or break during the folding processing is reduced. |
| US09823602B2 |
Developing unit having guide that stably supports toner cartridge
A developing device includes a developer cartridge and a developing unit. The developer cartridge, in some instances, may include a shutter. This shutter may have a wall for closing a developer supply hole, and be movable, with respect to a developer cartridge casing, between an open position where the supply hole is opened by the wall and a closed position where the supply hole is closed by the wall. The shutter may further include a protrusion that is movable with respect to the wall of the shutter between a first position and a second position in an axial direction. The protrusion, in the first position, is engageable with a developing unit and, in the second position, would be disengaged from the developing unit. |
| US09823601B2 |
Developer-supplying container
According to an embodiment, a developer-supplying container includes a container and a paddle. The container includes an opening for supplying the image forming apparatus with developer contained in the container. The paddle conveys the developer to the opening by rotating within the container. The paddle includes a first arm. The first arm has a shape that is wider on an upstream side in a direction of the rotation of the paddle and narrower toward a downstream side. In addition, the first arm is disposed such that a narrowest portion of the first arm is located at the same position as the opening in a direction of a shaft. |
| US09823597B2 |
Liquid electrophotographic ink composition
A method for coating pigment particles is provided, the method comprising heating a polymer resin in a carrier fluid to dissolve the polymer resin; suspending in the carrier fluid white pigment particles to be coated; cooling the carrier fluid to effect precipitation of the polymer resin from the carrier fluid such that a coating of the resin is at least partially formed on the pigment particles; reheating the suspension of partially coated white pigment particles in the carrier fluid; and cooling the carrier fluid at a controlled rate to effect precipitation of the polymer resin from the carrier fluid such that a coating of the resin is formed on the pigment particles, thereby producing the white liquid electrophotographic ink composition. |
| US09823594B2 |
Stable emissive toner composition system and method
A method of producing an emissive toner composition including selecting a photoluminescent agent, a charge control agent, and one or more additives and combining the photoluminescent agent, charge control agent, and one or more additives to form an emissive toner composition that when printed to produce an image component on a substrate, the emission spectra of the image component for irradiation with a first excitation energy includes only dominant emission peaks corresponding to one or more dominant emission peaks of the photoluminescent agent. The photoluminescent agent is selected such that it emits light having one or more dominant emission peaks in a first emission spectral region when irradiated with the first excitation energy. The charge control agent and one or more additives are selected such that they do not emit light in the visible spectrum when irradiated with visible light and does not emit light in the first emission spectral region when irradiated with the first excitation energy. |
| US09823589B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method
A substrate table to support a substrate on a substrate supporting area, the substrate table having a heat transfer fluid channel at least under the substrate supporting area, and a plurality of heaters and/or coolers to thermally control the heat transfer fluid in the channel at a location under the substrate supporting area. |
| US09823585B2 |
EUV focus monitoring systems and methods
Systems and methods for monitoring the focus of an EUV lithography system are disclosed. Another aspect includes a method having operations of measuring a first shift value for a first patterned set of sub-structures of a focus test structure on a wafer and measuring a second shift value for a second patterned set of sub-structures of the test structure on the wafer. The test structure may be formed on the wafer using asymmetric illumination, with the first patterned set of sub-structures having a first pitch and the second patterned set of sub-structures having a second pitch that is different from the first pitch. The method may further include determining a focus shift compensation for an illumination system based on a difference between the first shift value and the second shift value. |
| US09823584B2 |
Method for fabricating electrochemical sensing test piece
A method for fabricating an electrochemical sensing test piece comprises steps: forming an electrode layer on a substrate; etching the electrode layer to reduce the area of the electrode layer to be smaller than the area of the substrate, wherein the electrode layer has a test zone and a reading zone neighboring the test zone; forming an insulation member surrounding the test zone and covering the perimeter of the test zone; forming an enzyme layer on the test zone; and forming an insulation layer on the enzyme layer and the periphery of the reading zone and fabricating the insulation layer to have an opening revealing a portion of the enzyme layer. The insulation member fixes the effective reaction area of the tested material and increases measurement accuracy. |
| US09823582B2 |
Liquid immersion member, exposure apparatus, exposing method, method of manufacturing device, program, and recording medium
A liquid immersion member is used in a liquid immersion exposure apparatus which exposes a substrate by exposure light via a first liquid between an emitting surface of an optical member and the substrate, and is capable of forming a liquid immersion space on an object movable below the optical member. The liquid immersion member includes a first member that is disposed at at least a portion of surrounding of the optical member; a second member that is capable of being opposite to the object and is movable outside an optical path of the exposure light; and a protection part that protects the optical member. The protection part decreases a change in pressure which the optical member receives from the liquid in the liquid immersion space. |
| US09823579B2 |
Optical system and method of use
A method for improving imaging properties of an optical system and an optical system of this type having improved imaging properties are described. The optical system can have a plurality of optical elements. In some embodiments, an optical element is positioned and/or deformed by mechanical force action and by thermal action. In certain embodiments, one optical element is positioned and/or deformed by mechanical force action and another optical element is deformed by thermal action. |
| US09823574B2 |
Lithography alignment marks
A device for semiconductor fabrication includes a substrate and a layer formed over the substrate, wherein the layer includes an alignment mark. The alignment mark includes a first plurality of elongated members that are oriented lengthwise along a first direction and are distributed along a second direction. The alignment mark further includes a second plurality of elongated members that are oriented lengthwise along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and are distributed along the second direction, wherein the second direction is different from each of the first and third directions. |
| US09823571B2 |
EUV light source for a lighting device of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
An EUV light source for an illumination device of a microlithographic proj ection exposure apparatus, includes an electron source for generating an electron beam, an accelerator unit for accelerating the electron beam, and an undulator arrangement for generating EUV light by deflecting the electron beam. The undulator arrangement includes a first undulator for generating EUV light having a first polarization state and at least one second undulator for generating EUV light having a second polarization state different than the first polarization state. The second undulator is downstream of the first undulator along the direction of propagation of the electron beam. The undulator arrangement is configured so that it has a first operating mode, in which the first undulator is in saturation with regard to the generation of EUV light, and at least one second operating mode, in which the first undulator is not in saturation with regard to the generation of EUV light. |
| US09823567B2 |
Manufacturing method of mask plate for shielding during sealant-curing
A manufacturing method of a mask plate for shielding during sealant-curing includes: forming a negative photoresist light-shielding material layer on a transparent substrate; with a color-filter mask plate set, exposing the substrate formed with the negative photoresist light-shielding material layer; developing the substrate after exposing to form the pattern of the mask plate. The method does not require separate fabrication of a mask plate, thereby significantly reducing the manufacturing costs of the mask plate for shielding during sealant-curing. |
| US09823563B2 |
Alcohol compound and method for producing same, method for producing lactone compound, (meth)acrylate ester and method for producing same, polymer and method for producing same, and resist composition and method for producing substrate using same
To provide an alcohol compound containing fewer impurities at a high yield by conducting the following steps: a hydroboration process in which a reaction mixture is obtained by reacting in a solvent a compound represented by formula (C) and a boron agent selected from a group of diborane and borane complexes; and an oxidation process in which the pH of the reaction mixture is set at 0.5 to 4, which is conducted after treating the reaction mixture with hydrogen peroxide. In the formula, A1 to A6 are each independently a hydrogen atom, methyl group or ethyl group, and X is an oxygen atom, sulfur atom, methylene group or ethylene group. |
| US09823560B2 |
Projection of a plurality of structured light patterns
Systems and methods may provide for projection of a plurality of structured light patterns. In one example, the method may include generating a low-resolution pattern image utilizing a returned image, wherein the low-resolution pattern image is an approximation of an image that would have been generated utilizing a low-resolution pattern and generating a high-resolution pattern image utilizing a preprocessed returned image and a preprocessed low-resolution pattern image, wherein high-resolution pattern image is an approximation of an image that would have been generated utilizing a high-resolution pattern. |
| US09823558B2 |
Light source device, method for manufacturing light source device, and projector
A light source device includes: a first semiconductor laser; a second semiconductor laser; a first collimator lens corresponding to the first semiconductor laser; a second collimator lens corresponding to the second semiconductor laser; and a deflection prism provided on the light exiting side of the first collimator lens so that an angle formed by a principal ray of first light emitted from the first semiconductor laser and a principal ray of second light emitted from the second semiconductor laser is smaller on the light exiting side of the deflection prism than on the light incident side thereof. |
| US09823555B2 |
Optical path changing device and projector
An optical path changing device includes: a reflective member that reflects a light beam incident thereto, in a predetermined reflection direction; and a housing holding the reflective member. The housing has a first surface and a second surface with the reflective member interposed therebetween in a direction orthogonal to the reflection direction. The first surface and the second surface have openings, respectively, and a cooling gas is circulated from the opening in the first surface to the opening in the second surface. |
| US09823552B2 |
Lens and sensor attachment for a digital camera and related retrofit kit and retrofit method
The invention relates to a kit for converting a digital camera to mount interchangeable lenses. The kit includes a front plate assembly configured to mount to an existing camera housing to replace the front cover of the camera body. The front plate assembly secures a digital image sensor and allows electrical connectors to be routed from the sensor into the camera body. The assembly includes a lens mount for releasably mounting an interchangeable camera lens, configured to mount at least one type of interchangeable camera lens and to position the camera lens to focus an image from the camera lens on the image sensor. The invention further relates to a method for retrofitting a non-interchangeable digital camera to mount interchangeable lenses by replacing the front plate of the camera body, and to an assembly that secures an image sensor to an interchangeable camera lens to focus the camera image on the sensor, for electrical connection with image processing and storage components. |
| US09823547B2 |
Drive device for vibrating member, vibration type actuator using the same, and imaging apparatus
When stopping a vibration type actuator at a final target stopping position, driving frequency and phase difference of AC signals input to a piezoelectric element are set in accordance with a first deviation obtained from a command position sequentially determined and a relative position of a vibrating member and driven element, and also pulse duty is adjusted in accordance with a second deviation obtained from a final target stopping position and the relative position. |
| US09823541B2 |
Electro-optic beam deflector device having adjustable in-plane beam control
A substantially planar waveguide for dynamically controlling the out-of-plane angle at which a light beam exits the waveguide. Generally, liquid crystal materials may be disposed within a waveguide in a cladding proximate or adjacent to a core layer of the waveguide. In one example, the waveguide may contain one or more taper regions such that the light beam exits the waveguide and propagates out-of-the-plane of the waveguide into an out-coupling medium at a propagation angle. In one example, the waveguide may contain one or more electrodes onto which one or more voltages may be applied. The magnitude of the propagation angle may be electronically controlled by altered by controlling or altering the magnitude of the one or more applied voltages. |
| US09823540B2 |
Optical IQ modulator control
An optical IQ modulator (IQM) including two parallel Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZM1, MZM2) generates single sideband data signals. A control unit (18) generates additional optical single sideband pilot signals (PS1, PS2) positioned in a lower and a higher sideband respectively, and also further pilot signals (PS3, PS4) in both sidebands. A IQ modulator output signal (MOS) converted into electrical monitoring signals (MOS) and monitored. A control unit (18) selects control signals (CS12, CS3, CS4) and controls the IQ modulator via its bias ports (6, 7, 8) till the power transfer functions (PTF) of the Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZM1, MZM2) and the phase difference (ΔΦ) between their output signals is optimized. |
| US09823539B2 |
Methods and systems for forming optical modulators using micro-contact lithography
Optical modulators, one or more components of various optical modulators, and methods of forming optical modulators and/or one or more components are disclosed. A substrate may be provided and a precursor material may be applied to the substrate with a micro-contact printing stamp. The precursor material may be cured on the substrate and the waveguide may be formed into a micro-ring resonator. The micro-contact printing stamp may be configured to create a waveguide on the substrate. |
| US09823536B2 |
Electrochromic multi-layer devices with spatially coordinated switching
A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position. |
| US09823535B2 |
Tungsten oxide nanostructure thin films for electrochromic devices
A method of manufacturing a thin film is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide particles, size-reducing the crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide particles by grinding to produce crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide nanostructures, and coating the crystalline hexagonal tungsten trioxide nanostructures onto a substrate to produce a thin film. An electrochromic multi-layer stack is also provided. |
| US09823534B2 |
Electrochromic single and two-core viologens and optical articles containing them
The present invention relates to a group of novel electrochromic materials. More specifically, it relates to electrochromic materials based on either single or two-core viologen systems and the use of these viologen systems as a variable transmittance medium for the manufacture of an optical article, such as an ophthalmic lens. |
| US09823533B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, manufacturing method of the same and electronic equipment
A liquid crystal display device includes: a plurality of scan lines and signal lines on one of a pair of substrates arranged to be opposed to each other with a liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, the scan lines and signal lines extending in different directions; and an orientation film, pixel electrode, insulating layer and common electrode, the orientation film being rubbed in a rubbing direction having a given inclination with respect to a pixel arrangement direction. The pixel electrode is partitioned by the scan lines and signal lines and has subpixels made up of first and second regions. The first region has a plurality of slit-shaped openings having a given inclination in a first direction with respect to the rubbing direction. The second region has a plurality of slit-shaped openings having a given inclination in a second direction with respect to the rubbing direction. |
| US09823528B2 |
Array substrate and liquid crystal display device using same
An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a first storage capacitor and a second storage capacitor for increased capacitance. The first storage capacitor is formed by a first common electrode and a pixel electrode. The second storage capacitor is formed by a second common electrode and the pixel electrode. |
| US09823526B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
It is an object of the present invention to apply a sufficient electrical field to a liquid crystal material in a horizontal electrical field liquid crystal display device typified by an FFS type. In a horizontal electrical field liquid crystal display, an electrical field is applied to a liquid crystal material right above a common electrode and a pixel electrode using plural pairs of electrodes rather than one pair of electrodes. One pair of electrodes includes a comb-shaped common electrode and a comb-shaped pixel electrode. Another pair of electrodes includes a common electrode provided in a pixel portion and the comb-shaped pixel electrode. |
| US09823525B2 |
Display panels and electronic devices comprising the same
A display panel is provided. The display panel includes a first sub-pixel row including a plurality of sub-pixels electrically connecting to a scan line; and a second sub-pixel row including a plurality of sub-pixels, wherein the scan line overlaps with an area of the sub-pixels of the second sub-pixel row, and the scan line overlaps with an edge of a first sub-pixel of the sub-pixels of the first sub-pixel row, wherein the edge is adjacent to a driving transistor of the first sub-pixel. |
| US09823524B2 |
Display substrate, method of manufacturing the same and method of manufacturing display panel
In a method of manufacturing a display substrate and a method of manufacturing a display panel, the display substrate includes a color filter layer disposed on a base substrate within a pixel area, a first organic insulating pattern disposed on a first boundary area between adjacent pixel areas, a pixel electrode disposed on the color filter layer, and a first blocking pattern disposed on the first organic insulating pattern. Accordingly, an organic insulating layer corresponding to the pixel area is removed so that deterioration of the display quality by impurities generated from the organic insulating layer may be minimized. In addition, a stepped portion of a blocking pattern disposed between a pixel area and a boundary area of a plurality of the pixel areas is reduced so that motion blurring of a liquid crystal may be prevented. |
| US09823523B2 |
Display device comprising a mounting portion located in a circumference area for mounting a signal source
A first organic insulating film is arranged on a first substrate in a circumference area outside an active area. A mounting portion is located in the circumference area for mounting a signal source. A second organic insulating film is formed on a second substrate in the circumference area so as to face the first substrate. The second substrate exposes the mounting portion. A seal material is arranged between the first organic insulating film and the second organic insulating film to attach the first substrate and the second substrate. A resin layer is arranged between the first organic insulating film and the second organic insulating film in the circumference area, and formed in a rectangular frame shape including four linear ends. An end along the mounting portion is formed broadly than other ends. |
| US09823518B2 |
Display device and electronic device including the same
A display device and an electronic device including the same are provided. The electronic device includes a display, a window, and a bonding member. The display includes a plurality of sides. The window includes an internal area of an inside coupled with the plurality of sides and an external area of an outside of the internal area. The bonding member includes an air path formed in the plurality of sides and at least a partial area of the external area, and adapted to a flow of air between the internal area and an external area of the display in at least a part coupled with the plurality of sides. |
| US09823516B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for producing same
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device that is less likely to have display failures and has high reliability and excellent light resistance in aging. The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, including: a pair of substrates; a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules and interposed between the pair of substrates; and an alignment control layer for perpendicularly aligning the liquid crystal molecules, the alignment control layer being formed by polymerizing a monofunctional monomer and a polyfunctional monomer in a liquid crystal composition containing the liquid crystal molecules, the monofunctional monomer, and the polyfunctional monomer, the polyfunctional monomer generating a radical by annealing and irradiation with light at not less than 340 nm, the monofunctional monomer having a biphenyl skeleton as a core and a polymerizable group bonded to the biphenyl skeleton directly or indirectly via a spacer. |
| US09823515B2 |
Substrate and an array substrate
A substrate, comprising at least one array substrate, each array substrate on the substrate being provided with a spacing region at its periphery, and each array substrate comprising a display region and a driving region at the margin of the display region. The spacing region comprises a first region and a second region. The first region corresponds to an extension of the driving region on the substrate along an orientation friction direction, and the second region corresponds to an extension of the display region on the substrate along the orientation friction direction. A plurality of via holes are distributed in an overlapping area between the first region and the second region. The via holes have a diameter larger than the diameter of the fibers of orientation friction cloth. |
| US09823514B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first liquid crystal alignment layer disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the first substrate, and a second liquid crystal alignment layer disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate, wherein at least one of the first liquid crystal alignment layer and the second liquid crystal alignment layer includes a reactive mesogen. |
| US09823513B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid crystal device
A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display includes: forming a first alignment layer on a passivation layer and a pixel electrode to form a first display panel; forming a second alignment layer on a common electrode to form a second display panel; and combining the first and the second display panels, wherein formation of the first and second alignment layers includes spraying a first alignment mixture and second alignment mixture on, respectively, the first and second display panels using an inkjet head while moving the inkjet head across the first and second display panels to form a first alignment mixture layer and a second alignment mixture layer, and hardening the first and second alignment mixture layers, and spray progressing directions of the first and second alignment mixture are more than 7 degrees to less than 45 degrees with respect to the first substrate and the second substrate respectively. |
| US09823512B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate on which a pixel electrode is formed, a second substrate on which a common electrode is formed and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The pixel electrode includes a first plate electrode, a first slit pattern which is a hole formed in the first plate electrode and includes a cross-shaped stem slit and a plurality of branch slits extending in both directions from the stem slit, and a plurality of branch electrodes which protrude from outer side portions of the first plate electrode. The common electrode includes a second plate electrode and a second slit pattern formed in the second plate electrode and including a plurality of holes arranged in a rhombus form. |
| US09823511B2 |
Liquid crystal display wherein a first resistivity value of a first alignment layer is smaller than a second resistivity value of a second alignment layer
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a second electrode which is disposed on the first substrate and overlaps the first electrode, an insulating layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first alignment layer disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a second alignment layer disposed on the second substrate, where a first resistivity value of the first alignment layer is smaller than a second resistivity value of the second alignment layer. |
| US09823510B2 |
Quantum dot color film substrate, manufacturing method thereof and LCD apparatus
The invention provides a quantum dot color film substrate, manufacturing method thereof and an LCD apparatus. The manufacturing method comprises forming an organic transparent photo-resist layer on transparent sub-pixel areas of a transparent substrate; forming a red quantum dot layer, a green quantum dot layer on corresponding red sub-pixel areas and green sub-pixel areas respectively by a sputter printing process using the organic transparent layer as stop walls to improve printing precision. The manufacturing method is simple, and requires less time and facility cost. |
| US09823505B2 |
Color filter substrate, liquid crystal display panel, and display device
The present invention discloses a color filter substrate, a liquid crystal display panel, and a display device so as to lower step differences between color-resists and light shielding strips on the color filter substrate to thereby avoid non-uniform rubbing or the color-resist layer being broken while an orientation layer is being rubbed for orientation from occurring due to the step differences, thus avoiding non-uniformity of brightness and hence improving a quality of display. The color film substrates includes a plurality of color-resists arranged spaced from each other, and light shielding strips arranged in gaps between every two adjacent color-resists, wherein the respective color-resists and the light shielding strips adjacent thereto overlap in respective overlap areas each including a plurality of teeth-shaped structures, and a distance between tops of two adjacent ones of the teeth-shaped structures is less than twenty times a thickness of the light shielding strip. |
| US09823504B2 |
Method for manufacturing PDLC display device comprising quantum dots and a PDLC and graphene mixture and PDLC display device having the same
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a PDLC display device and a PDLC display device. The method for manufacturing a PDLC display device according to the present invention includes mixing PDLC with graphene nanoparticles to improve the response speed of the PDLC and reduce a driving voltage of the PDLC, and also combines QDs to make a novel high color saturation display device, which requires no alignment layer and polarizer, providing a simple manufacturing process, showing an innovated and unique displaying effect, demonstrating at least four displaying modes of red, green, blue, and indistinctness, and overcoming light leakage of pixels and color mixture occurring in an existing PDLC display device. The PDLC display device according to the present invention includes a PLDC substrate, an array substrate, and a QD substrate, having a simple structure, showing an innovated and unique displaying effect, demonstrating at least four displaying modes of red, green, blue, and indistinctness, and overcoming light leakage of pixels and color mixture occurring in an existing PDLC display device. |
| US09823502B2 |
Method and apparatus for color filter as touch pad
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display section and a touch panel section. The touch panel section is adjacent the display section. The touch panel section includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. The first layer includes a conductive material. The second layer includes a bottom guard layer. The third layer includes a top guard layer. The first layer is between the second and third layers. The conductive material includes a color filter and a black matrix. |
| US09823501B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a first insulative substrate extending over a first area and a second area, a common electrode and a pixel electrode which are formed in the first area, and a pad of ground potential which is formed in the second area, a second substrate including a second insulative substrate, a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate, a cover glass extending over the first area and the second area, a transparent, electrically conductive layer formed on an inner surface of the cover glass over the first area and the second area, and a connection member configured to electrically connect the electrically conductive layer and the pad in the second area. |
| US09823499B2 |
Patterned poly silicon structure as top electric contact to MOS-type optical modulators
A metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) type semiconductor device, comprising a silicon substrate, a first cathode electrode and a second cathode electrode coupled to the silicon substrate and located on distal ends of the silicon substrate, a poly-silicon (Poly-Si) gate proximally located above the silicon substrate and between the first cathode electrode and the second cathode electrode, wherein the Poly-Si gate comprises a first post extending orthogonally relative to the silicon substrate comprising a first doped silicon slab, a second post extending orthogonally relative to the silicon substrate comprising a second doped silicon slab, wherein the second post is positioned so as to create a width between the first post and the second post, an anode electrode coupled to the first post and the second post and extending laterally from the first post to the second post, and a dielectric layer disposed between the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate. |
| US09823496B1 |
Modulation-based integrated broadband optical isolator with improved isolation
An optical isolator for suppressing back reflections from a downstream optical system is described. The optical isolator includes a plurality of optical paths between a splitter and a combiner. One or more of the optical paths include two phase modulators that are driven by oscillating signals having predefined phase relationships. At least one bypass optical path does not include two phase modulators driven by oscillating signals. Amplitude and phase of an optical signal traversing the bypass optical path may be tuned to further suppress residual reflections from a downstream optical system. |
| US09823495B2 |
Method and system for integrated power combiners
A system for integrated power combiners is disclosed and may include receiving optical signals in input optical waveguides and phase-modulating the signals to configure a phase offset between signals received at a first optical coupler, where the first optical coupler may generate output signals having substantially equal optical powers. Output signals of the first optical coupler may be phase-modulated to configure a phase offset between signals received at a second optical coupler, which may generate an output signal having an optical power of essentially zero and a second output signal having a maximized optical power. Optical signals received by the input optical waveguides may be generated utilizing a polarization-splitting grating coupler to enable polarization-insensitive combining of optical signals. Optical power may be monitored using optical detectors. The monitoring of optical power may be used to determine a desired phase offset between the signals received at the first optical coupler. |
| US09823476B2 |
Integrated mobile device shipping container and virtual reality headset
In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a goggle portion having a chassis that is open on a first side, a lens assembly disposed on a second side of the chassis of the goggle portion and a ledge disposed around an interior perimeter of the chassis of the goggle portion. The ledge can be configured to physically support an electronic device inserted in the goggle portion. The apparatus can also include a cover portion having a chassis that is open on a first side and at least partially closed on a second side. The cover portion can be configured to be placed over the goggle portion, such that at least a portion of the goggle portion is disposed within the cover portion and the electronic device is retained between the ledge and an interior surface of the second side of the cover portion. |
| US09823473B2 |
Head-mounted display device and control method for head-mounted display device
A head-mounted display device that enables a user to visually recognize a virtual image and an outside scene includes an image display unit configured to cause the user to visually recognize the virtual image, a detecting unit configured to detect a visual line direction of the user, and a display switching unit configured to switch, according to the detected visual line direction, display of the virtual image by the image display unit between outside scene preferential display for preferentially displaying the outside scene and virtual image preferential display for preferentially displaying the virtual image. |
| US09823470B2 |
Vehicle head-up display device
In a vehicle head-up display device that reflects a display light transmitted through a dust-proof cover on a windshield or a combiner, and viewably displays display information as a virtual image from a driver's seat of a vehicle, the dust-proof cover has a light transmissive property produced by being rolled, when a line between a first point a first end side of the display in a longitudinal direction of the display and a second point being at the same height as the first point in a second end side opposite to the first end side is a longitudinal axis, and a luminance of a virtual image is adjusted by adjusting an angle between a rolling direction of a resin sheet used for the dust-proof cover and a virtual image longitudinal axis, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis, of a virtual image of the display reflected by the reflector. As a result, a polarization state of the display light is changed to enable the luminance of the virtual image to be adjusted without any increase in the number of parts and a body size. |
| US09823466B2 |
Optical path changing device and projection image display apparatus
The optical path changing device of the present disclosure includes an optical member having a parallel plate face for changing an optical path, and first, second, and third actuators. The first, the second, and the third actuators are connected with the optical member at first, second, and third vertices of a triangle imaginarily drawn on a plane parallel to the parallel plate face of the optical member. The first, the second, and the third actuators drive the optical member forward and backward in a normal direction of the parallel plate face at the first, the second, and the third vertices serving as points of load. The optical member has a center of gravity within the triangle when seen from the normal direction. |
| US09823465B2 |
Hybrid organic-inorganic micromirror device and method of making a hybrid microdevice
A hybrid organic-inorganic micromirror device includes a micromirror comprising an inorganic material positioned above an elastomeric substrate. The micromirror is supported on an underside thereof by a conductive elastomeric support protruding from the elastomeric substrate. The conductive elastomeric support may function as a universal joint and is rendered electrically conductive by an electrically conductive coating thereon. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the elastomeric substrate under the micromirror. The electrodes are spaced apart from each other and from the micromirror and are arranged around the conductive elastomeric support. Each electrode comprises an inorganic material and is in electrical contact with an elastomeric contact region protruding from the elastomeric substrate. When a voltage bias is applied between the micromirror and one or more of the electrodes, the micromirror is electrostatically actuated to move in a predetermined direction. |
| US09823463B2 |
Light source unit emitting the three primary colors of light and projector including the light source unit
To provide a light source unit whose overall size is relatively small and a projector which incorporates the light source unit, there is provided a light source unit including a first light source device for emitting light in a first wavelength range, a second light source device which is disposed on an axis of the light in the first wavelength range and having a luminescent light emitting area for emitting light in a second wavelength range by receiving the light in the first wavelength range, and a third light source device which is disposed on the axis of the light in the first wavelength range so as to face the first light source device for emitting light in a third wavelength range. |
| US09823462B1 |
Colored insulated notch design for pixels in electrowetting displays
Instead of using a clear or a semi-transparent notch within an electrowetting display, a colored notch that is the same color of the pixel region extends from one of the pixel walls toward an opposing pixel wall of the pixel region. The colored notches follow a non-flipped arrangement within each of the pixel regions. For example, each colored notch is adjacent to the same respective pixel wall for a pixel region. In other configurations, the colored notches follow a flipped arrangement within each of the pixel regions. For example, a colored notch of one pixel region and a colored notch of another pixel region are adjacent to the same pixel wall (on opposing sides). Instead of including a separate white sub pixel for each pixel, each pixel region is at least partially covered by a white color filter and a color filter that is the color of the pixel. |
| US09823459B2 |
High-stiffness structure for larger aperture telescope
A triangular frame metering structure includes three side beams and three end pieces each connected between two of the side beams. Each end piece top and bottom is configured for connection of support loads, with all support loads connecting to the metering structure at the top or bottom of one of the end pieces. Secondary mirror focusing mechanisms mounted on the end piece tops support pairs of secondary mirror struts. Strut mounts on the end piece bottoms provide connections to pairs of primary mirror struts, base struts, and instrument struts. All support loads connected to the metering structure are thus connected only to the corners of the metering structure and are connected at a same radial distance from a central longitudinal axis. The metering structure has reduced mass with high stiffness for supporting large aperture telescopes. |
| US09823449B1 |
Optical telephoto imaging lens
An optical telephoto imaging lens includes an aperture stop and a lens group, the lens group includes, in order from an object side to the image side: a first lens element with a positive refractive power; a second lens element with a negative refractive power; a third lens element with a refractive power; a fourth lens element with a negative refractive power; a fifth lens element with a positive refractive power. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth lens elements each have a focal length: f1, f2, f3, f4 and f5, the object-side and the image-side surfaces of the second lens element each have a radius of curvature R3, R4, and they satisfy the relations: |fn|>|f4|>|f2|>|f1|, wherein n=3 and 5; 0<(R3+R4)/(R3−R4)<0.5. |
| US09823442B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens, wherein at least one lens among the first to the fifth lenses has positive refractive force and the fifth lens can have negative refractive force, and wherein both surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one surface thereof has an inflection point such that the lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the fifth lenses, whereby the optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09823438B2 |
Electro-optical device, manufacturing method of electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical apparatus has an element substrate that is provided with a mirror and a sealing member which seals the mirror, and the sealing member includes a light-transmitting cover which faces the mirror opposite from the element substrate. An infrared cut filter is laminated on the light-transmitting cover. |
| US09823437B2 |
Adjustable lens mount
An adjustable lens mount with an outer mount ring, a laterally adjustable inner mount ring and at least two connection structures. The at least two connection structures communicate in each instance with a manipulator with a radial acting axis. The connection structures in each instance have a coupling member and a lever connected therewith. The coupling member is connected to the inner mount ring farther radially outside than the lever is connected to the outer mount ring. |
| US09823436B2 |
Lens barrel
A lens barrel includes: a first barrel; a second barrel that, with respect to the first barrel, is capable of relative movement in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis; an adjustment member for adjusting an amount of the relative movement; two adjustment member housing portions that are provided in a diametral space between the first barrel and the second barrel, are formed so as to be separate from each other in a circumferential direction and are capable of housing the adjustment member; a plurality of screws; a plurality of fastening portions for threadedly engaging and fastening the first barrel and the second barrel in parallel with the optical axis by means of the plurality of screws; and one washer member that is held in an integral manner between the plurality of screws and the plurality of fastening portions. |
| US09823430B2 |
Lens receptacles
This disclosure generally relates to high-speed fiber optic networks that use light signals to transmit data over a network. The disclosed subject matter includes devices and methods relating to lens receptacles and/or optoelectronic subassemblies. In some aspects, the disclosed devices and methods relate to a lens receptacle including a receptacle body extending between a receptacle top and a receptacle bottom, the receptacle body including: a port body defining a receptacle port with a port opening at the receptacle top; a receptacle window defining a base of the receptacle port; a lens array including lenses positioned on the receptacle window; and at least one receptacle alignment feature. |
| US09823428B1 |
Optical connector and duplex connector assembly
LC optical connectors and a duplex clip for forming duplex connector assemblies are provided herein. The LC optical connector includes a rigid latch member for positive locking with another component, such as an adaptor. The duplex clip is configured to hold two LC optical connectors to form a duplex connector assembly. |
| US09823426B2 |
Optical communication device, transmission apparatus, reception apparatus, and transmission and reception system
There is provided an optical communication device including a lens substrate configured to have a first face on which a plurality of lenses corresponding to a plurality of channels of optical communication are two-dimensionally formed, and a ferrule configured to be disposed facing a second face that is the opposite face of the first face of the lens substrate and to be provided with through holes into which optical fibers are inserted in positions corresponding to each of the plurality of lenses. |
| US09823425B2 |
Dust-proof apparatus and fiber optic connector assembly
A dust-proof apparatus for a fiber optic connector has a base; a ferrule receiving sleeve positioned on a mating end of the base; two primary cantilevered arms extending substantially in parallel from the mating end of the base, with the ferrule receiving sleeve being positioned therebetween; and a secondary cantilevered arm extending from the mating end of the base, and having a locking projection receiving hole disposed on a free end. |
| US09823420B2 |
Fiber coupler for silicon photonics
An apparatus for converting fiber mode to waveguide mode. The apparatus includes a silicon substrate member and a dielectric member having an elongated body. Part of the elongated body from a back end overlies the silicon substrate member and remaining part of the elongated body up to a front end is separated from the silicon substrate member by a second dielectric material at an under region. The apparatus also includes a waveguide including a segment from the back end to a tail end formed on the dielectric member at least partially overlying the remaining part of the elongated body. The segment is buried in a cladding overlying entirely the dielectric member. The cladding has a refractive index that is less than the waveguide but includes an index-graded section with decreasing index that is formed at least over the segment from the tail end toward the back end. |
| US09823418B2 |
Waveguide-type optical diffraction grating and optical wavelength filter
Provided is a waveguide-type optical diffraction grating. A waveguide core includes a waveguide core that is asymmetric with respect to a thickness direction perpendicular to a light propagating direction. In the waveguide core, a phase adjustment portion is configured to adjust a phase difference between a forward wave traveling in an input direction and a reflected wave traveling in a direction reverse to the input direction in the waveguide-type optical diffraction grating, and the phase adjustment portion is provided in a manner that a sum of a phase of the forward wave and a phase of the reflected wave which are generated in the phase adjustment portion becomes a constant value irrespective of a polarization state of input light to the waveguide-type optical diffraction grating. |
| US09823414B2 |
Method for fabricating a semiconductor device for use in an optical application
A semiconductor device for use in an optical application and a method for fabricating the device. The device includes: an optically passive aspect that is operable in a substantially optically passive mode; and an optically active material having a material that is operable in a substantially optically active mode, wherein the optically passive aspect is patterned to include a photonic structure with a predefined structure, and the optically active material is formed in the predefined structure so as to be substantially self-aligned in a lateral plane with the optically passive aspect. |
| US09823412B2 |
Edge type backlight module and liquid crystal display device
The invention discloses an edge type backlight module. The edge type backlight module includes: a back frame having at least one sidewall and at least one bottom plate; a light guide plate disposed on the bottom plate and having a light incident side surface, wherein the light incident side surface is opposite to the sidewall; and a plurality of first backlight sources and a plurality of second backlight sources, wherein the first backlight sources are disposed on the sidewall, the second backlight sources are disposed on the bottom plate and against the sidewall, the first backlight sources and the second backlight sources are alternately disposed, the first backlight sources include a plurality of first LED lamps, and the second backlight sources include a plurality of second LED lamps. The invention also discloses a liquid crystal display device having the edge type backlight module. The COF of the invention is disposed on a portion of the second backlight sources with a lower temperature, so that the COF is in a lower temperature condition, thereby improving its reliability. |
| US09823411B2 |
Etendue-preserving light coupling system having light output aperture smaller than light input aperture
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination. In one aspect, an etendue preserving optical coupling system configured to: receive incident light through an input aperture; and emit the incident light through an output aperture having an area smaller than an area of the input aperture is provided. The light output from the optical coupling system is coupled into a light receiving system including material having substantially the same refractive index as the refractive index of the material of the optical coupling system. The light receiving system includes a light guide configured to internally propagate the redirected light and to release light to illuminate the ambient environment. |
| US09823410B2 |
Light guiding plate and method for manufacturing the same and backlight source and display device comprising the same
A method of manufacturing a light guiding plate comprises steps of forming a protrusion array composed of a plurality of protrusions (300) on a surface of a substrate (100); and forming reflective layers (301) on side facets of the protrusions (300) respectively, in such a way that, the farther away from a side of the substrate (100) the protrusion (300) with the reflective layer is, the greater the reflectivity of the reflective layer (301) is. The light emitted from the light guiding plate made by the method is relatively uniform, and the heating issue is also avoided. |
| US09823406B2 |
Light extraction elements
A light guide includes: a first major surface; a second major surface opposite the first major surface; an array of extraction elements, each element disposed between an upper and lower edge of the first major surface, each upper and lower edge defining a plane therebetween, each element including: a first face adjoining the upper edge, the first face projecting inwardly relative to the plane at a first angle; a second face adjoining the first face, the second face projecting inwardly at a second angle relative to the plane, the second angle greater than the first angle; a third face adjoining the lower edge and the second face, the third face projecting inwardly relative to the plane at a third angle, the third angle greater than the first angle; wherein the first face, second face and third face define an indentation projecting inwardly from the plane defined by the first major surface. |
| US09823404B2 |
Backlight system
An optical system includes a light source emitting light, a collimating structure to substantially collimate the light, and a converter unit to receive the substantially collimated light having an area illuminating a first aspect ratio and outputting light having an area illuminating a second aspect ratio, the second aspect ratio greater than the first aspect ratio by at least a factor of four, and a backlight light guide to receive the light from the converter unit. |
| US09823401B2 |
Cured film formation composition, orientation material, and retardation material
A cured-film formation composition that includes: (A) one or more compounds having a photo-aligning group and hydroxy group, etc.; (B) a polymer having at least one substituent from the group of a hydroxy group, carboxy group, amino group, and alkoxysilyl group, and the like; and (C) a cross-linking agent. Component (A) contains a compound having a group of Formula [1] below as the photo-aligning group: where A1 and A2 are independently a hydrogen atom or methyl group; and A3 is a hydroxy group. A cured-film is formed from the cured-film formation composition, and orientation material is formed by use of photo-alignment technique. A retardation material is obtained by applying a polymerizable liquid crystal on the orientation material and curing it. |
| US09823399B2 |
Display device
A panorama display device includes a first display panel flexibly hinged to provide a hinged part and a non-hinged part of the first display panel, a first polarization unit on the first display panel, the first polarization unit including a separated part separated from a remaining part of the first polarization unit, a second display panel flexibly hinged to provide a hinged part and a non-hinged part of the second display panel, and a second polarization unit on the second display panel, the second polarization unit including a separated part separated from a remaining part of the second polarization unit. The hinged part of the first display panel is hinged with the separated part of the first polarization unit. The hinged part of the second display panel is hinged with the separated part of the second polarization unit. The first and second display panels are connected to each other. |
| US09823397B2 |
Polarizing plate and method of producing polarizing plate
A method of producing a polarizing plate according to an embodiment includes: applying an application liquid containing a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin and a surfactant onto a resin substrate to produce a laminate in which a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer is formed on the resin substrate; stretching and dyeing the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer formed on the resin substrate to produce a polarizing film; laminating an optical functional film on a polarizing film side of the laminate to produce an optical functional film laminate; and peeling the resin substrate from the optical functional film laminate. A content of the surfactant in the application liquid is less than 1 part by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin. |
| US09823395B2 |
Multilayer optical film having overlapping harmonics
A multilayer optical film including a stack of microlayers arranged into optical repeat units. At a design angle of incidence, such as normal incidence, the stack provides a 1st order reflection band, a 2nd order reflection band, and optionally a 3rd order reflection band. The 2nd order reflection band substantially overlaps the 1st and/or 3rd order reflection bands to form a single wide reflection band. The wide reflection band may cover at least a portion of visible and infrared wavelengths. The multilayer optical film may include an additional optical layer which maybe be an anti-glare layer and/or may be an absorbing layer. The multilayer optical film is suitable for use as a window film. |
| US09823393B2 |
Metallized multilayer structure made of specific polycarbonates with low coefficient of thermal expansion
The invention relates to multilayer structures made of at least one thermoplastic material and having at least one metal layer. The invention further relates to multilayer products encompassing at least three layers comprising a substrate layer made of a substrate comprising specific copolycarbonates and at least one inorganic filler, a metal layer and one or more further layers. The invention further relates to the process for producing the said multilayer structures. |
| US09823389B2 |
Film, method of manufacturing film, polarizing plate, liquid crystal display device, and composition
The object of the present invention is to provide a cellulose acylate-containing film capable of improving durability of polarizer, and of suppressing bleeding of an additive for improving the durability of the polarizer, a method of manufacturing the film, a polarizing plate, a liquid crystal display device and a composition. The present invention provides a film which includes a compound represented by Formula 1 defined by the specification, a compound represented by Formula 2 defined by the specification, and a cellulose acylate; wherein the content of each of the compounds represented by Formula 1 and Formula 2 in a zone ranging from one surface of the film to a depth of 10%, is higher than the content in the residual zone. |
| US09823388B2 |
Composite substrate structure and touch-sensitive device
A composite substrate structure includes a transparent substrate, an anti-reflective layer, and an anti-glare layer. The anti-reflective layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and has at least a first anti-reflective film and the refractive index of the first anti-reflective film is greater than that of the transparent substrate. The anti-glare layer is disposed on the anti-reflective layer, and the anti-glare layer and the transparent substrate are respectively located at two opposite sides of the anti-reflective layer. The refractive index of the anti-glare layer is less than that of the first anti-reflective film, and the anti-glare layer has a rough surface distant from the anti-reflective layer. |
| US09823382B2 |
Vehicle mounted mobile container or vehicle inspection system
A vehicle mounted mobile container or vehicle inspection system, including: a radiation source, a movable vehicle for carrying the inspection system, and a detector arm rack which has a horizontal arm and a vertical arm, a first end of the horizontal arm is connected to the vehicle and a second end thereof is connected to an end of the vertical arm. The horizontal arm and the vertical arm are connected by a pivotal connecting device such that the vertical arm may pivot in a vertical plane, and the horizontal arm and the vertical arm may be retracted in a same horizontal plane. The novel arm rack construction may reduce the space occupied by it on top of the scanning vehicle after the arm rack is stowed so as to reduce the eight of the scanning vehicle under running condition. |
| US09823381B2 |
Mapping and monitoring of hydraulic fractures using vector magnetometers
A method for mapping and monitoring of hydraulic fracture includes capturing, using an array of sensors, a first magnetic image of a well pay zone. A second magnetic image is captured using the array of sensors, after a well bore is padded with a fluid. A background is established based on the first and the second magnetic images. A third magnetic image is captured using the array of sensors, after a doped proppant is injected into a stage. The third image is processed to subtract the background and to obtain information regarding distribution of the fluid and the proppant in the stage. |
| US09823380B2 |
Compensated borehole and pipe survey tool with conformable sensors
An example method includes positioning a first conformable sensor proximate to a downhole element. The first conformable sensor may include a flexible material, with first and second transmitters and first and second receivers coupled to the flexible material. A first signal may be generated using the first transmitter and a second signal using the second transmitter. A first response of the downhole element to the first signal and a second response of the downhole element to the second signal may be measured at the first receiver. A third response of the downhole element to the first signal and a fourth response of the downhole element to the second signal may be measured at the second receiver. At least the first, second, third, and fourth responses may be combined into a compensated response of the downhole element. The compensated response may be processed to determine a parameter of the downhole element. |
| US09823371B2 |
Methods and systems for towing acoustic source sub-arrays
Acoustic source arrays and related methods. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including towing a first source sub-array comprising a first surface float, the first surface float defines a first connection point at a proximal end of the first surface float. The method may further include towing a second source sub-array comprising a second surface float, the second surface float defines a second connection point at a proximal end of the second surface float. And during the towing of the first and second source sub-arrays, the method may include maintaining a lateral separation between the first and second connection points of the first and second surface floats by a first strut, the first strut coupled between the first connection point of the first surface float and the second connection point of the second surface float. |
| US09823370B2 |
Method for managing a master vessel change in a multi-vessel seismic system
A method is provided for managing a master vessel change in a multi-vessel seismic system. The system includes a master vessel M and at least one slave vessel. The method includes, during at least a part of a multi-vessel operation: selecting a new master vessel M′ among the at least one slave vessel, triggered by at least one predetermined event; and transmitting, to the at least one slave vessel, at least one piece of information related to a master vessel change from the master vessel M, called old master vessel, to the new master vessel M′. |
| US09823365B2 |
Portable radiographic image capturing apparatus
A portable radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a radiation conversion panel configured to output image information on the basis of applied radiation, a casing housing the radiation conversion panel therein, and a plurality of support members on which the radiation conversion panel is supported in the casing. The support members have slot structures housing wires therein. |
| US09823361B2 |
Radiation imaging control apparatus, radiation imaging system and radiation imaging apparatus, and method for controlling the same
A radiation imaging control apparatus, which is communicable with a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation sensor and capable of acquiring an X-ray moving image, includes a first communication unit configured to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus via Ethernet communication, a second communication unit configured to communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus via at least a pair of bidirectional serial optical communication lines, a first control unit configured to cause the first communication unit to transmit a first signal for setting at least one parameter to the radiation imaging apparatus, a second control unit configured to cause the second communication unit to output data of the X-ray moving image received from the radiation imaging apparatus to an image processing unit, and transmit a second signal for some settings to the radiation imaging apparatus. |
| US09823358B2 |
Low-noise surface level MOS capacitor for improved sensor quality factor
A low-power wireless ionizing radiation measurement system is provided that is intended to be used in a wearable dosimeter for occupational radiation monitoring. |
| US09823356B2 |
GPS receiving apparatus, electronic timepiece, control method, and storage medium encoded with program
A GPS receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: a GPS radio wave receiving unit that receives GPS radio waves; a walking state determination unit that determines a walking state of a wearer continuously for a predetermined interval; a storage unit that stores walking information determined by way of the walking state determination unit; a determination unit that determines whether being a state in which GPS radio waves can be received, based on a series of the walking states stored in the storage unit; and a control unit that causes reception of GPS radio waves to be carried out by way of the GPS radio wave receiving unit, in a case of being determined by way of the determination unit as being a state in which GPS radio waves can be received. |
| US09823354B2 |
Illuminance measuring system
The invention provides an illuminance measuring system, which comprises an illuminance measuring instrument which comprises a first communication unit and is moved by a moving vehicle, a position measuring means which comprises a second communication unit and is capable of measuring a three-dimensional position of the illuminance measuring instrument and a data collector which comprises a third communication unit and a storage unit for storing positional information data of a predetermined measuring point, wherein the data collector moves the moving vehicle to the measuring point based on a position of the illuminance measuring instrument as measured by the position measuring means and the positional information data, an illuminance is measured by the illuminance measuring instrument and a position of the illuminance measuring instrument at the time of illuminance measurement is measured by the position measuring means, and wherein the data collector obtains an illuminance measurement result from the illuminance measuring instrument via the first communication unit and the third communication unit, obtains a measuring position from the position measuring means via the second communication unit and the third communication unit, and collects the illuminance measurement result and the measuring position in association with each other. |
| US09823350B2 |
Linear mode computational sensing LADAR
Laser light pulsed to illuminate and reflect from at least one object is received at a digital micro-mirror device including an array of mirrors each of which may be selectively controlled to be oriented to either reflect incident light onto a detector or not. The detector outputs a signal representative of an amount of light sensed. By applying M spatial patterns to the mirrors, each in synchronization with one pulse from the laser, and storing sampled signal values from the detector output at each of K times following a pulse from the laser, the collected information may be used to reconstruct K images each using all M spatial patterns and stored sampled signal values corresponding to a respective one of the K times. Each of the K images corresponds to a different range to the digital micro-mirror device, such that the system may be employed as a range finder. |
| US09823343B2 |
Digital beamforming based resolution of out-of-path targets showing up as in-path due to grating lobes in array antenna radars
An antenna system, such as a radar antenna system, includes an array of antenna elements and a controller. The controller outputs an in-path indicator in response to an angle of arrival for a target being less than a threshold angle for a given range to the target. The angle of arrival is based on a differential phase angle derived from data defining first and second composite signal returns from the target associated with first and second apertures respectively, and a phase center offset between the apertures. The first and second apertures are formed from first and second subsets of the antenna elements respectively. |
| US09823338B2 |
Feature extraction for radar
Data is received characterizing a measurement for a scene received by a plurality of sensor elements forming a sensor array. Intermediate scattering coefficients can be determined using the received data by applying to the received data a mapping of a plurality of scene sub-domains to the plurality of sensor elements. A parameter of an object within the scene can be estimated using the intermediate scattering coefficients. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described. |
| US09823336B2 |
Vertical alignment device and method for vehicle radar
Provided are a vertical alignment apparatus and method for a vehicle radar. The vertical alignment apparatus includes a case at which a shaft is formed, an antenna that is coupled with the shaft and is disposed to be rotatable about the shaft in a vertical direction, an antenna rotary member that rotates the antenna, and a stopper that limits an angle of rotation of the antenna. |
| US09823332B2 |
Position location aided by chemical characteristic
A mobile device includes a chemical sensor to detect chemicals in the environment in which the mobile device is present. The detected chemicals are analyzed and used to generate a chemical characteristic of the environment. The chemical characteristic of the environment is used to determine location related data for the mobile device. For example, an implemented within or remote chemical characteristic database that stores chemical characteristics associated with location related data may be searched based on the chemical characteristic of the environment to determine the location of the mobile device. The location related data may be a location of the mobile device or assistance data that may be used to assist in generating a more accurate position fix, e.g., using a satellite positioning system. The location related data may simply whether the mobile device is inside or outside or the floor of a multi-floor building. |
| US09823324B2 |
Method and apparatus for determination of a magnetic resonance system control sequence
In a method and a control sequence determination device for determining a magnetic resonance system control sequence includes at least one radio-frequency pulse train to be emitted by a magnetic resonance system, a target magnetization is acquired and a k-space trajectory is determined. A radio-frequency pulse train for the k-space trajectory is then determined in an RF pulse optimization method using a target function, wherein the target function includes a combination of different trajectory curve functions, of which at least one trajectory curve function is based on a trajectory error model. A method for operating a magnetic resonance system uses such a control sequence and a magnetic resonance system has such a control sequence determination device. |
| US09823320B2 |
Current supply of a magnetic resonance imaging installation
A circuit arrangement is provided for the current supply of a magnetic resonance imaging installation with a radio-frequency shielding cabin and at least one basic field magnet. The arrangement includes a first circuit arranged outside the radio-frequency shielding cabin and configured to generate a DC link voltage from a grid voltage, and a second circuit arranged within the radio-frequency shielding cabin and configured to generate a magnetization current for the basic field magnet from the DC link voltage. This architecture makes it possible to realize a cost-effective solution for an integrated (fixedly installed) modular magnetization current supply. |
| US09823319B2 |
Radio frequency resonator and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising the same
The present disclosure relates to a radio frequency resonator and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising the same. A radio frequency resonator for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure comprises: a microstrip substrate; a conductive pattern portion for resonance that is formed on one surface of the microstrip substrate and increases an intensity of a magnetic field which is generated by resonating an RF signal; and a ground conductive board that is formed on the other surface of the microstrip substrate. According to the present disclosure, there is provided a radio frequency resonator for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of generating an intense magnetic field. |
| US09823318B2 |
Method for correlating magnetic resonance images with histological sections
In a method for correlating magnetic resonance images with histological sections, a target tissue of a living animal is embedded in an enclosed matrix of an optical cutting temperature compound to obtain a packaged specimen on a platform oriented in a first guiding plane. The packaged specimen on the platform is subjected to an MRI examination by scanning along imaging planes parallel to the first guiding plane, and then subjected to a frozen sectioning procedure along sectioning planes in parallel with a second guiding plane which is parallel to the first guiding plane. |
| US09823315B2 |
Magnetic sensor
In a magnetic sensor, a pinned layer covers a wiring layer on a side opposite to a substrate with respect to the wiring layer and includes a bent portion having a bent shape in cross section. Free layers are arranged on a side opposite to the substrate with respect to the pinned layer. The size of the free layers in a planar direction is set to a size smaller than the size of the pinned layer in the planar direction. A magnetic field leaking from the pinned layer may form a closed loop adjacent to the substrate, that is, on a side opposite to the free layers with respect to the substrate. Therefore, influence of the magnetic field leaking from the pinned layer on the free layers can be restricted. |
| US09823313B2 |
Diamond nitrogen vacancy sensor with circuitry on diamond
A magnetic sensor assembly includes a base substrate and a material assembly. The material assembly is formed on the base substrate. The material assembly includes an assembly substrate. A magneto-optical defect center material having a plurality of magneto-optical defect centers is formed on the assembly substrate. A radio frequency (RF) excitation source is formed on the magneto-optical defect center material. |
| US09823311B2 |
System to identify potential electrical network faults combining vibration and power quality analysis
A system to identify potential faults in an electrical power distribution system includes a vibration monitor configured to detect a vibration event proximate a portion of the electrical power distribution system, a power quality monitor configured to detect a power quality event in a portion of the electrical power distribution system, an analysis system configured to correlate the vibration event detected by the vibration monitor with the power quality event detected by the power quality monitor, and an output configured to receive information regarding the power quality event from the analysis system and to provide the information to an operator. |
| US09823302B2 |
Semiconductor circuit and semiconductor system
A semiconductor circuit has circuit units in a plurality of stages which units are continuously connected, each of the circuit units in the plurality of stages including: a first register; a second register; a first outputter; and a second outputter. The first outputter is connected to the first register and the second register, and selects and outputs one of a first input signal inputted from the first register and a second input signal inputted from the second register. The second outputter outputs at least one of the second input signal and a third input signal to a second register in a next stage, the third input signal being outputted from a logic circuit unit that performs logic operation on the basis of an input signal containing at least one of a signals outputted from the first outputters. |
| US09823300B2 |
Process for controlling the correct positioning of test probes on terminations of electronic devices integrated on a semiconductor and corresponding electronic device
An electrical check executed on wafer tests for the correct positioning or alignment of the probes of a probe card on the pads or bumps of the electronic devices integrated on the wafer. A signal is applied to cause a current to circulate in at least part of a seal ring of at least one of the electronic devices. In a case where the current flows between and through multiple electronic devices, the seal rings of those electronic devices are suitably interconnected to each other by electronic structures that extend through the scribe line between electronic devices. |
| US09823296B2 |
Built-in self test system, system on a chip and method for controlling built-in self tests
A built-in self test system comprises an integrated circuit device comprising a plurality of functional units coupled to built-in self test circuitry; a low power control unit operable to switch the integrated circuit device into a low power mode and to generate a BIST wake-up signal during or before entering the low power mode; and a built-in self test control unit coupled to the built-in self test circuitry and the low power control unit and arranged to initiate a built-in self test when receiving the BIST wake-up signal. |
| US09823284B2 |
Ultra-wide band measurement bridge
A measuring bridge (1) provides a first matching pad (2), a second matching pad (3) and a third matching pad (4), wherein all matching pads (2, 3, 4) comprise at least three resistors (21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43) which are arranged in a T-structure. A second resistor (32) of the second matching pad (3) is connected to a second resistor (22) of the first matching pad (2), and a third resistor (43) of the third matching pad (4) is connected to a third resistor (23) of the first matching pad (2). A second resistor (42) of the third matching pad (4) can be connected to a device under test (7). A third resistor (33) of the second matching pad (3) can be connected to a calibration standard (5), and a first resistor (31, 41) of the second and the third matching pad (3, 4) are connected in each case to a signal input of an element (11) which suppresses a common-mode component on its two signal inputs. |
| US09823282B2 |
On-chip IR drop detectors for functional and test mode scenarios, circuits, processes and systems
An integrated circuit includes a functional circuit (10) having a power grid (20) with a set of power grid points (30.i) for monitoring; and an electronic monitoring circuit (100) that has a variably operable reference circuit (150) responsive to an input register (155) and having an output, comparison circuitry (110) having plural outputs and having a first input coupled to the output of said variably operable reference circuit (150) and a set of second inputs each second input coupled to a respective one of said power grid points (30.i); and an output register (120) having at least two register bit cells (120.i) respectively fed by the plural outputs of said comparison circuitry (110.i). Other integrated circuits, and processes of testing and of manufacturing are also disclosed. |
| US09823279B2 |
Current sensing using a metal-on-passivation layer on an integrated circuit die
A current sense resistor integrated with an integrated circuit die where the integrated circuit die is housed in a flip-chip semiconductor package includes a metal layer formed over a passivation layer of the integrated circuit die where the metal layer having an array of metal pillars extending therefrom. The metal pillars are electrically connected to a first leadframe portion and a second leadframe portion of the semiconductor package where the first leadframe portion and the second leadframe portion are electrically isolated from each other and physically separated by a separation of a first distance. The current sense resistor is formed in a portion of the metal layer spanning the separation between the first and second leadframe portions, the first and second leadframe portions forming terminals of the current sense resistor. |
| US09823278B2 |
Fault detecting apparatus and computer program therefor
A fault detecting apparatus, to use an output current from a drive circuit as a current value detected by a current sensor, calculates a duty ratio of a control signal to be supplied to the drive circuit to define the duty ratio as a theoretical value of the duty ratio of the control signal. The fault detecting apparatus compares a duty ratio of a control signal actually supplied to the drive circuit with the theoretical value of the duty ratio of the control signal to determine whether the current sensor (fails on the basis of a comparison result. |
| US09823274B2 |
Current sensing inductive devices
A low-cost and high-precision current sensing device and methods for use and manufacturing. In one embodiment, the current sensing apparatus comprises a Rogowski-type coil which is manufactured in segments so as to facilitate the manufacturing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the current sensing apparatus segments comprise a number of bobbin elements that are wound and subsequently formed into complex geometric shapes such as torus-like shapes. In an alternative embodiment, bonded windings are utilized which allow the segments to be formed without a bobbin or former. In yet another alternative embodiment, the aforementioned current sensing devices are stacked in groups of two or more. Methods of manufacturing and using the aforementioned current sensing apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US09823273B2 |
Probe tip formation for die sort and test
Probe tip formation is described for die sort and test. In one example, the tips of wires of a test probe head are prepared for use as test probes. The wires are attached to a test probe head substrate. The end opposite the substrate has a tip. The tips of the wires are polished when attached to the test probe head to form a sharpened point. |
| US09823272B2 |
Wafer testing probe card
A wafer testing probe card includes a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit board, an elastic piece, and a probe unit. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The elastic piece is disposed between the printed circuit board and the flexible circuit board. The probe unit includes a probe head and a plurality of probes. The probe head is fixed on the printed circuit board and has a plurality of through holes. The probes respectively pass through the through holes and move up and down relative to the probe head. |
| US09823269B2 |
Surface analyzer
A technique for allowing users to efficiently specify a region of interest (ROI) on a sample for a certain physical quantity (e.g. phase) other than the altitude is provided. A range-indicating image showing a range that can be observed on a sample is displayed on a navigation window in a sample observation display screen. An ROI-indicating frame for specifying a magnified observation range is superposed on the range-indicating image. A list of thumbnails of previously taken magnified images for the same sample is displayed on an image history display window. When an observer selects any image from this list, the thumbnail of the selected image is mapped onto the range-indicating image. With reference to this image, the observer can change the position, size and/or angle of the ROI-indicating frame by a mouse operation. In response to this operation, a magnified image of the sample within the new ROI is acquired. |
| US09823268B2 |
Method for calibrating a sensor built into a vehicle
In a method for calibrating a sensor installed in a vehicle, a triggering signal for the calibration is automatically generated subsequent to the vehicle production process, during which calibration sensor signals are calibrated as a function of the inclination of the ground on which the vehicle is located. |
| US09823265B2 |
Geophysical acceleration sensor and method
A method and geophysical acceleration sensor (100) for measuring seismic data and also for protecting the sensor from shock. The sensor includes a housing (102); a flexible beam (104) having a first end fixedly attached to the housing; a piezoelectric layer (108) attached to the flexible beam; a seismic mass (112) attached to the flexible beam; and a first movement limiter (130) connected to the housing and configured to limit a movement of the flexible beam. A distance between a tip of the first movement limiter and the flexible beam is adjustable. |
| US09823264B2 |
Transfer or interrogation of materials by carrier and receiving devices moving independently and simultaneously on multiple axes
Material transfer/interrogation devices (e.g. liquid handling workstations) have been designed in the past for transferring material from a source to a destination location or for interrogating a material at a location, where the locations remain fixed. The invention provides methods and apparatuses for transferring or interrogating materials by one or more carrier devices to one or more receiving devices, where the carrier and receiving devices move independently and simultaneously on multiple axes. In some embodiments, one or more of the carrier and receiving devices can move along an X, Z, Y, and Theta axis, which allows the source and destination locations to rotate and translate relative to each other. Due to this rotation and translation, containers can be positioned to minimize the distance traveled between a pick location from the source and a place location on the destination, greatly increasing the speed at which material transfer can occur. |
| US09823263B2 |
Apparatus for removing liquid contents of a container having a key activated sliding lock and method therefore
Cradles for draining liquid from containers are described herein. An example apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall, a side wall and an open top. The housing is to receive a container having liquid. The example apparatus includes a probe extending upward from the bottom wall toward the open top and is to drain the liquid from the container when the probe is inserted into the container. The example apparatus also includes a sliding lock slidably disposed within the housing that receives a cap or top of the container when the container is inserted into the housing. The sliding lock includes a key slot. The sliding lock is movable when a cap or top of the container has a matching key that engages the key slot, which enables the sliding lock to move downward to expose the probe and drain the liquid from the container. |
| US09823261B2 |
Multi-well wedge-shaped reagent container with auto-open capability
A multi-well fluid container that includes a container body is provided for use in an in vitro diagnostics automation system. The container body includes a first well having a first well size configured to hold a first fluid and an openable first well closure that covers a first well opening. The first well opening provides access to the first fluid in the first well when the openable first well closure is opened. The container body also includes a second well having a second well size configured to hold a second fluid and having an openable second well closure that covers a second well opening. The second well opening provides access to the second fluid in the second well when the openable second well closure is opened. The first well size of the first well is different than the second well size of the second well. |
| US09823260B2 |
Method to increase bioavailability of the delta-opioid receptor for management of pain and neuropsychiatric disorders
Described herein is a method to induce surface trafficking of the delta-Opioid Receptor (DOR) and its applications, including, leveraging the antinociceptive potential of DOR agonists to treaty neurologic disorders and to be analgesics without the adverse consequences normally associated with chronic treatment by MOR agonists by inducing surface trafficking of the delta-Opioid Receptor (DOR) and screening compounds to identify additional targets for stimulated DOR delivery. |
| US09823257B2 |
Methods of treating or selecting a treatment for a subject having heart failure that include detecting levels of galectin-3 and soluble ST2
Provided are methods for evaluating the risk of an adverse clinical outcome in a subject, deciding whether to discharge or continue treating a subject (e.g., treatment on an inpatient basis), or to initiate or terminate treatment, selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study, and selecting a therapeutic treatment for a subject that include determining a level of ST2 in a biological sample from the subject and determining a level of galectin-3 in a biological sample from the subject. Kits are also provided that contain an antibody that specifically binds to ST2, an antibody that specifically binds to galectin-3, and instructions for using the kit to evaluate the risk of an adverse clinical outcome in a subject, to decide whether to discharge or continue treating a subject (e.g., treatment on an inpatient basis) or to initiate or terminate treatment, to select a subject for participation in a clinical study, and/or to select treatment for a subject. |
| US09823255B2 |
Method for assessing protein identity and stability
The present invention relates to methods and other technologies that may be used to determine whether compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising interleukin-10 molecules (e.g., pegylated interleukin-10) meet particular product-related specifications prior to being administered to a subject for the treatment and/or prevention of the diseases, disorders and conditions, and/or the symptoms thereof, described herein. |
| US09823253B2 |
Assays using surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active particles
Disclosed herein are diagnostic assays using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active particles, including liquid-based assays; magnetic capture assays; microparticle-nanoparticle satellite structures for signal amplification in an assay; composite SERS-active particles useful for enhanced detection of targets; and sample tubes and processes for using the same. |
| US09823247B2 |
Methods and devices for integrating analyte extraction, concentration and detection
Disclosed herein are devices and methods that use aqueous two phase systems and lateral flow assays to detect target analytes in a sample. These devices and methods may be used to diagnose a disease or condition in a biological sample, such as blood or serum. In addition, these devices and methods may be used to detect allergens in a food samples or contaminants, such as environmental toxins, in water samples. Device and kit components may be conveniently assembled in a portable container and are amenable to actuation in most settings. The devices are simple to use, requiring a non-trained operator to simply add the sample to the device. Conveniently, the time it takes to detect the target analyte is very short. Thus, the devices and methods disclosed herein provide novel and useful means for point-of-care. |
| US09823246B2 |
Fluorescence enhancing plasmonic nanoscopic gold films and assays based thereon
Disclosed are nanostructured gold films which may be produced by solution-phase depositions of gold ions onto a variety of surfaces. The resulting plasmonic gold films are used for enhanced spectroscopic-based immunoassays in multiplexed microarray format with detection mechanisms based on either surface-enhanced Raman scattering or near-infrared fluorescence enhancement. The preparation of the films and subsequent modifications of the gold film surfaces afford increased sensitivity for various microarrays. The films are discontinuous, forming gold “islands.” Sensitivity, size, shape, and density of the nanoscopic gold islands comprising the discontinuous nanostructured gold film are controlled to enhance the intensity of Raman scattering and fluorescence in the near-infrared, allowing for improved measurements in clinical diagnostic or biomedical research applications. |
| US09823245B2 |
Nanodisc clathrates and uses thereof
The present invention describes the novel molecular entities, nanodisc clathrates, the method of preparation, and the use of these molecular entities for solution phase analysis or crystallization. |
| US09823244B1 |
Digital progressive compression driven flow cartridge for analyte detecting device and method
A progressive compression test cartridge that is adapted with driven flow technology that can be coupled with a digital electronic device to make the test reading result more reliable quantitatively than visual interpretation. The test cartridge can provide test results typically in one minute or less. The test cartridge can accept a sample via a droplet or a stream sampling method. In the stream sampling method, the open end of the test cartridge allows the sample pad of the test strip to be exposed to the stream of fluid. A refracting pad on the base of the test cartridge can refract the original stream vector partially along the sample pad then continue flowing to elute and release the nanoparticles from the conjugate pad onto the membrane which is pre-coated with reactant(s). Collimated compression bars can prevent flooding sample by restricting the top and bottom surface of the conjugated pad. |
| US09823240B2 |
Methods and compositions for detecting multiple analytes with a single signal
Compositions, methods, and devices for the detection of multiple analytes with a single signal are provided. |
| US09823236B2 |
Method for testing oral malodor
The present invention relates to a method for testing oral malodor, in particular oral malodor from coffee. Described herein are methods for testing the efficacy of an oral care composition to reduce oral malodor, the method comprising the steps of: a) cleaning at least a part of the oral cavity with an oral care composition; b) testing a sample of exhaled breath from the cleaned oral cavity to provide a test result representing a amount of at least one oral malodor component detected in the exhaled breath; c) exposing the oral cavity to an oral malodor material including or capable of forming the at least one oral malodor component; and d) testing a sample of exhaled breath from the oral cavity to provide a test result representing an amount of the at least one oral malodor component detected in the exhaled breath. |
| US09823234B2 |
Dispensing device for holding and dispensing strip-like objects
A dispensing device for holding and dispensing strip-like objects, like test strips for analyzing a sample of bodily fluid, wherein the dispensing device holds a stack of strips. The dispensing device includes a container portion for holding the stack of strips and a dispenser portion for dispensing strips from the dispensing device, one at a time. The dispenser portion includes a movable element for applying a rotation motion to a strip to be dispensed from a first orientation, in which the strip is enclosed in the dispensing device, to a second orientation, in which the strip is at least partially exposed. |
| US09823230B2 |
Insulating grip and apparatus for a gas sensor
In a gas sensor, not only a tube 70 covers lead wires 48, but also the tube 70 covers an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of an outer cylinder 46 including an open end 46a. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 46 covered with the tube 70 is gripped by a clamp 80. Thus, the clamp 80 integrally grips the tube 70 and the outer cylinder 46. Moreover, the tube 70 protrudes from the clamp 80 to a side of the outer cylinder 46 opposite from the open end 46a (protrusion amount L>0). Further, the open end 46a of the outer cylinder 46 forms a large-diameter portion whose outer diameter is larger than an inner diameter D1 of the clamp 80. |
| US09823226B2 |
HPLC sample introduction with coupling sample reservoirs in parallel between mobile phase drive and separation unit
Disclosed is a sample dispatcher configured for individually introducing a plurality of portions of one or more sample fluids into a flow of a mobile phase of a separation system configured for separating compounds of the sample fluids. The separation system comprises a mobile phase drive configured for driving the mobile phase through a separation unit configured for separating compounds of the sample fluids in the mobile phase. The sample dispatcher comprises a plurality of sample reservoirs, each configured for receiving and temporarily storing a respective sample fluid portion or at least a part thereof. The sample dispatcher is configured for selectively coupling one of the plurality of sample reservoirs between the mobile phase drive and the separation unit, and further for coupling at least two of the plurality of sample reservoirs in parallel between the mobile phase drive and the separation unit. |
| US09823225B2 |
Injector sample dilution for a liquid chromatography system
Described are a method and a system for diluting a sample at a location of injection in a liquid chromatography system. The method includes loading a sample into a first fluid channel, separating a flow of a mobile phase into a first flow in the first fluid channel and a second flow in a second fluid channel, and combining the sample that is displaced from the first fluid channel and the mobile phase exiting the second fluid channel at the location of injection into the system flow to thereby generate a diluted sample in the system flow. The dilution ratio of the diluted sample is responsive to the flow rates of the first and second flows. Advantageously, the flow rates can be changed by changing the flow restriction of one of the fluid channels. Thus providing the proper flow restriction enables a user to obtain a desired dilution ratio. |
| US09823224B2 |
Weld inspection method and system
A system for inspecting a weld on a component where the weld has a plurality of cross-sections includes a camera disposed above the weld that optically senses a weld position. A projector disposed above the weld projects on to the component along a length of the weld position a primary scan path with a primary scan path start point and a primary scan path end point. An imaging probe scans the weld as the imaging probe moves from the primary scan path start point to the primary scan path end point to generate a plurality of 2D cross-sectional images of the weld corresponding to the cross-sections of the weld, the imaging probe having a position and skew angle that vary as the imaging probe moves. Each 2D cross-sectional image of the weld is optically encoded with a respective imaging probe position and a respective imaging probe skew angle. |
| US09823219B2 |
Electrochemical detection system with internal life-test
A detection system includes an electrochemical sensor. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the electrochemical sensor and configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the electrochemical sensor. A controller is coupled to the measurement circuitry and is configured to provide an indication based on the measured electrical characteristic. The controller is further configured to generate an electrical disturbance to the electrochemical sensor and obtain a sensor recovery profile to provide a diagnostic indication relative to the electrochemical sensor. |
| US09823218B2 |
Integrated circuit with nanowire ChemFET-sensors, sensing apparatus, measuring method and manufacturing method
Integrated circuit (100) comprising a semiconductor substrate (110); an insulating layer (120) over said substrate; an first transistor (140) on said insulating layer, said first transistor comprising an exposed channel region (146) in between a source region (142a, 142b) and a drain region (144); and a voltage waveform generator (150) conductively coupled to the semiconductor substrate for providing the first transistor with a bias voltage during a signal acquisition period, wherein the voltage waveform generator is arranged to generate an alternating bias voltage waveform (300) comprising a periodically increasing amplitude. A sensing apparatus including such an integrated circuit and a sensing method using such an integrated circuit are also disclosed. |
| US09823216B2 |
Sensor material and gas sensor element and gas sensor derived therefrom
An NO2 sensor comprises a sensing electrode material that includes a compound consisting essentially of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mn, Co, and Fe; an element selected from the group consisting of Si and Ti; and oxygen. In an alternate embodiment, the sensing electrode material includes a compound consisting essentially of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mn, Co, and Fe; an element selected from the group consisting of Si and Ti; an element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Li, Na, and K; and oxygen. Sensors made with these sensing electrode materials demonstrate good NO2 sensitivity and reduced sensitivity to cross-interference from NO and NH3. |
| US09823215B2 |
Electrochemical sensor
This invention relates to an electrochemical sensor (1), comprising a base element (3), which is made of electrically insulating material and has a planar surface (9), and a pair of conductors (5), which are attached to said planar surface (9) of the base element (3), wherein the two conductors (5) of the pair are connected by at least one wire-shaped electrochemical working electrode (7). The invention further related to a sensor array (21), which has several previously described sensors (1), and to a method for coating a working electrode (7) of the previously described sensor (1). |
| US09823213B2 |
Electrochemical test strip, measurement system and method for determining sample content in the reactive region of the electrochemical test strip
An electrochemical test strip, measurement system and method for determining sample content in the reactive region of the electrochemical test strip are presented. The electrochemical test strip comprises an insulator substrate which includes an electrode system disposed thereon. The electrode system includes at least one pair of electrodes. A lower plate which includes a reactive region and a sampling cell is disposed on the insulator substrate. An upper plate is disposed on the lower plate, wherein the at least one pair of electrodes is designed as an electrical loop adjacent to the sampling port. |
| US09823212B2 |
Setting method for conductive object of electrochemical test strip
The present invention relates a setting method for a conductive object of electrochemical test strip. In the embodiment, this manufacturing process is not complex, convenient, and has well precision, such that the cost of manufacturing an electrochemical test strip is reduced effectively, and the disadvantage of past manufacturing process is improved. The present invention is highly applied and convenient, so that wide application can be expected in the future. |
| US09823210B2 |
Method of manufacturing a biosensor
A method for manufacturing a biosensor includes forming an electrode layer on a flexible foil. An adhesive layer is positioned on the foil layer, and a first photo-definable hydrogel membrane is positioned over the electrode layer and the adhesive layer. A second photo-definable hydrogel membrane with an immobilized bio-recognition element is positioned over the first hydrogel membrane in contact with the electrode layer through an opening in the first hydrogel membrane. |
| US09823209B2 |
Micro-devices for disease detection
Among others, the present invention provides piezo-electric micro-devices for detecting at the microscopic level an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, physical, bio-chemical, bio-physical, physical-chemical, bio-physical-chemical, bio-mechanical, bio-electro-mechanical, electro-mechanical, or mechanical property of the biologic subject. |
| US09823208B2 |
Method for measuring spreading resistance and spreading resistance microscope
A method includes: removing at least a part of an oxide formed on a surface of the sample by relatively scanning the surface of the sample in X and Y directions parallel to the surface while bringing a probe into contact with the surface of the sample; detecting a signal by bringing the probe into contact with the surface of the sample from which at least a part of the oxide is removed at a predetermined detection position in the X direction or the Y direction while a bias voltage is applied to the sample; calculating a spreading resistance value based on the signal; and retracting the probe to keep the probe relatively away from the surface in a Z direction perpendicular to the surface while relatively moving the probe to a next detection position to start scanning the sample from the next detection position. |
| US09823207B2 |
Method and device for determining intracellular and/or extracellular, in particular macromolecular fractions of fluids, preferably of body fluids of living organisms
Method and device according to the method for determining intracellular and/or extracellular, in particular macromolecular fractions of fluids, preferably of body fluids of living organisms, with the steps: coupling-in a measurement signal through an electrically non-conductive wall into the fluid to be measured; coupling-out an electrical measurement value that is thereby generated in the fluid to be measured; detecting the coupled-out electrical measurement value at a plurality of different frequencies of the electrical measurement signal; determining the intracellular and/or extracellular, in particular macromolecular fractions of the fluid to be measured by means of evaluation of the detected electrical measurement value at a plurality of frequencies of the measurement signal. |
| US09823203B2 |
X-ray surface analysis and measurement apparatus
Systems for x-ray diffraction/scattering measurements having greater x-ray flux and x-ray flux density are disclosed. These are useful for applications such as material structural analysis and crystallography. The higher flux is achieved by using designs for x-ray targets comprising a number of microstructures of one or more selected x-ray generating materials fabricated in close thermal contact with a substrate having high thermal conductivity. This allows for bombardment of the targets with higher electron density or higher energy electrons, which leads to greater x-ray flux. The high brightness/high flux source may then be coupled to an x-ray reflecting optical system, which can focus the high flux x-rays to a spots that can be as small as one micron, leading to high flux density, and used to illuminate materials for the analysis based on their scattering/diffractive effects. |
| US09823199B1 |
Luminescent polydentate polycyclic compounds for metal ions
Polydentate polycyclic compounds of various formulas are disclosed herein. The compounds are useful for ratiometric luminescence. Significantly, the compounds will luminesce at different wavelengths/colors, depending on the analyte (metal ion, acid, or boron-containing compound) it is combined with. Thus, a single compound can provide different luminescent outputs based on the analyte, rather than requiring an entire set of structurally different compounds to detect each analyte or to generate a desired color output. |
| US09823198B2 |
Method and apparatus for non-contact measurement of internal quantum efficiency in light emitting diode structures
Non-contact measurement of one or more electrical response characteristics of a LED structure includes illuminating an illumination area of a surface of a light emitting diode structure with one or more light pulses, measuring a transient of a luminescence signal from a luminescence area within the illumination area of the light emitting diode structure with a luminescence sensor, determining a first luminescence intensity at a first time of the measured transient of the luminescence signal from the light emitting diode structure, determining a second luminescence intensity at a second time different from the first time of the measured transient of the luminescence signal from the light emitting diode structure and determining an intensity of the electroluminescence component of the luminescence signal from the light emitting diode structure based on the first luminescence signal and the second luminescence signal. |
| US09823197B2 |
Detecting method, microarray analyzing method, and fluorescence reading device
A detecting method includes irradiating a substrate having a concave and convex shape, with laser light collected by a lens; and detecting a height difference of the concave and convex shape by acquiring light intensity of reflected light and/or scattered light from the substrate as image data, and a light irradiation surface of the substrate is arranged at a position closer to the lens than a focal position of the lens is, reflected light and/or scattered light from the light irradiation surface is received as detected light, and a height difference of the substrate is detected based on a change in intensity of the received light. |
| US09823194B2 |
Methods and compositions for highly sensitive detection of molecules
Disclosed are methods, kits, and compositions for the highly sensitive detection of molecules. The methods, kits, and compositions are useful in determining concentrations of molecules in samples to levels of 1 femtomolar, 1 attomolar, or lower. The methods, kits, and compositions also allow the determination of concentration over a wide range, e.g., 7-log range, without need for sample dilution. |
| US09823192B1 |
Auto-calibration surface plasmon resonance biosensor
A surface plasmon resonance biosensor comprises: a prism, an incident light incident to a side of the prism and reflected at the side of the prism, the incident light comprising a first incident light having a first incident angle and a second incident light having a second incident angle, and a detector comprising pixels for detecting the incident light reflected at the side of the prism, where positions of pixels of the detector correspond to incident angles of the incident light, and where positions of pixels of the detector are calibrated by at least the first incident light having the first incident angle and the second incident light having the second incident angle. |
| US09823191B2 |
Micro-prism test chip
A disposable micro-prism test chip for surface plasmon resonance measurement comprises a micro-tray and a micro-prism mounted on the micro-tray. The micro-tray and the micro-prism form at least one cell for providing a fluid dielectric medium for measurement. The disposable micro-prism test chip also comprises a thin metal layer coated on the surface of the micro-prism in the formed cell between the fluid dielectric medium and the micro-prism. The micro-tray may have at least one through window for forming the at least one cell. The micro-tray may also have a half-through cavity facing the micro-prism. The disposable micro-prism test chip is disposed after at least one use. The micro-prism may be fabricated by pulling a heated preform, where the preform has the same cross-section as that of the pulled micro-prism. |
| US09823190B2 |
Particle counter for chemical solution
A particle counter for chemical solution in this disclosure uses a flow cell through which a chemical solution including particles flows, a laser light, and a light-receiving element array. Scattered light from the particles passing through a detection region on an optical path of the laser light in the flow cell is condensed to the light-receiving element array. The laser light in the center of the detection region has an energy density of 3×108 mW/cm2 or more. Each of plural light-receiving elements (a) is larger in length and width than a spot diameter of the scattered light, and (b) receives the scattered light from a region with a size of 760 μm2 or less included in the detection region. The signal processing unit counts the particles passing through the detection region by use of a threshold corresponding to the smallest measurable particle size of 0.03 μm. |
| US09823187B2 |
Contact-free photomixing probe for device and integrated circuit measurement or characterization
A device for measuring and characterizing solid-state devices or integrated circuits at RF frequencies up to 1.0 THz and beyond is provided that includes a transmitting photomixing probe structure and a receiving photomixing probe structure. The transmitting photomixing probe structure and the receiving photomixing probe structure are ac-coupled to the solid-state device or integrated circuit in a contact-free manner. |
| US09823185B1 |
NDIR reflection sampling in liquids
For determining concentration of a targeted molecule M in a liquid sample admixed with interfering molecules MJ which overlap its absorption band, a NDIR reflection sampling technique is used. Besides the signal source, a reference and an interference source are added. M is calculated by electronics which use Rave(t) from a pulsed signal and reference channel output and a calibration curve which is validated by use of RJava(t2) from a pulsed interference and reference channel output. Signal, interference and reference sources are pulsed at a frequency which is sufficiently fast so that a given molecule of M or MJ will not pass in and out of the liquid sampling matrix within the pulsing frequency. |
| US09823184B1 |
Distributed gas detection system and method
A distributed gas detection system includes one or more hollow core fibers disposed in different locations, one or more solid core fibers optically coupled with the one or more hollow core fibers and configured to receive light of one or more wavelengths from a light source, and an interrogator device configured to receive at least some of the light propagating through the one or more solid core fibers and the one or more hollow core fibers. The interrogator device is configured to identify a location of a presence of a gas-of-interest by examining absorption of at least one of the wavelengths of the light at least one of the hollow core fibers. |
| US09823177B2 |
Calibrated permeation standards
A permeation standard is provided. The permeation standard may include a substrate that is impermeable to an analyte, an orifice disposed in the substrate, and a permeable material filling the orifice. The orifice and the permeable material are configured to provide a predetermined transmission rate of the analyte through the permeation standard. Also provided herein are methods for forming the permeation standard. |
| US09823173B2 |
Blood measuring apparatus
A blood measuring apparatus includes: a liquid supply source storing a sheath liquid and applying a pressure to supply the sheath liquid to first and second chambers, pressures of the sheath liquids to be supplied to the first and second chambers different from each other; a sheath flow generator sending a blood sample supplied to the first chamber, to the aperture while causing the blood sample to be converged by a sheath flow due to the sheath liquid supplied from the liquid supply source; and a swirling flow generator causing the blood sample in the second chamber, to be converged by a swirling flow due to the sheath liquid supplied from the liquid supply source, thereby allowing the blood sample to flow in a direction separating from the aperture. |
| US09823170B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for use in locating subsurface ore bodies
A method and system for locating subsurface ore bodies. Samples of near surface soil are collected over a predetermined geographical area. The samples are analysed to discover any chemical anomalies in the dust particles as a way of identifying possible subcropping mineralization. A tine (22) and collection tube (24) engage into subsurface soil and samples are drawn up the tube into a dust collection module (12). Sub 5 micron particles are captured on an electrostatically charged tape (40). Consecutive samples are indexed on the tape e.g. with a barcode. Collected dust samples are ablated by a laser ablation cell (72) and the ablated sample analysed by a mass spectrometer for presence of ions indicating presence of a resource body, such as a body of ore, minerals or hydrocarbons. |
| US09823169B1 |
Cyclonic fugitive dust sampler
A dust sampling system including a dust sampler and a vehicle on which the dust sampler is placed. The dust sampler has a suction unit, a cyclone, a dust collection container, and an air intake conduit. The suction unit draws in air containing dust particles. The cyclone centrifugally separates the dust particles from the drawn-in air. The cyclone has an air input port, a particle discharge end, and an air output port connected to the suction unit. A dust collection container is positioned underneath the cyclone to receive the separated dust particles from the cyclone. The air intake conduit has an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the air input port of the cyclone. The suction unit draws in the air containing the dust particles into the air inlet of the air intake conduit while the vehicle moves to collect samples of fugitive dust from a road. |
| US09823158B2 |
Multi-function ultrasonic sound generator with an audio transducer for human hearing
A system for ultrasonic leak detection employs a number of ultrasonic signal generators, each of which include an ultrasonic transducer generating an ultrasonic signal and an audio transducer generating an audio signal in the frequency range of human hearing that is a replica of the ultrasonic waveform. The ultrasonic signal generators are activated and placed at selected locations within the enclosure to be tested. The operator can listen for the audio signal to verify operation and the output waveform type of the ultrasonic signal generators. A mobile ultrasonic leak detector can then be employed outside the enclosure to detect any leakage of the ultrasonic signal through the enclosure wall to identify any leak paths. |
| US09823157B2 |
Tool for leak point identification and new methods for identification, close visual inspection and repair of leaking pipelines
An apparatus for close visual inspection of subsea pipelines comprises a housing with a chamber that has an open side. The open side is adapted to be placed in sealing engagement against the pipeline. The chamber is flooded with clear water to improve the visual view. It is also described an apparatus for identification of a plume exiting from a leak The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber with a water permeable side that is adapted to face downward during use, and thereby being exposed to the exiting substance. A gas pressurizing device for creates a gas/water interface within the housing. An imaging device arranged above the water surface is adapted to image the water surface and detect id the water surface is being disturbed by the plume. |
| US09823156B1 |
Methods to detect water leaks in irrigation systems using a pump energy consumption data
Water leaks in irrigation systems may be detected by analysis of water pump energy consumption data captured from a utility power meter. Unlike existing solutions that use water meters or acoustic sensors, embodiments of the present apparatus and methods described herein detect water leaks based upon the electrical load associated with the water pump(s) in irrigation lines. These methods have the advantage of not requiring any extra hardware at the site of the irrigation system. |
| US09823154B2 |
Bleed air duct leak system real-time fault detection
A method and apparatus for testing a duct leak detection system of an aircraft is disclosed. A sensor of the duct leak detection system is selected at an interface of the duct leak detection system. An alternating current is sent through the selected sensor and a resistance of the selected sensor is measured using the alternating current. An indicative signal is generated at the interface when the measured resistance of the selected sensor is outside of a specification of the selected sensor. |
| US09823153B2 |
Tire uniformity improvement through identification of process harmonics from static balance measurements
Systems and methods for improving tire uniformity using estimates of process harmonic magnitude(s) from static balance measurements for a set of tires are provided. In particular, a sequence of observed magnitudes of static balance can be obtained for a set of tires. The sequence of observed magnitudes can be analyzed in conjunction with a baseline magnitude pattern associated with the process harmonic to derive a magnitude of the process harmonic. The magnitude of the process harmonic can be used to improve the uniformity of tires. |
| US09823144B2 |
Load sensor
There is provided a load sensor including: a pressing shaft configured to transmit a load in an axial direction of the pressing shaft; a sensor element configured to measure the load being transmitted by the pressing shaft; and a load limiting means configured to limit the load applied to the sensor element and protect the sensor element from being applied with excessive load, the load limiting means being configured to be deformable by the load when the load transmitted by the pressing shaft exceeds an allowable measurement range set for the sensor element. |
| US09823135B2 |
Microfluidic devices with integrated resistive heater electrodes including systems and methods for controlling and measuring the temperatures of such heater electrodes
The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling the temperature of a heater electrode associated with a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic device, wherein power applied to the heater electrode is regulated by varying the duty cycle of a pulse width modulation (PWM). In another aspect, the present invention a controller configured to compute the temperature of the heater electrode during the power-on portion of the duty cycle and the during the power-off portion of the duty cycle and to adjust the duty cycle as necessary to achieve a desired temperature in the heater electrode. |
| US09823132B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring temperature of semiconductor layer
A method and apparatus are provided to directly and accurately detect a temperature of a semiconductor layer at the time of depositing and film-forming the semiconductor layer. First wavelength laser light having light transmissivity attenuated in a first temperature range and second wavelength laser light having light transmissivity attenuated in a second temperature range are applied to the semiconductor layer. A light receiving unit receives light passing through the semiconductor layer. An attenuation range of the laser light transmissivity is detected when the temperature of the semiconductor layer is increased and the detection light quantity of the first wavelength laser light is attenuated. As the temperature continues to increase and the detection light quantity of the second wavelength laser light exceeds an attenuation start point, the temperature of the semiconductor layer is calculated based on a detection light quantity at a predetermined measurement time and the attenuation range. |
| US09823127B2 |
Systems and methods for deep spectroscopic imaging of biological samples with use of an interferometer and spectrometer
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for deep spectroscopic imaging of a biological sample. In an aspect, a system includes a broad bandwidth light source configured to generate an illumination beam, an interferometer, and a spectrometer. The interferometer includes a first beam splitter configured to split the illumination beam into an incident beam and a reference beam; an optical lens directs the incident beam onto a biological sample at a predefined offset from corresponding optical axis, and receive a beam scattered from the biological sample. The beams are configured to intersect with each other within a focal zone of the optical lens. Photons of the incident beam undergo multiple forward scattering within the biological sample. A second beam splitter configured to receive and superimpose the scattered and reference beams, to generate an interference beam. The spectrometer uses a spectral domain detection technique to assess tissue properties of the biological sample. |
| US09823126B2 |
Apparatus and method for snapshot spectral imaging
Apparatus and method for obtaining a plurality of spectral images of a source object in a snapshot using comprising two-dimensional compressed sensing data cube reconstruction (2D CS-SCR) applied to a dispersed-diffused snapshot image. In some embodiments, the snapshot image is obtained through a RIP diffuser. In some embodiments, a randomizer is used to further randomized the dispersed-diffused snapshot image. The 2D CS-SCR includes applying a 2D framelet transform separately to arrays representing different wavebands of spectral cube data derived from the snapshot image. The application of the 2D framelet transform separately to the arrays representing the different wavebands includes application of direct and inverse 2D framelet transforms to the arrays. In some embodiments, the direct and inverse framelet transforms are included in a split Bregman iteration. |
| US09823125B2 |
System and method for dynamically sweeping a tunable laser
The invention provides a dynamically swept tunable laser system and method for measuring sensor characteristics obtained from an array of optical sensors comprising means for dividing the total wavelength sweep of the laser into different regions in any particular order where each region contains single or multiple contiguous sweep segments and where each sweep segment is referenced by a start and a stop reference and can have different lengths compared to the other sweep segments. The sensor characteristics are determined from each region swept by the tunable laser. The invention provides for the tunable laser to be adapted to operate in a quasi-continuous mode to select segments in any order. The relative sweep rates of regions can be changed such that some regions can be swept more times than other regions. |
| US09823124B2 |
Fully-coherent terahertz detection method and system
A method and a system for terahertz detection, using at least a first and a second electrodes separated by a centro-symmetric material. The system comprises at least a first and a second electrodes with conductive pads for connection to a voltage source, separated by a centro-symmetric material; the method comprising second harmonic generation in the centro-symmetric material by overlapping of a probe and a terahertz beams. |
| US09823122B2 |
Computing device and method for detecting lightness of lighting device
A computing device and a method detect a lightness of a lighting device. The computing device captures an image of the lighting device and parses the image to obtain a pixel gray value of each lighting dot of the lighting device. The computing device obtains detection information of the lighting device according to the pixel gray value of each lighting dot of the lighting device. The computing device generates a detection report of the lighting device according to the detection information of the lighting device. |
| US09823121B2 |
Method and system for measuring radiation and temperature exposure of wafers along a fabrication process line
A measurement wafer device for measuring radiation intensity and temperature includes a wafer assembly including one or more cavities. The measurement wafer device further includes a detector assembly. The detector assembly is disposed within the one or more cavities of the wafer assembly. The detector assembly includes one or more light sensors. The detector assembly is further configured to perform a direct or indirect measurement of the intensity of ultraviolet light incident on a surface of the wafer assembly. The detector assembly is further configured to determine a temperature of one or more portions of the wafer assembly based on one or more characteristics of the one or more light sensors. |
| US09823119B2 |
System and method for analyzing a light beam guided by a beam guiding optical unit
A system and a method for analyzing a light beam guided by a beam guiding optical unit. The system has a graduated neutral density filter arrangement (120, 520), which is arranged in a far field plane of the beam guiding optical unit and has at least one graduated neutral density filter (121, 521, 522, 523) having a spatially varying transmission, and a light intensity sensor arrangement having at least one light intensity sensor (140, 540), which is arranged in a near field plane of the beam guiding optical unit and is configured to measure (141, 541, 542, 543), for each graduated neutral density filter (121, 521, 522, 523) of the graduated neutral density filter arrangement (120, 520), a light intensity transmitted by each graduated neutral density filter. |
| US09823116B2 |
Geometric calibration of a remote sensor
Geometric calibration of an imaging system is performed by recording visible control points in a calibration image whose geometric properties are known and calibration coefficients can be derived utilizing an image processing system for transforming the recorded image into a geometric distortion-free image. Described are methods and systems for vicarious geometric calibration of a remote sensor that include a processor configured to receive image data collected at a remote sensor, the image data including a plurality of image elements each associated with a respective reflective mirror from a plurality of reflective mirrors located at respective know positions, determine, for each of the plurality of reflective mirrors, an image location in the image data and determine one or more figures of merit based on the image locations and the known positions for each of the plurality of reflective mirrors. |
| US09823114B2 |
Non-isotropic acoustic cable
Embodiments of the present invention address aliasing problems by providing a plurality of discrete acoustic sensors along a cable whereby acoustic signals may be measured in situations where the fiber optic cable has not been secured to a structure or area by a series of clamps, as described in the prior art. Acoustic sampling points are achieved by selectively enhancing the acoustic coupling between the outer layer and the at least one optical fiber arrangement, such that acoustic energy may be transmitted selectively from the outer layer to the at least one optical fiber arrangement. The resulting regions of acoustic coupling along the cable allow the optical fiber to detect acoustic signals. Regions between the outer layer and the at least one optical fiber arrangement that contain material which is acoustically insulating further this enhancement since acoustic waves are unable to travel through such mediums, or at least travel through such mediums at a reduced rate. |
| US09823111B2 |
Method and device for estimating loading state of vehicle
A predetermined relationship among various loading states, stability factor (Kh) of a vehicle and lateral acceleration (Gy) of the vehicle is stored in a storage device (30A) as a reference relationship (i.e. a map). Information regarding a lateral acceleration (Gy) of the vehicle is acquired using a lateral acceleration sensor (40). An estimated value of the stability factor (Kh) of the vehicle is calculated on the basis of vehicle travelling data when turning. A loading state of the vehicle is estimated on the basis of the area in which the estimated value of the stability factor and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle which is at the same point in time as the vehicle travelling data which were provided for the calculation of the estimated value belong in the reference relationship. |
| US09823110B2 |
Radar liquid level measuring apparatus and radar liquid level measuring method
A radar liquid level measuring apparatus (10) includes a first oscillation module (102), a second oscillation module (104), a frequency comparator (106) and a control module (107). The first oscillation module (102) has a first oscillation frequency. The first oscillation module (102) generates a first pulse signal (10202). The second oscillation module (104) has a second oscillation frequency. The second oscillation module (104) generates a second pulse signal (10402). The frequency comparator (106) converts the first pulse signal (10202) and the second pulse signal (10402) into an adjusted signal (10602). The control module (107) compares the adjusted signal (10602) with an expectation value (10818) to obtain a comparative result signal. According to the comparative result signal, the control module (107) adjusts the second oscillation frequency, so that the second oscillation frequency and the first oscillation frequency have a constant frequency difference. |
| US09823109B2 |
Chemical analyzer
A chemical analyzer includes a slide transport mechanism having a slide track adapted to hold a plurality of reagent test slides, a sample metering device, an incubator formed as a part of the slide transport mechanism to precisely maintain the temperature of the reagent test slides, a slide ejector mechanism to remove the slides from the slide transport mechanism, a sample preparation station, which includes a centrifuge, and associated electronics and software. The slide transport mechanism holds a plurality of trapezoidally-shaped reagent test slides about its circumference, which slides are loaded onto the transport mechanism by the slide inserter mechanism. The slide transport mechanism positions the reagent test slides under the sample metering device, which device deposits a predetermined volume of sample onto each slide. The slide transport mechanism also carries the slides above a reflectometer. After testing has been completed, the slide ejector mechanism automatically removes the reagent test slides from the slide transport mechanism. |
| US09823106B2 |
Flow sensor with heated air collar
A collar is provided for use with a fluid flow sensor to reduce condensation of a moist gas flowing through the fluid flow sensor. The collar comprises a body defining an interior that defines an airspace between the collar and the housing of the fluid flow sensor when the collar is positioned on the fluid flow sensor. The collar also includes a heat source secured to the body and adapted to heat air contained within the airspace to consequently heat the housing of the fluid flow sensor and the interior surfaces of the sensor to reduce condensation of the moist gas. |
| US09823105B2 |
Circuit arrangement for monitoring temperature and calorimetric mass flowmeter
A circuit arrangement (1) for monitoring the temperature of an electronic component (2), which, in particular, can be impinged with an electric current and can be connected to at least one voltage source (3). The circuit arrangement is able to guarantee safe monitoring of the temperature of an electronic component impinged with electric current by the electronic component (2) being part of at least one Wheatstone bridge (7) and by at least one switching device (8) being provided that influences the impingement of the electronic component (2) with electric current on the basis of a bridge transverse voltage of the Wheatstone bridge (7). Additionally, circuit arrangement (1) is well suited for use in a calorimetric mass flowmeter (18). |
| US09823104B2 |
Acquatic velocity scanning apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for velocity scanning in, e.g., bodies of water. In one embodiment, a scanned one-dimensional transducer array Doppler sonar arrangement is used to remotely measure both vertical and horizontal profiles of a river or channel along-stream water velocities within a cross-section of the river/channel from a single side-mounted sonar. |
| US09823102B2 |
Electronic circuit, field device comprising at least one such electronic circuit and method
An electronic circuit for demodulating a carrier signal, for modulating a wanted signal and for supplying a consumer with power. The carrier signal is an alternating signal having a positive half-wave and a negative half-wave, comprising: a galvanically isolating, especially an inductive, interface with a first contact and a second contact, wherein the carrier signal is applied to the interface; a bridge rectifier having a first diode, second diode, third diode and fourth diode connected to the interface. The first diode and the second diode are conducting in the case of a positive half-wave, wherein the first contact of the interface is connected with the anode of the first diode, wherein the third diode and the fourth diode are conducting in the case of a negative half-wave, and wherein the second contact of the interface is connected with the anode of the third diode; a supply circuit, which is connected to the cathode of the first diode. A demodulation circuit is provided, which is connected to the cathode of the third diode; a modulation circuit, which is connected with the first contact; and the consumer, wherein the output of the demodulation circuit and the output of the supply circuit are connected with the consumer. The invention relates further to a field device comprising at least one such circuit as well as to a method. |
| US09823101B2 |
Automated stent inspection system
A method for the rapid optical inspection of stents is described wherein a stent is mounted on a mandrel with optical properties suitable for machine vision inspection of the stent is conveyed to a first inspection station containing a camera and illumination light source. A driving member securely contacts the mandrel and the stent is rotated in view of the inspection camera. The stent is then transferred to a second location for further operations. A unique identification tag is associated with each mandrel and tracks the location of the stent through the inspection process. |
| US09823096B2 |
Reflective type optical encoder
A code plate of an optical encoder has a nonplanar incident part on a first major surface for transmitting light emitted from a light emitter to the inside of the code plate, and a planar primary reflection part for fully reflecting the transmitted light. The first major surface is also provided with a code pattern part which extends in a ring shape around the rotation axis at a position different from the incident part to switch transmission/non-transmission of the totally reflected light in accordance with a rotation position of the code plate. The code pattern part has nonplanar exit parts which transmit the totally reflected light, and planar secondary reflection parts which again totally reflect the totally reflected light. The secondary reflection parts and exit parts are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis. |
| US09823093B2 |
Folding angle sensing of a foldable device
A device is disclosed comprising: a first portion; a second portion; a hinge element between the first portion and the second portion; a magnetic sensor disposed on the first portion configured to measure an ambient magnetic field; a non-extensible element configured between the first portion and the second portion, and fixed with respect to the second portion; a magnetic element configured on a free end of the non-extensible element so that a rotation of the first portion with respect to the second portion causes relative motion between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor, thereby causing a change in a magnetic field between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor; wherein an angle of fold between the two portions is calculated based on the change in the magnetic field as determined by the magnetic sensor. |
| US09823085B2 |
System for calculating routes
A navigation system determines one or more routes for a user from one location to another. The navigation system uses model data or information about weather, date, or time to determine an optimal route for a user. The navigation system may consider user preferences and dangerous or awkward conditions or criteria, and may perform a cost value analysis in determining the optimal route for a user. |
| US09823084B2 |
Coordinating arrival and departure times
Various embodiments coordinate travel among members of a group. In one embodiment, a destination that is common to each user in a plurality of users is identified. An arrival time for the plurality of users to arrive at the destination is determined. The arrival time is common to each user in the plurality of users. A current location of each user in the plurality of users is identified. A departure time is determined, for each user in the plurality of users, for the user to arrive at the destination by the arrival time based on at least the current location of the user. The departure time, for each user in the plurality of users, is transmitted to the user. |
| US09823082B2 |
Driver guidance for guided maneuvering
A system and method for driver guidance are presented. A position sensor is mounted to a vehicle. The position sensor is configured to identify a position of the vehicle and a heading of the vehicle. A device is configured to generate a plurality of outputs. A controller is connected to the position sensor and the display device. The controller is configured to access, via a wireless communications network, a database to identify a target loading location for the vehicle, determine a location and a heading of the target loading location for the vehicle, and modify at least one of the plurality of outputs of the display device based upon at least one of the location and the heading of the target loading location. |
| US09823081B2 |
Vehicle passenger identification
At least one first model represents a person. A request to pick up a passenger includes a first location and a personal identifier for the passenger. A vehicle is caused to navigate to the first location. The passenger is identified by comparing a second model generated from vehicle sensor data with the first model. |
| US09823076B2 |
Interferometric system with multiaxial optical fibre and method for processing an interferometric signal in such a system
An interferometric system with multi-axis optical fiber and a method for processing an interferometric signal in such a system, the multi-axis interferometric system includes a light source (1); a plurality of N optical-fiber coils (11, 12), a first optical separation element (3) capable of splitting the source beam (100) into a first split beam (140) and a second split beam (240); shared phase-modulation element (4); a photodetector (2) and a signal-processing system (800). The N optical-fiber coils (11, 12) are connected in parallel, the coils having respective transit times T1, T2, . . . TN that all differ from one another, and the signal-processing system (800) is capable of processing the interferometric signal (720) detected by the shared photodetector (2) as a function of the respective transit times in the various coils. |
| US09823072B2 |
Drive signal control for resonating elements
In some implementations, a control system for a resonating element comprises: a resonating element being driven by an oscillating drive signal and configured to generate a sense signal proportional to an amplitude of motion; a phase comparator coupled to the resonating element and to an oscillating drive signal, the phase comparator configured to compare the sense signal and the oscillating drive signal and to generate an error signal proportional to the phase difference; an oscillator coupled to the phase comparator and configured for generating the oscillating drive signal, the oscillator configured to receive the error signal and to adjust a phase of the oscillating signal based on the error signal; and an automatic gain control coupled to the resonating element and the oscillator, the automatic gain control configured to adjust the gain of the oscillating drive signal based on the signal generated by the resonating element. |
| US09823062B2 |
Inspection system for threaded parts
The present invention relates to an inspection device and particularly to a device using an array of light sources and photo-detection devices to evaluate threaded workpieces for conformance to spatial form criteria. The invention provides for improved identification of flaws in threaded components to identify the conformance of parts. |
| US09823061B2 |
Displacement measurement of deformable bodies
A method for measuring a position of an object, the method includes probing a sensing mark arranged in a first plane on a substrate to determine the position of the object, a portion of the substrate connecting the sensing mark to the object. An edge of the object can be sufficiently close to an edge of the sensing mark to reduce measurement errors in the position of the object caused by a deformation of the substrate. |
| US09823060B2 |
Common calibration system and corresponding method
The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a deformable surface (2) and a first and a second sensor (C1, C2) designed to provide a first and a second measurement signal (S1, S2) intended to be collected by a processing circuit (12), said system (1) comprising first and second measurement paths (V1, V2) for collecting the first and second measurement signals (S1, S2), said system (1) being characterized in that it comprises a common calibration member (20) for simultaneously injecting into the first and second measurement paths (V1, V2) a calibration signal (SE), said common calibration member (20) being designed so that the image signals (S′1, S′2, S′n) restored via said measurement paths (V1, V2, Vn) are independent of said movable surface (2). Deformable movable surface systems, of the deformable mirror type. |
| US09823058B2 |
Device for position determination
A device for position determination includes a light source and a planar measurement reflector movable along a measurement direction oriented perpendicular to the measurement reflector. A detector device is disposed such that a beam emitted by the light source strikes the detector device after impinging on the measurement reflector so that, in an event of a movement of the measurement reflector along the measurement direction, a signal results which is dependent on a position of the measurement reflector and from which a reference signal is generatable at a defined reference position. A deflection unit is disposed so as to deflect the beam such that the beam strikes the measurement reflector twice and therebetween passes through the deflection unit. The deflection unit is arranged so that a deviation in beam direction, resulting after the first reflection from a tilt of the measurement reflector, is compensated after the second reflection. |
| US09823050B2 |
Integrated body armor garment
An integrated body armor garment for providing protection to a wearer against ballistic impacts. The garment has a body portion and a ballistic resistant armor system. The body portion can have an outer shell and an underlayer, and the armor system can be embedded within the body portion between the outer shell and the underlayer. The garment can be an upper body garment with a torso portion and left and right arm sleeves and a ballistic-resistant collar, and the armor system can be an upper torso armor system with body armor panels overlapping in a reverse shingle configuration. The armor system can have a plurality of armor panels connected by a resilient cord or other elastic suspension network. The network can be adjustable, as by a cinching of the cord, to permit the body armor panels to be adjusted in relative position. |
| US09823049B2 |
Bomb toe cap and method of forming the same
An article is provided and includes a first ballistic particle impenetrable material, which is formable into a pack and a second material, which is formable into an enclosure for the pack, the enclosure having an interior facing surface in abutment with a substantial entirety of an exterior of the pack. |
| US09823045B2 |
Angle adjusting structure for aiming seat of crossbow
A crossbow includes an angle adjusting structure for an aiming seat and contains a body, a bow arm, and an adjuster. The body includes a grip handle and intersects with the bow arm which is disposed on the body and includes a bowstring. The adjuster includes a trigger set which has a triggering support with a threaded hole. The adjuster also includes the aiming seat connecting with a rifle scope, and the aiming seat has an orifice rotatably connecting with the triggering support by using a coupling shaft. The aiming seat also has a front segment and a rear segment. Between the front segment and the triggering support is defined a resilient element for pushing the front segment upward, and the rear segment has a threaded rod extending downward therefrom. The threaded rod screws with a rotatable wheel between the aiming seat and the trigger set. |
| US09823039B2 |
Paintball marker and loader system
Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets. There is also disclosed paintball equipment and methods for controlling both the firing and loading mechanism of paintball equipment. Current systems or mechanisms have individual and discrete electronic control systems for firing operations, e.g. located in the paintball gun itself, and loading operations, e.g. located inside the paintball loader. The present disclosure unifies the electronic control of said firing and loader operations into a single electronic circuit board located on either the paintball gun or paintball loader. |
| US09823038B2 |
Fletching jig
A fletching jig, which includes two support assemblies for an arrow shaft and a vane nest, wherein an arrow shaft disposed on the two support assemblies is aligned with a vane removeably disposed in the vane nest. |
| US09823033B2 |
Less-lethal force device impact ratio
Improvements in a less-lethal force device are disclosed. The less-lethal projectile device generally comprising a projectile, such as a rubber-encapsulated metal block, that is mated to a docking base by way of a mounting pins or base. The projectile may be made with a cavity located in its rearward section for enabling the projectile to fit onto the mounting pins portion of the docking base through compression or interference fit. The projectile captures a fired bullet and is propelled along the original path of the bullet at a less lethal velocity. The disclosed system results in converting a normally lethal weapon into a less-lethal blunt impact system. The mounting pins are configured to provide clearance to the sighting mechanism on the firearm. |
| US09823031B2 |
Modular automatic or semi-automatic rifle
A modular automatic or semiautomatic rifle. The rifle has a lower receiver assembly having a fire control assembly for firing the rifle. An upper receiver assembly is provided with a frame and a bolt carrier assembly configured for firing bullets of a predetermined caliber. The lower receiver has a mating interface configured for operably joining the lower receiver assembly to the upper receiver assembly, and for operably joining the lower receiver assembly to another upper receiver assembly different from the upper receiver assembly configured for firing bullets of the predetermined caliber. The other upper receiver assembly has a different frame and different bolt carrier assembly configured for firing bullets of a different predetermined caliber. |
| US09823030B2 |
Heated bypass valve for heat exchanger
A heat exchanger bypass system comprises a liquid circuit, a first fluid circuit, a second fluid circuit, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a liquid bypass line and a heated bypass valve. The first heat exchanger thermally couples the first fluid circuit to the liquid circuit. The second heat exchanger thermally couples the second fluid circuit to the liquid circuit. The liquid bypass line circumvents the first heat exchanger. The heated bypass valve controls flow through the liquid bypass line. |
| US09823028B2 |
Water cooling device with detachably assembled modularized units
A water cooling device with detachably assembled modularized units includes at least one modularized pump unit and at least one modularized heat exchange unit. Different number of the modularized heat exchange unit can be detachably assembled to the modularized pump unit according to the number of heat sources to be cooled. |
| US09823027B2 |
Cooling module and method of assembly
A cooling module includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a plurality of coupling devices. The first heat exchanger includes a plurality of first brackets. A pair of the first brackets is disposed on each opposing end of the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger includes a plurality second brackets. A pair of the second brackets is disposed on each opposing end of the second heat exchanger. Each of the plurality of the coupling devices includes a first opening and a second opening formed therein. One of the coupling devices is positioned on each of the plurality of the first brackets, wherein each of the first brackets is received in one of the first openings of the one of the coupling devices. The second brackets of the second heat exchanger are inserted into respective ones of the second openings of the coupling devices. |
| US09823026B2 |
Thermal energy storage with an expansion space
An arrangement for storing thermal energy, including a shaft (1) and at least one tunnel (2), the shaft (1) and the tunnel (2) being in fluid communication with each other. The tunnel (2) includes at least a first (2a), a second (2b), and a third (2c) tunnel section. The second tunnel section (2b) is arranged between and connected to the first (2a) and third (2c) tunnel sections. The second tunnel section (2b) is sealed off at an end (4) connected to the third tunnel section (2c), and the third tunnel section is further connected the shaft (1). The shaft (1) and first (2a) and third (2c) tunnel sections hold fluid for thermal storage. The second tunnel section (2b) is an expansion space should a volume of the fluid expand beyond a volume of the shaft (1) and the first (2a) and third (2c) tunnel sections. |
| US09823018B2 |
Heated shelf apparatus and freeze dry cart using same
A freeze-drying system is disclosed which includes a vented cart configured for operation in a pressure-controlled chamber, and a plurality of heated shelves disposed in the vented cart. At least one heated shelf of the plurality of heated shelves is provided. The heated shelf includes a first planar sheet formed from a thermally conductive material having a top configured to conduct heat to a tray resting on the top, a second planar sheet disposed opposite the first planar sheet, and a heating element secured between the first and second planar sheets. The heating element has a surface disposed in thermally conductive contact with the first planar sheet. |
| US09823015B2 |
Method for producing a flow rich in methane and a flow rich in C2+ hydrocarbons, and associated installation
This method envisions cooling the supply flow in a first heat exchanger, separation in a first separation flask in order to produce a light upper flow and a heavy lower flow and dividing the light upper flow into a supply fraction of a dynamic pressure reduction turbine and a supply fraction of a first distillation column. A cooled reflux flow is formed from an effluent from a dynamic pressure reduction turbine, the portion of the effluent being cooled and at least partially liquefied in a heat exchanger. The cooled reflux flow is introduced from the heat exchanger into the first distillation column. |
| US09823012B2 |
Storage assembly for an appliance
A storage assembly for an appliance includes a shaft mounted to the bracket. A hinge is slidably mounted to the shaft, and a container is mounted to the hinge such that the container is movable relative to the shaft on the hinge. The container has a projection that is receivable within each opening of a series of openings of the shaft. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided. |
| US09823011B2 |
Refrigerating device comprising a fluidically conductive door connection
A refrigerating device, in particular a refrigerator and/or a freezer cabinet, comprising a heat-insulating housing and a heat-insulating door. At least one component is provided on or in the door, said component being fluidically and/or electrically connected by means of a line to at least one element which is arranged on the housing. The door is articulated to the housing by means of a multilink hinge. A support, which supports the line when the door is open, is provided in the intermediate area between the door and the housing. The invention is characterised in that the inner chamber of the refrigerating device can be almost completely accessed, when a water dispensing unit is provided on the door and even with solid doors. |
| US09823009B2 |
Method and system for de-icing a heat exchanger
Methods and systems for de-icing an exterior heat exchanger of a vehicle's heat pump are presented. In one example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater provides heat to refrigerant that de-ices the exterior heat exchanger. In some examples, an additional PTC heater provides heat to engine coolant to warm a vehicle's passenger cabin when the vehicle's exterior heat exchanger is being de-iced. |
| US09823004B2 |
Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a timer for measuring an interval of one hour after power is supplied to the refrigerator, a door opening/closing sensor for sensing opening and closing of a door, a storage unit for storing information whether door is opened in a sector defined as one hour by the timer and at least 7 sector units each having 24 consecutive sectors, and a control unit for predicting a refrigerator use pattern in 24 sectors by overlapping 7 sector units, performing a normal operation mode to maintain a storage compartment at a first desired temperature in a sector in which door opening is predicted, and performing a power-saving operation mode to maintain the storage compartment at a second desired temperature higher than the first desired temperature in a sector in which door opening is not predicted. |
| US09823003B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus and air-conditioning system determining valve setting error
Provided is a first unit including a first unit including a compressor and a first heat exchanger; a plurality of second units each including a second heat exchanger and each being connected to the first unit via a plurality of branched pipes; a plurality of valves configured to open to permit refrigerant flows and close to not permit the refrigerant flows; a storage unit configured to store connection information indicating a relationship of connection between the plurality of second units and the plurality of pipes; a closed path pipe that is any of the plurality of branched pipes to which no second unit is connected, and a control unit configured to detect whether the closed path pipe is included in the connection information. |
| US09822999B2 |
Systems, devices and methods for gas distribution in a sorber
Features for distributing a sorber gas in cooling, heating or refrigeration systems with sorbers are disclosed. The sorbers may adsorb gas onto a sorbent material and desorb gas therefrom. Distribution of the gas to and from the sorber may be done with porous, rigid tubes. The tubes may be formed of composite material having pores. The pores may be implemented by flowing fluids through the composite material while the material cures. The sorbers may be reinforced with rods to provide greater strength and stability in load-inducing environments. The tubes may extend through the sorbent and thereby provide a channel for the gas to flow to and from the sorbent and the rest of the cooling, heating or refrigeration system. |
| US09822998B2 |
Centrifugal compressor with motor cooling
A centrifugal compressor includes a casing, an inlet guide vane, an impeller, a motor, a diffuser and a cooling medium delivery structure. The motor includes a rotor mounted on the shaft and a stator disposed radially outwardly of the rotor to form a gap between the rotor and the stator. The cooling medium delivery structure includes inlet and outlet conduits located to supply and discharge a cooling medium to and from the motor. The shaft has an external shape different than an internal shape of the rotor to form at least one axial passageway between the shaft and the rotor. The cooling medium is supplied through the gap and the at least one axial passageway to cool the rotor. |
| US09822988B2 |
Dehumidifying apparatus
A dehumidifying apparatus controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into a third heat exchanger serving as a condenser, so as to secure the amount of heat required for defrosting. |
| US09822987B2 |
Dehumidifier container
The dehumidifier container for storing desiccant includes a storage compartment and a holding compartment. The storage compartment has side walls and a bottom base to form a top opening with attachment devices. The attachment devices allow release of the storage compartment from the container for disposal of collected water without disturbing the desiccant material in the holding compartment. The holding compartment has a housing with openings along the bottom edge, a bottom panel, and a top panel with a vent. The bottom panel has a funnel portion and a drain outlet. Air flows through the vent of the top panel and openings of the housing. Fluid collected by the desiccant drains through the bottom panel to the storage compartment. There is a filter between the funnel portion and the drain outlet to maintain the desiccant in the holding compartment, while only fluid collects in the storage compartment. |
| US09822986B2 |
Boiler control system
A system and method for controlling a boiler comprising a microcomputer operatively connected to a microcontroller wherein the microcontroller is configured to provide flame safeguard operations and the microcomputer is configured to provide operating control instructions to the microcontroller. The boiler control system may operate either in a stand-alone, cascade master or cascade slave configuration. |
| US09822982B2 |
Modular portable cooking system
A modular cooking apparatus is provided. A base unit is configured to direct heat to a recess, the recess having a ledge therein configured to receive a stockpot. A griddle has a top griddle cooking surface, and a downward extending wall configured to engage the recess of the base unit. An oven has a substantially open bottom, and is configured to engage the top griddle cooking surface of the griddle, where the griddle cooking surface acts as the heat source for the oven. The base unit individually defines a stockpot cooker configuration, a combination of the griddle mounted on the base unit defines a griddle configuration, and a combination of the griddle mounted on the base unit and the oven mounted on the griddle defines an oven configuration. |
| US09822973B2 |
Reducing mercury emissions from the burning of coal
Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product. |
| US09822972B2 |
Cremation system
A cremation system has an exhaust gas/warm water heat exchanger which exchanges the heat of exhaust gas from a re-combustion furnace with the heat of a medium, and a buffer tank and flow rate regulating valves for suppressing temperature changes of the medium. A medium turbine is driven by an evaporator which generates working medium steam by heating and evaporating a low-boiling working medium with the heat of the medium, and power is generated by a power generator. A buffer tank is further provided to suppress temperature changes of the medium flowing from the evaporator into the exhaust gas/warm water heat exchanger. A power control device supplies the generated power to devices constituting the cremation system, while covering any shortfall in power required by the devices with power from an external power source. |
| US09822965B1 |
Multipurpose hand-held device and associated systems and methods
A multipurpose, hand-held device comprises a focused light source and a ducted fan. The device produces and directs light and airflow, for the purpose of illuminating an area while starting and maintaining a fire. The airflow feature rapidly accelerates combustion. With the added safety and convenience of a hand-held, integrated flashlight, the device's controllable airflow delivers the capability to rapidly ignite and maintain fires made with charcoal, wood, coal, fire starters, paper, newspaper, cardboard, dung, etc. |
| US09822963B2 |
Wirelessly-controlled lighting device with audio playing function and control method thereof
A wirelessly-controlled lighting device and method with an audio playing function is provided. The wirelessly-controlled lighting device includes a lighting assembly, an audio playing module, a first Bluetooth module connecting with the lighting assembly and the audio playing module and a second Bluetooth module connecting with the audio playing module. The first Bluetooth module is configured to receive a control signal from an external device, the control signal including a first control signal used to control the lighting assembly and a second control signal used to control the audio playing module. The second Bluetooth module is configured to receive audio data from the external device to transmit the audio data to the audio playing module for audio playing. The audio playing is controlled according to the second control signal received by the first Bluetooth module. |
| US09822952B2 |
Apparatus providing beamforming and environmental protection for LED light sources
Apparatus providing beamforming and environmental protection for LED light sources. A lens apparatus is provided to protect an LED mounted on a substrate. The lens apparatus includes an alignment feature configured to align the LED to a selected position and a focusing region configured to form a selected beam pattern from light emitted from the LED when located at the selected position. The lens apparatus also includes a compression surface configured to compress the substrate to a heat sink to facilitate heat dissipation from the LED and a fastening feature configured to fasten the lens apparatus to the heat sink to provide an environmentally protective seal, so that when the lens apparatus is fastened to the heat sink the alignment feature aligns the LED to the selected position, the compression surface compresses the substrate to the heat sink, and the protective seal protects the LED from environmental conditions. |
| US09822950B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system comprises a light source having an exit window and an electrically controllable light processing arrangement, in the form of a grid of cells lying in a plane parallel to the exit window. Each cell has a cell wall formed as electrically switchable element which is switchable between at least two processing modes. The cell wall surrounds an opening, such that light emitted in a normal direction from the light source exit window is not processed, and light passing at an angle to the normal direction greater than a threshold angle is processed by the cell wall for color and/or intensity control. |
| US09822949B2 |
Polyamide composition for reflector, reflector, light emitting device including the reflector, and lighting device and image display device each including the light emitting device
The present invention provides a polyamide composition for a reflector having high heat resistance and good mechanical properties, having excellent adhesion to a sealing material for an LED package, and capable of retaining a high reflectance even after exposure to heat and light intended for the production process of the LED package and the environment in which the reflector is used in the LED package, when it is molded. The present invention is a polyamide composition for a reflector, containing: 30 mass % or more of a polyamide (A) having a melting point of 280° C. or higher; and 25 mass % or more of titanium oxide (B). The total content of the polyamide (A) and the titanium oxide (B) is 75 mass % or more. |
| US09822946B2 |
Illumination device
One of a radiator plate (21) and a globe cover (13) is provided, on a part which makes contact with the other one, with a plurality of cutout sections (41), and the other one is provided, at positions corresponding to the respective cutout sections (41), with a plurality of projections (31). By engaging the cutout sections (41) and the projections (31), the globe cover (13) is attached to the radiator plate (21). This makes it possible to prevent, for a long term, the globe cover (13) which encloses a light source so as to cover the light source from being detached. |
| US09822944B2 |
Vehicle light assembly having a colored appearance in an unlit state
A vehicle light assembly is provided that exhibits a colored appearance when in an unlit state. The vehicle light assembly comprises: a housing; one or more light sources mounted in the housing; and a light guide configured to receive light from the one or more light sources and project the light outwardly from the light guide. The light guide includes a first segment proximate to the one or more light sources and a second segment distal from the one or more light source, such that the light from the one or more light sources passes through the first segment of the light guide before passing through the second segment of the light guide. Of note, the first segment is comprised of a colorless material; whereas, at least a portion of the second segment is comprised of a colored material. |
| US09822943B2 |
Lamp unit
A light deflecting device selectively reflects an incident light to a projection optical system. An irradiation optical system irradiates light to a reflective part of the light deflecting device. The light deflecting device has at least some region in the reflective part, a position of which is switchable between a first reflection position where the light irradiated by the irradiation optical system is reflected toward the projection optical system so as to be effectively used as a portion of a desired light distribution pattern, and a second reflection position where the light irradiated by the irradiation optical system is reflected so as not to be effectively used. The irradiation optical system is disposed at a position shifted to a side which a front face of the reflective part in the first reflection position faces, with reference to a vertical plane including an optical axis of the projection optical system. |
| US09822939B2 |
Reconfigurable cornace box display system
A reconfigurable modular cornice box display system includes a cornice box having a front member, a left member and a right member which collectively form an outwardly facing display surface. One or more décor pieces can be selectively positioned and magnetically affixed anywhere on the display surface. The décor pieces are magnetically affixed to discrete elements arrayed in the cornice box. A décor piece illumination system includes a tri-color back light source and a magnetic sensor associated with each of said discrete elements operative to sense the magnetic coupling of a given décor piece to a given discrete element and to back illuminate said given décor piece. An electronic control system selectively activates the décor piece illumination system in response to operator inputs and microprocessor based programming instructions. A flood light assembly is disposed within said cornice box which is longitudinally and rotationally repositionable. The light sources are tri-color devices. |
| US09822938B2 |
Sound absorbing lighting panel and modular surface system
Disclosed is a sound absorbing lighting panel (100) comprising a sound absorbing member (120); an optical medium (130) over said sound absorbing member; a first set (140) of solid state lighting elements (142) arranged along a first edge of said optical medium; a translucent sheet (150) over the optical medium, said translucent sheet having a non-uniform degree of translucency such as a higher degree of translucency over a central region of said optical medium than over a first region of said optical medium comprising said first edge. A modular surface system including such a sound absorbing lighting panel is also disclosed. |
| US09822937B2 |
Light engine retrofit kit and method for installing same
Retrofit kits for retrofitting LED light engines into existing light fixture housings. The retrofit kit includes a hook bracket that may be mounted in the housing and from which an end of the LED light engine can be suspended so as to permit an installer to electrically connect the LED light engine. The retrofit kit also includes a mounting bracket to secure the free end of the LED light engine into the housing after the LED light engine has been rotated upwardly into the housing from the hanging position. |
| US09822935B2 |
Light source arrangement having a plurality of semiconductor laser light sources
A light source arrangement is provided. The light source arrangement may include a plurality of semiconductor laser light sources arranged in such a way that the laser light emitted by the semiconductor laser light sources is aligned in parallel, and a deflection unit configured to collect and influence all beam paths of the laser light emitted by the semiconductor laser light sources so as to form a beam. The deflection unit has a first mirror element with a concavely curved surface, which is embodied to capture and reflect the laser light emitted by the semiconductor laser light sources by the surface. The light source arrangement may further include a second mirror element with a convexly curved surface, which is embodied to capture and focus the laser light reflected by the first mirror element. |
| US09822931B2 |
Method and apparatus for servicing a tank, a plug, or a tank and plug
An apparatus for servicing a tank and/or a plug includes a valve having a first port sealingly couplable onto a tank port surrounding the plug, a second port, and a valve member operable between an open position providing a pathway between the first and second ports, and a closed position providing a sealed barrier between the first and second ports. The apparatus further includes an adapter sealingly couplable to the second port, and a plug displacement tool couplable to the adapter for displacing the plug relative to the tank when the first port is coupled to the tank port, the adapter is coupled to the second port, and the valve member is in the open position. |
| US09822928B2 |
Composite pressure vessels
Pressure vessels formed from fiber composites are described. The fiber composites include fibers impregnated with a resin system containing surface-modified nanoparticles dispersed in a curable matrix resin. |
| US09822927B2 |
Mechanized area controller
Mechanized area controller systems and methods for coordinating the movement of workers and vehicles to improve safety are disclosed. Some embodiments of the methods include generating a magnetic field defining a first zone and detecting a response signal from a first device. Other method embodiments also include detecting a response signal from a second device and generating a danger signal when the first and second devices are both within the first zone. Some system embodiments include a magnetic field generator for defining a first zone and a first device configured to detect the first zone magnetic field and generate a first device response signal. Other system embodiments also include a second device configured to detect the first zone magnetic field and generate a second device response signal and a first controller configured to generate a danger signal when the first and second devices are both within the first zone. |
| US09822925B2 |
Arrangement for fastening elements to a wall
An arrangement for fastening a first element, such as a television, and a second element, such as a decorative element to a wall, includes a base structure, which includes four connectable members configured for forming a braced base structure, when base structure is fastened to the wall with fastening elements from at least four fastening points. Further, the arrangement includes at least one first fastening member mounting the first element to the base structure and at least one second fastening member, which first and second fastening members are configured for fastening to the first and the second elements, respectively, and moving elements for moving the second fastening member between a first position and a second position, which moving elements are configured for connecting to the second fastening member in order to mount the second element to the base structure optionally via base members. |
| US09822920B2 |
Turntable with light transmission round platter and light collection spindle
A turntable with a light transmission round platter and at least one light collection spindle is provided. The light transmission round platter connects to the light collection spindle, and the light collection spindle is driven by a motor to rotate the light transmission round platter. A portion of surface of the light collection spindle is frosted. The incident light from a bottom or a lateral side is collected in a light collection area of the spindle and then transmitted toward a conjunctive area of the light transmission round platter via a transparent and smooth light guiding area, so as to lighten the originally dark conjunctive area and reduce the darkness thereof. Accordingly, the time spent in background removal of the dark conjunctive area can be reduced since the conjunctive area is lighted when the light transmission round platter is rotated for photographing an object to be photographed thereon. |
| US09822916B2 |
Expansion compensator with multiple layers with differing stiffness
An expansion compensator having a longitudinal axis, and having an elongate metal conduit with first and second spaced apart ends and an expansion/contraction section, an inner plastic liner positioned interior of the elongate metal conduit and having an expansion/contraction section and an interior volume extending from the first end to the second end, wherein each of the elongate metal conduit and the inner plastic liner have a stiffness along the longitudinal axis, and the stiffness of the elongate metal conduit is greater than the stiffness of the inner plastic liner. |
| US09822913B2 |
Quick connector for hydraulic hose coupling
A hydraulic fluid line coupling system is disclosed. The coupling may include a female fitting, a male fitting, first and second elastomeric seals between the female fitting and male fitting, and a lock nut securing the female fitting to the male fitting, and the lock nut including a plurality of threads. |
| US09822911B2 |
Method for replacing an outer annular ring of a fluid swivel and a fluid swivel
A method for replacing an outer annular ring of a fluid swivel includes a swivel comprising an inner annular ring and an outer annular ring, the rings being located with their adjacent cylindrical surfaces in close proximity for defining a chamber, for receiving a fluid, between peripheral opposing faces of the inner annular ring and the outer annular ring, wherein the inner annular ring is adapted to be connected to an end of a fluid line and wherein the outer annular ring is adapted to be connected to a product piping on the vessel, wherein the method comprises the steps of: removing the outer annular ring, replacing the outer annular ring by means of a first semi-circular element and a second semi-circular element, and fixing the first semi-circular element to the second semi-circular element, by means of a fixing means, to form a replacement outer annular ring of the swivel. |
| US09822909B2 |
Ring for fastening a pipe to a tubular body and connection means comprising such a ring
The invention concerns a ring (4) for fastening a pipe (1) to a tubular body (2). According to the invention, the ring comprises two rigid sectors (5) that are coupled to each other by at least one elastically deformable annular portion (12), the two sectors and the portion being a single part, each sector (5) having an inner face (6), protruding from which at least one anchoring stud (7) extends radially, intended to be received in a housing correspondingly provided in a wall of the pipe, each anchoring stud (7) comprising two grooves (9) extending circumferentially to either side of said anchoring stud. The invention also concerns connection means comprising such a ring. |
| US09822908B2 |
Hydroform tube and method of forming
A hydroform tube includes a first end and a second end. The hydroform tube includes a plurality of sides including a first side and a second side, and a fillet extending from the first side to the second side. The first side, the second side, and the fillet extend from the first end to the second end. The plurality of sides form different shapes at two cross-sections between the first end and the second end. The tube has substantially the same perimeter P at all cross-sections from the first end to the second end. The fillet has a radius R. The radius R is defined by a same formula at all cross-sections from the first end to the second end. |
| US09822907B1 |
Anchor sealing hygienic bracket
An offset hygienic anchor sealing bracket for installation of block style tube and pipe hangers to a paneled strata in which there is no access to the reverse side, there being a need to secure the anchor bracket to an anchor bolt or toggle bolt and simultaneously shield the exposed toggle bolt structure from the environment of the clean room, sterile room, or sanitary room in order to protect the irregular surface of the toggle bolt from caustic cleaning solutions and to prevent the build up of dirt and bacteria, the anchor bracket having bored pedestals in communication with the cavity which encapsulates the exposed portion of the toggle bolt and secures the anchor bracket thereto, the anchor bracket having a plurality of female threaded receptacles for receipt of fasteners utilized in assembling block style tube and pipe hangers, thus securing the block style tube and pipe hanger to the panel at a desired slope and center line. |
| US09822906B2 |
Marine pipelaying and method for abandonment of a pipeline
A method is provided for installing a pipeline on the seabed from a marine pipelaying vessel, including initiation, pipelaying, and abandonment of the pipeline. An embodiment of the abandonment of the pipeline includes halting pipelaying and engaging a hang-off clamp with the pipeline at a position below one or more tensioners, transferring the weight onto the hang-off clamp and holding the seagoing pipeline in the firing line, severing the pipeline, connecting the initiation cable to the lower end of the pipeline held by the one or more tensioners, transferring pipeline tension onto the initiation cable, releasing the one or more tensioners, so that a section of the pipeline is held in the firing line between the pipeline diverter and the initiation cable, vacating the firing line by at least displacing both the pipeline diverter and the initiation cable sheave and thereby displacing said section of the pipeline from the firing line, arranging the A&R cable in the firing line, connecting the A&R cable to the upper end of the seagoing pipeline held in the firing line, releasing the hang-off clamp, and operating the A&R winch and thereby lowering the pipeline onto the seabed. |
| US09822904B2 |
Valve and a method of operating a valve
The invention relates to a valve having a balancing function for a fluid distribution system. A valve closing member is movable between a closed position and a fully opened position. An actuation device is provided for changing the position of the valve closing member. A control unit is provided and comprises an electronic memory adapted to receive and store an opening limitation value, said opening limitation value being representative of a selected intermediate position between said closed position and said fully opened position of the valve closing member, wherein the control unit controls the actuation device to limit the movement of the valve closing member to positions from said closed position to said selected intermediate position. The invention also relates to a valve system and to a method of operating a valve. |
| US09822903B2 |
Smart valve
A valve assembly including an actuated valve and a sensor module is disclosed. The actuated valve includes a body defining a chamber, a first fluid port coupled to the chamber, and a second fluid port coupled to the chamber. The actuated valve further includes a movable stem disposed at least partially within the chamber, the movable stem having a closed position and an open position relative to the chamber, and an actuator coupled to the stem. The sensor module is attached to the actuated valve, and the sensor module includes a microcontroller, and at least one sensor coupled to the microcontroller, the at least one sensor providing a signal associated with a status of the actuated valve. |
| US09822901B2 |
Actuator adapter for bonnet nub stem design
An actuating apparatus for operating a valve assembly includes an actuator body that selectively couples to the valve assembly and an actuator stem that has an end that extends into the actuator body. The valve assembly has having a valve body, a valve member in the valve body, a valve stem attached to the valve member, and a profile on an end of the valve stem distal from the valve member. The actuating apparatus also includes an adapter assembly in the actuator body having a threaded end that engages the actuator stem, and a profiled end distal from the threaded end that engages the profile on the valve stem and couples to the valve stem, so that selectively applying axial forces to the adapter assembly moves the valve stem and the valve member. |
| US09822900B2 |
Pneumatic mixing valve
A pneumatic mixing valve is provided, which includes a housing that defines a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first inlet is coupled to a first fluid source and the second inlet is coupled to a second fluid source. The housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The pneumatic mixing valve includes a mixing system. The mixing system includes a piston that is movable by at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid. The housing defines a fluid passageway that extends from near the first inlet to the second chamber and the pneumatic mixing valve includes an actuator that is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the fluid passageway is closed such the outlet is open, and in the second position, the fluid passageway is open such that the outlet is closed. |
| US09822893B2 |
Rapid opening gas valve
A pneumatically operated gas valve includes a piston positioned in a cylinder with one closed end so that the piston may seat against a gas outlet to close the gas valve. A control reservoir may be formed in the cylinder between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder. Means for filling the control reservoir with gas to a control pressure may be provided so that the control pressure acting against the piston may close the gas valve. A release valve may be opened to allow the gas in the control reservoir to escape through an exhaust port to open the gas valve. |
| US09822892B2 |
Two-stage switch valve
A two-stage switch valve includes a valve body slidable in a flow passage of a fluid, and a spring urging the valve body upstream. The valve body includes a valve element slidable in the flow passage, an upstream guide having a ring shape and being slidable in the flow passage, and legs connecting the valve element and the upstream guide. The upstream guide is located upstream of the valve element. The legs are inclined from an axial direction of the upstream guide and extend from the upstream guide toward a center of the valve element. |
| US09822888B2 |
Diaphragm valve
A diaphragm valve includes a valve body, a diaphragm, a bonnet, an operation mechanism, and a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism includes a clamping member for integrally sandwiching and fixing, from both right and left sides, circumferential edges of both the bonnet and the valve body. A circular pressing member for pressing a circumferential edge of the diaphragm from above is interposed between the diaphragm and the bonnet and has convex portions and concave portions. The convex portions fit into notches provided at the circumferential edge of the diaphragm or the valve body, and the concave portions are fitted by protrusions provided at the circumferential edge of the diaphragm or the valve body. |
| US09822886B2 |
Temperature controlled purge valve with washer/O-ring seal stack
In a valve having a body with a sealed working fluid chamber, a bore and a valved fluid chamber, the valved fluid chamber having an inlet and outlet and a seat between the inlet and the outlet, a piston for extending through the bore from the working fluid chamber to the valved fluid chamber, a spring for biasing the piston away from the seat and a working fluid for receipt in the working fluid chamber. Applicant provides an improvement comprising a seal stack assembly for entrainment, under compression, upon the piston and in the piston chamber between a working fluid chamber end wall and a first end of the piston, wherein the first end of the piston is located in the working fluid chamber and a second end in the valved fluid chamber. |
| US09822885B2 |
Flow rib in valves
A valve can include a rib for improving flow, which can include improving a flow rating of the valve and improving the structural integrity of the valve. A valve can include a valve body, one or more inlets for allowing flow into the body, one or more outlets for allowing flow out of the body, one or more flow paths, and one or more ribs for routing fluid in a flow path. A valve can include an orifice fluidicly between an inlet and an outlet and one or more ribs disposed upstream and/or downstream of the orifice. A valve can include one or more ribs in an inlet flow path, an outlet flow path or another flow path and a rib can be coupled between two or more portions of a valve. |
| US09822884B2 |
Valve device and poppet
A valve device includes: a poppet that is formed in a hollow shaft shape except for a leading end, has a tapered closure part at the leading end and a side hole passing through a wall of the hollow shaft-shaped part, and rotates around a shaft center thereof during opening and closing actions; and a valve seat having a sloped seat surface with which the closure part of the poppet comes into contact when closing the valve device. The closure part of the poppet or the seat surface of the valve seat, whichever has a higher hardness, has a cut mark of the opposite direction from a direction of rotation of the poppet around the shaft center that occurs during the valve closing action. |
| US09822882B2 |
Sealing device
A sealing device is provided with a seal lip which extends toward a sealing space side, a lip edge and an opposite sealing space side conical surface are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the seal lip, the lip edge being slidably brought into close contact with an outer peripheral surface of a rotating body, and the opposite sealing space side conical surface being larger in diameter from the lip edge toward an external space side, a plurality of screw protrusions are formed in the opposite sealing space side conical surface, the screw protrusions generating a screw pump action toward the lip edge side on the basis of rotation of the rotating body in a fixed direction, and a desired number of dust capture portions are formed in a hem portion of each of the screw protrusions, thereby preventing dusts from being bitten into the lip edge sliding portion. |
| US09822881B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling a product
A method for handling a product, in particular a viscous, pasty product, with at least one rotating shaft (3, 11) in a product space (5), a driving spindle (11) of the shaft (3) is mounted and sealed outside the product space (5) in a housing consisting of a plurality of parts (7, 8, 12). The sealing is brought about by at least two seals (2, 4), wherein a dynamic seal (2) follows an eccentric movement of the shaft (3) and takes on dynamic sealing of the rotating shaft (3), while another seal (4) compensates for an eccentric movement of the shaft (3) in relation to the housing by plastic or elastic deformation and therefore prevents a leakage between the housing part (12), which moves eccentrically, and a rigid housing (10). A defined quantity of liquid, which serves as a blocking agent and lubricant for the dynamic seal (2) of the shaft (3) towards the housing part (7), is metered in here, the liquid, apart from a residual excess, being drawn into the dynamic seal (2) by a pressure difference therewithin and thereby forming an effective block and seal. |
| US09822877B2 |
Lightweight compressor piston with opening
A piston may be provided which includes a first piston body portion having an end wall extending radially about a central axis along which the piston reciprocates. The piston may also include a second piston body portion having an end wall extending radially about a central axis along which the piston reciprocates. The first piston body portion and the second piston body portion are axially opposed. The piston may further include a first piston rod bore disposed in the first piston body portion extending along the central axis and a second piston rod bore disposed in the second piston body portion extending along the central axis. The piston may also include a circumferential opening disposed between the mating of the first piston body portion with the second piston body portion. |
| US09822876B2 |
Axial piston device
A housing of an axial piston device is provided with a drain port for discharging the retained oil to the outside and a supply oil passage for guiding lubricating oil, which has been supplied from an oil source, toward a first hydraulic axial piston member. The drain port is arranged so as to bring about such a retained-oil level that a second hydraulic axial piston member, which is disposed below the first hydraulic axial piston member, is partially or entirely immersed in the retained oil while the first hydraulic axial piston member is not immersed in the retained oil. |
| US09822875B2 |
Shifting control method for vehicle with DCT
A shifting control method for a vehicle with a Double Clutch Transmission (DCT), may include determining whether a manual range power-on up shift has been started, determining whether an actual shifting period has been started, when the manual range power-on up shift has been started, and applying additional predetermined compensation torque to basic torque applied to an engagement-side clutch, when the actual shifting period has been started. |
| US09822874B2 |
Gear shifting system and gear shifting element for a gear shifting system
A gear shifting device, by which an axial shift movement of a shift element into a shift position is triggered through interaction of a shift pin with an associated groove-like shift gate that changes in an axial direction. The shift element features the associated shift gate, while the respective shift pin is arranged in a radially displaceable manner on a transmission component adjacent to the shift element. |
| US09822872B2 |
Hydraulic control system for automatic transmission of vehicle
A hydraulic control system of an automatic transmission may be applied to an automatic transmission in which a reverse speed stage is engaged by engagement of first and second friction elements. The hydraulic control system may include: a first solenoid valve being a normally open type and controlling a line pressure to generate a first hydraulic pressure; a second solenoid valve being a normally closed type and controlling the line pressure to generate a second hydraulic pressure; first and second switch valves, the first switch valve selectively supplying the first hydraulic pressure to the second switch valve; and a fail-safe valve selectively supplying the first hydraulic pressure or the second hydraulic pressure to the second friction element, wherein the second switch valve selectively supplies the first hydraulic pressure supplied from the first switch valve or a reverse speed pressure to the first friction element. |
| US09822871B2 |
Fault determination system of button-type shifter
A fault determination system of a button-type shifter is provided. The system maximally guarantees the operation of a shift button while determining a failure of the shift button and improves reliability and fault diagnosis performance for the shift button. The system includes a base that is installed within a vehicle and includes shift buttons and contact points for each of the shift buttons. A controller receives contact signals from the contact points to thus determine a failure of the shift button when any one of the contact points is not sensed or is stuck when the shift button is engaged. |
| US09822865B2 |
Bicycle hub and flywheel structure
An improved wheel hub may include a hub body, a freewheel unit, a connecting sleeve and an external freewheel. The connecting sleeve connects to the ratchet sleeve of the hub body in order to provide more space for the external freewheel. With the design of the connecting sleeve and the external freewheel unit, the hub body loaded with more smaller freewheels provides more pedaling speeds for a bicycle travelling downhill. When cycling downhill by using the smaller diameters of the sprockets, the smaller sprockets of the external freewheel can help a cyclist to maintain an optimum pedaling speed in a slopy terrain, and the speed of the bicycle can be easily controlled. |
| US09822863B2 |
Differential case and differential apparatus
A differential case includes: two supported parts so supported that a differential case is rotatable around a central axis of the differential chamber; and a flange provided between the supported parts and projecting in an outer diameter direction, and welded with a ring gear. The flange includes a bearing surface and a rounded base disposed on one side of the differential case in an axial direction. The bearing surface is in contact with a surface, of the ring gear, disposed on opposite side of a tooth surface of the ring gear, and the rounded base is coupled in a continuous fashion to the bearing surface. A rounded part that disperses stress, generated at the rounded base by gear reaction force derived from the ring gear, is provided in a region between the flange and one of the supported parts disposed on the one side. |
| US09822860B2 |
Powertrain for a vehicle and method for carrying out load changes
A drive-train for a vehicle with at least one electric drive, which can be coupled via a driveshaft (2) to at least a first transmission ratio stage (i1) and a second transmission ratio stage (i2). At least one shifting mechanism is provided for engaging the transmission ratio stages (i1, i2). To carry out powershifts, the shifting mechanism includes at least one interlocking shifting element (5) and at least one frictional shifting element (6, 6A). Each of the transmission ratio stages (i1, i2) can be engaged by the interlocking shifting element (5) and at least one of the transmission ratio stages (i2) can be engaged both by the interlocking shifting element (5) and by the frictional shifting element (6). Methods for carrying out a powershift, between a frictional shifting element (6, 6A) and an interlocking shifting element (5) in the drive-train, are also disclosed. |
| US09822859B2 |
Gap expanding method of ball screw and fine motion control rod drive mechanism incorporating gap expanded ball screw
A control rod drive mechanism includes an outer tube, a guide tube disposed inside the outer tube, a ball tube, a hollow piston, and an electric motor. A gap between a ball traveling side of the screw shaft and the traveling balls and a gap between the traveling balls and a ball traveling side of the ball nut, having the gap coefficient (A) is given by: A=((2×R−L)−D)÷(2×R−L). The diameter of the traveling balls is determined to satisfy the expression given by A, in which A has the value of more than 0.03 and less than 0.17. |
| US09822856B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A family of transmission gearing arrangements each establish at least one reverse gear ratio and between nine and fifteen forward gear ratios. A shiftable gearing arrangement establishes a variety of speed ratios between the input and a first shaft. In some embodiments, a fixed speed ratio is established upstream or downstream of the shiftable gearing arrangement. In reverse and low gear ratios, a low clutch couples the first shaft to the output. In the high gear ratios, a combining planetary gear set establishes a linear speed relationship between the first shaft, a second shaft rotating at a speed proportional to the input, and the output. |
| US09822855B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting a shifted torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, six control elements, a first shaft selectively connectable with a transmission housing, a second shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft directly connected with the input shaft, a fifth shaft selectively connectable with the third shaft, and selectively connectable with the transmission housing, a sixth shaft selectively connectable with at least one of the first shaft and the fourth shaft, a seventh shaft directly connected with the output shaft, and an eighth shaft selectively connectable with the sixth shaft. |
| US09822854B1 |
Multi-speed transmission having a parallel one-way clutch
A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms including a one-way clutch. The plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with a member of the planetary gear sets. The output member is continuously interconnected with another member of the planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are produced by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms. |
| US09822853B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of claim of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, six control elements for selectively interconnecting rotation elements of the planetary gear sets and a transmission housing, a first connecting member directly connected to the transmission housing, a second connecting member selectively connected to the transmission housing, a third connecting member, a fourth connecting member selectively connected to the input shaft, a fifth connecting member directly connected to the input shaft, and selectively connected to the third connecting member, a sixth connecting member selectively connected to the transmission housing, a seventh connecting selectively connected the fifth connecting member, and selectively connected to the transmission housing, and an eighth connecting member directly connected to the output shaft. |
| US09822848B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include: an input shaft; an output shaft; first to fourth planetary gear sets; and six control elements being disposed at a portion where one of the rotating element is selectively connected to another rotating element, or the rotating element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, wherein the input shaft is continuously connected to the second rotating element, the output shaft is continuously connected to the twelfth rotating element, the first rotating element is continuously connected to the seventh rotating element, the fourth rotating element is directly connected to the transmission housing, the fifth rotating element is continuously connected to the eleventh rotating element, and the ninth rotating element is continuously connected to the tenth rotating element. |
| US09822846B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for a vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements, a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, and seven friction elements disposed to selectively connect the rotation elements and to selectively connect the rotation elements with a transmission housing. |
| US09822843B2 |
Planetary gear box for power struts
A planetary gear box assembly includes a plastic gear box housing and a first and a second monolithic housing part. The first-stage and second-stage housing parts each have an end face on one axial end of the housing part, and a surrounding wall. A first-stage ring gear is formed inside the surrounding wall of the first-stage housing part, and a second-stage ring gear is formed inside the surrounding wall of the second-stage housing part. The planetary gear box assembly has a planetary gear carrier with a generally cylindrical carrier body with a cylinder wall and a window extending through the cylinder wall. The window is axially adjoined by a first and a first radial pocket. The first and first radial pockets are radial indentations in a radially outer surface of the cylinder wall and accommodate planetary shaft ends of planetary gears. |
| US09822841B2 |
Flywheel assembly
A seat member includes a pressing part to be pressed by at least either of a first rotary member and a second rotary member. The seat member also includes a sliding part. The seat member is disposed to be changeable in posture between a first posture and a second posture, the first posture causing a radially outer part of the pressing part to be contacted to the at least either of the first rotary member and the second rotary member when an absolute value of a rotational angle of the second rotary member with respect to the first rotary member is less than a predetermined value, the second posture causing the sliding part to partially slide against the first rotary member when the absolute value of the rotational angle of the second rotary member with respect to the first rotary member is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. |
| US09822839B2 |
Hydraulically damping rubber bearing
A hydraulically damping rubber bearing has a substantially hollow-cylindrical inner portion and an outer portion disposed with a predetermined spacing relative to the inner portion. A resilient connection portion is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion and connects the outer portion to the inner portion. The resilient connection portion has a first hydraulic damping circuit with at least two first fluid chambers which are in fluid communication with each other by means of a first flow connection. The first hydraulic damping circuit has a damping action in a predetermined direction. A second hydraulic damping circuit provides a damping action in the same predetermined direction as the first hydraulic damping circuit. |
| US09822838B2 |
Interference arrangement for spring
A spring system that includes a compressible material that is used to control the speed of the rod movement. |
| US09822835B1 |
Torsion springs with changeable stiffness
In at least one embodiment, a rotational spring is provided with adjustable stiffness and includes at least one beam arranged about an axis between an input tuning port and an output port, wherein the input tuning port is configured to change an effective bending length of at least one beam so as to change a shear stiffness with respect to the input tuning port and the output port. |
| US09822834B2 |
System and method for ceramic doping of carbon fiber composite structures
A system and method for ceramic doping of carbon fiber materials is disclosed. A carbon fiber preform may be made of carbonized oxidized PAN fibers and may be placed in contact with a nanoparticle suspension having nanoparticles and a dispersion medium. The nanoparticles may impregnate the carbon fiber preform, causing it to become a doped carbon fiber preform. The doped carbon fiber preform may be densified. The doped carbon fiber preform may be densified by conventional CVI processing techniques. The doped carbon fiber preform may be densified by thermal gradient CVI. |
| US09822833B2 |
Guiding means for a brake lining arrangement
A guiding means for a brake lining arrangement of a disc brake, comprising a main part which comprises a guiding portion provided for guiding a guiding projection of the brake lining arrangement and which comprises a fixing portion which is used to fix the guiding means to a brake support. The fixing portion has two contact surfaces and a stop surface which connects the two contact surfaces. At least one elastic retaining bracket is provided on the stop surface, the retaining bracket being in secure engagement with the brake support at least in some sections, and at least the stop surface is provided with a retaining portion which can be brought into contact with the brake support at least in some sections. |
| US09822830B2 |
Method and apparatus for learning linearity error of hydraulic pressure sensor for hydraulic clutch
A method and an apparatus for learning linearity error of a hydraulic pressure sensor for a hydraulic clutch are disclosed. An apparatus for learning linearity error of a hydraulic pressure sensor for a hydraulic clutch may include: a gear stage sensor detecting a gear stage that is currently engaged; a controller executed by a predetermined program to learn the linearity error of the hydraulic pressure sensor based on signals of the gear stage sensor and the hydraulic pressure sensor; and a solenoid valve applying hydraulic pressure for learning the linearity error of the hydraulic pressure sensor to the hydraulic clutch based on a learning command of the controller. |
| US09822826B2 |
Torque converter including stator thrust bearing
A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes an impeller including an impeller shell, a turbine including a turbine shell and a stator axially between the turbine and the impeller. A first fluid flow is generated between the impeller and the stator and a second fluid flow is generated between the turbine and the stator. The torque converter further includes a thrust bearing axially between the impeller and the stator or axially between the turbine and the stator. The thrust bearing includes a bearing surface arranged for maintaining a hydrodynamic film thereon in a region of the first fluid flow or the second fluid flow during operation of the torque converter. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided. |
| US09822825B2 |
Actuator controller to controllably supply DC power to a bi-directional electromechanical actuator
An actuator controller to controllably supply DC power to a bi-directional electromechanical actuator is provided. The controller includes a first circuit to receive power and direction command signals from a remote electronic control unit through a vehicle-based bus. Control logic is operative to determine a vehicle system failure and to generate a failsafe position command signal in the event of the failure. A failsafe power circuit controllably stores electrical power and supplies the stored electrical power based on the failsafe position command signal. A power switching and supply circuit supplies DC power of a desired polarity to the electromechanical actuator in response to the power and direction command signals in the absence of the failure and supplies the stored electrical power to the electromechanical actuator in the event of the failure. |
| US09822822B2 |
Drive apparatus and belt unit for image forming apparatus
A drive apparatus, including: a first rotary member; a second rotary member, which is provided with an axle hole, and which receives drive power from the first rotary member or transmits drive power to the first rotary member; an axle member, which is inserted into the axle hole and engages with the first rotary member so as to transmit drive power between the first rotary member and the second rotary member; and a coupling member for coupling the first rotary member and the second rotary member; wherein the coupling member is provided with a sliding portion which is disposed between the first rotary member and the second rotary member in the radial direction and which slides over either one of the first rotary member and the second rotary member when the first rotary member and the second rotary member rotate integrally with each other via the axle member. |
| US09822819B2 |
Bearing unit for drive motor
A bearing unit for a drive motor, which is installed between a motor housing and a rotating shaft, includes: a bearing having two or more support bumps formed on the outer circumferential surface of an outer ring, and installed between the front or rear of the rotating shaft and the motor housing so as to rotatably support the rotating shaft with respect to the motor housing; and a bearing cover assembled to the motor housing, having a circular stepped surface formed on one surface such that an outer ring of the bearing is fitted to the stepped surface and supported in an axial direction. In particular, a support portion is formed on the stepped surface and is in contact with the support bumps so as to fix the outer ring in a rotation direction. |
| US09822813B2 |
Self-adjusting instrumented bearing and mechanical system equipped with such a bearing
A self-adjusting instrumented rolling bearing providing an outer ring and an inner ring delimiting a rolling chamber and at least one row of rolling elements disposed therein, and a detection device including a target integral with the outer ring and a sensor integral with the inner ring, configured to detect a relative rotation between the outer ring and the inner ring around a central axis. The outer ring has an inner surface in the form of a spherical portion centered about a tilting center of the bearing and forming a rolling surface for the rolling elements. The radius of the inner surface of the outer ring is greater than a distance defined between the tilting center of the bearing and a specific position of the sensor that is the farthest from the tilting center. |
| US09822798B2 |
Bundle guiding device of compressor and bundle guiding method of compressor
A bundle guiding device includes an inner roller mounted on a front portion of a bundle in an insertion direction where the bundle is to be inserted into a casing and configured to roll on an inner peripheral surface of the casing, an outer roller mounted on a rear portion of the bundle in the insertion direction where the bundle is to be inserted into the casing and configured to travel on a rail member, and a position adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a position of the bundle in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the insertion direction by applying an adjusting force to a receiving portion, one of the position adjusting mechanism and the receiving portion being on the bundle, and the other of the position adjusting mechanism and the receiving portion being on one of a base surface and the rail member. |
| US09822796B2 |
Gas turbine compressor stator vane assembly
A stator vane assembly for a compressor of a gas turbine, in particular of an aircraft engine, including a plurality of stator vanes whose airfoil sections form a stagger angle with an axis of rotation of the compressor, which stagger angle varies along a duct height of the stator vane assembly. Along the duct height from the inside to the outside, the stagger angle increases to a local maximum in a second section adjoining a first, radially innermost section, and decreases to an outer local minimum in a third section adjoining this second section and, along the duct height from the inside to the outside, the stagger angle decreases from the initial value to an inner local minimum in the first, radially innermost section and/or increases from the outer local minimum to a final value in a fourth, radially outermost section adjoining the third section. |
| US09822795B2 |
Stator of an axial compressor stage of a turbomachine
The present invention relates to a stator of an axial compressor stage of a turbomachine featuring a radially outer blade ring forming an outer ring surface, a radially inner blade ring forming an inner ring surface, and several stator blades connected to the blade rings. It is provided that the outer ring surface and/or the inner ring surface has at least in a partial area a changing radius relative to a central axis of the stator both in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction. |
| US09822788B2 |
Vacuum pump with back-up bearing contact sensor
The present invention relates to a vacuum pump comprising a vacuum pumping mechanism comprising a rotor supported for rotation by a drive shaft, a first bearing assembly for controlling movement of the rotor during rotation of the drive shaft, a back-up bearing assembly for limiting said movement and a sensor for sensing when said movement is limited by the back-up bearing assembly. |
| US09822787B2 |
Dynamic pressure bearing apparatus and fan
A dynamic pressure bearing apparatus includes a bearing portion, a shaft, a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion, and a seal gap. An annular member arranged in an annular shape, fixed to the shaft axially between the seal portion and the attachment surface, and arranged to extend radially outward beyond an opening of the seal gap. A minute horizontal gap extending radially is defined between an upper surface of the bearing portion and a lower surface of the annular member. The seal gap is arranged to be in communication with an exterior space through the horizontal gap. |
| US09822782B2 |
Integrated auxiliary load control and method for controlling the same
A method of controlling a liquid movement system, such as a pool system. The method includes receiving a maximum time that an auxiliary load is to operate, receiving a minimum pump speed of a pump system that pumps a liquid through the auxiliary load, monitoring the time that an auxiliary load has been in operation, monitoring the pump speed of a pump system that pumps a liquid through the auxiliary load, and deactivating the auxiliary load if the maximum time or minimum pump speed has been met. Also disclosed are a pool system and a controller for controlling the pool system. |
| US09822780B2 |
Scroll vacuum pump and method of maintenance including replacing a tip seal of a scroll vacuum pump
A scroll pump has a tip seal between an axial end of the scroll blade of one of stationary and orbiting plate scrolls of the pump and the plate of the other of the stationary plate and orbiting plate scrolls. The scroll pump may have a ballast gas supply system and use the operation of the ballast gas supply system to assess the condition of the tip seal. Alternatively, the scroll pump may have two pressure sensors that sense pressure at two locations spaced along a compression mechanism of the pump to assess the condition of the tip seal. |
| US09822776B2 |
Detecting and compensating for the effects of pump half-stroking
Various methods for detecting and accounting for the effects of half-stroking by a pump are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes operating a pump of a downhole tool to pump fluid from a formation through the downhole tool and determining pressure differentials between a formation pressure and pressure of the fluid within the downhole tool. The pressure differentials for each of a forward stroke and reverse stroke of the pump can be summed and then compared to enable identification of onset of half-stroking by the pump. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09822772B2 |
Pump and injector for liquid chromatography
A combined pump-injector valve system utilizing a monolithic body to provide the barrel of the pump and as the stator of the valve, thus eliminating any need for connections between a pump and a valve, and therefore the potential for high-pressure leaks or pressure reductions. The combined pump-injector valve permits injection of nanoliter-sized samples into a chromatographic column, which is sealed during loading of the sample and filling of the pump, such that complete analyses can be completed with microliters of mobile phase with nanoliters of a sample. The pump-injector valve system further includes a pressure sensor external the barrel of the pump and may include an interim position intermediate loading and injection where the contents of the barrel may be pressurized to a desired pressure. |
| US09822770B2 |
Pump for transfer of liquids containing suspended solids
A liquid transfer pump comprises a bellows-type chamber retractable and extendable by a reciprocating drive. The pump is fed by feed stock inflow controlled by a flexible tubular pinch-type valve, and propelled out of the chamber through an identical pinch-type valve. Quick pneumatic relief valves mounted directly on the pinch-type valves ensure instantaneous opening of the pinch-type valves thereby regulating liquid flow. Synchronous regulation of pump cycles is maintained by computer or microprocessor control. |
| US09822768B2 |
Wind turbine having a remote wind gauge
The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a rotor hub (7) rotating about a rotor axis (8), rotor blades (9, 10, 11) extending radially with respect to the rotor axis (8) at the same angular spacing relative to one another, and a remote wind gauge (19) that is fastened externally on the surface of the hub (7) in a mounting (20) and oriented such that wind characteristics at a distance in front of the hub (7) can be ascertained or measured, wherein the remote wind gauge (19) is arranged between two neighbouring rotor blades (9, 10) and in the radial direction of the rotor axis (8) and the mounting (20) is fastened to a respective blade bearing flange (21, 22) in the region of the connection of the rotor hub (7) to the rotor blades (9, 10), such that the remote wind gauge (19) can be retrofitted to the wind turbine (1). |
| US09822762B2 |
System and method for operating a wind turbine
The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes determining an actual operating time for one or more wind turbine components at multiple power levels; determining a corresponding wind condition for each of the operating times at each power level; estimating a loading condition acting on the one or more wind turbine components at the multiple power levels and the corresponding wind conditions; estimating an accumulated fatigue life consumption of the one or more wind turbine components based at least partially on the operating times and the estimated loading conditions; and, operating the wind turbine based on the accumulated fatigue life consumption. |
| US09822760B2 |
Joined blade wind turbine rotor
The present invention preferably relates to a joined blade rotor system having substantially a horizontal axis for a wind turbine including a number of joined blade assemblies extending substantially radially from a central hub wherein each joined blade assembly includes a first blade and a second blade or more blades in different planes that are connected by one or more brace systems to each other. Each central hub includes an operating member to effect pitch rotation of the joined blade assembly or directly the first blade pitch rotation and the second blade pitch rotation about the respective blade axis. A bearing provides a relative rotation between the first or second blade and brace strut while pitch angles change. |
| US09822759B2 |
Fixation for a wind turbine blade to the hub
The blade root or the internal structure of the blade comprise joining elements for joining to the hub disposed between lamination sheets, consisting of a plurality of inserts, designed to receive a fixing element related to the hub, which facilitate the coupling of the blade to the wind turbine hub. It incorporates fibre bands of compact, elongated and enveloping configuration which grip the inserts configuring assemblies embedded between the lamination sheets, wherein the fibre bands guarantee the progressive progression of stresses between blade and hub. |
| US09822753B2 |
Ignition control device
An ignition control device includes a control unit to control first to third switching elements so that during ignition discharge, which is started by turning off the first switching element, energy stored on a capacitor is discharged by turning off the third switching element and turning on the second switching element for supplying a primary current to an end of a primary winding opposite to an end thereof connected to a direct-current power supply. During inductive discharge of a spark plug, the control unit non-intermittently turns on the second switching element so that the second switching element is turned on over a successive energy input time period, according to the operating conditions of an internal combustion engine. |
| US09822747B2 |
Method to control an electromagnetic actuator of an internal combustion engine
Method to control an electromagnetic actuator of an internal combustion engine, in particular for a fuel pump of a direct-injection system; wherein the electromagnetic actuator is controlled by an electric current pulse of the Peak&Hold type, i.e. subdivided into a peak phase and a hold phase; the method includes acquiring the initial duration of the peak phase, during which a peak control current is to be supplied to the electromagnetic actuator to control the movement of a component of the electromagnetic actuator moving towards a position defined by a limit stop; and determining the duration of the peak phase by progressively decreasing the initial duration of the peak phase by a first change. |
| US09822745B2 |
Injector drive device
An injector drive device supplies driving electric power to injectors injecting fuel to cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The cylinders are grouped into multiple groups including at least a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group. The injector drive device includes: a booster circuit that boosts voltage of electric power supplied from an external power source; a first and second capacitors that accumulates electric power to be supplied to the injectors of the first cylinder group and the second cylinder group respectively; switch elements that selectively supply the output of the booster circuit to the capacitors; and a controller that, in the case where a charging amounts of the capacitors both are below a predetermined value, switches the switch elements to supply the output of the booster circuit preferentially to the capacitor that has a shorter period until a next planned fuel discharge start. |
| US09822743B2 |
Portable fuel tank assembly fixture
A portable fixture for assembling a vehicle fuel tank includes a frame including a platform having a fuel tank locator mounted thereon for at least partially receiving and supporting an associated fuel tank for assembly. A lid is connected to the frame and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A locking device is located on the lid and includes at least one engagement member for engaging a part of an associated lock ring for securing an associated fuel pump in the associated fuel tank. The locking device is operable to automatically move from a first position to a second position for rotating the associated lock ring to a locked state. A stop mechanism is operably connected to the locking device to automatically stop movement of the locking device at the second position to prevent over tightening of the associated lock ring. |
| US09822738B2 |
Ejector and arrangement for use in a motor vehicle having a turbocharger
An ejector, or arrangement having the ejector, has a compact structure requiring little installation space, permitting a sufficient pumping action, and, in case of an error, the error can be unambiguously detected and diagnosed as the source of the problem, which ejector for insertion into a receptacle, has a base element with a throat that fluid-connects a first opening and a second opening to each other, whereby the throat has a narrowest part that is fluid-connected to an associated third opening, and whereby the throat widens, at least in sections, towards the first and second openings, wherein, as a functional component, the ejector can be inserted into and/or positioned in a mating receptacle in the correct orientation so as to fulfill its function as a jet pump in an arrangement. |
| US09822732B2 |
Gas turbine engine with axial movable fan variable area nozzle
A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle includes having a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section movably mounted relative the first fan nacelle section. The second fan nacelle section axially slides aftward relative to the fixed first fan nacelle section to change the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area. |
| US09822726B2 |
Fuel injection controller for internal combustion engine, and engine including the same
In a fuel injection controller, a first throttle opening TH0 is defined at a specific time P2. The P2 is a specific time later than the peak value of an intake pipe internal pressure PB of a previous cycle. In the cycle, P3 is a specific time that is set immediately before the calculation of the injection time. A second throttle opening TH2 is defined at P3. The fuel injection controller corrects a fuel injection amount based on variation in correction time ta0 at the first throttle opening TH0 to correction time ta1 at the second throttle opening TH1. The time P2 is later than time P1, which is the peak value of the intake pipe internal pressure of the previous cycle. Accordingly, the fuel injection amount correction is completely unaffected or only slightly affected by the intake pipe internal pressure, thus ensuring close-to-ideal correction. |
| US09822723B2 |
Fuel level sensor diagnosis device
A fuel level sensor detects the level of fuel in a fuel tank. A level signal detected by a float does not change in a full dead zone and an empty dead zone. During normal fuel consumption, the level signal changes according to the consumption amount. Thus when an electronic control unit, or ECU, detects that the fuel level sensor is operating normally, the ECU resets a fuel consumption amount. However, when a small quantity of fuel is supplied, the fuel consumption amount is not reset, and a measurement error may occur during failure detection. Accordingly, the ECU corrects a failure threshold value to avoid misdiagnosing a failure. |
| US09822722B2 |
Fuel pressure sensor abnormality diagnosis apparatus for internal combustion engine
The fuel pressure sensor abnormality diagnosis apparatus diagnoses that a fuel pressure sensor is abnormal in the case where, because a state where a detected value of the fuel pressure sensor is less than a target value occurs, a fuel discharge amount of a fuel pump is increased, and as a result, the fuel discharge amount reaches its maximum amount, and even if a predetermined period has elapsed since the fuel discharge amount reaches its maximum amount, the detected value is less than the target value. |
| US09822721B2 |
Method for sensor initialization during vehicle start-up
Methods and systems are provided for ambient temperature estimation and engine control during sensor initialization. In one example, on vehicle start-up after a period of inactivity, during sensor initialization ambient conditions may be estimated using remotely obtained ambient conditions data. Engine actuators may be adjusted based on ambient conditions determined from remote of the vehicle during sensor initialization and on completion of sensor initialization, the engine actuator may be adjusted based on the ambient conditions determined from the sensor. |
| US09822720B2 |
Vehicle exhaust particulate filter regeneration
A vehicle includes an engine and a particulate filter that is situated to filter particulates from the exhaust fluid. A controller is configured to implement a sequence of particulate filter regeneration techniques including a first technique during an engine cold start condition, a second technique during a running engine idle condition, and a third technique during a driving condition. The controller is configured to determine whether particulate filter regeneration is desired, implement the first technique when particulate filter regeneration is desired, determine whether particulate filter regeneration is still desired after using the first technique, implement the second technique when regeneration is still desired after using the first technique, determine whether particulate filter regeneration is still desired after using the second technique, and implement the third technique when regeneration is still desired after using the second technique. |
| US09822717B2 |
Control system and method
A system and method control a powered system having an engine configured to operate using a plurality of fuel types. A first set of control signals including a first set of valve signals are communicated to each fuel tank based at least in part on a first stored engine operating profile to control amounts of fuel provided from each fuel tank to the engine. A different, second set of control signals including a second set of valve signals are communicated to the fuel tanks based at least in part on a second stored engine operating profile to control or change the amounts of fuel from each fuel tank to the engine. The system and method can switch between operating conditions associated with different external domains to alter the engine operating profile used to control the fuel or fuels supplied to the engine. |
| US09822712B2 |
Four-cylinder engine with two deactivatable cylinders
A method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes during a first operating condition, operating two primary cylinders and two secondary cylinders to perform combustion, the two primary and secondary cylinders arranged in an inline configuration, the two primary cylinder adjacent to one another, the two secondary cylinders adjacent to one another, and the secondary cylinders positioned 175°-185° out of phase relative to the two primary cylinders and during a second operating condition, selectively deactivating the two secondary cylinders to perform combustion in only the two primary cylinders. |
| US09822711B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to a control device and a control method for an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable compression ratio mechanism. The control device sets an air charging efficiency as an engine load equivalent value and performs setting of a determination value used for misfire diagnosis, setting of an ignition timing, an estimation of a catalyst temperature, or the like. In the control device, when a compression ratio is higher than the basic compression ratio, and the theoretical thermal efficiency is high, the air charging efficiency is corrected to be increased, to perform the control on the basis of the corrected air charging efficiency. Furthermore, in a torque control that sets a target air charging efficiency on the basis of a torque command value, when the compression ratio is higher than the basic compression ratio, the target air charging efficiency is reduced. |
| US09822710B2 |
Combustion device with pulsed fuel split
It is described a combustion device control unit and a combustion device, e.g. a gas turbine, which determine on the basis of at least one operating parameter whether the combustion device is in a predefined operating stage. In response hereto, there is generated a control signal configured for setting a ratio of at least two different input fuel flows to a predetermined value (psc1, psc3) for a predetermined time (dt) in case the combustion device is in the predefined operating stage. |
| US09822708B2 |
Igniter event conductor for conducting igniter events from a combustion chamber to a sensor
A system for a gas turbine engine includes an igniter event conductor. The igniter event conductor has a first portion adjacent an igniter of the engine and in a combustion chamber of the engine and a second portion apart from the igniter and apart from the combustion chamber. The conductor is adapted to conduct an aspect of an igniter event at the igniter from the first portion to the second portion. A sensor is coupled to the second portion of the conductor to sense the aspect of the igniter event. |
| US09822706B2 |
Gas turbine subassembly
The present invention relates to a subassembly for a gas turbine, in particular a gas turbine aircraft engine, having a turbine casing (11); a midframe (14), which is adjacent downstream to the turbine casing and has a number of support ribs (15) spaced apart in the peripheral direction. The turbine casing and the midframe define a flow duct (33) for a working gas exiting a combustion chamber of the gas turbine, and a cavity, in particular a cooling air duct (19), with an opening on the flow duct side is formed between the turbine casing and the midframe. An edge contour (40) of the opening on the turbine casing side varies along the periphery radially and/or axially. |
| US09822704B2 |
Control method for gasification power generation system
The present invention relates to an operation control method for a gasification power generation system for gasifying carbon-based fuel such as coal in a gasifier using oxygen or oxygen-enriched air as an oxidizing agent, burning the obtained syngas as fuel in a gas turbine, driving the gas turbine by the syngas, driving a steam turbine by steam generated using exhaust heat of the gas turbine, thus executing combined power generation. |
| US09822701B2 |
Variable compression ratio engine
A system and method for providing a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system can include a crankshaft pivotally coupled to a standard engine block using a plurality of pivoting main bearing caps. The system can pivot the main bearing caps, and thus the crankshaft, to increase or decrease the compression ratio of the engine. The system can also include a plurality of actuators to move one end of the main bearing caps. The crankshaft can comprise one or more flexible joints to enable the crankshaft to move, while the output(s) of the crankshaft remain stationary to enable conventional sealing and power take-off. The compression ratio can be varied continuously during use and can be included in an overall engine management system. |
| US09822695B2 |
Actuation device, in particular electronic actuator
An actuation device (1), in particular electronic actuator, having a housing (2); and having an actuation shank which has a first shank portion guided in the housing (2), and which has a second shank portion (3) projecting out of the housing (2), wherein a shielding cap (4) is provided which is fastened to the housing (2) and which surrounds the second shank portion (3) with the exception of a fastening region (5). |
| US09822692B2 |
Fuel gas feed and ignition apparatus for a gas engine
A fuel gas feed and ignition apparatus for a gas engine (1) with a combustion chamber includes a number of injection channels (37), a main fuel gas feed line (24) for main fuel gas in which a main fuel gas valve (21) is arranged, and a number of torch channels (52) for hot combustion gas connected to a pre-combustion chamber (15), wherein an ignition fuel supply line (17) leads to the pre-combustion chamber (15) and a pre-combustion chamber valve (18) is arranged in the ignition fuel supply line (17). Control of both the time and the duration and thus also the quantity of the injection of main fuel gas, as well as of ignition fuel for the pre-combustion chamber completely independently of one another and in a precise and, above all, rapid manner is achieved in that both the main fuel gas valve (21) and the pre-combustion chamber valve (18) are embodied as an electrically-actuated, electronically-controlled valve. |
| US09822691B2 |
Method and system for control of a cooling system
A method and a system for controlling a vehicle cooling system includes: a velocity prediction unit makes a prediction of at least one future velocity profile vpred for the vehicle; a temperature prediction unit predicts at least one future temperature profile Tpred for at least one component in the vehicle, based on at least tonnage for the vehicle; information related to a section of road ahead of the vehicle and on the at least one future velocity profile vpred. A cooling system control unit controls the cooling system based on the at least one future temperature profile Tpred and on a limit value temperature Tcomp_lim for the respective at least one component in the vehicle so that a number of fluctuations of an inlet temperature Tcomp_fluid_in_radiator for the cooling fluid flow into the radiator is reduced and/or so that a magnitude of the flow into the radiator is reduced when a temperature derivative dT/dt for the inlet temperature Tcomp_fluid_in_radiator exceeds a limit value dT/dtlim for the temperature derivative. |
| US09822690B2 |
Exhaustion pipe
The present invention provides an exhaustion pipe in the mechanical field. The exhaustion pipe of the invention comprises a casing, on the sidewall of which a plurality of ventilation through holes are provided; and a cooling pipe mounted within the housing, which includes a heat dissipative air inlet end and a heat dissipative air outlet end, and on the sidewall of which a plurality of heart dissipative ventilation holes are provided. The exhaustion pipe has advantages including a simple structure, a rapid cooling effect and good safety performance. |
| US09822687B2 |
Honeycomb structure body and method of designing the same
A honeycomb structure body has an inner side base section and an outer side base section having a cylindrical shape. Inner side cells are formed in the inner side base section at a constant cell density. Outer side cells are formed in the outer side base section. A cell density of the outer side cells varies a radius direction. The outer side cells are formed on the basis of a relational equation of y=a(x−b)n+c, where x is a distance on the outer side base section measured from a central point on a radial cross section, y indicates the number of the outer side cells per one cm2 at the distance x, a is a negative constant, b is a radius of the inner periphery of the outer side base section, c is the number of the inner side cells per one cm2, and n is a degree. |
| US09822686B2 |
Method pertaining to an SCR system and an SCR system
A method for an SCR system comprising a dosing unit (250) for dosing reducing agent into an engine exhaust duct (290) upstream of a SCR catalytic converter (270) for reducing the NOx level in an exhaust flow from the engine. The SCR system comprises a pressurizing device (230) for feeding reducing agent from a container (205) to the dosing unit (250) arranged so as to dose reducing agent to the exhaust duct (290) under pressure. The method includes the step of: reducing, during periods of non-continuous dosing of reducing agent during continued maintained operation of the pressurizing device (230), the pressure (s301; s320) of the reducing agent at the dosing unit (250) compared to the pressure during continuous dosing. Also a computer program product containing program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also concerns an SCR system and a motor vehicle that is equipped with that system. |
| US09822682B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine, capable of carrying out oxidation removal of PM deposited in a filter as a whole in an efficient manner, includes a filter arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and having an oxidation catalyst supported in at least an upstream side portion thereof, and a heating device arranged so as to be able to heat the upstream side portion of the filter irrespective of oxidation reaction heat of the oxidation catalyst, wherein when filter upstream regeneration processing to oxidize and remove deposition PM in the upstream side portion of the filter is carried out by controlling a heating device, an amount of decrease of the upstream side deposition PM by the filter upstream regeneration processing is reflected on an amount of filter PM deposition in the ordinary filter regeneration processing which oxidizes and removes the deposition PM in the entire filter by means of oxidation reaction heat of unburnt fuel generated by the oxidation catalyst supported in the filter, and the filter upstream regeneration processing is ended, even if the thus reflected amount of filter PM deposition is in a state of being larger than a reference amount of deposition which is a threshold value for ending the ordinary filter regeneration processing. |
| US09822681B2 |
Plugged honeycomb structure and manufacturing method of the same
There is disclosed a plugged honeycomb structure. A plugged honeycomb structure includes a tubular honeycomb structure body having partition walls including a porous partition wall base material defining a plurality of cells which become through channels for a fluid and extend from a first end face to a second end face, and a porous trapping layer disposed on the surface of the partition wall base material; and plugging portions disposed in open ends of predetermined cells in the first end face and open ends of residual cells in the second end face, and the partition wall base material is constituted of a porous body including α-Al2O3 as a main phase and further including aluminum titanate and glass. |
| US09822679B2 |
Breather device for engine
A breather device for a combustion engine includes a breather chamber in which oil mist in the combustion engine is introduced, a breather passage that guides the oil mist to the breather chamber from a crank chamber, and a blowby gas passage that guides, to an air intake passage, blowby gas having been subjected to gas-liquid separation in the breather chamber. A separator is accommodated in a blowby drawing pipe forming the blowby gas passage. The oil mist is made into droplets by the separator so that the liquid component is collected in the breather chamber. |
| US09822674B2 |
Continuous variable valve duration apparatus and engine provided with the same
A continuously variable valve duration apparatus may include a camshaft, a plurality of first cams and second cams of which a cam key is formed respectively thereto, and of which relative phase angles with respect to the camshaft are variable, a plurality of rotation rings mounted to the camshaft and of which a ring key is formed thereto respectively, a plurality of inner brackets transmitting rotation of the camshaft to the cam keys of the first cams and the seconds respectively, a plurality of slider housings of which each inner bracket is rotatable inserted therein and of which a control slot is formed thereto respectively, an eccentric control shaft inserted into the control slots and a control portion selectively rotating the eccentric control shaft to move positions of the slider housing and change positions of the inner brackets. |
| US09822672B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust valve, a plurality of cams Ca, Cb, and Cc used to drive the exhaust valve, a cam-switching variable valve mechanism that selects a use cam used to drive the exhaust valve out of the plurality of cams Ca, Cb, and Cc, and an electronic control unit that determines whether switching abnormality of the use cam in the variable valve mechanism is present on the basis of a locus M in a predetermined period K which is a period in which the exhaust valve is opened. The locus M is a locus of an in-cylinder pressure changing rate dPc/dθ and is specifically a locus indicating a variation of the in-cylinder pressure changing rate dPc/dθ depending on a crank angle θ. |
| US09822670B2 |
Power generation system having compressor creating excess air flow and turbo-expander for cooling inlet air
A power generation system may include: a first gas turbine system including a first turbine component, a first integral compressor and a first combustor to which air from the first integral compressor and fuel are supplied. The first integral compressor has a flow capacity greater than an intake capacity of the first combustor and/or the first turbine component, creating an excess air flow. A second gas turbine system may include similar components to the first except but without excess capacity in its compressor. A turbo-expander may be operatively coupled to the second gas turbine system. Control valves may control flow of the excess air flow from the first gas turbine system to at least one of the second gas turbine system and the turbo-expander, and flow of a discharge of the turbo-expander to an inlet of at least one of the first integral compressor and the second compressor. |
| US09822668B2 |
Blade outer air seal spring clips
A spring clip for a blade outer air seal (BOAS) includes a clip body defining a first end configured to operatively engage with a BOAS retaining structure on a BOAS and a second end configured to engage with at least one of a mounting hook of a BOAS and a BOAS mount. |
| US09822666B2 |
Quad-tab U-washer
A washer includes a first lobe comprising a first hole, a second lobe comprising a second hole, a third lobe comprising a third hole, and a fourth lobe comprising a fourth hole. A first leg extends from the first lobe to the second lobe, and a second leg extends between the third lobe and the fourth lobe, wherein the second leg is parallel to the first leg. A third leg extends from the first lobe to the third lobe and spaces the first leg from the second leg such that the second lobe is disposed opposite the fourth lobe. |
| US09822659B2 |
Gas turbine with honeycomb seal
A gas turbine includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The turbine includes a honeycomb seal disposed so as to be secured to a casing side in a clearance between the casing and turbine blades rotating around a rotating shaft and a seal fin that is provided on an end face of each of the turbine blades facing the honeycomb seal. The seal fin extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft. The honeycomb seal is formed by a plurality of corrugated sheet metals overlapped with each other at walls of nodes thereof and the walls of the nodes are blazed with each other. Each of the corrugated sheet metals has trapezoids formed in alternating fashion. A longer direction of each wall of the nodes of the honeycomb seal is angled with respect to the rotational direction of the turbine blades. |
| US09822658B2 |
Grooved seal arrangement for turbine engine
A seal arrangement for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a component including a body having a cold side surface adjacent to a mate face, and a seal member including a leading edge region and a trailing edge region spaced by sidewalls. The seal member defines one or more grooves. The one or more grooves abut the cold side surface to define one or more cooling passages, with at least one of the one or more cooling passages having a flared inlet defined by a corresponding one of the one or more grooves. |
| US09822654B2 |
Arrangement for cooling a component in the hot gas path of a gas turbine
A cooled wall segment in the hot gas path of a gas turbine. The wall segment includes a first surface, exposed to a medium of relatively high temperature, a second surface, exposed to a medium of relatively low temperature, and side surfaces connecting the first and second surface and defining a height of the wall segment. At least one cooling channel for a flow-through of a fluid cooling medium extends through the wall segment. Each cooling channel is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the cooling medium. The at least one cooling channel includes at least two heat transfer sections, a first heat transfer section extending essentially parallel to the first surface at a first distance from the first surface and a second heat transfer section extending essentially parallel to the first surface at a second distance, whereby the second distance is less than the first distance. |
| US09822650B2 |
Turbomachine shroud
A ceramic shroud seal has a roughed inner surface for contacting a rotating turbomachine component. |
| US09822648B2 |
Blower wheel
A blower wheel for use in a blower assembly is disclosed, wherein the blower wheel includes a hub, a concentrically arranged outer ring, and an array of spaced apart blades arranged on an outer periphery of the hub and extending between the hub and the outer ring. The hub includes a wave configuration formed therein. The wave configuration includes an annular array of crests and an annular of troughs alternately formed in at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the hub. The hub may also include an annular array of support members formed on the inner surface thereof. |
| US09822647B2 |
High chord bucket with dual part span shrouds and curved dovetail
A turbine bucket includes an entry dovetail; an airfoil portion extending from the entry dovetail, the airfoil portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side and a suction side. Radially inner- and outer-span shrouds are provided on each of the pressure side and the suction side, the part-span shrouds each having hard faces adapted to engage and slide relative to corresponding part-span shrouds on adjacent buckets. |
| US09822646B2 |
Turbine airfoil cooling system with spanwise extending fins
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a gas turbine engine is disclosed, whereby the cooling system includes spanwise extending midflow blockers positioned within one or more cooling channels to maintain an internal through flow channel Mach number. One or more cooling channels may have a larger cross-sectional area proximate to an outer end of the airfoil than at an inner end. One or more cooling channels include midflow blockers extending into the cooling channel. In at least one embodiment, the midflow blocker may extend radially inward from the outer end of the airfoil. The midflow blocker may limit movement of cooling fluid from the pressure side to the suction side or vice versa. The midflow blocker may increase in size moving radially outward as the cross-sectional area of the cooling channel increases as well. Such configuration keeps the internal through flow channel Mach number within design limits. |
| US09822640B2 |
Launch vehicle with a tilt deck for highwall mining
Embodiments of this invention relate to highwall mining, and more particularly to a launch vehicle adapted for use in highwall mining of downward angled seams of mineable material, such as coal. More specifically, the provided launch vehicle includes a substantially horizontally oriented control deck, a launch deck pivotally attached to the control deck, and a substantially horizontally oriented conveyor belt. A miner and at least one conveyor car are positioned on the launch deck while the launch deck is in a substantially horizontal orientation, then the launch deck is tilted upward relative to the conveyor belt to substantially match a planned entry dip angle of the seam to be mined. As the miner and at least one conveyor car advance into the seam, the launch deck is returned to a substantially horizontal orientation, an additional conveyor car is added to the launch deck, and the launch deck is again tilted to substantially match the entry dip angle of the seam to connect the additional conveyor car as the rearmost car in the conveyor train. |
| US09822638B2 |
In-situ rock testing tool
A shear tester for in-situ determination of rock formation geomechanical properties is provided. The tester has a radially expandable cylindrical membrane, a metal sheath covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane, at least one stud fixed on the sheath, at least one cone fixed on each of the at least one stud, and a piston operable to apply an upward axial force on the metal sheath. A device for the same use comprises the shear tester and a pressuremeter. A method of using the shear tester comprises applying a normal force to the formation by expanding the membrane until at least one of the at least one cone penetrates the rock formation and applying an upward axial force to the at least one of the at least one cone by operating the piston until at least a portion of the rock formation shears. |
| US09822636B2 |
Downhole telemetry systems with voice coil actuator
Pulse telemetry systems and methods for communicating digital data from a wellbore to a surface unit are presented that include a valve fluidly coupled to drilling fluid. The valve adjusts pressure in a drillpipe to cause pressure transitions within the drilling fluid within the drillpipe to transmit data over the drilling fluid. The valve includes a voice coil actuator for developing the pressure transitions within the drilling fluid. Other systems and methods and are included. |
| US09822633B2 |
Rotational downlinking to rotary steerable system
A downhole steering tool comprising a first member, fixedly coupled with a drill string, and a second member, proximate the first member and rotatable substantially freely with respect to the first member. A first sensor is operable to measure a difference in rotation rates of the first and second members. A second sensor is operable to measure a substantially real-time rotation rate of the second member in the wellbore. A tool controller is operable to process sensor signals from the first and second sensors to determine a rotation rate of the drill string. Surface-initiated changes in the rotation rate of the drill string are then utilized by the downhole steering tool for steering and other control. |
| US09822632B2 |
Method of pressure testing a plugged well
A method of plugging a well extending into a hydrocarbon bearing formation facilitates temporary or permanent abandonment of the well. The method includes forming two or more plugs within the well, the plugs being formed at longitudinally spaced apart locations whilst providing a fluid communication path from a region above the topmost plug to the or each space between adjacent plugs. This configuration facilitates pressure testing of one or more of the plugs by conducting fluid through said path. |
| US09822630B2 |
Marine diverter system with real time kick or loss detection
The disclosure relates to a system and method for determining whether a kick or loss has occurred from a well in real time, wherein the well has a marine diverter having a rotating control device. The marine diverter system may measure flow rate in real time of a drilling fluid entering the wellbore and provide a means of measuring flow rate of the drilling fluid out of the wellbore and riser. The marine diverter system may further determine displacement and velocity of displacement of rig heave motion in real time and use the foregoing steps, given a known internal diameter of the riser and a known external diameter of a drill pipe, and employing a drilling fluid volume balance equation: (Volumetric flow rate-in)−(Volumetric flow rate-out)−(Change in riser annular Volume per unit time)=X, to determine whether the kick or loss has occurred in real time. |
| US09822629B2 |
Behind pipe evaluation of cut and pull tension prediction in well abandonment and intervention operations
Casing removal operations may utilize an analytical model to the estimate the total force to (1) break bonding between a cut casing and the annular materials contained between the cut casing and the surrounding borehole and (2) pull the cut casing upward through the borehole while taking into account frictional forces inside and outside the cut casing, shear forces, and the like. Such models may further predict the casing overpull and total tension needed to extract the cut casing from the borehole. Using these models in conjunction with the specifications of the casing retrieval equipment may allow for determining the cutting depth for producing the cut casing with higher accuracy than previously available. |
| US09822627B2 |
Systems and methods for downhole cement evaluation
Systems and methods for cement evaluation by determining a shear velocity of a shear wave (26) propagating within a medium (20) located between a formation (12) and a casing (13) in a borehole (11) are presented. The method can include positioning an ultrasonic transducer array (21) in the borehole inside the casing. The method can also include in a pushing mode, generating a shear wave in the medium with the ultrasonic transducer array inside the casing. The method can also include in an interrogation mode, measuring a shear velocity of the shear wave in the medium with the ultrasonic transducer array. The shear velocity may be used to determine whether the medium is solid or liquid. |
| US09822626B2 |
Planning and performing re-fracturing operations based on microseismic monitoring
An embodiment of a method of stimulating an earth formation includes: disposing a stimulation device at a borehole in an earth formation, the earth formation having been stimulated by an initial stimulation operation; subsequent to the stimulation operation, performing a probe operation configured to cause movement of existing fractures in the formation; and measuring microseismic events occurring in the formation by one or more seismic receivers. The method further includes: identifying one or more target zones in the formation based on the measuring, the one or more target zones exhibiting a reduced micro seismicity relative to another zone in the formation; and designing a re-stimulation operation configured to stimulate the one or more target zones to increase hydrocarbon production from the formation. |
| US09822625B2 |
Methods for treatment of a subterranean formation
The present invention relates to methods of treating subterranean formations. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation including placing a first aqueous composition and a second aqueous composition in a subterranean formation. The placing includes injecting the first aqueous composition through a tubular passage in a wellbore. The placing also includes injecting the second aqueous composition through an annular passage in the wellbore. |
| US09822623B2 |
Multilateral observation wells
Methods and systems monitor conditions in a hydrocarbon reservoir with a multilateral observation well. The observation well may detect vertical development of a steam chamber that forms in the reservoir during thermal hydrocarbon recovery operations. Further, the observation well may include branches that extend to form vertical bores with temperature sensors for the monitoring, which may occur during the recovery operations performed in other wells since the observation well may be dedicated to only the monitoring. |
| US09822619B2 |
Well flow control with acid actuator
A well production device includes a production tubing with a fluid passage between the exterior of the tubing and a center bore of the tubing. A fluid barrier is provided sealing the fluid passage. The device has a chamber comprising a dissolving fluid adapted to dissolve the fluid barrier when in contact with the fluid barrier and an actuator configured to release the dissolving fluid into contact with the fluid barrier in response to a signal. |
| US09822614B2 |
Combined casing system and method
The invention relates to a method for drilling and casing a wellbore using a drilling rig having a predetermined load capacity, using a casing scheme comprising two or more casing strings, and at least one combined casing string, which includes a first one of the casing strings fitting within a second casing string. The weight of the at least one combined casing string may exceed the load capacity of the drilling rig, and the weight of each of the parts of the at least one combined casing string is less than the load capacity. |
| US09822606B2 |
Standing injection valve with hydraulically dampened valve closure
An injection valve assembly for use in a well, where pressurized gas or fluid from uphole in the well displaces a perforated valve head from a valve seat, allows for fluid flow of the pressurized gas or fluid into the valve head and further downhole in the well toward an electric submersible pump. A compression spring is coiled around a valve stem connected to the valve head, pushing the valve stem and valve head in an uphole direction opposite to the force from pressurized gas or fluid. The compression spring is in a chamber filled with hydraulic fluid, where the hydraulic fluid can pass through a dampening system assembly and a flow restrictor assembly, thereby regulating the speed at which the valve stem and valve head can move relative to the valve seat. |
| US09822605B2 |
Method and apparatus for capping a subsea wellhead
A method and apparatus for capping a subsea wellhead is disclosed, including channeling a heterogeneous mixture (HM) into an inlet riser; measuring an initial HM temperature; heating the HM; measuring the temperature of the HM post heating; passing the HM through a common port; passing the HM into an oil baffle chamber; monitoring the interphase of the HM in the oil baffle chamber; passing the HM into a water baffle chamber; monitoring the interphase of the HM in the water baffle chamber; controlling oil and water regulators to achieve substantially laminar flow and separation of the oil and water; heating the gas separated from the HM; measuring the temperature of the separated gas; measuring the density of the gas separated from the HM and if in the gas phase, opening a gas regulator to allow the gas to pass through the gas outlets. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09822602B2 |
Blind shear ram
A shear ram assembly for use in a BOP stack. The shear ram assembly includes a ram block disposed within the shear ram housing and having a forward end facing the bore, the ram block movable between an open position, in which the ram block is retracted away from the bore, and a closed position, in which the ram block is extended toward the bore. The blade has a forward surface, a rear surface, a lower shearing edge, and an upper edge, the blade attached to the forward face of the ram block by fasteners extending at an angle relative to an upper surface of the ram block through a portion of the ram block and into the rear surface of the blade, the rear surface of the blade angled so that it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fasteners. |
| US09822601B2 |
System for setting and retrieving a seal assembly
A system includes a setting tool configured to set a sealing assembly within an annular space between a hanger and a wellhead. The setting tool comprises an outer annular sleeve and an inner annular sleeve disposed radially inward of the outer annular sleeve. The inner annular sleeve includes a flexible finger configured to removably couple the setting tool to the sealing assembly. The setting tool includes a shear pin extending between the outer annular sleeve and the inner annular sleeve. The shear pin is configured to break in response to axial compression of the setting tool to enable the outer annular sleeve to move axially relative to the inner annular sleeve, and the outer annular sleeve is configured to interact with the sealing assembly to set the sealing assembly within the annular space via axial movement of the outer annular sleeve relative to the inner axial sleeve. |
| US09822598B2 |
Downhole impact generation tool and methods of use
An impact generator includes a housing having an uphole end and a downhole end and defining a chamber therein between the uphole and downhole ends. A mandrel is movably arranged at least partially within the chamber between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, and a top sub is coupled to the housing at the uphole end and has an upper core extension arranged at least partially therein. The upper core extension is configured to move between a fixed position, where the mandrel is maintained in the engaged configuration, and an unfixed position, where the mandrel is able to move to the disengaged configuration. An impact tool is coupled to a distal end of the mandrel to deliver an impact force to a downhole obstruction when the mandrel is moved to the disengaged configuration. |
| US09822593B2 |
Device for a pipe handling unit and method of inserting and withdrawing a pipe string in/from a borehole
A pipe-handling system includes at least two pipe-handling units arranged in a vertically displaceable manner along respective guide tracks of, respectively, first and second portions of a tower. The pipe-handling unit is provided with lower and upper rotary units spaced apart vertically on a chassis. Each of the rotary units is provided with a rotatable tong and a hanging-off device. A method is for inserting and withdrawing a pipe string in/from a borehole by the use of the pipe-handling system. |
| US09822586B2 |
Device for assisting in the raising and/or lowering of a person
A device (1) for assisting a person in climbing up and/or down, includes: a box (2); a link (3) suitable for passing through the box (2), the link (3) preferably being equipped at or in the vicinity of each of its ends with at least one member (4) for securing to a support, along which the box (2) is to be moved; drive elements equipped with variable speed drive and configured to drive the box (2) so as to move it at an adjustable speed along the link (3); attachment elements (6) for attaching the box (2) to an operator (13); force measurement elements suitable for measuring the traction force exerted by the operator (13) on the attachment elements (6); and control elements for controlling operation of the drive elements so that they operate at a speed regulated as a function at least of the measurement. |
| US09822584B2 |
Electrostatic discharge protection system for window coverings
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit for use with motorized window shades includes an antenna connected to a motor controller having a printed circuit board, a receiver or transceiver, a microprocessor and memory that are connected to and operate a motor. The ESD circuit is connected to the line-in between the antenna and the downstream components of the printed circuit board. The ESD circuit includes an inductor in parallel with two anti-parallel diodes in reverse polarity to one another. The ESD circuit shunts damaging signals or ESD events to ground by providing a lower impedance or lower resistance path to ground for these signals, whereas the ESD circuit allows the signals of interest to pass by the ESD circuit as the ESD circuit provides a higher impedance or higher resistance path to ground as compared to the signal of interest passing through the receiver or transceiver of the motor controller. |
| US09822582B2 |
Window covering with adjustable securement mechanisms
Disclosed herein is a window covering having adjustable securement mechanisms that are operable to secure at least a portion of the window covering at a certain location once the window covering has been manipulated. As described, the window covering includes a panel and at least one guide coupled to a first side of the panel. The window covering also includes at least one sliding securement mechanism coupled to the guide. The at least one sliding securement mechanism is operative to move along the guide and secure at least a portion of the panel at different positions along the guide. |
| US09822580B2 |
Localized heating techniques incorporating tunable infrared element(s) for vacuum insulating glass units, and/or apparatuses for same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, infrared (IR) heating elements are controllable to emit IR radiation at a peak wavelength in the near infrared (NIR) and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) band(s), and the peak wavelength may be varied by adjusting the voltage applied to the IR heating elements. The peak wavelength may be selected so as to preferentially heat the frit material used to form a VIG edge seal while reducing the amount of heat provided to substrates of the VIG unit. In certain example embodiments, the substrates of the VIG unit do not reach a temperature of 325 degrees C. for more than 1 minute. |
| US09822579B2 |
Vehicle door structure
A vehicle door structure includes a door lock unit configured to lock a sliding door and a swing door when the sliding door is in a fully opened state, and a lock detection unit configured to detect a locked state between the sliding door and the swing door by the door lock unit. The door lock unit has a locking pin disposed at a guide body, a locking pin biasing member configured to bias the locking pin toward the swing door, and a fitting section formed at a slide rail and fitted onto the locking pin. The lock detection unit detects the locked state between the sliding door and the swing door by detecting the locking pin being fitted into the fitting section. |
| US09822575B2 |
Movable body driving device
A movable body driving device includes upper and lower racks movable in a lengthwise direction; a motor which can rotate forward and backward; a drive pinion fixed to a rotary shaft of the motor; and a driven pinion engaging the upper and lower racks. The driven pinion is driven to rotate by the upper rack to thereby drive the lower rack linearly in a direction reverse to the upper rack. A sliding door is connected to the lower rack and is opened or closed in accordance with forward or backward rotation of the motor. |
| US09822574B2 |
Power tailgate actuator
An actuator for opening and closing a hinged device is provided. In particular, the actuator is a power tailgate actuator. The actuator comprises a motor with a rotor, and an output shaft that rotates on an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis on which lies the rotor of the motor. The actuator has a rotary position sensor such as a rotary potentiometer which positively identifies the position of the tailgate. The tailgate also comprises a clutch which can engage and disengage depending on the mode of operation. |
| US09822572B2 |
Foot-operated door opener
A foot-operated door opener including a base secured to a door and an extension having a top surface and a bottom surface, side surfaces and side edge surfaces. The foot-operated door is configured such that a door may be pulled open using either the top or bottom of a user's foot or foot covering. The side and side edge surfaces allow for operation in a confined space where the user needs to stand to the side of the door when operating. |
| US09822568B2 |
Window regulator cable guide
A cable guide for use with a window regulator assembly includes a body, an attachment configured to be inserted through an aperture in a guide rail and retain a portion of the guide rail in a rail gap, a spring tab configured to press against an edge of the guide rail, and a cable retention arm configured to receive a tensioned drive cable of the window regulator. The cable guide may be steadily assembled to the guide rail by utilizing the pushing force from the tensioned drive cable. The aperture is located along the guide rail such that the aperture is out of the slide path of the window carrier of the window regulator assembly. |
| US09822565B2 |
Vehicle with removable flap
A swing panel or flap is pivotally attached to a vehicle body with a hinge. The hinge includes a first fitting part fastened to a first selected vehicle part under the body and flap, and a second fitting part fastened to the second selected vehicle part under the body and flap. The second fitting part is joined with the first fitting part so that it can pivot around a hinge axis. A head of a post of the first vehicle part is inserted through a passage of the first fitting part. A control part is movable between a locked position, in which it engages between an undercut of the head and the first fitting part, and a released position, in which it is retracted from the undercut, and the head is free to traverse the passage. |
| US09822562B2 |
Vehicle door assemblies, and methods of use and manufacture thereof
A hinge assembly includes a door bracket attached to the vehicle door, the door bracket including a flange that is configured to define a door bracket aperture. A body bracket is attached to the vehicle body member, the body bracket including a flange that is configured to define a body bracket aperture. A pin extends through the door bracket aperture and the body bracket aperture to thereby connect together the door and body brackets. A bumper projects from one of the door bracket and the body bracket. A stopper is attached to the other of the door bracket and the body bracket, the stopper being configured to contact the bumper when the vehicle door is disposed in the closed position to thereby move the pin into contact with surfaces of the flanges of the door and body brackets that define the door bracket aperture and the body bracket aperture. |
| US09822559B2 |
Security device
A security device can include a clip allowing the security device to be attached to clothing, bags or other accessories without the need for a separate holster or carrier. The security device can be readily transported without the need for a separate holster or carrier. |
| US09822554B2 |
Secure button with indicator
Button comprising a nut (1), a support (3) and a cover (5) fitted on the aforesaid support (3) defining a chamber (6) and having at least one window (51, 52) for an indicator for at least one position chosen from a first position for the button roughly corresponding to a minimum tightening torque for the nut (1) and a second position for the button corresponding to a lower tightening torque than the tightening torque for the first position, with the aforesaid indicator (30) being connected to a plate (13) by a tube element (131) which ensures that a rotation of the plate (13) is translated into a rotation of the indicator (30). |
| US09822553B1 |
Door tracking system and method
A locking device that can be mounted into a rotating or swinging door is disclosed. The locking device can have a deadbolt. The locking device can detect the position of the deadbolt and/or whether the door is closed. The locking device can have a camera, microphone and speaker. The locking device can send images detected by the camera and audio detected by the microphones to a remote computer. |
| US09822548B1 |
Barrier wall system and method
A barrier system constructed of modules which includes a frame, a concrete foundation, a frame attached to the concrete foundation and supporting a non-vertical front side plate and a vertical rear side plate so that the front side plate and rear side plate meet at the top and are spread apart from each other at the bottom, slotted connectors on the front side and connectors on the rear side, the module adapted to be joined to an adjacent module either at the same elevation or a different elevation. The modules are joined together via bolts in the rear side connectors and threaded toggle bolts and drop toggle nuts through the front side slotted connectors. Extenders within the slots of the open ended connectors are used when connecting adjacent modules at different elevations to accommodate for slotted connectors of different sizes which must be connected to each other. |
| US09822547B2 |
Rail system and method for assembly
A rail system that may be comprised of various components such as an upper rail, support rail, bottom rail, squash blocks, balusters, post covers, and ancillary components, such as post skirts and caps. In one exemplary embodiment, the rail system may be uniquely designed to accommodate perpendicular and angled installations (e.g., both in the horizontal and vertical planes). Furthermore, in another exemplary embodiment, the rail system may be easily assembled such that the support hardware is substantially hidden from view after installation, thereby enhancing the appearance of the railing. |
| US09822543B2 |
Method and system for shielding against natural disasters, terror acts and war hazards
It is provided an underground structure, usable at least as a shelter, having a light weight substantially cylindrical portion, of a cylindrical casing having a weight to area ratio in the range of 8 to 30 kg/m2. The casing has a strength level and an impermeability level high enough for serving as part a sealable underground liquid storage tank and at least one sealable opening connecting it to external spaces. The cylindrical portion includes openings for entering and exiting the interior of the portion, and passageways communicate the structure with outside spaces. The surrounding ground provides a geo-thermal reservoir which is used to regulate by a flowing fluid the temperature of the shelter space, modules inside the shelter or above ground structures. The structure includes provisions for receiving of variety of auxiliary systems like an air-treatment system, communication system water and power supply. |
| US09822541B2 |
Drainage system for a fiberglass swimming pool body
A swimming pool assembly plumbed for winterization, including a swimming pool body having a top edge and an oppositely disposed bottom member connected by at least one sidewall, a water outlet operationally connected to the at least one wall and defining a high water level, at least one jet inlet body operationally connected to the at least one wall, first and second conduits connected in fluidic communication with the respective water outlet and at least one jet body, an at least partially buried pipe, a first and second manifolds positioned within the pipe and connected in fluidic communication with the respective first and second conduits; valves operationally connected to the respective manifolds; outlet ports operationally connected to the respective valves, and a drain line positioned in fluidic communication with the respective outlet ports. When the respective valves are open, water may drain from the pool, the respective conduits, through the respective manifolds and through the drain line to allow the pool body to drain to substantially below the high water level to define a winter water level, and when the respective valves are closed, the water level in the pool may be filled to the high water level. |
| US09822540B2 |
Water conservation device for a swimming pool skimmer
A water conservation device is disclosed. The water conservation device includes a membrane and an uninterrupted flange comprising a cross sectional cylindrical shape that is attached to an entire outer edge of the membrane. The membrane is configured to completely cover a top of a swimming pool skimmer access opening and further configured to accept an access lid of the swimming pool skimmer opening over the membrane wherein the access lid holds the water conservation device in place when the access lid is attached to the access opening by which the membrane acts to prevent water from expelling from the access lid. |
| US09822539B1 |
High flow interchangeable drain cover assembly
A high flow drain cover assembly for a water feature is provided herein. The drain cover assembly can be interchangeably used as an open flow system or as a grated flow system. The drain cover assembly has a concave upper sump cover adapted to seat a surface finish so that the visual appearance of the drain cover assembly matches the surround surface into which the drain cover assembly is installed. The base of the drain cover assembly is shaped to reinforce the cover and define flow paths that allow flow rates of over 300 gallons per minute to pass through the drain cover assembly. |